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3 Jul, 2013

The Conversation Within

By |2013-07-03T00:05:25-04:00July 3rd, 2013|Music|0 Comments

inner_thoughts

I had some time to kill today and decided to go to Best Buy to buy a CD for my car. In the age of Ipods and cell phones with Wi-Fi, you’d think I wouldn’t be require a CD. The thing is that I pay for my radio listening with Sirius Radio so I feel no need to play music for free by downloading. However, every so often I decide that I need a break from radio and decide to concentrate on an artist. I had listened to all the CD’s in my car, Bruce Springsteen Wrecking Ball , Young the Giant Young the Giant, The Greatest Hits of Squeeze and Oingo Boingo, and Led Zeppelin Mothership, it was time for a change.

I go into the store and into the CD aisles. There are 5 smallish aisles and they barely stock anything but the biggest names. 1 to 2 copies of most decent artists. I see John Fogerty’s new album Wrote a Song for Everyone and decided to keep searching. I needed something that was going to blow my mind as I listened to it because it was replacing something that I pay for. At some point a female employee who appeared to have nothing to do asked me, “if I needed any help?”

My response was, “Just browsing, thank you though.”

What my mind actually thought, the conversation within, was “#1, Do you know anything about music? #2, Since I can listen to almost everyone of these CD’s on the shelf through Spotify, there is almost no chance that I want to spend money on A)Something I’ve already heard B) Something that is less than 4 stars (out of five). Unless the artist is brand spanking new and is dynamite, it’s hard for me to gamble on the unknown. I’m going to need something that is quality oriented throughout because I like to listen to my CD’s all the way through. I’m a fan of Zeppelin, REM, the Beatles and can also enjoy Capital Cities, Fitz and the Tantrums, and the Limousines. With that being said, can you help me?

After reading the dialogue going on in my head and the actuality of the situation, what would you have done?

There is virtually no downside to option 2. I say something pretty pointed and either she is amused or is clueless. At least it’s doing something. I opted for #1, obviously, but was well aware that I could have changed this situation completely with an honest answer. The fact that I didn’t reveal the truthful response, or at least a better answer to her question, is a character flaw. Getting comfortable in these situations and tailoring them to meaningful interactions in life makes the world more enjoyable. This is something that takes time to develop. I remember reading a Malcom Gladwell piece explaining how having a vast network of people, or at least knowing people who do, is a tremendous asset. Doing what I described above is taking advantage of that.

Since I’m sure you’re dying to know. I ended up purchasing the Doors Greatest Hits for $11.99. There are 34 tracks on the 2 disc CD and I’m a value shopper. I considered a few of the Pink Floyd albums I’ve never listened to before but I’m pretty sure I have them on file. Where is Lady GaGa?

1 Jul, 2013

Jerry Seinfeld and the Delivery

By |2013-07-01T22:06:13-04:00July 1st, 2013|Celeb, Videos|3 Comments

Start at 1:06:30 and listen for about a minute and a half. This is Jerry Seinfeld at his finest. This video may be removed and I’ve linked the radio spot as well below.

The way Jerry talks about his work should show everyone what it takes to rise to that next level. The meticulous nature of how he cares so much as how to the word sounds during the delivery. He is probably unbelievably anal about what word he chooses, how he pronounces it, the pause between, and “the 100 steps” that make the joke work. This interview got me to start using the thesaurus more often when I’m writing these posts. It got me to understand how important every aspect of the trade needs to be nailed down to be the best quality and Jerry is one of the all time greats. I also like how Jerry doesn’t always agree with Howard because it makes him more genuine.

