Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
"Do you want a knuckle sandwich?"
I nearly forgot. The highlight of Memorial Day weekend was watching a 6 year-old take Robbie’s football and run away with it. Robbie stared in disbelief, turned to us, and said, “I’ve never had that happen to me before”.
Robbie “ran” after the kid, at which point the young boy dodged Robbie and ran to the edge of the grass, acting as if he scored a touchdown. The kid then came back towards Robbie and chucked the ball at him, hitting him squarely in the arm. We all burst out laughing.
Later that night the kid came back and held his fist up to Robbie’s face, asking him if he wanted a knuckle sandwich. A classic moment.
Robbie “ran” after the kid, at which point the young boy dodged Robbie and ran to the edge of the grass, acting as if he scored a touchdown. The kid then came back towards Robbie and chucked the ball at him, hitting him squarely in the arm. We all burst out laughing.
Later that night the kid came back and held his fist up to Robbie’s face, asking him if he wanted a knuckle sandwich. A classic moment.
Saint-a-Licious
This Memorial Weekend, five of my high school friends of mine and I decided to honor our nations fallen troops by grilling out, going to a St. Paul Saints baseball game, playing soccer, and watching a double feature of X-Men 3 and MI: 3 at a drive-in theater.
The St. Paul Saints is Minnesota’s minor league team, and they are entertaining to say the least. Ok, so I guess you don’t really pay that much attention to the actual game, but that’s not the point. The point is that in between every inning, there is something going on, whether it is a pancake catching contest, a dizzy-wheelbarrow race between friends, or human bowling. And not only that, but you can get your haircut while watching the game, get a massage by a nun (I’m not making this up), or buy some good ol’ Midwestern fried cheese curds.
The St. Paul Saints is Minnesota’s minor league team, and they are entertaining to say the least. Ok, so I guess you don’t really pay that much attention to the actual game, but that’s not the point. The point is that in between every inning, there is something going on, whether it is a pancake catching contest, a dizzy-wheelbarrow race between friends, or human bowling. And not only that, but you can get your haircut while watching the game, get a massage by a nun (I’m not making this up), or buy some good ol’ Midwestern fried cheese curds.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
I Heart belkin54g
Dear belkin54g,
I don't know where you are, how far your signal must travel, nor who purchased you, but I just wanted to say thanks for giving this tiny little section of my house free wireless internet. You've made this posting possible.
I don't know where you are, how far your signal must travel, nor who purchased you, but I just wanted to say thanks for giving this tiny little section of my house free wireless internet. You've made this posting possible.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Next up, Reel to Reel
Being the new co-homeowner that I am, I needed to purchase a lawn mower. I like nature, dislike our dependency on gasoline, and am cheap. That is why I bought this puppy to mow my lawn.
I was thinking about tricking it out and putting spinners on the side. What do you think?
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
I've Got a Fever, and the Only Prescription is More Cowbell
I recently watched the SNL Tribute to Will Farrell DVD. Included was that wonderful "More cowbell" Blue Oyster Cult skit, as well as a portion of his audition with SNL (I really wonder if it was his actual audition?). Anyway, I think Will Farrell is a genius. I love it when he does something so absolutely ridiculous that the rest of the cast can't stop/hide their laughter, yet Will looks perfectly serious.
On a side note, I went to the DMV today to get a shiny new Minnesota driver's license. My favorite part was a sign on the wall that said something like, "In order to server you better, this DMV will not tolerate any profanity, swearing, or violence." I was really disappointed -- I remember the good ol' days when profanity and violence went hand-in-hand with drivers education. It's just not the same anymore.
On a side note, I went to the DMV today to get a shiny new Minnesota driver's license. My favorite part was a sign on the wall that said something like, "In order to server you better, this DMV will not tolerate any profanity, swearing, or violence." I was really disappointed -- I remember the good ol' days when profanity and violence went hand-in-hand with drivers education. It's just not the same anymore.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Dunn Bros + Free WiFi = Me
I don't have internet at home (yet), so I'm forced to actually get out of the house and "interact" with others in order to get on the dot com. I went to the Dunn Bros Coffee cafe down on Hennepin in Uptown. I recalled there was free wi-fi, and I was right.
I was a little apprehensive about not living in a downtown-ish area, but I think it will be ok. Uptown is just a few minutes away, and on a decent day like today I'm thinking I should dig down deep into my European roots and bike here and actually get some exercise.
