Gee, chat?

JB says microlending is cool. www.kiva.org.

2009-03-02T13:03:00.001-08:00

JB, you are SO right.

Micro lending is cool. Maybe even on the verge of bad ass.

For those who might be wondering if micro lending are midget bookies on a seedy lower east side corner lending cash for horse races, you are wrong.

Micro lending is in fact something that is not absurd, but actually very helpful. They are loans for those who are unemployed, live in impoverished communities or cottage industry workers who just need a leg up to buy supplies or something as simple as a sewing machine. These individuals typically lack collateral or a credit history to take out traditional loans from larger banks or institutions and thus they are stuck in a rut. And more over, they are not seeking large sums of money, but just a handful of bills to get them started.

Kiva in particular is a program that connects YOU to small-scale entrepreneurs all over the world to help them gain economic independence. As a lender, you can choose an entrepreneur you'd like to donate to and through the course of 6-12 months when your loan is out, you can track loan repayments or even keep up with their progress through email journal updates. Once you've received your repayment, you can lend back to another entrepreneur and keep the cycle going.

Pretty cool, huh?

Maybe not as cool as seedy midget bookies, but probably better for the world at large.

MC has returned. Today will be like any other day. It begins. It ends.

2009-02-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

In case anyone is confused, MC doesn't stand for Master Confucius. Though MC's words have an Eastern philosophical edge to them, he is more a master party-er. So much so that I found him one morning, passed out at work with his suit on from the night before—he was partying in the neighborhood and lucky for him he had his company ID to let himself in for a nap.

Today will be like any other day. It begins. It ends.

Armed with these words, a day is blank canvas that is built up then torn down. What relief! No more baggage, or worries or anxieties that tag along from day to day, or even week to month.

I'll take that.

And so will MC—cuz there ain't no way to party until the sun comes up and the day is DONE.

AK misses Teddy Ruxpin

2009-02-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

Although I didn't personally get to know Mr. Ruxpin as he guided himself along his adventures to find the Treasure of Grundo, I hear good things.

He was polite, and furry, and was good at conversation. He hung around when Mom was in the kitchen or at the bar. And he even secretly taught you to grow your imagination and shit.

But personally, I was a bit disturbed by a couple of things. Namely, the deception. He looked pretty cuddly and wuddly, like a good bear should. I mean, he wasn't "Gund" bear quality, but he looked as though he was giving them competition.

And right when you thought you'd go in for some love with your soft, cuddly bear, something went horrible wrong. He stabbed you right back at your heart with a 3x2 piece of plastic, as if he was really saying, "this is business kid. don't get too attached."

And it was that cassette, that held all his stories, and secrets and mysteries that was the same cassette that was a technological barrier between him and my unabashed childhood love.

Maybe he was right, or maybe he wasn't to be packing that kind of technology for us kids. Some kids would say they're truly grateful for the companionship, and some would say, 'get away creepy half robot bear.'

But one thing we can't deny was he was ahead of his age. A talking bear. W. T. F.

PVK is back

2009-02-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

Bloggers apologies accepted here?

There are a litany of excuses for why I have stopped writing and essentially creating a lie out of my 'about me.' It said that I was a writer day and night. Bleh HumBug. That, was a lie this past year.

During the day, I wrote sentences after paragraphs after ad for websites and online banners you like to click 'no' to.

And in between banners, I was suffocating on wedding ribbons from months of planning (hence the new addition K for Kamath to my initials). It was all great and beautiful and a wedding that was more awesome than I could have hoped for, but it's over! And that's the greatest hallelujah.

And as of last week, I joined the crumbling economic front lines and was laid off from this aforementioned banner shop job.

So, this means that I need to find someway to keep writing everyday, so selfishly, I'm back. And this time, sabbatical-free.

BR Nancy Sinatra Bang Bang

2008-05-02T12:25:00.001-07:00

Music videos just weren't the same back in the day as they are now.

No booty bumpin', epileptic editing, or synthesized vocals.

It was the real thing, often times in one, long, fluid shot...where all you were drawn into was the voice, and the sound and the beauty of the lyrics.

Enjoy something slow and calm on your Friday afternoon courtesy of Nancy Sinatra's Bang Bang and BR.

MR tissue, anyone?

2008-04-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

This product is the height of stupid crap that will wither in your basement. And it’s not even Japanese cool stupid or Sky Mall stupid. It’s just stupid stupid.

A talking tissue box. REALLY?? But wait! The product description gets even better:

Talking tissue box. Each time you reach for a tissue, it imitates your illness with one of five sneezing and coughing sounds. If laughter really is the best medicine, this hilarious tissue box will have you feeling better in no time. Motion activated. Requires 2 AA batteries (not included).

