Happy New Year

I'm leaving work and won't get to my computer until later tomorrow, so rather than posting a delayed post to go off at midnight, I figured I'd just do it now and say what the title is telling you. Because the New Year is just like this year, but we think that because the Earth has made a rotation around the sun (not the other way around, which I almost typed) from its designated beginning and ending point then all of a sudden there's a blank slate for all of us. Sure, why not. See you next year, kids.

Before I Go

I figured I'd leave you all with this Birdmonster video. I've posted it before, but it's good and the first few seconds of it are of the song "Forever Gone" which made the "deluxe edition" of the album which is only available for download, but it's probably one of their best songs. Anyways:


WOXY.com presents: Birdmonster from WOXY on Vimeo.
I Might Have Guessed

REI

I've been spending lots of time (and money) at REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) lately. For those of you unfamiliar with the chain, they're an outdoor goods retailer specializing in camping, hiking, biking and climbing supplies. While I'm a devoted follower and customer of Bass Pro Shops, REI's camping supplies far surpass those of Bass Pro (REI lacks the gun, hunting and fishing departments as well as all of the Red Head clothing and moon pies that I've been acquiring like mad, which is why I put it below Bass Pro...that and Sam works there). So after depositing my check today I decided to pay them a visit to gear up for future hikes and backpacking excursions. I left today with a new inflatable bed roll that only weighs 1lb 11oz and a brand new backpack. I tried it out around the store with roughly 30lbs in it (which is what I should be carrying as it's just above 20% of my body weight) and I couldn't feel a thing. I think I'll be giving it a try tonight...sort of. After I'm off of work I'll be heading East for the night. If my co-worker tells me I can keep my night shift tomorrow then I'll break the backpack in for a nice morning hike, but I'll be testing out the bed roll in the back of my truck anyhow (since my usual tent is still back home). I figure I'll keep the tent I've been using for the past few years that my folks have, but I saw a bivy tent that weighed less than 1lb for only $90, which would help greatly in keeping my pack below 30lbs. I figure that food and clothing for a week can end up weighing me down quite a bit. I'll have to add on weight for toiletries, a hatchet, ice axe, cookware (unless I decide on nothing but cold meals), and, most importantly, water. Lots of water. I don't know what weight I'm at now, but I imagine getting a pack with all of the essentials under 30lbs will be a bit difficult and/or expensive. Either way, tonight will be good. I need to get out; and while everyone else will be celebrating the new year at stupid parties with bad alcohol and fireworks, waiting for a giant disco-ball to drop, I'll be sitting in the bed of my truck with the open sky full of stars, a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon and complete silence (hopefully without cell phone reception...though that will be my alarm clock). Who knows, maybe it'll be cold enough to finally put my emergency blanket to the test.

Urrgh!

I only need the last 12 episodes of the Macross Saga to complete the first season! I don't even want to get into the 2nd and 3rd seasons since the characters all change and it revolves around people who aren't as cool as Rick Hunter and gang. Just when it's getting good, I run out of DVDs and no place, not even the website, is selling the last 12! They're all sold out, etc. While the book store didn't have the books, the website had the whole series for $25, how could I pass it up? At least that will tide me over until the DVDs are re-stocked. Sigh. It's so addicting. Hell, even the mug is sold out! One of these days. And y'know, you're all probably laughing at me for liking this show, but just watch, when it comes out in theaters with big fancy actors you'll watch it and think "wow, how cool is that?! It's got everything!" Then they'll make sequels. And they won't be as good as the first.

Music For 12/30/08

I picked up a copy of Crowded House's latest album last night and I'm really enjoying it, so I figured I'd share a bit with you all.


She Called Up


Fall At Your Feet

And for those of you who have no idea who Crowded House is (which is understandable), it was a band formed with two members of another particular band that holds a special place in my (drunken) heart. And really, if I have to give the title to the next song and the name of the band, then you haven't been paying attention.

Technology and Instant Gratification

There is something absolutely, horribly wrong with our generation. I've complained before about this. I'm guilty of this. And I'm still upset at myself for becoming a part of this society that promotes it. This idea that we can get whatever we want at the snap of a finger or a click of a button is absolutely absurd, and yet everyone in our age bracket subscribes to it. Thanks to the internet, cell phones, email, everything can be done without having to think too much about it. If we want information on the Biafran conflict all we have to do is type it in to a search engine and all of your results pop up. When we want a rare LP we don't have to scour the continent looking for it, we go to e-bay. Hell, we don't even have to go to the grocery store anymore as all you have to do is place an online order to have it all delivered to you. We're a lazy people wanting information at our fingertips without the arduous search for knowledge that people of older generations held as a privilege. Everything we have we take for granted.

Our parents struggled through a world that didn't offer such luxuries. They worked their asses off so that we could have a better life. But what did it actually do to us? It made us ungrateful, unappreciative, lazy, unintelligent. I'll be the first to admit that I succumbed to the appeal of instant information and the lack of work. I did not strive to my potential in either High School or College. I could have been a straight-A student who worked to improve all of his skills in the academic field, but I chose to wing it. My "success" in the world of academia has proven the lax structure of today's society. It's appalling. In all honesty, I shouldn't be graduating college. I should have flunked out long ago, but for some odd reason, whether it be some cunning on my part or the imbecility of the institution to detect when their students are bull-shitting their way through an education, I'm making it through.

While we may tend to believe that this isn't too bad and that perhaps it's simply because we don't have the drive or the care for the educational process that others do, I think it's exactly that laziness and dependence on instant gratification that causes this. Prior to our time the idea of an education was not a right. Well, it was, but only in the beginning of the 20th century did it become this way. College was not a right. These things were held sacred to our ancestors. The process was appreciated, held in high esteem and coveted by people who may not have had the opportunity to go through it. Now all we want is our diploma without having to work a day in our lives for it.

This way of living, this getting everything we want by simply ordering it carries on to our personal lives. We no longer put forth the effort that we should in order to gain something worth holding on to. We see a job as simply a job and if it doesn't suit us then we move on. When my mom and grandparents came to this country my grandfather took up a job as a butcher in order to support his family and put his girl through school. He never once came in late or left early, nor did he call in sick. He didn't complain, he didn't make a fuss. Why? Because his life was still far better than what he had in Communist Cuba. Because fighting for the betterment of his family was more important than petty complaining. And look at ourselves. How many sick days have we taken? How many times have we not gone to work because we didn't feel like going? How many times did we show up late or leave early because it just didn't feel like it was worth going to?

