Zen Driving

Jersey Shore

2010-01-25T12:58:00.000-05:00

Anybody seen the show they call the Jersey Shore? Of course you have. Motherfuckers is raw on that show, rockin' and jockin' on the sandy, dirty, filthy beaches of the west coast of Jersey. Gorilla juiced to the max dudes, biceps the size of a regular dude's thighs. Ladies got breasts that a few years from now will surely hang down to their hips. Hair so high on the men and the women that it takes a bottle of gel, hair-spray, and molding paste on each individuals head, just to get ready to go down to the beach and take a dip in the water. Days start off with visits to the gym to get those muscles poppin'. Next stop is the tanning salon because lets be honest, you don't come to the shore to actually expose yourself to the vile Jersey air, garbage strewn sand, and the medical waste filled water. Last stop is the laundry to get the jeans pressed and the skin-tight shirts ready for the fist puppin', pelvis thrustin', promiscuity that will ensue on the dance floor much much later in the day. All this only leaves enough time for a nice family style meal of pasta, sausage and peppers, and a little red wine (it's good for the heart). They eat together what seems like every evening, coming together briefly in what actually resembles a family. Ironically this is the one act during the day that seems normal but is it really? No family gets to eat their evening meals together everyday anymore. So I say that this family style meal, bringing normality to the lifestyle of these young adults, is really not normal for the rest of us at all. It further alienates this group from what we consider to be the normal behavior throughout our day.
The night is usually kicked off with at a minimum of 2 hours of preparation of makeup, hair product, shaving, etc. and that is just for the guys. A pre-game of liquor, vodka, rum, for zen cocktails ensues and the group gets ready to go out and cause havoc. A good night it will be if no one gets into a fight. The juice that flows through the male Jersey Shore veins and that attracts the ladies is the same juice that causes innumerable highly nonathletic brawls. Yes, nonathletic is the word. Although there's a lot of brawn and tanned flesh, there's not much finesse on the dance floor. What you see is fist pumping, beat thumping, and egos on display in a bacchanal on the boardwalk of the Jersey Shore. This is where entire generations have been flocking to let their hormones run free and finally, someone has captured this right of passage for our viewing pleasure.

In the room

2009-12-27T22:43:00.000-05:00

Sitting with my back against the wall here in the hospital room. The mood is good and light. The health seems to be getting better. What lurks underneath the surface and around the corner?
It still seems that we will be ushering in the new decade in a hospital room. My mother is recuperating, trying to gain her strength back, day by day. She tries her best to move her arms and legs, weighed down by the inflammation in the nerves in her spine, rendering her slow and sluggish, confining her to the bed. It seems that we have a hell of a lot of time to do what we might otherwise not get time to do. It seems like we might get to work on writing or other projects with all the down time here in the hospital. But there is no down time. Last week there was none. Now it seems like there is some opening up slowly. Doctors and nurses come and go. Aides come and go. Blood is drawn for tests, blood sugar is checked, steroids are given, anti-biotics are pushed, pills are swallowed. Sleep comes every now and then. The rest of the time there is some time but one has to eat, and go to the bathroom, talk on the phone to one's relatives. Answer phone calls, return phone calls, make phone calls, send text messages, read emails, send emails. Where's the time for creativity?

Marisa Miller

2009-12-03T13:35:00.001-05:00

2009-06-19T12:21:00.001-04:00

You ain't shy the game
you shy the fame
you shy the style
you shy the guile.
I came to the front with my guns blastin'
now i got mad sticks and stones
hurlin and shit when the times is raw.
I got fuel and molitovs to throw
burn your whole house down
burn your whole crop down
burn your whole town down
burn your whole world down.
Remember you ain't shy the game.
You shy cuz you lame.

2009-05-26T16:49:00.001-04:00

Pump Hustle

2009-05-26T16:36:00.001-04:00

You try and pump hustle for the game.
Losin' toughs on the job.
Cut loose what you can't keep in ya heart.
Cut that shit loose or it'll eat ya up.
Cut that shit loose or it'll beat ya up.
I got 4 shots fired on da men in da suits.
I got 4 shots fired on da men in da boots.
I got 40 shots fired gainst the perps.
Take ya pills and come at 'em 10 fold.
That's how you work the shit when you workin' for shit.
Workin' the shit like ya bitch works the dick.
Cock strong like a perced up juicer.
Got me washin' ma hands in the sewer.
Gettin' dirtier and dirtier cause it's all just sweat.
Sweat and tears they say but that shit ain't true.
Wax poetic and fuck the pussy while you got it.
Fuck that shit hard and make that paper.
Shove that paper and fuck that pussy.
Fuck pussy, hustle paper, fuck pussy.

Shippin' game on da low.

2009-05-26T00:52:00.001-04:00

Dancin' sheep and croppin' buglesI ain't never been to the deep hole south.
Shoutin' at the hoverin' ground.
Dippin' on chippin' sulfur.
Sippin' of true blood cause I got the true blood.
I got simple shit goin' all the way dippin' on shit.
Cappin' niggaz in the dirty funerosities.
I got mad skillz like da vampire virtuosities.
Gramps is interested in the civil and the world.
I got answers for it all cause I got cappin' trappers,
They got to know I got the money comin'.
Shit the fuckers cause I got the humpty dumpty.
Make money, make money.
Ducats.

slingin' rocks

2009-05-07T17:14:00.001-04:00

Sling rocks on the side
Not for the papa
For the thrill of the capa
Doin' shady things on the dl
I gots to keep it real and pound the pavement
hustlin' papa makin' deals, bustin' shit
don't underestimate me, i ain't no mall cop
like Paul Blart I make the biz.

