02/25/05: Friday night, 11:58 PM

It's Friday night, and The Postman is on Actionmax! Whoo-hoo! Well hey, almost recovered from last weekend's illness. Stopped off on the way home at the CD Cellar picking up used copies of Poison's greatest videos and a reformed New York Dolls concert filmed in London, produced by the Moz himself! Got to love the second-hand biz!

Yea, the weekend is upon us! For Saturday, not much planned just yet, although C-Towner is employing me to go to a charity event tomorrow night at the behest of M.E.L. 1. Before that, I plan to watch the Independent Spirit Awards. Sunday is Oscars Night, and I'll be working the night for the DC Film Society. I need to try to see The Aviator so I won't be puzzled by any awards it wins. Still hoping Sideways can take it!

02/22/05 Tuesday afternoon, and I already know what I am doing May 3rd! (2:12 PM)

After thinking last night that I was going to call out today, I found it in me to conserve another future vacation day and came into the office. Yes, my memory of my time in Europe was certainly part of my motivation, knowing that each one of those days were vastly superior to any of the past three days in my apartment. Yes, I promised myself to put that day to better use: my mental health!

So what is the title of this entry all about? :-D I just bought my ticket for the Tuesday night show of Erasure at the 9:30 Club here in DC. Mind you, the last time I saw Messrs Clarke & Bell (not counting their DJ gig in London last month I attended) was way back in '89 when they were touring to support the Wild CD. I still remember what a blast that show was. Andy wore a miniskirt for the show. I hope this tour is as fun! Good times!

Got my new Film Movement DVD for February today. It's Wilby Wonderful, a Canadian comedy that premiered at Toronto last year. I still need to watch last month's DVD, Alexandra's Project, but at least I did see that one at the TIFF in 2003. For those you you unfamiliar with Film Movement, it's a really cool art house film of the month program. They specifically go to big festivals and make deals for interesting films that fail to attract major distribution. Next month's title is going to be Antares, an offbeat drama from Austria about the intersection of about a dozen characters over three story arcs. Quite the deconstructionist's palace, as I was able to tell director Götz Spielmann directly last year. So far this has been a really cool club to be a part. Check them out!

In other DVD news, I received word from the BNS crew that the long awaited day is at hand: The American Astronaut is now on DVD! You have heard of low budget and no budget films. I think this one pioneers anti-budget status. It is quite amazing, and must be seen to be believed. There is going to be a launch party for the DVD tonight at the AFI Silver. Damn it, I can't say no to that! Boy-O-boy, no such thing as a slow recovery for moi!

One more release of note today is David O. Russell's I Heart Huckabees, the first good film I saw at last year's TIFF. Maligned by some, I really enjoyed this semi-gonzo story of a man suspended between opposite poles of existentialism. It's an absurd comedy that takes absurdity seriously. Rent it and let me know what you think.

The finished Enetri shelves in action in my bedroom 

02/20/05 Sunday afternoon: The Tony Jaa (Star of Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior) interview is posted! (4:29 PM)

Seems like things don't stop moving for one who is sick on a long weekend. Happy to report that the roundtable interview with the new name on the cinematic martial arts scene, Tony Jaa, is now posted up at the DC Film Society website. It was an interesting, but somewhat frustrating experience. The other interviewers at the table were not very cinematic in their awareness beyond the fanboy mentality they displayed throughout.

Beyond that, dealing with some congestion today, might be time for another dose of Alka Seltzer Cold while watching Daytona. Go JGR!

02/20/05 Wee hours Sunday morning/ Saturday night (1:11 AM)

Well, starting to feel slightly better. I went to work Friday and stayed low. Came home after stopping at Harris Teeter for some provisions (looking like there will be snow later today). Went straight to bed. With few exceptions, I was bed today, listening to my XM Radio (gawd, I was listening to The Boneyard this evening; surpassingly, it was rather comforting and enjoyable to my addled-brain state) . Anyway, I was taking generic Aleve (Sodium Naproxen) that reduced my fever and aches. I am now an hour and a half after my next dose could be taken, and I am feeling like I can probably just sleep now. That's the plan.

BTW, below are three pics from my recent trip to Europe, London, specifically. Thanks to MAry and Trent, my UK connection! I hope you guys are reading this!

Mary and me on the same Tube. Got to dig the London Underground! 

Trent and Mary, my UK connection! 

