new post testing embed of music

new post testing embed of music

What did I do Today

I talked to three people in my office who are excited about tonight's Lost (that's a link to a funny Season 3 finale recap with screenshots and OMG / lol comments). Why not more? They'll wait for it on DVD....

This is a hilarious candid video of Chris Berman basically cussing out his crew (NSFW, as if anyone read's this shit at work!). Deadspin / The Big Lead found it.



Song I like today: MGMT : Time to Pretend.

and their Letterman appearance (I like single version better):



I really need to learn how to post songs. I will study tonight after Lost. Remember, I post so if you likey you buy-ey! OK, I haven't learned yet

An article about how HDTVs are changing the way we decorate our homes. And decorators hate it! (washingtonpost reg required, use bugmenot)

Giuliani is out (I love that SNL skit where he ends all his sentences with 9/11!). McCain appears to be the man, having Arnold and Gov Perry backing him. It's on Obama!

Found a funny 2004 video (via bestweekever via gawker via digg - is that appropriate sourcing, folks?) Anyway, Will Farrell crashes CNBC, for real:

Definition of Irony

I don't know what made me think of it, but one of my favorite movies "Reality Bites" qoute:

[assuming the question had no answer at all]
Lelaina: Can you define "irony"?
Troy Dyer: It's when the actual meaning is the complete opposite from the literal meaning.

click and enjoy some more quotes.

not much to say, but I try I try

I'm all linked out today. The rates were slashed again (why did I buy last month? is it too early to refi? anyone? anyone?).

The superbowl hype is strangely not exciting.

Sad news at ESPN halls: Bob Ryan has family tragedy, and Michael Wilbon suffers a minor heart attack.

I just found this funny link about how gay is top gun?

I wish I had more but for all two of you out there.

I'm being lazy I'm just linking to the first story on Google News.

Lost starts tomorrow: And rewatch the season 3 finale tonight with popup decoders to help you understand the characters! How new! really - I read it in nytimes and I really linked the best story here!

"I'm Finished"

Wow. Saw There Will be Blood.

That's all I can say is wow. Daniel Day Lewis - Oscar. and I haven't seen any of the other movies.

Wow. I'm Finished!

Changing Channels

What movies make you stop flipping channels? They are always on Saturday afternoons and contribute to a lack of productivity, as they stop you from running all those errands you were planning on. Which is why I run errands during the work day :)

Paycheck (I don't know why, but I love Affleck in this movie, he was in his handsome and sober phase when dating J-Lo)

Drumline (love me the end "drum-off"- on right now, in hi-def!)

Save the Last Dance (again love the end when she does her dance thing)

Office Space (duh)

I'm sure there are a dozen more, you just don't know it until you see it!

I'm off to see There Will be Blood this afternoon (Paul Thomas Anderson - one of my favorite directors.)

Of all the Oscar nominees, I am most excited about the song "Falling Slowly" from Once. Buy that movie! It is awesome:




And another great song and scene from the movie:

I made you a CD v. 3: The Best Music of 2007

repost with new songs: I've already listed 37 songs in previous posts, and I can't stop. Here are some that aren't really left over, aren't really on the bottom of a list, but some songs that I could put in my CD player and really jam too. Not that they are workout songs, but I like them all in my own way from 2007. It was hard to pick between a couple of the artists, but there are no duplications on this one. And yes, there is yet another Arcade Fire.

1. Arcade Fire - Keep the Car Running
2. The Handsome Furs - Cannot Get, Started (What we Had was just as good)
3. Cold War Kids - Hospital Beds (technically 2006, but I discovered in 07)
4. Electrelane - To the East
5. Fallout Boy - This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race
6. The Hold Steady - First Night
7. Kate Nash - Foundations (08)
8. LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great
9. Modest Mouse - Missed the Boat
10. Animal Collective - Fireworks (as great as Peacebone)
11. Brandi Carlile - The Story
12. The New Pornographers - Myriad Harbour
13. Bring the Light - Smashing Pumpkins
14. TI - Tell the I Said That
15. The Killers - Read My Mind (07 single)
16. White Stripes - Martyr for My Love for You
17. VHS or Beta - Can't Believe a Single Word (bubble gum pop)
Bonus Track: Flashback to the 90s song I fell in love again:
Stroke 9 - Bloody Black Backpack

happy new year, muthas!

John Gibson is a big fat asshole

You may have heard about the comments that John Gibson made about Heath Ledger's death. He basically used his role in Brokeback Mountain and mocked his death, saying something like "well you can quit him now" that he is dead. Tasteless is too much a cop out. What Gibson said is far more hateful, hurtful and stupid than what what's his name got fired for (the nappy ho guy).

