Protego!

Yes yes, little did you know that today while exploring my blog, you would be going home with my entire collected works.

Yes today marks 48 days until the fourth installment of the Harry Potter series, "The Goblet Of Fire" hits theatres. In my opinion this book is the best of the six that are currently in print. This story is loaded with drama and action and has a darker element that skims most of the juvenile feel that still resides from the beginning of the saga. You will not be disappointed with this movie which will seem more like a halloween story than another happy go lucky Harry Potter. Rest assured "Dark and Difficult Times Lie Ahead" for young Harry Potter.

Feeling Groovy

Well for all of you who are interested, the mayor actually showed up for work today and for nothing less than free coffee and donuts. For God's sake hasn't the man deprived this city enough, now he's taking the one thing we have left. Did anyone really vote for this guy?

In case you were wondering, today at 9:30 renovations began at 19th and Douglas to remodel the courtyard area of the Continental Building soon to be called the Douglas building. According to the architechs and designers involved, the building will maintain it's 60's theme, thus reflecting and paying tribute to the era that it was built. Yes, it's the stuff Brady Bunch and Partridge Family block parties were all about.

You've been the only thing that's right... In all I've done

A fulfilling fun filled weekend plagued by vulnerability and lack of sleep, but a memorable one at that. Friday, I did nothing and slept late Sat morning, it was glorious. Saturday afternoon was Dodgeball, after all, I have to support my friends. After that it was beer then games and beer at Dave and Busters. Sunday was equally uneventful and alas the weekend is over yet again.

Now that my extremely exciting account of the weekend is over let's get down to topic.

There are moments in life where there is a window of seizeable opportunity, that if not taken, you are forced to look back at a forgone chance. Often there is risk involved, but one thing that I have learned over the years, is that risk is way better than regret no matter how scary it may seem at the time. Especially if the risk is telling someone that you love them...

I can't even begin to explain to anyone the degree and amount of change that has happened in my life in the last year. Some are remotely aware and have a general idea, but let me put it this way. Right now I couldn't be happier, my perspective is completely illuminated for the first time and excitement is building within me in anticipation of what could be and it's...well let's just say... wonderful.

Hatch Chili Anyone?

Tonight marks the beginning of the main event, dual of the Legacy powerhouses on West Center. In one corner, Roja Mexican Grill and in the other Upstream Brewery. Hatch Chili Festival meets Octoberfest. There will be beer, there will be food and good times had by all.

24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case, coincidence, I think not.

After a brief conversation about beer with one of my friends last night, I thought that I would rant about my thoughts on the wonderful beverage known as brew.

First and foremost, for all of you self proclaimed beer lovers out there who have only ever tasted Bud Light and swear by its frothy goodness. Congratulations you are officially a victim of bad taste buds and the influential media power and proliferation of a corporate beer conglomerate known as Anheiser Busch. I'm sorry but that is the way it is and you may now leave the room because I am not talking to you. By the way the next thing out of your mouth better be in the presence of others like you at the Bud Light Anonymous group and it should probably be something like "Hi, my name is... and I drink Bud Light"

Moving on. Now, what really irks me is when people tell me they love beer or pretend they know everything about it, or that they have a lot of experience with different types. Well just for the record you are not going to earn any points if you list off Light, Ultra Light, and Heavy as the three strata of beer.... No. We need to be thinking along the lines of pilsner, ale, lager, stout, porter. Work with me here.

Oh and if you are one of those who does not like beer...let me guess you've had one of the following, Miller Lite, Bud Light, Coors Light or worse, but we don't mention those in public and whoever forced that down your throat deserves to be flogged. Now there are those who just don't like beer and that's fine, but don't sit there and tell me that you can drink that black shit in the morning and can't choke down a beer. And while we are on the subject, let's compare the two. Coffee is made from beans that are actually berries that you bake, then take the kernel from the inside, smash it into smithereens and take the dirt like remnant and poor hot water over it. Mmm sounds good doesn't it. Coffee contains caffeine which let's face it is the poor mans crack. It accelerates your heart rate, gives you the shakes and if you come off it you get headaches. WTF, whose idea was it to use this crap as a breakfast replacement anyway?