A few problems with this description:

“Talking tissue box…with one of five sneezing and coughing sounds”

If I really wanted a talking tissue box to help alleviate my illness, I’d like to give me some actual advice about how to get better…not just cough back at me. Where are your manners tissue box??

“Imitates your illness”

Hmm. Sounds like a recipe for a viral plague to me.

“…this hilarious tissue box”

There is nothing hilarious about tissues or tissue boxes. Unless there is a joke written on it.

This type of irony upsets me. Though MR, you do not upset me.

HC Ben&Jerry's Free Cone Day 4/29!!!

2008-04-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my 50th blog post (well, almost...) everyone gets free ice cream!!

AB Subway Crush

2008-04-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't in reference to what happens to your toes when you're squashed on either side on the F train at 8:30am or 6:30pm.

Subway Crush is a much sunnier, prettier picture of the subway.

Pretty being the operative word.

It's a spin-off website of one of Craigslist's guilty pleasure features, 'Missed Connections.' Though I don't think Craigslist has anything to do with this spin-off.

This is the feature where you hunt and peck for a compliment like a needle in a haystack...hoping the guy that was checking you out in the line at Starbucks would be brave enough (and internet-savvy enough) to ask you for a cup of coffee via the anonymity of the internet when he didn't have the balls to ask you when you were already there...go figure.

Either way..Subway Crush makes it even easier b/c they keep your subway crushes organized by subway line and an 'address book' of your crushes (much like a little black book. except that you don't know these people. and you probably never will)...though I'd be curious to know the success stories of this dating approach.

So, like all good subway crush sites, Subway Crush delivers an organized way to check out people and think your lewd thoughts in real time and do the leg work in digital anonymity.

This marriage of the real world and the internet world...and integrating our insecurities with how we can circumvent them is why the internet is so awesome!

DN is Game. 3:Fri., April 25: at Dallas, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN).

2008-04-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

Spurs vs. Suns 2008 playoffs. This definitely deserves some attention. Also considering every San Antonioan that's in my network has been pumped, psyched and generally in awe-struck pride as we're racking up the wins. TWO-ZERO.

And victory is nothing like a 3 point buzzer beater...

It's on!!! Or, is it really even a competition anymore?

BC Brooklyn Botanic Garden

2008-04-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

Hollah for the Cherry Blossom festival in Brooklyn!!

If you'd like to be surrounded by soft, tissuey pink things....the oriental flowering cherries bloom until mid-May. Catch the botanical blossoms in a neighborhood near you!

SP is missing FIESTA in San Anton :(

2008-04-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

San Antonians take their parties seriously. And the biggest party of the year that lasts a whole freakin’ week and a half in April (18-27 this year)...is FIESTA! And it literally means party in Spanish. Awesome. Better to just to get down to business.

Cervezas (beer), salsa (the dancing AND the dip), and all kinds of parades and floats transform downtown San Antonio into a whirlwind of confetti and debauchery. With over 100 events like the Oyster bake, the Battle of the Flowers parade (we actually get a day off for this!), and NIOSA (Night In Old San Antonio where the goal of every high-schooler is to make out with as many other high-schoolers as they can) revitalizes the city’s spirit.

I always kind of hated San Antonio growing up. Not that it’s a bad place, but its just the place you grew up…so its…very, ‘eh. But, visiting FIESTA through the official website conjures up nostalgia for a city that’s truly diverse, colorful, vibrant and is adamant about its sense of community (a week and a half kind of adamant in fact). Viva Fiesta!!

AD Mixtape mentality

2008-04-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

Dear AD,

Have you Muxtapped??

Muxtape is a pretty sweet spot on the web where you can travel to a simpler place and time...when mixtape love was ribbons of musical data encased in plastic.

Except Muxtape makes it easy because you don't have to muss with all that 'play' and 'record' at the same time and other such analog hassles. It's just straight up mp3's...compiled and shared.

Peruse through other folks mixes or create your own to share your talents in the 'art of the mix'.

With Muxxers like, 'Electricgee', 'Boombox', 'Goldenfiddle', and 'Skullflower', how could you not trust these people for exceptional music rec's?

Rock on.

pv

SK is really pissed off at Sprint PCS who wants to charge me $400 to cancel my phone lines.

2008-04-15T18:38:00.001-07:00

Cell phone companies....It's like signing a contract with the devil.

Two incidents that bring me great sadness:

EPISODE 1.

