We just got back from visiting my folks.
A 6-7 hour car ride makes those at the destination the most horrible people on the planet, by simple virtue of their distance. But, it was a lovely trip and I ate a great number of clams.
I hung out with all my hometown friends. This is a bit of a misnomer, as only two of them are from the same town as me, but hometown is a much larger geographic term encompassing anything east of Syracuse and generous parts of Connecticut. We played a game called 'Who Wants to Eat a Millionaire" if provoked we can play it next estrip party.
Speaking of estrip. Separately but with the same concerned tone both my folks asked me what Estrip.org was, due to the new bumper-sticker. Boy were they relieved.
And now, I must get blood flowing back into my legs after such a long car ride.
squishy kisses
James's Journal
My Podcast Link
08/13/2007 19:05 #40522
Back08/08/2007 16:24 #40444
In Praise of PandoraThe title of this journal is not a failed playwright MFA thesis, but it could be if you ask nice enough.
No, I am talking about [link=www.pandora.com]Pandora.com[/link] it is a streaming music site where you plug in the name of a beloved song or musician and BAM it provides you with hours of things you might also like.
I have been listening to a radio station with songs similar to Nico's Marble Index album. Monday it was Tom Waits-like radio.
To give you a sense of how much I am enjoying it I usually keep a text document open that I fill with new artists I hear. The more obscure stuff has some repeats (Like Robert Wyatt, which has about 30 songs) but there have been few repeats with the above mentioned.
One thing I quite enjoy is to pop in a band with a dozen side projects. Or a musician who put out a few works before dieing of going Syd Barrett crazy. Specifically, the band Morphine has has both. Mark Sandman, the singer and principle song writer had a heart attack early in the bands career (though he was in his 50's). It is about 60% Morphine, his solo stuff, and rarities. So freakin' awesome.
It is part of what they call The Music Genome Project. Music is analyzed and cut up into specific characteristics. These are based on the sound and not the lyrics. So your happy happy upbeat music station could suddenly have a bright song with cut yourself lyrics. It is part of the joy.
So, if you are stuck at a soul crushing job what makes you want to bore out your eyes with hardened dung and can listen to music please check it out; you will be happy you did.
No, I am talking about [link=www.pandora.com]Pandora.com[/link] it is a streaming music site where you plug in the name of a beloved song or musician and BAM it provides you with hours of things you might also like.
I have been listening to a radio station with songs similar to Nico's Marble Index album. Monday it was Tom Waits-like radio.
To give you a sense of how much I am enjoying it I usually keep a text document open that I fill with new artists I hear. The more obscure stuff has some repeats (Like Robert Wyatt, which has about 30 songs) but there have been few repeats with the above mentioned.
One thing I quite enjoy is to pop in a band with a dozen side projects. Or a musician who put out a few works before dieing of going Syd Barrett crazy. Specifically, the band Morphine has has both. Mark Sandman, the singer and principle song writer had a heart attack early in the bands career (though he was in his 50's). It is about 60% Morphine, his solo stuff, and rarities. So freakin' awesome.
It is part of what they call The Music Genome Project. Music is analyzed and cut up into specific characteristics. These are based on the sound and not the lyrics. So your happy happy upbeat music station could suddenly have a bright song with cut yourself lyrics. It is part of the joy.
So, if you are stuck at a soul crushing job what makes you want to bore out your eyes with hardened dung and can listen to music please check it out; you will be happy you did.
paul - 08/10/07 00:16
With the new update my nokia n800 does pandora now!
With the new update my nokia n800 does pandora now!
tinypliny - 08/09/07 21:21
This is annoying. I think I emphasized the wrong word and spelled wrong. A sign from the grammar gods to quit hanging around...
This is annoying. I think I emphasized the wrong word and spelled wrong. A sign from the grammar gods to quit hanging around...
tinypliny - 08/09/07 21:18
Three cheers to opening the box and letting hope out. :)
I know, but I just *had* an immense urge to say it. BTW, (e:james), harned dung is very crumbly and I don't think you can beat ocular pressure with that kind of leverage.
