Friday, December 29, 2006

I think I have to put her down....



Like all good things, eventually some pass on after heroic service. I think my Playstation 2 has died. It's having a lot of trouble reading the game discs, and I look at it as one would look upon their 16 year old dog struggling to get up the stairs. The sad thing about it is that I just bought Bully, which is an excellent game. So, I have a few options.....
I realize that the first option is the cheapest. However, maybe I should look upon this as an opportunity to upgrade. I'm open to suggestions. Anybody have a vote as to what I should do?

Secondly, does anyone use Skype? I think this would be more useful if I had friends/family outside the U.S. However, I'm kind of digging it, so I'm curious to see if anyone has an account. It's free to talk between Skype users.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Mas importante!

So, it's the Tuesday between Christmas and New Year's. So you're probably not working. And if you are working, you're really just sitting at your desk/cube/bathroom stall. So please take about 30 minutes out of your day and comply with the following.

I have posted Chapter 1 of Trapped in the Closet, R. Kelly's hip-hopera, below. You need to watch this episode and then continue on. They keep getting better and better. Promise me you will watch them all. It was easily 30 minutes of my life that I was glad to give up. This is my Christmas gift to you all.



Thanks Waks....

Monday, December 25, 2006

Rest easy, big fella

1933 - 2006

I'm sure no one up in Heaven will understand what you're saying either.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Merry Merry...

So I'm not going to blog much this weekend. I did want to share my holiday wishes to you all. And I've got some pimp photos of me in a tuxedo with my brother.

And to share my grades from grad school. For this last semester, I pulled a cumulative 3.85

This may not be a huge deal to most people, but for my academic record this is like finding Jimmy Hoffa and he's holding the cure for cancer, while the Cubs are winning the World Series. I'm going to put it up on my fridge.

More on Tuesday....

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Not feeling the Jingle Bells

So I'm not all down with the Xmas so much this year. Maybe its that it has arrived so suddenly. Or perhaps its the blatant commercialization of the whole thing. But as I stood at the mall this evening, eating a spicy tuna roll from the mall food court (probably not a good idea), I realized that the holidays are all about stress.

As a child of divorce, the holidays are a time where your scheduler is tighter than the President during election week. It's dinner with this family, a play with this one. Barely time to squeeze in friends, and it leaves you exhausted by the time you leave. Now I know that this isn't germane to kids of divorce, and I bet it's pretty tiring for big families also. But I'm tired and I haven't even left yet.

However, I did find something that made me quite happy this holiday season. I found the way I'm going to wrap all my gifts this Christmas season.



Reynold's Wrap. Or tinfoil, if you prefer the generic stuff. It comes with it's own cutter. No tape needed and it molds to any shape. Plus, you can see your own excitement as you open your gifts. Tinfoil from now on. Done deal. Defense rests.

Alright, fess up

So I received one of those "I couldn't deliver your package, because apparently you have a job like I do" - grams from FedEX. I signed for it and left it back on my door this morning, and I was pleased to see a package from Apple that had been overnighted to me.

Inside the box was a refurnished* 30GB Video Ipod. Black. Hotness. And an invoice.

No note. No card. Nada.

So I think it could be Will. Or perhaps Mikie. I have no idea. Anybody want to come forward. And this isn't like when someone finds twenty bucks and everyone claims it. I need Scout's Honor here people. We need some honor. A trait that some of my friends are bankrupt in.


* I realize that the correct word is refurbished. However, a cop I used to work with confused the two all the time, with a thick Domincan accent. Merry Christmas Jose Tejada. May the underside of your tree be filled with refurnished electronics and your house be spic and shine.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Wow....all I can say is Wow!

So last night my brother and Chuck and Sara threw a surprise party for me at The Greatest Bar on Earth. He said that were were going to have a beer or two before we went to Ruth's Chris for dinner. I thought there might be a little gathering after the dinner....but was not expecting that.

I have no camera, but Ross has some amazing photos. So this morning I tallied up the scorecard...

Singing Chicken Grams: 1 (This was quite the highlight and I was mortified.)
Cellphones Lost: 1
Luggage ruined: 1 bag (This was the unfortunate victim of a body that had drank 15 beers and had one chicken wing. )
Friends that came the farthest: My brother Broxton and his girlfriend Malkah from Pittsburgh, PA. Narrowly edging out Sam and Lizzie from D.C.

It was tremendous to see all my friends and I never got the chance to thank them all, and a blog is a crappy way to do it. But I am a very lucky man. And Ross, Chuck and Sara are really, really good people.

Stay tuned for the Chicken photos.....

Friday, December 15, 2006

College pays...

So I found three letters from my alma mater, Vassar College, in my mail today. Apparently, they wrote me three checks that I never cashed, for the following amounts:
  • $29.00
  • $5.55
  • $44.10
Grand Total: $78.65

They were asking if I wanted the money, or if they should transfer the money to the NY State Office of Unclaimed Funds. I am getting that money.

So thanks Vassar for great friends, analytical thought, and enough money to get drunk with this evening. Stay in school, kids....

Thursday, December 14, 2006

One down...Bagels are next


So tonight, I was sitting at home alone. pondering my empty fridge. I was about to eat some soup, when I decided to try a neighborhood place.

My favorite food site, the Chow, told of a neighborhood pizza place in Cambridge called Armando's. It was supposed to be like New York. I've heard it all before.

So I went to this place, and there it was. An honest to God New York pizza place, like it was picked up from a street corner in Bensonhurst and dropped in the People's Republic of Cambridge. The two cheese slices I had were delicious. A crisp bottom crust, that crackled when I folded it. And gooey cheese...oh it was marvelous.

I told the guy at the counter that I was originally from New York, and I'd been here for over 2.5 years and those were the first two slices of real pizza I'd had here. He seemed happy and thanked me for the compliment. No, sir, thank you.

I am happy. My stomach is happy. God Bless the United States of America

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Improved motivation in the workplace.

Check out how the Turks celebrate the accomplishment of a job well done.....

When the article starts "Camel Sacrifice..." you know it's going to be good.

Off to kill an emu, as I've read all my work e-mails today.


My special day

So 30 years ago today, I was born. A birthday is a funny thing. It's really not a big deal for me. Turning 30 is a lot less traumatic than Hollywood would lead you to believe. Oh, and I spilled coffee on my pants. I think that was my subconscious telling me that I'm still a doofus, even if I've left my 20's.

The last 30 were a good time. I'm looking forward to the next 30. I feel like the first 30 years are pretty much scripted until you get to your mid-20s. School, College, and a job....

But the next chapter has yet to be written, and I feel that there's not a script in sight. Does the book become a romance, a drama, or a comedy? I think it will always be a comedy.

I wanted to take this small perch on the internet to thank my friends for being my friends. My family really doesn't have a choice, given the whole bloodline thing. But I'm so thankful for all of you in my life and I think that is the most positive thing about this day. So thanks to everyone. I love you all very, very much. And I'm still the doofus you know and love.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Uh oh...

In Paraguay, the maximum sentence you can get for a crime by law is 25 years. Period. There is no death penalty, nor is there life in prison. This might be a commentary on the harshness of Paraguayan correctional facilities.

The verdict for the Supermarket Fire of 2004 came down today. The owners were on trial and faced up to 25 years in jail. They ordered the doors locked, so that people couldn't steal items and take advantage of the confusion.