I was having the WORST month. Ever.

And on this day, I was supposed to skitter to NJ, come back to NY, then go to Boston...all in a 12 hr period. Not bad, except that my cell phone was out of juice and the charger was nowhere to be seen (of course...). It's cool. I'll just walk over to the T-Mobile and power myself up for a bit.

I get there. The manager opens fresh Saturday 10am doors. There was hope in the air. Everything was going to be okay.

Except it wasn't. Because I was dealing with a cell phone company (of course...).

This manager, who looked just like Ludicrous, was behaving just like that…LUDACRIOUS!

He refused to charge my phone…he suggested that I can buy a charger…I agreed…..I just realized I lost my wallet…can’t…find...it…anywhere!!!!!!.....I’m begging him now….he looks at me with those cold, beady eyes…”I can’t be doing this back and forth”….”You’re not serious??”….”Oh, I am, it’s store policy. And I can’t keep telling you that”….I stormed out of the store screaming HUMANITY!

Why the F&*K am I spending $70+ a month if my providers of communication can’t lend me 70cents worth of electricity to communicate?!??!

Episode 2.

I recently lost my phone in the mountains. It is probably in the tummy of some bear by now. I wasn’t too keen on hunting down the bear to retrieve my cell phone.

I figured my cell phone company would value me as a customer and give a good deal on a new phone. WRONG.

It doesn’t matter that I’ve spent $1260 padding T-Mobile’s pockets thus far…only the NEW customers…the one’s who’ve spent $0 are the ones that can get the $29 phone.

Watch out suckers…about 13 months from now, when the honeymoon period is over…that same puppy will be 8 BILLION dollars!

I would have had better luck with the bear.

Feel free to share your worst cell phone company story! Let it all out...you'll feel better.

UD Bone Thugz & Harmony has broken my writer's block! --yes, I had to dig That deep...

2008-04-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

Let's take it back ol' skool...

DK is drinkin' jamba juice ehh should of stuck to carribean passion :(.

2008-04-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

Is a smoothie a meal or a snack??

In this berry crushing, Whole Foods shopping, soy protein culture...I haven't figured this out yet.

But according to the nutritional facts for a SMALL carribean passion at Jamba Juice...it's a thunderous meal!

I have also become VERY dismayed the past few weeks as I've researched the nutritional values of my lunch escapades....quiznos 12 incher = 1000+ calories..and chipotle = forget about it (even the veggie is hovering around 800/900 cals).

This guilt has slowed me down a bit...but, it still ain't gonna stop me!

TS is now a believer of the El Patio Blue margaritas

2008-04-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

A good margarita can’t be reckoned with. A great margarita, well, that’ll give you the confidence to get up on the bar, swirl out a few dance moves, and belt out yelps for “PATRóN!!!” when patron is the LAST thing you need.

That’s apparently where the blue margarita will take you. To that special place… Margaritaville via El Patio in Houston, TX. And you might just have dreams of Jimmy B. lulling your spinning head to sleep…right before you puke.

(Tequila is my ENEMY!)

SV anxiously awaits the opening of the first NANDOS in amurika

2008-04-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

First off, we need some clarification.

Knowing SV and her penchant for turning on very ugly accents ;), amurika = America.

NANDOS!! In Amurika!!! Ya’ll. If you haven’t tried it, this is SERIOUSLY good stuff.

It’s the global fast-food chain of awesomely flavourful (global spelling!) stuff—chicken, fries, cous-cous, rice, and burgers, all with a Portuguese kick and South African roots (it’s healthy too!)

I first was Nando-nized in South Africa and fell in LOVE with their peri-naise and perfectly roasted, toasted fries.

They’ve been holding back from opening a store in evil America, but I’m SOO happy that they’ve clearly buckled to our extravagant spending and we’ve earned our privilege to this succulent food.

So, why am I going on and on? Because it’s all rooted in one simple secret. Peri-Peri.

As a former writer for Church’s chicken, and a vegetarian, I know chicken (only through juicy adjectives), but! I hear it just absorbs the taste of whatever it’s doused, soaked, and grilled in. And PERI-PERI is the shit!!

Peri-who? Yea, that’s right. The American Non-Nandonise's have been so oppressed, we don’t even know. It’s the pinch of African bird chili in this dusting of spices that’s all the rage… (and it’s also all the rage for your libido, endorphins, and covers your need for vitamin C).

So chickens in America, get ready to be dressed up and basted in some spicy, flavorful, sauce and cozy up to the open flame…your time has come!

