This year is really flying by. We are at August already! Hopefully this year I'll be able to go on the annual camping trip. Even if it's not on labor day weekend, I'd still like to make it to at least one camping trip this year. Last year I only made it snowboarding 2 times the entire year. I think this year I'm going to make it a point to partake in more activities. I remember it wasn't too long ago where one summer I'd go kayaking, play golf (I still suck at it), go indoor rock-climbing and play on a beach volleyball team. I still had time to work out and at night play on the dart team. Those were the days. There is so much going on in NYC, I guess I'll have to figure out how to use it. I checked out www.craigslist.org for shits and giggles and there was actually a lot out there. I liked the 1 day sailing trips, it was like $40 for the day and I guess you charter the boat. Not that bad of a deal.
Yesterday a bunch of my friends had a nice pow-wow. The standard BBQ, poker, beer, and Bond/Mario-cart night. I missed out on that, but I hope everyone had a good time. I, in the meantime went to a friends engagement party all the way up in Middletown. Although I had a great time, it was also depressing. It took me almost 2 hours to get there, that's quite a ways up. The houses were beautiful, and I asked around to see how much houses there were. I was told I'd be looking at $500,000 average around there. That's 2 hours away and I can't find anything affordable. At this rate, I'm gonna have to go to Canada to find propert I can afford.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Thursday, July 21, 2005
ICE Your Cell Phone
I read this article on CNET's Blog recently, and it seems like a terrific idea. The article suggests typing I.C.E, which stands for In Case of Emergency, in front of loved one's contact information, so in the event that you're in a situation where emergency workers would need to contact your family, they can scan through your phone and see the I.C.E designation you have there, and be able to quickly contact them.
Of course it's important that people who are emergency workers are familar with this, so they know to look for it, and I'm not sure New York first responders are aware of this, since my first reading of this is through Cnet and not work. In any case, spread the word as this might one day help you.
Read full article HERE
Of course it's important that people who are emergency workers are familar with this, so they know to look for it, and I'm not sure New York first responders are aware of this, since my first reading of this is through Cnet and not work. In any case, spread the word as this might one day help you.
Read full article HERE
Fantastic4
Ok, I know it's weird that the only movies I've seen lately are based on Comic books. The people who market these movies and created these movies are actually on to something. These are comics that we all grew up too and have waited a long time for a faithful adaptation to finally be made. Technology and movie magic can finally bring to life our most favorite villains and heroes.
Growing up, my brother and 2 of my best friends collected comics, and it was a great outlet for us, a great way to encourage our creatitivity and a wonderful hobby for us to spend our free time. We would go to comic book conventions and during the summers I remember we'd hang out in the comic book store in town and it was just a fun, simple time for us. I regret every single day the fateful decision to sell my comic books to broker a flight to Denmark. The trip was great and I will have awesome memories for the rest of my life, but I still want my original Wolverines 1-4 limited edition back! Grrrr.
Back to the movie. Special effects were good, but nothing ground breaking or new. They did a great job with the Human Torch, he was a fun character. Ben Grimm (aka The Thing) was great, Michael Chiklis did a terrific job and the suit looked great. I am so glad they didn't go the way of CGi like that disastor the Hulk (what a shitty movie). Jessica Alba was very sexy as Sue Storm. Sue Storm was supposed to be a blond haired, blue eyed, southern belle type goodie-goodie, not a sultry, dusky, vixen played by Alba. I'm not complaining, just making a notation. The guy that plays Dr.Doom was great too, arrogant and powerful, easy to hate. He was perfect. Reed Richards was a wet blanket. Anyway I have a feeling that if you enjoyed the comic as a kid, you're going to love this movie. If you have no idea who the Fantastic Four are you're going to think "hey, they ripped off The Incredibles!" and that was a better movie...."
Growing up, my brother and 2 of my best friends collected comics, and it was a great outlet for us, a great way to encourage our creatitivity and a wonderful hobby for us to spend our free time. We would go to comic book conventions and during the summers I remember we'd hang out in the comic book store in town and it was just a fun, simple time for us. I regret every single day the fateful decision to sell my comic books to broker a flight to Denmark. The trip was great and I will have awesome memories for the rest of my life, but I still want my original Wolverines 1-4 limited edition back! Grrrr.
