tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29167140226522300922024-02-19T06:53:00.637-08:00Self PortraitsSelf PortraitsDishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-2691898449457470912012-07-16T19:05:00.001-07:002012-07-16T19:05:08.107-07:0026Like most years, a birthday is just another day in the calendar, signifying that you are, in fact, one day older. But on the one day a year we count the years, and not just the days, it seems okay, even if self indulgent, to take stock of what the last year brought and what the next year may bring. It's difficult to do, currently, in the midst of the strangest two to three month stretch of my life thus far, studying for the bar while also finding brief moments of enjoyment and perhaps even growing up.<br />
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While slightly detailed in a prior post, bar study is like a full time job, if your full time job also involved cramming three years worth of knowledge in to your head for a three day test while having your teeth pulled. Unlike the first year of law school, which I only realized was miserable when looking back on it, this is pretty miserable in the moment- not necessarily one conducive to an exercise such as this.<br />
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But, pausing to take stock in a brief break from the books, the past year and upcoming year may well prove to be the most formative when I (hopefully am able to) look back 50 to 60 years down the line. A true end of formal education, combined with beginning a new job and career, is both intimidating and exciting, a unique blend of dread and adrenaline not often experienced of doing something stupid (like skydiving, I would imagine, if I ever had any desire to jump out of a plane. I do not.). With this change comes a longer-term perspective than I have needed to undertake in the past; there is now a need to consider more than just my immediate 1-2 year needs. <br />
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Part of this thinking happened to come when my grandfather passed away last May, as I was set to finish finals and graduate law school. Outside of my immediate family, my grandfather was (is?) probably the person who influenced me most. While experiences (thanks, college!) truly help you to find out who you are, my grandfather helped to instill the values and direction which help make those choices leading to that experiential learning. He is missed, but his passing as the last of my grandparents also shifts the focus to the future. I, despite the presence of the next generation in younger cousins, thought of family in a 3 generation strata: grandparents, parents, and myself (and sibling). But now, to continue that model, we all move up a level. For me, that means no longer being the "youngest," but rather, being more "adult" than before, leading to this longer term perspective. No longer am I, and presumably, dear reader, you (due to the whole 'there are only about 17 of you, and I know who 16 of you are- so, disregard this, the 3 married people who read) on the bottom of the generational totem pole, but, in due time, we will be the role that has always been filled by our parents.<br />
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That said, I cannot wait for that next step. My parents are extraordinarily fortunate to have a fantastic set of close friends, found as they were beginning a family (and before). While college was unmatched in terms of meeting some wonderful people, we have mostly since scattered to different cities. I will always care for those folks, but sadly, they are not and likely will not be part of my daily life. The people around me now, including an incredible set of friends who surprised me with dinner for my birthday and have been travel companions in the past, are the people I am going to be lucky enough to surround myself with moving forward in the long term. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Normally, and historically, I have been reticent to accept change. But that is less true now; I currently welcome the longer term perspective, and the growing up and changes it brings. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Per usual, TFR, but also thank you for likely being more than just a reader. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Dis</span>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-82375915184904126082012-07-05T13:18:00.002-07:002012-07-05T13:18:44.367-07:00Happiness is...revisiting favorite old albums after far too long. Welcome back to my ears, London Calling.<br />
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CE8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Falbum%2Flondon-calling%2Fid152996781&ei=Yvb1T46-Loni2AXo6IzTBg&usg=AFQjCNEBvhu32SZquiIHs0ej_5JpXHSW5Q&sig2=HUmKeYo_Zals4L1eQSni4w">iTunes Store</a>, because if you do not own it, you should. Easily one of the best rock albums of all time; if you disagree, let me know in the comments. Happy to hear your favorites.<br />
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TFR,<br />
DisDishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-73684648885021563552012-06-25T21:57:00.000-07:002012-06-25T21:57:26.363-07:00Sometimes You Eat the Bar...Studying for the bar makes you many things: a hermit, albeit mostly for the beard, an asshole (to your friends who do not understand where the hell you went for three months), but mostly, a little stir-crazy from the stress. We've all slightly turned in to a permanent finals mode, where days of the week become irrelevant and weekends seemingly fail to exist.<br />
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That's the truth of the matter. It is nothing like what the tours walking past the Anheuser Busch School of Law tell you: it does not give a new meaning to passing the bar. The joke on Wash U tours, usually eliciting laughter from only the parents in the back whose child had tried as hard as possible to dissociate himself from, for fear of actually attending the school and being recognized by someone on the tour by association. Other puns and references abound; Jay-Z ain't passed the bar, but he knows a little bit- he apparently ditched bar class to do better things, like reign over a rap empire and marry <span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Beyoncé</span></span>. No, it is not an open bar exam. The only one that really makes sense is the quotation referenced in the title, said by the mysterious cowboy of Big Lebowksi fame. Sometimes, but hopefully not this time, the bar eats you.<br />
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One more note, on perhaps the worst mnemonic ever created: HERO. It stands for.... Hospitals, Education, Religion, R Something, Or Government. The O stands for or. And then you have to add another R. And a G. So, to remember HERRG, remember Hero. Professor, the bar ate you.<br />
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TFR, and see you on the other side, July 26.<br />
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Dis<br />
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<br />Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-32123410053433018622012-04-02T11:24:00.002-07:002012-04-03T15:53:44.116-07:00Sports, Love, and FightingSports love often expresses itself as wearing the jersey of a favorite team, player, or city. While there are differing <a href="http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7008222/rick-reilly-jersey-rules">opinions</a> on the matter, I recently purchased a few jerseys from a cheap international site (including ones like <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTq7XNFljXskdmiRwzqRzaovgQXSHw89GjHlek5bJ21vPSIZZUU">this</a>) (worked like a charm, highly recommend) for the upcoming baseball season. But I also purchased a hockey jersey because of my friend who has gotten me in to hockey. I also got her a matching one, as a thank you. Since they didn't have Troy Brouwer options available, we got this guy [Brooks Laich]:<div>
