So I’ve been posting a lot of lists here lately, and today’s post, well, it’s a list too. Ha Ha Ha. I was cleaning up the apartment today before heading to Plano for a haircut, and thought a little music would make this menial chore so much more bearable. Instead of choosing a radio station known for playing the same crap/music de jour over and over, I opted for a vintage CD; I wanted to find a multi-platinum record selling, über talented artist, a real entertainer. So I dug the old-school CD case out from the bottom of the armoire, and it made me realize how much I missed music, as it use to be. I liked buying CDs and singles…now it’s all iTunes and mp3’s. Anyway, I selected Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill. It completely transported me back to the 6th grade, I remember my aunt taking me to Hastings Books & Music to buy it. It was just as good as I remember it. Without further adieu, the 10 greatest CDs I’ve ever owned, which I still listen to.
Ronnie Millsap – 40 # 1’s
Elton John – The Hits (Boxed Set)
Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill
Erasure – The first 20 hits
Gavin DeGraw – Chariot
Michael Jackson – HIStory
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Green River
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Into the Great Wide Open
Prince – The Hits
Yaz – Upstairs at Erics
And Honorable Mention’s are below:
Eric Clapton – Slowhand
Depeche Mode – Greatest Hits
The Eagles – The Eagles
Eurythmics – Touch
Bob Dylan – Selfportrait
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Talking the talk, but not walking the walk
Okay, so I finished watching President Obama’s press conference related to Healthcare. I’m sorry, but is it just me, or does Obama appear to be losing his touch? This reminds me of something my Mother use to always say to me “don’t bite off more than you can chew” and at this point it appears that President Obama is talking with his mouth full. He did a terrible job [In my opinion] fielding questions from reporters. My favorite point of the evening was when a White House correspondent reporter asked if, as a sign of good faith, would Congress along with the President be willing to be covered by the soon to be created universal health plan? Surprise, Surprise, Mr. Obama did his usually song & dance and yet again totally avoided the question. As a registered independent, I want to give President Obama a chance to regulate on America and the plethora of things currently going wrong in/with it, but it just seems I’m only hearing him make speech after speech and joke after joke – yet actually do nothing but spend money. And why won’t he allow the guest list of visitors to the White House to be released, could it be that he is on their payroll just like every other previous President?
Hillary was robbed - oh, I'm sorry, did I say that out loud?
Hillary was robbed - oh, I'm sorry, did I say that out loud?
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Dancing in the dark, walking through the park, and reminiscing…
In my 25 years on this Earth I have been able to experience some wonderful things, and some not-so wonderful things. Of course I miss certain people/animals who are no longer living, like my two grandfathers and one of my grandmothers, my old cat Kit, and old friends who are no longer with us. But in the realm of tangible items here are 5 things I miss in life, in no particular order:
1 - Crystal Clear Pepsi
I actually loathe the taste of Pepsi, but how cool was Crystal Clear Pepsi. As I sit and type this, it doesn’t seem nearly as impressive as it did when I was say 11.
2 – The Concorde
Life without supersonic commercial air transportation just doesn’t seem like it’s worth living. Probably the greatest commercial jet liner ever built – and no longer in flight. My Mother and I recently toured ‘le Concorde’ while in NYC. Awesome plane.
3 – Gumby
When I was little I use to watch this show all the time, well this and Inspector Gadget which I also love. Gumby was so nice, and had a sidekick, his horse named Pokey. I even remember his dog, Nopey. Does anyone know why his name is Nopey?
4 – 80’s movies
Movies today just don’t seem as good as the movies of the 80’s. Movies like: The Breakfast Club, The Goonies, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Sixteen Candles, Jaws, Weekend at Bernie’s, The Lost Boys, and ET, I mean this list could just go on and on. I honestly hate to say this because I want my generation to be better at something, but movies today are just missing so much in comparison. We get stuck with dumb ass shit like Saw I-LXXII, Gigli, American Pie, Old School, etc. Now this isn’t to say that there aren’t good movies out today, it just appears to be quantity over quality since about 1995 – present.
5 – The Mercedes-Benz body style circa 1990
This car still looks bad to the bone. This is probably my favorite overall design of the über pimptastic Mercedes-Benz line. It just screams don’t mess with me - I’m with the mafia. Just for kicks, my favorite car produced by MB is the shockingly expensive S55 AMG.
