Ben Folds

I'm going to see Ben Folds with the Mrs. next month at the Roseland Theater in Portland.  It should be a good time. Between his piano ballads and snarky lyrics, he seldom lets me down. His latest album, Way to Normal, took longer than the previous ones for me to appreciate, but it eventually found its way on to my playlist. From the care-free piano rock of Hiroshima to the radio single You Don't Know Me, there is wide range of music to listen to.

Allergies Suck.

I've never had allergies until last year. At first, I was like, "hey, I can deal with this." Now I want to scratch my eyeballs out all day long. I've been taking Zyrtec for the last couple of days, but I don't feel like it's accomplishing much. I backed that up with some Visine-A, but found relief for only a couple of minutes. 

I'm not sure what else to do. I hoping that as spring sets in, my eyes will start to adjust. If not, I may go SAW on myself and literally scratch out my eyes. I would prefer to avoid the latter.

Freakin' Awesome.

Amidst a down poor, I prevailed. I built my first deck despite rain and even hail. Sure, I made three trips to Home Depot in one day, but that's not the point. The point is that I succeeded. And it's pretty freakin' awesome if I do say so myself. Granted, we'll have to see if it holds up. But for now, I'm marking this one down as a victory.


BEFORE...




AFTER...



And as an added bonus, I put up a fence so I don't have to look at the trash in my neighbor's yard. It was a pretty productive weekend if you ask me.


BEFORE...





AFTER...

I hate being a Duke fan.

I know I shouldn't complain. Duke has been in the tournament since the beginning of time. They've won like 8 out of the last 10 ACC championships and won the NCAA tournament in 2001. But their above average mediocrity is starting to really annoy me.

Every year Duke shows flashes of brilliance that, as a fan, I can see projecting them into the Final Four. They're good enough not to be dismissed, but bad enough to destroy my bracket when they get pummeled in the Sweet 16. So I'm not only disappointed as a fan, but my office pool is also 'effed.' 

Granted, I could NOT put them in the Final Four, but being a true fan, I can't quite allow myself to do that. Now my only hope for emotional stability is if UNC gets throttled today by Gonzaga. If my team can't win, I can only home that my enemy gets dismantled as well. Besides that, I will just have to wait until next year to get my hearted ripped out again.

That's one big Goldendoodle.

St. John's Cathedral Park

This is a view of Cathedral Park. It's along my running route, but I've never taken the time to check it out. I know it's dog friendly and pretty bad ass if you ask me. I can't believe I haven't hung out there yet. Especially since it's only minutes from my house.

New Prius is smarter than the Smart Car.

The new Prius averages 50 mpg and can get upwards of 70 mpg depending on the conditions. Not bad. It seats four comfortably and coming in at around 22k, it won't break the bank. The Smart Car Brabus averages 38 mpg and only seats two people. It comes in at around 18k and is the equivalent of reinforced tin can. 

The Bottom Line:

If you drive the Prius, you're smart.

If you drive the Smart Car, you're a moron.

This Week @ Work

I'm starting a giveback day with my coworkers aimed at supporting our local breweries along with National Arbor Day. The details haven't been completely hammered out yet, but we've already claimed legal ownership of it all. 

I would like to introduce you to OurBeer Day (TM). It will be in conjunction with National Arbor Day but may run through the weekend. We'll be partnering with local breweries and tree planting organizations in order to celebrate the goodness of trees and brew one pint at a time.

We already have a green non-profit on board to help with promotion and to do the planting, and we will be approaching Portland breweries shortly. If you have a favorite local beer maker that you would like to see get involved, let me know and I will put them on the list. 

This idea spawned from a recent brainstorming session, but we know that with your help we can gain enough support to make it a success this year. I'll keep you updated, so we can all spread the word.

Because everyone deserves to get that warm fuzzy feeling from doing something good. You drink the pints and we'll plant the trees. 

The Lasts...

Most parents focus on the first time their kids do something because its new and exciting. When you notice the last time your kids do something it's merely bitter sweet. 

My daughter, who is almost 2 years old, is really starting to master her words and sentences. When she was younger she would call our dog Harper, Fa Fa because she couldn't pronounce the H and the P. Last night she looked at him and clearly said, "Harper, play." It was the first time I heard her say his name. On the reverse of that, the next couple of times she says Fa Fa will probably be the last. 