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<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSEWl6CvLypHF3NuJb5sRBMJdGXufL9AseLwdaxuPEhlmRPpS5yZg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSEWl6CvLypHF3NuJb5sRBMJdGXufL9AseLwdaxuPEhlmRPpS5yZg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is really only to drive up the female readership.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been wearing it around because it's been a bit chilly, and it is long sleeved and still has that whole fun-because-its-new element going on. I wore it home this morning from dog sitting, and my six year old next door neighbor was outside as I was walking in. He commented how I was wearing a hockey jersey, and how he had just started playing in a league. I joked around that I don't know the rules of hockey (that part is true), and asked if hockey was the sport where you aren't allowed to touch other players. He laughed at me and informed me that you can fight in hockey.<br />
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This is not news. The New York Times and a variety of other news sources have been detailing the gruesome effects of hockey fighting on the pugilists who partake in them. I have mixed feelings on the issue, but my neighbor was the first person I saw who may actually be affected by these things. Yes, he is six, and cannot even check other players in his league yet. But his dad is a triathlete, and the kid will also grow up to be athletic, and if he sticks with hockey... he's going to be in a hockey fight. He understands the difference, I think, between fighting on the rink (allowed) and off of it (punishable by time out, I guess?).<br />
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But sports does not only lead to fights on the field, despite increased incidents in the last 15 years. I honestly believe that I could not date a passionate fan of teams I hate (Dodgers, Yankees, Giants, in no particular order). So sports can combine love and fighting- loving the person, and fighting about something incredibly dumb in the greater scope of things.<br />
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But mostly, sports is love. I speak about baseball because it is my sport, the one where I feel part of a community. I have written in the past about the beauty that is the first day pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the regalia of opening day, and the feeling of smelling fresh-cut grass and hearing the ball hit a glove, the beauty of having a local beer while watching some batting practice, surrounded by like-minded fans.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFjpIgm1PYF2AHI3_bgPJ2fKBwIPy6PCZa_ZSB8qK4LEhYIz-tz2-G_h7VMcvbrkL49X6pC5N9M4L0618UZueFhqNkqPzzD2NkgvaXnxEUw6AqA_FJN3XgXRvT0x2zc2kbdP_LH-KTMI/s655/2011-09-16_17-38-13_742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFjpIgm1PYF2AHI3_bgPJ2fKBwIPy6PCZa_ZSB8qK4LEhYIz-tz2-G_h7VMcvbrkL49X6pC5N9M4L0618UZueFhqNkqPzzD2NkgvaXnxEUw6AqA_FJN3XgXRvT0x2zc2kbdP_LH-KTMI/s320/2011-09-16_17-38-13_742.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If this does not make you a little tingly, just ignore the entire previous paragraph.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, dear 13 readers, Happy Opening Day. May sports bring you love this season.<br />
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Thanks for reading, and for excusing the rough transition from fighting to love, from hockey to baseball.<br />
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Dis<br />
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</div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-69836879987686760062012-01-17T23:40:00.000-08:002012-01-18T15:31:48.024-08:00I wouldn't be so sure about longitude and latitude...I re-started watching West Wing a little while back, and my favorite episode, titled 'Someone is Going to Emergency, Someone is Going to Jail,' involves cartographers who request a new map become widespread since it showed the true size and location of each continent, which are markedly different from the maps we all used in school. I like this part because I like maps, but the episode later brings around the quotation I used as a title, showing that you cannot necessarily count on the things you know you can count on.<br />
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One of the things we should know, count on, and not have to question is the axiom that children bury their parents. It's not the other way around- it never should be. Yet, twice in the last few months- once for a friend's younger brother, and this week, for a friend of mine- longitude and latitude are not so sure. While my friend was a truly incredible person, she will be written about by those who knew her better than I. I will only mention that her love of baseball was one of the few I have found that equaled or exceeded my own, and I will dearly miss that along with the rest of her kindnesses.<br />
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Honestly, I don't really know what to think. Like others, I am filled with sadness that my friend was taken away from those who loved her far too early. I heard the news via a phone call from someone whom I thought had mistakenly dialed my number- I didn't answer just in case, but called back immediately once I heard the tone of the voicemail, without even hearing the words. It's amazing how some things simply trump everything else, how after months of all but ignoring each others existence, someone can feel the pain and suffering in another's voice, and all is forgotten, with the greater purpose of making sure that someone is OK because you know the pain they are in.<br />
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I say I don't know what to think, which is true, but I also cannot help but feel the sinking pit in my stomach when thinking about the whole situation. For the seventeen of you who know me, you may have figured out by now that I don't often talk outwardly about things going on in my life, and while it is something I am trying to be better about, the death of a friend is one of those things that will probably just be shut in for a while. But I know the feeling that everyone else is also feeling, and I want nothing more than to help ease that sickness in other's souls. My friend meant a lot to a lot of people, and a lot of my friends. And I am powerless to do anything about it, and that takes away from what I thought I knew.<br />
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I am not so sure about latitude and longitude. I guess part of growing up is learning that you can't always believe a map, and sometimes have to find the path without guidance.<br />
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Thanks for reading,<br />
DisDishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-23947967852709805282011-11-24T14:34:00.001-08:002011-11-28T13:02:01.239-08:00ThanksgivingMany holidays provide us with time to reflect and appreciate what we have, but Thanksgiving gives us the chance to do so while eating the best meal of the year, with the family and friends we cherish. To me, this makes it the best of the bunch; as such, allow me, please, the self-indulgent "things I am thankful for" post.<br />
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Ultimately, I am thankful for relationships. I have had the opportunity to evaluate some of mine recently, and feel extraordinarily fortunate. I was recently asked to be a groomsman in a friend's wedding, and feel truly honored to have been asked. It's incredible to have a manifestation of how close someone actually feels to you; quite honestly, it's nice to have a friendship validated by having someone ask you to stand and represent them at their wedding. It's truly an honor. And that's just the beginning- those of you reading this probably know me, and fit the mold of being someone incredible whom I cherish. This is especially those of you around the country whom I am still in contact with (and who will email me to correct my grammar- you know who you are).<br />
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The same can be said of family. I am lucky to have my family in town, and to be able to spend time with them whenever I can- I'm heading there later for Thanksgiving, where I will get to play with my little cousins. Four generations will be around the same table, which is something to be thankful for in and of itself.<br />
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Long story short, if we have a relationship of any sort- if we've crossed paths in school, passed each other on a bus, or if we can count each other among friends- thank you. I appreciate it.<br />
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Thanks for reading,<br />
DisDishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-70223279281907010912011-10-13T09:22:00.000-07:002011-10-13T09:22:23.032-07:00The E-mails We Get...Dear School,<br />