A few quick hits –
6:30 – “The worst part of comedy is getting comfortable.”
16:11 – “The Louie CK model should be the model for comedians. Not telling the executives what he was going to do.”
21:38 – “I like how their hanging in there with the chop sticks. They’ve seen the fork.”
22:19 – “I’m never not looking for material.”
28:50 – “If your a comedian and you’re playing golf, you’re going nowhere in this business.”
31:55 – “The blessing in life is finding the torture you are comfortable with.”
34:45 – “If you’re a little lucky in life, you should enjoy getting older.”
39:35 – “You can get any moron to talk about themselves, and you’ll find some weird thing about them that’s kind of interesting.”
44:53 – “Jay Leno was THE BEST stand up comic.” Howard hates Jay Leno.
50:35 – “Pop tarts can’t go stale because they are never fresh.”
53:10 – On another season of Seinfeld – “The love affair between the people making the show and the audience was so intense, it was so white hot, I had to respect that and I could not go to that point where it starts to age and wither. And it doesn’t take long… I wanted it to end with a firework burst of it that never was bad.”
55:30 – “I have a sense of timing.”
1:10:15 – “You’re worth 800 million dollars.” “Can I dispute that, please? Way off.”
1:24:40 – “I have never been in it for the money.”

This is Seinfeld’s new project, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.

Listen to the part on the radio here.

1 Jul, 2013

The Comment Within

By |2013-07-01T18:53:44-04:00July 1st, 2013|My Brain|0 Comments

fail-backwards-b1

A simple and easy way to improve this blog is to have more people comment. This isn’t going to be one of my down on my knees pleading posts, it’s going to be an explanation on how much the comment improves a post and the possibilities that lie within a comment.

Readers don’t realize that people probably enjoy the comments more than the actual posts. If you are full time reader, how often do you read the comment on the post? 95% of the time? There’s a mystery factor behind what some random person is saying about something written by someone you know that’s more interesting than what is presented in front of you. I find the comments the absolute best part on Youtube videos and on Barstool. A commenter can hide behind their moniker and basically post anything they want to without worrying about any retaliation. It’s complete openness and honesty at it’s finest and that’s why it’s the best part.

A simple goal of this blog could be to try to get more people to comment and try to have lively discussion amongst posts. This would create compelling material for all the readers who would never comment and also bring a more engaging aspect to the post. Now this lies on me to come up with good posts to comment on but I can sharpen my wit, put more thought into posts that allow for some discussion, stir the pot a bit, and hopefully turn these posts into something louder and of higher quality.

I recognize that posting comments is time consuming and generates nothing for the commenter. I know that you probably feel funny posting on a website but the readers are the HEART of the website. I may as well write these posts in Word and make myself chuckle. I get a kick out of posting ideas and thoughts and having people form an opinion. “The comment section is the place where the community converges and a synergy of diverse thought mixes”. Also if I know you and you want me to link to your blog and vice versa, let me know.

1 Jul, 2013

Who’s Always Funny?

By |2013-07-01T00:23:19-04:00July 1st, 2013|Celeb, Movies|4 Comments

I was thinking about what current comedians were consistently funny in movies and shows and only a few came to mind. You’d think that there would be a lot more humorous people making it to the screens but I’m not seeing it. I almost feel the need to go back in time a bit to re-hash some legends so we are all on the same page of what humor is. Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura and Dumb and Dumber vaulted his run of box office comedic legend (not so much anymore). Bill Murray, Chevy Chase and Steve Martin were big in the 80’s and always good for laughs. The late Chris Farley, George Carlin and Jim Belushi were hysterical while alive. Will Ferrell and Mike Meyers were, and still are, high profile draws. These actors though have been around and there haven’t been many new players to replace them. I do feel like there is still some decent talent out there.

Seth Rogen
He’s a merry fellow. I get the feeling he’d be a blast to hang out with. Smoke a few J’s, drink some beers, and have Seth keep your side splitting all day long. He understands humor. When he was the lead in Knocked Up it was like who the hell is this guy? Since then he’s gone on to kick the movie industry square in the teeth and take it by storm. That doesn’t mean that everything he does is going to be awesome (Observe and Report, Green Hornet, Funny People) but that’s not his fault. He has even shown the range of doing serious movies, 50/50, which he was great in. He is routinely clever and witty and makes you like him. He’s gone on Howard Stern numerous times as well and he’s completely open and honest. The guy will be around for a long time.