It feels great to see her grow and learn so well, but it's also sad to know that you can never go back. She will never be a baby again. She will never depend on me as much as she did last week, or last month, or last year. She will eventually lose the naivety of childhood and grow up. It gives you an amazing feeling of pride and at the same time it breaks your heart. It's something that can't be explained, only felt. 

Shoes for me!

After working on the AND1 Tribute project for a couple of months, I finally got my ME8 Tributes. We ended up designing a special box, information brochure, and special authenticity piece for these limited edition kicks. Unfortunately, some of the PR left out the fact that AND1 donated a lot of money two different foundations in honor of Dr. King. Without this information it looked like they were trying to take advantage of his image, when in fact, they were whole-heartedly trying to promote his legacy.

We had nothing to do with the design of the shoes, rather, we merely crafted the story behind the Tribute. Turns out that MLK played basketball for the Butler Street YMCA Rebels in his youth. This time in his life helped craft his leadership etc., so we used that as the backbone of our creative. It was a fun project to work on and benefited a good cause.

Regardless, I've got a nice pair of shoes to show for it. They look great displayed with the other pieces that come in the box. I'll put up a pick tomorrow. For more information on AND1 Tribute go to and1.com/tribute.

Handymen Unite!

I'm been in rare form over the last couple of weeks. With my good friend Eric throwing in an extra hand, I've been able to build a railing around my front porch and install a dishwasher in my kitchen. And this weekend I will tackle a new deck in the backyard.

The dishwasher was definitely the toughest of my last two projects. I ran into more problems with the plumbing under my sink than I had expected. And since my dishwasher didn't exactly fit into the spot I had intended for it to go, a three hour project turned into an eight hour one in a hurry. 

Nonetheless, it's installed, hardwired, plumbed and works like a charm. My kitchen is now complete. Short of granite countertops, there's nothing else I can do to make it better. Thank God.

The Torment Continues...

So I'm now ranked 3,000 out of roughly 5,000,000 in ESPN's NCAA Bracket. I feel pretty good about being in the 99.9th percentile, but if my bracket continues to do well, then I will start to get pissed. Because I have UNC going into the Final Four and there's no way in hell I want the Tarheels to continue to win. So I'm torn. 

Luckily, I picked them to lose to Gonzaga this weekend in my office pool, which gives me another reason to root for their demise. GO DUKE.

I'm currently ranked 14,000 out of roughly 5,000,000 in my ESPN bracket. I look forward to that ranking dropping dramatically. I plan on finishing in the 50th percentile, as opposed to the 99.7th percentile I'm currently in.

An Era Fades Away

The Seattle Post-Intellegencer newspaper delivered its last edition today. In the age of 24-hour news and constant Internet updates, more and more presses are going silent. As a former journalist (kind of...I have the degree in it, and I wrote for the school paper and one magazine) I hope that when these papers transition to their online forms, they don't sacrifice their journalistic integrity just to keep the pages fresh. 

That's what happened to TV newscasts. When the news comes on every other hour, less and less actual news gets reported because they have to fill the time slot with something. Fluff takes over and the viewer loses out. 

Even though I don't read newspapers very often, knowing they are becoming obsolete is still disheartening. Eight-tracks, vinyl records, and telegraph; yes, technology will continually force outdated forms of media to the side. But for some reason, this one just feels different to me. Maybe it's because I'm old enough to know that an era is fading away. Or maybe I'm just a complete D-bag. I'm not sure yet. 

Safari and Blogspot don't get along.

I have no problem formatting my blog on my PC at home, but my Mac at work sucks. I understand that Macs are generally better for artsy-fartsy stuff, but it just doesn't jive with blogger. 

My Losing Bracket

It's hard for me to overlook Duke. They're my team. That being said, I'm only 70% confident in my Final Four selections. I believe, we'll be seeing Pitt in the championship unless their big dogs get into foul trouble. I also think Louisville will come up short against the likes of a Wake Forest. But I can't help but ride the wave and pick with my heart. Go Duke!

The Harmonica

This instrument has gotten a bad rap over the years due to convicts and rednecks. But when played properly, the harmonica can add an undeniable emotion to a variety of music. I love me some harmonica every once and 

awhile.

This week @ work

I have to admit that I have a cool job. It's relaxed and fun most of the time. This week at work I was able to name an energy drink. At first, I just thought, "No big deal. It's my job to do these things." But after talking about it with a couple of people, I realized that it is actually pretty damned cool. Hopefully it will be a huge success.