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Please stop sending me absurd emails, like the one below, which is so ridiculous that it makes me wonder if anyone filters the listserv.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Graduate and Law students:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Please join Graduate Student Life for a unique event: <span style="color: #6633ff;">Candle Making</span>. We will join together to create <b>handmade beeswax </b>candles infused with <b>essential oils</b> and <b>herbs</b>, as well as, your <b>intentions</b> for the last month and a half of the semester.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
Also, you should know that my intentions for the last month and a half of the semester are fire retardant, and would not go well in a candle. Maybe you should consider that it is a unique event because everyone else realized that no one wants to go, so they haven't done it.<br />
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With love,<br />
DisDishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-87673454895149653352011-09-06T15:11:00.000-07:002011-09-06T15:24:37.804-07:00"To Know Every Student by Name and Story"Today, Dean McLeod of Washington University passed away. The newsletter can be found <a href="http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/22642.aspx#.TmaOqiLib8g.facebook">here</a>; Chancellor Wrighton's letter only begins to do justice to the man who easily had the greatest impact over everyone who stepped foot on to that campus.<div><br /></div><div>As news spread, the reaction was truly incredible. Social media tributes and messages of grief and sadness abounded almost immediately; every single person could easily share a story about how the man took time out of his day to connect to them on some level. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dean McLeod's mantra was to know every student by name and story. It is easy to say that he tried to. During his speech to first year students my freshman year, he gave out his cell phone number to the crowd, offering each of us to call him if they needed advice, a home cooked meal, or simply wanted to go see a movie. I had that number saved until recently, but never had the courage to actually call it (although, I am curious how many drunk dials he got from students). </div><div><br /></div><div>Despite my lack of truly personal experience with the Dean, he would always stop to say hello as he passed, and the impact he had was clearly visible. Most students idolize Chancellor Wrighton, who over time has become a legend and a character on campus. But with Dean McLeod it was something different- a personal connection, rather than a feeling of awe-struck celebrity. He embodied the Wash U feeling of community, and campus will truly be emptier because of his passing.</div><div><br /></div><div>In his speech to my graduating class, four years after he gave us his cell phone number, Dean McLeod asked us each a favor. Unlike the others who spoke and implored us to donate to our alma mater (all in due time, Wustl, I need an income first...) he asked us simply to email him on our birthdays, to give an update on our past year, and just to say hello. I emailed him that summer, and while I failed to do it again, I have thought about it each birthday since.</div><div><br /></div><div>Simply put, that was who the Dean was. He wanted to keep hearing from you, and he responded to each email he got, truly appreciating that you had shared with him. </div><div><br /></div><div>May we all go on to have as positive and extensive a career, and more importantly, life, as Dean James McLeod. He will be missed.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-31657093979928226652011-06-21T22:49:00.000-07:002011-06-21T23:04:40.191-07:00Father's DayFather's Day was this past Sunday, and I must say that I have a great dad. He's everything one could ask for- to the point where when i was dumb enough to lock my keys in my car, in my own garage, he came with my spare keys... at one in the morning. <div><br /></div><div>So, it's easy to see why I look up to my dad. Feel free to assume all the other usual stereotypes about dads, too. He is an Eagle Scout, and is the kind of guy you think knows everything...</div><div><br /></div><div>Which is what made this past week a wake up call of sorts. We've been dealing with some financial paperwork, and it's odd to have my dad call me to sort out what it all really means. You grow up assuming your parents know everything, and as a young 20-something, continue to call your parents with questions about anything you don't know. For anything from the right oven temperature to oil changes, I treat my parents like Google Lite. It's an odd experience when you realize they do the same for you, for all the knowledge you've picked up over the years they helped support you. </div><div><br /></div><div>But, I guess that's the whole point; you raise your family to the point where you can depend on them. Guess we, as an age cohort, are making it after all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading,</div><div>Dis</div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-26502676371533372372011-06-02T19:31:00.001-07:002011-06-02T19:42:38.903-07:00The Spelling BeeFirst off, since this is a post about the National Spelling Bee, I will do my best to actually spell everything correctly. <div><br /></div><div>The spelling bee might be the dorkiest event in the history of the world; these parents deserve public punishment, for things like rewarding their children for reading the dictionary. Yet, I am glued to ESPN*. There are five kids left, and they've gone two straight rounds with no one going down. One of them keeps bantering with the guy who says the word. She's actually quite funny.</div><div><br /></div><div>On a programming note, this is infinitely better than the Little League World Series. In the LLWS, we still learn things about the kids, like their favorite foods or what they want to be when they grow up. The Spelling Bee (I've taken to capitalizing it, for no apparent reason) also gives that information, but instead of things like 'New York Yankee Third Baseman,' we get things like Physicist. Role Model: Albert Einstein. These kids are the counter-argument to the line of reasoning that claims that sports stars as role models are bad. Good news: some kids out there still just want to be smart.</div><div><br /></div><div>While there are many ridiculous things about this entire competition, my personal favorite is the questions they ask the announcer. Use it in a sentence. Define it (that one is reasonable, as is language of origin). They stand and pronounce words from languages I've never heard of (papuan? I would have guessed that is a delicious, soft food filled with cheese).</div><div><br /></div><div>Some girl just spelled zwischenspeil. No idea if I got that right. But that was worth the break in flow. That's impressive, considering I once spelled Bermuda incorrectly, backwards, in an intense game of Cranium. </div><div><br /></div><div>Long story short, it's amazing that this has not yet been turned in to a drinking game by college students. One every time the kid repeats the word, after that first time. One every time the sentence used makes you laugh. Three if a kid cries if they get it wrong. One every time there is a voice crack. One every time the language of origin is something you never heard of. Everyone drinks if you can spell the word before it comes up on the screen. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading. Expect more this summer.</div><div>Dis</div><div><br /></div><div>*These kids are on ESPN. I never will be. This saddens me. </div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-39305600092085274062011-02-16T14:48:00.000-08:002012-01-17T23:43:07.344-08:00Oh Happy Day!While mid-February means Valentine's Day to most people, to the baseball starved throughout the nation, it means only one three-word phrase: Pitchers and Catchers. While there is nothing inherently exciting about some guys throwing a few bullpen sessions, it is the right of passage in to spring training that means baseball has returned. But this is not a baseball blog (or post) despite what it may seem sometimes; this is really about the return of happiness in to your life. <br />
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For me, spring training is that happy moment of the season because it brings something I love back in to my life for an extended period of time. Other things include the return of a family member from abroad, re-discovering that album you love but has been buried somewhere, a really good run, or whatever else may belong in your life. </div>