You may have heard, but Amy Winehouse actually went to rehab for real this time.

I had a snack attack and bought chips and salsa and some chocolate milk. That satisfied my sweet and salty tooth, but canceled out the three miles I ran tonight.

I like the new mac commercial song - the laptop in the envelope (la la la la la la - what is that song?)



In my mailbox: The Kingdom (I've been wanting to see that for quite a while!)

Easterbrook TMQ

I like most of his writing, some of his politics, most of his economics, and non of his environmental ideas. TMQ (ESPN)

He had a good article (scroll down to Housing Problems Genuine, Sense of Crisis Phony) earlier in the season saying everything I feel about the people who are losing their homes to foreclosure and the banks that are going bankrupt and the loans that are defaulting: boo-freaking-hoo. be smarter next time. Why should they get a break because they bought a home with nothing down and 100 percent finance when I save for years, and put 20 percent down and suffer because the whole freakin' market takes a hit for these stupid morons? (written in sep 07):

Many of those who bought into the overheated housing market using gimmick instruments such as piggyback loans, in which downpayments were borrowed, put hardly any cash into the purchase -- the home's equity would not have been theirs for years or decades, even if everything went well. In most cases, a person who forfeits a recently purchased home will have paid only a tiny fraction of the appraised value of the property, and thus will suffer relatively small out-of-pocket losses. (The exceptions are speculators who bought on margin and victims of the fraudulent practice known as "equity stripping," but the latter is something done by criminals, not by legitimate mortgage lenders.) Blue-blooded Merrill Lynch is reeling from bad mortgage loans -- it'll need to cut back on caviar in the executive dining room! Pinstriped, made-of-money Citicorp is reeling from bad mortgage loans -- the executives will need to share company-paid private jets to Aruba instead of each taking their own! Some estimates hold that mortgage-loan losses might total $400 billion, almost double the inflation-adjusted cost of the savings and loan losses of the 1980s. But remember, most losses are by lenders, not by individuals who bought homes on credit.

Mortgages based on initially low gimmick loans that are now "resetting" at higher rates are causing genuine grief in the lives of many people. The fact that big-deal credit-rating agencies such as Moody's gave high ratings to bonds backed by subprime or gimmick mortgages reminds us again how much quackery there is at the top of American financial institutions. Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, whose new book "Supercapitalism" is quite good, explains how the bond-rating agencies essentially operate on commission to investment banking houses, in an arrangement as shady as Enron's deal with its accountants.

What about people who jumped into the hot market from 2002 to 2005 using gimmick loans and might face default? There's no doubt many were snowed by mumbo jumbo from mortgage brokers, and no doubt many never read what they signed. But reading before you sign is, after all, your responsibility -- not a responsibility that should be passed along to fellow taxpayers who did read before they signed. Recent columns and politicians' statements on the mortgage "crisis" have suggested that those who signed gimmick loans, such as interest-only or adjustable-rate loans that are cheap initially but become much more expensive later, really aren't to blame for their own decisions. If you sign something that allows you to live beyond your means for a few years, and seems too good to be true, in what sense are you not responsible for that decision? Last week on a local newscast, I heard a woman who had signed a gimmick loan, and now was in danger of losing her house, say, "The broker told me it was no problem because if interest rates went up, I could just refinance." We would not take seriously someone who said, "The broker told me it was no problem because if interest rates went up, I could find a bar of gold on the sidewalk." If interest rates went up, so would refinancing rates; the way to lock in a low mortgage rate was to buy only what you could afford and sign a conventional fixed loan. People who didn't do that, preferring a promise of something for nothing, are now complaining they should be bailed out.

In this new paper, Anthony Downs of the Brookings Institution gives chapter and verse on why the housing price and credit "crises" are mostly hot air. His summary: "The facts hardly indicate a credit crisis. As of mid-2007, data show that prices of existing homes are not collapsing. Despite large declines in new home production and existing home sales, home prices are only slightly falling overall but are still rising in many markets. Default rates are rising on subprime mortgages, but these mortgages -- which offer loans to borrowers with poor credit at higher interest rates -- form a relatively small part of all mortgage originations. About 87 percent of residential mortgages are not subprime loans. Subprime delinquency rates will most likely rise more in 2008 as mortgages are reset to higher levels as interest-only periods end or adjustable rates are driven upward. Unless the U.S. economy dips dramatically, however, the vast majority of subprime mortgages will be paid. And, because there is no basic shortage of money, investors still have a tremendous amount of financial capital they must put to work somewhere. On the immediate problem of mortgage defaults, some aid to the subprime borrowers might be justified, but bailing out the lenders even more than we have up to now would create a moral hazard by merely encouraging them to do it again."