They got 5 years. I'm watching TV from the hotel room, and riot police look the same in every country. People are not happy today....judging from the people destroying the court building. I'm always in the right place at the right time.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Good Evening






Today we spent the day at the home and ranch of the Minister of Emergency Management for Paraguay. He's a wonderful man with a really nice family. It was a really long day, but it was worth it. Yesterday, we got to see some of the areas of common flooding in the capital city and then went to the Cuebellanos Supermarket, where over 400 people lost their lives in a fire in 2004.



Then today, we spent time touring the countryside. It's really beautiful. The top photo is the sign outside the burned supermarket. And the second photo I like because I appear to be deep in thought. I'm safe and well. We're off to the Chaco tomorrow. That's the desert area...



Finally, me near the Minister's waterfall.....


Friday, December 01, 2006

Flickr

So I posted some photos on Flickr which is on the sidebar to the right, and I'll put some more on the blog tonight perhaps. It seems like I never get free time, between the mandatory socializing and the work day. We saw some really incredible stuff today. I'll post about it soon.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

So here I am....



I'm going to bed shortly, as I have not slept a good sleep in about 40 hours. I visited the SEN today, which is the Paraguay Ministry of Emergency Management, essentially. Here is the front of that building.



This is their FEMA HQ. The country also is apparently in a drought or a flood, and so for the drought times the SEN has water trucks.

I'll post more photos tomorrow probably. I had prosciutto pizza tonight, which I know is not authentic, but there's not all that much in walking distance, and apparently being out after dark is not advised. Aiight....I'm off to enjoy the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed.

Greetings from Down Under

So I'm here....

I have some funny stories, but I'm a little pressed for time. More later tonight....

I'm showered, and shaved and after 20 hours on a plane or in an airport, that felt really, really good. I'm off to meet the head of Paraguay's FEMA, in what is sure to be a wondrous hand-shaking festival.

This is actually really cool. Oh, and thank you TAM airlines for not killing me.

More to come....

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Bye Bye Miss American Pie


Good Morning sports fans,

I leave today for the South American nation of Paraguay. I begin the journey at 3PM at Logan, and land tomorrow at around 11AM in Asuncion. I got my Paraguay haircut this morning and also picked up some dry cleaning. I've been quite productive.

I'll try and write from down there. I'll be staying here the first few nights. They have internet, so I can try and post some photos and the like. I'll have lots of stories for you guys when I get back.

Let's hope I don't get kidnapped, or eaten by a giant snake. Oh, and Chuck, I promise I'll sit on my helmet so protect the boys. Your thousands of hours of combat time in Hueys have been more valuable to me.

Graham

Saturday, November 25, 2006

How dare you make hand party with Pamela!


Last night, saw the Borat movie with the family.

Go see this movie, if you haven't already. I'll admit that I did bury my head in my sleeve for some parts as the awkwardness was too much for me to handle. But man, does he put a big spotlight on our great nation.

The naked fight made me laugh so hard, I think I pulled something. Everyone needs the belly laughs that the movie produces. Oh, and the "Wizard's Sleeve" line was about the goddamn funniest thing I've heard in a looong time.

Enjoy a snippet below...



Thanksgiving Day Roundup

So Thanksgiving was nice....my brother, Mother and step-father all went to a place called the Salem Cross Inn, in West Brookfield, MA. It had exposed wooden beam ceilings and we had turkey with all the trimmings. The only downside to eating out is no leftovers.

That was at 1:30PM, and so when we finally drove home in the pouring rain and sat down at my apartment at around 8, people were hungry again. All I had in the pantry was some stale oyster crackers and Fluff. So we began to look for eats. I gotta tell you, it was tough. Even the chinese place was closed. I tried to explain to my New Yorker parents that "We just took Thanksgiving a little more serious up here, what with the pilgrims and all..."


Finally, I found a place that was open. God Bless Charlie's Kitchen. We had cold beer and double cheeseburgers. It was wonderful. Thanksgiving truly is about family and cramming as much food as you can down your gullet.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Gobble Gobble

Greetings,

So today I took the day off work, which seems impossible as I keep getting e-mails all day long that I keep answering. I know, it's my fault. I actually took the day to work on a project for grad school. Paraguay is T minus 6 days. Went over to my work partner's office at Boston City Hall. He's Tom Tinlan, the Transportation Commissioner for Boston and a swell guy. Currently he's been dealing with a mess concerning parking meters on Newbury St.

As I was walking back to the library from his office, I saw a crackhead yell at the asian lady selling flowers outside the Government Center T Station, "Go fucking suck a cat." This made me start laughing. a lot. I'd never even heard or contemplated doing that. Thank God for crackheads as, much like small children, they provide some real gems.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hope you eat a lot and find new and inventive ways for turkey leftovers. I've got double duty with both sets of parents coming north over the next 4 days. Always a circus....just how I like it.

Monday, November 20, 2006

If you have a Mac...

So I just found this mildly addictive program named the Delicious Library. It allows you to use your Isight camera, which is built into my Macbook Pro, to scan bar codes of movies, music, games and books. This builds your library, which is really cool. Perfect for someone like me to be able to marvel over their collection from the road.

Now if I could only combine this with that Slingbox thing, that would be really awesome.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Dinner tonight


So Ross and I had dinner at this lovely place, the Union Oyster House. He has received a very generous gift card from our father and step-mother, and we took advantage. We ordered beers and shrimp cocktail, and lobster, two of them. We followed them up with some alcoholic coffees and were stuffed to the gills. Ross presents the gift card and his credit card, as we had gone over the amount on the card by a little bit.

The card was for a different restaurant. When the waitress told him that, I laughed so hard I think everyone turned to look. We had a card for the Union Bar and Grill, which is in the South End and not Faneuil Hall. God that was funny, and expensive. God knows I would have ordered a caesar salad had I known I was paying. God that was funny.

Ross thinks that it's harder to meet people in Boston, and that the girls are less approachable. I didn't think so, but I'll open the floor up to comments or thoughts. Any ladies care to comment?

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

A few general things

Good Evening America,

A few things....

First, big ups to my employer, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, as they have been accredited under EMAP, the Emergency Management Accreditation Program. We now join a select group of around 8 states and the District of Columbia in this honor. It's actually a pretty big deal. So way to go, state workers!

Second, I recently bought this game called Indigo Prophecy for the PS2. It's out for the Xbox and the PC I believe. It's awesome. Usually I play for a bit and stop, but this time I'm hooked. You get to make decisions during the game that later have direct consequences. It's like a game version of Choose Your Own Adventure, but with sex and violence. Run to the nearest store and buy a copy, if you like that kind of stuff.

And that's it for Tuesday. Wait, it's only Tuesday? What the crap....

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Pardon me boys...


So I am part of Big Brothers of Massachusetts Bay, and I have a little. He's 9 and he has Asperger's, which is a high functioning form of autism. He is incredibly interested in certain things. Namely cars and trains. So today, I took him to Concord, MA on the MBTA Commuter Rail. The train ride was about a half hour and then we went to a pizza place around there. He ate an entire cheesesteak and I had half of a cheeseburger sub. That boy always eats more then me. Its impressive.

Anyway, I thought the Saturday and Sunday schedules were the same. They're not, in case you wanted to know. So after lunch, we had a two hour wait for the train. In the rain. With a very hyperactive kid. Not happening. So I called Chuck, who explained he was at the airport dropping his lovely wife Sara off. I then called my roommate, Jeff, who came to pick me up.