Smart Phones for Dummies

I've always thought it was funny when I new people who needed a smart phone, but didn't have a job that required them to be in constant contact with clients and bosses, etc. Then the iPhone came out turned the smart phone into a play phone, where you could really experience the web through different apps. This opened the door for the average consumer to feel the need for smart phones.

Despite the joy of looking up a street map on your phone when your lost or checking out movie times, I've become just important enough at work that I now want a smart phone. Of course, I'm still in the infancy stages of my clout, so I don't know how badly I really need one. But nonetheless, I could walk around with one in my pocket and know I have a functional purpose for it.

Is there a point to this whole ramble. No, not really. 

March Madness!

This year's NCAA tournament group is scary up and down. I can legitimately see half the field make it to the Final Four, and at the same time, I wouldn't be surprised if all of the #1s reigned supreme. The parody in college hoops is exciting, but it also makes the office pool a crap shoot. 

The more you research these teams, the more you can make a case for upsets and Cinderella stories. I would probably be better off not looking at the brackets until Wednesday night and flipping a coin for each pick. Instead, I will toil over every region, change my mind 10 times a day, and finally pick a horribly losing bracket that has Duke winning it all. 

You see, March Madness is the time of year for the office geeks to torture the sports lovers by randomly kicking their assess one pick after another - all without watching or caring about a single game. Luckily, I've come to realize this fact and will take my whoopings with dignity. 

But seriously, if Duke's guards get hot, they'll be hard to stop. If they don't, they may not win a game. Damn, I love being a fan.

"Somebody's got a case of the Mondays."

I'm Twitterpated!

I signed up for Twitter today so I can be 'in the know' on what's being said about our clients. I have to say that I'm largely against this. Why do most people think that some one else cares what they're doing every hour of every day? Blogs I get because you mostly try to write about relevant topics, but Twitter... not so much. Maybe I just don't have enough friends. I guess I'll have to wait and see if it grabs hold of me.

I’m a man. What’s it to ya?

I recently read an article claiming that no self-respecting man would be caught dead buying or drinking Michelob Ultra, at least no self-respecting non-metrosexual. I found this interesting. Why? Because I drink Michelob Ultra. I also own a chainsaw, a 4x4 truck, power tools, and guns. I watch football, go to the gym, and camp. I grew up in Montana, was a wild-land firefighter for 3 years, and worked at a damn. Basically, I’m not much of a metrosexual. In fact, I would consider myself a very self-respecting man. 

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy microbrews too. But I also think that you don’t have to don a beer gut to be considered a man. You can enjoy a light, crisp beer without getting full and still look at yourself in the mirror every day. Hell, I also enjoy a bottle wine half the time. So to all of those who think you can’t be a man and drink an Ultra, come on over to my house. I will whoop your ass and follow it up with an Ultra. 

On that same note, there are a couple of things I don’t feel manly when I do. The first is using Chapstick. Doing manly things usually puts you in harsh environmental conditions that chap your lips, but there’s something about puckering up that just doesn’t feel right. The second is using the elliptical at the gym. Sure, it’s supposed to be gentle on your joints, but I feel a little ‘off’ gliding back and forth. 

Not Cool, NBC.

NBC is the only major network to charge for its OnDemand shows. Sure $.99 won't break the bank, but when it's broadcast for free and viewable on their website free, it doesn't make sense to charge here. They don't even have the best program selection.

So while CBS and ABC slut it up for nothing, NBC has to go all prostitute on us. No one likes paying for what they can get for free, NBC. I don't even look at your OnDemand section anymore. You've let yourself go, so I'm gonna get it somewhere else. 

Really?

Comedy Central is Roasting Larry the Cable Guy this month. Isn't it a little early to be saying that this guy is worthy of a roast? In fact, after his string of crappy movies, I don't think he should ever be honored as a comedic genius. I'm not saying that I would turn down a truck load of cash to make horrible movies, but I wouldn't expect to be rewarded with a roast after I'd taken the money and run. 

I know Comedy Central is creating their own roasts in the vein of the Friar's Club, but really, Bob Saget and even Pamela Anderson I get. Larry, not so much.