My words: If you financed with an ARM, and the market changes, the rate goes up, SO DO YOUR PAYMENTS! MORONS! THANKS FOR FUCKING WITH THE WORLD ECONOMY! DO NOT BAILOUT THE PEOPLE WHO MADE BAD DECISIONS, IT SETS A BAD PRECEDENT. Yes, I blame the banks and backers for supporting these loans, but come on...

Heath Ledger dead

By this time plenty of sites have had lots to say about the passing of Heath Ledger, a talented young actor nominated for an Academy Award for 2005 Brokeback Mountain, and due in this summer's highly anticipated the Dark Knight, as the Joker nonetheless. Those pics have been leaked all year and he looks creepy - and that's good for the Joker (I'm a diehard Batman fan and have all the original Frank Miller Dark Knight comics, autographed, natch)

Gossip sites are revealing their "blind items" of him as having a troubled drug problem. Everyone is saying "suicide is not the answer" although we don't know if it was accidental OD, perhaps intentional or self-medicating gone wrong.

The bottom line is addiction is something that can only be understood by the addict or those close enough. Only when you have had those thoughts in your mind, that your life will never get better, that you will never step out of this cesspool of hell, that no one can understand the turmoil you are living in and only drugs/alcohol can make you tolerate the day until it is time to have more, only when you have had those thoughts do you realize what people who end their lives may be going through. I'm not saying it is okay, it' s just easy to say "suicide is not the answer" or "it can never be that bad". Addiction is truely a horrible thing and maybe this will wake others up to seek help, quit and get clean. And when I say clean, it means the mind and the body because that is what it takes.

Anyway, it is sad and tragic and he was in some wonderful roles, both handsome and a great actor. NYTIMES recent profile.

Since River Phoenix, is this the highest profile Hollywood actor to be taken young?

And I was planning on talking about what was going to be the crash of 2008 today, until the Fed stepped in and cut 3/4 points. The Fed has lost all credibility by being reactive instead of proactive. Thank goodness yesterday was a federal holiday so today's 5% drop at the opening was expected, anticipated and not a shock. I was watching CNBC today, it was funny because everyone was starting with, "First, don't panic" hah, I wonder if they read the book?

We are officially in a correction, it is buying time baby!

Didn't read anything else today had to work. I have a 1100pm soccer game so will be dead tomorrow.

One away from Perfection

Well, that was a pretty dull game. The Patriots just keep winning and winning and don't even seem to be trying that hard. I am watching the Pack-Giants game now, and it still hurts that this isn't being played in Texas Stadium.

I had a pretty perfect Sunday - chips and queso, some guacamole, and ribeye steaks from the grill. Watched the game on a 50 inch HDTV, pretty impressive. Not much to read out there int the interland, so I will leave you with a shot of my first addition for the fridge. Now if I just had some food to go with those condiments.

Sunday games

I'm a wimp. I would call Green Bay and Patriots regardless, but I'll just link you to

Peter King instead

Oh , and I read a story about how to blog, it came in my mail from AmericanExpress. It gives pointers about blogging, and it cites a book called "they don't want to know what you had for lunch". Or something like that.

Well, fuck you. Everyone wants to know what I had for lunch. Hah. In fact one of the more popular blogs among Hollywood writers is Jane Espenson and she always says what she has for lunch. So I won't be buying that book, bitch!

Okay I'm calm now. But seriously, everyone wants to know what I had for lunch!

breakfast/lunch: Migas

Politics and Music

Spain arrests some terrorists - I bet they don't get off because of a technicality or stupid jury, like here in the U.S. Has everyone forgotten about 9/11? European nations are much more aggressive than we are against this type of thing.

A great capture of the best of 2007 (some of the songs listed on this site) with mp3 samplings available. I would love to learn how to post mp3 songs here, but it is complicated.

Saturday Afternoon - Who pays full price?

It's sunny here but still cold for this part of the U.S. I had a good workout, they were hosting a Ultimate Frisbee tournament. It looked really fun, I thought soccer involved a lot of running. I had no idea you could throw a frisbee so many ways.

My one and only commenter was kind enough to not only say what he ate for the day, but what he is wearing/shopping and where he bought them. Neiman's Last Call and Stein Mart (obviously from Austin). Leads me to a question - who pays full price for anything really?

really - Does anyone walk into a Macy's or Nordstrom or whatever they are , and say I'll take that Polo for $89.99? I mean sometimes when you are in a buying mode you do. But with all the secondary stores out there - Marshall's, Stein Mart, outlet stores, etc, why would you pay full price for something that is always on sale somewhere? Yes, I'll shop at Macy's and buy and outfit but I'm talking about other things we need all the time - polos, golf shirts, slacks, etc

I guess if you are an AMEX platinum you don't care to walk into a JoS. A Banks and buy a fitted suit, or order from your Italian tailor. But I'm talking about everyday things that are cheaper if you just make an effort. Or you wait, because they will be on sale eventually.