Now let's look at beer. Beer can be made with a variety of substances, but requires a few things at minimum. Usually hops for flavor, grain, yeast and water. Now, a multitude of steps, additions and brew time modifications can be made here to change color, alcohol content and flavor, but to make a long story short there are endless possibilities on what the final product will be. It's a science and takes days to produce. There is no such thing as instant beer. And in comparison to Coffee, beer has a calming effect on the body. It relaxes the mind, reduces stress and makes for a thumping good time at the bowling alley among other places. It pairs well with food, unlike coffee which only goes well with dessert, but beer does that too.

Some may say that beer is not good for you and that in my opinion is a misnomer. Drinking beer excessively along with a bad diet and minimal activity will let's face it, make you fat. However, if you can avoid the common foods associated with beer like chips, pizza and wings you will probably be ok. And as a general rule of thumb beer contains between 100 and 200 calories per bottle which is roughly the same as a soda pop. Now when was the last time you tossed back 6-10 soda pops and waited for the six pack ab fairy to appear? That's what I thought, so drink in moderation because most things are ok in moderation, beer included.

Now something that you may not know is that beer actually does have some healthful properties. The darker the beer the better. Darker beers are usually less filtered and therefore have higher concentrations of fiber, flavanoids and B vitamins. Beer in general also contains minimal amounts of protein. Not to mention that the alcohol itself helps moderate cholesterol levels in the blood. Now it's easy to see why one of the founding fathers of this nation, the man that discovered electricity to boot, said this about beer. "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." Well said Ben!

So next time you find yourself belly up to the mahogany and the cute bartender asks what will it be. When your virgin eyes scan the expanse of the mirror backed tap wall, take the time to look past the old staple and try something new. You might surprise yourself.

Scotch Ale....Yes Have Some

I am looking forward to participating in a ritual I have neglected for some time. Yes, I am referring to $2 pint night at The Upstream Brewery where Brad, A.J. and Chris among others wash their stress away in great hand crafted midwestern goodness. My favorite is the Dundee Scotch Ale, and newbies beware, these aren't your 3.5% alcohol Bud Lights this is 5 and 6% beer. It's a little harsh and maybe manish is the word some would use. I prefer tasty and functional, but in the words of Samuel L. Jackson.. "it'll getchya drunk!"

Wise Words Gandalf...Wise Words

I spent last night consoling a friend who is on the verge of a personal loss and that is never a desirable position to be in. First of all, it is hard to see a friend that you care about in so much pain and even worse feeling and knowing that there is not much you can do about it. It's not that I don't understand, because I do. It's not that I don't care, because no one cares more than I do, I just hope that the few hours of solace I tried to give made a difference.

I also know what it feels like to be helpless and frustrated when nothing goes your way and it all seems to be careening out of control. I understand that feeling of desperation and know all too well the temptation to give up and abandon all that makes you unique. I also know that in those weaker moments in life it is ourselves who are hardest on us. It is our own judgment that is passed on our own actions, decisions and thoughts that is so critical and unforgiving. Perseverance in a time like this in its simplest form, no matter how glamorous is all that those around you will see, and getting through it in any way is what makes the ones you care about so proud of the person you are.

I often refer to the following quote, so often I feel that those I share this with will assume I view my life as a movie and solving all problems is as simple as reciting a line from a film. Well I don't think that and no it is not that simple, however, this proverb helped me through some very hard times and I hope that by sharing it, I can offer the same comfort to others that it brought to me.

..."I wish none of this had happened."

"So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what
to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world besides the will of evil.... And that is an encouraging thought."

Things can happen for reasons that you don't understand and often don't agree with, trust me I know. It is important to realize that the ultimate purpose of hardship is not to crush your will, and no matter what happens or how craptacular it may seem, things will get better, just hang in there.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

A good friend of mine, reminded me of something very important this weekend...patience. Sometimes the best thing you can do is wait.....

That's all I have to say about that.