Me on the Millenium Bridge in London in January 

02/17/05 Thursday, and the coughing began 7:40 PM

Christ, I was hoping to be able to miss this winter without catching anything. I guess that ain't happening now. Started to feel rough late this afternoon, so lunch is a culprit. Smoked salmon sandwich from Breadline. We'll see if I am suffering in the morning...

Anyway, I did finish transcribing The roundtable interview I took part in with rising action star Tony Jaa! Below is a pic of us two together uploaded this morning (when I was feeling better). When the interview is posted, I will put the link up here.

I would be more verbose, but since I feel like crap, you get it short and sweet. Tomorrow, then.

Me and Action star Tony Jaa! 

02/16/05 Wednesday afternoon, 2:27 PM

Today is the day that the ice went silent. The NHL has formally canceled the season, and have issued a flood of apologies to the fans. Mostly, they fell on deaf ears. Sports writers, analysts, and fans will all remember how egos played a bigger role than economics in this debacle. Now, assuming that a labor agreement is made before the summer, the NHL had better get their checkbooks out, not for players, but for A-line marketing firms. If they want fans, especially US fans, to come back to the rinks next season, they need to recapture our imagination. Good luck.

I am pleased to report that Constatine is not a dog! For those of you who are familiar with Hellblazer, you will see that the attitude and sensibilities of the comic are preserved. Even with the wrong way the casting of the titular character rubbed me, I must confess that Keanu's underplayed performance works here. John Constantine is a virtual antihero, one you don't cheer on loudly. His ploy in the climax will certainly piss some people off, but it fits in well with his post modern, jaded, and urban antiseptic cool (think Brett Easton Ellis writing a modern supernatural hero story). Unless you are feeling like taking a dirt nap, do check it out this weekend!

Oh, I had a definite screwed the moment event last night. Before heading over to the theatre for the film, I stopped into Best Buy to pick up a copy of Saw on DVD. I had a copy in hand when I was browsing some of the other new releases. I picked up a copy of the new release of Half Baked, now sporting a giant picture of Dave Chappelle on the cover (sorry Jim Brewer) and scanned the back to see what the features were. Right then I heard a soft woman's voice saying "that's a great film!" I was in the process of putting the Half Baked back on the shelf as I turned around to see a major redheaded hottie standing next to me. Of course, I immediately thought she was talking about Saw, which I was already palming. "Oh yes, this is a wonderful low budget horror film!" I declared. "Oh," she demurred, "I was talking about Half Baked." "I see. Well, if you are ever in the mood for some horror, do give Saw a try!" I replied. By this time she was already adding distance between her and myself. I then decided to cut my losses and jolted to the cashier, kicking myself all the way and beyond. Yes, I really would like a do-over for that, please God?

Another tidbit from my world.

02/15/05 As The Moody Blues sang, Tuesday, Afternoon.... (1:15 PM)

OK, word today is that the NHLPA actually made an offer caving into the salary cap demand, but League ownership rejected the cap amount proposed of $52 Million (US) per team (they are seeking a cap of $40 Million). Christ, what idiots! If this offer would have been made a week ago, how many of you would think they couldn't have been able to bridge that $12 Mil gap? See what brinkmanship gets everyone involved? It appears that the season will be officially cancelled tomorrow, and with that, professional hockey will again be marginalized, at least in American fans' eyes. It took baseball a while to regain fan interest after their labor dispute, and that is supposed to be 'America's pastime'. Face it, hockey is Canada's pastime, and I fear it may well be seen in the same light as the CFL, that is to say, irrelevant. I hope I am wrong here (I suppose there could be an 11th hour, 59th minute, 59th second, pull it out of your collective asses agreement tonight, but I expect that Bigfoot would be the one to deliver the contract).

Anyway, enough of that soapbox. I am glad to be hearing back from you peeps who were alerted to my blog, either directly or indirectly. Please keep the e-mails and comments here coming!

Congrats to my colleague, the BOF, for getting his marriage proposal accepted by his eHarmony gf. They have been together for a little over a year now, and they will be moving in together soon. I guess that site works for some. Of course, after taking their test, they tell me I am in their 20th percentile that they can't match. So I say screw 'em!

I am going to a preview screening of Constantine tonight. Casting Neo/Ted/Johnny Utah in lead is in the running for worst casting of the year. Maybe with low expectations I might come out enjoying the film. I am looking forward to seeing Peter Stormare as Satan!

