Aqualung!! Day 2 starting off great!
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Friday, September 23, 2005
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Remember smashing anthills???
When I was a lot younger and the only care I had in the was making it inside before dark, smashing anthills was fun. That is what we did. Stepped on them and packed the dirt. Why? Because the next day we could do it over again. And the next, and the next, you get the idea...
With everything that has happened to New Orleans, or things that happen in our daily lives, we rebuild. Just like the ants, we look up at the mess, and step up or die. It has been 3 weeks since the hurricane hit. Things are reopening. All the ones that have said it would take months and years are being proved wrong. Will it be easy? No way. But, step by step, we suprise ourselves.
I read somewhere once that given the choice, most will do the heroic or right thing in a situation, rather than choose the cowardly way out. We saw looters. We heard about the snipers. They were a small percentage of people. We will notice those things, as well as watching someone paddle across a flooded neighborhood with only a 2x4 to help his neighbors to safety.
World War II. September 11th. Martha in prison. Clay Aiken. A second term of Bush. Katrina. We can overcome the worst of circumstances. Sure, some of us hurt the situation more than help, but that is what makes us different.
I met two of my new neighbors. They lived in New Orleans, and are here indefinately until they can go back. They lost everything except what they took with them.
Welcome to the neighborhood...
When I was a lot younger and the only care I had in the was making it inside before dark, smashing anthills was fun. That is what we did. Stepped on them and packed the dirt. Why? Because the next day we could do it over again. And the next, and the next, you get the idea...
With everything that has happened to New Orleans, or things that happen in our daily lives, we rebuild. Just like the ants, we look up at the mess, and step up or die. It has been 3 weeks since the hurricane hit. Things are reopening. All the ones that have said it would take months and years are being proved wrong. Will it be easy? No way. But, step by step, we suprise ourselves.
I read somewhere once that given the choice, most will do the heroic or right thing in a situation, rather than choose the cowardly way out. We saw looters. We heard about the snipers. They were a small percentage of people. We will notice those things, as well as watching someone paddle across a flooded neighborhood with only a 2x4 to help his neighbors to safety.
World War II. September 11th. Martha in prison. Clay Aiken. A second term of Bush. Katrina. We can overcome the worst of circumstances. Sure, some of us hurt the situation more than help, but that is what makes us different.
I met two of my new neighbors. They lived in New Orleans, and are here indefinately until they can go back. They lost everything except what they took with them.
Welcome to the neighborhood...
Monday, September 12, 2005
Ha.. I made a Guilty Pleasures CD..
Ok, a friend of mine inspired me to get the cheese on.. I think I outdid myself. Good or bad is anyone's call...
Ok, a friend of mine inspired me to get the cheese on.. I think I outdid myself. Good or bad is anyone's call...
- Piano Man
Billy Joel - Copacabana
Barry Manilow - Cracklin' Rosie
Neil Diamond - (They Long to Be) Close to You
The Carpenters - Love Will Keep Us Together
Captain & Tennille - Song Sung Blue
Neil Diamond - We've Only Just Begun
The Carpenters - Sunshine on My Shoulders
John Denver - You Don't Bring Me Flowers
Barbra Streisand & Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline
Neil Diamond - Just The Way You Are
Billy Joel - Fire And Rain
James Taylor - Lady '95
Styx - Mandy
Barry Manilow - She's Always A Woman To Me
Billy Joel - I Write the Songs
Barry Manilow - Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'
Journey - I Can See Clearly
Johnny Nash - Your Song
Elton John
Friday, September 09, 2005
Guess what is back...
The O.C. is finally back, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I also liked Reunion. I think it will be a big trip down memory lane. I have made some really cheesy playlists on iTunes. If I died tomorrow and was judged solely on their content it would really be interesting to hear what people would say.
The O.C. is finally back, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I also liked Reunion. I think it will be a big trip down memory lane. I have made some really cheesy playlists on iTunes. If I died tomorrow and was judged solely on their content it would really be interesting to hear what people would say.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
FEMA and Katrina: A love/hate story...
I had the opportunity to meet two Washington State Firefighters today. FEMA called upon several hundred firefighters (approx 500) to help with the disaster. In the wake of some of the disorganization they had in NYC during 9/11, they required the 500 to attend a command structure class in Atlanta, similiar to what they take in their training for their home department.
Frustated and feeling like they wasted 2 days to help, they have been sent not to New Orleans, but to areas that have shelters. Why? Well, according to the FEMA representative that spoke to their group, FEMA has been taking a beating in the press and in the public eye. Are they needed at the shelters? No. Most came prepared with sleeping bags and were ready to eat MRE's and work in the devasted areas. Now they are staying in hotels that cost up to $250 a night of FEMA's money.