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There are lots of things that go wrong, often. Loved ones pass away, as seems to be happening to so many people our age, school or work makes life routine, or you get buried inside your house for a week because of monster snow storms (suckers). Spring Training is that happy place; if this were Peter Pan, it's that happy thought that makes you fly. It's the counter to the things that get you down, and it's back. And that makes me happy.</div>
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Per usual, thanks for reading.</div>
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Dis</div>
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Post script: I know it's been a while, and we'll see if this makes a return. </div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-76913099909727132802010-03-19T10:47:00.000-07:002011-02-08T21:31:55.861-08:00The Great DebateFirst off, this is the background info you need for this post:<div><a href="http://jezebel.com/5496714/march-madness-the-cake-vs-pie-tournament">http://jezebel.com/5496714/march-madness-the-cake-vs-pie-tournament</a></div><div><br /></div><div>There is a cake vs. pie tournament, and through the discourse among friends over the initial rankings in the bracket, we determined that their rankings are WAY off. We're talking astronomically bad. We'll start off with discussion, and end with a final rankings in the bracket- skip to the bottom to get straight to those.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">The Cake Bracket:</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Notes/Complaints: </div><div>1) Birthday cake is not a kind of cake, never mind one that deserves the number one ranking. That's like someone telling you they had a Tuesday sandwich for lunch. The adjective does not even begin to describe the type of cake. </div><div>2) Wedding cake: See Cake, birthday.</div><div>3) There are some key cakes missing. Chocolate. Cinnamon Pull-Apart/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Monkeybread</span>. Vanilla (which really, I think was meant to be covered under birthday). </div><div><br /></div><div>Additionally, the rankings are way off. Carrot Cake as a 7 seed? I realize some people dislike carrot cake, but enough people like it that it should be higher than a 7. You're really going to try to tell me that German Chocolate Cake is better than Carrot Cake? You would be wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I present the proper rankings on the Cake half of the bracket (new ranking) Cake Name (old ranking):</div><div><br /></div><div>(1) Vanilla/Standard Cake (1/NR)- The classic. While a one seed is probably too high, consider this the Duke of Cakes. Not everyone likes them, we all get annoyed with it, and it gets too much credit. I'm not happy with this ranking.</div><div>(16) Coconut (14). Who orders a coconut cake, over anything? Easily the 16, and lucky to even make the tournament. This would have been the play-in game.</div><div><br /></div><div>(8) Angel Food Cake (8)</div><div>(9) Pound Cake (9)</div><div>Both of these were about right originally. Both are middle of the pack, sort of boring, and should be facing off in the first round, so we can quickly dispatch of one of them. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>(5) Carrot Cake (7). As noted above, it's normally a love/hate type thing. But, Carrot Cake deserves better than a 7 seed, and in my mind, cracks the top five. </div><div>(12) German Chocolate Cake (4). Different from the regular chocolate cake, and by no means a top five seed. I get that some people like it, which is why it's even this high up. Could be a standard 12/5 upset, but I doubt it.</div><div><br /></div><div>(4) Ice Cream Cake (2). Pick your own kind of ice cream, I don't really care. Whoever thought to put it in cake form deserves an award.</div><div>(13) Chocolate Cake (NR). Another standby, originally left off the list. We'll allow this to include variations of chocolate cake, such as death by chocolate, or anything else similar. If anything, Chocolate Cake got screwed by the selection committee, and should probably be higher.</div><div><br /></div><div>(6) Red Velvet (3). Yes, this may seem a little low, but the higher ranking of Chocolate really knocked Red Velvet's seed down a peg. </div><div>(11) Cinnamon pull-apart Cake/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Monkeybread</span> (NR). Call me a homer, but this should knock out red velvet. When your only ingredients are biscuit dough, sugar, cinnamon, and butter, what can be bad?</div><div><br /></div><div>(3) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Funfetti</span> (13). The original ranking is just WAY too low. I am yet to meet someone who dislikes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Funfetti</span>. An easy final four pick, with good odds to go all the way.</div><div>(14) Strawberry Shortcake (NR). A surprise non-ranking in the original, but definitely distinct from your typical angel food cake. Could give Red Velvet a run for the money. </div><div><br /></div><div>(7) Coffee Cake. A perennial underdog, but delicious in the right setting. Nothing screams PTA meeting quite like Coffee Cake, but despite the negative boring associations (pun sort of intended...) coffee cake can be a real winner. </div><div>(10) Spice Cake (15). I mean, it's cake, so it's still delicious, but in a bracket form, only one of Coffee or Spice deserved to move on. Spice Cake sees a boost as a result.</div><div><br /></div><div>(2) Cheese Cake (Pie ranking: 2). Not a personal favorite, but it deserves top three consideration. It is not a pie, though, as originally ranked. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">C'mon</span>, people. Cake is in the name. I am also a sucker for a good graham cracker crust. </div><div>(15) Black Forest Cake (10). Like chocolate, but with gross jelly, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>First one out:</div><div>Pineapple upside down Cake (11). What is this, 1972 home economics class? In 23 years of cake eating, I am yet to ever see this in a restaurant/bakery setting. And for good reason, I would imagine. The last time I saw one of these was on the battle of the sexes episode of Saved by the Bell, where Zach out-bakes the girls. Yeah, I went there.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">The Pie Bracket:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Notes/Complaints:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >- My main issue was including cheese cake as a pie. The rest of the field is actually pretty decent; Chocolate Cream Pie will replace Cheesecake in the field.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >- I love fruit pies. I do not love cream pies, or that other nonsense. The rankings sort of take this in to account, because I feel like I'm not alone. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(1) Apple Pie (1). The old stand-by is hard to mess with. A la mode, with cheese, or otherwise, it's a slice of delicious any time of the year. A personal favorite to cut down the nets with a pie slicer, and raise the baking tin trophy.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(16) Brown Sugar (15): I don't even know what this is, but it's going against Apple, so it's irrelevant.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(8) Rhubarb (11)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(9) Boston cream (12)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Two pies that got slightly undercut by the original committee. Rhubarb has it's lovers (don't we all...), and Boston Cream is one of those pies you get when they've run out of anything else. A solid match up.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(5) Peanut Butter (5)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(12) Banana Cream (9)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Let's be honest for a moment, shall we? There aren't that many good pies out there after the top four. Peanut Butter is delicious, but it's at the point where after more than a slice or so, you're knocked out. It sits more like a cake in that respect. Likewise, Bananas are a morning food, and don't belong in pie. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">(4) Lemon Meringue (13). Lemon Meringue got screwed in the original rankings. This is a top 5 pie. Even Jason </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="Apple-style-span">Biggs</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> would agree.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(13) Sweet Potato (14). Delicious, but not really belonging in the dessert pie category. I think of it more as a side dish; however, we could see an upset here.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(6) Pecan (8) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(11) Chocolate Cream Pie (NR)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I'm not the biggest lover of Pecan Pie, but it definitely has it's advocates. Consider it the Carrot Cake of the Pie Bracket. I was in a pie eating contest once, with Chocolate Cream Pie. Never again- that thing sits heavy. 11 is generous.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(3) Key Lime Pie (3). They had it right. Delicious, but not more than Apple or the two seed.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(14) Grasshopper Pie- an amalgamation of stuff, put in to a pie. Made with real grasshopper, if it's good.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(7) Cherry (7). I don't dislike Cherry pie, but I also couldn't justify it as any higher than a 7. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(10) Blueberry. (6). It's messy, and better as a cobbler than a pie. This hurts it, according to the committee. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(2) Pumpkin. Don't even try to argue- Pumpkin Pie with a touch of whipped cream is good morning, noon, or night. Not just for the fall, anymore.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >(15) French Silk (15). See Sugar, Brown. It just doesn't matter- it's not winning.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I won't play this bracket out- not enough time on my hands, and it would cause too much fighting among all 17 readers. Feel free to let me know your thoughts.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Thanks for reading,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Dis</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div> </div><div><br /></div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-67287499232081201222010-01-30T12:31:00.000-08:002010-02-02T21:48:59.272-08:00The Strip ClubI went to The Strip Club last night. It's sort of tucked away downtown; a 21+ place. I'd never been to a place like this before. Needless to say, the experience was definitely something different, and to be honest, sort of unexpected. The decor was... classy. And the food was absolutely fantastic. <div><br /></div><div>Why hadn't I ever been there before? Fair question. I am 23, after all. I'd been meaning to try, especially since my mom had gotten me a gift card there for Hannukah. But, restaurant week provided the perfect opportunity to check it out. The Strip Club is a grill-your-own steak place in downtown San Diego (c'mon, you think I'd really blog about that?), and the Restaurant Week menu provided a nice little sampler of the cuisine for only $20. </div><div><br /></div><div>I went with a buddy of mine, and we quickly realized the one flaw with the grill-your-own methodology. No, not that we messed it up- I ended up with a nice seared ahi, and Phil's steak was good- but standing around the grill, watching everyone else cook their dinner, turns in to a self-conscious pissing contest. You're sort of afraid of messing up your own dinner, not only because if it sucks there's no one else to blame, but also because you don't want to embarrass yourself in front of a grill full of strangers. The old guy to our right was definitely giving us sidelong glances like we were amateurs; meanwhile, we were commenting to each other about how it looked like the third guy at the grill was burning his steaks. While there is actually a nice community feel to standing around the grill with strangers and sparking up conversation, we found it funny the potential for disaster if big personalities stepped up to the plate. Plate of food, that is. </div><div><br /></div><div>All kidding aside, dinner was great, and I dig the concept of a grill your own place. Portions were more than generous, and for our case, the price was definitely right. So, definitely a good first venture in to The Strip Club.</div><div><br /></div><div>Per usual, thanks for reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dis</div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-77182750650022273992009-12-26T23:51:00.000-08:002009-12-27T00:03:14.805-08:00Suspended DisbeliefI'm on break from school (which is more than nice) and I have had more than enough time to watch more movies than anyone should in a short period of time. I've come to notice that there is a point in many movies where I sort of say, "well, that's just not possible/reasonable," no matter how ridiculous anything in the movie was before that. For instance, there could be a movie where dogs talk, cook, and a house floats on balloons, but I only don't believe any of it when dogs fly planes. You know, little things. <div><br /></div><div>That said, a few of the points that caused me to shake my head:</div><div><br /></div><div>1) <i>Up</i>: See above. The talking dogs and house lifted by balloons was totally Ok with me. Only when the dogs were flying planes did I shake my head in disbelief.</div><div><br /></div><div>2) <i>Eagle Eye</i>: While I somehow got over Shia LeBouf with a mustache (I really don't care if I spelled his name wrong), and I was OK with a supercomputer being able to access/control any piece of media or information, the point when an un-manned drone flew in to a tunnel to chase down the protagonist was my point of disbelief.</div><div><br /></div><div>3) <i>Harry Potter</i>: Just kidding! All of it is totally believable.</div><div><br /></div><div>4) <i>Live Free or Die Har</i><i>d</i>: Many moments here, but the one that got me was crashing the car in to the helicopter. 'nuff said.</div><div><br /></div><div>5) <i>Spiderman 3</i>: Emo spidey scene. This isn't where I stopped believing in the premise; it's where I stopped believing that this movie had any redeeming value. it's close enough, and I needed a fifth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which movies did you lose your belief in, and at what point? Comment below.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading,</div><div>Dis</div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-43323090350550994762009-11-29T16:46:00.000-08:002009-11-30T15:35:37.058-08:00The Black Friday RuleHaving listened to the Dropkick Murphy's in my punk phase, I thought for a very long time that Black Friday was some obscure Irish thing I just knew nothing about. Then I figured out the Thanksgiving weekend version, where a lot of crazies skip lots of sleeping in an attempt to go save money by spending lots of money. The logic behind it seemed absolutely contrary to anything rational. And then I tried it.<div><br /></div><div>My first Black Friday experience was last year, at Toys R Us. I wanted to get Guitar Hero for cheap, and I did. The whole ordeal was relatively painless- no huge crowds, just an orderly line with people who were friendly enough to one another. No mad rush for any one item, no one getting trampled, and no fist fights. In short, it was a disappointment. Kidding.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year, I had a more desirable item in mind- the very computer with which I am sharing this story with you. The original target was a $200 Best Buy promotion. I decided to be one of the crazies, and got to Best Buy around 3:30 for its 5:00 opening. Failure. A full parking lot, and a line around the building. No way in hell I was sticking around for that, so I went to option 2- the Office Depot by my place, which about 23 total people know exists.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a much better scene. Two cars in the parking lot, including mine. After a nice little nap in my car, I got in line around 4:15. The beauty of this line is that it was 6 people long; the British would have been ashamed in the lack of a queue. It was so short that I was able to drag my dad out of bed to come get a computer for himself as well, at a remarkably good price. </div><div><br /></div><div>The best part of the whole experience- the Office Depot manager came out around 4:30 with coffee for everyone. So, it can pay to be a crazy. You get cheap goods, and free coffee. And is that worth a lack of sleep? It wasn't then. It is, now that I've slept again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy post-Thanksgiving, and thanks for reading.