Seeing what my grandparents (on all sides), my mom and my dad have done in their lives makes me ashamed of myself. They taught me to see things through to the end, to finish what I started, to apply myself and put all of myself into whatever project I chose to undertake. The first two I am able to do, but I feel as though I've failed in the application of my being in everything. I often half-ass projects so that I could just get it done rather than get it done right. I'm trying not to do that anymore. But really, how many of you out there have given up on something because it didn't seem like fun right away? How many sports have you quit because you didn't like the people? How many things have you thrown away because you refused to take the time to understand the product? Have you lived up to your potential, or have you told yourself you couldn't do it because it didn't come instantly? I appreciate the struggle. I appreciate the process. I know I've abandoned some things because I wasn't good at them and with that I've taken the process for granted. Maybe that says something about my character. But like the process itself, just give it time and I'll prove myself otherwise. Though this instant gratification is once again shown through this damned post. All I have to do is write down my thoughts and hit "publish." It doesn't make me a writer, it doesn't make me good. It just makes me another schmuck on the internet telling people how he feels when no one wants to listen.

Sorry Andrew, I know you don't like reading lengthy pieces on computer screens.

Macross (Robotech)

I finally got my DVDs back from that brother of mine and have been watching the original series over again. While the English acting is kinda cheesy, the show is still the way I remember it. What I really enjoy about it is that it was brought to the U.S. for kids back in '84, but it featured the deaths of several characters. They don't hide it either. There's the disintegration of various Varitech fighters and Zentraedi battle pods. Not to mention the tragic deaths of Ben Dixon, the Bridge Bunnies, Captain Glovell and Roy Fokker (sorry for the spoilers). And damn that Minmei for being a complete hussy! Rick Hunter saved your ass and kept you alive for two weeks and all you can do is go and make his life absolutely miserable?! So what if he didn't get you a birthday present, the man's been off killing aliens (who are just gigantic humans) and making sure the SDF-1 is safe and that the people of Macross City will get back to Earth alive. That Lisa Hayes is so much better than your modeling career and your stupid agent and your fickle nature. Oo! Sigh. Good news is there's talks of a movie! Check out the few details. As much as I believe Toby Maguire to be a suitable candidate for the role of Rick Hunter, the person portraying him should be me. I wouldn't even have to act, it'd just be me playing myself pretty much. Just with expert piloting skills. And a cool uniform. Dammit. I really can't get enough of this show! And I know that once I get off of work I'm going to drive to Borders to pick up a copy of the books. I've mentioned this before, but I read them back in Jr. High and they were just so cool. I'll look like a loser buying them (if they still have them) but then again, what's new, right?

Music For 12/29/08

This is another band I found around the same time as Mark & the Spies:

Marbles

Red Lights

I couldn't find much else for these guys, but David Bowler of Marbles is doing his own thing and here's some of it:

David Bowler Band

I Don't Belong To You


Nursery Rhyme

Music For 12/27/08

Today's selection will be "(I'm gonna be) 500 miles" day. How can you not like the Proclaimers?

The Proclaimers


Birdmonster


Maximo Park

Cripes

I went on another run today and while I'm not in absolutely horrible shape, I'm not doing so hot either. My right knee is getting a sharp pain after 30 minutes or so of exercise. I don't know if this has to do with improper stretching or if my legs just need to re-accustom themselves to the form and rotation. Either way, I've got a long way to go. Fortunately for me tomorrow's a day off and all of next week is 4-9 with another Sunday off (I get the 4th-7th off, remarkable!), so that means I'll have no interruptions in my running schedule and may even go on a few hikes, bouldering included (haven't done that in a few years, unless you count the museum next to Owen's Bistro).

On the outdoors front, speaking of hiking and bouldering, I finally brought my sleeping bag down from home. My folks, for some reason, got rid of my backpack for...back...packing and I've decided I should get myself a new tent as the one I've been using is torn in a few places and belongs to the parents. REI has some good deals on some spiffy tents. Hmm...checklist:

Camping/backpacking supplies needed

Backpack ($100-200)
Tent ($100-200)
Mini-stove ($50-100)
Pots and pans ($?)
New Boots ($100-150)
Flask (for my booze) ($10-20)
Booze (for my flask) ($40)
Socks and lining ($10-15)
Hatchet ($?)
Reliable knife ($?)
Kerchief ($3.50)
Polarized Sunglasses ($60-120)
Watch ($20)
Sleeping matt ($50-90)

Yep. Long way to go. Hiking/backpacking socks are expensive for some reason. And yes, there is a difference between regular socks and hiking socks. I'm only hoping that Mike (do you even read this anymore?) can use his work thing to buy up used goods for cheap. I know that on the 3rd REI is having their annual used equipment sale. I'll definitely be there. Sam, I didn't add "Gun" to that list because while it would certainly be used as a hiking/backpacking item, it's much more than that.

Music For 12/26/08

I just realized that the fellow who recorded Ted Leo's show from a few posts below was also the fellow who recorded Nick Lowe's entire set from back in October. Clearly the man has good taste in music. So I guess today's selection will come from this King of the Castle called "7."

Nick Lowe

The Man In Love

Ted Leo

Ativan Eyes (New song, tentative title)

Nick Lowe

When I Write The Book

Huh?

Andy has something to do that isn't mindless rambling? It would appear as though I'm keeping myself occupied with small tasks. For one I'll be aiding in Claire the Brave's adventures as semi-personal photographer ("Record keeper of the great journey" is the official title, or "That creepy guy over there with the beard"). Her adventures begin shortly as we have a few of her travels cataloged. I'll be writing a piece for Cougar Cats in the near future and (for some odd reason) I've decided to aid my brother in his comic book writing. That came out of left field.

I know that comics are sort of out there often times, but some of his ideas are just...well...bad. I'm not saying all of his ideas are bad. He gave me three ideas, three different arcs that he'd like to pitch to Marvel Comics for a few of their stories. One for Wolverine, one for Spiderman, one for Young Avengers. I've given the first two a once over, the Wolverine one doesn't have much going for it and it's quite incoherent, but the Spiderman arc seems like it has potential. Good for Brother for trying.