Blu & Exile

2009-05-03T17:06:00.001-04:00

Blu & Exile
Below the Heavens

Supa delicious new album I discovered.

ducats

2009-05-03T17:00:00.001-04:00

I'm tryin' to get them ducats big time.
Work hard, make money, float paper, make more.
Get ma girl mad female jewels, for my jewel.
Got the freshest clothes and the dopest pad.
TV so big it you get scared watchin' animal planet.
Work hard, make money, float paper, make more.
Make the ladies so wet I need to carry around shamwows.
Old school to new school. I is the school. Elementary, grade, junior, high, junior college, 4 year degree in the works.
Put it on the plate, lap it up. Toast to the gangsta hustle.
Work hard, make money, float paper, make more.

Bulls-Celtics

2009-05-02T21:41:00.001-04:00

Watching game 7 of the Bulls-Celtics first round series right now. Arguably one of the best NBA playoff series' of all time. One thing that really struck me when watching these teams play over the past week and half has been the physical level of play. Even away from the ball both teams have been battling.
Lets see what goes down.

Been livin'?

2009-04-28T22:25:00.000-04:00

I been livin' but not really.
Puttin' off mad shit till the last minute.
I got a head start but my head don't start.
Fueled by the addy. Sippin' on da bull.
I got great motor skills but the neurons don't fire.
I'm on fire with the heat of the summer.
Time advancin' like the heat on a pusher.
Slippin' by and I'm sippin' mine.
Drinkin' ma youth till I got nothin' left.
Greys slowly creepin' in.
Don't fret too much cuz they're on ma chin.
And I no longer got the month long beard.
Fresh faced, fusion power to the face.
Now I gotta be out so I could get back to loungin.
Mets on the screen, bottom of the ninth.
Down 3 and they down me.

Snow Flurries!

2009-04-08T14:27:00.001-04:00

Can you believe that there are snow flurries in NYC this morning? It was 68 degrees on Sunday and today we had snow flurries. The weather is unbelievable.

I just got a new computer. The 20" iMac 2.66ghz Intel Core 2 Due. It is amazing to say the least. The monitor is crisp and beautiful, the sound is amazing, the Leopard operating system is so user-friendly, and the keyboard and mouse are a joy to use. I can't say enough about this all-in-one unit.

No more beard as you can see. It was huge last week but it had to go. I had it for 4 solid weeks. We had some good times together, no, they were great times.

Watchin' Movies.

2009-03-30T19:18:00.001-04:00

Been watching a lot of movies lately. Downloading from iwillsearch4u.com and isohunt.com (only releases by axxo for good quality movies).
Movie after movie after movie on my laptop. Wastin' away, wilin' away. Seein' what's out there by lookin' through a window.
Weather's turnin' good outside. It's 6pm and it's not even dark yet.
Got so much going on in the next couple of months. Can't fail. Too much ridin' on all this.

Watching "The Last Winter" right now. Set in the in the Alaskan Tundra. Global warming eco horror drama. Looks interesting so far. Ron Perlman, the coach's wife from Friday Night Lights, the coach's daughter's bf from that show, and the amusinly kookly Kevin Corrigan. Shit is about to get real. Gettin' ready to brace myself. Dude is about to get bucked.
Have to make it over to the gym. Abs, abs, abs. That's what it's all about right now. Nothin' wrong with that right? Gotta get them abs right. Do I really even need to step outside my apartment to do that? It's gonna take a considerable amount of effort.

Been working and playing in a MacBook as of late. Beutiful machine it is. Nothing like it. Everything works so well and flawlessly. Keyboard feels good underneath the fingers. The iChat feature is awesome. Video chat works great. It's such a small unit, yet the screen is bright and vivid. Can't say enough good things about it.

I've got a 6 week beard going on right now. Now one tolerates it. Not my parents, my friends, or my girlfriend. I feel the exact opposite about it. It is great. PhotoBooth picture attached. It feels so good on the face, all that hair. And of course there's the added benefit of not having to shave most of your face. All that manliness on my face.
The beard does need to be combed several times a day, always after eating and washing my mouth as hairs are displaced, and after I inadvertantly touch it to play with it.

I spend most of my day at my desk working, doing research, and studying. Pretty much the entire time, I'm being stared at by my fish. They never blink, they just stare.
It's very calming to have my aquarium right next to my fish tank.

Movie Makin'

2009-03-25T23:14:00.001-04:00

I spent some of my day helping out a friend of mine who is making a short comedy sketch. It is to be about 8 minutes when edited and done and he hopes he will have enough ideas and viewers that he will continue with it to make a web-series. It's mildly entertaining comedy to say the least but I wanted to be a part of it because I have never been a part of a short or film in any way before. It's interesting to see how the camera, actors, script, and scenery blend together to create a final product. I held the boom microphone over the actors to capture their audio while we were recording on the street and I recorded some voice overs. It's nothing at all but I wanted to see what the whole filming process is like.
It makes me want to write something that is worth making a short or a film from.

2009-02-11T13:32:00.001-05:00

Gorgeous weather in the NYC today (61 degrees - No wind). Can't ask for anything more.
Is Spring coming early or is mother nature just teasing us?

You're Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush

2009-02-09T15:31:00.001-05:00

Comedian Will Ferrell stars as George W. Bush in this take on the former President of the United States.

After playing George W. Bush on Saturday Night Live for many years, funny man Will Ferrell brings his impression to Broadway to send up the 43rd President of the United States of America.
Plays through March 15th at the Cort Theater on 48th Street.

Been a long time...