"It's like we are on vacation" said one," and I was ready to work, to help". They also said that the FEMA debit cards the press have been speaking of that were to go to the evacuees have not been handed out. Something about the security of handling the cards, as 250 of them would be a HALF MILLION.
These two are spending the night in Austin, then off to Richmond, Tx to a shelter there to see if they need their help. I wish these two the best of luck, as they reallty want to work and contribute their skills.We estimated the cost of these 500 firefighters per diem and hotels at being over $150,000 a day.
I would have to say FEMA needs to get their act together. The firefighters want to work. Let's get them to where they are needed and stop wasting their time and our tax dollars.Call your representatives and let them know what you think...
I had the opportunity to meet two Washington State Firefighters today. FEMA called upon several hundred firefighters (approx 500) to help with the disaster. In the wake of some of the disorganization they had in NYC during 9/11, they required the 500 to attend a command structure class in Atlanta, similiar to what they take in their training for their home department.
Frustated and feeling like they wasted 2 days to help, they have been sent not to New Orleans, but to areas that have shelters. Why? Well, according to the FEMA representative that spoke to their group, FEMA has been taking a beating in the press and in the public eye. Are they needed at the shelters? No. Most came prepared with sleeping bags and were ready to eat MRE's and work in the devasted areas. Now they are staying in hotels that cost up to $250 a night of FEMA's money.
"It's like we are on vacation" said one," and I was ready to work, to help". They also said that the FEMA debit cards the press have been speaking of that were to go to the evacuees have not been handed out. Something about the security of handling the cards, as 250 of them would be a HALF MILLION.
These two are spending the night in Austin, then off to Richmond, Tx to a shelter there to see if they need their help. I wish these two the best of luck, as they reallty want to work and contribute their skills.We estimated the cost of these 500 firefighters per diem and hotels at being over $150,000 a day.
I would have to say FEMA needs to get their act together. The firefighters want to work. Let's get them to where they are needed and stop wasting their time and our tax dollars.Call your representatives and let them know what you think...
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Tumultuous...
I have hung out with friends and neighbors a lot this week. I still keep missing the opportuntity to hang out with one of my closest friends, but, in good time we will catch up. I can say that I have been around people this whole week and still I feel alone. Alone in the big sense of the world being in the state it is in. I watch CNN, read BBC, and look at blogs, and I just sit back and ponder what has happened. My iTunes has been working overtime trying to get me out of this funk I seem to be in.
One small thing to say about government. Stop the finger pointing. Get it done and then fire Michael Chertoff. He had his chance, he blew it.
And smack everyone upside the head that sat through the storm. You act suprised at the conditions. You were warned.
Ok, now we can go back to caring for them, but someone has to knock some sense into these people...
I have hung out with friends and neighbors a lot this week. I still keep missing the opportuntity to hang out with one of my closest friends, but, in good time we will catch up. I can say that I have been around people this whole week and still I feel alone. Alone in the big sense of the world being in the state it is in. I watch CNN, read BBC, and look at blogs, and I just sit back and ponder what has happened. My iTunes has been working overtime trying to get me out of this funk I seem to be in.
One small thing to say about government. Stop the finger pointing. Get it done and then fire Michael Chertoff. He had his chance, he blew it.
And smack everyone upside the head that sat through the storm. You act suprised at the conditions. You were warned.
Ok, now we can go back to caring for them, but someone has to knock some sense into these people...
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Busy week, but, not as bad as...
New Orleans. I am still shocked and dismayed at what I have seen on the news. My hearfelt sympathy goes out to everyone in that area. I am waiting to hear back from the Red Cross in Austin to see when they need me to work at one of the several shelters set up around town to handle the evacuees. I may also take their disaster training course so I can be able to assist if something occurs in the future.
Here is a blog Wired Magazine talked about that someone still working on Canal Street has. He has links to a web cam looking out on downtown also. (Sometimes in their office, so their friends and familes can see them)
New Orleans. I am still shocked and dismayed at what I have seen on the news. My hearfelt sympathy goes out to everyone in that area. I am waiting to hear back from the Red Cross in Austin to see when they need me to work at one of the several shelters set up around town to handle the evacuees. I may also take their disaster training course so I can be able to assist if something occurs in the future.
Here is a blog Wired Magazine talked about that someone still working on Canal Street has. He has links to a web cam looking out on downtown also. (Sometimes in their office, so their friends and familes can see them)
Monday, August 29, 2005
Friday, August 26, 2005
Grinning from ear to ear...
I was sitting at home enjoying doing absolutely nothing on a Friday night. I was surfing the web, and saw that one of my all time favorite bands was on KGSR doing a live broadcast from the Saxon Pub. BoDeans. I grew up with them when I was a young kid trying to find his way in the world in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The songs about finding and losing direction in life and love has always spoken to me. I am a lot older now, but I still love to listen to them, and they spea to me even more so these days. I couldn't make the shows. Sitting here listening to them play on the radio has my mind filling with memories.