HR Note to self - Aether 216

2008-04-09T09:05:00.001-07:00

It's time for some San Antonio pride!! Check out this Texas based artist, Diego Chavez—a.k.a. Aether 216.

Not only do the deep beats, sexy vocals and layers of samples give your ears something fresh to soak in...his art is pretty dope too (he also inspires me to use words like DOPE!)

MI why are copy machines such tricky bastards

2008-04-08T13:40:00.001-07:00

Probably because people like this keep fussing with it...

NK is down with Senor Lessig

2008-04-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

“Who can change congress?” “We can” “No way” “I hate Clinton” “Obama’s youtube video sucks” “Can you please pass that yummy custard??”

This was the tone of the conversation that was taking place moments after our friends exchanged vows a few weeks ago. Instead of rejoicing in the hope we just witnessed, we were mired in political frustration and in my case, total apathy.

But thank god there are some people who don’t think it’s hopeless. Meet Lawrence Lessig. He’s taken on the challenge to help develop a system where congress is actually accountable for their funding and in turn their actions. Gulp.

Change Congress is “a national movement to end corruption in America’s congress.”

Senor Lessig took a very “DUH” approach in how to make congress more responsible for their actions. He simply helps put a spotlight on their actions and intentions, internet style. Double gulp.

Each congressional leader is asked to create a very simple online pledge that will either “Yay” or “Nay” their interests and put them on a map. Here are some questions they can answer:

* Refuses PAC money
* Refuses lobbyist money
* Supports abolishing earmarks
* Supports Congressional transparency
* Supports publicly-financed campaigns

And…if they don’t sign a pledge, they just end up looking shady. Brilliant!

This is the kind of accountability that has been missing from congress…and with the democracy of the Internet there is actually some hope for our very own democracy.

Please read the “about” section for a more detailed description of pledge questions.

The idea has been born and the system is in place. Now, we must seed this for the accountability to be real.

And you can also sign your very own pledge as a citizen. You can be responsible in a real way…yea, YOU (and me too...). Here's my pledge (click on it!):

My famous excuse to explain my political apathy is now rendered obsolete.."I don't care because I don't know what's really going on behind the scenes."

The curtains have been drawn. Now can you please pass me the custard??

ZC respect

2008-04-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas Grandma...thanks for the f*&%$NG taffeta gowns.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lalagirl/2113662657/

CW wants to know if you've used couchsurfing.com before.

2008-04-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

Nice..nice..and triple nice! Couchsurfing.com is an online community to connect travelers to the local community via their couches! It’s the idea of crashing on your friends couch for a few days, but like global…and with strangers…this is EXTREME couch surfing!

It’s headed up by a non-profit whose belief is:

“CouchSurfing is not about the furniture, not just about finding free accommodations around the world; it's about making connections worldwide. We make the world a better place by opening our homes, our hearts, and our lives…We create deep and meaningful connections that cross oceans, continents and cultures. CouchSurfing wants to change not only the way we travel, but how we relate to the world!”

Really great idea…just hope it doesn’t turn into scandals on the 6 o’clock news. This is a test world!! Come on...you can do it...don't be creepy! Just spread some good old fashioned love...(and I don't mean chlamydia)

HA Canadian PSA

2008-04-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

Canadian peace strategy: scare the shit out of people.

AK Super Pi Pii Brothers

2008-04-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Japan has done it again. Officially. I thought the mannequin lap rests (with skirt!) were weird, but cool.

And the vending machine costumes for women to cloak themselves as an astute concern for women's safety on the streets (can you spot her feet??).

Japan rox! And their thinking is unsurpassed...but, what were they thinking here??

The new wii game...Super Pi Pii Brothers. No joke. Women (or anyone) can wear a strap-on type device to emulate, stimulate and postulate peeing. But its not as easy it sounds. Usual troubles at the stall can ensue. Japanese style.

CM. Damn you McDonald.

2008-03-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

Sweet. An opportunity where I can follow the healthy jog down McDonald's path to nutritious cuisine. It shall be sung in poetic praises.

"it all started with supersize me."

super. size. me.

with those three words. and those three bites. i was large.

how come? how so?

transfat. hydrogenated oils. oh woe.

then morgan spurlock. the renegade who spurred change.

super size me.

drained his vitals and packed up his sex life. all for our health strife.

then came....apples, and caramel and salads.

the tools of health. the yellow arches of hope.

RS - I am not sexually attracted to women who smell like cashews

2008-03-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

Also, frogs under stress smell like cashews.

If you were ever sexually attracted to frogs RS, don't put them under duress. You'll be sorry.

You can read the cashew-smelling frog article here.

