Danny Books

Game Time!

2007-02-09T11:07:00.000-05:00

Ok, time for some friday fun. The game is called "WTF?"
Here's how you play:

Look at the cropped photo below
Figure out what the rest of the picture is based on the clues
Scroll down to see the entire photo
Jump up and and down with joy, because this game was so much fun!

Today's clue:
What is going on to cause this grown man to make this face?

Elephant stepped on his foot?
Bull horn up the ass?
Shouting at his kid in a football game?

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Oh....it was the "Oh Shit! I-just-clocked-you-in-the-face-with-my-ice-skate-causing-a-huge-laceration-requiring surgery-but-the-camera-is-gonna-have-a-great-shot-up-your-ass" face!

My 13 seconds of fame...

2007-01-19T09:29:00.000-05:00

In today's issue of Billboard Magazine, they published a quote from me about the whole Audible Spectrum debacle...
Read for your self!

BILKING OF THE BANDS
January 20, 2007

Pay-To-Play Scam Booker Diversifies Despite Setbacks
EVIE NAGY

The practice of charging bands for stage time, known as "pay to play," can lead young bands into risky investments. But some bookers remain persistent regardless.

In an earlier report ("Pay to Get Played," Billboard, Oct. 21, 2006), Audible Spectrum Records, a third-party booking agency in New Jersey, was found to be charging bands up to $350 per show, promising services and opportunities that were never delivered. In addition to promotional support, Audible Spectrum enticed bands with the chance to win performance slots at high-profile events, including a movie release party for New Line Cinema's "Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny"—an event with which Audible Spectrum was confirmed to have no agreement or affiliation.

As a result of the Billboard story, the Knitting Factory in New York canceled all subsequent concerts booked with Audible Spectrum, according to venue GM Shay Vishawadia. Four of Audible Spectrum's booking agents resigned in November, citing the high frequency of band complaints, which they felt they were not given leverage to address. A former Audible Spectrum employee says a number of bands have requested refunds for scheduled shows or for past events that were poorly organized.

"The bands were very discouraged," the source says. "There was very little follow-up after their credit cards were run."

Kristen Meiser of New Jersey band American Halo says she has left numerous messages for Audible Spectrum CEO Dan Gargano, but has yet to receive a refund for a Nov. 4 Battle of the Bands event. Meiser says the concert was a logistical nightmare, during which some bands ended up without a performance slot.

"It was utter confusion up until the first band played," she says, adding that many bands told fans not to come because they didn't know if they'd be playing. "I only made $30 back out of $200" that was paid in advance to Audible Spectrum, she says. According to the former employee, there were no judges present at the event, and an Audible Spectrum agent was asked to choose winners after the fact based on digital tracks posted online at MySpace.

These setbacks, however, have not seemed to deter Gargano from moving forward with his business plan. In November, Audible Spectrum launched getthedoit.com, a social-networking site that allows bands to post profiles and receive instant feedback on their tracks from visitors. Within the first month, the site received approximately 2 million hits and 42,000 registrants, according to the former employee. Gargano "sent blast e-mails telling bands that if they registered, the band that got the most votes by Jan. 1 would win $100,000," the source says. "It was pure bullshit." Gargano did not return calls for comment.

As of Jan. 5, Audible Spectrum's Web site said the Battle of the Bands finals were to be held Jan. 6 at the Maritime Hotel Hiro Ballroom in New York. However, the ballroom's special events coordinator, Tamara Paschall, says the event was never on the venue's calendar, and three participating bands say they are still waiting for information. "In December I called [Gargano] constantly for details, and he never answered," says Dan Grossberg of New Jersey band Dead Letter Box. "On Dec. 27 we finally got an e-mail saying the finals were being postponed."

Meiser isn't surprised. "I was just appalled at all the lies they told each and every band that played or were supposed to play" in the earlier round, she says. "I received an e-mail from [Audible Spectrum's] customer service that I would get a check in the mail. So I'm still waiting for it, but I'll only be content if it actually cashes."

missing and creepy

2007-01-18T09:28:00.000-05:00

so i havent posted in a while.
main reason - lost my login information and was too lazy to go through the recovery bs.

but im back, and i have a creepy website for you to help with your kids next birthday.
http://www.mytwinn.com
Enjoy!

Get yer' boots!!

2006-08-02T12:12:00.001-04:00

So it's been a while since I posted.
That's how exciting my life has been. Well that's not exactly true. I've just been super busy with band stuff, home stuff, work stuff. Just found out earlier in the week that I'll be in Charlotte, NC one week from Saturday. Now that I think about it, it'll be nice to be away from home for a little while.
My relationship with my gf is getting ridiculous. I thought it was over one night. Made up for a few hours. Then blew into a no-hold-barred argument the next morning.

It's getting real tiresome. I just wish I didn't care so much about her to leave her.

In other fun news, our studio is getting flooded. Yea, with nasty-ass stank water, dripping from some pipe in a hallway, about 40 feet away. I created an animated slide show to demonstrate the water's path through the hallway, settling as a puddle outside the northern wall of our studio. How do I know it was northern? Because I used a compass. Or I just made it up. Doesn't matter, it's not pertinant to the story.
As a result of this mess, and our landlords refusal to do anything, we have decided to look elsewhere. I think we found a great spot, in Clifton (Whoo Hoo for me!!) that is very CLEAN, organized, and straight-forward. The landlord, Dave Lecsinsky, is a real cool dude, covered in tatts, and is a real personable guy. He used to play drums in the metal band, Hades of Metal Blade Records.

So hopefully within a month, we'll be settled in on a new spot, no matter where it is, with a 7 song EP complete, stirring interest from indie labels. Thats the plan, anyways.

Whoops!

2006-06-06T16:43:00.000-04:00

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Truth proved to be stranger than fiction for a high school criminology class investigating a fake crime scene when the students discovered a real body during a field trip....

This is like the time I was walking around the office, and everyone thought the poo in my hand was something I had picked up the Magic Shop on the corner....

...only there's no magic shop on the corner. Ha! Joke's on them!

Should've been a plumber...

2006-06-05T14:37:00.000-04:00

So I was just standing there. Alone. Just me and the toilet at work.

I had just finished pissing when I thought back to the other times I wore pants like this without underwear. “Better make sure I get it all out,” I thought to myself, squeezing every last drop. As I chewed my Orbit gum, I remembered last time I didn’t get every drop out. I left the restroom with a bellybutton sized wet mark in the crotch region of the pants. If only I had some sort of shame in this company, I might have felt a tiny bit embarrassed. I felt quite the opposite, almost proud. “Look at my pee spot!” shouted my stride, as I marched back to my cubicle.
But this time was different. I wasn’t about to give my coworkers the pleasure of staring at my would-be embarrassment. So I plugged the pee-hole with my gum.

Now it feels funny…

NHL's New Image

2006-05-26T15:57:00.000-04:00

Depressing...just depressing...

Idiots

2006-05-22T09:56:00.000-04:00

We are surrounded by them. Yesterday, Dana and I were en route to Stop and Shop for some Sunday afternoon fun. The store is located in a mini-mall which contains a variety of stores, restaurants and a large movie theater. At the entrance, we were greeted by what looked like a family of about 12 or so, all of hispanic origin. They were holding pick-it signs, and I assumed they were protesting some immigration law or something. The signs read something along the lines of "I love Jesus, blah blah blah, I love God, blah, blah, blah, I do not support The DaVinci Code.

Ok.

Breathe a minute. Relax.

First off, it's fiction. It clearly states the it is a made up story. It's a freakin' movie. E-N-T-E-R-T-A-I-N-M-E-N-T.

Secondly, who gives a flying fuck who you love, why you love them, or what you support. Oh no, Jose doesn't like tacos, maybe I shouldn't go to Chevy's tonight. Fuck you, you self-important, too-much-free-time, bandwagon-jumping, air-wasting asshole! GO write a Blog!!!

The Struggle

2006-05-15T08:51:00.000-04:00

Juggling between having a fulltime job for a company that I'm not very interested in with working fulltime for a band that I have great interest, but no compensation is very tough, as you can imagine. Throw in the mixture of having a girlfriend who you wnat to spend as much "free" time as possible, coupled with a social life (softball league, hockey league, going out) and I am pretty much wiped of any "Danny Books" time.

My 8.5 hours spent at work is anything but what its supposed to be. Case in point, this blog. I do work sometimes here...I hate using the phone, so that happens only when absolutely necessary. I actually enjoy creating marketing materials here, graphic design, product data sheets, etc. Also, being in charge of updating the website is something I enjoy. Unfortunately, MySpace is very distracting. Updating the band's website is very distracting. Seeing a fly buzz around the office is distracting, as well.

But the work portion of my life is only a small sect of what goes on. Once I'm out that front door, I completely seperate myself from this company. I don't see a news story about some security break and think "Hey, I should research that, and perhaps put some dollars in my company's bank." Fuck that. I don't even like talking about my job when I'm not there. Right when I get to my car, I start with my personal phone calls. I check in with bandmates, to see what's been going on, or provide info about this club, or this gig (which i usually find out about through MySpace). I call the girlfriend to get an update on her day, hear her say how long of a day it is for her, or find out what's stressing her out today. Every once in a while, we'll get a decent conversation that is fun and light-hearted. I miss those.

So once I switch into Danny Books mode, I'm usually on my way to the practice studio to practice or gather equipment for a gig. The other guys show up, and for the next few hours, its all band stuff. We discuss what the next steps are, what songs we should work on, what merch we should create next, etc. I consider it work, only with a lot more fun sprinkled in.

After practice, its back to me, the boyfriend. I get home, exhausted most times, and have about 45 minutes to actually spend with my best girl...which stinks. We talk a little about how stressful our days were, how it stinks that we "don't spend time together" (I'll get to that in a whole other post) and what the next day's schedule is like. The its bed.

6:00am the alarm goes off, and its off to the gym. I really enjoy this part of my day. There is absolutely minimal interaction with anyone because I have the iPod on, and its just me, the music and the weights. Awesome awesome stuff.

I just wish I could find some way to enjoy all the different parts of my life the same. I feel like 3 different people most of the time, and its very scary to be quite honest. I'm starting to think about which role I am supposed to be playing and get all kinds of mixed up. For example, I have caught myself a few times reaching for a lightswitch in my apartment that was never there. I was returning some items back to my fridge, but mistakenly walked into the bathroom instead of the kitchen. Switching gears in my car is getting confusing sometimes. I feel like I'm losing my mind. The only thing that truely keeps me calm throughout this is Dougie. Thinking of him and remembering how "together" he was helps remind me that no matter what happens now or how you handle yourself, the ending is always the same. As sad as that is, it is how I feel...

...in case any of you were wondering.

oh boy....

2006-05-04T15:21:00.000-04:00

If ever words were spoken
Painful and untrue
I said I loved but I lied
In my life
All I wanted
Was the keeping
Of someone like you
As it turns out
Deeper within me
Love was twisted and pointed at you

Never ending pain, quickly ending life --

You keep this love, thing, child, toy
You keep this love, fist, scar, break
You keep this love, love love. You keep this love, love, love.
You keep this love.

I'd been the tempting one
Stole her from herself
This gift in pain
Her pain was life
And sometimes I feel so sorry
I regret this the hurting of you
But you make me so unhappy
I'd take my life and leave love with you

I'd kill myself for you, I'd kill you for myself --

You keep this love, thing, child, toy
You keep this love, fist, scar, break
You keep this love, love love. You keep this love, love, love.
You keep this love.

running on empty

2006-05-03T11:21:00.000-04:00

straight, but true facts...

My company will spend hundreds of thousands on 16 employees and friends of the company at the Venetian in Las Vegas for a week, but will add water to the liquid soap when it runs low... [Mo' Tussin!]

I like to play outfield on my softball team, but get winded running off the field in between innings...

I will inflict pain on myself in efforts to reduce pain in other areas...

When I first started working here, I found various things on the internet to distract me. Now 98% of the distraction comes from a single website, MySpace...

Apple will not ever talk to you about technical help, let alone help you if something weird happens to your iPod and you are out of warrenty...