Being Tuesday, that means new cd and DVD release day! Will Jim pick up #800 for the list (truth be told, that is an actual disc count not a title count. I prefer to measure the per disc cost over per title, because I believe that more discs should equal more content, and more content justifies more $$'s. My title count right now is 634)? I am leaning towards picking up a copy of Saw on DVD. I saw the film originally last September, as the last film on the last night of the Toronto Film Festival, closing out the Midnight Madness series there. I saw it again in October when the promotional tour came through DC. That was a great night, as I got to hang with director James Wan for a couple of hours, drinking and trading opinions about film and horror. I'll probably pull that trigger.

Isn't it great to be contemplating horror the day after Valentines Day? Glory be!

02/14/05: Valentines afternoon 2:13 PM

So today is Valentines Day. Today is also Monday. Today is also a cold, nasty, and brutish day here in DC. So, for those of us sans relational bliss vis-a-vis one (or more) SO's, I hereby declare today Hobbes Day. While you lovebirds cue up in CVS to buy your mate something lame to redeclare your love for each other, the rest of us will take solace in our social alienation that makes listening to Morrissey, The Cure, and Nick Cave so much fun.

The silver lining today was the re-emergence of Cap Hill woman extraordinaire, CL! Welcome back to my world, my dear! Sorry, though, I really love Sideways!

So does anyone else besides me give a crap about the impending announcement tomorrow of the cancellation of the NHL season? I thought not... Oh well, at least I was alive to see my Lightning win their first Cup!

At least that's a warm memory for moi today...

02/13/05: Sunday night 11:18 PM

Well, confirmed again: VERIZON STILL SUCKS!!!!!!

I walked over to the FIOS launch event, and after running through their gauntlet of drones wanting to take my picture, one of their sales persons started to pitch the service to me. I stopped her early and explained to her how Verizon was on thin ice with me due to the total pooch-screw of the service switch when I moved back in December, plus being sent a DSL kit I never asked for and then getting threatening bills for the equipment. She then proceeds to tell me that FIOS is only available to single residential homes, not hi-rise apartments. Of course, nothing in the flyer mentioned anything about this limitation. She proceeds to tell me that 'They haven't figured out yet how to get the service to you. Maybe a wireless solution is in the works."

Right then I knew what BS this thing was. The sad truth here is quite obvious: 1) Verizon would rather target the typical FC household (median home price: $432K) than apartment dwellers here; 2) Why make the stupid remark about a 'wireless solution'? Anyone who has half a clue about IT knows that wireless speeds right now can't even begin to touch fiber optic speeds. No, the issue here is the cost to wire existent buildings with fiber optic cable. They know property owners aren't going to spring for the cost, and Verizon isn't interested in paying for this infrastructure either. So, guess who gets stuck out in the cold on this? That's right, moi. I think it might be time to cut the VZ ties completely, and go either with cable phone or VoIP. You will know about it here!

I salvaged the trip somewhat by stopping over in the new Grand Market that opened up on the old Giant space at Seven Corners. Think of combining an Asian market with a mercado, and through in some typical US groceries. Some great prices on good produce, and an active fish monger (though, I think it would be better to visit them earlier in the day for fresher buying). Still, I came away with bags of mushrooms, chorizo, tiger shrimp (21/25's), Haagen-Dazs (including a flavor I think they only vend to Latin markets, Tres Leches (Three Milks cake flavor). I didn't find it on H-D's site, but found the following on the Hispanic Business website: "Tres Leches enhances the already broad Haagen-Dazs line of indulgent Latin flavors, such as Dulce de Leche, Pineapple Coconut and Mango ice cream. The dessert is available in 14 markets across the U.S., including: New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Chicago, Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, San Francisco, San Diego, Denver, Sacramento, Tampa and Albuquerque." I assume that it gets further supplied to mercados via their specialty distribution chain. Anyway, my point is, I really dig the place, and will be back there soon.

Oh, I did finish assembling the Enetri shelving unit. I will upload a pic of it soon.

So, the weekend finishes out with moi eating well (shrimp, crab, and mushrooms in a spicy lemon-garlic wine sauce), watching dinky football (The Pro Bowl), and generally at ease for the moment.

The score right now: C-Towners owes me brunch and phone call, if he still wants my consultation! Thanks to the rest of you who have read my words. I hope you are entertained and edified!

As The Bolshoi sang, "Sunday Morning" (10:47 AM)

This has been a somewhat productive morning. Up before 6 to return the rental car. That was followed by picking up a few groceries, dishes in the sink done, and two loads of laundry. Yeah, baby!