Back to the movie. Special effects were good, but nothing ground breaking or new. They did a great job with the Human Torch, he was a fun character. Ben Grimm (aka The Thing) was great, Michael Chiklis did a terrific job and the suit looked great. I am so glad they didn't go the way of CGi like that disastor the Hulk (what a shitty movie). Jessica Alba was very sexy as Sue Storm. Sue Storm was supposed to be a blond haired, blue eyed, southern belle type goodie-goodie, not a sultry, dusky, vixen played by Alba. I'm not complaining, just making a notation. The guy that plays Dr.Doom was great too, arrogant and powerful, easy to hate. He was perfect. Reed Richards was a wet blanket. Anyway I have a feeling that if you enjoyed the comic as a kid, you're going to love this movie. If you have no idea who the Fantastic Four are you're going to think "hey, they ripped off The Incredibles!" and that was a better movie...."
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
NYCHA Hard at Work
No, he's not dead, or unconscious, he's merely sleeping. This is a New York City Housing Authority employee catching a siesta on city time. If you live in NYC this is where your hard earned money is going. Enjoy!
Thursday, July 07, 2005
London Bombing
This picture taken from Heute.de (German News site) and uploaded by Gossip of Flickr. Shows a demolished truck from today's London Bombing. Coming during the G8 summit and a day after Britain was announced the winning bid for the 2012 Olympics, this was obviously a well timed and well planned attack.
Terrorism is probably the most cowardly act any group can commit. I don't understand how any group can condone the horrible acts of killing scores of innocent, people. It's just such nonsense.
I see they've raised the awareness level to Orange in the US and in NYC they've increased the Police Presence. As of right now, it seems New Yorkers are as resilent as ever and refused to be cowed by these assholes, transportation over the subways have not really changed and New York is going about it's business as usual.
So far the count is as high as 700 people injured and about 40 people killed. My thoughts and prayers to our neighbors across the pond.
Terrorism is probably the most cowardly act any group can commit. I don't understand how any group can condone the horrible acts of killing scores of innocent, people. It's just such nonsense.
I see they've raised the awareness level to Orange in the US and in NYC they've increased the Police Presence. As of right now, it seems New Yorkers are as resilent as ever and refused to be cowed by these assholes, transportation over the subways have not really changed and New York is going about it's business as usual.
So far the count is as high as 700 people injured and about 40 people killed. My thoughts and prayers to our neighbors across the pond.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Racist Rapist Targets White Women.
Now I know that the White Plains Galleria has really gone down-hill in recent years, but now it appears, to have sunk to a new low. Apparently the new message here is "white people, shop here at your own risk" especially with nut-jobs like Phillip Grant, the New York Times reports,
WHITE PLAINS, July 5 - The homeless man arrested last week on charges of stabbing a White Plains woman to death near a busy mall told the police that he had waited for hours in a stairwell for a white victim, the Westchester County district attorney's office said on Tuesday.
On the day the victim was buried, prosecutors played a 55-minute videotaped confession at a hearing for the defendant, Phillip Grant, who appeared before a White Plains City Court judge, Eric Press. On the tape, Mr. Grant, who is black, told his interrogator that "the first person I see in this mall that looks white, I'm killing."
You can read the full report Here, but you'll need to sign up for a free account. I don't think The Westchester is going to be too upset over this incident. I suspect whoever didn't shop here before, will now. I'm surprised that people still shop at the Galleria, not that long ago there was a shootout there, and now this. You can't go there without subconsciously checking your wallet every 10 steps, having at least 3 guy friends with you, and parking in an easily accessable location. It's probably more dangerous than a trip to Manhattan these days. At least at The Westchester, the dangers you'll get are the snooty looks from some of the sales clerks there and the only injuries are to your wallets.
WHITE PLAINS, July 5 - The homeless man arrested last week on charges of stabbing a White Plains woman to death near a busy mall told the police that he had waited for hours in a stairwell for a white victim, the Westchester County district attorney's office said on Tuesday.