</div><div>Dis</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-78190664337606211172009-11-15T14:34:00.000-08:002009-11-15T14:42:48.597-08:00Stealing Riha's SpotlightAllow the title to be a shameless plug for my friend Riha, over at Riha Reviews, found <a href="http://rihareviews.blogspot.com/">here</a>. He focuses mostly on pop music, which isn't quite my forte. But check it out.<div><br /></div><div>Instead, I wanted to talk about the Band of Skulls album, entitled 'Baby Darling Dollface Honey,' which is also one of the highlight tracks. While the band sounds great, and explores a variety of sounds utilizing both male and female vocals, what has impressed me so much throughout listening to their album is the track ordering. The album begins upbeat, and slowly winds down as you approach the end. </div><div><br /></div><div>The album gets in to the good stuff quickly, as track 3, 'I Know What I Am' has been featured as the iTunes single of the week, and is on the New Moon soundtrack. Death by Diamonds and Pearls, the preceding track, also has seen some radio play, and it is followed by Fires, another great track. The album is solid throughout, without any dull track of the 11 laid down on the album.</div><div><br /></div><div>For fans of bands like Manchester Orchestra, The Black Keys, Glasvegas, The Kooks, even Granz Ferdinand or The Dead Weather, Band of Skulls is definitely worth a listen.</div><div><br /></div><div>TFR,</div><div><br /></div><div>Dis</div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-84190637689459902282009-11-09T21:27:00.001-08:002009-11-10T08:50:51.659-08:00I hope I wasn't this dumb....A snippet from a real conversation on the shuttle this morning:<div><br /></div><div>The scene: Guy 1 is holding a copy of Bridget Jones Diary (the book). It has a picture of Renee Zellweger's face on it. Guy 2 is oblivious to anything, ever. Guy 2 is asking Guy 1 about his morning classes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Guy 1: ...yeah, I have British literature at 11:15. I have to go read the book, though.</div><div>Guy 2: What book?</div><div>Guy 1 (gesturing with his book): Bridget Jones' Diary. I've read all the books in the class so far, except this one. I couldn't do it.</div><div>Guy 2 (not joking): Yeah. Is that Victorian?</div><div><br /></div><div>This just had to be shared.</div><div><br /></div><div>Per usual, TFR.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dis</div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-23734166330154985912009-10-19T15:57:00.001-07:002009-10-19T16:22:27.562-07:00WeddingsMy last wedding post, about e-response cards (go take a look if you don't know what I'm talking about) drew a lot of response, the funniest of which was an e-vite to a wedding. A wedding I attended this past weekend, in fact.<div><br /></div><div>It turns out, despite the lack of an electronic response card, that weddings (at least this one) are damn fun. There are a few key points that I think are relatively universal that I thought I would share.</div><div><br /></div><div>1) People are happy. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Weddings are happy occasions. With the exception of perhaps a scorned lover of the past, everyone is pretty pumped for the couple getting married. Both families are thrilled, friends are gathered together, and everyone is in a pretty good mood. This really sets the stage for the rest of the wedding items to be even better.</div><div><br /></div><div>2) The Open Bar.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Speaking of things that make weddings better... </div><div><br /></div><div>3) The food.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This particular wedding featured the choice of fish, chicken, or a veggie option, all of which were downright delicious. How would I know what they all taste like? I got the fish, my sister got the veggie, and her fiance got the chicken. I promise that they even offered me bites without me having to swipe them. Generally, wedding food is pretty good. At a minimum, you get...</div><div><br /></div><div>4) Cake.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When was the last time you had cake, and were upset? It doesn't count if you had cake <i>because</i> you were upset. Exactly.</div><div><br /></div><div>5) Dancing.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Whether it be a band (awesome) or a DJ (still sorta awesome) or a crappy DJ (at least there is still music), weddings are a fun place to dance. And, dancing is always fun, even if you don't dance well, or if you are a naysayer who belongs in the town of Beaumont. Yes, that's a footloose reference. Deal with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>While there are assuredly more elements of an awesome wedding, these five core elements pretty much guarantee fun. So, to the new happy couple who sometimes read this, a long and happy marriage. And to the rest of you- set up more of your friends, so you'll have more weddings to go to. Everyone wins.</div><div><br /></div><div>Per usual, thanks for reading.</div><div>Dis</div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-90474316494083862022009-10-05T13:52:00.000-07:002009-10-05T14:08:48.283-07:00Community ServiceHowdy, folks.<div><br /></div><div>This weekend, I was up at 6 am. This is before the sun, and does not ever happen. The reason? A community project we've been working on for a few weeks for class. Saturday involved ten hours of general help with a local soccer tournament. The purpose of the weekend was to sign up the kids for a league that is forming within the community, to give the kids something to do outside of school.</div><div><br /></div><div>While it was a long day, it had been an awfully long time since I had done any community service. It's time to do more. I'm going to guess that you, as my readers (since you have the i<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nternet</span>) are also in a position to give back. It's something that is easy to talk about, but tougher to do once push comes to shove. I'm not talking from a place on high, here. One service project hardly puts me in a position to preach- I need to start doing more on a regular basis. </div><div><br /></div><div>The point is, do what you can. Organize or participate in a project through work or school. You'll feel good giving back to the community.</div><div><br /></div><div>Per usual, thanks for reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dis</div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-69457512561437838122009-09-24T23:16:00.000-07:002009-09-24T23:34:34.486-07:00Best CoastIt's been a long debate. The East Coasters love their winters, and the West Coasters know the sun is better. It's a debate without an answer, and I will not argue that one is better than the other. That would be futile. But, with regard with one aspect of the issue, it's no contest. <div><br /></div><div>Pacific Time is better than Eastern time, when it comes to television. Not only is prime time television at 8:00, just the same as the east coast, but we get sports three hours earlier. We get day baseball at 10:00 am, Sunday football at 10:00 am, but Monday night football ends at a reasonable time. The World Series doesn't go until 2:00 am. Advantage: West Coast.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't even get me started on Central time. Prime time at 7:00? Sure, it means the 10:00 shows come on at Nine. But who is home in time to watch the Office at Seven? Sorry, central time. You just offer very little in the context of the time zone argument. Same goes for Mountain; just not a lot going on.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm sure there are arguments that I am missing here. Go ahead, argue for your time zone in the comments. We'll review later.</div><div><br /></div><div>Per usual, thanks for reading.</div><div>Dis</div><div><br /></div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-80647385628094862342009-09-17T15:32:00.000-07:002009-09-18T16:22:43.239-07:00Timbaland is wrong.It's not too late to apologize. <div><br /></div><div>While my posts tend to be impersonal in nature, the subject of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">repentance</span> has been on my mind as the Jewish new year and Day of Atonement draw closer. We all know that none of us are perfect, and that throughout the year we wrong other people (insults, for instance), as well as commit general wrongs against the world (littering). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rosh</span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hashana</span></span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Yom</span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kippur</span></span></span> (the aforementioned holidays, for the Gentiles out there) provide an opportunity to start fresh, and repent for the sins of the past year. It's like Catholic Confession, but once a year, and with actually going to the source. The people source, as well as the God source.</div><div><br /></div><div>While the past year hasn't been anything out of the ordinary as far as sinning goes, something struck me this holiday season about the idea of being encouraged to approach others to ask for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">forgiveness</span>. Our wrongdoings are not simply forgiven; it takes the thought and recognition that we have wronged others, and the courage to approach those we have wronged to recognize it to them. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's hard to apologize. We all have this sense of pride that generally makes <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">apologizing</span> difficult; for me, it's always hard to admit that I've messed up. While it may be somewhat required during this season of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">repentance</span>, we should try to carry the impetus to apologize when needed throughout the year, in a sincere, meaningful way. I think our relationships with each other could be improved simply be admitting to a friend that you have wronged them, and that you're sorry. While this doesn't mend the thing you did, it may help to get past it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, the new year reminds us that it is not too late to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">apologize</span>. So while general apologies a<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ren't</span></span> preferable, I apologize to you, 17 readers, for my general lack of proper spelling and grammar, in addition to anything else I may have done to wrong you. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">L'shana</span></span> Tova, and per usual, thanks for reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dis</div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-89546353161938716392009-09-10T15:50:00.000-07:002009-09-10T20:48:54.785-07:00Street Scene!This article was written for the LA Times Sunday magazine, which is why it is sort of LA focused. I was granted permission to also publish it here.<div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;">Street Scene<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;">San Diego’s Festival Worth a Drive South<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><br /></div><div>Coachella may be Southern California’s best known music festival, but San Diego’s Street Scene has been putting on quality music for 25 years. With smaller crowds and a friendly feel, last weekend’s Street Scene offered a more intimate feel than the desert Coachella. The two night event featured forty-five bands on five stages, many of whom also played at this year’s Coachella. Downtown San Diego provided the perfect setting, capitalizing on convenient transportation, easy navigation throughout the festival grounds, and views of the sun setting over the San Diego Bay. While both festivals have a definite Southern California vibe, Street Scene offers a cheaper, more intimate way to see great bands in one place.</div><div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:90.75pt">Headlined by hip-hop artists The Black Eyed Peas and M.I.A., this year’s Street Scene also featured great artists rarely heard over the airwaves. Girl Talk stole the show Friday, turning two blocks of downtown in to a dance party with his innovative mash ups. Coming off a year in which his album was rated #4 on the list of Top 10 Albums of 2008 by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Time</i> Magazine, his set featured non-stop beats, a video screen he used to communicate with the audience through text, and a stage full of dancing audience members. He capped his set with a fireworks display, setting the crowd off in a final frenzy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Friday’s best main stage acts included Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, led by the former Bright Eyes singer, as well as a gritty performance one would expect from Modest Mouse. Friday also featured festival mainstays Band of Horses, and the up-and-coming Cage the Elephant, and Matt and Kim (whose single is featured in a popular alcohol commercial). Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band brought in LA staple Jenny Lewis (of the LA-based band Rilo Kiley) for one song, playing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Bad News</i> as well as the original artist. Oberst’s blend of folk and rock were a perfect fit for playing between Band of Horses and Cake, and Oberst’s strong vocal performance easily won over the crowd.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Los Angeles’s presence was felt during Street Scene, as LA’s bands No Age, Ozomatli, and The Silversun Pickups were featured throughout the weekend. Grammy-winning Ozomatli gave their usual crowd-pleasing show, mixing Latin, Hip-Hop, and Funk in to one cohesive, lively set. The Silversun Pickups also represented for the City of Angels, giving one of the weekend’s best performances. The band mixed in songs off all of their hit albums, ending their show with the new single Panic Switch, and Lazy Eye, the hit from their second album, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Carnavas</i>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Silversun Pickups rock was preceded by the contrasting Of Montreal performance, which integrated a variety of theater elements in to the performance. Of Montreal is as known for their over the top costumes as for their music, and lead singer Kevin Barnes did not disappoint, appearing in a fantasy-like cape and suit. The band played well, but the music was overshadowed by their incredible stage theatrics, which included a full story line played out in kabuki-style theater.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In addition to the Silversun Pickups and Of Montreal, Street Scene’s Saturday lineup featured Jack White’s new venture, The Dead Weather. Along with Alison Mosshart of The Kills, Dean Fertita of Queens of the Stone Age, and Jack Lawrence of The Raconteurs, White put on a classic rock show. Mosshart’s vocals and emotion put this band on par with White’s prior projects, and the Dead Weather’s live shows leave nothing to be desired.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saturday’s lineup also had a definite funk feel to it, opening the main stage with Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears and ending the side stage with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Both groups put on lively performances on the heels of Friday’s Trombone Shorty show. While Black Joe Lewis played to a small crowd as a result of being first on the bill, Ms. Jones performed at the same time as headliner M.I.A., resulting in a smaller crowd than she deserved. The two performances were both energetic and fun, getting the audience to dance the entire time. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Though LA bands made the trek down, San Diego bands also were featured throughout Street Scene. The Dirty Sweet led off Friday, which also featured Anya Marina, a former San Diego DJ. The Crocodiles played opposite Black Joe Lewis on Saturday, and local favorites The Delta Spirit finished off Saturday’s set on The Green Stage, a solar powered side stage.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">While Street Scene doesn’t offer the sheer size of Coachella, it does offer the variety and talent level seen in the desert. For those who want the chance to see their favorite bands (and some soon-to-be favorites) right from the rail, Street Scene is well worth the drive down I-5.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">per usual, TFR.