Thank you Jeff. You are the man. My head was a lot less achy today because of you. Help Jeff out by buying his band's CD on Itunes.

Friday, November 10, 2006

Dinner and thoughts

Tonight, I went out to dinner with Chuck and another friend of ours, Andy. It was a nice time. We started at Eastern Standard, which is a very cool place. I ordered the Mac and Cheese pretty much just so I could have it cold the next day. It's currently chilling in my refrigerator. God Bless America.

But so we were there and then went down to a sports bar and watched the Celts bungle another one (now 1-4). There was a really cute girl who took our names for a table at the restaurant, and looking around, the place was full of cute girls. But how do you talk to them? I'm not sure you even do. It's just one of those odd quandaries in life I suppose. It allows you to utter lines like, "That girl in the red top...she totally wanted me," and perhaps be right. But most likely wrong. Very wrong.

Anyone else have a good Friday night?

Happy Vets Day!

Today is Veteran's Day (Observed) for state workers. The actual day is tomorrow, but I already get that day off, so I obviously need to get an additional one. I haven't done much except laundry and eat Pad Thai, which I'm not sure salutes or honors veterans.

I guess I'm thinking about them, which has to count for something. It's a beautiful day outside and there is Hootie on the stereo in the kitchen. (My roommate's) My weekend is looking busy with some school work and possibly seeing my Little.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Why I hate Florida

So Foley's replacement, Joe Negron has conceded to the Democrat Tim Mahoney. But I want to be clear that he/kid-toucher Foley is only behind 95,000 to 93,000.

The guy likes small boys and almost won re-election.

I hope many of those people get run over by some 92 year old in a Cutlass at a farmer's market.

Ugh....I hate CNN


CNN has assembled "the top bloggers in the blogosphere" in their E-lection coverage.

Ugh....what makes a top blogger?

I heard they're running low on Cheetos and this is causing quite the panic. Additionally, the male bloggers are buying kisses from the only other female under 450 pounds.

Can we stop calling states red or blue?

Election Day

I hope y'all voted. Not that I can be smug about it, because I didn't. And yes, I know good men gave up their lives on beaches and sand bogs to give me that precious right. I didn't vote, because I realized I had never changed my voter registration from my old apartment and by the time I did, it was too late for the absentee ballot. Yes, I'll go to hell. But I live in Massachusetts, where we had a decent race for Governor and only one other exciting issue on the ballot. Wine in supermarkets. Us Puritans sure know how to make a fuss.

So I took a midterm for grad school today. Could have failed or could have aced. A lot of questions were worded oddly. It was my first time writing in a blue book in years. I remember why I hated it so much.

Came back home and there was election mania on TV. So I turned it off. Don't get me wrong, but seeing Wolf Blitzer calling races that have 1% of the precincts, is not my idea of the electoral process. So I'm looking on the Web, which is calmer. And they're not as quick to call at NYT.com.

I see that Lieberman is the projected winner, which makes me happy in some ways. Lamont was a one hit WASP wonder, with his stance on anti-war. And this whole thing was fueled by the bloggers hatred of Lieberman, which I think teaches a lesson. It's up to CT. He's their senator, sorry if you had national ideals. I'm sure this won't make Steve very happy.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Guh....

So my day is busy....and I'm getting hungry. I brought in pizza from home that the roommate and I ordered. 2 slices. Put them in the fridge at around 7:15 AM, when I got in.

They're gone.

I consider pilfering from the work refrigerator to be among the worst crimes. Waay worse than stealing from anywhere else. This is my first time as a victim at this office. What kind of sick, twisted, fat slob do you have to be to steal my pizza. I will not rest until vengance is mine. If you could see my face right now, as I eat my Zone Mint Chocolate Chip energy bar. It's disgusting. I don't want this. I wanted a greasy slice of pizza.

I hope the person who stole my pizza catches herpes.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

I know I know...

I'm probably the last person to have seen this ad from Dove, but I like it a lot. It's been watched on YouTube over 3.5 million times. I must have been in a cave.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Let's do some aerobics!


So I found out last week that I might be going to Paraguay for two weeks in late November. That place is not to be confused with this movie, which I first thought about.

But lemme start from the beginning as this is kind of cool. So the National Guard has a sister country program in each state. Our sister country for Massachusetts is Paraguay. I only vaguely knew this as there were officials from that country visiting my agency in June. They met with the Director and a few other senior people. Anyway, so I guess they called up the Mass National Guard and asked for technical assistance with putting together an emergency management program for their nation. They liked what they saw/heard in June I guess.

The agency decided to send two people.

They asked me to be one of them.

I'm still not sure if there is a much more qualified Graham Crampbell in my agency who I just haven't met. So it would be for about 10 days - 2 weeks. Late November to early December. If you don't know anything about the nation of Paraguay, here is some info. The CIA version is here. A little trivia.... They apparently have the largest navy of any landlocked country. And kidnapping of foreign nationals is a lucrative business.

As to that last point, I'm hoping that the Massachusetts procurement/purchasing process is so convoluted and complicated as to dissuade would be banditos. I do have to fill out a form called the ISO PREP form, which is an army form. It asks you things like boot size, blood type. My favorite is the personal statements, of which there are 4. You need to put things in there, so that if you get captured, they can verify your identity. I kind of like the idea of Navy Seals busting into the hut I'm being held in and looking me point blank in the face and yelling "Over what summer were you a tour guide on a double decker bus?"

I'll write more....thirsty bloodsuckers.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Reason# 361 why I love America

AMC's Monsterfest

So AMC has Monsterfest. This is the 10th year they've done this. Basically, it's horror movies all day and night long. I'm currently watching Wolfen. It's decent and stars Albert Finney which is pretty cool. But I love this series of movies. Tomorrow it's supposed to rain and I have a date with this TV and some great classics, like Children of the Corn and the Exorcist.

I have returned...

I was gone this past week to our the mecca of Emergency Management training sites, EMI. The class I took was so-so, but the people I met were top notch. I made some friends from California and Minnesota and we laughed so hard we cried. It was good times.

I got back, before this nasty storm hits tomorrow. My good friend from high school, Chris and his lovely girlfriend Lilly were in town for a wedding. So I went out to see them tonight. It's odd. I find myself to sometimes be a hermit with my friends. I love my friends and treasure their friendship above all else. But I'll find myself ducking calls or hoping rings go into voicemail. Maybe some sort of social anxiety thing? I'm not sure. Perhaps that can be added to the list of things to discuss with the shrink.

But it was great to see them, but it's really good to be home. Something about sitting on your own couch and watching your TV that's comforting. So thanks for being patient this past week.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Flava Flav!!!

My week has been kind of crazy what with papers due and me still getting the hang of the new job. I'm leaving today for about a week. I'm going to be down at the Emergency Management Institute, run by FEMA. At least I'm going with a friend from work, so that should be good. I'm not sure if I can update this thing from down there, but I should be able to.

I also wanted to say that I saw the season finale of Flavor of Love 2, which might be the best television show in the world. Flava Flav has this awesome viking helmet with horns that we wears during his "confessionals." This is where TV needs to be going. Screw Lost.

