Update...

Wow... so much to update not sure where to begin and I'm sure I'll leave out a lot.  I guess most notable was the Reyes/Uden wedding extravaganza, this thing was EPIC.  Rehearsal was a blast, wedding was beautiful, reception was so much fun I'm still not fully recovered.  In all seriousness though... It was a great wedding and really do feel very very lucky to be friends with both of them and honored that I was able to be a part of their celebration.  I can't even do a full description justice, I'll just say there was a Rick Roll, intors that put the Bulls to shame, a huge dance party, it was a great great time.

E-Stractions... unfortunately I've relapsed and am back on some of the old e-stractions, Mafia Wars, and have added a host of new ones, foursquare, I've pretty much accepted the fact that e-stractions are a part of my life now and are here to stay.

Recovery, the new album by Eminem, possibly the best CD I've purchased in the past decade.  Phenomenal lyrics, fantastic songs.  He's still angry as ever, but much smarter and focused in his lyrics.  If you liked any of the his last albums this one should be on your purchase list for sure.  I've listened to it begining to end at least 8 times with zero complaints on any song.

Spokane was pretty nice, actually got outside for 2 runs along the river, great great scenery.  I'll have to get some pictures next time I'm there cause the river hist some nice rapids and rock formations that are pretty impressive.  Works was... ehh... nothing to exciting, which is good and bad, good cause it's less work but bad cause it's really hard to find a way to write a report and do a presentation on "good" news.

I know in my week of clouded onsite work, I for sure left out a bunch of stuff so a random post of two is not entirely out of the question.

Picture of the Week

Saw this little fella in a Denver cab, I really liked him...

Slow Week

I have A LOT to talk about from the weekend... but I'm onsite at a bank review in Spokane, WA so due to a combo of workload and lack of sleep, spare time is at a premium.  So alas, blog is going to take a back seat for a bit, I may get something up later this week, but it's doubtful.  Next week I'm home so I should be back in full swing, lots to talk about and several new pictures to update the side bar.

So for something that takes no time a video, awesome YouTuber who is amazing at editing, I subscribe to his channel cause it's always a good view, hope you enjoy:

Revolution Son

As I've mentioned before in this blog, over my life I've been fortunate enough to have known some great musical talents (Music and Me).  KC has quickly proven to be no exception to that trend, enter David Seume.  I've not personally seen him live at an actual show, although I have been witness to several impromptu jam sessions including 4th of July and Float Trip.  Below is a video of a live performance, great song Revolution Son, it's a very solid tune that I'm a big fan of.  Also, I put another Untitled track on here that he put up on his website, another very solid song.  His music is available on iTunes, so if you like it you should for sure check it out there or on his site Seume.

Movie Words

Red Boxer (adj): A phrase used to describe a movie that looks mildly entertaining and whatchable, but not worth a $10+ movie ticket.  The movie instead will be watched via a Red Box $1 movie rental.  Thus ensuring you still get to view said production in a relatively timely manner, but at a cost that is commensurate with your expectations.

UPDATE:
At the behest of my lovely wife I've submitted the above to Urban Dictionary, it's in the hands of the editors now I'll keep you posted.

Picture of the Week

No real reason, but this promo pic from the upcoming film Machete, movie looks like a Red Boxer, pretty much a Tarantino rip off if I've ever seen one.  But hey, I mean come on it's DeNiro! ... Looking bad arse! ... With guns! ...

Rainy Days

Must be the farm kid in me but it really bothers me not knowing how much it rains and no one ever reports it, not even WeatherBug, pretty sure it rained more than 0.00" yesterday afternoon.  Hence a trip to Home Depot was in order and below it the result:

Witness

Wasn't going to comment on this cause I really could care less about the NBA, it's, in my opinion, a bastardization of what basketball should be.  First and foremost I have zero problem with LeBron's decision, as if my opinion matters.  I had a problem with "The Decision" the hour long ESPN "look at me" show, but hey he's still young, chalk it up to a poor choice and move on.  The aftermath of the decision however has reveled the true character of some associated with the NBA.  Start with the Cavs owner and that idiotic rant that he issued moments after the Miami announcement was made.  Sir, you had FIVE years to improve that team and get someone else in there to help out.  All you had to do is get Amarie Stoudimire and LeBron stays or leaves and then send your letter and people will agree with you.  You sat on you hands and your money and gave him no help.