My only other comment for the day is that I changed my Flickr presence. First of all I went pro -- which means no more uploading limits. I suppose it's not the end of the world to actually pay for something I really enjoy and use a lot. Furthermore, I followed Brad's lead once again and decided to setup a Creative Commons license on my Flickr photos. I think it is cool how a number of his pictures have been used -- one I believe was for a CD jacket. The only stipulation is that credit is given to the copyright holder. I figure I'm not making any money off of my picts anyhow, so I might as well share with the world, right? Perhaps this will be my first step towards a spread in National Geographic.
I was a little apprehensive about not living in a downtown-ish area, but I think it will be ok. Uptown is just a few minutes away, and on a decent day like today I'm thinking I should dig down deep into my European roots and bike here and actually get some exercise.
My only other comment for the day is that I changed my Flickr presence. First of all I went pro -- which means no more uploading limits. I suppose it's not the end of the world to actually pay for something I really enjoy and use a lot. Furthermore, I followed Brad's lead once again and decided to setup a Creative Commons license on my Flickr photos. I think it is cool how a number of his pictures have been used -- one I believe was for a CD jacket. The only stipulation is that credit is given to the copyright holder. I figure I'm not making any money off of my picts anyhow, so I might as well share with the world, right? Perhaps this will be my first step towards a spread in National Geographic.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
I Heart Ted Drewes
Friday, May 12th:
No trip to St. Louis would be complete without 2 things:
No trip to St. Louis would be complete without 2 things:
And in terms of pure enjoyment, Ted Drewes wins. Don't get my wrong, the Arch was cool. But the Arch doesn't melt in your mouth.
The best part about the Arch was outside looking at it (and jumping in front of it, naturally). Going up was a must, but it wasn't all that special. You have to ride up in a tiny claustrophobic capsule that feels more like an amusement park ride than an elevator. It was a little sketch to say the least.
At Ted Drewes I got a cardinal sundae (tart cherries with hot fudge over their vanilla custard) in a little plastic Cardinals baseball helmet. It was my favorite ice cream-ish experience of all time. Hands down. Now that's saying something.
Gateway to the West
Thursday, May 11th:
We made it to St. Louis. Thanks to Hotwire, we stayed at the amazing Hyatt Regency. The rooms themselves were bland, but the Grand Hall blew us away -- it was gorgeous.
Addie recommended a couple restaurants and we obeyed. One featured a jazz band followed up by belly dancing (unexpected, but fun). The other was the Chocolate Bar -- a tiny bar where you can indulge in just about any form of chocolate you wish. I went for banana and Nutella crepes. I wasn't disappointed.
On our way back to the hotel, we walked through the adjoining mall (it was closed, but you could enter with your hotel room key). One of the doors to the mall was propped open, which Lauren happened to point out as odd. The mall was deserted except for one kid that started to walk away very quickly once he saw us coming. I can't prove it, but I think he saw my bulging biceps reflecting in the nearby fountain. Anyway, upon reaching the store where he just left, one of the glass doors was freshly cracked and you could still hear the glass creaking. So we rushed up to the main desk and told the clerk what we saw. The next day the door was covered in cardboard.
So the foiled robbery wasn't anything exciting, but I'm still going to put it down on my resume.
We made it to St. Louis. Thanks to Hotwire, we stayed at the amazing Hyatt Regency. The rooms themselves were bland, but the Grand Hall blew us away -- it was gorgeous.
Addie recommended a couple restaurants and we obeyed. One featured a jazz band followed up by belly dancing (unexpected, but fun). The other was the Chocolate Bar -- a tiny bar where you can indulge in just about any form of chocolate you wish. I went for banana and Nutella crepes. I wasn't disappointed.
On our way back to the hotel, we walked through the adjoining mall (it was closed, but you could enter with your hotel room key). One of the doors to the mall was propped open, which Lauren happened to point out as odd. The mall was deserted except for one kid that started to walk away very quickly once he saw us coming. I can't prove it, but I think he saw my bulging biceps reflecting in the nearby fountain. Anyway, upon reaching the store where he just left, one of the glass doors was freshly cracked and you could still hear the glass creaking. So we rushed up to the main desk and told the clerk what we saw. The next day the door was covered in cardboard.
So the foiled robbery wasn't anything exciting, but I'm still going to put it down on my resume.
Nash Vegas
Thursday, May 11th, noon:
During our almost-cross-country trip, Lauren and I swung by Nashville for some lunch. We stopped at Big River Brewing Company, across from the Hard Rock Cafe and down the street from The Coliseum where the Titans play. I ordered the beer sampler -- a must for any weary traveler.