Three cheers to opening the box and letting hope out. :)
I know, but I just *had* an immense urge to say it. BTW, (e:james), harned dung is very crumbly and I don't think you can beat ocular pressure with that kind of leverage.
james - 08/09/07 11:15
Jenks: I know of several people on this site who use and love Pandora. But I was just so wide eyed in love with it yesterday because in the middle of my Nico lovin' it played Big Bottom from the Spinal Tap movie. Such an unexpected treat! I just thought I would share.
Chico: The niche music problem is kind of my problem. I have tried putting in a specific song by a lesser known artist and will get crap. Or, I can put more popular choices like Nick Drake or Joni Mitchell and I will just get really boring folk stuff. I will have to do a little more training I suppose.
And it was a pleasure meeting you last night as well. ^_^
Jenks: I know of several people on this site who use and love Pandora. But I was just so wide eyed in love with it yesterday because in the middle of my Nico lovin' it played Big Bottom from the Spinal Tap movie. Such an unexpected treat! I just thought I would share.
Chico: The niche music problem is kind of my problem. I have tried putting in a specific song by a lesser known artist and will get crap. Or, I can put more popular choices like Nick Drake or Joni Mitchell and I will just get really boring folk stuff. I will have to do a little more training I suppose.
And it was a pleasure meeting you last night as well. ^_^
chico - 08/09/07 10:05
Love Pandora. And Morphine is good stuff.
I've had good success "training" Pandora to conform to my musical tastes as well. I've used it for everything from jazz (Dexter Gordon, etc.) to metal to folk rock to alt country, it's great fun. Sometimes it chokes a little on niche bands with unique sounds, like Cake, but it's generally very good.
Have been ignoring Pandora lately in favor of networked iTunes at work, but in the meantime I'm pretty sure Pandora had only gotten better. (And a shout-out to (e:jenks) for turning me onto it last year!).
Love Pandora. And Morphine is good stuff.
I've had good success "training" Pandora to conform to my musical tastes as well. I've used it for everything from jazz (Dexter Gordon, etc.) to metal to folk rock to alt country, it's great fun. Sometimes it chokes a little on niche bands with unique sounds, like Cake, but it's generally very good.
Have been ignoring Pandora lately in favor of networked iTunes at work, but in the meantime I'm pretty sure Pandora had only gotten better. (And a shout-out to (e:jenks) for turning me onto it last year!).
08/06/2007 14:10 #40407
The most hilarious birthday present EVAHYou may recall me posting [inlink]james,40063[/inlink] about a Florida state representative who offered to give an undercover police officer a blow job in a public restroom for $20. And seriously, if you don't remember, you didn't read it, because it was the funniest thing since Planet of the Apes: the musical. He was the one with a recreational interest in water sports.
Well, Rep. Allen has given us an explanation, finally. Oh, and it was so worth the wait.
You see, Rep. Allen, who is white, was arrested by an officer who is black. Allen felt intimidated and feared becoming a "statistic". In defense, Whitey offered the big scary black man a blow job. It seems so natural when you think of it like that, a survival strategy.
Skunks spray, puffer fish puff, Allen blows.
Well, here is an excerpts from Officer Scary Blackman's police report. How long can you go without guffawing?
In a written statement released Thursday, Titusville Officer Danny Kavanaugh recalled entering the restroom twice and said he was drying his hands in a stall when Allen peered over the stall door.
After peering over the stall a second time, Allen pushed open the door and joined Kavanaugh inside, the officer wrote. Allen muttered " 'hi,' " and then said, " 'this is kind of a public place, isn't it,' " the report said.
The officer said he asked Allen about going somewhere else and that the legislator suggested going "across the bridge, it's quieter over there."
"Well look, man, I'm trying to make some money; you think you can hook me up with 20 bucks?" Kavanaugh asked Allen.
The officer said Allen responded, "Sure, I can do that, but this place is too public."
Then Kavanaugh said he told Allen, "I wanna know what I gotta do for 20 bucks before we leave.' " He said Allen replied: "I don't know what you're into."
According to Kavanaugh's statement, the officer said, "do you want just [oral sex]?" and Allen replied, "I was thinking you would want one."
The officer said he then asked Allen, "but you'll still give me the 20 bucks for that . . . and that the legislator said, "yeah, I wouldn't argue with that."
As Allen turned and motioned for the officer to follow him to his car, Kavanaugh identified himself as a police officer by raising his shirt and exposing his badge.