Perhaps what disturbs me more are the old-timers coming out of the woodwork to get some press by saying, why, in my day I never would have called up Bird, Magic, or Jordan....  That may be true there was a bit more rivalry amongst these guys than exist between Wade, Bosh and James.  Basically saying he took the easy way out.  If I were a reporter I would ask them one simple question after they quipped about these guys teaming up:  Who on the Cavs roster over the last 7 years will be inducted into the Hall of Fame and when?  Because this is the marque difference Bird, Magic, Jordan all had Hall of Fame talent on the court with them night after night, championship after championship.  Yes LeBron had Shaq but he had old knees AARP Shaq, not Shaq Diesel who will be in the Hall.  I guess it just bothers me because these guys were never in the same situation, they had talent surrounding them at all points in their careers.  That's not to say the Cavs players aren't talented, I mean they are in the NBA so they're clearly better than most everyone, but they are not Hall of Fame talent.  I guess I just wish they'd keep to themselves and not judge.  Magic has done it, which surprised me.  Jordan did it, which didn't he's kind of arrogant.  Bird has remained mum on it but you can bet that every reporter with a car is trying to track down a quote.  I truly hope he either remains mum on it, or comments that it's none of his business, everyone's situation is different.

I think that, if this arrangement works, it proves that LeBron is actually a better man than anyone thought.  If it works, it would prove that he does not have a huge ego, he does not need to be "the man" on a team, he just wants to play and to win.

Excuse Me... I'm Important

It's a question heard at retailers nationwide, "would you like to join our loyalty program?" generally these programs are scoffed at, however as an avid traveler I thrive on airline and hotel programs and thusly have pledged my undying allegiance to United Airlines and the family of Hilton properties.  Accordingly I scorn anyone who books me for a job at a property that doesn't not carry the H and curse under my breath when United is not the preferred airline to my destination.

Hilton recently recognized my worth by awarding me a golden card which grants me privileges such as free Internet, breakfast foods, and cookies.  Alas my quest for 2010 is to reach the summit of this distinguished club... the Diamond.

But perhaps the most elusive of all is the airline status.  My cohorts have snared the beast early on in their careers but it has eluded my capture for many moons.  To my utter excitement after 6 long years of regular travel the elusive United Airlines status program has bestowed upon me Premier status which grants me the power to cast aside the peasants of the world and saunter to the ticket counter in my own special line, which is likely less crowded than your line.  I also get to board the plane ahead of you, taking your overhead space with my computer bag, because I like my feet to roam free and sitting in my seat with my iPod on making it difficult for you to get past because, ah yes I sit in front now.  Twas a happy day.

Ok...in all seriousness, United.  It's about time.  I've had your credit card, flown you for nearly everything possible and I just now get Premier?  I mean that's awesome and I can't tell you how excited I am to cut in front of people and get Economy Plus seating, but man 6 years?  I can't wait to start using my little card, hopefully I'll get to keep it now cause the extra leg room is nice. And so is crushing the souls of peasants who have to board last and gate check their bags.  Just kidding.

Around the House

For sometime now I've been promising pictures of the house, this is way way way overdue and a lot of people who read this have seen the house already so it's a case of too little too late.  However, I think there may be one or two or maybe even a stranger or three that wouldn't mind seeing our house.  Goal for the month:  Keep the lower level clean all month.

Food Bank

This is a bit of a feel good post that I'm happy to share.  Now that things have settled down, we got moved, bills are in order my wife and I are both gainfully employed, etc.  We decided it high time to return a little bit to Chicago.  Now nearly everyday during our 2 years in Chicago we'd pass by at least one homeless or less fortunate person begging for money.  Now you really do feel bad passing these people by because you have no idea if their own personal squandering led to their situation or if it was just a run of horrible luck.  You also feel bad handing them money because while some may use it for food and necessities, there are those that would use it to buy alcohol or cigarettes.  Both of which are not cheap and not essential to survival.  Furthermore, I'm not a carrier of cash so 9 times out of 10 I had nothing to give anyway... (although I did lie at times, which made me feel bad, see the point about alcohol and smokes) - I don't carry cash because I'm weak.  I have little self control.  If I have cash I have already removed that amount from the all powerful Microsoft Money and therefore whatever I spend it on is of no consequence.  With plastic however, I have to take that receipt and crush my soul as I enter in that I spent $10 on Monster and Doritos.  It's odd, but add it to the list, for those keeping track you may be out of fingers.  Anyway I digress, back to the homeless, what we decided would be a better way to help since we rarely gave to the individuals, was to make a donation to the Greater Chicago Food Bank.  This organization uses donations to provide meals for the homeless in Chicago.  I think this is a great way to give back because it ensures that a meal will be available and from there maybe they can work to get a fresh start.  By pooling everyone's resources with one organization we are able to more effectively help far more people than giving a dollar or two to an individual here and there.  I really would encourage anyone who wants to give a little help and either lives in or travels to a big city where homelessness is a problem, make a donation to the local food bank.

Video of the Week

Hermione's boyfriend's band, actually pretty solid reminds me a bit of the Bravery... kind of...