The ad that spurred the madness:

MI who names their son Marion

2008-03-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Or Garage Empty

Hysteria Johnson

King Arthur

Infinity Hubbard

Please Cope

Major Slaughter

Helen Troy

Ima Hogg, Ima Pigg, Ima Muskrat, Ima Nut and Ima Hooker…??

Parents who have a wicked sense of humor and most probably a gambling problem...that's who.

These are all real names. Found in census records from 1790-1930.

PN thinks Oprah can be a real bitch.

2008-03-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

OMG!! What could Oprah have possibly done to elicit such harsh criticism?! This post required a little more than google search or right click + save image. I went straight to the source. In PN’s words:

“Yeah - I have long felt she can be real bitchy. You know she has those home decorating shows where she shows someone's home before and after? Well the before picture - she always sounds so ridiculing and judgmental and she thinks it's funny - and there's some weird undertone of what's acceptable and what's not as far as lifestyles go. It's easy for her to say when she has all these people doing the work for her; I just don't think she can relate to the average American lifestyle the way her audience thinks she is so good at doing! So I stopped watching her.

But earlier this week, they were watching it in our staff room, and again, she had a spotlight on some woman who is a major pack rat - they showed pictures of her home,
about how dysfunctional she is, how there's stacks of books and papers and piles of clothes and stuff everywhere, she can't even find her bed. And Oprah dramatized this to the max, had these crazy dramatic commercials of it, pathologizing this poor woman who just has some kind of problem - you should have seen this woman - she was in tears, sobbing, saying how embarrassed she was, that she couldn't have her own son over for dinner, and then Oprah has the gall to put her on national television, claiming it's "good for her"? Ugh. I just felt so bad for that woman...”

I love my friends and their fierce analytical powers!!

But, it's sooo easy to love Oprah! She's like our crazy aunt that we're willing to forgive for laughing at us because her honesty is usually so refreshing and sometimes kicks us into the gear that we need to be in.

So, I guess Oprah, if you ever ran for President I can tell you now you'll be at least one vote shy.

BR http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/important_life_lesson.png

2008-03-27T06:33:00.001-07:00

Hahaha... That's right up there w/ any modern day proverb. Shuffle all can be dangerous. For some reason I've clogged up my i tunes with this massive sound library, which is pretty useless and just gets in the way most times. i.e. the possibility of sex and the sound fx of 'wah-waaahhing' babies is...a turn off.

TW - Labor of Love

2008-03-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

Wow! This is a phenomenal article by and about the world's first pregnant man!!!

This dude, Thomas Beatie, is trans gender and ended up deciding to carry his baby because his wife wasn't able to—and he happened to have the right plumbing, so why not, eh?

This is my best Schwarzenegger dream come true!!

MU highly recommends Step It Up 2 and always taking Daniella to the movies with you.

2008-03-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

I can’t really speak for Daniella and her elite taste in step movies, but I will say, the latest bulletin is out….White people can dance!!

“Step It Up 2 – The Streets” doesn’t really take place on the streets…more inside some Maryland prep school, but there are some mean steps that take place inside those manicured walls. And it’s hot!

[disclaimer: there are some street scenes for those watching the movie for “the streets” part. Some sizzling hot scenes with dark shadows that evoke some trill street step, music video style….you will be satisfied]

KG - Dr Chopp

2008-03-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

More irony...or a brilliant marketing ploy!

"Areas of Special Interest: Dr. Richard (Dick) Chopp is well known in the Austin community for performing Vasectomies."

HAHAHA.

PL illegally employed

2008-03-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

Oh the irony! My very American friend trying to find illegal employment in Mexico..Hurray!!

So, to take the irony even further—a couple of years ago Rolling Stone reported, "The Golden State Fence company, a firm that builds border fencing to keep illegal immigrants out of the San Diego area, has just been fined $5 million for… wait for it… employing illegal immigrants to build its border fencing."

God bless capitalism!

SMT is chillin' in Dubai, eating some Toblerone :).

2008-03-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Why is Toblerone the chocolate passport of international travel?? Everytime I step into a duty-free shop, it's like enough already with the giant kitschy almond and honey nougat bar!

And please! Like a triangle is THAT unique a figure?! I learned about it when I was four...it can't be that cool. Now, if it was like a Robot chocolate bar or alligator chocolate bar, then I'd be impressed.

The most interesting fact I was able to drum up—there's a bear hidden in the Matterhorn logo. Can you find it? I was able to spot a fish..but that's as far as I got.

DF is Happy Holi!

2008-03-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

Holi hai!!