Well, Rep. Allen has given us an explanation, finally. Oh, and it was so worth the wait.
You see, Rep. Allen, who is white, was arrested by an officer who is black. Allen felt intimidated and feared becoming a "statistic". In defense, Whitey offered the big scary black man a blow job. It seems so natural when you think of it like that, a survival strategy.
Skunks spray, puffer fish puff, Allen blows.
Well, here is an excerpts from Officer Scary Blackman's police report. How long can you go without guffawing?
In a written statement released Thursday, Titusville Officer Danny Kavanaugh recalled entering the restroom twice and said he was drying his hands in a stall when Allen peered over the stall door.
After peering over the stall a second time, Allen pushed open the door and joined Kavanaugh inside, the officer wrote. Allen muttered " 'hi,' " and then said, " 'this is kind of a public place, isn't it,' " the report said.
The officer said he asked Allen about going somewhere else and that the legislator suggested going "across the bridge, it's quieter over there."
"Well look, man, I'm trying to make some money; you think you can hook me up with 20 bucks?" Kavanaugh asked Allen.
The officer said Allen responded, "Sure, I can do that, but this place is too public."
Then Kavanaugh said he told Allen, "I wanna know what I gotta do for 20 bucks before we leave.' " He said Allen replied: "I don't know what you're into."
According to Kavanaugh's statement, the officer said, "do you want just [oral sex]?" and Allen replied, "I was thinking you would want one."
The officer said he then asked Allen, "but you'll still give me the 20 bucks for that . . . and that the legislator said, "yeah, I wouldn't argue with that."
As Allen turned and motioned for the officer to follow him to his car, Kavanaugh identified himself as a police officer by raising his shirt and exposing his badge.
fellyconnelly - 08/06/07 17:52
big scary black man!
big scary black man!
08/02/2007 18:36 #40360
The sad, sad news.I was going to post another tale about the JCC gym, but something major came up.
I am leaving (e:Jim). Things have been going great in our relationship, in fact he is perfect in every way. I will look back upon the time we shared together and think fondly of it. The reason I am leaving is because HE came into my life
wouldn't you leave your mate for a taste of that?
now if you excuse me, I am going to wash my everything in rubbing alcohol.
I am not actually leaving (e:jim). And you are more than welcome to the tasty bit of man-alanche above.
I am leaving (e:Jim). Things have been going great in our relationship, in fact he is perfect in every way. I will look back upon the time we shared together and think fondly of it. The reason I am leaving is because HE came into my life
wouldn't you leave your mate for a taste of that?
now if you excuse me, I am going to wash my everything in rubbing alcohol.
- Note
I am not actually leaving (e:jim). And you are more than welcome to the tasty bit of man-alanche above.
metalpeter - 08/03/07 17:44
I didn't watch this video I have seen one of them on VH1 I think. I caught part of a show about web videos. After the showed the video he or Vh1 gave info about what he does for a living and him not looking so crazy but I don't remember what he does.
I didn't watch this video I have seen one of them on VH1 I think. I caught part of a show about web videos. After the showed the video he or Vh1 gave info about what he does for a living and him not looking so crazy but I don't remember what he does.
jenks - 08/03/07 15:00
please tell me his teeth are fake. give me that one little thing, please.
please tell me his teeth are fake. give me that one little thing, please.
fellyconnelly - 08/02/07 21:37
that is one of those videos that should be on geico commercials... there are better ways you could spend 15 minutes online...
that is one of those videos that should be on geico commercials... there are better ways you could spend 15 minutes online...
08/04/2007 12:12 #40375
BirthdaysCategory: birthday
(E:Jim) loves his birthday
Seriously, there will be some new birthday related psychological disorder in the DSM-V with his picture next to it in the future. By calling it a birthday I have already failed to communicate the dire importance of the whole thing. His birthday is in April. In january I am getting reminders that his birthday is coming up soon. Chat begins about how he will spend his pre-birthday month, which would be the whole of march. Then of course there is his birthday month, April, the actual day being the 4th. Followed by his post-birthday month of May. It works really well for him. I usually end up getting him a big present in February and then by the time April comes around I am forced to get a second one.