I have to say that I'm sort of glad that I'm tagging along on his little leap of faith here. While I'm certain that the ideas will most likely be rejected, the fact that he's putting himself out there is a noble effort. Why he's selected me to help him in this, I don't know, but I've got nothing else going on. I'm hesitant to look at the Young Avengers outline he has as I have no idea who these folks are since they're a fairly new breed of heroes and I haven't kept up in my comic lore as of late, but Brother assures me that because it is new it is also quite open ended and free to develop. Either way, like I said, I doubt this will go anywhere, but if my relationship with my brother is strengthened through this then I guess it's ok, so long as he doesn't ask me to draw anything. And hey, I can do all of the editing at work.

In other news, I finally get to go back to my usual 4-9 post tomorrow with a day off on Sunday. And as far as strengthening relationships with the brother that matters most, I got the 5th-7th off for desert fun! I'll have my camera ready for that trip. Should I bring alcohol? What a stupid question, of course I should!

Harrison Ford

We all recognize that Harrison Ford is on the "Legends" list, and for good reason. A few months ago I read an article in Men's Journal about the legend himself and reading it again the other day just reminds me of how cool the guy is. He's someone I strive to be like, and maybe if I'm striving to be like him I should just shut up and do whatever it is I do minus the complaining and rambling. Here's the article.

Music For 12/25/08

We Are Scientists

Lethal Enforcer

Ted Leo

Mace and Grenades (cover)
The story behind this is pretty cool. Apparently there was a power outage in the middle of Ted's show, and feeling as though he would be cheating the audience (or because he just enjoys playing music) proceeded outside with an acoustic guitar to play a few songs while everyone gathered around.

Graham Parker

Disney's America (Thanks Scott)

Some Things

Everyone remembers Hitler, right? Remember the whole appeasement thing where everyone just said "yeah sure, take the Sudetenland. Have what you want, what more could you possibly need?" Then...y'know, he kept going and for some time was an unstoppable force? All of those European nations sort of looked around and said "well fuck." I often feel like those European nations. Even when I was a wee lad playing army men with my brother, he'd always have to win and I'd always let him. No matter how accurate my little green men's shots were, he'd always have some sort of blocking device or a "nah-ah, you missed" where I'd then be overpowered, told that I was wrong and eventually all of my troops would be obliterated. Instead of saying "hey you ass-faced moron who'll eventually drive a crappy car and date some sort of hideous pig-dog and make kissy faces all the time, you can't have your way all the time" I said "that's not fair" or "yes I did so blow him up!" All my life I've lived by other peoples' rules, but by demonstrating some sort of rebellion or defiance, trying to show that I'm not just the scrawny little kid that everyone treated me as. And while I learned to be the guy who helped folks out and was able to share, etc. I never quite learned the art of asserting authority and saying "this is how it's going to be." I've acquired some skills in that field, but when it comes down to it, I still agree to play by other peoples' rules. Maybe that's why I still take orders from people that I'd much rather see take a tumble down a flight of stairs. But there is one thing that I have gained from being this way. I learned to keep fighting no matter how tough things get or how bleak the outlook is. Though I often wish I could run away from everything, the fact is that I'm not going to cut and run from an issue because I don't think I can deal with it. I learned to live in discomfort and to become comfortable in harsh environments and less than favorable situations, no matter how often I get into them, be it by my own hand or someone else's good graces choosing to get me down. I know that this sounds awfully big of me and kind of conceited, but I keep wishing that people would stop taking advantage of the kindness I show them and continuously hope that people would stop walking all over me and showing little remorse after having done it, but I realize that I can't just wish and hope for it to end. Wishing and hoping doesn't get you anywhere. It's going to happen until I put my foot down and say no to people. I missed out on ample amounts of good things because I was too insecure and too passive to stand up for myself or to even raise my voice. I can say that's not going to happen anymore, but that would be a lie. It will happen eventually, but I have to try to be more conscious about it and only then will I gain the authority I need to get ahead. Some of you recognize this within me and have supported me and guided me on my way to excellence. Hell, I'll be working with one or more of you eventually in the field of excellence. I'm grateful for the support. Apparently there's something in me that you folks see that I'm still trying to clear up in myself. Something tells me that I'm on the winning team. In an argument that I believe sums everything up, I said the following to one of my former roommates: "You may think you know Andy Suarez, but you don't know Andy Suarez." Well...some of you do.

More Excitement From the Ted Leo Front

In lieu of posting a bunch of songs, I figured I'd leave you all a link to the gracious person who recorded one of Ted's solo shows two weeks ago and posted them all on the you tube, new songs and all. So a big thank you to Kingofthecastle7 for bringing us even more new songs of Ted's. I really want to know when the new album comes out. It starts with "You Could Die (Or This Might End)" and ends with part of "Fisherman's Blues," so start on page two, you get the picture. Also, for the video entitled "Ted Leo in concert (solo)" the song is called "Nothing Much To Say."

Today, Tomorrow

Since you all know how much I enjoy telling you every little thing that I'll be doing in my life, today I'm working until 6 wherein I will then venture Northward to my grandma's house to partake in Christmas Eve Festivities. I chose not to bring my laptop with me this time, so I'll post at work and I'll schedule an entry for tomorrow's music selection at midnight. You won't be long without my crap-writing as I have to be back here by 10am on Friday to work again. I figured that right now would be a good time to let you know of my future doings as I'm still waking up and just got to work. Sigh. I need coffee. Expect more throughout the day.

Oh, Brother Of Mine

Jason, Jason, Jason (WARNING: DO NOT CLICK ON THAT LINK IF YOU ARE WEAK OF HEART! I WARNED YOU. SERIOUSLY. DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU. THERE'S A WHOLE BOLD AND ALL-CAPS PARENTHETICAL WARNING YOU NOT TO CLICK ON THAT LINK). A Saturn? Really? You're what, 22? And a guy? I understand that you have a semi-child borne from a Balrog-like creature, but c'mon! A Saturn? Where're you going to take them in a Saturn? You'll have milkshakes thrown at you when you drive through the streets of your barrio. The kids at the schools you work at will no longer take you seriously (if they did before). You're trading in broken down machismo for metrosexual fuel efficiency. Where's the honor in that? So what if your truck had a piling of trash stacked to the ceiling. So what if the center console was comepletely gone? So what if the passenger side door had to be opened from the outside causing an escape issue for those riding shotgun? So what if it started breaking down frequently and costing you all of your "savings" to repair? You're driving a fucking Saturn! For shame brother (though I can no longer call you that since you drive a Saturn), for shame.