On the day the victim was buried, prosecutors played a 55-minute videotaped confession at a hearing for the defendant, Phillip Grant, who appeared before a White Plains City Court judge, Eric Press. On the tape, Mr. Grant, who is black, told his interrogator that "the first person I see in this mall that looks white, I'm killing."
You can read the full report Here, but you'll need to sign up for a free account. I don't think The Westchester is going to be too upset over this incident. I suspect whoever didn't shop here before, will now. I'm surprised that people still shop at the Galleria, not that long ago there was a shootout there, and now this. You can't go there without subconsciously checking your wallet every 10 steps, having at least 3 guy friends with you, and parking in an easily accessable location. It's probably more dangerous than a trip to Manhattan these days. At least at The Westchester, the dangers you'll get are the snooty looks from some of the sales clerks there and the only injuries are to your wallets.
Zabasearch
I've sent an email to most people I know about this website. Click HERE to be taken to Zabasearch.com's site where you can plug in your name and see what information pops up. It's kinda scary to see how easy it is to get your information nowadays, just a few mouse clicks away and someone can have your name, date of birth, address and even phone number. I'm not sure where they query this information or what database they search from, but for some reason, some people are on it with pretty much all their personal information availible, while others (thankfully, such as myself) seem to skate below this site's radar. in any case, if your information does appear there, it may be a good idea to email them and request that they remove you from their listing.
Don't be lazy about this either, you could be setting yourself to be an easy mark for identity theft, stalkers, or just some weirdo who has it out for you. We don't have much in the way of privacy anymore these days, especially with big brother watching more and more, so it's vital what we take what steps we can to protect the little bit we still have.
Don't be lazy about this either, you could be setting yourself to be an easy mark for identity theft, stalkers, or just some weirdo who has it out for you. We don't have much in the way of privacy anymore these days, especially with big brother watching more and more, so it's vital what we take what steps we can to protect the little bit we still have.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Happy 4th of July!
I hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July. I, as usual was stuck at work. It seemed like everyone I knew was either at a BBQ at the beach or in the city watching the Macy's fireworks show. I was extremely jealous!
I remember, pre-Guliani, when anyone and everyone bought fireworks. This made Independence day may favorite holiday. Not just blowing stuff up, or lighting off the actual fireworks, but the whole ritual of that time of year. Every year, my friends, my brother and I would make our annual pilgrimage to Chinatown, where people would lay out blankets heapped with fireworks. You could buy nearly anything you wanted short of a full stick of dynamite (that you had to know somebody). Since we were still pretty young, we didn't know Chinatown too well. We always seem to get lost on the way down, even though it was the same route every year - Metronorth to GrandCentral, 6 train to Canal.
Once we'd secured our purchases, we would wander the streets a bit, just eating dim sum and scallion pancakes off the street vendors. Eventually the anticipation would build and we'd rush home to lit something off. BOOM! Those were the days.
I remember, pre-Guliani, when anyone and everyone bought fireworks. This made Independence day may favorite holiday. Not just blowing stuff up, or lighting off the actual fireworks, but the whole ritual of that time of year. Every year, my friends, my brother and I would make our annual pilgrimage to Chinatown, where people would lay out blankets heapped with fireworks. You could buy nearly anything you wanted short of a full stick of dynamite (that you had to know somebody). Since we were still pretty young, we didn't know Chinatown too well. We always seem to get lost on the way down, even though it was the same route every year - Metronorth to GrandCentral, 6 train to Canal.
Once we'd secured our purchases, we would wander the streets a bit, just eating dim sum and scallion pancakes off the street vendors. Eventually the anticipation would build and we'd rush home to lit something off. BOOM! Those were the days.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Chris and Kristy Wedding
So I'm going through all my old accounts and I find an old email from Rich (he send it to me over a month ago) and it's a link to all the photos he took at Chris and Kristy's wedding. I don't have Optimum Online cable anymore, so I forget that I can still recieve email on that old account.
The wedding was such a good time and a long time coming too. Despite all the ups and downs and the numerous fights, and epic battles, somehow we always knew deep down inside that this was the only way these 2 could ever go, getting married in front of all their loved ones.