I have put the exciting ending to the finale below. Flav has to choose between Deelishis and New York. These women have class. New York represents and doesn't dissapoint. God I love America.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Jericho Verdict


So I just saw the Pilot about 3 weeks after everyone else....

It's like they put "Lost" in Kansas. A small town in Kansas with all different types of people, with far more diversity than I think might actually exist. Skeet Ulrich is his most promising role since that epic drama, Chill Factor.

I think I'll skip it for now. It has all the built in plot lines....loner returns. Finds ridiculously hot ex is engaged to a banker. (Don't know many bankers out in farm country.) Power struggle between Mayor and rival candidate. Loose prisoners... My head hurts.

Greeting adoring fans...

Hey. I know you've all been dying to read more of my crap. Some general notes and thoughts:

  • I went down to NYC this past weekend for a benefit. A cop I used to work with has an inoperable brain tumor and is undergoing chemo. He came to the racket, and it was tough to see him as he was really bloated and had trouble walking. But he seemed genuinely touched by all the people that showed up. And after he left, we drank and laughed. Laughed so hard I hurt the next day. Note: That link above goes to the NYPD Rant, the unofficial discussion board of the NYPD. Some funny crap on there.
  • Amtrak is expensive. And apparently taken by very old people. I knew this of course, but was reminded again by the people sitting next to me. There was a cute girl across the row, but I've realized that Ipods have effectively ended that chance meeting on a bus/plane. Idle chit chat is gone, so I can listen to Beck and not be bothered. Sad, really.
  • My very expensive Bose home theater system is having problems. This is making me very sad. I am downloading the Pilot episode of Jericho currently.
  • I seem to be going to bed earlier and earlier. Maybe it's because I'm not doing much. Or I'm tired from work. Still, it's sad when a single guy is in bed at 9PM.
That's pretty much it. Stay tuned. I'll let you all know what I think of Jericho. Anyone else have a good weekend?

Friday, October 13, 2006

So I was talking to my best friend Emily Eagan, who is down in New Orleans. She e-mailed me, which got on my Blackberry. I'm sorry. They call it a "Crackberry." I've found out how addictive it is and I think it's the future. Imagine if all of your e-mail arrived to you, no matter where you are.

So she mentioned Taco Bell, and so on the way home I got Taco Bell. I brought it home and watched Law and Order: SVU. Verdict?

Taco Bell: KFC Cheesy Snacker: C-
Crunchwrap Supreme: Most surely not good to go
Double Decker Supreme: The trusty standard B+ Update: I'm lowering this grade to a C+. No sour cream. Where has the attention to detail gone?
Mostly dissapointing...always sound better than it turns out to be

L&O: It never gets better.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Breathe...breathe

I'm sitting in my office right now. My new office. Listening to music. Allowing myself 15 minutes to recenter, because there is a decent chance I could either:

  • Burst into tears
  • Order an assault rifle over the internet and reap terror
  • Hide under my desk, and refuse to come out until my Mommy comes to get me.

I'm finding this to be very useful to keeping my fragile psyche intact.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Broadway, me likey

So apparently, there is a musical version of Evil Dead coming to Broadway this month in New York. The website is here. I think we should get a field trip together. No seriously.

Sorry for the non-posting

Between the long weekend and the new job, I've been wicked busy. (Hope all of you non-Bostonians enjoyed that reference.)

I took Chuck and Sara down to see Nueva York this weekend. Of course, I saw some folks and missed a lot more. That always happens. You can check out their blog for some decent photos. I didn't bring the camera, so I depend on them. It was good, and we got to see some real New York places. Like:
  • McSorley's Ale House: Oldest bar in the city. They only serve two types of beer, light and dark. One beer comes in two half-pint mugs. Sawdust on the floors goodness
  • H&H Bagels: This and Ess-a-Bagel tie for best in NYC, but were weren't near EAB. Good, warm bagels. Crunchy on the outside and warm and chewy on the inside. Makes me think twice about wearing sweatpants
  • Forbidden Planet: Where geeks go to heaven when they get killed by a mage with a +12 Attack bonus. A comic book store beyond compare, shames Newbury Comics which is really more of a music store.
  • Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop: Thanks to my Mom, I know where to go for a lime rickey and the best tuna melt in the city. God bless that place.
We didn't hit some of my other favorites, which we can get into another time. It was a good trip. It's always tough to come back on a Tuesday. I felt like I was starting at a sprint, which was true considering my workplace situation anyway.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Wow...

Greetings friends,

First, speedy recovery wishes to Mikie after her surgery today. I'm sure she will be up on her feet in no time. May the drugs they give you be really, really good ones.

Sorry for the lack of posting, but this week has been nuts. So to summarize:

  1. Graham has to teach a class Tues, Weds, and Thursday that he just learned the material on last week. Graham did not know about this class until 5 minutes before class started, which was an hour from Graham.
  2. Graham's boss resigns on Tuesday morning, sending things into even greater chaos than they were when he was there.
  3. Graham gets acting manager job this morning...and is a little scared
So that's what's going on...in addition to the other nuts stuff like grad school and exisiting crap. Oh, and my good friends Sam and Lizzie sent me photos from their wedding, which was this spring. The photos are of me. Which makes you wonder, "Why the hell do I want drunken photos of myself?" I'd rather have drunken photos of other friends. My roommate thinks I should put them up in my new office, like people do with their kids photos. I just may do that.

Hope everyone is having a great week.

Sunday, October 01, 2006

I survived

So I ran about 3/4 of it, maybe a little less. Chuck and Sara ran the whole thing and thus beat me. All in all, it was a good run for a great cause. I didn't need the paramedics, which is good. I was lucky the event was sponsored by Boston EMS. I'm already in training for next year.

Here is my first bib ever.

Chariots of Fire

So remember I was talking about signing up for a 5K in memory of a guy I knew who died of cancer?

It starts in an hour.

So I'm up super early on Sunday. I haven't really been training, and I'm quite nervous. I'll let you all know how it went once the dry heaves stop.

Friday, September 29, 2006

Brown sucks

So I have a question for the CEO of UPS.

"Sir, when do you work?"

If the answer is from 9-5 or 8-6 like many of us slobs, then how the hell does anything get delivered to you. Everytime I order something and it ships UPS. I get one of these.


I hate these things. They taunt me and say, "Where the hell were you? You could have your video game/expensive consumer electronics product/birthday gift/life-saving medication if you were simply home at 1:15 PM like a normal American."

Now I have to go pick it up. And I don't care where you live...the UPS distribution center in your area is never convenient to get to. Usually in a heavily industrial area, close to nothing. So unless I want hookers with my package, it looks like I'm being sent far out of my way.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Looking for a new job?

The nice folks over at the Bureau of Labor Statistics came out with the figures of the top ten highest projected job growth rates in the next ten years. Any guesses? And no, neither government or porn fluffer ( This is why I love Wikipedia) made the cut.

The top 3 are:
  1. Home health aide: Sorry Mom, I'm not changing your bedpan. Thanks for looking out for me for 29 years though.
  2. Post-secondary teacher: Good news to my friends who believe in being career students. You might actually pay off those loans before your estate inherits them
  3. Registered Nurses: Nothing much to say here, except nurses can be hot and we hope they hire more hot ones.
That is all. Sleep well America.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

A little trivia


During the Big Dig, two tunnel boring machines (TBM) helped to dig out the tunnel that would eventually become I-93. They started on each end with the goal to meet in the middle, much like this fine event. I learned tonight from a well-placed source that the machines dug to within 100 feet of each other. Hand tools were then used to finish the tunnel. But the machines then both made right turns into the sides of the tunnel and were buried there.