Workaholics Crew
workaholics
For the uneducated, this crew is made up of Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine, Anders Holm, and co-creator Kyle Newacheck. They are hugely underrated although I believe they are starting to gain some speed. Adam DeVine (we share the same birthday, same year) has appeared in some major films like Pitch Perfect but that’s about the only thing these guys have gotten into mainstream outside of the show. I have to add the cameo appearance they had recently in Arrested Development as a place you may recognize them. I think they fall in the Trey Stone – Matt Parker category of creating a show that people write off as childish but it has way more depth than critics give it credit for. Workaholics has jokes that kill episode after episode that are easy to miss unless you are on your toes. I’m looking forward to this group making more anything. Check out the clip of one of their first productions which is awesome. Jumper, laugh out loud.

Seth MacFarlane
Seth Macfarlane
He wins at life. On May 4, 2008, after approximately two and a half years of negotiations, MacFarlane reached a $100-million agreement with Fox to keep Family Guy and American Dad until 2012. The agreement makes him the world’s highest paid television writer. I personally have never watched American Dad or The Cleveland Show. I have a feeling they suck. What I do know though is that when Seth MacFarlane was putting in his effort for Family Guy (probably the first 4-5 seasons before a ton of writers starting taking over the jokes) it was the funniest show on television. When the guys of South Park are mocking you because you use cutaways for your jokes, you know they have to feel a little threatened. I probably have to watch Ted as well but I’m sort of biased on my love of early Family Guy for this pick. I get the feeling he’s incredibly intelligent as well. If you can not laugh through this roast you are a less funny person than I.

A few misses
-Adam Sandler was on the right path but took a complete U-Turn after Big Daddy.
-Jonah Hill is not funny in anything, ever, after I read that Rolling Stone article.
-Paul Rudd for some reason is put on a pedestal. He’s ok, but not really a comedian like he’s portrayed.

29 Jun, 2013

How Hot is Kesha?

By |2013-06-29T13:32:42-04:00June 29th, 2013|Music|0 Comments

This is good title because it’s like I’m asking how hot is she knowing she’s hot or it’s asking if she’s even hot? I honestly never have thought of Kesha as an attractive female. She always came off as sort of butch, gross, and almost ugly. After seeing her in the American Girl video, I started reconsidering my position. I went to Google images and started viewing some past photos and I think I’ve made a complete 180. I may go as far as saying she’s incredibly enchanting. The wild makeup and tiger face make me think she’s probably a freak in the bedroom which adds to her allure. I think the way she talks and sings is also kind of luring. I’ll even go as far to say some of her music is catchy and listenable. Here are few pictures and you can decide for yourself. Poll below

Some of her finer photos

Some of her comely pics

How Hot is Kesha?

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29 Jun, 2013

Bikers are Assholes

By |2013-06-29T13:10:52-04:00June 29th, 2013|My Brain|0 Comments

A common position for a biker.

A common position for a biker.

Maybe not every biker is an asshole but I know they’re out there. I’m running along today down Spring Garden and come to the intersection at Broad. The sidewalk runs straight into the street and you have to veer off to hit the crosswalk. The only way to get to that part is on the bike lane. I run off the sidewalk and into the bike lane and this obnoxious biker coming into me says something to the effect, “this is the bike path!” My first reaction was to yell, “fuck you.” Wisely I didn’t start a confrontation but I think it’s hilariously wrong to think that runners aren’t allowed in the bike path. Anyone who believes otherwise would be contradicting the fact that bikes are allowed to ride in the street with cars. If I asked that asshole today if bikes should be allowed to ride in the street I promise you he’d say obviously. What’s the difference?

As a driver I get pissed at bikers on the road. Jeff and I always disagree on proper bicycle conduct mainly because he rides a bike around and I never do. My contention is that a biker is extremely vulnerable and can get annihilated by a car if there’s one wrong move. I’m for a bike lane when there’s enough space. As long as bikers use judgement I have no problem with them but for some reason they tend to want to squeeze themselves in areas that they don’t belong. It just isn’t bright. I get the feeling that bikers think they are really slick and have total control of their bikes. Jeff has crashed and totaled 5+ bikes but I’m sure he believes he’s a world class cyclist. I have no issues with smart bikers the same way that bikers shouldn’t have problems with runners. Like a biker can’t figure out how to ride past a runner that I need to make sure I’m always off the bike lane. Lighten up and get serious.