Oblivion

Why do you consume me? Blast. My addiction to Oblivion kept me from venturing to the bookstore to buy gifts for my family. That and I'm sort of broke right now (and sort of cheap). Sigh...time for bed. You know you've been playing a video game for too long when the scenery/events/cool things you can do in the game start showing up in your dreams.

Music For 12/24/08

I found these guys about a year ago when I was going through my whole "I wanna find some mod bands that are still around" phase. I later discovered that most of the mods left are in Europe (which they kind of were in the first place). I ordered the LP and still enjoy giving it a spin. These folks come from the Netherlands (I think), and you have to give them credit for singing in English as it's clearly not their first language. They're songs are fun and catchy, so enjoy today's music brought to you by Mark & the Spies:


Wait Forever


But I Do


Everything I Need

Music For 12/23/08

I've been listening to these guys lately. They're just a garage band that likes to have fun and made it semi-big. You can tell that they don't really take themselves too seriously. It seems like they'd be a blast live. Here's the Mooney Suzuki:

Alive & Amplified


Electric Sweat


Half Of My Heart

Letters From Omar

Good morrow to thee! Seems to be a bizarre week as I'm scheduled to work the day shift. While I typically enjoy the night shift because I'll often not have a single customer, there is something to be said about the 10-4 work day that benefits me. For one, when I get off of work there are shops that remain open. The other benefit, and truly the most important one, is the opportunity to write letters for my bosses while at work. Yes, brilliance. If you've been keeping up with my writings or myself since August 19th, 2006, you'll know that the camera store has been my primary source of income and at this job I have a particularly eccentric employer. I say this because while he's a great guy who'll help you out if you need it, he's also sort of like a mob boss. In other words, don't cross him. If he does you a favor, he eats your soul. But while he may own your (my) soul there are ways to maintain some semblance of humanity after enslavement. I take advantage of the language barrier. My boss comes from Kuwait and learned English as a second (possibly third, fourth or fifth) language. Because his grasp on the English language is not up to par with a Comparative Literature soon-to-be graduate like myself, he comes to me for the processing and production of memos, letters to friends, letters to other businesses, letters to news programs looking for publicity, angry letters to his enemies, etc. Phone calls are sometimes involved, which prove to be quite annoying, but seldom enter the picture. My boss chooses to dictate his letters telling me to "make it sound nice." Yesterday I had the opportunity to write not one, not two, but three letters, one of which was an angry letter to an enemy, and one was a letter to themselves from someone else. Yes friends, yours truly is opening up a new segment in order to dive into the mind of a Kuwaiti businessman with an English scribe. I don't want to overdo it, so I'll try not to post more than one letter when doing this whole thing, but know that there are better ones than today's selection. Today's letter is the angry letter to the enemy regarding a leak in my boss's restaurant's roof. Friends, welcome to "Letters From Omar."

22 December 2008

To: ________
From: Omar _______
RE: Leaking Roof

Dear Mr. ________,

Over the past two months I have been contacting you concerning a leak in my restaurant’s roof. At the time of original contact, the leak was small and not much of an issue. You informed me that you would send a roofer to fix the leak and assess the situation. I was notified that at the beginning the process would be simple, cheap, and fast, but because you and your employees have sat on their hands, the devastation to our establishment has gotten worse, especially with the frequency of the rain in these winter months. Since the time your employees first inspected the roof, neither you nor your employees have fixed the problem and it has gotten much worse. It has become a fire hazard, one of my employees has slipped and broken a bone due to the water that has collected from the leak and am now paying workers comp. The water has also leaked into the freezer, causing a build-up of frozen spillage in our freezer. The conditions are getting worse and we have seen no effort from your people to fix the problem that began two months ago. Not only I, but also my employees are fed up and the leak has forced us to shut down operations in the kitchen, and if it spreads, the entire restaurant will have to close. If you are not willing to do your job and fix the problem correctly, I will do it myself or call a roofing company and send you the bill including all of the damages amassed since you chose to sign on to this frightful display of a repair job. We’ve had to close the restaurant due to safety issues and are losing money every day we are closed. Please, let me know what your plan is to solve this problem. The rain has been damaging enough and your cooperation would be greatly appreciated. You may reach me on my cell-phone at _________.

Sincerely,

Omar _______

I've obviously left out some names and numbers in order to protect some folks' privacy, but as you can see, while Omar wanted the letter to come out as a bold statement of his anger and frustration with this roofing company that has most certainly swindled him, it comes off as a desperate attempt to gain sympathy from this swindler of restaurants. I attempted to make the letter somewhat coherent, but also somewhat juvenile with the redundant sentences and the overuse of the same phrases, nouns and verbs. But don't get me wrong, while I certainly emphasized the redundancies and the desperation, it was not me, but Omar who demanded I entered some of these things and I will not disappoint. To be honest, some of the things he wants me to write need no editing at all. Example: I'm watching you ALL THE TIME. I'll leave it at that. Look forward to more editions of "Letters From Omar."

Cougar Cats, CONGREGATE!

In an effort to further the dream of the Cougar Cats' website, I decided to create it today. Right now it's Andrew, Sara and myself. If anyone else is interested, you know what you've got to do. Link on the left.

Cousin Claire

My cousin Claire (C-Bear) has entered the realm of online musings. And I must say, with a page like this, I'm excited to see what happens. Let's all give her a warm welcome. Though she needs it not as she can cast a spell to warm her own welcome. Her link will be on the left as well as in this post.

Words of Wisdom

Some friendly advice from your Governor for this holiday season:

Another Thanks To Heckler Spray

For discovering this little piece of wonder. Funny thing is if I can find it locally, I'll probably buy it. Not so much to wear the cologne, but to say that I own a $4 cologne from Burger King that makes me smell like a hamburger. Though it's probably toxic to ingest, I'd probably want to spray it over my bland food causing my eventual death from consumption of whatever it is they put in cologne.