So I'm not sure what the cost of one of those machines is, but I'm guessing $20 million maybe? And all because they didn't have a reverse gear. Much like this expensive toy currently.

Monday, September 25, 2006

This apparently is a global problem

I'm glad to see that this happens to all men.

Anyone heard of this place?

So there's this store called Trader Joe's and I went there today after work. I'vd been before, but only once a looong time ago in California with Mikie. So I went there to stock the old pantry and they had some great stuff. I bought some salad, and some cool frozen entrees, like Chicken Satay and Mandarin Chicken and some Pad Thai...with Chicken.

Geez, that's a lot of chicken. They didn't take American Express however, which I have to get someone on. Perhaps Montu can speak to them for me.

Oh, and if you're interested in an update on the cell phone story, American Airlines called my boss's boss today and told her they had it in Newark. Someone turned it in. Thank God I reported it missing, otherwise that could have been awkward...

Boss lady: Graham, are you missing something?
Graham: Uh...no?
BL: Are you sure?
G: Uhhh, yeah?
BL: How about a phone?
G: Oh, that! Riiight...I was going to tell you about that.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

I'm fried

So I just got back from the armpit of America. That's right, New Jersey. I was attending my friend Montu's sister's wedding. 600 indians and like 30 whiteys. The place was nice. But I had been on the road for three days before that also, so I'm fried. I lost a cell phone, left a tie at the hotel, and I'm exhausted. This was one of those weekends that needs a weekend right after it to recuperate.

I'm not sure if the idea of 600 indians dancing or fighting at the buffet line sounds relaxing, but it's not. I love Indians, however they have no concept of personal space. I'm not talking about your friend from Brown whose parents lived in Bombay. I'm talking about the FOBs (Fresh off the boat.) I had to box out at the buffet line. It was quite something.

I'm ready for a vacation. Is it really sad that I might go to sleep before 9?

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

This day is rated Yarrrr!

Guess what today is????

I've got class tonight

I've got class tonight, so this will be brief. It's my brother Ross's birthday today. He's 26, which means that I'm next in December with the big 3-0. Sweet. That's when I start my campaign of world domination.

I am going to put this up here, because I found it on the net and it makes me happy. My favorite parts are the eater profiles and the safety standards. Enjoy. Only in America could this be a sport.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Surprise!

So do you know what this week is?

If you guessed National USA Week, then you're right.

If now you're asking, "What the hell is that?" then you're in for a treat. It's National Unmarried and Single Americans week. They have a website, so it has to be legit.

And if you still doubt it, then feast your eyes on these luminaries who recognize it. Big ups to Haverhill, MA.

So congrats fellow singles. Now we have a whole 7 days to think about how alone we are. So alone.

Long weekend

This morning at 4AM, I was in hotel conference room working on a large terrorism exercise. This was a long day. Rest assured, the terrorists didn't win. Because this is America, and I'm on the front lines. And by front lines, I mean eating melon and drinking coffee while real men are carrying victims to ambulances. But I'm drinking that coffee like an American.

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Today pretty much sucked.

So Today blew....donkey balls. Well really, only the part of my day between 8:00AM and 8:00:05AM. That would be the time when I rear ended a car driving to a meeting. There was a cop at the intersection who waved me through, so a truck could cross, and he waved me into the trunk of this Hyundai in front of me.

I'm fine. My car is okay, except the bumper is a little bent and the plastic is catching the right tire when I turn a certain way making an ungodly noise. His car, not so good. His trunk needs some work and his tail light. But he seemed okay. Getting into accidents suck. I know this is obvious, but it needs to be said just how miserable it is. That second before impact when you know you're going to hit no matter what you do. Blech.

One of the only funny parts of my day came at this meeting that I was consequently late for thanks to the accident. The guy was talking about the Trunk Monkey ads, which are very funny, as shown here.




However he kept saying, "Man, nothing is as funny as that porch monkey. I love that porch monkey." My ears perked up at that and I said, "John, I think you mean Trunk Monkey. Porch Monkey is something else." If you don't know what this is....ask around. But wear a helmet when you ask.

Gotta love Boston.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

So I bought some shoes today...

Do we like them? They're from Target. So this is the first time I've bought shoes from Tar-jay. They look much like the photo. They're slightly hipster, so I guess I can wear them with jeans and the what not. That's about all that's happening really right now. Kinda boring. Anyone else have a cooler day?

Monday, September 11, 2006

A little scattered today

So work was fine. Did the moment of silence at 8:46AM, or tried to as my co-worker wanted to ask me something. All today I guess I felt scattered. It was like I had ADHD and I was 3. So I left a little early, as I saved most of the heavy lifting for tomorrow.

So now I'm home and I have to finish my first paper, and I feel alone. Let me preface this by saying that I know I'm not alone and I'm not looking for a million phone calls. I have the world's best friends and I know this. I sort of wish that I had someone here, right now, who I could see and talk to. Perhaps this is one of the negatives of being single. Apparently DateGraham.com isn't pulling in the hits. Sometimes you feel alone even though you're surrounded by wonderful people.

Does this make sense? I have no idea. I'm off to write about these 111 poor bastards who died in a coal mine explosion in Centralia, IL. Thanks for stopping by today.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Fidelis Ad Mortem

So, this is the 5th anniversary of 9/11/01. An event that has a lot of emotion for many people, of which I am one. My old employer has a nice tribute page up for these 23 brave men and women shown here.

I also have the e-mail that I wrote on the morning on 9/12 when I finally got home. Some of you have seen it, some probably haven't. It was important for me to get it off my chest.

It's not that I don't want people to forget. I want people to remember. I can't forget. It's locked inside my head and I can't get some of those images out if I tried. Especially Moira Smith on the radio that morning. I pray to God that I could get rid of that memory, but I can't. I also remember her beautiful daughter running up and down the aisle of the poshumous medal ceremony in the prettiest red dress.

God bless them.

I have a paper to write

But I'm not really doing that. It's due by Tuesday evening, but I'm going to try and knock it out tonight. However, I was surfing around and I found this. If you're old enough to remember this, I hope you enjoy.

Bort Bort Bort Bort

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Movie Night

Just finished watching Blow. Meh... I liked Traffic better. It was a neat movie. The guy who directed apparently died about a year after the film of a heart attack during a basketball game. There was cocaine in his system, so he really saw the project through. The pace somewhat reminded me of Goodfellas, or maybe that was because Ray Liotta was in it also.

Oh, and even though my blog readership is flung far and wide, I wanted to point you all to this site. Room 8, is a New York City political blog started by my high school friend Ben and another guy. Ben's legit, being that his day job is blogging for the Daily News. But, my other high school friend, Adam "Waka" Green has a daily video on this site spoofing the current themes in politics. While most of it is New York based, Waks is really funny. So I command my 10s of readers to go check it out. See one of them below....


Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Some thoughts as a grad student

So I just got back from my first night of grad school, and asides from my pen running out of ink it went pretty well. As far as Pedro's suggestions, I have made the following decisions...