2009-02-09T14:30:00.001-05:00

So long it has been since I posted here last. So much has happened, mostly good, mostly good.
I'm once again stuck in a bubble of confusion as to how to proceed with my professional career. I've been presented with an opportunity for work and to start my own business but I have not secured the contract yet and am thus stuck in limbo. The state of the economy has finally struck me directly as I'm finding it hard to secure new business. People are reluctant to spend and invest money at this time.

My semester starts next week. I've been looking forward to the start of my classes, a feeling I haven't felt in a long time. I finished up last semester real strong with great grades. I've found fulfillment in the learning process. I'm taking 12 credits and should get my degree after finishing up my remaining 6 credits over the summer session. That means that by the end of August I should have my degree, finally.

I started taking Adderall in October and it has helped me tremendously with concentration, focus, and drive. I've reached an age where I'm mature enough to take the medication properly. I understand the intricacies of the medication in respect to how it works and how my body responds to it. That was always a problem in the past.
A surge of ambition has arrived. Actually, it was always there, I was just not able to harness it.

The coming months will be interesting.

2008-08-24T19:13:00.001-04:00

make your face too

James Bond

2008-08-24T18:21:00.000-04:00

via: observed by satellites

2008-08-24T17:33:00.000-04:00

via: Tumblinas

Amazing Olympic Photos

2008-08-24T10:57:00.000-04:00

http://stuff.thdesign.be/forum/varia/OS.html

Sony Ericsson W350a

2008-08-23T21:32:00.000-04:00

Cool new Walkman cell phone from Sony Ericcson: W350a

2008-08-21T17:29:00.001-04:00

"The U.S. pays American medal winners $25,000 for gold, $15,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze medals."
How Much Do Olympic Athletes Earn?

Rap represented in mathematical charts and graphs

2008-08-20T23:20:00.000-04:00

http://www.jamphat.com/rap/

2008-08-20T22:42:00.000-04:00

" They say they caught me with some porn or whatever. I'm 30 years old. I'm too old to be caught with it. I have it. Now what?! "
Kanye West: A to Z Style and Design in Complex.

2008-08-20T22:23:00.000-04:00

2008-08-19T10:36:00.001-04:00

via: http://artmir.nnm.ru/work_by_jeffrey_vanhoutte

"After Dives, Rinsing Off and Raising Eyebrows"

2008-08-19T10:25:00.001-04:00

From the NY Times article:

"The pool is 79 degrees, and when the divers come out, they are cold. Since there is often a long wait between dives, they shower to keep their muscles warm."
"The showers are very hot, and it keeps your body warm," said Arturo Miranda, a Canadian diver. "You want to be able to keep your body temperature very high, so your muscles are ready to go."

OK, that makes sense. But why do they insist on filming all the divers taking showers? I mean, I'm all for it but how is no one offended by it?

Wired Magazine

2008-08-15T00:16:00.001-04:00

Wired Magazine article:

Cheats of Strength: 10 Next-Gen Olympic Doping Methods

2008-08-11T20:55:00.001-04:00

NY Times - Science Section: Handle with Care

Paramount's Rain of Madness Mockumentary Trailer

2008-08-08T13:24:00.001-04:00

"Before the thunder… comes the madness. If you're a true film buff, you should be familiar with a documentary titled Hearts of Darkness about the making of Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now. Paramount has just unleashed their killer marketing tactic for Tropic Thunder - a mockumentary titled Rain of Madness about the making of the film that completely mimics Hearts of Darkness. I'm going to completely admit that hot damn this looks amazing. I thought Tropic Thunder looked fantastic and now they throw this out there?! The summer is definitely not over yet! As far as I can tell, this is literally a complete documentary about the making of the movie that they're making within Tropic Thunder that I'm guessing will be available online. This is absolutely brilliant - bravo Paramount! Be sure to catch this trailer."

...article by Alex Billington

Wired: Nuclear blasts show terrifying power

2008-07-28T11:29:00.001-04:00

Photos of nuclear blasts and tests conducted by the U.S. in the 1940's.

New MacBook

2008-07-24T10:16:00.001-04:00

My mom just got a new MacBook and I've been playing around with it. It is awesome! I am a new convert.

I took this photo using the built in camera and the photobooth program. So much fun.

Ophthalmologist visit

2008-07-23T14:00:00.001-04:00

I went to see the ophthalmologist yesterday. What's with the device that you rest your head and chin on so the doctor can examine you? Why do they have the tear away sheets for the chin rest but not the forehead rest? I feel like foreheads are dirtier than chins. I put my head into the machine and my forehead is always confronted with a greasy piece of plastic while the tear-away chin rest piece taunts me with its cleanliness.

Country, the City Version: Farms in the Sky Gain New Interest

2008-07-14T21:57:00.001-04:00

New York Times: Towers of Food

Dickson Despommier, a professor of public health at Columbia University, hopes to spread his vision for "vertical farms" -- 30-story towers that could feed thousands of people. He created the concept in 1999 with his graduate students, and it has since captured the imagination of architects and various city planners. The following images are artistic renderings of what some of these farms of the future might look like.

Insectivore Edible Bugs

2008-07-06T15:58:00.001-04:00

Enjoy some insect delicacies thanks to the Insectivore collection of edible bugs. Choose from tasty treats like Thai Curry Crickets, Giant Toasted Leafcutter Ants, Mopani Worms, Toffee Scorpion Candy, and Giant Hornet's Honey.

For those with a palette for carnivorous treats there is also Reindeer pate and Thai Green Crocodile Curry.