The Nobel Peace Prize medal depicts three naked men with their hands on each other's shoulders...

Most lipstick contains fish scales...

As per Wozzy's and Jamie's Request...

2006-03-24T16:59:00.000-05:00

To see a photo of my bruised ass, click here.

Yea, that's right. I have an entire webpage for my ass.

Uncomfortable...

2006-03-22T09:19:00.000-05:00

At my hockey game Monday night, I was struck in my right buttcheek with a shot from a fellow teammate. It hurt. It still hurts. How do I go around explaining to people why i walk a little funny and it hurts to sit down?
My teammate really pounded me in the ass Monday night?

Silence...

2006-03-01T07:13:00.000-05:00

something about silence makes me sick.
Cuz silence can be violence, sorta like the slit wrist..

Well its day two of the silence in Clifton. It's really tough feeling like you're nothing to the one that means everything to you. But as Joe Dirt-e used to say, "Life's a garden, dig it."
Not really sure if that applies here, but you gotta admit, those are some words to live by.

The Cell Phone Story.
So my phone really has been pissing me off lately. My battery lasts almost as long as conversations in this apartment. Seriously, though. Every 7 hours or so, the battery needs charging. The obvious answer is to get a new battery, which I did yesterday. This new battery lasts 8 hours, so it was definitely a good deal.

I didn't think I used the cell all that much, but apparently I do because the new battery created little change to my situation. At any rate, I'm looking online for new phones...fuck Samsung. Built like a tank, but you just don't do it for me anymore.

"I'm gonna ride this plane out of your life again
I wish that I could stay, but you argue
More than this I wish, you could've seen my face
In backseats staring out, the window

I'll do anything for you
Kill anyone for you..."

Trials in life, questions of us existing here...

2006-02-28T09:39:00.000-05:00

Dishwalla. Thats right, I said it. Dishwalla. For some reason, the lyric in their song "Counting Blue Cars" really stikes me as being very powerful. "...cuz I'm on my way to meet her, and ask her why we're who we are."
I am always fascinated to learn how different people think and operate. A phrase that I hear a lot, which I'm finding is more and more rediculous, is "Put yourself in my shoes, what would you do?" Or "See it from My angle". "Reverse Roles for a minute."

No. You can't. I will never understand why you view things that way because the reason why is so deep rooted...there are some many different things, experiences, memories, reasons why we act the way we do. So I apologize if we don't see eye-to-eye. It's not because I'm 5'5"...its because I'm different than you. So I'm giving up on trying to understand.

Does anyone have a song lyric that really seems to flow through their thoughts on a daily basis?

"I see my vision burn, i feel my memories fade with time
but I'm too young to worry.
A melody, a memory, or just one picture.

Seize the day or die regretting the time we lost
it's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over.
Trials in life, questions of use existing here
Don't want to die alone without you here, please tell me
what we have is real..."

Also stolen from Jamie...

2006-02-14T15:17:00.000-05:00

which was stolen from Celti's site...

My Johari Window.

Try it out. I encourage those to repost also. It is probably interesting to learn how other view you, as compared to how you view yourself. Alcoholism usually ensues...

Had to repost...

2006-02-14T14:05:00.000-05:00

Taken from Jamie's Site (The JC3), this site has the best tribute to one of the baddest motherfuckers on the big screen. Click here to see what's up!

"I don't remember asking you a GOD-DAMN thing!"

Take that, Chuck Norris!

Achtung!

2006-02-13T13:49:00.000-05:00

Oh, thats a mail plane! How can you tell? By the two little balls hanging down...

2005-12-06T23:16:00.000-05:00

So I'm gonna try something different. Instead of telling you all about my boring, pathetic hockey career, or when my band is playing next (which is Jammers in Avenel, btw), I am going to "write letters" to people today, and let you, the reader, figure out what the hell I'm talking about. Notice I said 'reader' because I'm pretty sure you're the only one reading at this point.

So here it goes.

Dear State of New Jersey,
I feel hurt and betrayed what you did to me today. I defend you tried and true when everyone calls you a joke. "Armpit of the country?" Nay, i used to say. Jersey is a great place to live! Not far at all from all the action of NYC, an hour away from the [needle filled] beaches, not to mention the pleasures of diversity, where I can visit many different cultures - all within a 30 minute drive. So why do you treat me like I'm a street whore, smacking me around like you're Wayne Brady or something?

So I was in a hurry to get home from Toms River one day. So my war machine of a car was doing slightly over the speed limit. So what, I got caught. 21 mph over, in a 65 mph zone, thus doubling the fine. So what. When I was in one of your beautiful establishments this morning to see a fine representative who enforces the laws in the lovely state, I felt a little betrayed.

My fine ended up being $130. No biggie. Throw on the $33 court fee, please, I insist. WHY THE FUCK DO YOU NEED $250 MORE DOLLARS OF MY RAPIDLY DWINDLING CASH ACCOUNT?!?!?

FUCK YOU, NEW JERSEY!!!
Signed,
Your bitch.

P.S. I'm moving somewhere warmer, friendlier, like hell!

ok.
onto letter #2.

Dear Anonymous,
How exciting it must be for to have a secret admirer. I appreciate the thrill of the chase finding out who you really are. The little hints you leave for me are quite amusing. I feel like Fred from Scooby Doo, searching for clues in order to solve this mystery. I was a little disappointed when I did not see a note on my windshield this evening.

Very disappointed.

Sure, that would probably be a dead giveaway of who you are, but after all, you did HIT MY FUCKING CAR TODAY!!! FUCK YOU!!!

It was probably acting governor Codey, extending his ever-stiff pimp hand, just to drive home the point that I am New Jersey's bitch, and I shall live in fear of this garbage-ridden, awful smelling, spanish-speaking abortions of a state.

Signed,
I-Just-Had-That-Mirror-Replaced

Weekend Update...complete with pictures!!

2005-11-27T21:58:00.000-05:00

First things first...I was tagged by Jaime, so I must fulfill my duty.
Weapon(s) of choice:
Booze. And my charm. Well, that's what I call it. Charm.

Relative Psychosis:
Jealousy...like peter griffin-type jealous

How Hard It Can Be:
relatively speaking, it's hardest in the a.m.
everything is. tis' the facts of life, and if applies to everything.

So, What's Next?

More hard work, more determination, big payoff is next. Danny Books will be a rockstar by year's end. Which year is the important question...

I'll Name That Tune In...
0. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.

I guess I need to tag someone. Well, the only few people that I know read my blog I suppose...Miss P, Brain of J, you're tagged.
***********************************************************************************

In other news...
Jamie also requested pictures of my cat's weird ovary. Unfortunately, I could not get my hands on it. So I present to you these adorably cute pictures of my slut of a cat, showing off her goods for the camera....

Have you ever passed out from drinking too much?
Well, let me start with my hollywood gf...

Add about 4 glasses of wine and maybe 3 beers.
End result?

see? fun...

I'll have that Monday Supersized, please...

2005-11-21T09:05:00.000-05:00

Well it's Monday again. Hope all had a good weekend. Mine went quick, as usual. Friday Dana and I invited my parents to my apartment for dinner. It was nerve-wrecking because it was the first time of them being in our apartment. It was also the first time they have seen me living on my own, other than a college dorm room.
But it went well. Dana felt we bored them because after-dinner activities consisted mainly of watching Punk'd on Mtv. Some hosts we are...

Saturday, fairly lazy day...Picked up my dry cleaning that I made them rush to clean on Tuesday...went to Guitar Center for a cable. A $25 cable...that's all I went in for. God, i fucking hate that place. I hate having a Guitar Center preferred player's card that offers me 14 months of interest-free financing as long as I pay it in full by the end of the promo date...
Walked out with said cable, and a Yamaha 5-string, slightly used, great tone, light, active pickups...

I know, the pic sucks, but what can you expect from a camera phone...

After feeling exhausted from that purchase, I returned home for a brief minute or two. Dana and we mulling over different ways to spend the evening. We ended up renting a movie and stayed in for the night. Not too bad.

Sunday, Dana had a meeting in the morning, and work in the afternoon, which meant I had a good portion of the day to myself. Went to guitar center, again, because naturally, I need a new strap and strap locks for my new bass. You understand, 'fcourse. Afterwards, I headed to Sports Authority to pick up some spacers for my hockey skates. Idiot me never got them when I got new bearings, so tightening the screws to hold the wheels in actually made them turn slower. With these spacers, I can be assured that my wheels will stay in place, while providing my wheels spinning at the fastest speeds allowed. So now, I'll be able to score 50+ goals...

Which brings me to my double-headed bovine friend at the top. Tonight, The Anarchy (the unnamed hockey team that I joined weeks prior) have a double header. What sounds exciting, or almost fun, we have the 2 late games tonight, back-to-back. I probably will not get home until 1am again, and will not be a happy camper tomorrow, i guarantee that!! But wish me luck- we're playing two less than par teams, so a goal can be attainable by the wreckless offenseman that I am.

Oh and you gotta see my new bass in action, December 3rd, at Connections in Clifton, NJ...afterall, what good is a post without a shameless plug...

Had a bad day again...

2005-11-16T10:21:00.000-05:00

Think your day is going bad? At least you're not this woman...how preventable is something like this??

In other news, there is no other news. Oh, except for the fact that my kitten has a very strange ovary. Something the vet has "never seen before."

Sunday Fun!!

2005-11-14T10:03:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a new experience for me...Along with my manager, another marketing manager, and 8 of their friends, we woke up real early, played dress-up, and got dirty. There was white stuff splattered everywhere. At certain points of the day, i must've been knee-deep in mud. Covered in bruises, I can barely walk today; I am so sore. but dude it was so much fun...

Paintball baby!! It was all of our first times, and we really had no idea what to expect. We were also very nervous because when we arrived, we were greeted by what looked like 400 Marines and Hunters on their day off, looking for another kill. People take this shit real serious too. There was one guy on our team that was in full camo, had a high powered semi-automatic long-range rifle with a scope, laser pointer and a confederate flag on his sleeve. Fucking maniac.

Paintballing definitely is a fun time. Sure you get banged up, and it doesn't feel the best when you get blasted at 8 different angles, but it puts us normal, civillian type in different types of terrain and building types and lets you live out your dreams of being Rambo or any other military type of personnel. Great fucking time. I'll type more about it, the different terrains, etc. when I'm rested. In the meantime, enjoy our team photo. Notice the tough-as-dirt killing machine kneeling in front!!

Hot Sheet! Fantasy Rating Increases!!

2005-11-11T12:36:00.000-05:00

Thats right folks!
Coming ever so close to scoring my first career rollerhockey goal ever, my ratings drastically increased after Wednesday night's 6-3 win. I had about 3 shots on goal that evening, drew a penalty, caused turnovers, was wheeling and dealing, might've even had an assist! I had a +2 rating and fudged a few opportunities to score a goal...one came as i was right in front and fanned on a one-timer. So frustrating trying to get used to a puck from playing with hockey balls my entire training thus far...
Onto the goal that almost was...
Before the game, our goalie and captain said to me, "Hey Dan, it'd be nice for you to score a goal or two tonight." "You have a better chance of seeing Jesus Christ score a goal here tonight!" was my response...i was almost proven wrong.
Late in the third, we had the puck deep in the zone. It was passed back out to the blue line, at which point I found myself tangled with a defenseman right in front of the net. A shot was throwed low, in front, perfect for me to redirect. Unfortunately, I was unable to get the blade of my stick down in time, and the puck redirected off my skate in the net. "NO GOAL" signaled the ref, much to the surprise of my teammates, yet I had known that Jesus himself did not show up that night therefore there was no chance in hell I could've scored a goal.

Well, there's always next week.

Sorry Jamie...

2005-11-07T14:52:00.000-05:00

My blog is worth $1,129.08.
How much is your blog worth?

I guess the pic of Tommy Wells put me over the top...

Sabado sabado SABADO!!!

2005-11-04T21:14:00.000-05:00

Party at my place tomorrow, Sabado!!!
If you need directions, call me. If you don't have my number, then you're not invited.
Oh, and if you don't wear a hawaiian shirt like my boy Tommy Wells is, then you can't come in. You're gonna have to play with the polish families outside.

weekend update

2005-11-01T12:42:00.000-05:00

So here's an update, cuz I'm sure all of you are so interested in my life...