The Indian festival of spring harvests, color, and new beginnings! And also this strange marijuana smoothie called Bhang..

It happens around Feb / March every year when thousands of Indians, armed with pocketfuls of color run through the streets, smearing everything they can find. Men! Women! Cows! Infants! Nothing is safe!

I helped write a movie a few years ago (never got credit! no, I'm not bitter...I just would have loved to use the name Basmati Malhotra as my Bollywood ghost-writer name) entitled "Karma, Confessions & Holi"

Total gooey, melty, moldy Bollywood cheese!!

So, as a tribute to this colorful holiday, here's the trailer:

SD is encouraging everyone to join the six billion paths to peace initiative. I’m a fan and it’s good stuff!

2008-03-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

I’d say promoting world peace one step at a time is pretty good stuff. It’s an age-old concept and something we mark in our heads in a moment of hope, but it just as quickly disappears when the Kebab stand guy catches our eye and our head starts swimming in Shawarma.

So, the Shinnyo-en foundation is trying to make this stick in our heads a little bit better with their Six Billion paths to peace initiative.

http://www.sixbillionpaths.org/home.html

There’s even a virtual paths to peace interactive section where you can submit your peace path. It’s surprisingly sticky once you actually jot it down.

Here’s a commercial from Liberty Mutual to kick-start some inspiration.

HA $109 oil, wtf

2008-03-11T13:18:00.001-07:00

Seriously HA, wtf.

It's moments like these I reflect on the car I totaled two years ago and I'm glad it's in the dumpster. It probably has a better life there anyway...without all this pricey oil clogging its poor little heart.

Here's a quote from the Associated Press:

"Where gas and oil go from here is anybody's guess. Many analysts expect prices to moderate, while others predict oil could keep rising to $120 a barrel, or higher. And with demand for gas expected to rise as warm weather arrives, analysts say pump prices could spike as high as $3.75 a gallon, regardless of what happens with oil prices."

To combat this stress, here are a few helpful tips when you're at the gas pump:

1. Fill up your car or any vehicle in the morning when the temperature is still cool (that whole thermal expansion thing...)

2. If a tanker truck is filling the station's tank at the time you want to buy gas, do not fill up; dirt and sludge will most likely end up in your tank.

3. Fill up when your gas tank is half-full (or half-empty), because the more gas you have in your tank the less air there is and gasoline evaporates rapidly, especially when it's warm.

4. Leave the trigger at the 'slow' speed, so you'll minimize vapors while you're pumping.

BR - Who needs a movie?

2008-03-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

This very very terrible video for Fred and Sharon's movies is it’s own masterpiece.

But the last laugh is with Fred and Sharon…b/c I actually think there’s a market for this…somewhere…maybe backwoods Alabama…but a market nonetheless. Wait for the sea monster at the end!

AK - GOOGLE STREET MAPS!!! CRAAZY!

2008-03-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

It is pretty crazy - and creepy. But Google street maps (live street view) is more crazy than creepy.

The idea that my Uncle in India can have a sense of the street I walk through everyday, Crazy! The idea that some dude off craigslist that got my address for a well-worn couch and is able to put together an idea of me even before he steps into my house, Creepy!

Late last May, our favorite digital cartographers, Google Maps unveiled a new feature, Street View—there are either satellite images or several digital pictures composited together to create a live view of the street.

Here's a view of the street from an apt I lived in about 4 years ago..

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=90+Washington+St,+New+York,+NY+10006,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=image

You can play around with the street view and check out different angles. Pretty cool. And yup - I lived across the street from the infinitely dusty construction project known as Ground Zero.

KP is at work, earning his "attorney fees"

2008-03-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Dude, KP…we feel for you and your billable hours.

So, here's an NY times article that just makes me laugh, “For Lawyers, Perks to a Fit a Lifestyle.”

These are some snippets about what the geniuses at some of these law firms are proposing to do to keep their staff o’ lawyers coming back for more…

- “In Perkins Coie’s Chicago office, members of the firm’s “happiness committee” recently left candied apple’s on everyone’s desk….last month the happiness committee surprised everyone with milkshakes from a local Potbelly Sandwich Works.”

Are you kidding me?? You want me to sit at a desk for more than 12 hours a day and then you’re treating me to high cholesterol and enough sugar to make me want to jump off your well-polished teak walls!? Assholes.

- “On offer now are concierge services, in which a lawyer can have the equivalent of a personal valet pick up theater and sports tickets, the dry cleaning, take a car to the repair shop or even choose a Halloween costume.”