The birthday is so omnipresent it gives itself great importance. Jim doesn't have to do much of anything. Birthday just starts gushing out of his pores like pheromones from an animal in mating season. The need to get a super-awesome birthday present becomes a great desire, a need. Food and drink take back seat to spending a few more midnight hours debating the pros and cons of each item on my list of potential gifts. If it is a productive night some will move to the next round of elimination.
But, this is, of course, not his birthday, it is my own. I could care less about my birthday. I like hiding during them and appearing the next day as if to say I have outwitted any well wishers. Better luck next year, suckers! Jim has been pestering me about ideas for gifts and whatnot. "Eh, I don't reall need anything." I would say. When he offers to take me out to places like Toro or Left Bank, I would offer some other less glamorous idea. I am such a terrible bore.
Jim's birthday obsessive complex though is starting to rub off on me though. My birthday is Monday, but I am thinking of this as my birthday weekend. There is a birthday tumor in my brain growing larger and larger. Decades from now I will be giggling about whole birthday months. And if future technology can preserve my cybernetic body I can talk about pre and post birthday months as I clank off into yet another century of near-obsoletetude.
And really, do I need yet another excuse to drink all weekend?
Seriously, there will be some new birthday related psychological disorder in the DSM-V with his picture next to it in the future. By calling it a birthday I have already failed to communicate the dire importance of the whole thing. His birthday is in April. In january I am getting reminders that his birthday is coming up soon. Chat begins about how he will spend his pre-birthday month, which would be the whole of march. Then of course there is his birthday month, April, the actual day being the 4th. Followed by his post-birthday month of May. It works really well for him. I usually end up getting him a big present in February and then by the time April comes around I am forced to get a second one.
The birthday is so omnipresent it gives itself great importance. Jim doesn't have to do much of anything. Birthday just starts gushing out of his pores like pheromones from an animal in mating season. The need to get a super-awesome birthday present becomes a great desire, a need. Food and drink take back seat to spending a few more midnight hours debating the pros and cons of each item on my list of potential gifts. If it is a productive night some will move to the next round of elimination.
But, this is, of course, not his birthday, it is my own. I could care less about my birthday. I like hiding during them and appearing the next day as if to say I have outwitted any well wishers. Better luck next year, suckers! Jim has been pestering me about ideas for gifts and whatnot. "Eh, I don't reall need anything." I would say. When he offers to take me out to places like Toro or Left Bank, I would offer some other less glamorous idea. I am such a terrible bore.
Jim's birthday obsessive complex though is starting to rub off on me though. My birthday is Monday, but I am thinking of this as my birthday weekend. There is a birthday tumor in my brain growing larger and larger. Decades from now I will be giggling about whole birthday months. And if future technology can preserve my cybernetic body I can talk about pre and post birthday months as I clank off into yet another century of near-obsoletetude.
And really, do I need yet another excuse to drink all weekend?
mike - 08/06/07 15:34
Happy Birthday! I always enjoy a good birthday month or two of celebrations, why stay under the radar when you can be a star. But if that's your thing, that's cool. Enjoy it!
Happy Birthday! I always enjoy a good birthday month or two of celebrations, why stay under the radar when you can be a star. But if that's your thing, that's cool. Enjoy it!
libertad - 08/05/07 15:50
Happy Birthday James. You and Jim seem similar to Mike and I when it comes to b-days. Mike's is the day Princes DI died. YUP, easy to remember. Mine is the day that OJ killed Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman. Bastard.
Happy Birthday James. You and Jim seem similar to Mike and I when it comes to b-days. Mike's is the day Princes DI died. YUP, easy to remember. Mine is the day that OJ killed Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman. Bastard.
museumchick - 08/05/07 14:48
Happy Birthday! I hope it will be fantastic.
Happy Birthday! I hope it will be fantastic.
fellyconnelly - 08/05/07 10:51
ha peter!
james you may have the spot light. i prefer to work the shadows..
ha peter!
james you may have the spot light. i prefer to work the shadows..
metalpeter - 08/05/07 10:29
First of all Happy Birthday. Secondly this idea of a Birthday weekend, Week, and month are all very dangerous. Well for people who are really into it there is nothing wrong with that. But just wait till the Jewelry and Card and gift industry finds out, You think they shove Valentines day down our throats just wait.