Friday evening, the girlfriend and I took her younger brother out for his birthday, which coincidentally enough is today. The big 9. We had a wonderful dinner at Applebee's, rented Batman Begins and a video game for the tyke, and made our way back home. Batman Begins was a great flick...very dark, very insightful....I really liked how as a prequel it was able to tie into the previously released movies. Good job with that.

Wake up call was about 6:30 am on Saturday, thanks to the relentless cat's chirp-like meow and the loud thumping of a soon-to-be 9 year old wondering around the apartment. So I got up after a few hours of sleep semi-pissed because I knew I had a long day ahead of me. For a few hours, the kid and I played the video game we rented the night before. Shrek 2. Not very exciting/challenging. At around 10, I decided I should start my day. Dropped off drycleaning, laundry to be washed, eat breakfast and made my way to the studio. Got there around 12:30 or so...we wanted to get some work done before our show sunday night- getting to that later...
So we rehearsed for a few hours. Dana made dinner reservations for us so I booked out of the studio at around 5:30 to find a lovely note on my windshield for the friendly police officers of Union City. A fucking ticket for being parked too long. Apparently the town has some ordinance where you can't stay parked without a permit for more than 4 hours. Shitty shitty fucking rules...so I get home around 6, hop in the shower, and leave for our dinner. (the kid was sent home at this point)
Fucking awesome food...South City Grill....definitely recommend it to any seafood lover.

We got back home around 9:30 changed into costumes, and headed to a friends halloween/birthday party. Pictures to come. At some point of the evening, I was involved in a mock sword fight, and came home with cuts about the face. No idea how it happened.

Sunday, I got up at what I thought would be 7:30 to head over to open hockey in an effort to upgrade my skills from sloth to slug. To my surprise, my cell phone did not automatically turn back the hour, so I was up at 6:30. Again. And no, I could not fall back asleep. So I get to hockey, hung-over, but played and had a ball. Returned around 11, took a shower and napped til 3. Woke up, opened birthday gifts from my girlfriend...oh yea, did I mention Sunday was my birthday?
Most of my friends gave me a call, which was awesome. Some forgot, which was a little disappointing, but then again, I hardly remember their birthdays, so it evens out.

Anyway, I went to the studio to pack some shit up and we embarked to New York City to play our gig. Definitely a fun show, complete with many jack and cokes, even a bass player/singer dressed in a Maynard James Keenan costume...awesome.
Well, that's about it for now. I'll post a birthday post later on...and pictures too. Happy Tuesday, everyone!!

Car!! [pause, car passes] Game on!!!

2005-10-27T14:36:00.000-04:00

So much has been going on lately...first off, DeadLetterBox is playing The Continental, one of Iggy Pop's favorite places to play, this Sunday, at 11pm (Headlining, bitch!!!)

[gotta get the plug in there...cheap, I know!]

Latest news...

This past Sunday, I laced up my blades for the first in a really long time. Open hockey was the name of the game...unfortunately, I showed up to play out of shape, long winded, skate and chase...
I was VERY rusty, considering I haven't even looked at a hockey stick in over a year...
I didn't let that deter me from joining a rollerhockey team. First game was last night, in Edison. Spectacular.
The hardest part wasn't skating, or shooting the puck, or stick handling (well, stick handling is a weak point of mine...one of many come to think of it). The hardest part for me was playing on a team. I'm used to skating on tennis court, playing full length, offense and defense, straight up hockey. I know nothing about pairing up with another offensemen. I am clueless when I hear someone shouting "Forward! Forward!" as they skate towards the bench. Of course it's clear now what all this means. But I went into the game not expecting this at all. No fucking clue.

The good news is our team won, 3-1. I'd like to believe I had a part in it...but my only stat this season so far is a +1. I just happened to have been on ice when a goal was scored. No assists. No goals. I don't even think I had a Shot on Goal. ugh....

well the good news is there's only one way to go- up!!

NYC just got a little bit more insane...

2005-10-17T12:04:00.000-04:00

[cliche band shot]

DeadLetterBox makes is New York City debut tonight at The Pussycat Lounge located at 96 Greenwich Street, 2 blocks south of World Trade between Rector St. and Carlisle St.
$8 bucks/$6 with flyer...Doors open at 8pm. Bottom floor, strip club, top floor, DLB rips shit up!

More info, go to www.deadletterboxband.com

no such luck...

2005-10-16T07:37:00.000-04:00

no sleep. wonderful. have a great day, everyone!

things that go bump in the night...

2005-10-16T05:55:00.000-04:00

It's 5:45 am, Sunday morning. No, I did not wake up early to go to church.
No, I am not still awake from partying the night before. For some unknown reason, I was been awake since 3:30...i only got about 5 hours of sleep the night before. i'm definitely tired, I just can't sleep. so i decided to post a little bit, since it has been a while.

My band had this GAY-ASS gig yesterday in Ass-bury Park. Ugh. I think the line that could sum everything up was when the band Crunchpile, or something to that effect, walked in the door (straight out of a Megadeth video from '87, mind you) and asked "Hey, who's organizing this thing?" The correct answer should have been The Saint. Or Dan from JerseyShows.com In actuality, nobody was really organizing it. Doors were supposed to open at 1. First band was supposed to play at 1:15. Flyers were supposed to be distributed about this show. Some sort of promotion ON BEHALF OF THE PROMOTERS was supposed to take place. Acurate information was supposed to be posted on JerseyShows' website. Open lines of communication between the booker and the bands should have been present.
All of these things helped me answer Crunchpile's question with a simple, "No one."

So as Crunchpile loads in at 1:45pm, they dont start playing til about 2:15 (Second band, DLB, was supposed to start at 2, mind you)...They're music, very heavy, very fast, complete with statues for musicians. The guitars and bass did not move AT ALL. No facial expression changes. I'm not even sure they blinked. The singer was quite a character, however. For every different song, he wore a different mask. He had a Spiderman mask...a hillbilly mask, complete with beard...a captain's hat with a long, obsurd nose...a china doll's mask...coupled with the fact that he rigged his own effects for the show, a homemade contraption that had a multicolor spinning DJ light, fog machine, and single color spot light, he was probably one of the most entertaining things I've seen from such a stoic band. Hilarious.

So finally around 3 or so, we set up. First song, disaster. Ever see a band start playing a song and then just stop? Kinda like on Pantera's Live 101 Proof album, the way they start in the begininng part of Walk...kinda like that, except Pantera planned that. We didn't. Whatever...its not like the 15 people there cared anyway. After all, 9 of those 15 were actual band members of the next acts to follow. The rest of our set was decent, but not as tight that we have been before. Shit happens, right. But whatever...we at least got to hand out some of the videos I created last week (click here to download!! Do it! Do it now!!)

After us, Cronophoto hit the stage. Cronophoto...Union NJ's hippest group of guys, and their even hipper fans. You know the phrase "Too cool for the room"? Basically that's a good majority of the band and their fans. It's one thing to have that persona on stage, but gimme a fucking break. You can't say a fucking what's up outside a shitty club in run down Ass-bury Park? Seriously, who the fuck ARE you? And on top of that, wearing girl jeans in NEVER cool. Ever. Eat a fucking steak, you anorexic looking heroin junkie. Ugh. But Justin's cool, gotta give my what's up to him...

Then, finally, Through the Grey hit the stage. They looked 17 years old, tops. Decent musicians, horrible singer. Cannot hold a note. Screams pretty well, but when it came time for some melody, sounded like he was singing from his asshole, not his diaphragm. Also, something was bothering me about his neck. Like it was really, obscenely long for his body. Really weird looking...wish I had taken a picture.

The only redeeming factor of this whole excursion is the trip to the Stone Pony afterwards. The singer's girlfriend wanted to see this legendary building, so we took the trip. We spent about 45 minutes clowning around on the beach, snapped some cool photos, and just enjoyed the nice weather for once in a fucking while.

So why can't I sleep? Seems like I had a pretty full day. The original purpose of this post was to see what others do when they can't sleep. I think I'm pretty weird when it comes to shit like that. What I've done so far tonight...played with the cat...checked my fantasy hockey team...checked email....wrote some emails....checked my fantasy hockey team (as if something has changed at 6 in the morning)...plucked some eyebrows that got out of their holding cell...administered my own haircut...checked my fantasy hockey team...ear-wax removal surgery...drank a glass of water...checked my fantasy hockey team...posted this blog. and here we are.

Well, I think I might try laying down again. If I get to bed now, I can get maybe 2 hours before my girlfriend wakes up. Gimme some sleeping tips, damnit!!

Photo as promised...

2005-10-06T09:12:00.000-04:00

for those who read Ectropy's giveyounothing.blogspot.com blog, I made a comment regarding our trip to seattle a few years back. Ever jump in somebody's picture like you belong there and wish you were there when they went through the developed roll, and saw their reaction to your mug in their shot? well, johnny no name, if you were in this picture, thanks for making me laugh histerically upon discovering your face.

Back in the seat of things...

2005-09-26T09:13:00.000-04:00

Finally, my band started gigging. God, it feels so good to be on stage, letting loose of everything you would recognize as being a professional human being. I'm sure the jokes are gonna come in, I know it looks like i just farted and am catching a whiff of it, or it looks as if i'm dropping a bucket of mud in my pants...lets see who can come up with the best caption (stealing wozzy's game).

More to follow.
www.deadletterboxband.com

pt.2 is stuck in my head again

2005-09-21T09:49:00.000-04:00

I haven't felt this way in a few weeks. But when I do, this song always pops into my head. If you've ever heard Slipknot before, listen to this song, because it is quite different from what your used to. If you've never heard Slipknot before, download Vermillion part 2. Then erase the band from your mind, cuz you'll hate everything else by them. Except for People=Shit, perhaps...

"...she is everything to me, the unrequited dream,
the song that no one sings, the unattainable.
She's a myth that I have to believe in,
all I need to make it real is one more reason.

I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do
when she makes me sad..."

the most magical part of the song has to be the added "background" noise.
the combination of the acoustic guitar, the raw, raspy crisp vocals, synthsized effects really add mood and feeling that always seems to swallow me when I listen to the song. so powerful, that hearing it replay in my head is distancing me from reality as i type this. most tingling part has to be the harmonized vocals at the tail end of the song.

...but I won't let this build up inside of me.

Root of all evil...

2005-08-29T18:57:00.000-04:00

This post is a shout out to all the "real" women out there. That is, the ones who do not give into the bullshit that a woman must look a certain way in order to be deemed "acceptable" by society. You have an unfair advantage in this country. True, women elsewhere are treated much worse (see: middle east) but that does not excuse the mess we create in the next generation of females. Who is popular these days? I dunno, who's the skinniest. So in an homage to the real ones, I've created a magazine just for you. Where's truth.com on this one??

Say 'ello to ma lil' friend....

2005-08-26T09:13:00.000-04:00

There she is, ricki. The little, shitbag terror that searches for adventure in our 2nd floor apartment. We finally got lil' ricki yesterday. For those wondering about the name, it's not an homage to one of the greatest talk show hosts of all time ('Go Ricki! Go Ricki!')...Its a shortened version of my girlfriends' favorite hockey player, Mike Richter. she's about 8 weeks old, very tiny, and very scared. of everything. so far her favorite hiding spot is under the television stand. theres about a 4 inch gap between the floor and the bottom of the stand, so getting her out from under there has been a real pain. but then again, i really had no idea what we were getting into because neither of us had a cat before. i'm hoping i can teach it tricks, like to fetch me a cold beer, pop off the top with her claws, and (maybe stretching it) pouring it into my mouth.

but i guess its gonna take some time for lil' ricki to stop hiding from everything...and thats all we have these days. time.

in other news, we put a profile up on myspace for my new band. for those who feel inclined, please click here.

Song stuck in head....Evil as an Understatement by DeadLetterBox

I'm a shoe-in for the remake...