1 - Crystal Clear Pepsi
I actually loathe the taste of Pepsi, but how cool was Crystal Clear Pepsi. As I sit and type this, it doesn’t seem nearly as impressive as it did when I was say 11.
2 – The Concorde
Life without supersonic commercial air transportation just doesn’t seem like it’s worth living. Probably the greatest commercial jet liner ever built – and no longer in flight. My Mother and I recently toured ‘le Concorde’ while in NYC. Awesome plane.
3 – Gumby
When I was little I use to watch this show all the time, well this and Inspector Gadget which I also love. Gumby was so nice, and had a sidekick, his horse named Pokey. I even remember his dog, Nopey. Does anyone know why his name is Nopey?
4 – 80’s movies
Movies today just don’t seem as good as the movies of the 80’s. Movies like: The Breakfast Club, The Goonies, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Sixteen Candles, Jaws, Weekend at Bernie’s, The Lost Boys, and ET, I mean this list could just go on and on. I honestly hate to say this because I want my generation to be better at something, but movies today are just missing so much in comparison. We get stuck with dumb ass shit like Saw I-LXXII, Gigli, American Pie, Old School, etc. Now this isn’t to say that there aren’t good movies out today, it just appears to be quantity over quality since about 1995 – present.
5 – The Mercedes-Benz body style circa 1990
This car still looks bad to the bone. This is probably my favorite overall design of the über pimptastic Mercedes-Benz line. It just screams don’t mess with me - I’m with the mafia. Just for kicks, my favorite car produced by MB is the shockingly expensive S55 AMG.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
HOLY CRAP BATMAN!
I’ve got to get one of these, well actually, I’ve got to buy my townhouse first then I’ve got to get one of these. Check it out. It’s a new kitchen faucet from Delta that is activated by touch! How many times have I had raw chicken or beef, or egg, or some equally nasty concoction on my hands a need to wash them, only I can’t because I don’t want to touch the knob to turn the water on? I mean seriously who wouldn’t want one of these! The convenience!
The price you ask, not too bad. $346.99, which when you think about it, if you get a nice faucet made by Kholer or Delta you’re going to spend at least a couple hundred… As far as I am concerned, it’s worth $999.99.
The price you ask, not too bad. $346.99, which when you think about it, if you get a nice faucet made by Kholer or Delta you’re going to spend at least a couple hundred… As far as I am concerned, it’s worth $999.99.
Today’s Topic: Sonia Sotomayor’s Judicial Nomination Hearing
Disclaimer: As this is my blog, the following are my opinions. You don’t have to agree with them, but if you’re reading them, it’s by your own accord. So save the rude comments about how I am wrong or that you don’t agree with what I say. This is one of my more controversial blog postings, so consider yourself forewarned.
Sonia Sotomayor’s Appointment Hearing:
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you should be aware that there is an opening on the United States Supreme Court. The vacancy is a result of Justice David Souter’s resignation in May. President Barack Obama has nominated Sonia Sotomayor as the person he would like to see on the bench. As far as Sonia Sotomayor is concerned, I am both her biggest fan and her biggest critic.
Starting with the positive…
I think there’s definitely a need for another woman on the Supreme Court bench, Ruth Bader Ginsburg needs some company since Sandra Day O’Connor left. Sotomayor is a Latina, in fact she would be the first Latina ever appointed to that position; and, after all, Hispanics are [rapidly] becoming a large portion of the population of the United States, it seems only fair that they get representation on the nation’s highest court as well. Sotomayor grew up in a housing project in the Bronx, so she obviously had the drive and the motivation to better herself – I really like that about her. Princeton & Yale graduate, enough said.