2008-07-02T11:16:00.001-04:00

What a miserable disease this cancer is. And just as miserable is the chemotherapy treatment that one must undergo to stop it's spread.

Picture found here.

2008-06-17T22:46:00.001-04:00

From: FFFFound!

2008-06-17T14:55:00.001-04:00

I do the same thing!

...from Postsecret

The Tri-State's Top 1,434 Physicians

2008-06-12T13:19:00.003-04:00

New York Magazine's 2008 list of the best physicians, listed by specialty, in the tri-state area.

Who picks the doctors?
A New York City research and information company, Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. publishes an annual guidebook titled Top Doctors: New York Metro Area, which lists those whom Castle Connolly has determined to be the top 10 percent of the region's physicians—more than 6,000 in all.

How does Castle Connolly decide which doctors are the best?
The firm conducts a peer-review survey. The idea is that medical professionals are best qualified to judge other medical professionals, and if one recommendation is good (think of your doctor referring you to a specialist), multiple recommendations are better.

The 20 best movie twists of all time

2008-06-12T13:17:00.001-04:00

Spoiler Alert

NYC Bicyclists Get Their Own MapQuest

2008-06-10T22:03:00.001-04:00

"The good old New York City Bike Map is about to face some stiff competition. On Sunday, three enterprising cyclists launched "Ride the City," a web site that finds the safest and most efficient routes for those on two wheels. Here's how it works."

Via: http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/06/10/nyc-bicyclists-get-their-own-mapquest/

Can't wait to get back into the city and find some cool routes.

Unpleasant surprise

2008-06-09T23:32:00.001-04:00

Here I am on a Monday evening, marooned in a hospital room, dealing with the most unexpected of events; my mother has cancer. What started out as lower back pain a few weeks back escalated into searing pain in the mid section, resulting in a visit to the emergency room 9 days ago. Tests followed, and last Tuesday there was laproscopic surgery to take tissue samples. Preliminary tests have shown cancer, definitely in the lymph nodes and possibly in other parts of the body as well. The point of origin has yet to be determined. Pathology reports will come back this week which will tell us the extent of the cancer spread, how far along it has progressed, and possibly a point of origin. Then a protocol can be set up to treat the cancer with chemo-therapy. There are too many lesions for surgical removal of the cancer.

This is all happening to a woman who has never smoked, rarely drinks, eats mostly organic foods, always takes care of her body, and practices yoga daily. The first thought that came to my mind when the surgeon told us after performing the laproscopy, that he suspected cancer, was what a fucked up world we live in that something like this is happening to such a good hearted, clean living person with no other medical problems. This thing really snuck up on us. I always suspected that something like this might happen, being that my mother has a close family history of cancer, her mother had breast and ovarian cancer, her sister is currently battling breast cancer, and her father's mother also had cancer. I never pictured we would have to deal with this at such a young age (she is 59) and I never thought it would be so omnipresent in her body.

It took 3 days to come to the realization that this was something that we were going to fight no matter what. We have supportive friends and family and that is a major help. We will fight this.

300 Calorie Food Picture Gallery

2008-06-08T00:23:00.001-04:00

300 Calorie Food Picture Gallery

The calculated weights of food that equal 300 calories with pictures. Look how just the slightest bit of mayo = 300 calories.

By the way, I don't believe in counting calories. You should learn what your body needs and feed it properly based on your hunger. Eat if you feel like eatin', kna'mean?

New York Magazine - The Coffee Junkie’s Guide to Caffeine Addiction

2008-06-04T14:37:00.001-04:00

We're hooked like never before. Is that bad?

Audioslave - Like a stone

2008-06-01T23:00:00.001-04:00

Muxtape Stumbler

2008-05-31T17:19:00.001-04:00

http://www.muxtapestumbler.com/

"Welcome to Muxtape Stumbler, our sole intention is to help you discover new music by finding Muxtapes (online mixtapes) that contain bands you already know.

A Muxtape is an online mixtape, everyone can create one, so if you havn't already go to and create at www.muxtape.com "

Doom

2008-05-30T02:40:00.001-04:00

I'm watching Doom on TV right now. The only good thing about this movie is that it stars the beautiful Rosamund Pike. More pics of her here.

2008-05-27T22:36:00.001-04:00

"When was the last time you thought of Brains from Thunderbirds? When was the last time you heard Rhythm is a Dancer by Snap? When was the the last time you saw an advert this good?

A new TV ad for drench water featuring Brains from Thunderbirds dancing to 90s Classic ‘Rhythm is a Dancer’ by SNAP! "

Via: http://hrrrthrrr.tumblr.com/

Where babies come from in Germany

2008-05-27T12:05:00.001-04:00

Worth the click!

Bicycle ride

2008-05-26T23:28:00.001-04:00

Went for a nice long bicycle ride up to, through, and around Central Park, and then down the West side highway. I have not really learned to tolerate and respectfully avoid pedestrians along crosswalks quite yet. I always break and give them enough room to cross, or skillfully swerve through groups of people, in my mind at least. I can tell that many of them get scared as I'm passing them because they're not sure where exactly it is that I'm headed. I should really brake sooner and leave more space as I pass them. It's because I'm still too anxious with excitement when I'm flying down the NYC streets on my bicycle.

Show me the money

2008-05-26T23:01:00.002-04:00

Well, it has finally and inevitably happened. I have depleted my checking account 2 months into my New York city move. Me being the way I am, one who feels unmotivated to do anything unless there is a crisis situation, I have finally reached that crisis financial situation. It should be said that this has never happened in my entire life before and I do have money invested but I don't want to liquidate my assets just to survive. I'm actually in trouble of having a check bounce and not just any check; I wrote a $100 check for a friend's wedding reception which I attended on Saturday night. I would forever be deemed a deadbeat if that check is allowed to bounce. Tomorrow I will make moves on securing some type of full-time employment. NYC is a huge financial drain not fathomable to a person charting out expenses on an excel spreadsheet before making the move into the city.