I guess if you are buying a new pair of running shoes and don't know what you want, you will go to Luke's Locker and have someone tell you what you need. But if you know you are a Nike Men's size 9 no matter what, why wouldn't you just go to Nikeclearance.com and buy last year's model?

If you want a new set of sheets, why not by 600 thread count from Overstock? Or check out discontinued items at Ralph Lauren?

Ok I am not name dropping or endorsing any of these sites, but it gets back to the point of why pay full price when you can find it out there for less?

I'm leaving this post and will get to Brett Favre later. I bought my whole Ralph Lauren bedding from various retailers on ebay, a retail $700 set cost about $300 total.

Things I pay for full price: Starbucks coffee, Mentadent toothpaste, Dell computers, Furniture, cars (Acura and Honda if you must ask). I even buy my electronics on amazon or ebay, and I'm a Sony whore.

Good Morning Post

Well, it is Saturday but I can't promise more than the usual posts of one a day. I have a busy day, have to go to Lowe's and buy some mirrors and a shower curtain for the new bathroom. Today is day 5 of my new workout routine so I am going to go to the actual gym ( it is where my soccer arena is) and lift a little. What I am reading this morning (or last night)....

ATT to offer naked DSL (chron). What does that mean? You can have DSL through ATT without having a landline? I went with ATT landline because Comcast (Evil Empire) refused service at my new address since it was new construction. I had no choice but to go with ATT if I wanted to keep my home phone number that I have had for 10 years. The good news is I now have Direct TV, which is ten times better than Evil Empire. Now if I can just get ATT to call me back to install high speed internet, my life will be complete.

Cool news on Direct TV I saw on G4 Attack of the Show! last night. (I like watching that show on mute and listening to my music when I am on treadmill). Sidebar: Anyone have any good suggestions on what to watch at 6pm CST? It's a deadzone.

Anyway: Starting in February, you can remotely program your Direct TV DVR to record something. DirectTV DVR Scheduler . This is great especially for us travelers who read about a great show, or a new returning show that is burning off an episode, and we are in a hotel in Calgary! I hope it is free. It says it currently only works with the HR20-700. I have the HR21-700. that blows. I will let you know when I use it.

Gotta go get the mail from the old house...will post later including my call on tomorrow's games. Everyone's doing it. All I can say is I'm a Favre lover now, so that pick will be easy.

Watched 3:10 to Yuma last night. Pretty good and an awesome cast. Who new Ben Foster could rock like that?

Friday Post

It is cold, wet and miserable here. Brrrrr. At least Friday is here, what to post? More stories about the recession, housing blues, credit blues, etc. This will be my first full time weekend home in a while I am very excited to do.......nothing but sleep!

Remember what I said about Tejada? Now the FBI is investigating, he is screwed. And Clemens and McNamee get to be deposed by Congress.

Bobby Fischer dead at 64. One of my favorite movies of all time is Searching for Bobby Fischer

Everyone knows how important sleep is. A new study now quantifies it – Sleep makes you feel better, make better decisions, and live longer (WSJ)

The problem with social networking sites, especially for adults: when social circles collide. The perils of online blogging (USATODAY)

Glenn Beck wants everyone to know he called the recession. Actually a good article on the warning signs of a recession.

Breakfast: everything bagel with cream cheese
Lunch: chicken with garlic sauce, egg roll, wonton soup (it was cold i wanted soup!)
Dinner: TBD (hopefully nothing lunch was big)
Coke Zeros: working on number 5 right now...

Thursday Post

Not much to post about. Forget there is still some new television on - the last Ugly Betty. I'm going to actually start, I don't know, reading books and stuff instead of watching bad reality TV (accept American Idol) and the Wire.

One of the few movies I was looking forward to has been killed by the writer's strike, I mean bad tax breaks, the Justice League. At least they decided the script was bad enough to scrap the movie instead of shooting with a bad script (in case you didn't know, absolutely no script re-writing or tweaking can be done. That's why some of the tv shows now seem off - lines cannot be rewritten when being shot no matter how bad they are)

Things are looking better for Cowboy fans, although we are still bitter and in disbelief.

The economy officially sucks. How can you tell we are in a recession? I say its time to buy - someone will swoop in and save the day. Although I am usually wrong about the economy.

I wish I could be more exciting. Not much out there in the blog universe and I'm not going to post on things everyone else is posting on (Britney - officially crazy; Amy Winehouse - drug addict; Eddie Murphy divorcing - whatevs;)

So let's talk about me: workout 30 minutes interval training (2 run 2 walk), ran additional 5min to make it an even 3 miles, lift. No AI tonight so I just jam to awesome music (pretty much every song I have posted on this site)

Breakfast: Same 3 eggwhite omelet
Lunch: chicken baked pasta (I was going to get the taco salad but they were out at 1)
dinner: scoop of peanut butter
coke zeros: 4-5 ( I lost count)

Tomorrow's Friday! Who is going to see Cloverfield?

Wednesday Post

I finally got my home gym set up. Essentials: gym-quality treadmill, 4 level Bowflex weight bench, weight rack with 5-25 lb set of weights. Getting a lat pulldown at the end of the month when I get my washer dryer. I got the DVD/CD player hooked up and Direct TV to my HDTV. And I can play my mp3 player through the speakers. First workout pretty good, 3.2 miles in about 40 minutes. I know that's bad but I literally haven't run in a month. Kept heartrate between 135-160. No excuses now! (yes I know the picture shows clothes hanging but that's what I do after the workout)

Wi-Fi hotspots are not safe. you knew it, but now you can read about it.

Don't you wish the Astros could have this one back? I said it before, don't lie to federal investigators. It's called 18 USC 1001. It's the easiest thing to prosecute if you get an AUSA to take it. Fess up, say you are sorry, ask for repentance and you will be Giambi instead of Bonds. It's why Martha Stewart went to jail. (TBL)

Song I like today: Brand New, "Fork and Knife"

I'm looking to buy mirrors. A couple for my bathroom and some plain ones for my gym. I've been looking at Craigslist, it is unbelievable the things that are on there. but you already no that.

breakfast: 3 egg white omelet with chopped peppers, onions, ham and cheese
lunch: I worked through lunch and ate at 2 and was starving so ate too much of Thai Chicken Angel Hair Pasta salad
dinner: none. I need to go to the store
Coke Zeros: 5

Tuesday Post

Indoor soccer started again tonight. Yippee! I'm going to be sore tomorrow, since essentially I haven't played in a month since the holidays. We won too, played well as a team (which doesn't always happen) and we subbed well (it's coed). No fights tonight!

Brad Renfro dead at 25. Who is going to die next, before their time? Heroin bad. (TMZ)

American Idol is on tonight!! The only reality show I can watch from the beginning to end.

Do you dream about work sometimes? What does it mean? (WSJ)

Gregg Easterbrook TMQB, decent Cowboy analyis (ESPN)

breakfast: breakfast sandwich (eggs, sausage and cheese)
lunch: Grilled chicken salad (I usually get this at the beginning of the week to make up for the bad weekend. I had a lot of hamburgers this weekend)
dinner: slim jim

Don't forget to call your mother and tell her you love her.

More on the Cowboys

I'm not listening to local radio. I'm not listening to Jim Rome. I've traded emails with my family and talked to some friends. Bottom Line, in truth, Cowboys haven't played well since the first half of the Packers game. I'm linking a great blog that says it better than myself. (Bob's Blog) I will post opening para so you will realize it is worth reading:

"Jim McKay used to tell us every week about the “Thrill of Victory” and the “Agony of Defeat”. I believe many readers of this blog are familiar with the definition of the latter this morning. There is something to be said for having a lousy season, in which you finish 5-11 or something. You stink, but your hopes and dreams never get away from you, and you don’t die inside like this.

But the 2007 Dallas Cowboys season would have to be right up there with 1979. You play so well all season building and believing that this is your season. You allow yourself to imagine how it ends, and maybe even wonder what the Super Bowl will be like. And then “Thud”. As quick an ambush as you can conceive. It ends.

Game over.

Season over.

Dream over."

Who new Terrell Owens would be the big man and defend his QB?

Peter Kings MMQB (strangely enough very little Cowboy commentary other than saying going to Mexico had nothing to do with it)

Did I say how depressing this is for a fan? I didn't go to work today. Granted, the ADT guy is here installing the new system, but ouch. I was up until 200am reading the blogs.

How many guys have I had to deal with for the new house: Direct TV guy, Wire guy aka speaker guy aka surround sound guy, cable guy, Alarm Girl (go girl!), phone guy, alarm guy, eventually DSL guy, house guy (builder to make repairs), am I missing anyone?

In my netflix queue: The Simpsons movie, 3:10 to Yuma

back later with more links of what I'm reading (since I'm not working today)

Today's the Day! Go Cowboys!

eta: major suckarama. what a sucky trip back to Houston after a horrible game. We had way too many penalties and gave them way too many chances. sad for my friends who were going to go to next week's game.

1873 Rosewood Steinway & Sons

Anybody know anything about pianos? Can you help me appraise this or point me to an expert? It is in original condition, SN 34440. My mom was going to give it to me but she is having second thoughts.

Picture of Banff

Taken with cellphone cam. I have better pictures I'll load tomorrow

my cat loves me and is crazy

Thought I would post a couple of pics to keep all 1 1/2 readers of you happy

Driving to Dallas

Listening to XM 47 - Ethel. Crazy Town - Butterfly. good song, great running song too! Now listening to my favorite White Stripes - that Martyr for a Love for You song

NYTimes link (registration required) to a good article about music helps good workouts, running, lifting, etc....

I'm not a boxing fan, but just saw this on The Big Lead. Momma says knock you out:

Last night in Hollywood, Florida, Jean Pascal unanimously defeated Omar Pittman in a super middleweight fight. It was the Main Event, but that’s not the story. On the undercard, Edison Miranda knocked out David Banks in the 3rd round, and in the process, stole the show.

Miranda (31-2) caught Banks (15-4-1) with a punishing right to the head, which sent Banks through the ropes and nearly into the officials table. Banks struggled to reach his feet while he dangled in the ropes and failed to beat referee Frank Santore’s count, ending the fight at 1:15 of the round.

Premiere Top 20 bigtime Plot twists

Did I mention I love lists? (Premiere)

Also, another good link via a website I love, Oh no they Didn't!

they have a great tag of the preimer article (top 20 plot twists! I haven't read it but I figure the Sixth Sense is near the top? Or the Usual Suspects?) Did I mention I lvoe movies

Now that I posted this go to the ONTD list - easier for interaction

Friday posts

I'm glad I wasn't on this plane. Seemed terrifying, made the front page "Terror in the Air" of the Calgary paper.

Marion Jones - Don't you know never lie to the feds? You can cheat, steal and sometimes kill. But never lie to the feds! Interesting point - Both Clemens and McNamee are going to testify in front of Congress. If they stick to their stories, one of them is lying. That is perjury! Which one will go to jail? I predict....(not saying don't want to be sued).....McNamee will recant and change his story. He will be the scapegoat. You heard the tape, he worships/loves Clemens...

Once - (Movie review) I watched it on the plane and watched it again when I get home. An Indie Irish Musical? Sounds great, huh? It really is, great music, great believable love story, won't say more. A Sundance favorite. Put it in your Netflix queue now, bitches!

I still think the Meanest Mom in the World is a good story. Even if they are milking the publicity. Wouldn't you? After all, they are selling a 1999 car for $3700 - they need the cash! And I think it is great for alcohol awareness among parents and teenagers. You go Mom! If it were my mom, though, I would be PISSED! Ahh, memories, Bartles and James....

Blame Canada

I just spent two great days in Calgary. I really love Canada. But, I love this song better! So for your posting pleasure. I am heading to Dallas tomorrow for the Cowboys-Giants game on Sunday. I am excited but nervous. I will read the predictions later but everyone is calling this as the potential upset. I don't want to waste $500, 8 hours on the road and no sleep for an upset!!!

I will post tomorrow from the road, including pics from Banff. I realize that if I want to get traffic on this blog I have to post interesting things. So, I will try to become interesting! I ate Elk in Canada...

Go Romo

I'm off to Canada on Business. Will be in Dallas for the Game on Sunday. Hope Romo brings it, and Eli doesn't. Jessica Simpson is an idiot

Tuesday post

Wow, this blogging can get old real quick. What I'm reading on Tuesday:

Gregg Easterbrook ESPN Tuesday Morning Quarterback

Wall Street Journal article on Alcoholism 101 Are you an Alcoholic?

Time to think about a new workout plan for the new year (wsj)

Good interview from one of my favorite blogs about a guy I never heard of, all sports and pop culture is he (TBL)

Another TBL link on the Clemens tape that was revealed live on TV. Why didn't Clemens ever say, Why did you lie about me taking steroids?" I'm new to this blogging, and for all 2 of you reading, thanks. I link to those who say how I feel.

I'm boring today. Got lots of work done. I'm heading to Calgary tomorrow which should be exciting. I usually get there once a year for work. I won't have time to head to Banff but should eat some good food. Will take some pics of the mountains.

breakfast: slim jim type sticks from vending machine

lunch: Mission Burrito in a bowl (yum!)

Maybe post tomorrow night from hotel. Should I play some blackjack at the casino?

One last post. A collegue at work told me about the trunk monkey. I realize I am late to the game, I'm not sure what region this plays in but here you go:

Not many Monday posts

My first day back at work today and so I haven't had much time to blog. So, I thought you would like to know what I do on Monday.

Peter King SI Monday Morning Quarterback

In my Netflix queue: Shrek 3 and Once

breakfast: Smoothie King protein shake

lunch: El Imperial Fajita's

I have opinions on Roger Clemens, but I don't want to be sued.

The Cowboys are favored against the Giants by 7.5, with an over under of 47. That's a lot of scoring. Let's see what happens when more TO news comes out about his leg.

The 20 Most Anticipated Movies of 2008

did I mention I love lists? Here is The 20 Most Anticipated Movies of 2008

Ironman for sure - Are you fucking kidding me?









And lastly, a shot of my new living room:

Who doesn't love LT?

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Well, the Giants won and will be playing the Cowboys next week. I will let you know what the Line is when it is released. I hope Romo can stay away from Jessica this week and focus on football.

I just saw the awesome touchdown by LaDainian Tomlinson. What a great player - all class. I will post screen shots or youtube when available. Did I mention Class?

I love this commercial

A funny un-PC commercial from VW. Needless to say, never played in the US.

Go Cowboys!

I realize they are not playing today, but will be playing the winner of the Giants - Bucs which is on right now. I really don't want to play the Giants. Here is a showoff pic of my TV:
I am going to the Cowboy game next week. My Dad has had his tickets for 30 years. Jerry Jones wants him to pay $50,000 per seat for the new stadium. Needless to say my Dad says no, and hates Jerry Jones. Not very nice, is JJ? I will be in section 11 on the aisle:

Top Lists of 2007

Pitchfork Media top 100 tracks of 2007.

Said the Gramophone top 50 tracks of 2007.

Tim Goodman's (The Bastard Machine) top TV of 2007.

I have this week's Entertainment Weekly with Lost on the cover. I don't have a scanner or I would post some pics. There is a wicked picture of the Battlestar Galactica cast, sort of posed like the Last Supper. It is an awesome pic, I will link when it is online or if I can find it. Found it! Isn't the internet awesome? Too bad the scans are in two frames, not one.

I can't believe it is 2008.

Another glowing review of The Wire - watch it tonight!

Links of the day

I am excited about the new American Gladiator.

An article about Mormonism. Why does religion matter for our next President? I'd rather have an atheist myself.

This is a cool feature. I'll keep posting for all you non readers out there.

What I think about Britney Spears. I'm still learning this hyperlink so enjoy the story I won't comment further. There is a difference between between psychologically imbalanced and on drugs.

I can't turn this underline shit off. Sorry. Don't forget to watch the best show on television tomorrow: The Wire

Also tomorrow, The L Word. Don't we forget there is new television on, we are so consumed with the WGA strike. I hope the writers get what they deserve, btw. Everytime you download a show (legally) or watch a DVD, the writers get nothing for their contribution.

I made you a CD vol. 2

So this is my second burn of my favorite songs of 2007. There are many missing it is so hard to pick them all. It is a good mix with lots of variety. I put another The National song on and of course Okkervil River. I neglected Handsome Furs, Modest Mouse, T.I., and others because there just wasn't room.

1. Radiohead - 15 steps
2. Arcade Fire - Antichrist Television Blues
3. Editors - Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors
4. Kanye West - Stronger (seriously, what else would you rhyme Klondike with?)
6. Okkervil River - Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe (I love this song!)
7. Brandi Carlile - The Story
8. Silverchair - Straight Lines (remember them?)
9. Tegan and Sara - The Con
10. The National - Mistaken for Strangers
11. Muse - Starlight (a kick ass song all year long)
12. New Buffalo - Cheer Me Up Thank You (from the woman who wrote 1234)
13. Matchbox 20 - The Weight of the World (should I be ashamed I like this song?)
14. The Bravery - Time Won't Let me Go
15. LCD Soundsystem - All my Friends (made #1 on lots top lists of 2007, good running song)
16. Foo Fighters - Long Road to Ruin (love the chorus, why didn't this hit more top lists?)
17. Kanye West - Young Folks (internet only not on album)

I have to learn how to do hyperlinks, but until then, check out the top lists at Pitchfork and Said the Gramaphone. Good sites.

Children of Men - Movie of the night

This is a really great movie. I have found a making of the car chase scene - I am always impressed by long shots because I realize how hard they are to make. Here is a making of:



Here is the actual scene. It is also a great example of never be afraid to kill off the movie star (no, not Clive Owen), Freakin incredible one shot

My boring Friday

It looks like my cat is having more fun than me. eta: That is not my fat belly. Just had to clarify. It's just the camera view

Turk does the dance

My favorite tv blogspot is linked to the right - What's Alan Watching. He had a top something or whatever and Had this classic moment from Scrubs - the Air Band. Gotta love it.

2007 best song performances

These are my favorite three artists of the year. Arcade Fire from SNL, Spoon from SNL, and Okkervil River. Enjoy! eta: The National



I'm still working on this embed thing. Here is Spoon.
fuckers at NBC deleted it. No Spoon for you! (eta: I found the video for The Underdog, pretty funny and at least you can hear the sound)



And Okkervil River. I love this song and it is in my top 10 of the year. I couldn't find the Letterman performance so this is the video.



I added the National from Letterman

Getting Direct TV finally

I've had it for a week but there was something about a second line that needed to be dropped so I could have the two channel viewability - watch one and record the other. I don' t know why these houses don't come prewired for this. So Beau is drilling two large holes in my ceiling and dropping the lines. Then I'll have to get the sheetrock guys out and the paintguys out. It should be simpler but it is not. Here is Beau:

I was asked what my ceilings look like in my bedroom. They are cathedral whatever that means. Here is a view from my bed in the morning of ceiling:

Here is a pic of the corner of the room. I haven't unpacked - notice the saran wrap around the end table. I was very impressed with the movers - they were cheap and good, didn't scratch a thing or leave a ding. They handled my property with respect. Even the treadmill made it up stairs safely! (yes I realize the bed is unmade)

This is the only part of the house that is finished. It is the corner, I'll call it my sitting corner. My cat loves the afternoon sun. Ain't she pretty?

I think I'm done with pics. I'm going to practice imbedding youtube videos next.

More pictures - Last Day in Colorado

my last day in Colorado the car said it was -4. It was absolutely beautiful. Here is a pic from the parking lot of our condo. Notice all the snow? I didn't ski and had a two day adventure that essentially put me in the Denver area for New Year's Eve.

Here is picture of the fireworks in Denver. It was pretty crowded so it was fun. I haven't made it to midnight for the last three years. Always a first!

My Move is Over

Yesterday I left the old house for good. That is until the new tenants invite me over to a dinner party. They are very nice and seem they want to stay a while. I asked for color approval since they want to paint the interior themselves. They flashed a Pottery Barn catalogue and I said "approved". I am such a snob.

I had a cleaning service come yesterday. Took three hours but it is exactly how I would want it if I moved in. Here is a picture of my car loaded up for the last time:

It was cold in Houston terms - about 45. Cold Houston is different than cold Denver. you figure it out.

Here is a pic of my new garage, with all the junk piling up already:

Next post will be more pictures of the new house I guess. It is still messy. Today is my last day off of work, I still haven't gotten a lot done. I have unpacked the essentials but clothes are strewn about the floor. I like that word, strewn. I do not have a washer dryer yet so that sucks.

I made you a mix CD

Thank god I had my laptop before I drove through the Rocky Mountains between Frisco and Denver, not once, twice but 4 times in two days. Had to do with a missed flight, icy roads, gust of winds, white outs and eventually highway closure due to "avalanche mitigation". Don't you like the sound of that? After I turned around when the first trip was cancelled (2 hours driving), I went back to the condo and made a cd. Thank goodness because there are few consistent radio stations. The drive to Denver took 4 hours to go 70 miles. These are pictures to give you an idea but it was a lot worse, and probably the scariest driving I ever encountered. I have been driving for 23 years now.



Here's the mix, some of the best songs of 2007:

1. Spoon - The Underdog
2. The New Pornographers - Challengers
3. Maximo Park - Our Velocity (fav part of song starts at 1:49. I like pop music)
4. The National - Fake Empire (prob top 3 songs of year for me)
5. The National - Start a War
6. Okkervil River - Unless it Kicks (#4)
7. Okkervil River - John Allyn Smith Sails
8. St. Vincent - Now Now
9. Spoon - You Got Ur Cherry Bomb (top 3)
10. Against Me! - Thrash Unreal (who can't love this song)
11. Arcade Fire - No Cars Go
12. M.I.A. - Paper Planes (I know it is about robbing and murder, but it is catchy!)
13. the everybodyfields - aeroplane
14. Kings of Leon - Fans
15. Bodies of Water - I guess we'll forget the sound
16. Arcade Fire - Intervention (Guess also top 3. That's it for top 3!)
17. Silverspun Pickup - Well Thought out Twinkles
18. Band of Horses - Is there a Ghost
19. there is no track 19. It was supposed to be Bloc Party - Flux
20. Animal Collective - Peacebone