When you're younger and you start seeing your friends get married, you have a great time, cause it's just great to see all your friends all dressed up and having a great time. As you get older, it's just great to see all your friends, as you realize that you've been seeing them less and less. Whoever said "you never can go home." really hit the nail on the head. Each year that passes, time seems to go by faster and faster. It's that much more important that you can spend it with those you love.
Chris, and Kristy, congratulations! Many, many years of happiness and health! Send me pics of your honeymoon too. I'll post those as well! Kidding! Kidding!
The wedding was such a good time and a long time coming too. Despite all the ups and downs and the numerous fights, and epic battles, somehow we always knew deep down inside that this was the only way these 2 could ever go, getting married in front of all their loved ones.
When you're younger and you start seeing your friends get married, you have a great time, cause it's just great to see all your friends all dressed up and having a great time. As you get older, it's just great to see all your friends, as you realize that you've been seeing them less and less. Whoever said "you never can go home." really hit the nail on the head. Each year that passes, time seems to go by faster and faster. It's that much more important that you can spend it with those you love.
Chris, and Kristy, congratulations! Many, many years of happiness and health! Send me pics of your honeymoon too. I'll post those as well! Kidding! Kidding!
Thai Temple
This is the Thai Temple in Queens. It's cloudy today and the camera on my phone isn't the greatest, so you really can't see how cool the temple looks. It's like an ancient asian pagoda surrounded by old dilapated Queens houses, with the background of Queens boulevard in the background. It really is a nice oasis in the middle of this mess.
Today the founding Monk was visiting from Thailand. So we are very lucky to have come on this particular day. He was only visiting for 10 days and tomorrow he goes back, how's that for timing. We did gave some alms, and recieved blessings, so hopefully since it's coming from such a high source, the blessings will have a little more omph!
Today the founding Monk was visiting from Thailand. So we are very lucky to have come on this particular day. He was only visiting for 10 days and tomorrow he goes back, how's that for timing. We did gave some alms, and recieved blessings, so hopefully since it's coming from such a high source, the blessings will have a little more omph!
Black Chicken
Yeah, I'm not sure what's wrong with me, but I seem to be fascinated by this black chicken. I see it all the time at the asian grocers, yet each time I see I'm mesmorized. I pride myself on being very open minded and being able to eat pretty much anything, but no matter how many times I see this, I think to myself "why is this chicken black???" I wonder what it would look like while it was alive?
Well I went to the asian market as you can see. I didn't buy the black chicken, but we did get a lot of other food. I notice that people here seem pretty rude, they are pushy and don't ever move out of the way. They'll bump you too and never say "sorry". I want to push them, when they do that, but then I guess I'd be a bully.
Well I went to the asian market as you can see. I didn't buy the black chicken, but we did get a lot of other food. I notice that people here seem pretty rude, they are pushy and don't ever move out of the way. They'll bump you too and never say "sorry". I want to push them, when they do that, but then I guess I'd be a bully.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Let's go Mets!
Cliff Floyds 2 homers in yesterday's win against the Yankees was truly the cherry on top of a delicious Sundae. I know I just jinxed the Mets from sweeping the Yankess this series, but that's ok. Last nights game was awesome.
on another note, I hope they don't all get heat stroke out there in the Bronx. I'm there now and it's like 94 degrees, hot, humid and Hazy. Just a miserably hot day.
Another random thought. Due to the nature of my job, there are occasions where I might have to spend some time in hospitals. I have to say most of the time, it's a really shitty experiance, especially when you spend that time in the ER. I know they go through a tremendous amout of stress and they do an admirable job despite the circumstancesa, but it still really, really sucks to have to go there. Now if you are the one that is sick, or someone you care about, it's even worse. I say bring back the Doctors that will make home visits, I mean a majority of hospital stays aren't even for surgery, so why not be treated at home? You'll heal better, be more comfortable and most likely will be more apt to call a doctor, then if you had to go wait in the nightmare that is ER. Anyway that's my 2 cents. Stay cool.
on another note, I hope they don't all get heat stroke out there in the Bronx. I'm there now and it's like 94 degrees, hot, humid and Hazy. Just a miserably hot day.