2005-08-23T09:18:00.000-04:00

Geez. After seeing what kind of psycho I could become, it was very important for me to step back and really analyze the way I am. I sat in my apartment and thought most of the day. For so long, I've had a headache since Sunday afternoon.
So I talked with Dana on Sunday...she finally would talk to me, which was very nice. We spoke about what had happened the two previous days, when I left town, along with my sanity. We spoke on how frightening it was to be on the receiving end of the yelling and screaming. We spoke on how frightening it was to witness yourself going out of control.
Seeing her squeeze a tiny smile on her pretty face settled my nerves. Saturday and most of Sunday, my diet consisted of water and Skoal Apple Blend. Feeling comfortable around her again allowed me to eat later Sunday night.

We came up with a deal, a plan. In order for this to work, we would need some sort of outside help. We cannot fix it ourselves, and we have tried, so we are going to get some sort of counseling. Sure, it may seem like much for a boyfriend/girlfriend to do just to save a relationship, but I cannot imagine being with anyone else. That last statement seems very juvenile, but we have a long history. [too long to sum up right now] We know so much about each other. I know if we ever split, and were dating other people, we'd always think about each other. I know this, because it happened before.

That is why I am willing to do anything to save us. Plus we're getting a kitten.

In Georgia for a wedding, 06/2005

One part I never wanted to relive...

2005-08-20T14:17:00.000-04:00

this post is a direct copy of what I wrote in my journal today. It may very well be the last of this blog. hope you all had fun.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
8/20/05 - Bam! The slam of the door on our relationship. They say hindsight is always clearer, but I'm not so sure this time. I played a joke on the true love of my life and it cost me our relationship. Kinda. Apparently I wasn't apologetic enough last night. We spent the entire car ride back crying. Her on the outside, me on the inside. I drink the problem away, but sure enough, this morning the problem was still there. And the problem grew bigger, and angrier. And saddened. What a fool I am to push too hard, yell too loud. I'm an ass. I thought getting my labret pierced was one of the stupidest things ever done. Even though I've hinted that this day might come, I would never have been prepared for when it actually did.
The worst part is still being here, seeing what I destroyed. A constant reminder of what I was too selfish to hold on to.
I just don't want her to suffer. I don't want her to be upset. I want an easy soft landing for her. I know I'm being selfish again. I really wish I had something bad to say about her. Unfortunately, the one bad things could be said about me. I'm done.
The Plan. I need a plan. I need to find a way out. What to do. Where to go. I just re-read all of my entries. I's been almost 6 years since I started writing in this journal. Ups and downs- mostly downs, an yet each time I say the same thing. I don't know what I want.

Another memory...Memorial Day, 2004. Jack's Basement. Whispering in Dana's ear, "Will you be my girlfriend? Again?"

My biggest fear...

2005-08-20T13:06:00.000-04:00

I know I've asked this question to others in interviews. Well here's my biggest fear.

Losing control. Which is exactly what happened a few hours ago, right here, in my own body and mind. I lost it. I feel like it was a completely different person that was here in my apartment, and I was across the room, watching the insanity. Art imitating life? Ever scene that you ever witness of an abusive, maniac, jealous male (husband usually) flipping out over nothing is apparently really accurate. And equally as scary.

Among the shouting, kicking garbage cans, punching garbage cans, I managed to scream the words "Get Out of my apartment! GET THE FUCK OUT!" I then ripped the pillow, sheet and comforter off the bed and threw them down the stairs.

that's not me. i pray that its not me. i completely lost it.

I must gripe...

2005-08-19T16:13:00.000-04:00

The background:
I logged onto Jamie's blog, as I usually do, as saw that he was being interviewed by HEP. I wanted to be a part, so I asked Jamie to send 5 Qs my way, so I can join the fun.

The mission:
The way the game works, you post the questions someone asks you, completed with answers, and the rules of the game below, noting if anyone wants to "play" to say so in the comments section. So I post my answers, and see that 2 buddies of mine, Tenacious B and Wozzy wanted to join in the fun. That's a little odd because I've known these guys for years, so i knew pretty much all the answers and figured it would be more for others to read, so fine, whatever. My college pal, who i hardly speak to, but always enjoy when we do, asked for the interview. Anything Really happily jumped right in. Then one of my friends, who is currently posting as Miami Tom, wanted to be interviewed, but has no blog. Finally, Amera wanted to join in. So I sent them all questions. Mission accomplished.

The result:
All answered their respective questions. Kind of.

The gripe:
Amera, seriously. You asked to be interviewed, yet you don't answer the questions. What the fuck. I thought I stunk as an interview, but you hold the crown of worst interview, EVER. You are worse than Brad Pitt on Barbara Walters, namely the part when he refused to answer questions about his breakup with Jennifer Aniston. Tenacious, a serious answer somewhere in there would be nice. Miami Tom, trip on a bucket of AIDS, you idea-stealing nothing.

In conclusion:
I am going to put this past me by consuming lots and lots of alcohol. And if I get into a fight tonight and beat up my girlfriend, then I am blaming you, Amera.

"Theres a saying, Milo. If its too loud, you're too old!"

2005-08-19T14:20:00.000-04:00

There must be something with the name...
Rolling Stones under surveillance for noise levels.

Take note to who the noise nazi is in this instance...too funny.

In other news, despite the weather, it seems that i'm headed to Wozzy's Beer-B-Q for a quiet, relaxing evening with the lady and pals. Perhaps Miami Tom will show. I'd love to teabag him.

Props to those who know where the quote came from...

5 questions...

2005-08-15T10:33:00.000-04:00

Ok. So after completing this, I realized I am the WORST interview ever! Regardless, here are 5 questions from the infamous Jamie of Jamie's Cerebral Clown Circus.

1. Iraq. Stay or go?

Way to toss the easy ones first. Well, I think a good portion of our troops should return home. Theres way too many dying for a conflict which i fully do
not understand. I would like to believe that this fighting is really having some sort of impact, ie. reducing terrorist attacks, but I am not satisfied.
This war on terror is as fruitless as the war on drugs...

2. What is your best on-stage memory?

My best experience had to have happened when i was still in high school, playing in one of my first bands at this tiny bar called The Cove in Roselle, NJ.
We probably sounded like ass, but just the excitement of playing in front of paying customers was a bit overwhelming. Hearing people applaud after finishing a song that we wrote was probably one of the best feelings I have ever experienced.
Close second best memories include watching two girls make out and lick whipped cream off of each other at the foot of the stage at the Pennant...witnessing a ridiculously drunk girl tuck-and-roll off the stage while we were playing, taking a monitor with her...also happened at the Pennant.

3. 2 people have guns pointed at their heads. One is a bum who is down on his luck. The other is a veteran hooker. Choose one and tell us why.

The bum. The veteran hooker might have been in a situation as the bum, down on her luck, but instead of giving up, she found a way to get back on her feet,
so to speak. True, its not the most honest line of work, but its hard for me to find sympathy for those who just give in because they've hit some hard times.

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? And what state is that prison in? ( you can just answer the first part)

In 10 years, I see myself sitting at a desk, miserable at work, reflecting back on how and why my music career came to a screeching halt.
I will be married, maybe 2 kids, but still wondering if the wife is banging the milkman while i'm slaving in this stupid neck tie. I will be worrying about my
subordinates, and whether I am "that guy" who they talk about while they're hanging out at bars after work and on weekends.

5. What brought you to the blogger world?

Initially, i starting blogging sort of like an online journal. I used to write everything down in a journal, sharing my thoughts and feelings of the day as a kind of therapy. That started about 6 years ago, and it is definitely fun to read back and relive that period of my life. It's interesting to see how my mind
was operating those days, and to see what was important to me then, etc. Now, it kind of evolved. For me, blogging is more of a "all eyes on me" type of thing...
I write now basically for other people to read- not so much as therapy anymore. Perhaps I've lost focus and strayed from my original intent, but alas, it is much more fun knowing you have an audience.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to play? The Official Interview Game Rules: 1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below asking to be interviewed. 2.I will respond by asking you five questions - each person's will be different. 3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions. 4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post. 5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Sends shivers down my spine, but he's aching all the time...

2005-08-10T16:08:00.000-04:00

A very chilling moment just happened in my office. My phone rang. It said "Amber" on the ID notifying me the secretary was calling.

"Hello?" I say, with Weezer playing in the background.
"Doug Krueger is on the phone for you," Amber replied.

My heart skipped a beat. In that brief pause, which strected to an eternity, I prayed for it to be true. Please, be Doug on the other end.

Sigh.

It was Doug Kruger, Procurement Manager for Byron Nuclear Power Station...

I miss you buddy...

and for those who don't know, read on here.

and another...

2005-08-08T14:56:00.000-04:00

A new Hobby...

2005-08-07T02:10:00.000-04:00

Well, since I semi-lost motivation to keep writing the Joey Books blog (Tenacious, I need your assistance with that), I picked up a new hobby. Yea. Now I spend a few hours making animated .gif files with Adobe Photoshop. I know what you're thinking- no, the rash didn't go away yet. anyway, here's a sampling of the few I made so far.

If you guys have any pictures that you want me to fuck up like the ones I did of my band mates and I, then feel free to pass them along. Otherwise, enjoy the animations!

Not so sports-minded

2005-08-03T15:20:00.000-04:00

I just read an article about the largest NBA trade in the history of the league. While that seems like a simple, menial task, it really made me depressed. I must have been living under a rock for the past few years of my life because I have NEVER heard of some of the teams. I never knew any of the players, never followed the NBA. The most in-depth I got with basketball was learning all the secret codes for NBA Jam.

wow.

Just got even more depressed as I typed that. NBA Jam was my favorite Sega game. Most kids these days don't even realize that Sega used to make gaming platforms...

But anyway, back to the original reason for the post. So there is no team called the Charlotte Hornets anymore...But there is the New Orleans Hornets (a name that doesn't flow in my mind). Charlotte is now the Bobcats. I thought Washington was the Bullets, but now they're the Wizards. The Grizzlies, I guess, moved to Memphis? I did some research just to confirm what I thought. Grizzly bears aren't really native to Tennessee. They tend to live in Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, and Montana.

What makes me more upset is what happened in baseball while I was living under said rock. The Washington Nationals? Who? Wha? But I tho...and...the...

Well I've had enough. Fuck major league sports. Fuck em!
Except for the NHL of course. Welcome back!! and I quote Garth Algar, "Game on!"

Currently playing...1812 Overture, by Tchaikovsky

Tragedically Addicting...

2005-08-03T11:06:00.000-04:00

...was the right words to describe MySpace. Swingle hit it on the head. It's so freaking amazing, for me at least, to read about people's lives and what the hell they've been up to since you've last heard or seen them. Case in point, I found this person

and was blown away when I found out who she was...a much different person than 8 years ago, back in high school.

I find myself spending hours just browsing, reading people's profiles, communicating with random people (that you can put a face on). Also I get to catch on people from school that I haven't spoken to in a long time. Don't be confused though. It's not like I miss these people. Cuz I don't. I have all of my friends that I want to keep from High School. The people from college, yea I talk to the ones I want to from time to time. I just found it very fascinating how the world goes on, whether you're paying attention or not.

Oh....and did you figure out who it is yet??

Get yer Ghey jokes ready...

2005-08-01T11:13:00.000-04:00

So I figured I'd brighten up the office on this gloomy Monday with a ridiculously homo pink/coral shirt!
Enjoy!

and i just realized the face I'm looking makes it look like my heiny is being invaded by a huge cock. Why oh why am I posting this...

Google Strikes Again!

2005-07-28T12:13:00.000-04:00

We've all done the cute little game before...you know, putting your name in Google, and watching the fun pop up. Well I decided to put a few of my friends' names in and little did I know that one of my good buddies,
Matt -> = Aqualung ->
I see the resemblance. If you don't know who Aqualung is, listen to more gooder music.

Song on 90s on 9...Thought I'd Died & Gone to Heaven by Bryan Adams

The Boner Award for Today goes to...

2005-07-27T14:05:00.000-04:00

Michael Lewis, 27, decided for some reason to fire his pellet gun at a .22-caliber bullet lying on a picnic table to see if he could hit it. He did; it exploded; and some of the bullet fragments lodged in his groin. He was hospitalized at Salina (Kan.) Regional Medical Center in March. (Police said alcohol was not involved, leaving "judgment" as the likely explanation.)