On another note, it's supposed to rain all week down here, which is a good thing for me as it means that absolutely no one will show up to SPV. And if there's rain, that means no Tinku or Khausak or anyone else. A hearty "HUZZAH" to that!. You can only listen to the Andes Mountain Music covers of Stairway, Hotel California, Sound of Silence, that one that Celine Dion did for Titanic, and others for so long before you genuinely want to throw yourself off of a skyscraper into a pit of spikes protruding from a water source containing piranhas. And thank goodness I discovered internet radio and was subsequently given an ipod.

Oh yeah, that link above to SPV with the store that I work at with our description and number, feel free to harass me at work with that number. Please. Do it. Don't leave me here. No...NO...NOOO! And that description is a lie. "No better place for camera equipment"? Sure. Keep telling yourself that, Megan Capizzi, marketing director of Seaport and overall annoying ho-biscuit. I'm not just saying that because of the website either. And one last thing:

San Diego

I don't imagine there's anyone in San Diego that would like to hang out or anything. Tonight. Whenever. No? Alright. I guess it's Oblivion. For a long time.

Sigh

Why can't it be January already so that I could start this new semester only to finish it in May and start the first day of the rest of my life. I've often felt as though I haven't done anything with my life, unaccomplished and as though there was no purpose to any of the things that I was doing, that there was no honor or dignity in paying an institution only to glide by without working much just so that I could have a piece of paper saying that 17 years of my life were complete bullshit and that bullshit pays me more than someone who's been "doing their own thing" right out of high school, but after thinking about it for awhile I realize the idiocy of all of this. I went to college for the reason of putting myself in a position better than other schmucks so that I wouldn't have to spend the rest of my life working manual labor or at a restaurant or (gasp) retail! Granted, there are tons of successful people out there who either never went to or dropped out of college, but those were brilliant minds who are/were few and far between. Yes, there is a possibility that my future career will not involve the need of a degree, but at least if I fail at accomplishing my dreams I can fall back on a respectable career or at least something that will pay me well enough to indulge in my vices and take long, comfortable vacations. So, while I may detest the institution I'm in, most of the people there and my feeling of missing out on the world, come May 22nd, 2009, that will all change. I will embark on one of the greatest adventures known to man and I will see all that I've missed out on, foreign and domestic. This isn't the writing of a defeated man, this is the writing of a man determined to triumph.

Collaborative Blog

I've so far gotten 2 enlistees and one who'd like to see how it works before joining up. So if anyone has any suggestions as to what this joint effort should contain, then please leave some feedback. Since the title will be a reference to something my high-school friend and I came up with, Cougar Cats, perhaps we can use the title to our benefit...maybe a site dedicated to locating cougars and rating their ferocity. We could find actual cougars...and mountain lions and have face-offs as to which would win in whatever sort of battle. It's a horrible idea, I know, but unless you've all got something better, that's what the Cougar Cat site will be dedicated to. Actually...that idea might work. Especially since those interested are now of legal bar age...and hiking age...hm...Suggestions, please. And no, we will not be like Free Press Asshole.

Top 5

Top 5 things I learned from watching The Patriot.

5) There will (unfortunately) never be The Patriot II

4) Mel Gibson's son Thomas in the movie was killed only to encourage Mel Gibson to kill scores of others and prompting #3 below

3) Mel Gibson single-handedly won the American Revolution

2) Mel Gibson, much like Sir Samuel L. Jackson, can never, EVER die. When his Earthly body expires he will become one with the spirits, providing guidance to those both in search of and in need of it. He will also call you "Sugar Tits." And you will like it.

1) HUZZAH!

HUZZAH!

Huzzah for Andy! Huzzah for school ending! Huzzah for Mel Gibson! And most importantly, HUZZAH FOR AMERICA!

HUZZAH!
HUZZAH!
HUZZAH!

Music For 12/19/08

Last day of finals for this semester, so I figured I'd bring you all some sort of school-related music thing today. The first of which is appropriate since it aired on this very day 28 years ago.

Rockpile

Teacher Teacher

Alice Cooper

Schools Out (Just...y'know...in your minds change the lyrics from "summer" to "winter" and all that stuff. I know I should really be posting this when I graduate, but I figured I might forget it by that point)

Pink Floyd

Another Brick In The Wall (I honestly think PF is overrated, but in keeping with the school theme then I figured "why not?")

To Those Of You Interested

I'm thinking that maybe a collaborative blog should be made. Yeah, the idea sounds stupid, a bunch of folks coming together and seeing what happens all on one website. It's almost like a generic college "comedy" that you see in days like today, but I keep seeing this "team members" thing on the profile page and can't help but think it might be worth a try. And while I don't really know how a collaborative blog works, I imagine it involves virtual high-fives and exclamations of "Boo-Yah!" Anyways, if interested then leave a comment or shoot me an email. Don't know what it would be like, but I can promise that it won't be anything similar to the group "wiki" projects we had to do earlier this year. Shudder.

Music For 12/18/08

Nick Lowe

So It Goes

Built By Snow

All The Weird Kids Know

Social Distortion

Angel's Wings

Finalmente!

I got my invisalign braces put in today along with a 2 month supply to be substituted every 2 weeks. I also went to pro with Sam and Matt, followed by a delicious pastrami burger from The Hat. My teeth feel weird. I keep sucking at my teeth and such. It's more irritating than anything, but I imagine I'll get used to it. Two years of this and I'll have straight teeth worth showing off. On a completely different note, you'll notice to your left several new links. For those of you looking for camping gear, check out Steep and Cheap. They're a service that happens to buy in bulk and every x minutes or so they're selling off the surplus items at really low prices. Quite convenient, but also bad if you're an impulse buyer of outdoor goods. There are also some other blog links up there along with band websites, etc. Browse at your leisure. Oh yeah, one more final until the semester's over! Manana! Then I'll get to sleep. Sweet, sweet sleep.

Quite Possibly The Coolest Thing Ever

Yes friends, standing right next to yours truly is none other than the (in)famous, mythical creature known by most as Dr. Frampton, and by others, Edith. The only thing left is to make this phenomenal photo into a t-shirt with "BFF" written on it somewhere.

Music For 12/17/08

Dogs Die In Hot Cars

I Love You 'Cause I Have To

Thank You Sara

For this glory. Sam, you'll like this. And numbers 12 and 9 are pretty good.