But in the middle of it, C-Towner returns a morning SMS with a call and an alert: he was with *a GIRL*! My little baby C-Towner is all growns up! Looks like you have a valentine for Valentine's Day, MoFo! Yea, brother!

I expect I will wax upon Valentine's Day again tomorrow. Stay tuned.

BTW, the roommate sent me a pic of the dog his brother owns up in CT. If you have any doubt as to how dogs became Man's Best Friend, just look at this beautiful canine's eyes.

Windows to the soul 

02/12/05: S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y night 10:48 PM

Hey hey, it's Saturday night, and in lieu of going out, I am currently listening to Bright Eyes' Digital Ash in a Digital Urn. Not exactly electroclash, but you can almost feel the influence of lable mate The Faint. I suspect I will be looking out for the tour that both will be on together later this year. I hope everyone is having a satisfying Saturday.

Oh, thank you, C. I had a fab time with ya!

My pre-highlight face 

02/12/05: S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y morning 8:00 AM

Jeez. Up at 8 AM on a weekend morning, this is symptomatic of being in the Washington area for too long. I should be sleeping in more like single guys do. Anyway, at least I have time to update y'all on things of the past day.

First some one handed applause goes out to Drew, who was reported as to be the obtainer of *3* big numbers last night. OK, so f you were hot on the steamer last night, why do I get voicemail before midnight telling me you are heading home?!?! You know, I have some numbers, too. Really prime, in fact. Want to impress me? Call them all this weekend!

Speaking of no-calls, none have been received back from Megan, the sign interpreter I met last week up at Micr$oft's DC offices. OK ladies, no more whining about men being the only irresponsible gender when it comes to callbacks, OK? Oh, I need to apologize to my Canadian girl. I got sidelined into a meeting about CMMI that numbed my brain. I'll call Monday

The DVD collection has increased. Behold.

Found a flyer last night on the ground at the Metro station. It appears that Verizon has finally rolled out FIOS in FC. There is going to be some launch event over at the State tomorrow afternoon. A dry event, though. What a drag!

Last night also found my return to the gym. Yes, between moving, the holidays, and going to Europe, I had ended up sloughing off two months. I went through most of my routine, only finding some weakness with a couple of the tricep exercises late in the circuit. Feeling a bit sore this morning, but nothing debilitating. Dan the Man, colleague from work and one of the many family men there, had agreed to return to exercise on the same day. He begged off for a weekend extension. I shamed him.

I was happy to see that I had only gained 2 pounds since my last weigh-in two months ago. I was expecting a lot more. I guess I am doing better in my lifestyle. I'll be back at the gym either tomorrow or Monday night.

OK, time to start cracking open those shelves....

02/11/05: Friday 7:11 AM

Like going to the gym, so is the mind-set of keeping up with the blog. This morning I awoke about a minute before my 6:55 AM alarm, again making me wonder if I have a rather precise, internal clock. Sure, it only seems to work when I haven't been trying to stay up all night, so my value to the military is suspect. Keep working on that Transporter Room, boys!

Last night I did make it down to Ikea at Patomac Mills, and yes, I retrieved the last set of grey "ENETRI" shelves (the box really had my name on them!). The two boxes are leaning against a wall in my bedroom right now, waiting for tomorrow.

The roommate and I stopped off at Famous Dave's for dinner on the way back last night. Our waitron, Katie G, was affable without being cloying. She had an air of a country girl who had dealt with a legion of bused-in tourists from lands beyond; the burgeoning metroprole. Anyway, at one point in the meal the roommate asked for another Diet Coke. She replied in a fawned-emotive, childspeak manner "nnooooooo." This proves once again that the roommate is an abuse target.

Katie G got a bigger tip for that from moi.

It started here......

Well, now I am a blogger. Lucky you. Look what happens when the government spends money on a contractor who supports and augments services that they are told " we don't look at your business, so we don't look at those free markets!" Jeez. Well, hopefully there will be moderately interesting things to spew forth here, beyond the framework of reality tv for the web.

So anyway, one more day until the weekend. This weekend should be really fun, if I have any say about it. The roommate is heading up to Conecticutt for the weekend with Mommy. I am hopefully going to be setting up some new shelving, and some clubbing in the eves. Oh, maybe watching another episode of Miami Vice from the new DVD set I just picked up. Rock on.