Now you’re trying to take over my family too?? Maybe my kids will start to call the concierge lady Mommy. At least they’ll get to practice saying it once in awhile.

- “The consulting firm has a battery of staff psychologists and social workers to provide advice on issues including stress, anxiety, depression and divorce.”

A battery of staff psychologists! What are you doing to these people?? Though this is the most practical and helpful of perks, it’s sad that they had someone come up with a solution to assuage psychological trauma that’s happening under their watch.

For a more in-depth look into the absurdities, check out the rest of the article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/22/business/22legal.html?incamp=article_popular

DDF is bringing back the passion for Taiwan professional baseball.

2008-03-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

Taiwan’s major league baseball diamond has suffered some rough scratches and blows over the past few years. So, DDF we’re glad you’re trying to make them shine once again!

Game-fixing scandals and talent drainage had left a giant gap in attendance and appeal for the Taiwanese baseball league over the past five years.

So! And this is the stuff that gets interesting….The Taiwanese league was set-up to compete against the Chinese league, but after years of loses, the TML was absorbed by the CPBL in 2003. Kind of cruddy that you need to always default to the Master Sovereign when things aren't going so hot.

I’m at least glad that Taiwan stood up to China for the 2008 Olympic torch route. China intends to cover 5 continents, 85,000 miles, 130 days and ultimately reach Mt. Everest (straddling Nepal and Tibet), all in grand spectacle that’s never been done. I’m actually somewhat excited about the spectacle; however, they are also torching the rights of two sensitive territories, Tibet and Taiwan. It certainly seems more of a ploy to bolster their claims over both territories rather than reflect any true Olympic spirit of friendship or respect.

So, this is what the Taiwanese head peeps had to say: "This route is a domestic route that constitutes an attempt to downgrade our sovereignty," Tsai said. "It is something that the government and people cannot accept."

Helllz yea! Stand up for your right to fight....Olympic torch running tyrants!

(I know...we're celebrating the one year anniversary of this news, but this oppression from all kinds of sports against the Taiwanese...too much...)

HR Lonely hearts - Joakim

2008-03-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

HR has great music taste. I trust this guy to be on the pulse of a good jam. And he delivers. However, this mish mash wedding montage it's set to leaves you...a bit uninspired.

JP wants ESW-9's

2008-03-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

And I want some too! Sexy, sexy headphones.

The ATH-ESW9 Sovereign Wood Headphones, by Audio Technica, is crafted with care from the finest of fine, Japanese Hokkaido cherry tree wood.

At the $369 price tag, this is more for serious audiophiles than the white buds we sport for a jog, but it’s almost a shame that these bad boys are more appropriate indoors. It just makes such a succinct statement when you're strollin' around town. "I love drowning in my music and I love absurdly cool and unnecessary things from Japan."

I think I'll hold off until my next life...when I'm ready to combine these two statements and come out as DJ SquidKid.

NL cant believe shake shack is opening on the UWS!!!!

2008-03-04T18:49:00.000-08:00

NL loves her some shake shack! I've never seen such explicit sadness as the day when NL realized that SS was closed during 12 degree weather. And I'm sure there were thousands more with that hang dog slump.

Danny Meyer's burger institution in Madison Square park draws ultra long-lines and a religious following when outdoor burger season is in. I guess it's that good. I don't know. I'm sans burgers.

Now, its not only going to be a stones throw away from you NL, but there's also a live web cam so you can scope out the lines and zip in when there's a lull.

http://shakeshacknyc.com/camera.html

Holla when you want to share a shake!

MM http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/

2008-03-03T07:25:00.000-08:00

This blog about what white people like is kind of hilarious because just like all good things that are hilarious, it's salted with the truth.

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/

NLZ loves the movie Jodhaa Akbar! Esp since she has been to majority of the places in the movie!

2008-03-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

Joodha Akbar, a Bollywood movie that takes place in 16th century Muslim Mogul India where King Akbar defends and loves the Hindu princess, Joodha, among other things. What can I say? I have very little patience for Hindi movies most of the time, but there is a magic and a wonder when you see true beauty - in costumes, in color, in landscape, in movement, and music...and some pretty hot people...

I just need to carve out a solid 3 and 1/2 hours for this kind of beauty, but until then this will do.

KP can breathe... and thinks that sinus rinse is the best solution ever.

2008-03-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

Okay, this guy looks way more hard core than he needs to be.

He's actually performing an ancient yoga practice, called Neti, that clears the sinuses. Not some pre-show ritual for the Judas Priest concert.

Here are some jala neti facts:

Neti removes all the dirt and bacteria from within the nose.