  • I'm not going to take notes on my Mac, for a few reasons. I would be one of like 2 people in the classes of 25-30 doing it, so I don't want to stick out. Also, when writing papers off the notes in class, I'd rather type while looking at a notebook, than shifting back and forth between word documents. Also, that typing noise is kind of annoying.
  • As far as the ladies go, they are present. However they are either much younger, or much older. So no worries there.
  • I've already started some of the readings. I'm a geek, but I find this stuff interesting. There's a Boston City Councilor and the Boston Transportation Commissioner in one of my classes, which is pretty cool.
That's about it. It's gone well so far. I've got mandatory orientation this Sunday from 9AM - 3PM, which I will guaranteed be hung over for. Yee ha!

Monday, September 04, 2006

I'm a little nervous

So tomorrow, I begin my pursuit of my Masters in Public Administration at Suffolk University. And yes, you jokers, I have my new backpack and my pencil case and my name is written into the back of all my gym shorts.

So I'm returning to school after a 7 year hiatus and I'm a little scared. But hopefully we start slow. I'm also entering the 21st Century by deciding to take notes on my laptop. We'll see how that works out as well.

I'll keep you all posted.

1 pound of meat....no worries

So apologies for the rapid-fire blogging but last week was really busy and I was away this weekend. However on Wednesday evening last week, my brother Ross and I took on the Godzilla burger at Eagle's Deli. The Godzilla is 2 half-pound patties and a pound of fries. You need to finish the whole thing in order to get your picture on the wall.

We came, we saw, we got very full. It was actually the fries that were the hardest, but we adopted the strategy of eating them at the same time as the burger, and not saving them for the end. Now, once they take the polaroid of this major life event, you get to make your own caption. This is a lot of pressure as there are hundreds of other photos with clever captions, and you want to be original. So I settled on this:
And let me tell you.....truer words never written. Sorry for the crappy photo. My brother's phone is not going to be used by the AP anytime soon I'm afraid.

Crikey


RIP Steve Irwin, you mad crazy bastard.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Ernesto is a dud

Listed below are the current preparations for Ernesto undertaken by FEMA and the federal government. I want to point out that Ernesto is now a Tropical Depression, not even a Tropical Storm. Let's not even discuss that this thing never was a hurricane.

A tropical storm is fart on the radar, or at least it was pre-Katrina. Now everyone is so terrified that they've pushed all these assets out there. In other news, this rain event is going to dump lots of moisture on my labor day weekend.

By the way, you can see the current FEMA picture right here. It's actually kind of cool. Okay, I'm a geek.

DHS/FEMA Actions
NOC/NRCC and Region IV RRCC at Level 1 - Full Activation Status, with all ESFs Present

Updated Operations Orders being drafted for Regions IV and III based on changes in Storm Path

Region III RRCC to operate at Level II with ESFs 1, 3 and 10 (from 7:30 am -7:30 pm EDT).

Engaging with governors and state emergency managers in the anticipated impact states to begin federal and state coordination.

Working with partners at the National Hurricane Center to anticipate the storm's landfall.

Forward Deployed Response Teams including Federal Incident Response Support Teams (FIRST), Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs)and Urban Search and Rescue US&R Teams.

Forward Deployed Logistics Push Packets

Issued 50 Mission Assignments for a total of $17,867,583 including mission assignments to:

Cabinet Level Departments of: Defense, Energy, Interior, Justice, Transportation, Health & Human Services, Agriculture
APHIS, CBP, EPA, FPS, GSA, NCS, NOAA, NGA, USACE, USCG, USFS

Recovery

Four new Mobile Registration Intake Centers deploying to and pre-positioning at Atlanta.
All FEMA Call Centers prepared to transition to 24/7 operations at full staffing.
USACE directed to deploy Housing Planning Team to begin scoping a potential temporary housing mission.
600 staff pre-positioned in Florida to conduct in-shelter registrations, if required.

DoD Actions
Conducted NORTHCOM Severe Weather Teleconference 3:30 pm EDT August 28, 2006.

Providing support to Defense Coordinating Officers/Defense Coordination Elements

Coordinating FEMA ESF1 (Transportation) request for US Transportation Command liaison officer support to NRCC.

Coordinating support to FEMA Federal Operational Staging Areas (FOSAs).

Joint National Guard Bureau, Georgia National Guard, South Carolina National Guard, and North Carolina National Guard are monitoring TS Ernesto, coordinating operational decisions, and executing storm warning preparations per state Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Department of Defense Joint Staff sourcing FEMA request for six officers to support Joint Operations Center (JOC) and NRCC synchronization between NRCC, US Northern Command, US Pacific

Command, US Southern Command, US Transportation Command, Defense Logistics Agency and Joint National Guard Bureau.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

The opposite of Katrina

So I'm watching the media freak out as they have to decide between their specials on the year anniversary of Katrina, or the 5-year anniversary of 9/11. Only so many hour long specials to film. Tough choices. There was one on the Discovery Channel tonight about Katrina. They had too much water down there. I face the opposite problem.


So this is my bathroom. And no, I'm not a slob. The water shut off around 2PM today. My landlord told me it must be the city's fault. So the City of Somerville sent a nice guy over from the Water Department over at triple time on Sunday. He told me it was the building's issue and they needed to call a plumber. He was right. However, the shady landlord isn't really returning our calls.

So I'm doing all the cool stuff, like gravity flushing my toilet with the one source of water I do have, my kitchen sink. I shaved at that sink about 10 minutes ago, using the side of a pot as a mirror. I feel like a pioneer. Except I have the internet and a bed. It's just the water thing. Oh, the Subway near Porter Square has a lovely bathroom. (I mean the sandwich place, and not the T.)

I'll keep you updated as I'm sure you're all curious. Thank God that work has showers.


Update: I have clean water and all the fixin's. Thank you lazy landlord. Oh, and my roommate found the plumber playing darts on our board in the apartment.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Elusive Lyrics

I can't hear lyrics in songs. It's not that I'm a melody guy either. A friend pointed out that the song I wrote about below was "sad." I had no idea. I can hear words, and generally repeat them in tune. This leads people to incorrectly think that I know the lyrics and I get them. Not true.

This leads to problems when I tell people, usually girls , how much I like a certain song. Then they listen and start weeping when the song's lyrics have to do with a guy who's not really in love, but faking it. Or a girl who's boyfriend cheats on her and leaves her.

It might come from singing a cappella and therefore just singing "doom doom ba da doom" in most songs. I can pick out the percussion part, and the bass line. But those mournful lyrics pouring out of the singer's mouth? Natch. Like the teacher in Charlie Brown.

Good Morning

Sitting here on my porch, with the sun beating down, a nice breeze and a cup of coffee, life is pretty good. I was listening to the Sinead O'Connor song, "In this Heart" and it's a really pretty song. It reminds me of my friend Erin, and it's a wonderful song. I encourage all of you to go onto ITunes or Limewire/BitTorrent or whatever you kids do and download it.

Hope everyone is having a nice Saturday.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

R.I.P Deadwood


HBO has confirmed that it has not picked up the contracts for their hit show "Deadwood." If you haven't seen this show, Netflix it.

This is a sad day. The third and final season has already begun.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

This is going to be really funny.


YouTube is down for maintenance. Apparently their servers rebelled when too many people tried to watch the horrible K-Fed clip. So you're going to have to click through this link to get to the next bit of movie goodness. My apologies.