It has begun...

2005-07-26T15:09:00.000-04:00

the story behind Joey Books.

More to follow!

Song on XM 90s on 9...My My My by Johnny Gill

Wide Wacky World of NEWs

2005-07-25T11:33:00.000-04:00

Thats right...here's a generic post about news going on in my life. kinda like a page from Ectropy's blog...

Friday, I auditioned for a new band. Yea, it seems like I've been in a lot as of late, but this is a keeper. It's an original band, sounds like a mix of The Used, Pantera, and Tool (it's a no-brainer why i'm digging it). I auditioned Friday, and we're already in the process of mastering a demo for when we start gigging. Should be sweet!!

In other news, Saturday, Dana and I went to my buddy's condo up in Sussex County. What is there to do in Sussex County? We went swimming in a quarry! A Freakin' Quarry! It's like a pool, but with fish. And sand. So I guess it's really not like a pool. But it was fun no less...

Browsing the web, I came across some huge lawsuit involving one of my former employers, UPS. The website was interesting, showing the strong arm of a huge corporation, and how vicious they can be. Oh, right, the link. The Darker Side of Brown.

Finally, after much demand, I will be starting a blog for the infamous Joey Books.

Much like Mr. Books himself, the blog will be completely fictional, and someday printed into a New York bestseller.

Someday....

**Side note alert!** Tenacious B, fix your links!

Insanity...

2005-07-21T10:41:00.000-04:00

Things have crazy at work. Staying late to put together bid packages that we don't even qualify for...flying to Texas to attend meetings about projects we're not even going to persue...busting ass all morning to put together prequalification binders for the projects we're not even gonna consider. A lot of wasted work. Seems like when I actually do work around here, it is completely wasted. So I think I may revert back to surfing the internet all day and posting blogs and shit...

Also what the fuck happened to our softball team? We were doing great most of the season. Now it seems that we have reverted to the team of old. Absolutely no hitting last night amount to a single run. Good job Sal!
There were a lot of errors on the field. It seems mostly mental shit, though. Bad throws, bad hops, just an overall bad game on our part. The saddest/funniest note- our most offensive effort came at the end of the game, picking a fight with an overweight douchebag, sitting in a lawn chair. The guy seemed perfect for one of the Keystone Light commercials.

Two games left in the season. Let's make something happen!

My new love...

2005-07-16T17:01:00.000-04:00

Well, I don't hate it when I have piles and piles of dirty laundry anymore. Sure, I don't have a washer and dryer set in my apartment. No sweat from me, and i'll tell you why. Wash and fold service!
It's freakin' awesome. You go in, give them your stinky laundry and they wash and fold it for you. Economically, its only a few extra bucks. When you factor in the cost of detergent, the machines, your time and patience, you're really making out. The best part of today was walking home with a huge plastic bag full of vibrant, fresh-smelling FOLDED laundry.
Hopefully they will come up with a sandwich maker machine that actually makes sandwiches by itself!

A Side note...

2005-07-14T16:55:00.000-04:00

to those "High Brow" comedy lovers who think toilet humor is dead...

for the record, my post about me farting got WAY more comments than any other post on my blog. Also, while we're at it, Wozzy is the new King of the UnFun,

stealing the crown which had been held for years by the imfamous Brain of J.

You SUCK, Wozzy!

I think theres a problem...

2005-07-12T09:31:00.000-04:00

yea, there is. My office stinks like a huge fart. It really does.

Of course I know the source, but I think I should get an air freshener. Anybody have a good suggestion? I have only a few outlets, so a plug-in wouldn't be the best approach. And if you ever THINK about suggesting holding in my farts, i did some research and would rather not spontaniously combust. Thanks for you help.

A New Day, A New Menu...

2005-07-08T13:51:00.000-04:00

let's recap what i've eaten the past few days, highlighting a few days in particular...
Sunday, July 3rd...approx. 10 pm...tacitos, A hamburger, brownies, Tostito scoops, with cheese/sour cream dip, yeungling in a can...

Monday, July 4th...Breakfast/Lunch....2 LITs, Chicken with Broccoli and Fettucini Alfredo from Applebee's...

Thursday, July 7th...Lunch....Water, open-faced Reuben sandwiche, smothered with melted cheese...

Friday, July 8th...Breakfast...Bagel with Cream Cheese...
Lunch....3 Slices of Pizza Hut pizza (2 Black Olive, 1 Pineapple)

This is tremendous news...I'm sure the 6 of you that read this know why...

I'm Cured!!

I can tolerate cheese once again! Do you realize how happy this makes me??

A friendly letter...

2005-07-06T12:48:00.000-04:00

Dear Mr. Marlboro Man,

Why oh why do you have to be so damn cool. I mean, who wouldn't love to live off the land, going as you please, playing life on life's terms...you're so goddamn cool. And because of your coolness, people idolize you. They want to be just like you and the only real feasible way they can is by mirroring your smoking habit. How else could you get that rugged, tough look without smoking a cigarette every few minutes.

This one particular clone happened to have been smoking near my car last night. He might have even had on a cowboy hat- I'm not sure. But alas, he was puffing away on one of your fine products when the urge to ash his cigarette was unbearable to control. So ash he did. He ashed like you wouldn't believe. It was one of those ashings that happen every 445 years or so. A Haley's Ash.

With such a violent flick, his cherry flew off the end of his smokey snack and landed on my seat in my car. So now me, a non-smoker who gives a rats ass how fucking cool you are, Mr. Marlboro Man, has to live with a nickel-sized burn hole right under my rectum! Sure, my 2 passenger side doors got kicked in one drunken night by some other asshole who thinks Joe Camel trumps your ass. Ok, another 82 yr. old woman, who probably dated the original Marlboro Man decided to make a U-Turn into my driver side door. So what, some drunk asshole who enjoys the crisp, refreshing taste of a kool, leans on my mirror, snapping it off like the dried-up bronchioles in his lungs. And big fucking deal I was pissed off one night and decided to take my aggression out on a shopping cart, ramming into it like the force of a lactose-intolerant's release after a 3rd trip to the taco stand.

That doesn't mean I want my interior ruined by some assholes cigarette. Dents and dings can be fixed. Your cigarette burn is a scar that will never leave my memory nor my heart. Probably my seat as well!

Sincerely,

Nat King Skoal

not too shabby...

2005-07-05T16:58:00.000-04:00

173 out of 229 correct (Classified as 'Brainy')....
what about you?

Son of the Blob...

2005-06-22T15:08:00.000-04:00

All I can say about this story is A HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA...

i hope those hip, snooty assholes got their coach shoes covered with the shit!
Imagine all the insects it is going to attract!?!

Heaven's Gates are NOT closed!!

2005-06-22T12:40:00.000-04:00

For Billy and the rest of the pumpkin fans...(take special note to who wrote the article, taken from here.)

Pumpkins' Smashing Return
By Josh Grossberg Tue Jun 21, 8:27 PM ET
Today is the greatest day for fans of the Smashing Pumpkins.
Taking out full page ads in Tuesday's Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times,
Billy Corgan announced plans to reform his seminal alt-rock out five years after disbanded the group.
"For a year now, I have walked around with a secret, a secret I chose to keep," the bald-pated singer-songwriter writes in an open letter to fans. "But now I want you to be among the first to know that I have made plans to renew and revive the Smashing Pumpkins. I want my band back, and my songs, and my dreams.
"Rock on and may God bless you! Billy Corgan."
Corgan makes no mention of whether the other three original Pumpkins--guitarist
James Iha (currently with A Perfect Circle), bassist D'Arcy Wretzky or drummer Jimmy Chamberlin--share his enthusiasm, especially considering their acrimonious split. Nor did Corgan indicate exactly when the reunion would take place.
Known for his nasal whine and '70s-echoing guitar licks, Corgan was the principal songwriter and driving force (some would say taskmaster) behind the Windy City-based quartet. He broke the news of the reunion on the same day his first solo album, The Future Embrace, arrived in stores.
Over an 11-year career, the Smashing Pumpkins released five studio albums and won two
Grammy Awards. The band first made noise with the 1991 college-rock fave Gish, followed by the breakout major-label debut, 1993's Siamese Dream, which rode the grunge wave and catapulted them into alt-rock superstars with radio-friendly songs like "Today" and "Disarm."
The Pumpkins followed up with 1994's Pisces Iscariot, before scoring their biggest success with 1995's double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The band's magnum opus sold 4.7 million copies on the strength of such hits as "Bullet with Butterfly Wings," "Tonight, Tonight" and "1979."
The band nearly imploded in 1996 following the death of touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin from a heroin overdose. Corgan fired Chamberlin for shooting up with Melvoin, using a rotating series of drummers for the next Pumpkins release, 1998's electronic-infused Adore, and subsequent tour.
In 1999, Chamberlain rejoined the lineup right before Wretzky, who would later battle her own drug problems, called it quits to try her hand at an acting career. She was replaced briefly by former Hole bassist Melissa Auf der Maur for the band's final tour and album, 2000's hard-charging Machina: The Machines of God.
The band gave its final performance at a Dec. 2, 2000, 36-song marathon show at Chitown's legendary Metro.
Corgan immediately threw himself into various projects. He and Chamberlin formed a new band, Zwan, and released an album, Mary Star of the Sea, in 2003 but disbanded shortly thereafter. He also put out a bestselling book of poetry before getting to work on The Future Embrace, again with Chamberlain backing him up.
In his Tuesday dispatch, Corgan says the new album "represents a new beginning, not an ending" and "picks up the thread of the as-yet-unfinished work and charter of the Smashing Pumpkins."
He embarks on a solo tour Wednesday in Atlanta.

Thievery!

2005-06-20T15:55:00.000-04:00

How much of the day do you guys actually spend working?

Me? At my new job, sorry to say, i probably put about a solid 45 minutes in. I feel like a schlepp....i just hope i don't fall into this habit of laziness. Unfortunately, my softball swing already has.

Bite off more than you can jew...

2005-06-16T11:31:00.000-04:00

Things have been so crazy as of late. The apartment is finally coming together. An IKEA trip is in store for either today or at some point this weekend. Great.
You what I really don't like about that store? Besides everything, and the people that shop there, I hate the stupid little arrows directing you which way to move around. Then they have the nerve to put in "shortcuts"? Dude, what the fuck. Don't direct people then give them choices.
Ok, I know that was a little ridiculous. Sure it really has nothing to do with anything.
I am curious to see if anyone else has a similar dislike for that Swedish amusement ride from hell. Their trendy items stink. The foreigners that shop there stink. The stupid blue and yellow motif stinks too. Finally, the way that many people "love" that place iritates me. You can just drop the "I" word around any female and you'll get some sort of positive feedback. My only positive are the $0.50 hotdogs.
A deal if you ask me!

Song stuck in head...Only the good die young by Billy Joel

regarding updates...

2005-06-09T14:22:00.000-04:00

Yea, I've seen a few comments about updating.
Unfortunately, when I'm at work, I must work. Not spend an hour or so writing a post. On top of that I don't have the internet in the new apartment yet. Furthermore, why are you creatures so desperate for a new post in here? If you want to know what's going on in my life, just give me a call. It's not like we're strangers...

He shoots! He scores!

2005-05-18T12:56:00.000-04:00

So i get the call from the CEO of Safeguards Technology saying that he is in the process of drafting an offer letter, and they are going to overnight it to me. Which basically means its up to me if I am going to accept or not.

Freedom!!

to be continued...

a letter to the PTC...

2005-05-14T12:40:00.000-04:00

In response to this posting on the PTC website, I responded...

Dear L.

Per your quote..."These plots are to designed to shock, to lock in eyeballs for boffo ratings numbers. They certainly aren't plots designed to raise social consciousness."

Um, hello, exactly. I'm sorry. I thought the idea of television shows, i.e. sitcoms, dramas, reality shows, etc were meant to entertain. They perhaps were meant to stimulate the brain in some sorts, much like watching a movie or even reading your latest James Patterson thriller. Do you understand what kind of economic disaster could take place if you remove all kinds of entainment from television? Not only that, but where could responsible adults turn to find their news, since news these days are so graphic? For those of us who are old enough to seperate fantasy from reality, do we really need to stay up until 11pm to watch a decent television program or hear about the latest insurgent attacks in Iraq?