It has a cooling and soothing effect on the brain by drawing out excessive heat - good for headaches, migraines and soothing for epilepsy.

Neti is excellent for those trying to give up smoking. Since it reduces the tendency for mouth breathing, Neti re-sensitizes the nose to the actual pollution of ingesting smoke, thereby de-programming the brain of the physical and psychological addiction.

And here he is being even weirder. This is Sutra Neti. Clearing your nostrils using a cord. Yikes..

This is the low down:

This is a very effective method of keeping the nasal passages open to their fullest capacity. Sutra Neti is performed by passing a cord made of cotton threads or a rubber catheter into the nose through one nostril and then out via the mouth.

Anyone watch the Six Feet Under episode where Nate makes fun of George for his nostril pot?? This is the nostril pot!

Thanks KP for this insightful journey into a place of strange, yet ancient and trustworthy information...

LZ is excited about moxiebee.com

2008-02-29T08:32:00.000-08:00

And we're excited that we now know about moxiebee.com!

Seriously, a freakin' awesome website. Cute trendy clothes, accessories and tips all for truly reasonable prices. And the whole website and idea behind it is very practical (like, normal people wearing the clothes so we may actually get a sense what it will look like on us!). And there's nothing that gets me more excited than the killer combo of practical and reasonable.

It's also Filene's fiend approved - for those who want cute but also won't mind tossing it out (or more responsibly, donating to needy friends or taking a trip to Buffalo Exchange) or moving past because it was such a great deal in the first place!

Sorry guys - this is ladies only at the moment :(

UD needs spring & NK is ugh more snow

2008-02-28T06:41:00.001-08:00

A plea to get out of the winter doldrums! I feel for you people. Piles of snow cease to be romantic and fluffy, but heavy and slushy and your mood goes along with it.

I'd be right up there complaining with you, but NYC has been weirdly warm this season. Only three snow storms total. First one lasted 2 hrs, second one 3.5 hours, and third one 7 hours. Pathetic.

Last winter's 1 billion hours of blizzards in Boston has made me come to a new appreciation for our thirst for vitamin D and the happy happy sun.

http://www.lighttherapyproducts.com/sadelite.aspx

I'd say at $190 bucks for about 6 months of your life - bring on the happiness!

LH is pissed that today is the day to fix up my Itunes!

2008-02-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

Umm. For sure. That's a terrible task that requires a special kind of Sunday. I applaud you for taking this task on for a Wednesday...

I myself am somewhat fedup with my itunes. And my ipod. I see the same artists alphabetically arranged and almost as muscle memory dictates, I choose the same freakin' song. These past two weeks its rotated between, The Kinks, 'This time tomorrow" Coconut Records, "It's not you it's me" and OK GO "I Shall be released" - all excellent songs, but it needs a little shaking up.

And Coconut Records in general makes me happy:

Any suggestions to ignite a stale romance with my music...?

DK is annoyed at people who wear black bras under light colored shirts!

2008-02-27T21:10:00.000-08:00

How true it is!

Especially the bras with the polka dots, or stripes, or leopard print, oh my! Or even coconut bras. That would just be ghastly! And hairy...

But, are there places and circumstances that this would be okay..? The gym perhaps, or a day at the beach for a casual, flirty feel.

Either way, you're right DK - it ain't cool.

Introducing...Gee, chat?

2008-02-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

Everytime I signed onto gmail, the rectangular chat box on the left had caused me great anxiety and grief. At first, I didn’t know what to make of it. I mean, I’m just here to check my email, reply back responsibly and go on with my life, right?

But then this box came! With CHAT plastered all over it. What?! I’m supposed to now CHAT while I also write emails? I was not up for the challenge of channeling so many voices and dialogs on one single web page.

Then – somewhere, the away message status turned into a vital status report. With up-to-date reports on what one is eating, which article caught someone’s eye, what mood one is hovering in between, and even what the weather is doing over yonder. Freakin’ human mind data all over the place!

I love it! This! This I can make sense of! You tell me what’s going on, and I just know. The dialog is already there, it just needs to be cracked open.

No blah blah blah to get to blah blah. Just straight up, here I am, this is what its about blah. Look, I already feel I know you so much better.

So here it is, Gee, chat? A blog that’s all about the preludes we leave behind.

My opinions on your opinions. That's not critical, right? Well, it's definitely not meant to be. Just more my anthropology degree finally coming to use in this digital age;)

If it’s a mood, or a link, or even some music, I’d love to explore and share.

I’ll be using human mind data from all over – gchat, facebook, twitter – so watch out…and thanks for playing!