From the short hour we were there, I'd say I liked Nashville and wouldn't mind returning for a weekend trip. Grand Ole Opry anyone?
During our almost-cross-country trip, Lauren and I swung by Nashville for some lunch. We stopped at Big River Brewing Company, across from the Hard Rock Cafe and down the street from The Coliseum where the Titans play. I ordered the beer sampler -- a must for any weary traveler.
From the short hour we were there, I'd say I liked Nashville and wouldn't mind returning for a weekend trip. Grand Ole Opry anyone?
The "Elbow of Death Metal"
Sunday, May 7th:
Considering it was my last weekend in Atlanta, Addie decided to visit one final time. Lauren and I had left my place earlier, so I gave Addie my keys. The plan was for everyone to meet up at Bab's for one last spectacular brunch. It was well past our original meeting time and Addie had still not shown up, nor would she answer her phone. We couldn't figure out what was going on, but we all decided there probably had to be some random explanation.
There was -- and it involved my balcony, a locked door, Addie, her head wrap, her elbow, and my bedroom window. I'll let you piece things together. It wasn't too funny then (ok, it actually sort of was), but it will be great fun this time next year. We love you Addie!
Considering it was my last weekend in Atlanta, Addie decided to visit one final time. Lauren and I had left my place earlier, so I gave Addie my keys. The plan was for everyone to meet up at Bab's for one last spectacular brunch. It was well past our original meeting time and Addie had still not shown up, nor would she answer her phone. We couldn't figure out what was going on, but we all decided there probably had to be some random explanation.
There was -- and it involved my balcony, a locked door, Addie, her head wrap, her elbow, and my bedroom window. I'll let you piece things together. It wasn't too funny then (ok, it actually sort of was), but it will be great fun this time next year. We love you Addie!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Minnesota
So a lot has happened since my last post. My bedroom window was broken. I co-purchased a new home. I took a 1200 mile roadtrip with Lauren that included Nashville microbrews, the St. Louis Arch, Ted Drewes, stopping a burglary, a (nearly) blown tire, the world's largest truck stop ("The Place for Chrome"), and naturally lots of pictures. And now here I am, starting a new job. I'll delve into the details when time allows. Same with the pix. It's hard not having internet access at home. What a cruel world we live in.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
It's the Final Countdown
The movers are coming today. I can't believe 2 years have gone by so fast. I'm not looking forward to seeing my condo completely bare. I have a lot of mixed emotions right now.
GottaWannaNeedaGettaHava Spellchecker
We went to Bojangles' for lunch the other day because Diana heard so much about it recently.Bojangles' slogan is: "GottaWannaNeedaGettaHava". If you ask me, I think they GottaWannaNeedaGettaHava employee that can spell. I don't mean to sound harsh, but if biscuits are your specialty, you probably don't want to go advertise bisciuts.
My favorite part about Bojangles' was that instead of getting "sides", you order "fixins". I have to give them credit -- they really know their audience.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Drive for Show, Putt for Dough
I spent most of this past Wednesday "at work" out on Woodlake golf course. It was the first company-sponsored golf tournament of the season, and I got to play best ball with three other coworkers. We were having a good ol' time drinking Modello and playing fairly well for a group of people whose last year combined total rounds of golf was under a baker's dozen.
Woodlake is one of those newly planned community golf courses surrounded by large houses that go for less than $300k because you're out in the middle of nowhere. One of the cool features was that the carts were outfitted with GPS, so at any point in the course you knew exactly how far away you were from the pin.
The clubhouse was renting the latest and greatest drivers for $5 per 18 holes. Not having a driver in my bag, I figured what the heck and decided to give a Titleist 905R with a stiff shaft a try. And what a smart decision that was...
Hole 16 at Woodlake is a 315 yard slight downhill par 4. I pulled out the 905R and just cranked one down the fairway. My best shot all round. We drove down the fairway looking for my ball, and couldn't find it. Confused, we kept on going until we realized my ball was sitting to the left of the green on the fringe. We couldn't believe it. It was a 305 yard drive.
From where my ball lay, I had about a 12 foot putt with a slight uphill over the fringe. Nervous and excited, I stepped up and putted. My ball scooted up over the fringe, took a slight hop once it hit the green, and rolled right smack dab into the middle of the pin. My first eagle. I jumped for joy.