You realize your whole organization is removing any power a parent has over their kid. You're not letting parents do their duty to raise their own kids. You are brainwashing millions with your so-called crusade to safe kids from the evils of network television.

On top of that, anyone who uses a monogram in front of their name cannot be taken seriously.
Your goatee is offensive.

Signed,
A concerned citizen.

Tender age in bloom...

2005-05-09T23:04:00.000-04:00

Game 2 of the Cocks 2005 season was underway tonight...For the second time in a row, we somehow ended up on top. I think we may be proving wrong the old cliche that defense wins games. Our bats did most of the talking these past two games, which was missing from previous seasons. But the season is still young, and we have plenty more chances to look like assholes playing in the dirt.

I just received an email announcing a new album by Camp Kill Yourself. And before you think it, NO, BAM MARGERA IS NOT IN THE BAND. It really stings me too...I enjoy they're music so much, but they are the biggest douchebags on the planet.

Well it's about time North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, Michigan, Mississippi and North Dakota woke up. They have this anti-cohabilitation law that is so outdated. And I'm not just talking about gays and lifepartners living together. Unmarried couples apparently are more prone to breaking up if they move in together before marriage. To the catholic church I think this would be a good thing, ya know since divorce is something they really don't condone. I wonder what studies have shown the trend of couples breaking up if they move in together. It seems that people are so quick to refer to studies, yet they don't really pay attention to how the studies are collected, how big the test sample is and how much variance is recorded. Let people live with whom they want. Just don't let everyone procreate. Thats what I say.

Song stuck in head...Holy Diver by Dio

May has Sprung

2005-05-03T21:40:00.000-04:00

Ah, the changing weather. You can smell the warmth in the air, feel the joy of kids' laughter as the days grow long.
Alas, softball season is here, and the Cocks take the field for another season. On top of that, my weekends just grew shorter 2 hours or so on the weekends, umpiring little shitbags. Why do it? Easy money. Plus I can never pass up an opportunity to become the complete authority over a few dozen people.

In other news, tomorrow I have a job interview (Finally!!). I feel really weird leaving work early seeking the employment at a different place, but it happens, right? So i'm going to try to sell myself to a decent sized company... Safeguards Technology

We'll see how things go. It actually is for a marketing position, so I'm kind of excited about it.

The runaway bride...fucking selfish bitch. I definitely think charges should be pressed. Not only because the fiance looks like my girlfriend's ex, but because she cost a lot of taxpayers' money. She was so selfish that she could not handle herself...it makes me so mad when people don't think of what kind of panic they can cause by only thinking of themselves. I can only imagine the pain and fear she spread through her family when she did this. It's one thing to just run away; but to call your fiance and tell him that you were kidnapped, and then describe 2 phony assailants...utter disgust.

And the rube still plans on marrying her. Good job, deek.

Song stuck in head...Pain by Jimmy Eat World

15 days my ass...

2005-04-25T22:22:00.000-04:00

So it was brought to my attention that 15 days have passed since my last posting. Since today is the 25th, and my last post was the 11th, there have been 14 days in between postings. Ha! What now, biatch!

So what's been new as of late. Well, I guess for staters, as of May 15th, I will be a resident of Clifton, NJ. Not the greatest place on Earth, but its a damn good town. Why? Because there are about 5 decent sized bars with just as many liquor stores within a 5 block radius of my apartment. Pretty sweet, if you ask me. On top of that, I get live on my own with a very hot blonde who makes more money than me. Even sweeter, in the Hanson kind-of-way.
Things have picked also at work. I am meeting and presenting my own candidates for job openings, which means bigger commission checks (assuming they get hired). The job search is still in full force. I came within millimeters of getting an interview; I submitted my resume, followed up and even spoke to a representative from Human Resources. Upon being put on hold for about 15 minutes, then having the line disconnected, I was unable to resume my conversation, thus squashing any inkling of hope that I'd be considered for the job.

What a disgusting, yellow-backed, pussy-fying tactic HR uses these days. The whole "I don't need to get back to you if you suck, I'll just ignore you" type of mentality. Grow a set and tell people that they aren't getting hired.
I must take a step back.
It isn't totally HR's fault. It's a similar case with the indecency thing and the media. I imagine in the old days, people were told "Sorry, you will not be hired because you suck" or something along those lines. People fired back with lawsuits saying they were wrongfully not considered for the position because they were a minority or were disabled or because they didn't suck, etc. and actually started winning their suits. Then Roe v. Wade broke out and a royal rumble was summoned between HR and the unemployed. Now, HR is too scared of being slapped with a suit that they just ignore the needy. Kind of like Lars Ulrich, but that's another story all together.

So if anyone knows of anyone hiring in the marketing department of a company, preferably entry-level, please give me a shout! Many thanks.

Song stuck in head...surprisingly none....how disappointing.

Back by popular demand!

2005-04-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

Well, popular may be an extreme word to use. Not Extreme in "More than Words" sense, but extreme in the fact that only one person wanted me to update this thing.

So here's a quick run down.

I still hate my job.
I drank away this weekend (for the most part).
Last week's episode of Lost was Extreme (Yes, in the More than Words sense.
Penis Drawings + Hives = Party fun!

Besides drinking this weekend, my gf and I sought out potential living quarters for the next year, at the very least. Of about 10 apartments we looked at, 2 were awesome. One was an older, 2nd floor of a house that had ginormous space (maybe because it was empty). One of the downsides is the parking situation. Not too much room on the street, but definitely something we could deal with. The other was a lot more modern, with ample street parking; the landlord could be someone who was a little bit more desirable. He wasn't horrible, just a little hard to understand while speaking to him. On top of that, I think he would give great headaches if we ever had a problem. Perhaps a shouting match, which seems to be somewhat of a norm as of late.

Onto more about the weekend. Good news and some very bad news...first the bad - Friday night. So Dana gets invited to go out to Hoboken with some people she works with. Definitely the type of people who are not accustomed to my brand of humor. Yea, it was very uncomfortable. If it weren't so loud, I'm sure you'd be able to hear crickets after a few jokes I made. A brief note on a Hoboken "curse" Dana and I share...every time we've gone out to Hoboken, somehow we end up in a huge argument/fight. One time a few months back, we went out in a large group and had a blast while inside the bar. Upon leaving, a huge fight ensued. About what, I am still foggy on. St. Patrick's Day, we were in Hoboken again. Yet again, at the party we were at, everything was fine. Leaving there, we got into another huge argument, complete with her running off into the darkness leaving me with a cell phone and a dead battery. Friday was no different. Leaving Hoboken, I grazed against a pillar in the parking garage, causing a huge scratch on her car. Bad move. So we fought, shouting back and forth, etc. The next morning, we apologized and everything was fine.
Then we get the call that friends are going to Hoboken for TomChoad's birthday party. [enter doomed/suspenseful music]. One last shot at breaking the curse...so we muster enough courage to give it one more shot, and enter Hoboken Saturday night (taking my car, of course). Surprisingly, the night went off without incident. I surprised myself by NOT causing a scene when some jake tried picking up my gf right in front of me. Superb. And the great thing now is we have broken the Hoboken curse. Perhaps the curse took the night off. Maybe it's gone forever. One thing is for sure- my girl and I are Extreme, in the most "More than Words" sense possible.

Song stuck in head...Pulse of the Maggots, by Slipknot

Sitting on an angry chair

2005-03-30T22:55:00.000-05:00

Yea. Today was one of those days. So at work, we have to take these "tests" to make sure we are learning EVERYTHING that goes into the company. Sure it seems logical. But a job like this entails so much that it is nearly impossible to learn every single detail to the T about the job. So the first two tests, I did fairly well. Actually I did really well, an 88 and a 93. But the one today I bombed. I knew I bombed it, and I got an earful. The test, I was explained, was really an assessment of how well I was paying attention throughout my tenure at this job. So amidst all the craziness that goes on in a typical day, I am supposed to know everybody else's business. True it would help me in my job, but I just haven't picked it up yet. True it would help if I knew all the available opportunities and all the details about the companies offering them.

But I don't have them memorized. It's a good thing the answers are easily accessable on the big plastic and sillicone box in front of me called a computer. So because I did so poorly, I was questioned on what exactly it was I was doing at work day in and day out. Now that I have calmed down (yes it took hours) I realized I don't have an answer what I do there. I really don't. I was told I was very aggressive on the phone, but I have too much pride. I defend myself when I shouldn't. I don't listen and pay attention enough. When I face a roadblock, instead of staying quiet and thinking of ways around, I try to force my way through.
And that just won't cut it.
I'm thinking the 45 minute yelling session was an attempt to break me down. Perhaps it did in a way. From now on, I will try to make my work situation my life. I guess. A new day is born, and CEO DCG is unleashed into the world of recruiting.

So beware all you unemployed assholes who want a job in accounting. Your day has come and you will hear my voice on the other end, spitting off all the available jobs there are in the tri-state area.

And to quote Rich Voss, "I got nothing. I stink."

In other news, I was informed by a priest on CNN that the Shiavo case is pretty much cut and dry. He informed me that people are crying out to let her die in peace. He said being starved to death is not dying in peace. He said that her feeding tube is not a medical treatment. He equated it to dining out. After dinner, he spoke, we do not say, "Wow, that was a good treatment." We say that was a good meal.

Hey jerkoff, when's the last time you dined out and had the staff spoonfeed you??
And everybody else protesting and getting arrested trying to sneak in food, mind your own fucking business. Go pray for the Indonesians who suffered through that horrific earthquake.
And the people who say she isn't in a PVS because she responds to people in the room...yea she moves her eyes and follows you around...Turn off the lights and then turn them back on...do her pupils dialate? Holy shit, she is responding. Turn on the AC....does her skin form goosebumps? Oh my God, stop the press, she's getting better. I see dramatic improvement in her 15 years in this state. Her husband realized theres no coming back. I think its time you did also. But he's a dick anyway.

Song stuck in head...How Can I Live Without You, by Ill Nino

Everyday seems like a Monday

2005-03-29T22:45:00.000-05:00

at work. I know I haven't posted in a while, but there are acceptable reasons. First and foremost, my internet was down for DAYS. Can you imagine life before the world wide web...holy shit. But anyway, I'm back with a vengence.

I hate work more than ever. When I bitch and complain about work to my friends, we all come to the same very conclusion that I figured out in my high school years. I'm not a people person and I should not be in a working environment where interaction with other human life is essential to the job. It's sick. And as much as I hated UPS, it's looking more and more like a job that I would be content with. Nobody breathing down my neck, nobody to interact with (except for the occasional person signing the board) and no selling involved. I did well at that job. But the hours were brutal. Not like me working 50+ hours at this job is a picnic.

So I gathered enough courage to cold call a stop on the Morris Plains route and see if they were hiring. It was actually similar to a job I held before college, selling marketing products. To my understanding, this place was different with the fact that they had a customer base and was in a populated area, to which walk-ins were the norm. Unfortunately they were not hiring at the moment, but might be in a month or two. At least I got my resume in their hands, and of course I will check up in a few weeks.

And that is my new approach; aggressively going after companies which do not have job postings, yet seem like a suitable place to start a career. I don't think its such a bad idea- in fact most people I know who enjoy their jobs landed them this way.

In other news, I think I will be moving out of the nest relatively soon. My girlfriend's lease is expiring soon and will be looking for a new place to live. We're approaching a year together, 2.5 years if you count the previous relationship and think it will be an excellent step in the direction of my future with her. Afterall, you never truely know how you can be with someone without living with them. Maybe I'm blinded by my feelings for her, but I see nothing negative about this approach. Let's just hope I have steady income to afford the rent.

Song stuck in head...The Hollow by A Perfect Circle.

Time to grow Up!