Nearing Completion

I've finished with my first two finals for the day and am thoroughly tired and unprepared for my third final of the day and second to last final of the semester. 3pm can't come soon enough. But then I'll have to go to work. I'm still confused as to what time I'm supposed to get off of work. There's some sort of Christmas party going on and my boss says everyone gets off at 7, but on the schedule it says I'm supposed to work until 9. I don't know if this is because I opted out of buying gifts for the "Secret Santa" bull that's going on tonight or if it's just a typo. If I'm off at 7 I can get an early start getting home, but then I'd have to stop by my house first and see my parents. I'm sort of hoping to avoid this tonight. If I'm off at 9, then I can just go straight to Sam's and commence in the typical festivities that occur when I venture homeward to Sam's. Anyways, this is all dull and uninteresting and I'm tired.

There Is A Story

There is a story behind this picture. Sadly, that story is for another time. But these two? BFF.

Music For 12/16/08

Does anyone remember Hootie and the Blowfish? No?


Only Wanna Be With You

And while we're on the topic of 90s bands/songs that I listened to and subsequently forgot for years only to hear them on a radio station somewhere, here's Blues Traveler:


Run Around

Another 90s band that had thoroughly been forgotten by myself and eventually recalled, but only after Ted Leo did a cover of one of their songs that wasn't "tubthumping" ("I get knocked down" to all of you who thought that was the title of the song) here's Chumbawamba:


She's Got All the Friends (I know this was released in 2000, but still, 90s band when I first heard of them. They're actually a fairly decent band. I should buy some of their albums.)

If Only

Where did we go wrong?

Also, did anyone see this?

You've gotta hand it to the guy. He may be a lousy president, but his shoe dodging abilities surpass even my own. He seems like he'd be a fun guy to hang out with. Just some old frat guy who doesn't really care about anything, but got thrown into a position of power and just wants to make WWI airplane noises while running around a big tree. Poor George, I'll be your friend.

ANOTHER HUZZAH!

My paycheck today is looking mighty fine. I'm sure I'll spend most of my money at Bass Pro on Thursday. MONEY! Ah yes, a whole month of non-stop work. I'll actually have to save at least one paycheck for next semester's books, but aside from that...MONEY! Money pays for vices. Money pays for food. Money pays for adventures. Money pays for my eventual dog. Money keeps me from being this guy, although I like his marketing strategy.

HUZZAH!

I'm officially on track to graduate in May. I know that it was pretty much already stated that this was the case, but I turned in my application for graduation and feared that for some reason they were going to reject it and try to keep me here for another semester/year, etc. I just went online to see if there had been any verification and the sight of this led to a welling up of excitement and pride, making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside:

Degree Audit Report

     

PREPARED: 12/16/08 @ 14:37                          809559875   
SUAREZ,ANDREW                           GRADUATION DATE: 05/09  
             111704                                       2007 
                 COMPARATIVE LITERATURE MAJOR                  
            BA DEGREE IN LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES             

Take THAT you degenerates and non-graduates (not you people, other people who are degenerates and/or non-graduates. If you consider yourself among these, sorry)! Now I'm going to watch a few scenes from The Patriot before work as this is call for a celebration.

On My Quitting Smoking

I'm sure that none of you believe that I can actually quit smoking (except for Sam, of course). Fact is, I've quit before (technically it's not quitting if I took it up again) for about three months. It's not as though I have an addiction (all smokers quitting say this). I believe that starting out rolling my own cigarettes aided in this as my tobacco ended up becoming dry and I didn't necessarily like the harsh taste that it provided me. Granted, I grew to enjoy the rough flavor that cigarettes could give me and (let's be honest) the inhalation of tobacco and nicotine (and several other additives) is quite relaxing (and cool). But it all comes down to willpower. Sure, I have impulse buying and tend to do things that I think are fun at the moment or whatnot, but I'd say that when I have a goal or a cause to do something for, I can push everyone and everything out and do it. Currently I have a goal. That goal requires physical fitness and dedication in keeping my body in shape and making sure I'm not doing anything stupid with myself. For a guy who has taken as many punches from life as I have (though I'm sure the punches I've taken are nowhere near as serious as others have dealt with), I can't help but believe that I can do anything I will. You may be thinking "oh Andy, you're so full of yourself, etc." but come on, I'm like a freight train that can't be derailed or a ship that can't be sunk. I think I like the latter analogy better than the former as a ship can capsize or can be pushed around by the waves and leave a body at death's door with no power over it. Whatever analogy you choose, I'm essentially saying that I'm a fighter who won't stop until he's dead. Either way, if you don't believe that I can discontinue my tobacco vice, then this here blog thing will help you all to make some sort of betting pool. While I may not be advertising and saying "well, it's been 47 days and I really want a smoke" I'll certainly mention at various times that my absence of tobacco (save for cigars since it's a different experience and you're not supposed to inhale and they're for special occasions) will be X days long or whatnot. If I put my mind to it, I can do it. As far as exorcise is concerned in conjunction with the quitting of smoking, I can't say. Though I am trying to get back in shape and hopefully that regimen will continue as well. This is more difficult to maintain, especially once school starts again as there will be less time with classes and work taking up my free time. But so long as I keep in moderately decent shape I should be good enough to accomplish my eventual goal. Anyways, to those of you who care to keep track, December 15th is the day that Andy quit smoking. At least until October/November of 2009. Believe me, I'll be honest with you all if I decide to buy a pack or take a drag whilst with the few amigos I have. I won't even have victory cigarettes for my finals. But of course you don't believe me. We'll just let my actions do the talking. Until next time.

Music For 12/15/08

Sorry I haven't posted your music selection lately. I don't have much today. Actually, just this:

Thin Lizzy

The Boys Are Back In Town

With a notable mention by:

The Rumble Strips with "Motorcycle" <-- how true.

On How Andy Finishes His First Final, Goes On A Run, Decides To Quit Smoking Again, Takes A Nap & Intends To Play MGS Straight Through Tonight

The title pretty much says it all.