And the negative…
Let’s start with one of the most widely publicized issues with Sotomayor, the “wise Latina” comment. Sotomayor made a comment to the effect of “I would hope that a “wise Latina” would make better decisions than a white man.” Not sure about you, but as a white man, it offended me. Had the same comment been made by a white man singling out another ethnicity…trust me, it would have been a full on media firestorm, complete with Al Sharpton and a ‘full court press.’ One word of advice, if appointed, she needs to choose her words more wisely. This is something that I struggle with daily. Second, her view, or lack there of, regarding her outlook on abortion. During the most recent hearing she refused to answer a question relating to abortion rights; instead citing that she “would need to examine the particular state involved laws as they relate to abortion.” That’s not an answer. If you weren’t able to deduce this already, I don’t believe in abortion, except if the mothers life was in danger. Just because you weren’t smart enough or couldn’t be bothered in the ‘heat of the moment’ to take certain precautions is not the fault of the baby. It’s so interesting in this country, fetal heartbeats can be recorded at 14 days post-conception, and brainwaves can be recorded at 39 days post-conception; however, we define death as the absence of those, yet we refuse to define life as the presence of those…go figure. Sotomayor needs to be truthful and explain her views on this topic and then if appointed – stick to them. Lastly, one of my biggest concerns with Sotomayor is that she flat our refused to answer a question relating to her stance on an individuals 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. There are currently cases in the pipeline that relate not to the Federal Governments right to restrict handguns, but the state legislatures ability to do so. That scares me! I mean this country was built on an individual’s right to bear arms, and to have that right taken away terrifies me. I personally don’t know whether or not Sotomayor should be confirmed or not. I don’t know. I pose that question to you.
***********************************
Oh, and Jon Gosselin – grow up. Ed Hardy...you aren’t 15 years old, quit wasting your money on tacky ass clothes and take care of your 8 freaking kids!
Sonia Sotomayor’s Appointment Hearing:
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you should be aware that there is an opening on the United States Supreme Court. The vacancy is a result of Justice David Souter’s resignation in May. President Barack Obama has nominated Sonia Sotomayor as the person he would like to see on the bench. As far as Sonia Sotomayor is concerned, I am both her biggest fan and her biggest critic.
Starting with the positive…
I think there’s definitely a need for another woman on the Supreme Court bench, Ruth Bader Ginsburg needs some company since Sandra Day O’Connor left. Sotomayor is a Latina, in fact she would be the first Latina ever appointed to that position; and, after all, Hispanics are [rapidly] becoming a large portion of the population of the United States, it seems only fair that they get representation on the nation’s highest court as well. Sotomayor grew up in a housing project in the Bronx, so she obviously had the drive and the motivation to better herself – I really like that about her. Princeton & Yale graduate, enough said.
And the negative…
Let’s start with one of the most widely publicized issues with Sotomayor, the “wise Latina” comment. Sotomayor made a comment to the effect of “I would hope that a “wise Latina” would make better decisions than a white man.” Not sure about you, but as a white man, it offended me. Had the same comment been made by a white man singling out another ethnicity…trust me, it would have been a full on media firestorm, complete with Al Sharpton and a ‘full court press.’ One word of advice, if appointed, she needs to choose her words more wisely. This is something that I struggle with daily. Second, her view, or lack there of, regarding her outlook on abortion. During the most recent hearing she refused to answer a question relating to abortion rights; instead citing that she “would need to examine the particular state involved laws as they relate to abortion.” That’s not an answer. If you weren’t able to deduce this already, I don’t believe in abortion, except if the mothers life was in danger. Just because you weren’t smart enough or couldn’t be bothered in the ‘heat of the moment’ to take certain precautions is not the fault of the baby. It’s so interesting in this country, fetal heartbeats can be recorded at 14 days post-conception, and brainwaves can be recorded at 39 days post-conception; however, we define death as the absence of those, yet we refuse to define life as the presence of those…go figure. Sotomayor needs to be truthful and explain her views on this topic and then if appointed – stick to them. Lastly, one of my biggest concerns with Sotomayor is that she flat our refused to answer a question relating to her stance on an individuals 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. There are currently cases in the pipeline that relate not to the Federal Governments right to restrict handguns, but the state legislatures ability to do so. That scares me! I mean this country was built on an individual’s right to bear arms, and to have that right taken away terrifies me. I personally don’t know whether or not Sotomayor should be confirmed or not. I don’t know. I pose that question to you.
***********************************
Oh, and Jon Gosselin – grow up. Ed Hardy...you aren’t 15 years old, quit wasting your money on tacky ass clothes and take care of your 8 freaking kids!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Vassssup.
Okay, I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t really care too much about what other people think about me. I do, say, and wear what I want, when I want. Now let me say this, I do consciously think about how my actions or words will affect others. Take for instance, I would care if people thought I were dishonest, disrespectful, or a liar. With that being said, I want to see Bruno. No I’m dying to see Bruno. I know, I know, it’s a stupid show and something that a pimply face kid in say 10th grade would be dying to see…but so am I. And (I know you shouldn’t start a sentence with and, but...) I don’t care what anyone thinks, I am going to see it. It looks so freaking funny, and I desperately need a mindless movie that I can just watch and laugh without having to follow a complex or deranged plot.