2005-03-17T00:50:00.000-05:00

So it's almost 1am here in Jersey, and I should have been asleep a long time ago. Especially because I didn't get much sleep last night and I was tired today. The next logical step; sleep less the next day, especially because it will be a longer one. Ah, its funny sometimes how the mind works.
So I had a blast tonight playing darts, singing karaoke, and most of all, hanging out with my good friends, including my girlfriend. Its not often we get to hang out on the weekdays, so it was especially nice because she is working this weekend. So my buddy keeps bugging me, asking when I'm going to marry her. Well I can honestly say it won't be anytime soon. The pure logistics don't make sense, nevermind the financial reasons. But I will, eventually. And for once in my life, I'm not afraid of committment.
So is it bad that I want to quit my job again? I just completely do not want to talk to people. Calling at least 75 different assholes a day is not my idea of a career move. Sure its nice helping other people out...but when you're really just holding them over for a little while, then I don't think its anything to do backflips over. I'm sure my talents could be better used making fun of people or creating something.

So some tools from the O and A show were jumping all over me like a vulture on a fresh carcass because I pointed out the fact that they spend about 25% of the show complaining. While that doesn't seem much compared to others, I was fed up with it. So I posted on Foundry Music about it and people went apeshit. Holy cow. Because I don'twant to hear them waste an hour complaining on air, i'm painted an asshole. And as more and more posts came in saying basically the same thing, I realized how retarded these brainwashed assholes are. Its one thing to be a fan, such as myself...but to the point where you would lick their shit from the sidewalk....ugh, makes me sick.
Enough ranting for one night.

Song stuck in head...Sink into the Underground by CKY

Is this what life is about?

2005-03-13T23:09:00.000-05:00

So the weekend has ended. It was the first weekend in a while that me and my girl didn't get into a huge fight. Well, a fight that lasted for more than an hour, which is barely a fight in the grand scheme of things. There was the little tiff when she was angry that I hid some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups from her...there was a ton of alcohol involved, so it really wasn't anything at all.
But anyway, we went grocery shopping today. It's really something when you start doing the mundane things you hate doing yourself with other people. I can't think of anyone who actually enjoys food shopping, with all the other assholes in the supermarket. All the usual annoyances, people not watching where they push their shopping cart to people who stand in the middle of the aisle in front of your cart, so you cannot maneuver around them...all the crap seems to dissappear when your there with someone you like being around. We even got into a discussion about what life would be like in a few years, assuming things keep up the way they are and we do eventually live together, married. Its something that normally would make me cringe at thought, but not this time. She really is someone special, and I hope I don't get blinded by my feelings...I hope I'm still able to keep in touch with reality.
So for the first time in a week, I don't feel sick. Well too much. The occasional cough but that's about it. Very nice.

Full work week ahead. I think my newer attitude towards work is this: I got this job, I should be fortunate. I should work hard to gain experience, knowledge and ultimately, lots of money. It's really not as horrible as I've been making it sound. Its just not a fun job. I do hate talking to people, but if I can talk to them in a way I used to...the way I did at Starbucks, which made them think I was truely interested in their miserable lives, but in actuality I was making fun of them...then the job could be more worthwhile.

At least I don't have to make any TPS reports...
Song stuck in head...Sour Girl by Stone Temple Pilots

last day

2005-03-09T13:03:00.000-05:00

So today is my last one home sick. I think. I felt much better earlier, but as the day is wearing on, i'm feeling worse and worse. i have these ripped abs now from coughing so much, so thats kinda cool. the most painful thing, though, are my eyes....anytime I move them they kill me. really fucking painful.

so maybe someone can help me out here. today i read in the paper that the US wants Syrian troops out of Lebanon. People are holding massive protests in Lebanon disputing this, cheering about some "brotherhood" Syria and Lebanon has. My question: Why do we give a fuck? Is it because they possibly are working together with Iraq and developing WMDs to use against us? It seems a little insane to me. You know, kinda sticking your nose where it doesn't belong.

Also, Israelis are violating their own laws along with UN sanctions by building settlements along the West Bank. I wonder how long before Bush intervenes (if at all). This is a serious issue, right?

ok enough politics talk from me.

now i just realized I have nothing else to talk about.

First day home

2005-03-07T16:39:00.000-05:00

So I stayed home from work today. First in a long time. Got a lot of laundry done. Slept a lot. Still feel like shit.
So I waited until Ignition found a replacement and I packed my bags. So no more early Sunday drives down to southern Hell to practice. I would say that I miss gigging, but since we averaged about 1 gig every too months, there's not much to miss. I moved onto a new band, Stillife. No website yet, hence no link. Its still the beginning stages, and everyone has these rockstar dreams. The guys are fairly normal, which I guess I'll miss from Ignition...(what a bunch of characters...). They drink, so I'm not gonna get kicked out for my habits, like Dead Letters did a few years back... Best of all, we rehearse in West Paterson, which is only about a 20 minute drive from my house, 15 from my girlfriends. Very nice!

My next task will be squashing this job thing at Nauticus Group and finding something a truely enjoy. Maybe I should slow down. Finding something I truely enjoy is a huge task in itself. So maybe I'll call out tomorrow and send out 20 more resumes to be ignored. I took some friends advise, applying to people who don't even post openings, and maybe something will pop up that way.
Unfortunately, ESPN has not gotten back to me yet.

Song stuck in head...What it is to Burn, Finch

It was bound to happen :-(

2005-03-06T21:06:00.000-05:00

so finally I am sick. Not like the usual allergies/headache/sore throat kind of sick that happens once or twice a year. I'm really sick.
Fever, aching body, no appitite, dizziness. I think I really caught something bad this time. I guess part may be from being around my girlfriend's roommate, who was sick all last week. Similar symptoms. Sweating hot one minute to literally shivering cold the next.
So I can deal with being sick. It sucks, but it was bound to happen. The hardest part will be deciding to go to work or not tomorrow. Of course I don't want to. But being that it's my first month, I'd feel like as ass calling out. I don't have sick days yet, but I'm not too concerned about not being paid. Shit happens. I just don't want to look like a total jackass calling out so soon. So if you see a rather early post tomorrow, then you know I'd called out.

The other factor to me being sick has to be the extent of period I was outside Saturday. It was the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Hoboken, so I went with the gf. Everything was awesome, but in true Hoboken fashion, as soon as we left we started fighting. It was horrendous. I was getting upset because she didn't want to tell me why she was pissed at me. Afterwards she told me that I should just accept the fact that she doesn't want to talk about things right away, and I can understand the point. But when there's alcohol involved, understanding gets tossed out the window. So long story short, we were fighting outside, got mad at each other, and she walked away. I could've followed like a dog running after her with its tail between its legs, but i chose to walk to the train station instead. To make matters worse, my cell phone battery died and I had no way of contacting her. It's a good thing I have her # memorized. Otherwise, who know if we'd ever resolve things. Just a side note- If someone asks to use your cell because theirs died, please let them. A pair of nice folks let me borrow theres until I found a payphone.
So we met up at the trainstation and things really didn't get settled until we got to her apartment.
God I hate fighting with her...But I'm glad its over and we both decided to work on our communication...I'll try letting things cool because asking too many things...like any relationship, we need some work. It's not often you find someone who is willing to work with you, and I'm glad I found someone who will.

Well, the Nyquil finally is kicking in, and I'm getting whoozy. Tomorrow, I'll get into my final days with Ignition and more updates on my new band, Stillife.

Song stuck in head...Take it Easy, The Eagles

Life should come with an instruction manual...

2005-02-27T22:28:00.000-05:00

Cuz I have no idea about what I want to do with myself these days...
Ignition is headed quickly down a steep slope. Should I stick it out? I do have a great time hanging out with them, and the singer and guitarist are really good at what they do...but

The commute...An hour and forty minutes, just to rehearse...Imagine having gigs that don't let out until 3 - 3:30 and have to drive back just to grab about 2 hours of sleep before I have to be on the phone talking to 8,000 assholes looking for a job...(8,001 if you count me)
The drummer...My buddy Jimmy, the guy who got me in the business of cover bands (yes there is a huge market around philly and the jersey shore) has left the band. He actually got a really good chance to join an established band, The Rockets...The band has been in the philly area for over 20 years, and they work full time, so good for him. I've been in 3 different bands with him, and until as of late, I hadn't played with another drummer. While that may sound homo-ish on the surface, you kinda form a musical bond where you can sense different things that may help if there's a slip-up, or even musical cues, things of that nature. I guess it's a little bit harder to explain...
Did I mention the commute?
Doing anything at 9:30 Sunday morning sucks unless its sleeping. Definitely not a time to be rehearsing.

So I found some other guys, a lot closer to home to join a band with. Suprisingly, one of their "influences" is a band I thought not many people heard of. Snot. For Pete's sake, The Box and I Jus' Lie were on the audition setlist, not to mention other songs that I'd actually enjoy playing...Peace out Good Charlotte!!
So I might stick with these guys for a while, see where it takes me.

Onward, Im not sure about what I want to do as far as a job. I know many people don't know, but at this point in my life, I don't have a lot of options. True, a great way to gain experience in the music biz is to intern...problem is I'm not in college(which is required by most)...secondly, I'm fairly broke. Can't really afford to do "volunteer" work right now. So I'm sending my resume to a lot of different places and this week at work I'm gonna take down names of contacts in HR departments of companies I find interesting...Don't know if it will help, but who knows. I could, afterall, shoot myself in the foot on this one.

So if anyone knows of any contacts in the music biz, I'd greatly appreciate a referral...in the meantime, I'll continue my search. Hopefully ESPN will get back to me.

Song stuck in head....Low Rider by War. Weird I know.

sick and twisted...

2005-02-26T00:39:00.000-05:00

what a sick new twist
a feeling and a twitch
my chest won't stop shaking
shivering like a bitch.

she left in a swift
in the middle of a fit
maybe i should just quit
pretending its legit.

seems our base
is never face to face
cuz she's always hiding
something that can't be erased...

Time flies

2005-02-22T22:39:00.000-05:00

when you have a 3 day weekend....

So I was all excited Friday evening, when I got out of work. Why?
First off, it was the first weekend in a while which I got to spend the entire time (minus band practice) with my girlfriend. It's been a long while since I got to really spend time with her and sleep in her comfortable bed. Yea, it may be cruel, but I think the main reason I'm with her is because my mattress sucks and she has a big comfy bed. Its not the greatest, but it a good bed...
Second, it was an extra day off work. Enough said.
So I took the extra time and revamped the bands website a little. Mainly, put a new toolbar and added a guestbook. Feel free to invade...

So my buddie's car got hit. Twice. The first I can absolutely relate to. We were having a few brews at a local bar when someone smashed into his front-passenger-side quarter panel causing quite a bit of damage. I was reminded of a few months before when I was parked in lovely, Haledon, NJ, to which I woke up on a hazy Sunday morning to two huge dents in my passenger side doors complete with matching footprints. Apparently someone doesn't like the color green and felt they need to empty some aggression on my 4 door babe magnet. A difference is if I reported damage to my insurance company, my rates will increase expotentially back to where they were back in my wreckless driving days...

Thus, the dents stay.

Well, I officially have a strong dislike for my job. The company is great. It's just not the type of work I am interesting in. I'd much rather be in some marketing position for a record label or something music related. But, if you know someone in the tri-state area who has an accounting degree and is looking for a job, please send them my way.

So as I look for a job I think I'd enjoy (if there is such a thing), I grow tired and need sleep. After all, I did work 10 hours today...

Song stuck in head...Angel's Son by Sevendust & Snot, on the Strait-Up compilation/tribute CD.

Indecision...