Woodlake is one of those newly planned community golf courses surrounded by large houses that go for less than $300k because you're out in the middle of nowhere. One of the cool features was that the carts were outfitted with GPS, so at any point in the course you knew exactly how far away you were from the pin.
The clubhouse was renting the latest and greatest drivers for $5 per 18 holes. Not having a driver in my bag, I figured what the heck and decided to give a Titleist 905R with a stiff shaft a try. And what a smart decision that was...
Hole 16 at Woodlake is a 315 yard slight downhill par 4. I pulled out the 905R and just cranked one down the fairway. My best shot all round. We drove down the fairway looking for my ball, and couldn't find it. Confused, we kept on going until we realized my ball was sitting to the left of the green on the fringe. We couldn't believe it. It was a 305 yard drive.
From where my ball lay, I had about a 12 foot putt with a slight uphill over the fringe. Nervous and excited, I stepped up and putted. My ball scooted up over the fringe, took a slight hop once it hit the green, and rolled right smack dab into the middle of the pin. My first eagle. I jumped for joy.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
It's Politiks to me
If you're a reader of my posts, you'd realize that I would sooner post about Politik (the Coldplay song), than I would about Politics.
I figure there are roughly a gazillion ways to find news out there, and you don't need to hear my interpretation -- I'll let you pick your own bias: Fox, CNN, Boortz -- oops, did I say "bias"? I meant "source".
If you go to the Daily News (LA's newspaper), the whole front page is about the major immigrant marches taking place across the country. If you go to the Chicago Tribune, their main headline is the same. Even Iowa's Des Moines Register highlights the protests. Now we come to Georgia's Atlanta Journal Constitution -- a sample of the headlines on the front page: "Keith Richards falls out of palm tree", "Stone Mountain amusement", "Poor Gasper the beluga whale", and "Grading the network anchors".
Apparently if Michael Vick wasn't there, then it's not news. I literally could not find one link on the front page of the AJC website that mentioned this monumental and major national event that affected the entire country. Thank you, Georgia. Can I get a Lil John Wwwwhhhhhhaaaatttt?
I figure there are roughly a gazillion ways to find news out there, and you don't need to hear my interpretation -- I'll let you pick your own bias: Fox, CNN, Boortz -- oops, did I say "bias"? I meant "source".
If you go to the Daily News (LA's newspaper), the whole front page is about the major immigrant marches taking place across the country. If you go to the Chicago Tribune, their main headline is the same. Even Iowa's Des Moines Register highlights the protests. Now we come to Georgia's Atlanta Journal Constitution -- a sample of the headlines on the front page: "Keith Richards falls out of palm tree", "Stone Mountain amusement", "Poor Gasper the beluga whale", and "Grading the network anchors".
Apparently if Michael Vick wasn't there, then it's not news. I literally could not find one link on the front page of the AJC website that mentioned this monumental and major national event that affected the entire country. Thank you, Georgia. Can I get a Lil John Wwwwhhhhhhaaaatttt?
Monday, May 01, 2006
Niki in the Garden
About a year ago I became a member of the Atlanta Botanical Garden (Nowakowski and I opened up a family account together – I still get mail with both our names on it). Recently I received a members-only invite to come to the opening night of Niki in the Garden – the world’s largest exhibition of artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s outdoor sculptures.
Lauren and I thought it would be a fun date and decided to attend. The Botanical Garden is definitely one Atlanta landmark that I will truly miss, and this exhibit is a perfect example of why. They do a fantastic job of lighting the Garden at night, and you can tell they took lots of care in picking where to place each sculpture. I’ve personally never heard of Niki de Saint Phalle, but I loved her work.
Her sculptures are huge, and they are built tough and meant to be touched and played on, in, and around. They’re metal frames that are “brilliantly embellished with mirrors, glass, semi-precious stones, and ceramic mosaics”. If you eve get the chance to see her work, I’d highly recommend a visit.
Pictures will be Flickrized shortly.
Lauren and I thought it would be a fun date and decided to attend. The Botanical Garden is definitely one Atlanta landmark that I will truly miss, and this exhibit is a perfect example of why. They do a fantastic job of lighting the Garden at night, and you can tell they took lots of care in picking where to place each sculpture. I’ve personally never heard of Niki de Saint Phalle, but I loved her work.
Her sculptures are huge, and they are built tough and meant to be touched and played on, in, and around. They’re metal frames that are “brilliantly embellished with mirrors, glass, semi-precious stones, and ceramic mosaics”. If you eve get the chance to see her work, I’d highly recommend a visit.
Pictures will be Flickrized shortly.
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