Back to Bayside

Waking up at 5:15 in the morning is never fun especially when it involves trudging to the airport for a 6:45 flight.  However, Frontier Classic Plus ticketing made things a touch better this morning.  I was greeted on the plane with row 1 seating, oatmeal, an Amp Energy drink and free TV.  And on free TV en route to Denver was 3 back to back to back episodes of Saved by the Bell!  As a 29 year old man I realize how corny this show truly was.  However, did I change the channel?  Absolutely not.  In fact I watched with like I was a kid again.  I'm pretty sure I've seen every episode of Saved by the Bell ever created.  Furthermore, I'm pretty sure that within the first minute of any episode I can tell you the entire plot of the episode including who will learn a life improving lesson, it's a talent that few possess. 

Hopefully, TV will have something equally good instore for the return trip and here's hoping for cheese curds as a snack of choice.

Picture of the Week

Float Trip VI

Another float trip is in the books.  Once again great friends and great times on the river.  I'm pretty sure I slept less on this trip than any other, sleep was replaced by macho mugs and dance parties.  Rick Roll should have been the theme because I'm pretty sure that little tune was played no less than 47 times on Saturday alone.  Highlights:

• Whispering group of drunks sneaking up to tents to Rick Roll them.  Although I'm pretty sure our sudden silence was more of a give away - considering that not more than 45 seconds prior we were all singing Don't Stop Believin at the top of our lungs.
• James trying to cook an egg, in shell on his grill.
• Wizard Staffs
• Bro Icing brilliance
• The last of Corner Cafe's Biscuits and Gravy, so awesome... see Restaurant Log above

All in all a great time, can't wait to do it all again next year.

Video of the Week

Battlefield

It's a battle that wages on everyday all across America.  And sadly as I run through my neighborhood I see the battlefield.  I see the winners.  I see the losers.  In this battle the loser is a normal, middle income American family and they stand to loose thousands of dollars that could have been used for groceries or braces and such.  The battle is one of attrition the winner must have iron clad will and a the patience of a monk.  This battle is centered around one pivotal question, the answer to which will determine who is the victor and who is the fool. 

Question:

Do I build a fence...or let my neighbors "build" "my" fence for me?

Inspiration

Inspiration for the new look... my favorite drink:

Face Lift

With a renewed ambition, I figured I'd start playing with my template a bit so this thing will probably change several times over the next few weeks as I "play", if I catch one you happen to really like let me know.  And if you hate it, well ... it's my blog so...

Picture of the Week

Pretty amazing shot from a storm a few weeks ago.  In case you aren't familiar with skylines, that's Chicago, building on the Left is Trump Tower, the right is Sears Tower (out of principle I refuse to call it Willis Tower).  Story

Futbol

Did you hear the World Cup is going on?  Honestly, in any year prior to this one I would have answered news of the World Cup with either a sense of apathy or snide comments about grass fairies and rants about how horrible the sport of soccer is in general.  I have matured since then, and while I am far from prepared to call myself a full fledged soccer fan.  I actually gave soccer a clean slate, a fresh start in my mind and went to a few watch parties.  And I will honestly say that this year's World Cup has given me a greater sense of appreciation for the sport as whole.  I found myself attentively following the United States quest for acceptance on the global stage in a sport in which they've long been viewed as the tag-along little brother.  I knew my interest was went well beyond mere bandwagon US pride on Saturday.  I woke up early Saturday morning to watch Germany vs Argentina... at home, by myself, for no other reason than from watching previous matches I knew it would be a good game.  And I will say it was in fact a great game, an arse whipping if I've ever seen one, but a great game.  Not even Maradona's suit could save them, he is a very snappy dresser.

Embarrassing as it is to admit I was ignorantly a soccer hater for the bulk of my life, especially in college.  And while there are still many things that I don't understand and/or get frustrated about.  I actually enjoy watching the matches.  I think the United States has a golden opportunity here to capitalize on the World Cup popularity.  Hopefully they'll keep the momentum up and get some of their quality players back stateside to build US soccer up.  I know that that is probably still a long way off because competition here just isn't as good (so I've been told).  However, I'm one convert, I plan to attend a few Wizards games here in KC, so, they're making some progress.

Worst Blogger Ever

So as of late blog posts have been few and far between, no real excuse other than pure laziness on my part and a general lack of motivation.  Alas, though I have not given up, I'm going to give it another go and try to get into a bit of a groove on this thing.  It's not for a lack of things to write about but really just a pretty horrible effort on my part to get them down on the screen.  Which is a shame because sometimes ranting in "space" is actually a bit healthy.  Anywho... Efforts will be re-doubled (does that mean four times? I've never understood what that saying meant) and I'll try to get back into getting something on here 4 or 5 times a week.