2005-02-08T01:26:00.000-05:00

Well I completed 2 full weeks at the new job. I'm not sure if it's because I'm not really doing all that much except talk on the phone (a side note; I HATE talking on the phone), but it's really boring. Like seriously, it's great money, once I get paid, but its so disinteresting to me. So bad that I already started looking for a different position.
Well I hate to say looking. I contacted a recruiter who I barely gave the time of day to, but now have a better understanding of what she goes through, to find me a better position. I realize that my resume is basically toilet paper on much harsher paper, but I want to find a job that a lot more interesting so that I wouldn't cringe everytime I hear the word "work."
Sure, everybody wants that, but I don't think everybody thinks they could get something like that. I'm been so f-ing poor that I can go a few more months living this way in persuit of a better opportunity. And that's just it. opportunity.
Seeing Dougy on TV tonight just reinforced my desire to make something worthwhile of myself. This kid had so much potential, and accomplished so much in such a short life, it inspired me to really do something with my time. With that said, Ignition is over with and I am persuing an original band where I wouldn't feel so much like a whore every gig... On top of that, I think I can let go of every fear I've had of committment (sorry Bicyclemark, I guess it's hard to understand) and I'm ready to start a new life with someone permanent in my life.
I've decided to have a career, doing what I enjoy, with the hobbies I want to spend my free time doing, with the people I care about every step of the way. That said, I'm never gonna stop hanging out with my friends, my favortite girl and my first love (music).
A little late for a New Years resolution, but not so much a bad time to start.

Song stuck in head...Burning Bright by Shinedown

Turn around, bright eyes...

2005-01-27T01:57:00.000-05:00

well. a fun night. went to my least favorite bar in town, Phoenix. It is right down the street from my house, but the service is horrendous and its just a ghetto-ass, hole-in-the-wall bar. But, alas, it was karaoke night and someone in our group had to sing. So i got up there with my best rendition of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" with a little help from the movie Old School. Very niiiiice.

Just in time for election, another uprising occured in Iraq. Seriously, why are we still there? I thought the first reason was to find WMDs. Not there. Then I thought it was to oust Saddam because he was a dictator and we feel the need to share democracy, because it works so well here. Kinda. Find, Saddam done. Now what? I think it's pretty obvious we're not wanted there. I don't know too much about foreign policy, but treading on other people's turf for a reason I don't understand is not that cool with me. I guess as long as its not Congress's children or the Presidents then we can keep sending troops over there to die...whoops I mean keep peace. Cause it worked so well in Vietnam.

But anyway, head the Tsunami song on Hot 97? Yea, that whole morning crew is gonna get canned. You would think with all the crackdowns the FCC is doing they would realize any sensative topic should be avoided. Kudos to the DJ Craig Carlton on NJ101.5 for sticking up for himself again acting governor Jackass Codey, defending remarks about mental health. Finally, someone with balls...

On that note, I'm off to bed.

Song stuck in head...Total Eclipse of the Heart, for obvious reasons...

Rock is deader than dead.

2005-01-26T01:17:00.000-05:00

Second day at work, and everything is fine so far. Why? Cuz I haven't done jack shit. But I feel so important walking around...hoo hoo, I'm a recruiter. Seriously, its such a power trip walking around in front of applicants seeking employment. Even though I'm broke.
But anyway, today was different. My brother called me at work and asked me to go to Hoboken with him tonight. Unless you know my history (well only Brain of J would know) I don't hang out with my brothers. Ever. So it was weird. But one of his co-workers plays in a band and had a gig tonight in Hoboken. He didn't want to go alone so I went. To be honest, it was weird hanging in a bar with him. We had a few beers, talked a little, laughed. Overall it was a decent night. The band wasn't horrible either. Musically, that had something going. Tight, good tunes. Problem was, they were an eyesore to watch. So boring. Anyway, I guess I'll link them. Bill Owens Five. They apparently get quite a few gigs, so if your around north Jersey or the city, you might catch them.

My girlfriend landed another job offer, this time for a job she was really hoping to get. Its awesome, too, because they offer her a lot more than she's getting now, so I'm really happy for her. Besides any job that involves fire starters is cool in my book.

Forgot to take my medicine today, so I broke out into hives all day. Don't get it, because my "condition" was supposed to subside after a month, but it hasn't yet. My skin becomes so sensative that you can "write" stuff in my skin by scratching it and it will hive up. Definitely have to get a picture of it. Finally, before I forget, let me link one of the funniest links I've gotten in a while. Cybersex never seemed so funny.

Word of the day: Terse - to the point
Song stuck in head: Turn me on by Kevin Lyttle

Busted!!

2005-01-25T01:57:00.000-05:00

So today, my girlfriend is over and she's going through my history on my web browser when she comes across this here blog. For a split second I felt like I didn't want her to read it...but she brought up a very good point...and I quote..."It's on the FUCKING INTERNET!" So yea, you can read it. She was in good spirits today because she's about to jump on the New Job Wagon...WHOO HOOO!

Anyway, i just need to say FUCK THE PARENTS TELEVISION COUNCIL! Goddamn what whiney bastards! For the latest attempt of turning our country into a bunch of soft, sensative, tight-lipped, ever-so-cautious-as-not-to-offend-anyone assholes, they filed 36 complaints to the FCC over "indecency" on family favorites such as Friends and The Simpsons. No, not O.J.'s family, the yellow ones, Bart, Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggy, et al.

Wow. I saw a cartoon kid holding a sign that said "Don't cut off my pianissimo."
I didn't know what pianissimo meant so I looked it up," said a 13 year old boy. "I learned that its a musical term and wondered why I couldn't learn that in school. Then I remembered, the school cut the music program to buy new football jerseys." Ugh!!

Ugh. I don't remember the exact percentage, but the "outrage" over Janet Jackson's middle-aged boob hanging out last SuperBowl (yea, I know a year late) was a good part complaints filed by the PTC. I think something like high 90 percentile, or something to that effect. F-ing rediculous that such a small group of the population has these big companies afraid of airing content that they have to pixelate out a cartoon ass on a recent REPEAT (meaning the first time aired, no censored cartoon ass) of Family Guy.... Which as you can see, new episodes start May 1st! Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.

Song stuck in my head...Bombshell by Powerman 5000

Opening day jitters...

2005-01-24T01:23:00.000-05:00

Well tomorrow is the big day. Day 1 of a potential life changing event. After chatting with friends about it, I was reminded that it will be ever so tough to escape the borish eutopia of unemployment and return to never-ending perils of the corporate world, complete with TPS reports. Ok, so I'm hoping there won't be my personal Lumbergh at this place, but you never know...hmm...yeah...that'd be great.

Onto a similar note...I still can't tell my girlfriend that I landed this job. I'd hate to make her feel bad, since she's been looking for a job move since November. I feel even worse because her job is pure hell. Imagine being trapped in a house with 8 rambunctious kids who were once removed from a semi-loving (not really) family. DYFS kids. I know, DYFS, the word that burns the tongue as if it was soaked in acid when NJ created the name. My heart goes out to her because its a really demanding job. You have to pretty much parent these kids, show them love and make them trust human beings again because they have been so abused before...but the stress is getting to her. Plus, working 4 days nonstop (sleeping there) is quite a feat in itself.

One thing I did notice about these blogs is you can pretty much travel the world with them just by reading others. I checked why california sucks at Kalipornia's blog and whats fantastic across the ocean with Bicyclemark's blog to just across the river at what's going on in NYC with my friend Kristeen's weblog to right across town with my dear friend Brain of J's blog. Truely amazing how small the internet makes the world seem.

well thats for all now.

Song stuck in head...Sinner by Drowning Pool

Touchdown!

2005-01-22T17:32:00.000-05:00

So the eagle has landed as I start my new position of Recruiter for a staffing agency located 6 minutes from my house by car. Well, I didn't necessarily land the permanent position, I did get a foot in the door. I am still a little nervous, because I kind of got used to the fact that I could sit on my fat ass all day and still get paid (barely) for it. It will be really weird re-entering the workforce once more.

Should've paid attention in your philosophy class, fellas. Due to "strong philosophical differences", nothing was resolved in the CBA talks that occured last Wednesday and Thursday. Well, hopefully they're get something done by the time next season rolls around....if there even is a season.

A caller to the Opie and Anthony show yesterday complained that their sidekick, Jim Norton used the same word over and over again to describe a story that happened (I believe the word was "horrendous"). I wonder if that gentleman help the presidential inauguration...As The Daily Show with Jon Stewart pointed out, Dubwa used the word "freedom" 27 times and the word "liberty" 15 times. God. Find an f-ing Thesaurus, huh?

Another day...

2005-01-20T19:41:00.000-05:00

some other way, but not another to continue. And now you're one of us, the wretched. Ok, I know that link was completely unnecessary. But at least I resumed the job search. My buddy keeps telling me about working with him as a mortgage broker but, (here comes another list!!)

It's in east bumblefuck, about an hour and a half drive

Commission only, and I'm still broke

Interest rates are on the rise, bad time to jump in the market

So I think I'm gonna try it out, see how I do, but still find a way to collect unemployment until I decide if this is something I want to do or not.

bang!

So there was a little sit down meeting with the boys and the owners, so the NHL may have an abbreviated season if they can reach some sort of agreement TODAY.

Tip of the day.
If you're a drug dealer, and are going to make a deal in a public place, like a mall, don't forget your stash, or your cash.

Peace for now.

Don't mothers make good fathers...

2005-01-19T14:41:00.000-05:00

revolver...
I've become someone I hate. Someone leeching off the government because I'm too goddamn lazy to get a job.
I keep telling myself that I can't dedicate full time to job hunting because:
a) I don't know what I want as far as a career is concerned
b) I have to keep my schedule open for the band
c) Why work, can you can get money for free?
Hopefully an excellent opportunity will land right in my lap and I will receive devine motivation.

In other news...
The NHL talks may resume after a meeting between a few reps from both sides today. This is basically the last chance for any sort of hockey season to take place this year.

I Hate Us

2005-01-17T23:27:00.000-05:00

Well, not really...just took a little break (hiatus) from this blogger thing. Why? Still not positive how I want to work it. After reading my buddy's, and knowing he's gonna read mine, it's kinda tough.
It's like trying to headline a gig with Pantera as your opening band...
(thanks norton!)
I really must kick myself in the nuts about this one. After all my bitching and complaining of working all day for the man (UPS) and cheering and jeering for December 24th, the day I get laid off, I'm dissatisfied. Here I am thinking, YES! don't have to wake up early, shave, uniform up, then delivery 9000 packages and get back just in time to eat dinner and pass out. And I'm happy I don't.
But I do miss working. As dumb as it sounds, my days are very uneventful and I feel utterly worthless. No worries about suicide though, because even if I am wrong about the "no such thing as god" I'd hate to miss the chance of hanging with Dougie in heaven.

So apparently I need a theme of some sorts for this nonsense. And here it is. I will write whatever the fuck I want on here. My thoughts, my experiences, my memories, or just random shit that I'll make up to make myself seem cool or important or whatever.

Shameless Plug
Ignition Rocks the Delaware Valley!
for a small fee, I can add your links here!! And by fee, I mean I'll just add it.

Pearl Harbor Day...

2004-12-07T20:57:00.000-05:00

So today was a monumental day in our country's history. As cruel as it is, its a day that reminds us we do get our asses kicked every once in a while. sad to say, but its true. As much as we'd like to think, Nancy Kerrigan would not have returned to dominate the sport of ice skating if there wasn't such a vicious attack set upon her knee. America, in my eyes seems to be the same way. Someone shoves us a little, we try to bully them back. See Iraq.
So in honor of those who fought for our country in beautiful, sunny Hawaii (as depicted in the movie) I was proud to fulfil my civic obligation of jury duty. Actually I was probably the only juror happy to have jury duty.
- Yes, I know my employer doesn't pay me a full day's pay.
- Yes, I sat there with nothing interesting to read in a small room full of stinky people.
- Yes, I parked in the wrong parking garage and had to pay instead of getting my parking validated.
I was happy. Did you see the f-ing weather out? Who wants to deliver parcels in that crud? I accept my $5 check with a kool-aid smile.

The start of a revolution

2004-12-06T21:29:00.000-05:00

...maybe not a revolution. Well i tried the journal thing, worked well for a few months/years. So why not jump into the 21st century and try out a blog. i'm sure many expert-bloggists (?) will snicker and turn a smug cheek towards my blog for I am a newbie (ugh) but whatever. I don't really know how these things work, or what their for, so I'm just gonna jot down some thoughts and what-have-you. Is there really an audience?
Don't expect any fancy links just yet. give it time.

Google stands for god

2004-12-06T20:44:00.000-05:00

who knew what a simple internet search could find.
the possibilities are endless.