To those of you who don't know who Borat is, click this. Same goes to you fine people who already do. Enjoy. Who wants to see this with me?

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

My life has been changed


So tonight I went to a place called Chez Henri which is in Cambridge, off Mass Ave. It's best known for it's steak frites, mojitos and the very famous cuban sandwich. Tonight I had a mojito and a daiquiri and the cubano sandwich.

This sandwich changed my life. I even wrote it on the credit card receipt I signed. This sandwich could make me attend church. The ends of the sandwich has these pieces of crispy goodness, cheese and ham. Tears are streaming down my face as I write this.

I contemplated going straight to bed so as not to sully this evening.

This is heaven.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Guh

Just saw K-Fed at the end of the Teen Choice awards. It was his first live appearance. It was so bad it made the baby jesus cry.


**********Update**********************

Here is the video of it, with horrific intro by trailer trash wife. This is for those of you who won't admit to watching the Teen Choice Awards.

Word to your mother.


More Snakes

I found this on YouTube, where else? The DeNiro is my favorite, though the guy is really good at Walken.

Greetings on a Sunday

So, after drinking a little too much last night, I took a nice hot shower and had a big glass of milk and decided to make today productive. I've made a to do list and I'm gotten almost all of the things on it done. Today is the day to call all the people that I'm supposed to call, but rarely do.

Oh, and my old roommate Jennie is the best. Apparently if you go to the official site for Snakes on a Plane, you can have Samuel L. Jackson call your friend and tell him/her to go see Snakes on a Plane. I have to see that movie, and I must see it with Jennie.

Yesterday evening was my first experience with an ice luge. Good stuff.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Dinner on the road

So I had a late lunch, and then I went to Borders, where they screw you. I bought a drink and I got a "$5 off any purchase over $30" coupon. So I found some books and went up to the register and the exhange went something like this

Me: Hey, I'd like to use this coupon.
Trainee Guy: Uhh...this coupon isn't valid yet.
Me: Huh? I just got it from the Cafe.
TG: I know. See, look at it. It's valid from 8/17 to 8/20.
Me: What the hell kind of sense does that make? Ooooh...you know I'm going to lose this or throw it away before then
TG: Yeah, that's what they're banking on.

Damn you Borders, for knowing the slothfulness of the American consumer. I did buy the 9/11 Commission Report. I think this book probably should have been mailed to every home in the country, or put on sale for a dollar. So far it's an incredible read. Which, is saying volumes considering it's a federal document. I'm trying to get through it before the 11th.

So I went to dinner, and wanted to try this place called 5 guys. Supposedly the "In 'N Out of the East Coast". I thought I had the address right. I didn't bring the GPS unit with me, because I'm an idiot. I went in search of this:



And I came away with this....


Served to me by a 12-year old. Now, I do love me a Blizzard. I had the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. This however is not the burger pictured above. I rationalized it in my head by thinking that the Blizzard probably had less calories than a burger, soda and fries, but this is a horrible argument. I was defeated tonight, but I have not lost the war. Before I leave this hell-hole of office parks and gated communities named after the things that were leveled to make room for them (Running Brook, Evergreen Run, Quarry Ridge), I will have one of those burgers. I will Goddamnit.

Testify.

This really isn't Washington

So my flight landed safely in Dulles. Thanks United. They are the only airline that lets you listen to air traffic control, which I always find interesting. (I know. I'm a dork.) But that channel was silent, I'm thinking due to the latest terror threat. Ah well, I didn't think that perk would last long.

Dulles should not be allowed to have Washington D.C. in the title. It's like 30 miles away. And they use these crazy buses to get you from one terminal to another.


Apparently they are coming into the 1970's and building a train system between terminals. Good. Because as much as the Jetsons thing is cool, it's not when you're running late to a flight.

So I landed and decided to get a rental car. Mostly because I'm hoping to see friends and when I asked the hotel how to get to D.C. from there, they gave two options.
  1. Take a cab @ $60 each way.
  2. Take the hotel shuttle bus back to Dulles, and then transfer to the Washington Flyer, and then get on the Green Line of the Metro at Greenbush.
So basically, there's no way in hell I'd do either of these. So I found a decent rate on Avis and booked an intermediate. And this is the chariot that awaited me in spot D13.


This is the Saturn Ion. It is no Lincoln Towncar I tell you. It's not even fun. And it feels cheap, apparently plastic was the premium interior option. Unless you're 17, don't buy this car. If I wasn't paying for the rental, I wouldn't have this car.

So here I am at the Holiday Inn - Dulles Airport. They bill themselves as one of the finest hotels in Washington. I wonder if they could be sued for libel. If anyone is around and wants to hang out, call me. Oh and this place wasn't bad for lunch. Good turkey club.

Sitting at the airport

So this morning, I woke up and steeled myself for the horrors of the increased security lines and haggard travelers. So after parking at Central Parking at Logan Airport, and walking 19 football fields, arrived at the terminal. I finished my coffee and stowed all my loose items into my carry-on.

And then I got stuck behind these people.

Note: Not these actual people. These geezers came up when I did a Google Image Search for "old people." But the folks who looked a lot like this apparently last flew on the Spruce Goose. The guy thought he could keep his cell phone. The wife wanted to know if they had lysol wipes for her bare feet. I got some sympathetic glances from the TSA guy. I do think however that these people need to have their own security line, staffed only by TSA members over 65. That way they can yell at each other and talk about their grandchildren, while other people who want to make their flights are allowed to do so.

Rant over. Talk to you when I get to D.C.

Monday, August 14, 2006

Technical Difficulties

So my office phone went on the fritz in the middle of last week. I was hoping it would be fixed by today, but no such luck. This morning, Outook crapped the bed. It could be just my agency or state-wide. But I have no phone or e-mail. I sit here wondering what to do. I love technology, but man are we dependent on it.

Maybe I should send actual letters to people I'm meaning to e-mail. A throw back to ye olden days.

Sigh....if I were in some places I'd be sent home.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Sweet Internet Connectivity

So I'm home now. It was a great weekend and it went really fast. I am a little excited about sitting on my bed and using the internet, but it was so beautiful up there. Here are some photos.

This is the 2006 Lincoln Towncar I rented from Hertz. Granted its a car that is mostly driven by men in Florida over 65. However it's super quiet and it drives like you're floating on air. I would never buy this car, but renting it for a long drive was fine. I wanted the Caddy, but they were out. Oh, and many thanks to Chuck and Sara for picking me up from Hertz at Logan today. Good people.




This is the perfect view. Granted, you can't see much except for my shoes. Note that my feet are covered at all times. This was so comfortable though. The rest of the photos are available on Flickr, which should be accessible through a sidebar down a little ways on the right side of the screen.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Heaven is

Greetings from the Keene Valley, NY public library! I can't write long, and I don't much to report. I did however take a nap for about an hour today in a hammock strung up from columns on a porch. I defy anyone to tell me that they did something better this Friday.

Pictures, stories and mug shots available on Sunday when I return to civilization.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

I love this....

Thursday thoughts

So I finished The Kite Runner last night. I loved it. Many books make me chuckle, some make me laugh, but very few can make me shed a tear. This was one of them. I think that books that touch you like that are far more powerful than movies, because they have to work so much harder at it. So please read this book....it's very good.