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dis</p></div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-23225436082389219812009-09-01T11:05:00.000-07:002009-09-01T11:37:09.686-07:00Concert GoingI had the joy of covering San Diego's Street Scene, a large two-day festival downtown, for the LA Times Magazine. The festival was awesome- performances by the Dead Weather, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Silversun</span> Pickups, and personal favorites <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ozomatli</span> were enough to entice me to go, and the shows did not disappoint. While a full review will hopefully be published, there were non-review like observations I wanted to throw out there.<div><br /></div><div>1) Concerts are fun. Even if you don't like dealing with crowds, there's something about live music that is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">exhilarating</span>. There's always something different than the studio cuts, and there is a definite shared experience that is a good time. A good performance, live those of the Dead Weather and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Silversun</span> Pickups, can really make you like their music a whole lot more.</div><div><br /></div><div>2)If you're a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">rock star</span>, don't act like one. Live music <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">doesn't</span> always make you like a band more. The lead singer of Cake, for instance, was a total <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">douchebag</span>. He spent the first two songs complaining about the stage crew and things that went wrong, and acted above the crowd. Despite it being long past sunset, he wore his dark glasses and hat. We left after two songs as a result. Despite liking Cake's music, I'm going to have a sour taste in my mouth about the band.</div><div><br /></div><div>3) Techno sucks less live. I'm generally not a fan, but the live shows (like Girl Talk and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Chromeo</span>) were a blast. Going back to point one, there is a shared experience there, and when it turns in to a giant dance party, it's awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>4) You can't spell Funk without Fun. The two most lively shows not named Girl Talk were Black Joe Lewis and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Honeybears</span>, and Sharon Jones and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Dap</span> Kings. Both bands had great front (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">wo</span>)men, but seemed to be backed by a section of White Jewish dudes. Love it.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I'm no concert <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">connoisseur (this was my first multi-day concert), I'm looking forward to going to more live music in the future. Go see some shows, people!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Per usual, thanks for reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dis</div><div><br /></div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-43847059825306054252009-08-17T14:16:00.000-07:002009-08-17T23:42:52.212-07:00The Flaming LipsIn two weeks, I will have the pleasure of reviewing Street Scene for the LA Times Sunday Magazine. To perhaps get my writing up to snuff, I'm going to attempt to review the Flaming Lips show from the other night.<div><br /></div><div>In short, The Flaming Lips put on one hell of a show. The stage featured a see-through half-circle screen, which the Lips played videos on throughout the show, and also used to feature Wayne (the lead singer) talking to the crowd throughout the set. They had a camera fixed on to his mic, which allowed those of us standing in back to see clearly the whole time. The screen, combined with about 50 large balloons, a stage filled with people dressed as sheep, and one human sized panda and gorilla, made the Lips set as visually stunning as it was well played.</div><div><br /></div><div>The one thing that bothers me most about concerts is when the band is disconnected from the audience, too cool to connect to the people who are there to see them, and too good to play the popular songs. The Flaming Lips incorporated all of their hits throughout the set list, and made a point of talking to the audience throughout the show, encouraging us to sing along, and expressing their preferences for a cheap show, like the $6 one they were performing. They joked about leaving briefly to let us cheer for an encore, which while not new, is still cool.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, the Flaming Lips put on a show to inspire both eyes and ears. The visually stunning performance tied in beautifully with the tight sound they put out, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">giving</span> their live cuts a feel different from that of the album, but equally as good. The Flaming Lips have well earned their reputation as one of the best live bands around.</div><div><br /></div><div>Per usual, thanks for reading.</div><div>Dis</div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916714022652230092.post-2574164841285422112009-07-25T11:20:00.000-07:002012-01-17T23:42:36.228-08:00Keep the ChangeIt is time for the United States to catch up with the rest of the world. I'm talking about money, here, people. The US has been far behind both Britain and the European Union in two particular things money related. Yes, it's time to embrace both dollar coins and the two dollar denomination.<br />
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The dollar coin has been valid currency for a long time, but has long been dismissed by the general pubic. From the Susan B. Anthony to the Sacagawea, and now the George Washington, the one dollar coin has never caught on. In Britain, the Pound only comes in coins for the one and two pound denominations. My time in London taught me what that small pocket in my jeans was for- the change pocket became quite useful, and it was nice to not have to dig in to my wallet to buy something small. Coins are cheaper to make and last longer than bills, but that has been discussed by people smarter than me.</div>
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So, what will it take for America to embrace coinage as a popular form of currency? My initial thought is that we need it named after someone everyone knows and likes. Susan B. Anthony isn't going to cut it; most people don't know why she is historically important. While more people could say why Sacagawea is famous, she still doesn't carry that general fame and unquestioned love from the general public. But, not many figures are greater than George Washington. Despite a failed marketing campaign and the fact that they're still unsuccessfully out there, I think it's time for something new.</div>
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I offer two propositions: One, have a series of the all the presidents, much like the state quarters. Release them over time, and limit them to length of term served. The FDR dollar? Maybe less popular, because it's got 4 terms (well, 3.5) worth of coins out there. Find yourself a William Henry Harrison (30 days in office), and that's a keeper. My other thought is to release the JFK dollar. I feel like no one really hated JFK; he's a figure big enough to make this work.</div>
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What about the coin itself? What would distinguish it from a quarter? I say we take guidance from the Pound, and make it thicker, to distinguish it. Also, get rid of that fake gold sheen. Make it look like a coin, not like a something you'd find in a treasure chest.</div>
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We should also embrace the two dollar denomination. Inflation has reduced the purchasing power of the dollar, and realistically, most single items cost more than a buck. The two dollar bill (or coin) would prove more useful, as users could carry less currency, worth more. I realize that $2 bills are considered oddities, but why not use them more? It's more practical to carry more value in less physical capacity; it's quite literally more bang for the buck. </div>
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To summarize: make coin money that works, and catches on, and make the $2 denomination more prevalent.</div>
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Per usual, thanks for reading.</div>
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Dis<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>Dishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418777091291528000noreply@blogger.com1