Pass the Popcorn

Gus Van Sant gave us 'Good Will Hunting,' 'Psycho,' and this year's Oscar nominated 'Milk,' but for as much as he's earned a spot as towards the top of the director's totem pole, he sure can make a pile of crap too. 

I watched 'Paranoid Park' this weekend because it was filmed in Portland... and I had nothing else to do. As much as I would love to rant on about this flick, the bottom line is that it sucked. The source material was interesting, but the acting and pacing(thus directing) were bottom tier. I don't think I believed a single word that came out of any one of those kid's mouths. 

If you're looking for an indie flick to pass the time, look past 'Paranoid Park.'

If it's yellow, let it mellow.

If It's brown, flush it down.

And if it's clear, you've drank too much beer.

Escape a Bear Market Attack?

Growing up, I was always told to play dead if a grizzly bear attacks you and to fight back if a black bear attacks you. So what should I do during this current bear stock market attack? 

Breaking it down, it looks like the attack seems pretty big at this point. Large stocks are plummeting and the media seems to be screaming bloody murder. It's safe to say that this is a grizzly bear market attack, but should I play dead? 

According to numerous blogs and articles, if you're over 10 years from retiring, the answer is yes. Play dead, don't move, and the market will finally turn around and go the other direction. It sounds scary, but if it works against an 800-pound carnivore, then maybe you've got a chance.

Of course, for those that are close to hanging up their work boots, this can be considered a predatory attack, which means the rules change. Fight back. That's what they say. During any predatory attack, this may be your only hope. Try to salvage your money and fight tooth and nail. Hopefully you'll come out of it without being mortally wounded. 

I don't know if I can believe everything I read. For my money, I would only trust someone that has actually survived a bear attack of this magnitude, and we won't know who those people are until this turns around. I guess you can avoid a lot of the peril by not hiking in the woods at all. But what's the fun in that?

At The Theater

We went to see 'Wicked' at the Keller Auditorium yesterday. It was a lot of fun. For my money, musicals have a little too much music in them, but overall, it was a great time. Look ma, I'm cultured.

Yeah, I'm that guy.

Pending Home Sales Increase

According to OregonLive.com, there has been an increase in the median home price and pending home sales in 19 counties in Washington over the last month. Sure, it's a baby step, but it's also the first time we've heard the word 'increase' used in a good way for awhile now. As a homeowner, I can't help but cross my fingers and hope that home prices Portland will quit falling. My family is growing, which means the Mrs. and I will need to upgrade in the near future - something that won't be possible if we can't sell our current house.

Luckily, the sub $250k market wasn't hit nearly as hard as the higher-priced homes, but we're still in a hole. Of course when it's all said and done, we just count our blessing that we have a roof over our heads and steady jobs to pay our bills. 

Rain, Rain, Go Away.

I'm sick of the rain. This is the time of year where the gray skies start to really start to bring me down. Don't bring me down, man. 

Saucony Courageous

I haven't bought a pair of Sauconys since the early 90s. I like their push towards being relevant beyond hardcore runner with these new colorways. And for $70 a pair, they may give the ACGs a run for the money.

Malinda got a new camera. Now everything is taken in black and white. Hmmm.

Octamom!

Is the media seriously giving this lady a comic book name. Octamom has the power of unatural reproduction. Her powers stem from the complete inability to naturally reproduce, thus forcing her to undergo a risky procedure that has left her mutated and alone. Octamom! Will she use her powers for good or evil. Stay tuned to find out.

Pass the Popcorn

This weekend two very interesting things happened at the movies. The Jonas Brothers 3D Experience didn’t claim the top spot, and Tyler Perry’s new Madea’s (fill in random subplot here) did. I have two natural reactions to this.

1: Who the hell keeps going to Tyler Perry movies? How many reincarnations of the same lame character can he make and still fill the theaters? Seriously, is there nothing else out right now that can pull the masses away from Tyler Perry? Really? He's a dude dressed up like an old lady. That's good for one movie. Just ask Robbin Williams. He knew to hang up the gray wig.

2: I hate the Jonas Brothers. I tried to at least be indifferent and let them make their millions. I get it, there will always be some young pop group for the 12-year-olds to swoon over. But after the last two times I’ve seen them perform on TV, I simply can’t stand them. They run all over the stage over performing for teens that don’t even know who McJagger is. When I think about their duet with Stevie Wonder, I start involuntarily swinging at people in rage. They are complete douche bags - albeit rich douche bags.