Another random thought. Due to the nature of my job, there are occasions where I might have to spend some time in hospitals. I have to say most of the time, it's a really shitty experiance, especially when you spend that time in the ER. I know they go through a tremendous amout of stress and they do an admirable job despite the circumstancesa, but it still really, really sucks to have to go there. Now if you are the one that is sick, or someone you care about, it's even worse. I say bring back the Doctors that will make home visits, I mean a majority of hospital stays aren't even for surgery, so why not be treated at home? You'll heal better, be more comfortable and most likely will be more apt to call a doctor, then if you had to go wait in the nightmare that is ER. Anyway that's my 2 cents. Stay cool.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
OSX Tiger
I finally upgraded to Tiger. I was a bit apprehensive, after all, it's so new, you never know if it's been properly tested yet. Anyway the software is great! The dashboard is a lot of fun and everything seems seamless. At first it ran very, very slow, but as you use it more, it gets faster and faster. I've already downloaded a custom widget for the dashboard, such a cool feature! I think I may pick up a web cam at some point to take advantage of the ichat software. In all very happy with this upgrade.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Batman Begins
This is the movie that we Batman fans have been waiting for. I loved the first Batman with Micheal Keaton, but that Tim Burtonesque, cartoony feel to it robbed the movie of all credibility. In fact, without the heavyweight help of a star like Jack Nicholson, that movie might have been a complete flop.
Now, we have a movie that truly explains how a young Bruce Wayne becomes the Dark Knight, the Batman. Nolan, the director, does a great job of explaining Wayne's anguish, his guilt and his failure to get vengence, and therefore closure. Christian Bale is bar none, the best Batman yet. He plays the wealthy aristocrat perfectly, snarled lips, tilted head and snooty attitude and all, yet you have no doubt that he could be a real kickass, bad dude if he wanted. His gadgets as always are absolutely terrific, James Bond would be envious! Liam Neeson, who by now has nearly perfected the role of warrior/mentor, first with the Phantom Menace and now as Bruce Wayne's instructor.
Overall, this movie gets a 5 out of 5 from me, probably the best movie I've seen this year. I rank this movie ahead of "Revenge of the Sith" even. I probably haven't enjoyed a movie this much since "The Incredibles" last year. Enough said, go see this movie now.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Usher at the BlueChili Restaurant
Usher had dinner at Lek's restuarant today. She also met Famke Jansen at their other location. I need to hang out there more.
Korean BBQ
Way too over-priced and they kept getting my order wrong. I ordered the salmon roe and they sent me the salmon roll, even after I pointed to the picture on the menu.
Monday, June 13, 2005
1st Ave. Fair
So I was coming home from the gym yesterday and ran smack into the First Ave. Street Fair. Lots of people and lots of good food all around. I didn't have any money on me, and some of the food looked so good. There were 2 different thai stands and all the food looked great. I hurried home, took and shower and got ready for work. I figured I'd pick something up and chow down on the way there. It was too far to make it back to any of the Thai stands so I went to the nearest food stand. Gyros, hmm too long of a wait and that meat just doesn't look too cooked. Next, I stopped by for a nice juicy sausage and peppers. I ask how much and am told $7.00. Forget it. I settle on McDonalds and have a quarter pounder with cheese and large fries and a large soda instead. Way to really enjoy the fair huh?
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
DMV
I know that universally going to the DMV ranks right up there with getting a root canal or a prostate exam. It's just not a fun experiance. I went in one line, waited 20 minutes, finally got my forms and was instructed to go to line number 2. As I waited in that line I filled out my paperwork and 25 minutes later got to the end of line, where they checked my paperwork and handed me a ticket number. I was B435. I look up on the screen and see A569, I454, C234, F543, D324, E435, and B320. I had over 100 people in the B's ahead of me....
3 hours later, it's not 6pm, yay, I'm done....
3 hours later, it's not 6pm, yay, I'm done....
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Stuck on highway!
So um, we're on the way to Atlantic City and putt, putt, putt. Danny's car ran out of gas. Here we are stranded waiting for help. HELP!
What the hell happened?
What a whirlwind the past 16-24 hours have been. I'm going to sum it up as succinctly as possible, but believe me, it's not easy to cram all this into one quick post. Any way as you can see from the last post, we're going to Atlantic City. We're going not for a bachelor party or anything like that, but we 6 are going down there to see the UFC fight. How cool is that?