One of my biggest crushes I ever had on someone was this amazing girl Sheryl Osmanski. We worked together at American Eagle Outfitters in Wisconsin back 1989. That was one hell of a summer. We became close friends, and I introduced her to ComedySportz and The BoDeans. She introduced me to beer, shots, and living life to the fullest. She also told me the legend of the claddaugh ring. Nothing ever came out of my crush and that was for the best. She showed me how to be outside of the box. When she met me, I was shy and introverted. When she moved up to Port Washington, she left behind someone who learned to speak his mind and was ready to finally explore the world around him.
I joined an improv troupe class the next year, and eventually moved to Minneapolis to give perfoming a try. Right before I moved, I was at a BoDeans show at Sherman's Celebrity Club. The bar had a capacity of about 70, and 500 people showed up. Kurt, Sammy, and Bob performed acoustically on the street for everyone who couldn't get in. I went up to Kurt after the show, and told him how much I had appreciated their work. He wished me luck in Minneapolis and said they perform there from time to time.
That time of my life had some of the best memories I ever had. I met some amazing people and it set me free from a lot of things that I needed to escape from. Here's to you guys (and Sheryl). Thank you for everything...
I was sitting at home enjoying doing absolutely nothing on a Friday night. I was surfing the web, and saw that one of my all time favorite bands was on KGSR doing a live broadcast from the Saxon Pub. BoDeans. I grew up with them when I was a young kid trying to find his way in the world in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The songs about finding and losing direction in life and love has always spoken to me. I am a lot older now, but I still love to listen to them, and they spea to me even more so these days. I couldn't make the shows. Sitting here listening to them play on the radio has my mind filling with memories.
One of my biggest crushes I ever had on someone was this amazing girl Sheryl Osmanski. We worked together at American Eagle Outfitters in Wisconsin back 1989. That was one hell of a summer. We became close friends, and I introduced her to ComedySportz and The BoDeans. She introduced me to beer, shots, and living life to the fullest. She also told me the legend of the claddaugh ring. Nothing ever came out of my crush and that was for the best. She showed me how to be outside of the box. When she met me, I was shy and introverted. When she moved up to Port Washington, she left behind someone who learned to speak his mind and was ready to finally explore the world around him.
I joined an improv troupe class the next year, and eventually moved to Minneapolis to give perfoming a try. Right before I moved, I was at a BoDeans show at Sherman's Celebrity Club. The bar had a capacity of about 70, and 500 people showed up. Kurt, Sammy, and Bob performed acoustically on the street for everyone who couldn't get in. I went up to Kurt after the show, and told him how much I had appreciated their work. He wished me luck in Minneapolis and said they perform there from time to time.
That time of my life had some of the best memories I ever had. I met some amazing people and it set me free from a lot of things that I needed to escape from. Here's to you guys (and Sheryl). Thank you for everything...
Thursday, August 25, 2005
What to do...
Well, I am enoying another hangover day off. Surfing the web, The OC season 2 DVDs, Lumines on the PSP, and maybe even 99 cent margaritas. I am also silently cheering from a distance for Shana, who is trying out for American Idol. go shana. I have to cheer silently or it will hurt. Damn you Tuaca, damn you.
Well, I am enoying another hangover day off. Surfing the web, The OC season 2 DVDs, Lumines on the PSP, and maybe even 99 cent margaritas. I am also silently cheering from a distance for Shana, who is trying out for American Idol. go shana. I have to cheer silently or it will hurt. Damn you Tuaca, damn you.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Thursday, August 18, 2005
I need voice lessons...
This morning when I was taking a shower and doing what most people do which is sing. What I didn't expect was the cat to think it was a duet and everytime I sang he cried out along with me. It is a good thing I never tried out for American Idol. I may take the cat in though...
This morning when I was taking a shower and doing what most people do which is sing. What I didn't expect was the cat to think it was a duet and everytime I sang he cried out along with me. It is a good thing I never tried out for American Idol. I may take the cat in though...
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Funny memories...
I was cleaning around the apartment and I found a cd I haven't listened to in awhile. Junior Senior. I opened it up and noticed the autographs so I had a little memory kick in. The first time I saw them was at Waterloo Records where they were doing an instore before the show. The were really good for fun swedish pop. I rememeber buying the cd there and waiting in line with the person I was with and they were really funny. They called the person's friend I was with and left them a message on her machine.
D-d-d-don't Stop the Beat....
I was cleaning around the apartment and I found a cd I haven't listened to in awhile. Junior Senior. I opened it up and noticed the autographs so I had a little memory kick in. The first time I saw them was at Waterloo Records where they were doing an instore before the show. The were really good for fun swedish pop. I rememeber buying the cd there and waiting in line with the person I was with and they were really funny. They called the person's friend I was with and left them a message on her machine.