Just saw on Channel 8 News this new sunscreen in pill form. Well damn, there goes one more idea I had that I should have patented. Oh well.
Just saw on Channel 8 News this new sunscreen in pill form. Well damn, there goes one more idea I had that I should have patented. Oh well.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
"Can I get that supersized?"
This dieting business is killing me. I started a diet when I got back from vacation. I haven’t been on it very long, but I’ve done well so far. It’s nothing but diet bread and smoked turkey for lunch with a sensible dinner. For breakfast today I had a piece of diet toast and a hard-boiled egg. Haute cuisine by no means, but a necessary sacrifice for the slimmer good…
I’ve never been any good at dieting as my willpower quickly evaporates when any sort of peer pressure regarding lunch/eating is present. “We’re having Pei Wei for lunch, are you sure you don’t want to come eat with us?” or “Come on, you can eat your lunch from home tomorrow, come have El Fenix with us today.” No matter what, my weight has gotten out of hand. When it comes to food, I always fall for the 'low hanging fruit, no pun intended – and I have no one to blame except myself, and possibly my Mother since she cooks a massive meal every Sunday, but that’s up for debate. I mean, I’m by no means the next Carney Wilson, but I am on my way to a Matthew Perry’esque figure post Friends if I don’t whip it in to shape now; and, we can’t have that, now can we?
I’ve never been any good at dieting as my willpower quickly evaporates when any sort of peer pressure regarding lunch/eating is present. “We’re having Pei Wei for lunch, are you sure you don’t want to come eat with us?” or “Come on, you can eat your lunch from home tomorrow, come have El Fenix with us today.” No matter what, my weight has gotten out of hand. When it comes to food, I always fall for the 'low hanging fruit, no pun intended – and I have no one to blame except myself, and possibly my Mother since she cooks a massive meal every Sunday, but that’s up for debate. I mean, I’m by no means the next Carney Wilson, but I am on my way to a Matthew Perry’esque figure post Friends if I don’t whip it in to shape now; and, we can’t have that, now can we?
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Stars & Stripes
Working my way through the labyrinth of photographs from NYC, Nashville, and Memphis is going to take some time. In the meantime, enjoy these haphazard shots from my parents annual 4th of July blowout. Happy Independence Day!!!
My Brother-in-law, sister, neice & nephews.
Me & The Sista's
Bonnie & Clyde, circa 2009
Greg
Thursday, July 2, 2009
“There’s no place like home” 3X’s.
I just want to say that I had a great time during my vacation, New York, Nashville, Memphis, everything was great!! I copiously enjoyed everything that we were able to see and do. With that being said, there is no place like home. After a week of sleeping in hotel beds and being on the run, my 700 square foot apartment hasn’t looked better. I can’t wait for my first night’s sleep back in my own bed with my dog. If I know Weslee, and I do, he’ll sleep better back in our own bed. Vacations are wonderful, but the best part of vacation, is getting to come back home.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Graceland, needs a little saving grace.
Well I’ve officially seen the best that Memphis has to offer – Graceland. The very best word that can be used to describe Graceland is “lackluster.” With everything that comes with one of the biggest names in music; the man, the legend, the moves, the music, his home didn’t really match too well with the Elvis prodigy. Elvis was a star, no doubt, but to see the house he called home left much to the imagination and your senses overloaded. The house itself is/was nice in its day, however it’s not really in line with what you think of in celebrity residences today. It’s actually quite small; excluding the basement my parent’s house is just slightly smaller. However, my parents do have some taste when it comes to appointments and accoutrements, Elvis, however, did not - tacky is the best word that can be used to describe the interior of the house. Out of control, gold flaked sinks, shag carpet, a jungle room, African paint themes, hideous, all of it. While I don’t know if I could easily be convinced to return to the house again, I think that everyone should at least see it once. My Dad loves Elvis, and he thoroughly enjoyed the house, as did I, I just think that Graceland doesn’t really fit the legend that was/is Elvis Presley. The food, specifically BBQ, or as it’s known in Memphis “Q” was out of this world, absolutely delicious. One last point, people who know me, know I speak my mind, so let me make this comparison, Memphis is to Tennessee what South Dallas is to Texas. Take that comment as you will.
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