Now, there is the serious question of what type of employment to delve into as I have worked in 2 differing industries since I formally joined the workforce several years ago. Needless to say, both industries led me to no consolation of having found a suitable career path for myself. I have been thinking about bar tending for a while so as to postpone the inevitable act of deciding on a career commitment. It would buy me some more time while I finished up my degree. You have to take a course to become a bartender which doesn't quite sit right with me. I feel like I would really be admitting defeat in the sense that I would be formally committing myself to this transient profession by signing up for and taking a class. I'll debate doing this further while I sip my morning coffee tomorrow which always brings me a surge of motivation and hopefulness.

2008-05-18T12:56:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I look at my friends' friendster profiles, looking at pictures of them and other people, even though I refuse to create a friendster, facebook, or myspace profile for myself.

2008-05-18T12:03:00.001-04:00

This morning when I poured the half and half into my coffee the mixture looked liked miso soup. I think the half and half has gone bad.

Mets Win 7 to 4!

2008-05-17T16:28:00.001-04:00

The first game of the Mets-Yanks subway series took place today after a rain-out yesterday. The Mets hammered it home with the long ball and took the first game emphatically from the Yanks. Johan Santana was stellar and the Mets' bats were solid. Billy Wagner closed it out with a solid 4 out 2 inning save. Great game!

2008-05-15T13:50:00.001-04:00

From: http://jackieheartsb.tumblr.com/

"I like a woman who wants to rule the world…but she has to be okay with me wanting to destroy it."

— my co-worker on the "type" he is attracted to.

Researchers Seek to Demystify the Metabolic Magic of Sled Dogs

2008-05-08T20:35:00.001-04:00

Just read an article in the New York Times Science section about military funded researchers at Oklahoma State and Texas A&M university who are studying the metabolism of sled dogs who run the Iditarod race in Alaska. The military spending is clearly in the eternal pursuit of building the super soldier for our military. The dogs are interesting though. Apparently they change their metabolism right before they start running the 1,100 mile long race and go from a metabolism that is similar to ours to one similar to that of a person at rest. They burn less fat and glycogen during this period and thus don't reach that feeling of burn out as easily as we do. These dogs run 100 miles per day and average 230 calories burnt per pound of weight. In contrast a cyclist in the Tour de France will burn 100 calories per pound of weight. The dogs' ability to burn more calories without resorting to the fat and glycogen stores ensures that they don't chew up their reserves and thus avoid the worst aspects of fatigue.

The article first made me marvel at the sled dogs, a perfect machine created by nature. Then it made me disgusted as to how our government might use this research to alter the physiology of our soldiers to make them "run" longer and harder. I suppose a lot of our medical and technological breakthroughs must have come in this way.

Science

Researchers Seek to Demystify the Metabolic Magic of Sled Dogs

By DOUGLAS ROBSON

Published: May 6, 2008

Scientists are studying sled dogs that run the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in an attempt to understand why the dogs are "fatigue-proof."

The 75 Skills Every Man Should Master

2008-05-08T13:15:00.001-04:00

A man can be expert in nothing, but he must be practiced in many things. Skills. You don't have to master them all at once. You simply have to collect and develop a certain number of skills as the years tick by. People count on you to come through. That's why you need these, to start.

By Tom Chiarella

Esquire Magazine

http://www.esquire.com/features/essential-skills-0508

Hackers' posts on epilepsy forum cause migraines, seizures

2008-05-08T12:47:00.001-04:00

May 7, 7:29 PM EDT

"Hackers' posts on epilepsy forum cause migraines, seizures "

By JORDAN ROBERTSON
AP Technology Writer

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Computer attacks typically don't inflict physical pain on their victims.

But in a rare example of an attack apparently motivated by malice rather than money, hackers recently bombarded the Epilepsy Foundation's Web site with hundreds of pictures and links to pages with rapidly flashing images.

The breach triggered severe migraines and near-seizure reactions in some site visitors who viewed the images. People with photosensitive epilepsy can get seizures when they're exposed to flickering images, a response also caused by some video games and cartoons.

The attack happened when hackers exploited a security hole in the foundation's publishing software that allowed them to quickly make numerous posts and overwhelm the site's support forums.

Within the hackers' posts were small flashing pictures and links - masquerading as helpful - to pages that exploded with kaleidoscopic images pulsating with different colors.

"They were out to create seizures," said Ken Lowenberg, senior director of Web and print publishing for the foundation.

http://news.wired.com/dynamic/stories/T/TECHBIT_EPILEPSY_FOUNDATION_HACKED?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2008-05-07-19-29-17&reload=true

Chaiten volcano eruption - Chile

2008-05-07T13:44:00.003-04:00

A cloud of smoke and ashes produced by intensified eruption of the Chaiten volcano are seen over Chaiten on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, in southern Chile. The eruption spewed incandescent material and blated ash some 20 miles (30 kilometers) into the Andean sky, forcing authorities to a complete evacuation of the area.

Guy Ritchie Makes A Kick Ass Nike Commercial

2008-05-06T16:04:00.001-04:00

"Advertising is officially changing for the better. Thank the lord.

Companies are coughing up top dollar to hire amazing talents to create ad campaigns that people won't fast-forward through using DVR devices.