Go Sell Crazy Some Place Else...We're All Stocked Up Here

As I am a random individual, I wanted to spend today's blog entry giving tribute to one of the most insane and brilliant actors of all time. Jack Nicholson, one of the most quoted and memorable character actors in recent film history, from crazy in The Shining, to nuts but unforgettable in Batman, to absolutely hilarious in As Good as it Gets, Jack is awesome. He is not afraid to take risky roles and never fails to save an otherwise mediocre film. Ageless and full of energy which is evident in his public displays of frustration on center court at the Staples Center during Laker games, what a guy. Here's to the man behind the glasses, Jack.

Far East Adventure Far from Forgotten Five Years Later

Yes, for those of you who know, five years ago today my friend Brett and I embarked on a wonderous journey, and neither of us were ever the same nor will we ever forget it. Today is five years to the day that Brett and I went to Japan or Nihon to the locals. What food, what culture, what a sight to see from downtown views right out of a sci fi movie to picture perfect views in the wilderness, Japan is a country to behold, respect, and enjoy. Unfamiliar smells, wild hair, crouded streets in a city that truly never sleeps.



We made a lot of friends there from every hemisphere on earth. It's ironic, even though we were taking the equivalent of 21 credit hours, half of which was in Japanese, we had a blast and rarely felt as if we were really going to school at the time. This was truly something I am lucky I had the pleasure to experience.

Where do these stairs go?...They go up!

Last night I had a smashing time at work and capped off the evening with a three rounds of shots of my old friend Jim with my friend Jimmy. That's right Jim Beam shots my friends. They say Jim makes you mean but I feel that as long as you share it you'll be just fine. Nothing else to say so I will go now.

If you want something bigger I could inflate the couch

So my mother in her infinite wisdom had asked that I install a new ceiling fan this weekend, which is not necessarily a simple job unless you are an electrician or have significant experience. Needless to say I managed to take off the old one without electrocuting myself, but decided to wait on the new one until she returned to make sure it was set at the right height etc.. Well, yesterday, she decided to do it herself and after major frustration, trial, and error, she got it wired and installed herself. Bravo. The problem with that was my mom had new carpet laid yesterday and the reason for installing the fan in a hurry was to give the carpet guys sufficient light to work with. Now that would be fine if my mom's final task would not have been to paint the ceiling.

Now, I think of myself as a logical individual and this is not logical. Nature has a natural order to things and so does common sense...this is neither. The correct, most efficient and quickest way to do all this would be to remove the old ceiling fan and before carpet is laid paint the ceiling. That way there are no obstacles to paint around and no worries about dripping paint on the sub floor. OK I am done bitching for the day I got it done and she's happy.

Uhh... Hmm... yah, I need a hobby

The General of Electric Posts a Toast

Went cosmic bowling on Friday and had a blast. After 2 pitchers of beer I was feeling pretty good too. Only bowled under 100 once in four rounds, but that was because I was trying a bunch of trick shots and stuff. I mean really, how much could two pitchers affect my bowling ability? So three days later, my forearm is still sore and the left side of my ass is really sore.

"It's all tingly and shit!"

Congrats to Adam for meeting yet another one, good luck with that, hey maybe you could see if she wants to jello wrestle?

...
And randomly, I just wanted to send a shout out to my friends, thanks for being there, you know who you are. Aloha

On the Corner of my Mind

At the end of high school I was a young man of absentminded ignorance pushed by a jet engine fueled with racing grade hormone fuel. For those ladies out there who have often sat perplexed as to the direction and motivation of the teenage male psyche, think of it this way. Take the innocent body of a young boy, blindfold him and strap him to the nose of a bullet train. Then send it on a downhill stretch of track straight into a spring valley pollinated with the sweet perfume of sexual temptation so strong it is matched only by the size of his appetite. Yet we are expected to magically undo these bonds, jump off this speeding train and magically float down like some angel and land in the meadow of contentment where we are devoted moral men who think of nothing, but our sweet women. Well that’s fine and dandy, but I would love to meet the man who jumped off that train and didn’t trample a few flowers in that meadow and break a few bones when he made the jump.

I made the jump, but have spent the last five years recovering and struggling relentlessly to find my way back. It’s a lot like hiking a trail and using foliage as a marker, then trying to find that exact spot 20 years later. You knew you were somewhere in that area when you were going the right way, but now nothing is familiar.