I'm leaving tonight for a trip to Keene, NY. A small town about 30 minutes from Lake Placid, home to the 1980 Winter Games and the Miracle on Ice. And for those of you who think that last thing is like the Ice Capades, I instruct you to go outside and wait for a bus and then walk right in front of it. Needless to say, I will probably be out of internet contact for the weekend. This is giving me some heebie jeebies, but the country usually does this to a city kid.

And yes I know about this terror plot, and no I'm not in high level discussion with senior government officials. But I was at a hospital drill this morning in Worcester, MA. I was thinking that while I'm not really in the front seat on some of this stuff, I do play a role. If a plane did crash, and patients were taken to that hospital, then maybe some of the suggestions I had at the drill will save some lives. So that is what I think about when I sometimes think my job doesn't matter all that much.

Talk to you soon. I'm afraid my lungs will choke on the fresh air.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Therapy...

I'd just like to put in my vote for therapy. I go every week. Hell, it seems like after my parents got divorced many moons ago, that therapy would help. It didn't. Not then. I think therapy is a great experience, but only if you're ready for it. I often joke that I should set up a side business for post-therapy counseling. So when you walk out of the shrink's office after those 50 minutes going, "Holy Shit! What the hell does all this mean now??!" You can then come into my office to vent about what you just discovered.

But seriously, if you 're thinking of seeing someone, do it. And if you don't like the person, find someone else. It's a nice thing to have for 50 minutes every week. Sort of like a mental massage.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

So I think I might make this a weekly post. I think the title is catchy too.

The Good

I'm currently reading a book called The Kite Runner. It's very good, as most people already know. It came out two years ago. So that's is a plus. I'm not even halfway through, and seeing as how it's a library book, I should probably get a move on and finish it. So go read this, if you haven't already.

The Bad

I Netflixed Bubble a little while ago, and I finally watched it. It shouldn't have taken so much prodding, as the movie is only an hour long. The buzz about this movie concerned it's distribution. It was released in the theaters and on demand and DVD all within a week. This gave theater owners a heart attack, that is until they saw the steaming pile of dung this movie is. They should show this movie to people who have only days left to live, as it takes an hour of your time and makes it feel like years. Sweet God. It took 45 minutes to get to any major plot points. 45 minutes into a 70 minute movie! Steven Soderbergh should bend over in Times Square and let people take turns kicking him in the ass for this movie.

The Ugly

This is Natasha Lyonne. I saw her in Blade: Trinity. Worthless movie, though Jessica Biel is quite the looker. This girl above is a train wreck. I just wanted to share.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

This is why Japan is better than us



This was found by my old partner Will. I love the Japanese because they really get it. We don't want to watch people just screwing up on reality TV. We want to see them screw up and then get kicked in the balls.

I think losing the war made them better.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Okay...I'm sexist


So I'd like to poll the audience and see what their opinion is on a subject that seems appropriate for this incredibly hot day.

Mandals.

Those are sandals worn by men. Please see the above photo, if you need further clarification. I don't know the foot in the photo. My roommate, Jeff, sports the mandals. I don't know what it is about them, but it weirds me out. I think feet in general are more functional than fashionable. Especially men's feet.

Here's where the sexist part comes in. I don't have a problem with open-toed shoes on women. Mostly because they have cuter feet it seems, or at least they take better care of them than most guys. I wear sneakers or dress shoes....maybe boots in the winter. Ya know just because it feels good, doesn't mean that makes it okay. I'm sure walking around naked probably is pretty liberating, but due to a number of international and maritime laws, I don't do it.

So what gives...Ladies? Germs?

Monday, July 31, 2006

Some late night thoughts

Before I turn in, I had some random thoughts that I thought I'd get off my chest.

You ever wonder why life can be so hard sometimes? It gets you thinking about whether you're the one making it harder. I think I'm guilty of that sometimes. However there are days, weeks and sometimes months when it seems like the breaks aren't coming your way. Life is awesome and funny and wonderful, full of good drinks and laughter and friends. Life can also be scary and incredibly lonely and full of risks and doubt. I find it occasionally incongruous that it can be both, sometimes in the same day.

Saw my roommates' band, Uncle Shaker, play. They are really good. I highly recommend you download their music from Itunes. Americana/alt-country. Good stuff, and really nice guys. Always happy to go out and support the boys.

Happy 1st day of August. Where the hell has the summer gone?

I dunno about this...

So I'm going to run a 5K in October in honor of Steve Lawlor. Steve was the head of Special Operations for Boston EMS and an incredibly nice guy who died of cancer last year at 50. There's a City Run, which is going to benefit his charity and I decided that was as good a cause as any. So I am running this with my friend Chuck, who appeared as equally out of shape as me. However, it seems that he's hardcore training and I am getting worried.

So I went for a run today. I have no idea how far it was, as the ambulance took me most of the way. Just kidding. I ran/walked for 35 minutes and I realized something. What the hell am I thinking? 5K seems so small....around 3 miles. It seems easy on the eliptical, but no so much on the actual street. I'm so screwed....but I'm going to do it. This might be as close to a marathon as I get.

Great music this weekend


So on Saturday night, I attended the Dixie Chicks concert with Mikie. I asked her if she wanted to fly out for this, mostly because I realized that she would appreciate this ticket more than anyone else I knew. So we had a good time and saw an awesome concert.

Say what you want about these ladies, but they really put themselves in the music. When they performed "Not ready to make nice" which talks about the whole controversy about their Bush remarks, the place went nuts. It was nice to be able to support them, and I love the fact that they came back with a bang and not a whimper. They aren't asking for forgiveness. They're taking it, and changing their fan base to be sure.

If you don't have the album, "Taking the Long Way," buy it and have a good listen. No matter what your politics, it's a great listen.

Friday, July 28, 2006

As promised

So I want for my walk and it was fucking hot. I apologize for the vulgarity, but there's no better way to put it.

Really hot
Super hot
Quite warm

Nope. It was fucking hot. I walked up to here.
This is the Somerville Public Library. I held the door open for that lady in the background. I think she was flirting with me. And you know, if it wasn't that hot, I would have....oh God. The heat has cooked my brain. I was going to take more photos, but I walked down the wrong street and didn't see the castle. I'll take photos of that one day soon.

Hope everyone is having a good Friday.

Happy Friday

Back from Martha's Vineyard. I was there with a guy from the National Weather Service giving a talk on hurricane preparedness. Not a big turnout, but good representation from all the towns.
Some interesting folks down there.....real interesting.

Had a great slice of Sicilian pizza today at Pinocchio's in Harvard Square. Found that place through Chowhound as well. Thank god for that site. It was a good slice of sicilian. Not too doughy with a great crust and the right amount of cheese.

I'm off for a walk, and I think I'll take my camera. I also have to return the Stephen King book, "The Cell" that I finished. Not a bad read, and quick too.

Hope you're all staying cool.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

My apologies


I realized that when I posted thanks to the people for coming to my little slice of internet heaven, that I would forget people. So Tory and Nicole, I apologize for the oversight. It was not intentional I swear.

I spent the balance of today at Logan Airport's Fire/Rescue Headquarters. Man, that place is my ultimate fantasy. It combines firefighting and airplanes. Quite cool. Bob Donahue is the chief over there, and he is a terrific guy. He was just recognized in a magazine I'm sure you're all familiar with, Airport Business. If you want to read the glowing article on Chief Donahue and his gang, check it out here.