.
So the antics start early on as you can see when Danny's car runs out of gas en route (You're an adult for craps sake!). Yes, we have no gas on the Garden State Parkway. Luckily we've got some help as a pal is kind enough to swing by on his out to AC (he actually is going to a bachelor's party), and bring us some gas.
Now we're finally there at AC, and Seth makes googie eyes at the receptionist, so now we get our room for nearly half off! Nice! We drop off and head down to the all you can eat buffet. Luke, a good man indeed, proceeds to put on an incredible display, I dare say Homer Simpsonish in his gluttonly, some of the most impressive display of Alaskan King Crab legs devouring ever! He's got his own little system where he'll pick and pry out all the meat from the massive pile of legs on his plate and pile it all into one massive heap, where he then drowns the entire smorgasbord in drawn butter...Yummy, stinky fingers and a heart attack!
We get to the fight and incredibly, this goes without a hitch. Every single fight was exciting and there was plenty of action. If you were a fan of the reality show "The Ultimate Fighter" then you'd have recognized Nate Quarry and Forrest Griffin, who both won their respective matches (and in convincing fashion). Ringside you'd have seen Josh Koschek and Chris Leben, and even an appearance by Randy Coulture himself. Joe Rogan is still doing comentary for the UFC and that's ok, I like Joe.
After the UFC fights, we end up going back to the hotel, fight like bitches over the iron (what? we were wrinkly), get to the Bogarto, "talk" our way past that long line into a "hot" bar, that's got such a poor female to male ratio that it's a cockfest. We ring up a nearly $500 bar tab, and somehow get kicked out. Then we split up, some preferring boobies to blackjack, go back out in search of "dancing girls" while Luke and I stay in and try our hand at Texas Holdem. I actually win for once, but Luke takes a beating....
Next thing I know we're on our way back to NY, we've got an injured crew member, Danny's got what looks like a busted hand! Now it's 10am in the morning, none of us have slept or ate and we're waiting for x-rays. I'm all over the place, I know, but like I said. No sleep! Now I'm home. And I'm tired. Good bye. That will be all.
.So the antics start early on as you can see when Danny's car runs out of gas en route (You're an adult for craps sake!). Yes, we have no gas on the Garden State Parkway. Luckily we've got some help as a pal is kind enough to swing by on his out to AC (he actually is going to a bachelor's party), and bring us some gas.
Now we're finally there at AC, and Seth makes googie eyes at the receptionist, so now we get our room for nearly half off! Nice! We drop off and head down to the all you can eat buffet. Luke, a good man indeed, proceeds to put on an incredible display, I dare say Homer Simpsonish in his gluttonly, some of the most impressive display of Alaskan King Crab legs devouring ever! He's got his own little system where he'll pick and pry out all the meat from the massive pile of legs on his plate and pile it all into one massive heap, where he then drowns the entire smorgasbord in drawn butter...Yummy, stinky fingers and a heart attack!
We get to the fight and incredibly, this goes without a hitch. Every single fight was exciting and there was plenty of action. If you were a fan of the reality show "The Ultimate Fighter" then you'd have recognized Nate Quarry and Forrest Griffin, who both won their respective matches (and in convincing fashion). Ringside you'd have seen Josh Koschek and Chris Leben, and even an appearance by Randy Coulture himself. Joe Rogan is still doing comentary for the UFC and that's ok, I like Joe.
After the UFC fights, we end up going back to the hotel, fight like bitches over the iron (what? we were wrinkly), get to the Bogarto, "talk" our way past that long line into a "hot" bar, that's got such a poor female to male ratio that it's a cockfest. We ring up a nearly $500 bar tab, and somehow get kicked out. Then we split up, some preferring boobies to blackjack, go back out in search of "dancing girls" while Luke and I stay in and try our hand at Texas Holdem. I actually win for once, but Luke takes a beating....
Next thing I know we're on our way back to NY, we've got an injured crew member, Danny's got what looks like a busted hand! Now it's 10am in the morning, none of us have slept or ate and we're waiting for x-rays. I'm all over the place, I know, but like I said. No sleep! Now I'm home. And I'm tired. Good bye. That will be all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