First of all Happy Birthday. Secondly this idea of a Birthday weekend, Week, and month are all very dangerous. Well for people who are really into it there is nothing wrong with that. But just wait till the Jewelry and Card and gift industry finds out, You think they shove Valentines day down our throats just wait.
james - 08/05/07 00:35
Well, fellow Leo, I guess being spot light hogs we are doomed to compeating with each other.
Thankfully most of my planets are in water signs so I am super mellow by comparison. I am also moist, smell a bit like flounder, and have sand grit in my teeth.
Well, fellow Leo, I guess being spot light hogs we are doomed to compeating with each other.
Thankfully most of my planets are in water signs so I am super mellow by comparison. I am also moist, smell a bit like flounder, and have sand grit in my teeth.
fellyconnelly - 08/05/07 00:31
of course i'm a leo. i once did an astrology chart and most of my planets were all in leo too. you would think i was full of myself or something....
of course i'm a leo. i once did an astrology chart and most of my planets were all in leo too. you would think i was full of myself or something....
james - 08/05/07 00:17
Thank you Ms.Croft and Leetee.
Felly: Two whole weeks of vain glorious birthday? You must be a leo.
For the record, I am a leo, but my liver is a Sagittarius. At least I think that is what sign it was born under. I shall have to hold a seance and ask the doner.
Thank you Ms.Croft and Leetee.
Felly: Two whole weeks of vain glorious birthday? You must be a leo.
For the record, I am a leo, but my liver is a Sagittarius. At least I think that is what sign it was born under. I shall have to hold a seance and ask the doner.
fellyconnelly - 08/05/07 00:10
birthday weekend! leo!
i once had a birthday that lasted for two weeks. but that involved drinking for two weeks. that was the birthday that my liver died.
birthday weekend! leo!
i once had a birthday that lasted for two weeks. but that involved drinking for two weeks. that was the birthday that my liver died.
leetee - 08/04/07 23:22
happy birthday weekend!!
happy birthday weekend!!
ladycroft - 08/04/07 15:37
you can run, but you can't hide from the peepinators! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
you can run, but you can't hide from the peepinators! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
james - 08/04/07 14:30
TP: Well, even in this christian nation we have a particular sect called the Jehovah's Witnesses who do not celebrate birthdays or many other holidays. So you don't need millions of gods to take up your social calendar, one god is greedy enough for all the attention you can lavish!
But happy birthdays for all the ones missed.
theecarey: I do have to admit, he knows how to have a birthday. And thank you for your good wishes.
TP: Well, even in this christian nation we have a particular sect called the Jehovah's Witnesses who do not celebrate birthdays or many other holidays. So you don't need millions of gods to take up your social calendar, one god is greedy enough for all the attention you can lavish!
But happy birthdays for all the ones missed.
theecarey: I do have to admit, he knows how to have a birthday. And thank you for your good wishes.
theecarey - 08/04/07 13:44
awesome. I usually encourage an entire birthday week (whats one stinking day, anyway?) but birthday MONTHS? to include pre and post day work up and celebration. Love it.
Cheers to birthday celebrating tumors
..and Happy Birthday :)
awesome. I usually encourage an entire birthday week (whats one stinking day, anyway?) but birthday MONTHS? to include pre and post day work up and celebration. Love it.
Cheers to birthday celebrating tumors
..and Happy Birthday :)
tinypliny - 08/04/07 12:48
That's Hilarious with a capital "H". I never had a birthday celebration till I came here. Birthdays are not a big deal back home - how could they ever be, when you a million gods (and growing) competing for mind and holiday space? And I always had some hideous exam or test as far back as I can remember on my birthday. Yuck. I hate them.
That's Hilarious with a capital "H". I never had a birthday celebration till I came here. Birthdays are not a big deal back home - how could they ever be, when you a million gods (and growing) competing for mind and holiday space? And I always had some hideous exam or test as far back as I can remember on my birthday. Yuck. I hate them.
If the game involves eating vomit-flavoured stuff, I am totally out.
ah i love extremely long car rides.
lauren wants to go to the delaware county fair this week!
which is over in your hometown....er...area...
i had a concerned question about my estrip bumper magnet too! but it was from my 14 year old nephew. he was probably thinking along the same lines as your folks.