D-d-d-don't Stop the Beat....
Monday, August 15, 2005
Friday, August 12, 2005
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
It could have been me...
I played Halo 2 nonstop for almost 2 days when it came out. I guess this guy didn't have the heart for it. (Really bad pun, but come on...)
I played Halo 2 nonstop for almost 2 days when it came out. I guess this guy didn't have the heart for it. (Really bad pun, but come on...)
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
In other parts of my mind...
I really enjoy walking around UT. For anyone who has never walked the campus, it is a beautiful, and expansive one. Huge stadium. HUGE. A lot of trees too. Plus, when one walks around UT, you can go to the Crown & Anchor to refresh with ice cold beer! I didn't today, but I was tempted. Instead I had an Odwalla and relaxed in a Wi Fi cafe near campus. It is nice pretending to be a student. Thank god I am not anymore. But ,oh, those were the days..
I really enjoy walking around UT. For anyone who has never walked the campus, it is a beautiful, and expansive one. Huge stadium. HUGE. A lot of trees too. Plus, when one walks around UT, you can go to the Crown & Anchor to refresh with ice cold beer! I didn't today, but I was tempted. Instead I had an Odwalla and relaxed in a Wi Fi cafe near campus. It is nice pretending to be a student. Thank god I am not anymore. But ,oh, those were the days..
I finally broke down and did it...
I installed Office Professional 2003 today. I have WORD!! I have EXCEL!!! I have it all!!! A special thanks to my friend Lori for helping me with that. I have been putting it off forever, as I thought Microsoft Works would be plenty for me. No, not so much. In a nutshell it blew. Big time.
Viva Office 2003!!!
I installed Office Professional 2003 today. I have WORD!! I have EXCEL!!! I have it all!!! A special thanks to my friend Lori for helping me with that. I have been putting it off forever, as I thought Microsoft Works would be plenty for me. No, not so much. In a nutshell it blew. Big time.
Viva Office 2003!!!
Monday, August 08, 2005
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Friday, August 05, 2005
How ridiculous...
Ok, so two kids set up a lemonade stand. And a guy operating a hot dog stand calls the cops.
Click here to read about it...
Ok, so two kids set up a lemonade stand. And a guy operating a hot dog stand calls the cops.
Click here to read about it...
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Juicebox and a nap...
I went into work for almost two hours of nothing. Actually it cost me more to go work than I made to work. For the first time in the longest time I actually took a nap. Damn, it was good! Two and a half glorious hours of nothing but sleep. Now I am waiting for friends at the El Arroyo on Far West while enjoying 99 cent margaritas and free WiFi.
I can make any day a better one...
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
A break in the day...
So I am taking a break in between shifts. Amy's Ice Cream right by my work has free WiFi. Barnes and Noble has WiFi also, but they charge $19.99 a month. I have been spending the last hour enjoying a root beer float and IM'ing my friend Gretchen. A great way to kill time!!!
So I am taking a break in between shifts. Amy's Ice Cream right by my work has free WiFi. Barnes and Noble has WiFi also, but they charge $19.99 a month. I have been spending the last hour enjoying a root beer float and IM'ing my friend Gretchen. A great way to kill time!!!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
The Tuesday blahs...
I worked for a couple hours this morning before going to Best Buy to have them fix my laptop. The iPod Shuffle I purchased a few weeks back was an open item. They forgot to wipe it and it downloaded P2P conduits into my iTunes. Damn Best Buy... Hopefully they got it all off the HD now.
I needed a margarita after that, and I had several. I stopped by the WiFi coffee shop in my apt comlex and was listening to the girl telling her friend who she ran into the night before.. She asked her friend on the phone to guess who, and all I kept hearing was, "No", "No", "No", and "Close, but no". Tell her dammit. Stop teasing her. She finally did and all the hair on the back of my neck stood down.
I need a Red Bull.
I worked for a couple hours this morning before going to Best Buy to have them fix my laptop. The iPod Shuffle I purchased a few weeks back was an open item. They forgot to wipe it and it downloaded P2P conduits into my iTunes. Damn Best Buy... Hopefully they got it all off the HD now.
I needed a margarita after that, and I had several. I stopped by the WiFi coffee shop in my apt comlex and was listening to the girl telling her friend who she ran into the night before.. She asked her friend on the phone to guess who, and all I kept hearing was, "No", "No", "No", and "Close, but no". Tell her dammit. Stop teasing her. She finally did and all the hair on the back of my neck stood down.
I need a Red Bull.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Well, I thought I was going to have sort of a chill evening. I had drinks with a MySpace friend for a bit and was walking home when my phone rang to meet up with friends over at Dallas Nightclub. After a few Tuaca's I ended up on the mechanical bull. Kevin, whose birthday it was, demanded we all have our turns.
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