This Whole 'Casshern Sins' Thing

Ok Andrew. I've gotten through 6 episodes and absolutely NOTHING has been explained. There've just been ample amounts of this Casshern fellow staring out into space and crying semi-robot tears about how he can't die and he doesn't know why and eventually kicking the crap out of everything in sight. Then, just when it was confusing enough, it seems that in episode 6 they fired their usual translator and added an Evil Casshern named Dio (possibly Ronnie James, I'm not sure yet) and some other bitch who just shows up out of nowhere. And what's the deal with crying robots and robot tots? What's the point of having a baby robot? WHAT'S THE POINT?! And why has there been only one human in the whole damned show? And why did "Friender" disappear in episode 3, return in 4 and have his name changed to "Flender" in 6? And if that pink-haired ro-bitch wanted to kill him in episode 5, why didn't she just cut off his head instead of slicing everything but his face even after he'd already shown her that he has a healing system that takes effect after 2 freaking seconds. Where the hell is this thing going? Why has nothing been answered? Damn the Japanese and their refusal to explain anything, it's like they said: (ahem, Professor Freeman voice) "And everyone can be robots and we won't explain why! Yeah! Then we'll have this immortal bitch and a crappy, poorly translated opening theme song that has nothing to do with the show! Yeah! It'll be genius, the Americans won't know what hit 'em!" Anyways, time to finish this stuff off. See if I can get any answers.

Update:

Well, I guess this helps. Where they got their information I have no idea. Andrew, this really just reminds me why I stopped watching anime in the first place. I honestly believe the Japanese are out to confuse everyone with their nonsensical cartoons. They have a drive to leave everything unexplained, and while that works with some things like horror movies and such, it doesn't really work with a show about someone trying to figure out what happened to himself. It's as though they didn't really have an idea themselves and just wanted to make a show about some guy who could kick the crap out of evil robots with free will and consciousness. They just said "well, he's got all of this stuff, we'll figure out the rest along the way and keep everyone guessing until we know ourselves." And it's not just this show that does it either, there are so many out there that follow this illogical pattern of having a cool idea and going absolutely nowhere with it just to have lots of shots of a guy tearing everyone apart then looking longingly into the distance and eventually coming to terms with the fact that he was born to fight and he has to fight in order to survive even though he doesn't want to at first but then discovers the need for it. I guess that works if you're doing an episodic story rather than an arc, but that's clearly not what they're doing here. Anyways, maybe you and I should just write one of these things to thoroughly confuse the Japanese audience with something that actually makes sense. Whatever happened to Cougar Cats? The only character I remember we came up with was L'il Mauser. We should get on that.

Well

Now that that's over with, we can move on to new posts. An epic 21 comments. Almost as grand as the novel(s) being discussed. If not moreso.

Younglings!

Lucky kids. <-- Scroll down for the song.

And how the hell did I miss this?

UPDATE:

UNGH! Dammit! I just listened to the WOXY lounge act and Birdmonster's "I am the Wind" will be on complete freaking repeat for days on end! Why the hell are Birdmonster so freaking good?! Chances are I'll know the lyrics to both of their new songs by the end of tomorrow.

Dear Sam,

Thank you for the kind words, they come much appreciated. You know that with your constant support that I share the same sentiments aimed in your direction. Not too many people have earned that in my eyes. While my plans for the future may remain somewhat uncertain, I know for sure that I won't just cut you out of the loop. Best of luck with your background investigations (not that you need any luck, you've got this thing in the bag) and (as you already) know that if you ever need anything I'll be a text/email/phone call away. Also, when those background investigators ring my number, they'll hear nothing but praise. Keep me posted on the status of your background checks and let me know when the next outing to the desert occurs so that I can ask for the time off of work. I'll see you in a week, Ginmah. Also, good luck with your final final tomorrow.

Oo

I just got this in my inbox:

The time is finally here! Our second CD, "Custom Made For You," will be available for the first time this Friday night at the Laurel Theater in Knoxville, TN. This is one of Knoxville's most beautiful listening rooms, with plenty of room for dancing. Hope you're having a wonderful winter...

Yours truly,

Christabel and the Jons

Music For 12/11/08

I know that I usually reserve these for the "Notable Mentions" section, but this song is too good to let slip under the radar.

Elvis Costello

Miracle Man

Cake

Friend Is A Four Letter Word

Dramarama

Anything, Anything (So I've got a soft spot for Dramarama, shut up)

Notable Mentions:

Cake - Short Skirt, Long Jacket

Beck - Loser

Oh Heckler Spray

You bring me such joy:

null - Watch more free videos

Music For 12/10/08

If you read the post below this one you'll know why today's selection is what it is. Enjoy.


Of Wolf And Man


Enter Sandman


Master of Puppets (this video kind of sucks as they bleep out the expletives.)

Could This Be Hair Standing On The Back Of My Neck?

SHAPE SHIFT! This be not madness, this be METALLICA! My co-worker, Yadzia, sort of rules. Aside from organizing the store and doing pretty much all of the work around here, she has just given me a possible opportunity to see Metallica on Monday (I say "possible" because her friend may or may not be giving up her ticket due to work priorities). The debate becomes whether or not I should venture homeward to finally get those damned braces put in on Monday (I haven't set up the appointment due to my finals schedule) or spend a night with this guy right here and these guys right here. I have no idea who's opening, nor do I care. I think I've made my decision, assuming my co-worker comes through with this thing.

Words of Wisdom

Occasionally words must serve to veil the facts. But this must happen in such a way that no one become aware of it; or, if it should be noticed, excuses must be at hand, to be produced immediately.

-Machiavelli

Show us not the aim without the way.
For ends and means on earth are so entangled
That changing one, you change the other too;
Each different path brings other ends in view.

-Ferdinand Lasalle

Midnight Has Come And Gone

I’ve got my ghosts and they travel with me everywhere I go and remind me about things I’d rather forget they just won’t let me go.
And I see myself out in the woods with a pistol that I stole. And I shave my head and buzz my lip just to shed the heavy load.

I’m going back to Virginia live up on the trail
Keep to myself, but I got no choice. Never been another way
I’ve lived alone all of my life even in my own neighborhood, I am a dark space that passes by. Reach out, but it does no good.

I Know What You're Thinking, But...

...he shouldn't have been poking him with the damned stick or smacking him on the nose in the first place.

Music For 12/9/08

Thanks to Scott and Heckler Spray for this one

Some guy who wrote a love song about Mario Kart. It's actually pretty damned good.

The Arcade Fire

Wake Up

The Decemberists

O Valencia

On An Ad Used By LBJ

We just watched this in my history class and I was the only one laughing hysterically. People were looking at me like I was crazy. Apparently a little girl being completely obliterated by an H-Bomb isn't funny, but "Vote for Lyndon Johnson on November 3rd" is. Oh yeah, the class got a chuckle out of that last part, but come on! H-Bomb! Little girl who can't count correctly! That's comedy gold right there!