27 Jun, 2013

76ers Draft Was Smart?

By |2013-06-28T14:34:37-04:00June 27th, 2013|Sports|3 Comments

Nerlens Noel from Kentucky - Flat Top

Noel Nerlens from Kentucky – Flat Top

The 76ers draft was surprising and active which is better than boring and predictable. The Sixers got rid of their best player, Jrue Holiday, for Nerlens Neol and a 1st round pick next year that is a protected top 3. Some experts had Noel being drafted as the top pick of this year’s draft! Next they selected Michael Carter Williams from Syracuse who obviously won’t fill Jrue’s role but may develop into a guard. Notice I didn’t say good or bad, just a guard because it’s far too early to tell. I’m sure fans are upset that we traded our best player but this is a savvy move. There is nothing to be upset about.

The worst team in basketball is the team that finishes in the 9th playoff spot. They aren’t good enough to compete and are not bad enough to get a high pick. That is the Sixers. They have mediocre talent, a big man who won’t play, ever, and voids on top of voids to fill in their line up. Noel is only 19 and 6-11. That’s a pretty good start. Thadeaus Young is the only other player on the Sixers with NBA talent. Michael Carter is 6-6 and was ranked by ESPN as the top point guard prospect. Those 3 players give you a nucleus to build around. We are going to suck next year. That’s just the way it is. Don’t let expectations get too high, we will finish in the basement. Guess what? We WANT to finish in the basement. Line up 2 bad ass picks next year in what is hopefully a stronger draft class. We are REBUILDING!!!!!!!

I’ve never been a proponent of rebuilding because the fans don’t deserve year after year of bullshit rebuilding, it’s a nonsense term. However, I’m for it in this case. The Sixers weren’t going anywhere with only the #11 pick in the draft this year and Jrue running the show with Jason Richardson as your starting 2 guard and Spencer Hawes as your center. Evan Turner sucks too. There was no choice. This was a wise move by San Hinkie and makes me think he knows what he’s doing. He also speaks the truth, “it’s fair to call the Sixers’ trade for Andrew Bynum “a failure.” I truly believe this move will benefit the Sixers long term.

You’re next you no talent, no jumpshot, no heart, piece of water trash.

27 Jun, 2013

No Phones on the Dinner Table

By |2013-06-27T21:00:33-04:00June 27th, 2013|My Life|0 Comments

Leaving your phone out on the table during a meal has to be one of the rudest, inconsiderate, disgraceful acts of social behavior. By keeping your phone on the table you are saying that your phone is more important than the people around you. There are no if, ands, or buts, I don’t give a fuck how important your game or person on the other end of that phone is, it’s flat out unmannerly. The phone stack game should become a necessity amongst crowds.

The phone stack game is a novel idea (it’s actually not because it’s been around for quite a while but it’s news to me). All parties place their phones on the table, and the first person to grab their phone to check for a text or call loses and has to pick up the check. This is obviously something that is extreme and not actually practical but there should be some guidelines to phone use during dinner.

Phone Stack Game

Phone Stack Game



A few phone rules to live by
1) No phone on the table
2) A phone can be checked if it is being used as part of the discussion ie) looking up something you are talking about
3) A check of the phone is ok if it doesn’t last more than 5 seconds and is during a break of the action
4) Texting or talking at the table is not allowed

This is another important thought:
Psychologists who conducted the experiments at Essex University believe mobile phones automatically trigger thoughts about wider social networks, reducing the level of empathy and understanding in face-to-face conversations.

The point of this post is that someone needs to inform people of this. Younger people especially will grow up believing that phones on the table is fine. When I see this behavior, I immediately know that the person has their priorities jumbled. Just being aware that it’s impolite should be a start to fixing this. Emails, texts, and games shouldn’t supersede another human being as difficult as it is. I personally don’t care if I’m relaxing at a bar drinking a beer how often someone checks their phones but when you are in a dinner atmosphere, that’s where the line gets drawn. If you know someone like this, send them a text with a link to this post.

1984 vs today

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