This is the first in a series of mini-movies that Guy Ritchie will create for Nike. Follow his creations on Nike's Youtube Channel."

-via The Bastardly

Back from South Beach

2008-05-05T15:31:00.001-04:00

I just got back from South Beach, Miami after a 5 day bachelor party for one of my friends. What a trip! There were beautiful women everywhere. Details to follow...

"We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out."

— Ray Bradbury

GTA IV

2008-04-28T01:52:00.000-04:00

"Grand Theft Auto Takes On New York"

New York Times Review

I can't wait to play this game!

The Life of a NJ guido - Great article

2008-04-26T16:02:00.001-04:00

Strutting Season
At the Jersey Shore, Guidos Are Pumped for the Prime of Their Lives

By Libby Copeland
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, July 6, 2003; Page D05

Movies

2008-04-24T15:50:00.001-04:00

I've been watching "Die Hard" (1988) on TV for the past couple of hours. You know, that's the one that happens in L.A. in the Nakatomi Towers. John McLaine is a barefoot machine gun wielding badass who saves the hostages from the terrorists. Yippee Kaya Motherfucker!

Also, "Cool Hand Luke" was on today. This is one of my favorite films of all time. There is Paul Newman as "Luke", the irrepressible inmate that everybody loves. There's his buddy, "Dragline" (a young George Kennedy), and there's the warden, whose presence is always felt underneath his mirror shades. The hot sun glows in every scene and you can literally feel the heat. Every scene is poignant; the busty girl provocatively washing her car as the inmates look on lustily, Luke left standing after he refuses to go down after his boxing match with Dragline, Luke lying on the table looking like Jesus on the cross after winning the bet to eat 50 eggs, and Luke playing the banjo and singing by himself after he hears the news of his mother dying. The movie goes on and we see Luke's exploits as he attempts unsuccessfully time after time to escape from prison. Each time breaking his friends' hearts and ours too as he is caught and dragged back. Great movie.

2008-04-23T18:37:00.001-04:00

Found on: http://nevver.tumblr.com/

BK

2008-04-23T15:32:00.001-04:00

"Oh Burger King, you are gross. This is the new BK Cheesy Bacon Wrapper, which gives breakfast the Famous Bowl treatment by including eggs, bacon, cheese, and HASH BROWNS in a sloppily wrapped tortilla. Add your own maple syrup for a truly memorable heart attack."

http://fatmanatee.tumblr.com/post/32530417

- I have to say that I have thought about snacking on this delightful concoction more than once. I have not worked up the courage quite yet.

Pathway Poo

2008-04-23T15:28:00.001-04:00

NYC was recently voted the U.S.'s most dog friendly city. There are dogs everywhere, small dogs, medium sized dogs, and dogs so big that their shits are bigger than their owner's shits. I like dogs but really find it vile that they are constantly shitting all over the sidewalks even though their owners pick up after them. Still, there are shit streaks everywhere on the sidewalk from scooped poo and sometimes there's even unscooped poo. You ever look at the dogs faces when they are doing their deed on the sidewalk? More often than not they have a look of humiliation on their faces for having to shit out in public in front of everyone. Can you imagine having to shit out in public with everyone watching you? Talk about pressure.

2008-04-21T02:40:00.002-04:00

Sunday night post. I thought there would have been more of a crowd out tonight because of the Passover holiday. I was not right as it was not much more of a crowd than there normally is in the West Village on a Sunday night. I'm not that person that plans in advance for a night out with friends. I, most of the time, usually just stumble into the night and what I am doing. I'm not a planner you know. I just go with what happens to be going on or try to get a couple of people out at the last minute because of my whim at the particular time. Living in the city has been ideal because it has let me be as I am and meddle in, if you will, with whatever plans are going on at the time. My meddling must turn up more women or it is all for nothing. There is an abundance of beautiful women in this city and it blows my mind on a daily basis. Every type of girl that you could ever want, and every one, beautiful. Here's to the city, and especially the plethora of beautiful girls that populate it.

2008-04-20T14:10:00.001-04:00

On Friday night I went back home to have dinner with my parents and since it was late I spent the night there. On Saturday we installed my parents new flat panel TV on the family room wall and I helped them with some other work around the house. We had dinner at my dad's favorite Italian restaurant and then they dropped me back at my apartment. As we were driving back from the restaurant my parents mentioned how nice it was to have me spend the day with them and that they couldn't remember the last time they spent that much time with me. Even though I had been living at home until last month, for most of my life, when I was at home I was quite aloof. As I had suspected for some time, my moving out will better my relationship with my parents. Secretly, I had a nice time with them as well.

I have returned to my apartment with a coffee maker...Thank god! I'm sipping a cup of fresh brew that I just made and there is nothing better. It sets the day off right and keeps my system in check (keeps me regular).

2008-04-16T14:06:00.001-04:00

On matters of style, swim with the current. On matters of principle, stand like a rock.

— Thomas Jefferson

(Found on http://asimko.com/post/31786232)

2008-04-16T14:04:00.001-04:00

Nothing screams "use birth control" quite as loudly as the (hilarious) Mutual Community Health Insurance advertisements…

(Found on... http://asimko.com/post/31850600)

Budhia Singh

2008-04-15T19:05:00.001-04:00

Budhia Singh is a 6 year old boy from India who has run several marathons. Kid can hustle. His supreme athleticism was what caught my eye and then his story got me even more interested in him.

Budhia has participated in races up to 37.3 miles in length and finished them in under 6 1/2 hours.

He was recently in the news because his coach was shot dead a few days ago. There have been accusations that the coach tortured and forced Budhia to run.

Regardless, this kid is an athletic phenomenon who has come from absolute poverty. I hope he turns out OK because there is already so much controversy and exploitation surrounding him and his feats.

Wiki Article on Budhia

BBC News article from 2005

Article citing abuse

Which 30 Rock character are you?

2008-04-14T14:43:00.002-04:00

Which 30 Rock Character Are You?

More on 30 Rock. Created by BuddyTV

2008-04-14T14:26:00.001-04:00

Why, even though I look at my watch at least 100 times a day, am I still unable to stick to a schedule or start and finish things on time?

I got a fever...

2008-04-12T12:15:00.001-04:00

...and the only prescription is more cowbell!

More Cowbell - video powered by Metacafe

The 50 Greatest Comedy Sketches of All Time

Great innovation

2008-04-12T01:43:00.001-04:00

I just stumbled upon one of the greatest cleaning tools ever invented. Yes, that's right, it really is that good. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is absolutely revolutionary. Just add some water to the sponge and you can clean just about anything from most any surface. I was effortlessly removing scuffs from the wall. Then I wiped my white shoes clean and I can only imagine how many more uses I'll find. You have to check this thing out. It might be a little premature but I'm going to rank it up there with two other wonder-products: WD-40 and duct tape.

I must gift the Magic Eraser to spread the good cleaning joy.

The shrimp and goby

2008-04-10T15:51:00.001-04:00

Olivia Judson: A Mutual Affair

Published: April 8, 2008 - The New York Times

When it comes to mutually beneficial partnerships, the example of the goby and the shrimp is an enviable one.

A Mutual Affair

I'd like to introduce you to one of my favorite animals: the shrimp goby. These pretty little fish lead lives of enviable indolence. As their name suggests, they live with shrimp (often, a pair). The shrimp build and maintain a burrow, which the goby and shrimp live in together. Each shrimp works hard, shoveling sand out of the front entrance like a miniature bulldozer. As soon as it's delivered the rubble to a suitable distance, it shoots back into the burrow...

http://judson.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/08/a-mutual-affair/

2008-04-10T15:27:00.001-04:00

The weather outside in the city is ridiculously perfect right now. I walked out with a winter coat and a hat as people passed by me in t-shirts and dresses. I had no idea it was going to be that nice. People are sitting around in the park, artists are selling their work on the street, ballers are ballin' on the courts, girls are prancing around in skirts, and all is perfect in the village.

It's not a home until...

2008-04-08T16:05:00.001-04:00

...you have installed your stereo and are able to let the music flow. The speakers are installed on the wall and the stereo is in position. First selection played at the new crib: The Beatles - Live at the BBC Disk 1

The shoehorn

2008-04-07T00:10:00.001-04:00

shoe·horn [shoo-hawrn]–noun

1.	a shaped piece of horn, metal, or the like, inserted in the heel of a shoe to make it slip on more easily.

The shoehorn is an absolute staple of my wardrobe. I abhor trying to jam my feet into a shoe without the aid of a shoehorn. I didn't pack mine and don't have one here at my new place. I am lost.

Do women use shoehorns?

Painting

2008-04-05T17:18:00.001-04:00

The best part of moving into my new apartment is that I have gotten to do a lot of painting. As I've said before it is so relaxing for me. It gives my mind an escape from all that is going on in my life and lets me get absorbed into the simplicity of each brush stroke. I've been doing a little painting here and there almost every day since I moved in. A second coat on a wall, a touch up here and there, and the mural I'm working on. I'm sort of glad that there is still a lot of wall to be painted!

2008-04-04T13:46:00.001-04:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

— Mark Twain

http://sarahcroberts.tumblr.com/post/30715942

Monsters

2008-04-03T23:00:00.001-04:00

Stefan G. Bucher’s DAILY MONSTER

This guy draws a new monster every day.

Mr. Mugabe

2008-04-01T12:19:00.001-04:00

This is a drawing by Edel Rodriguez for The New York Times. It was done for an article on Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe titled "Make Peace With Mugabe".

Slug Sex

2008-03-31T17:41:00.000-04:00

The fascinating mating ritual of the slug.

Postsecret

2008-03-31T11:09:00.001-04:00

I saw this postcard on Postsecret some time back. I thought it was pretty funny.

2008-03-29T18:33:00.001-04:00

AMC's MadMen promo design

First night out

2008-03-29T18:26:00.001-04:00

Headed down the block yesterday evening for a friend's birthday party and to watch the NCAA basketball games. Davidson advanced! Who would have thought? I had been looking forward all week to last night, mostly because I would get to leave my apartment and walk a whole 4 blocks over to the bar where the party was. No longer do I have to drive the hour into the city or take the LIRR and then the subway. Super fantastic.

Blog Experiment

2008-03-27T12:54:00.001-04:00

I thought to add a little variety and try something new on my blog I'd do this:

Here's the link to post to my blog: tsunami40.gangsta@blogger.com .

You can send an email to this address and the post will appear here on my blog. (I won't be able to see what email address you are sending the post from.)

My hope is that I'll get to see an interesting new perspective or see a new idea, that I myself would not have come up with.

Maybe I'll get spammed, or maybe we'll see something unique, or maybe I won't see anything at all.

Regardless...

Post!

Morning in the West Village

2008-03-27T11:47:00.001-04:00

I woke up this morning after a long night of moving the last of my things into my new apartment here in the West Village. That inlcuded the arduous but rewarding task of transporting my fish and their fish tank.

A quick walk down the block this morning resulted in a trip to get milk, OJ, and a cup of coffee as I haven't yet bought a coffee maker. I prefer to brew my own coffee because fresh coffee made by me tastes better than any coffee shop coffee. But I digress. I still can't believe what a wonderful neighborhood I have here. After I picked up my groceries I walked past a bread shop, fresh fish store, and a cheese store. Oh, the possibilities. I have the means to create some great meals, I can't wait.

Real Estate - The New York Times

Next Stop, the West Village

By GERRY SHANAHAN

Published: September 23, 2007

Living here isn't all Magnolia cupcakes. It's hard work. After all, there are tourists to instruct and lots of lore to pass along.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/realestate/23cov.html?ex=1348459200&en=1d4f8ae93906f247&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Earth Hour

2008-03-26T16:32:00.001-04:00

http://www.earthhour.org/

"Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming.

About Earth Hour

On March 31 2007, for one hour, Sydney made a powerful statement about the greatest contributor to global warming – coal-fired electricity – by turning off its lights. Over 2.2 million Sydney residents and over 2,100 businesses switched off, leading to a 10.2% energy reduction across the city. What began as one city taking a stand against global warming caught the attention of the world.

In 2008, 24 global cities will participate in Earth Hour at 8pm on March 29. Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby."

2008-03-26T14:43:00.001-04:00

Image from http://www.davidhorvitz.com/

Bullies

2008-03-26T13:01:00.001-04:00

Why do people pick on other people?

There was a story that ran in the the New York Times the other day about a boy from Arkansas who is in High School and who is constantly being beat up by bullies. I mean this kid is being physically beat down on a semi-regular basis.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/24/us/24land.html?ex=1364270400&en=69cc22e578768846&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

His parents have complained and are now in the process of a lawsuit they filed against some of the bullies. This is what they have had to resort to, suing teenagers. The school district has not been proactive in disciplining the bullies and the family is considering suing them as well.

No one has any right to touch another human being, ever. I think it is one of the worst violations, to lay your hands on someone else without their consent. This child is going to grow up with all sorts of issues. Hopefully he is resilient and will be able to overcome what he has endured but I would think the average person would be affected in one way or another.

It's such a shame that this child's teenage years, some of the most precious and memorable we have, are filled with so much hate towards him for no apparent reason.

I can remember in elementary school, there was a time that there were certain kids that gave me a hard time, but they were just words, and there was never a hand laid upon me, ever. Looking back I've always felt that the teasing I endured made me a stronger person, and better able to face adversity. The world is harsh and unkind at times and we have to prove ourselves time and time again. We gain strength from all we have to overcome but when what we have to overcome is physical abuse, then there is something deeper that is changed in us. I can only hope that this child grows up without continuing the cycle of violence that was inflicted upon him.

Pigeons, parrots, and chipmunks

2008-03-22T22:53:00.001-04:00

Pigeons, parrots and chipmunks mingle together at the Lodhi Gardens, New Delhi - India.

Photo: Ruth Fremson/The New York Times

Amy Walker

2008-03-22T20:03:00.001-04:00

Amy Walker does a little tour of 21 accents in 2 1/2 minutes. From the UK and Ireland to Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Russia, France, Australia, New Zealand, and around North America.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3UgpfSp2t6k

Petty rant of the day.

2008-03-21T17:33:00.000-04:00

While I was working on fixing up my apartment this week, my roommate, whom I went to High School with, showed me his High School yearbook. He was 2 years ahead of me so in the yearbook, I was a sophomore. I saw a couple of pictures of girls from that year who were wearing pajama pants. Do you remember what I can only describe as one of the laziest and most unflattering fashion trends in recent history? Girls, and sometimes boys(that's a topic for another day), would wear pajama bottoms and a sweatshirt to school. Now I was no fashionista myself however I thought it was the most vile site ever. Girls would have their hair done, makeup on, and then would be dressed in pajamas bottoms. What the hell is that about? They said it was comfortable. I'm not asking them to get all dolled up, I don't even care for makeup. But they took the time to put makeup on and do their hair and then they bring it down several notches with the pajamas. I'm not asking for much, just a visual representation that you're not wearing the same thing you went to sleep in. T-shirt and jeans is fine. But the pajama bottoms just make you look like you are 2 months pregnant. Funny thing is those same girls are the ones who dress to the hilt when they go out now. I wonder what their reaction is when they see pictures of themselves from High School wearing pajama bottoms. Do they vomit inside their mouths a little bit just like I do?

So You Want to Be a Blogging Star?

2008-03-20T12:11:00.001-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/20/technology/personaltech/20basics.html?ex=1363752000&en=37109237135537b3&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

"So You Want to Be a Blogging Star?"

The New York Times

By PAUL BOUTIN

Published: March 20, 2008

Successful bloggers with successful nonblogging careers offer ways to think about getting into the business of blogging.

Painting

2008-03-18T23:50:00.002-04:00

I spent the afternoon painting the rest of my bedroom in my apartment. The act of painting a wall is so relaxing and almost zen-like. The prep work can be tedious, cleaning, taping, spackling and sanding. But when you actually get to put brush and roller to wall, it feels great. The smoothness with which the paint goes on transforms a dirty wall into a smooth, serene, palette waiting to be decorated.

Which has gotten me thinking...I would like to put a mural in the living room and one in my room.

The first picture is "Flowers in the attic" by jbyron. The mural was done by Robin B and posted on Flickr. I think that would go well in the hallway leading to the living room.

The second picture is by Anthony Hare. It's classic Jack Nicholson but I want the mural that I put on my bedroom wall to be inspirational. This mural is badass but it doesn't motivate me to do anything after looking at it. The search will continue for a bedroom mural. I'll post pictures of them after I'm done painting.