Also

The "Douchies" began today. Are you voting?

Two Weeks

Friday, December 19th I'll be done with this semester and the only thing left will be one semester of mild headaches. Then? Freedom. I don't have much to write over the next couple weeks as I'll be focusing on all of this crap I have to write and "study" for, but you never know, maybe I'll have a "good" piece for you all. Maybe not.

This Day In History

Today we remember the bombing of Pearl Harbor 67 years ago. To those who lost their lives and those who served, we salute you. And we apologize for that awful movie with Ben Affleck and Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Yowza

I knew there was a reason I liked Charlie Parr...aside from the good music and all that stuff. I really wish he'd come to Southern California. He came about a year and a half ago, but I missed him because I was too stubborn to see him alone, despite the fact that I've gone to a number of shows by myself. But hey, that just gives me more reason to take a road trip to Minnesota. It sounds like such a remarkable place to visit, and I'm not even joking about that. And damn that Hormel company and their spam! Or not...because "Hogkill Blues" is one of my favorite Parr songs.

Music For 12/7/08

Hawksley Workman

Don't Be Crushed

The Jam

Ghosts and In the Crowd (Bruce Foxton's getting down!...he's the bassist)

Billy Bragg

Must I Paint You A Picture?

Notable Mentions:

The Kinks - Johnny Thunder

Ah Yes

The petitions came through. Now let's just hope none of my professors decide to fail me this semester.

Music For 12/6/08

Bob Dylan

It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)

Mighty Sparrow

Only A Fool

Hawksley Workman

No Sissies

Notable Mentions:

Hawksley Workman - Stop Joking Around

Fort Suarezmore

The other day during my break from 1-2 I was sitting around bored out of my wits when Sara came along to entertain me. But since I have the attention span of a two-year old on caffeine pills I ended up collecting the sticks and twigs from the surrounding area, placing them in the ground subsequently erecting a monument to my own greatness. The chances of the monument surviving past Wednesday are slim to none as the groundskeeper will most certainly mow over the hour (45 minutes) of dedication I put into the project. Fortunately for me, Sara aided me in the creation of the 87th Wonder of the World and had her handy-dandy camera-phone (phone camera?) on her at the time to record the majestic images that are to grace the space below this text. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Andy in twig, stick, and leaf form. Behold! Fort Suarezmore:

White socks with black shoes! For shame Andy. For shame.

No, that's not a popped collar, the sweater is just designed that way. Quite toasty. Thanks Grandma!

Fort Suarezmore will be holding a charity auction in August of 2019. T-shirts available soon.

Yes folks, remember where you were on this Friday, December the fifth as it will be a day to go down in history. You have all just witnessed the greatness of a nation.

Thanks again to Sara for the photos.

Ted!

New songs. UncleMax27, I could kiss you for recording this entire show. It's just a shame people are so stoic at Ted's shows, the man comes from punk rock origins, move a little bit, ya heathens! Hell, why were there even seats? Eh, whatever. Most of these people went to see Against Me! anyways. Against Me! sucks, why the hell is (was) Ted opening for such a piece of garbage?


Last Days


The Mighty Sparrow (and Where Have All The Rude Boys Gone?)


Mourning In America


Where Was My Brain?


I almost missed this one. It came out on his digital EP earlier this year (so did "Mourning in America") , but I can't recall if this one was going to be on the new album or not. Either way, here it is. Sound quality isn't the best. This is "Paranoia (Never Enough)" from the Rapid Response EP and possibly the new album (whose title I know not as it hasn't been leaked or released).

Ted also transcends the 3 a day rule. Especially when there's new material to listen to.

Yiiiiiii (The Textual Version of Excitement)

Posted today from Ted Leo's website:

'Gotta finish a new record, make a new plan for the new year, see some peeps, adjust priorities, etc. But we'll be back...'

New record! Finish! The! My knees weaken.

Music For 12/5/08

KISS

Detroit Rock City

Steve Miller

The Joker

Oingo Boingo

Little Girls

Robyn Hitchcock

Uncorrected Personality Traits

I'm breaking my rule because I didn't want to forget Robyn Hitchcock and his song is hilarious.

Notable Mentions:

Bascom Lamar Lunsford - I Wish I Was A Mole In The Ground
Mississippi John Hurt - Frankie
Southbound Mule - Wild Bill Jones

More From HCwDB

A particular former soon-to-be roommate of mine wears scarves...although since there's question to his sexual preference, maybe this doesn't apply to him. But I have been seeing this quite a bit and it's sprouting like some sort of plague. I don't get it. Anyways, here's the section from today's HCwDB:

Hey Douchebag1,

My friend recently went to L.A for a visit. He came back with the ultimate douche-apparel. He thinks its the "in" thing to wear a scarf with a T-Shirt when its not even cold.

He said he got the idea from L.A and hes trying to bring it to the east coast(D.C). Well he has embarrassed us a lot since every time we go out hes wearing that stupid scarf.

-AT

And DB1's response:

The scarf has become the go-to adouchrement in recent weeks, confusing many 'bag hunters on this site to posit if the wearers were gay. Like many objects of adornment in the age of male spectacle, scarfs have made the leap from gay subculture to hetero douche culture.

As such, they are to be mocked accordingly, until it's chilly enough to warrant their wearing.

On an unrelated note to the question, I would suck on fiery latina's supple legs like an electrocuted dolphin struggling to free itself from a fishing net off the coast of Osaka.

That Was Easy

Finished my second group project due tomorrow. Bonus? I'm incorporating the Imperial March. Well...2 hours 45 minutes to kill here at work...might as well set up tomorrow's music selection.

Music For 12/4/08

Twisted Sister

We're Not Gonna Take It (it takes a couple minutes for this one to start up)

The Cult

She Sells Sanctuary

AC DC (sorry, don't know how to fit the lighting bolt in there)

For Those About to Rock

Notable Mention

Motley Crue - Smoking in the Boys Room

YES!

Birdmonster's official video for "Born to be Your Man" was released today! And no, this doesn't count as part of music for the day as anything Birdmonster transcends the 3 song rule, and any other rule I may have. Bask in the glory...or else...

Words of Wisdom

If you strike me down I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine.