Fleetmack.com - May 2006 News

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May 2006 News Archives

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What I am listening to as I type this: Tool - Rosetta Stoned
Most Recent DVD Burned: The Chronicles of Narnia

May 31, 2006

Went to NIN at Red Rocks last night. A few things about the show ...

1) Bauhaus is the single worst band on planet Earth. I'm not even sure if they're from Earth. At one point I told Andy, "I'd be thrilled if Dave Matthews Band came on stage right now." Within seconds of arriving, I looked at the guy next to me and asked, "Who are these guys?" His response: "Some fuckers who should have gotten off the stage a long time ago." Downright, awful. There was one cool thing about it - the guitar player could play some mad saxophone. Other than that, it was some balding goth guy, and there was no music - just horrible noise noise, as he stood there and did very strange things (such as bowing down backwards while the camera zoomed in on his bald spot). Horrible, downright terrible.

2) The guy in front of us, wow, what a massive tool. His jean-jacket outfit is picture of the day, and you can kinda see him dancing in one of the videos I took. He was like a cross between Charles in Charge and David Hasselhoff, only wearing a sold denim outfit.

3) Trent Reznor looks different than I remember in an extreme way. Dude has a buzz cut and has added about 30lbs of muscle since my mind last captured a vision of him. You'd think he's on pace to be the next Henry Rollins or something. I was expecting the long-haired twerp I remembered, instead we got a buff buzz-cut guy. Unexpected.

4) As I told Andy, I love these shows, but holy shit do I hate 99% of the other people that attend them. They're a bunch of freaks.

5) I realize Red Rocks is probably the best concert venue in the country for numerous reasons, and I know each time I'm there (so far, Tom Petty, Radiohead, Blues Traveler, John Mellencamp/John Fogerty, Nine Inch Nails, and someone I'm forgetting) I am amazed by the sound ... but holy shit, NIN sounded downright phenomenal last night.

6) As good, if not better, of a light show as Chimaira or Radiohead. Probably better.

7) The didn't play The Perfect Drug. That one shocked me. I was getting worried they wouldn't play Head Like A Hole, but that was their final song. I'd say the best 3 performances were Wish, Head Like A Hole, and some song I didn't know that absolutely rocked. The above video (linked in #2 ...hahahahaha (peter griffin laugh) ... number two) is that song, the lights were amazing, the video doesn't campture anything remotely close to how cool it looked in person.

That's all for today, folks. Tonight I'm going to hit up the driving range then go out to dinner, I believe. Yup yup.

What I am listening to as I type this: Tool - Jambi
Most Recent DVD Burned: The Chronicles of Narnia

May 30, 2006

Three-Day weekends rock, I need more of those. Summer is un-officially here, although it seems like it's been here forever as I've been sitting by pools in Orlando and Vegas since mid-March. Had a jam-packed weekend, and this upcoming one shows no signs of slowing down. I ran the Bolder Boulder in 51:30 yesterday (8:20/min miles). Pretty slow, yet I don't really care, it's a decent time I guess, although 3 of the other 4 times I've run it have been faster. My goal was to simply finish, and if I met that goal - I wanted to finish before 8:00am. (under 52 minute). As seen in the video on this page, I finished around 7:59:32 in case you'd like to find me. You can see me holding my hands in the air as I passed the camera, I'm wearing a blue shirt and red shorts. I guess now I'll focus on my next 1/2 marathon. I could probably run it next week if I wanted; I've already met my sub-2-hour goal for that, so again, no goals there. It's just a stepping-stone to my last "real" running goal: the sub-4-hour marathon, which I am strongly considering doing this calendar year.

After the Bolder Boulder, for the first time in my 5 years in attendance, I got in line for the free 10 minute massage. There was a poorly-estimated-by-me 100 or so tables set up, and after a 20 minute wait, I think I got the only male masseuse's table. Akward, very akward.

Heading to the NIN concert at Red Rocks tonight. Mule is coming here this weekend. Then, if I get my shit together, the Kayak class is the following week/weekend. After that, *drumroll please*, 14er season is finally here! I can't wait to get up to 14,000 feet again. I'm hoping to knock of several mountains this year. We'll start out this season with an "easy" one, La Plata Peak, in late June. From there - it's on.

What I am listening to as I type this: Soulfly - Mulambo
Most Recent DVD Burned: The Chronicles of Narnia

May 26, 2006

I had various witty remarks and/or comments I was going to put in the news today. These comments have been forgotten.

X-Men: The Last Stand comes out this weekned. In no way is that anything but flat-out spectacular news. Have I mentioned that I've had an enormous crush on Famke Janssen since 007: Goldeneye? She's tall.

Tonight: Gov's Park
Saturday: A-Basin. Bike Shopping. Golf.
Sunday: BBQ at Tiff's place
Monday: Bolder Boulder. Sit by pool.

This weekend is going to be cooler than the other side of the pillow.

I feel like I wussed out. Team Blonde asked me what name I wanted on my shirt. I wanted to go with "Baby Shaker", but for once I really felt like I may offend someone. Instead, I chose Harry Paratestes.

Have a most splendid weekend, and if you don't, I'm going to hunt you down and stab you in the heart with Brick's trident.

What I am listening to as I type this: Sting - If I Ever Lose My Faith In You
Most Recent DVD Burned: The Chronicles of Narnia

May 25, 2006

If they were to never talk about this damn horse again, and just hand him over to Langford T. Belmont already, I'd be thrilled. Does anybody honestly care about this situation?

Lost was frickin' awesome last night. As usual, my predictions were way off. At least I was right about it being Desmond's boat and about the magnets (non-button pushing) causing the plane to crash. And I'll bet the farm that Locke and Eko are just fine, but I'm not so sure about Desmond. I'd think he would almost have to be. I just hope we get to see more of Caleb Nichol!

I've been waiting for last night for a long time ... because for the next year I won't have to watch any commercials or hear about that garbage show American Idol. Can you imagine how pissed I was when I saw a commercial last night informing me ABC has it's own version that is starting next month?! I think the show is called The Fag, and if it isn't, it should be. Holy schnikies, when will this bullshit get off the air. God forbid we keep a stellar show like Arrested Development around, instead we get stuck with Star Search Meets The Real World. Give me a break, I'm already going to have to hear about this fucking Real World Denver trash all summer. TV sucks.

Have I told you how much I approve of this new BW3's less than a mile from my house? Tonight is boneless wings night. Perhaps I shall go dine on some.

"If I ever luuuuuuuuuz my faith in you!!" I wish there was an ASCII character for a musical note, if so I'd have put one on each side of that line instead of quotation marks. Seriously, why isn't there a musical-note ASCII character? Let me add that to my list of ideas that I'll never pursue.

I wonder how many of you had to Google who Langford T. Belmont is.

What I am listening to as I type this: "go to Mile High Credit dot com!" i hate this commercial
Most Recent DVD Burned: The Chronicles of Narnia

May 24, 2006

ARMONDO!!!! Awesome, awesome!

The two hourseason finale of Lost airs tonight. Here's my absurd predictions that probably won't be remotely close to what happens:

We will learn a great deal about magnetism. The magnetism of the island caused the plane to crash. It's the reason the boat (which I'd bet belongs to Desmond) is getting sucked back to shore ... at the same time when Locke's leg was healed (didn't the magnetism cure his legs the first time?). Think about it, a magnet split the plane in two. A magnet attracted Eko's brother's plane right above another hatch. A magnet allowed the supplies to be dropped right about the Swan station without any of the castaways hearing an airplane overhead. Makes sense to me.

Jacob says he thinks another plane will crash tonight. After all, we are running short on characters these days now that Libby (is she dead? we never found out why she was in the psych ward with Hurley?) and Ana Lucia are gone. And if the magnets are acting up again (by attracting (Desmond's?) a boat and curing Locke's leg), why wouldn't it be sucking in yet another plane? Also, they said on the preview that questions would be answered with regards to how they got there. Now if they do a flashback of a plane crashing, wouldn't it make sense for that to happen again? (Similar to how they told Sawyer's story of the "long con" when he got control of the guns).

Oh - I'm also going to bet a magnet is what caused the bullet to not hit "Zeke" when Sawyer shot at him. But that doesn't explain why nothing else metal was affected by the magnetism. Why didn't it take the gun? Well, the gun is a Glock ... and they aren't metal. Ahh who knows.

I really want to know what's up with the numbers, and what Sawyer, Hugo, Jack, and Kate have in common that the Others want. I think the button doesn't do shit, but I don't understand why Eko is so interested in it.

They can do whatever they want, I think an episode of a close-up of Claire's eyes for two hours would be fine by me. Or they could just show a picture of Kate for 2 hours. Holy shit am I a tool or what? Wow.

What I am listening to as I type this: Stone Sour - 30/30 - 150
Most Recent DVD Burned: The Chronicles of Narnia

May 23, 2006

I'm currently about to explode from sheer excitement ... I'm listening to the new Stone Sour song for the very first time this exact second.

(Four minutes and eighteen seconds later) fuck yes. oh hell yeah. I strongly approve. The double-bass is back, assaulting you with double-foot power. As well as I know that band, I can't think of another song on which the double-bass is used except for Get Inside. I'm not going to discuss this song's coolness any more than that, I can just tell you it's available for free download on Roadrunner's site. Hell, this calls for me to change the above counter. Sorry GW countown.

I put some more pictures up on the KC pix page which I got from Troy and Aaron ... they're after the ones from yesterday (page 5 I think) ... A decision was made by me to officially implement Gallery2 as a new fleetmack.com standard for pictures. It's so much easier for me and I like the new layout. I will likely get myself back in PHP mode this week and get it customized to fit this sites theme. Oh wait, this site doesn't really have a theme as I have about as much artistic ability as I have NBA knowledge. Zero. And I care to have the same amount I have. Either way, I will customize the new photo gallery, and likely convert everything old over to it at the same pace I will run the Bolder Boulder: Slowly.

If I can find a cheap way to get back, fully expect me to be back in Kansas City for the weekend of June 3rd. If it weren't for these absurd gas prices, you could count me in already. Dammit, maybe I should go change that Stone Sour counter right back to where it was.

Did you know that Tom Shane goes to Bangcock himself to pick his diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and pearls? Man I hate that tool. I wish someone would have shaken him when he was a baby.

CB will officially be my wave in the Bolder Boulder this year. Apparently the "& Potts" wave was full. Humph. This is not going to be a good run in 2006, and there's absolutely no way I can place the blame on my ankle any more, I'm just lazy and out of shape still. Ah well, I'm going to run another 1/2 marathon in August and ride my bike for 472 miles across Iowa (by the way, I'm officially registered with Team Blonde for the week), so at least I feel good about myself in some physical way.

30/30 - 150 will be playing on Winamp nonstop all day today.

What I am listening to as I type this: AC/DC - TNT
Most Recent DVD Burned: Two For The Money

May 22, 2006

Kansas City. I probably took five vacations there with my family as a kid. We went there for Lollapalooza in 1997 just weeks before starting college. Several trips were taken to KC with friends in college. Big XII tournaments in the Westport area of KC used to be an annual event. Weeklong trips for work from May 2000 through August 2001 when I was working for Hy-Vee made KC my home away from home. I've taken five trips to KC since I've moved to Denver, all of which were wonderful. All in all, I'd guess I've visited Kansas City 25-30 times in my life. This weekend was in the top three most fun times I've ever had there. That 1997 Lollapalooza is pretty untouchable on the list of funnest weekends of all time ... but this weekend was 100% top-notch. As promised, I will finally deliver a good batch of pictures - they are up. As good as this batch of pictures is, it does the trip no justice.

That drive sucked yesterday, and I didn't do any of it. Andy drove the whole way both ways, awesomeness prevailed.

I cannot believe it had been two years since I'd been in KC, my favorite city in the country. That is entirely too long to be away. Every time I leave, I go through withdrawal. There is only one reason I don't live there, and each time I come back here I have to re-weigh how much I need these mountains. I flat-out cannot believe I don't live in Kansas City. These mountains just have a hold on me. As I told several people this weekend, Denver really isn't that nice. I don't really care for the city ... but Colorado as a whole ... there's nothing in this state that is capable of being reproduced in Missouri or Kansas. What a dichotomy.

What I am listening to as I type this: Devo - Gut Feeling/Slap Your Mammy
Most Recent DVD Burned: Lost - Season 1 Disc 6 (for Kendall)

May 18, 2006

Busy at work ... imagine that.

I don't think it's humanly possible for me to explain just how kickass all my MySpace friends are. I've got everyone from SuperGreg to Francis Buxton. And as we all know by now, Supergreg is Numba 1!! You should be jealous.

Out to KC here in a few hours. Can't wait, seriously, just can't wait. I must admit I was a bit disturbed when I read this:

Stone Sour will be playing a FREE concert in Kansas City, MO on Thursday 5-18-06 at 5:00pm. The concert will take place outside of the Beaumont Club, which is at 4050 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO. ! Keep listening to to KQRC for all the details! The official site of Stone Sour New Album In Stores August 22, 2006

I mean, seriously. One of my all-time favorite bands, playing in the city I'm going on vacation to, for free, 1 day before I go there?! What kind of cruel joke is this?! They're playing a show in Des Moines on Saturday night too, from what I hear. Ah well, I get to see them in August again. Maybe I'll meet up with the band again. Wow, I truly hate that picture. I was sweaty from moshing for 2 hours, it was about 30 degrees outside in a sweat-soaked shirt, my face looks like someone stomped on it, and I have to look at my I LOVE CUMMING shirt that I have since lost. Ah well, it's a pic with Shawn and Jim, so it's cool regardless.

I just realized something cool ... I now have a direct contact from 2 of my favorite bands (James from Stone Sour and Slipknot ... not to mention that Renze runs into Corey frequently ... yes, that says "fleetmack.com" on the napkin on his head). Went to Vegas with one of the Seahawks last month ... man this is pretty sweet. Now I just need to start hanging with Joe Sakic and I'll be set.

New picture of the day is up. Have a good weekend, pictures galore will be posted next week, I pinky swear.

What I am listening to as I type this: Pooh Man - Don't Cost A Dime
Most Recent DVD Burned: Office Space (for Colby Jack Black ... although I didn't give it to him yet)

May 17, 2006

I think I need to get out of the tech-support area, I hate it. I love computers and fixing stuff, but I just hate that people can't figure shit out for themselves. I can't get shit done without a "my scanner is broke" or "my shared drive is missing" call. I have to fix it because its my job, but I hate that part of it. Wish I could just work on projects and shit instead of fixing shit other people are too dumb to figure out for themselves. So please, don't ask me to fix your computer or ask for tips on shit any more. I hate it. I'm sick of it. And when I leave work, I don't want to see or think about computers.

BW3's is open, less than a mile from home, several TV's, cool bartender, Silver Strike and Golden Tee, cheap wings and great happy hour (that last until 7), they have the MLB package, and will likely have the NFL package ... I could have a new haven.

I am un-officially a bicycle owner. I bought one through a seller on Ebay for $250 cheaper (shipped) than the store, with upgraded pedals and a computer. My bike is a 2005 Trek 1200. It will not arrive until next week, most likely. Now I need to get gloves, shoes, and a bag, and I'm all set! Going to fork up the $$ to ride with Team Blonde tomorrow, and it'll be official -- I'm ready to ride RAGBRAI ... well, I guess I still need to take care of the "cycling training" part of it, but I'm sure I can handle that!

Kansas City is creepin' on a come up. Can't wait, seriously, can't wait. Looks like sunny weather and 80 degrees. The perfect weather in which to hunt Cardinals.

A purchase was made this morning; 6 tickets to Infest 2006. This combination of bands has the potential to knock the Slipknot/Chimaira show out of the #1 slot for "Best Concert Lineup Ever". I don't know where to place Lollapalooza 1997, with Snoop, Korn, Prodigy, and Tool ... we left early and the guys from Korn were sick or something weird ... but that one had awesome potential. But this concert has three rock-solid bands playing: one of my top 5 bands (Stone Sour), one of my top 10 bands (Deftones), one all-around solid band, but it isn't necessarily a favorite (Korn) and one band that has excellent potential to break through (Flyleaf). After fees, tickets were like $19.50 ... you've got to be kidding me. That wonderful Tuesday in August is sure to be one fantastic evening. Can't wait for Tool to go on sale for the Pepsi Center show ... just praying it doesn't fall during RAGBRAI!

Time to get back to work, adios todos.

What I am listening to as I type this: STP - Crackerman
Most Recent DVD Burned: Office Space (for Colby Jack Black ... although I didn't give it to him yet)

May 16, 2006

I didn't get shit for sleep last night. Was it because the smoke alarm on the vaulted ceiling (out of reach) beeps every (literally) 20 seconds as the battery is dying? It'd be a lie if I told you that wasn't part of the reason, but allow me to sound like a pussy regarding last night ...

The evening began well, I was off work (which was supposed to slow down this week, but was busier than ever), went to the gym and ran/rode bike/lifted, then started the drive home. When I got to 92nd and Wadsworth, there was about 40 kids, most of them crying, standing on the corner dropping flowers, cards, balloons, candles, etc. Apparently two 16-year-olds crashed into a pole and died there on Saturday night. I couldn't have felt worse for those kids. It hit so damn close to home it was ridiculous. I mean seriously, I went to more funerals between the ages of 15 and 19 than I have the rest of my life combined, and very few of those funerals were for people over the age of 20. Anyways, I felt horrible for the friends & families of those kids, and I really hope Westminster doesn't turn into the new Carroll.

What I am listening to as I type this: The Who - Pinball Wizard
Most Recent DVD Burned: Office Space (for Colby Jack Black ... although I didn't give it to him yet)

May 15, 2006

Payday is cool, especially when it's today. We're finally operational at work with regards to the network, which is very cool. With commencement and reunion out of the way, things will be much less hectic and hopefully I can get back to my upgrade project ... yet I have a short week ahead of me.

Heading out to Kansas City on Thursday with Andy and Josh ... boatload of people should be down there, we'll get there early morning (3:00-4:00a.m.) on Friday. Scheduled a noon tee time for Shoal Creek. Hoping to eat at George Brett's Restaurant at some point, it's new since I've last visited KC.

Weekend treated me pretty good. Brian and I went to CB & Potts for a short while on Friday night, then went home early. Went up to A-Basin and BBQ'd and Snowboarded on Saturday for most of the day. Had to pick up Mike & clan in Keystone as they hit a boulder and were leaking gas out of their Saab. The snow conditions are still spectacular at Arapahoe Basin, I was amazed. Rode double-blacks and bumps the whole day, which was a challenge as I was wearing shorts, and falling would have been cold. Had some brats, burgers, chips, BBQ food, recliners, sunburn, snowboarding, etc. Translation: kickass day that was cheap (as my season pass is still in full effect). A few pictures are up.

A few of you have told me you are unable to get pictures to save from my new gallery style of picture pages. After a short investigation, I discovered the reason: you are not intelligent. Translation: You use Internet Explorer instead of Firefox. Just get Firefox already, seriously, there is no reason to be using that garbage browser that goes by the name of IE. You get (and have gotten for the past three years) tabbed browsing, no pop-ups, and you can import all your settings ... not to mention the kickass plug-ins available (such as the IMDB search, weather tab on the bottom, dictionary search, etc.). Long story short: If you get Firefox, you'll be able to save any pictures you wish from my site.

I didn't buy a bike yet, figure I might look around in KC if I have any time whatsoever. I really want the Trek 1500, but if I can't find a 2005, I'm likely getting the '05 Specialized Allez Sport as the Trek 1200 '05s are sold out ... I shouldn't have waited so long, now it's going to really cost me.

What I am listening to as I type this: some coors light commercial
Most Recent DVD Burned: Office Space (for Colby Jack Black ... although I didn't give it to him yet)

May 11, 2006

I was going to talk about the Royals sweeping the Indians. (EVERY Royal got an RBI yesterday, how cool is that?!) I was going to talk about tonight's Avalanche game. I had several things to say, but instead I'll leave it at this:

HAPPY 28th BIRTHDAY TO LAETITIA CASTA!!! Yes, I realize my obsession with her has been out of control for 8+ years and I could probably be committed because of it, but seriuosly, how can you not be dangerously attracted to someone this much?! This woman is perfection. Period. Sure, Brooke Burke is hot, but there's just galaxies of space between her and Laetitia. Galaxies. She's so gorgeous she gets picture of the day as well as the below picture.

What I am listening to as I type this: Alice In Chains - Down In A Hole
Most Recent DVD Burned: Office Space (for Colby Jack Black ... although I didn't give it to him yet)

May 10, 2006

All things considered, I'm in a great mood today. Even the song on the radio (see above) is one of those songs I listen to when I'm in a bad mood, yet I'm in a good mood. Personal issues, Avs being down 3-0, getting cold and snowing again (yes, there was snow on my car this morning), being broke ... I'm in a frickin' great mood!

Driving to work this morning, going on westbound I70, listening to John Mellencamp's Paper and Fire (which, by the way, sounds spectacular on my car stereo, I'd rate it a 9.8 on the "Car Stereo Sound Quality Scale") and looking at the snow in the mountains ... realizing I had seen this very song in concert at Red Rocks ... driving my car, which is still my dream car although it has 202K miles on it ... I just realize how kickass Colorado is, it just hits me sometimes.

In a strange way, the Avs game was quite refreshing to watch last night. Although we are on the verge of elimination, being down 3/love, we played really well. Yes, too many breakaways were given up and that cost us the game, but we scored. We were getting shots. The Avs looked good. On top of that, it was wonderful having John Kelly call the game on OLN. In case you don't know, that was our FSN announcer for the past several years, but he left and calls games for the Blues now. He's an awesome announcer, and he knows the Avalanche well. It was great getting the chance to hear him call one of our games again.

Team Blonde is making a strong case for itself for RAGBRAI, especially if Wil$on is driving the bus! Man that'd be sweeeeeeet!!!

Random memory I thunk up (yes, I said "thunk up" and I'm proud of it) this morning. When I was in 6th grade, we had a test on the countries of Europe in which we were given a blank map and told to label the countries and their capitals. I got two wrong, I reversed East and West Germany. One could make a strong case in saying this was the most moronic mistake (alliteration!) I've made on a test.

What I am listening to as I type this: Slipknot - The Nameless
Most Recent DVD Burned: Office Space (for Colby Jack Black ... although I didn't give it to him yet)

May 09, 2006

Yes, sir, there are some very intelligent people in our world.

Yesterday was a pretty productive day for me. I ran 3.7 miles (don't ask) and biked about 10, then did a biceps workout. Had a BBQ on campus yesterday so I ate really well. Went and checked out bikes again yesterday as well and am nearing a decision (props to Chad for his help).

If I can't find any of last year's models anywhere, I'm going to get a 2006 Trek 1200. The Specialized Allez Sport is the bike I'd really like, but it's around $100 more and is pretty much the same bike. Chalk it up to me getting older, I can't justify spending $100 extra for a brand name (Yet I'll easily and willingly blow that several times over in Vegas, makes sense, right?) My other option is finding a 2005 Trek 1500, which I would immediately purchase, however I can't find one in my size (56cm). I'd really like to buy from Bicycle Village as they were awesome help, but if I can find it cheaper, I'll buy it wherever. I really don't want to buy it from Performance Bicycle ... those guys were morons when I was there on Saturday. Anyways, that's where we're at in bike land.

A decision was made by me last evening to watch the Royals game. Usually this is a horrible decision and results in me contemplating wether or not to switch teams. I'll be damned if they didn't win! Who knew?

I have a busy week ahead of me here ... must complete my bike purchase, must have an excellent week in the gym, must dress in a suit for work two days this week as it's commencement week, must watch the Avs win some home games, must not spend any money. This proves for a difficult combination of things seeing how I'm going to be spending upwards of $1000 on a bike and accessories this weekend! Can't believe I turned down CSNY in concert at Red Rocks for a bike, man I'm getting weird.

All in all, I'm very pumped up for RAGBRAI (and it's 2 1/2 months away) and absolutely cannot wait for my Kayak course up in Vail. This summer is going to go down in history as one of the best ever, I have a very good feeling about this. And if Warren Buffet is right, things will be getting even better soon.

What I am listening to as I type this: NIN - Closer
Most Recent DVD Burned: Office Space (for Colby Jack Black ... although I didn't give it to him yet)

May 08, 2006

I could spend a week straight staring at Alessandra Ambrosio and not get tired of looking at her. She's the one in the middle. Wow!

The weather forecast for Kinetics made it look less than a desireable time on Friday, however, when Andy and I got to Boulder at 8:30a.m. on Saturday morning and it was already in the mid-50's, we couldn't have been happier. Absolutely gorgeous day. Had a blast. Riki, Ian, and Cool Ethan got there later on as Riki was feeling under the weather, so we went with Brenda and her friends. Awesome time, just awesome. I didn't take as many pictures this year, but you can get a slight idea of the coolness of the day. I didn't capture but 10% of the memories. I promise I'll get better at taking pictures in the near future.

I glanced up at the TV to see part of a basketball game at Old Chicago the other day, I think it was the Lakers vs. Somebody. There was a guy with the name "Smush" on the team. I'm not even kidding you. Smush. Reason #88472 I don't watch basketball is official: Never watch a professional sport where a player's first name is "Smush".

Man the Avs need to win some games here, shut out two times in the Semi's. Yikes.

I didn't yet purchase a bike, but I think I know the strongest candidate for my new purchase. It's a 9 speed (27 gears) with a carbon fork and mostly 105 components. If you would have told me that last week, I would have known what "27 gears" meant, but that's about it. I'm doing well in bike-lingo-learning. So yes, I've all but committed to riding RAGBRAI. I just have to get my team-situation settled, and find out how I'm getting back to Denver from Muscatine and I'm all set!

Summer plans are filling up fast. Going to KC in 2 weeks, then it's Memorial weekend and the Bolder Boulder. I've committed the last week of July (which is 2 weekends) to RAGBRAI, I've given the previous weekend to my annual trip to the Bonanza Inn B&B, and I'm signing up for a Kayak course (30 clock hours, $108 including equipment rental! 20 hours on the water!) the second weekend of June with some friends up in Vail. I need to squeeze in eight 14ers somewhere in there ... for this reason, I'm thinking of doing one this weekend already. It'll be cold & snowy, but I'm strongly considering it. Fixin' to be a busy summer! Giddy up!

What I am listening to as I type this: The Doobie Brothers - Listen to the Music
Most Recent DVD Burned: Kill Bill vol. 2 (I already have it, burning a copy for a friend)

May 05, 2006

Wow, been awhile since I've burned a DVD huh? I should really get back on that.

A new book is out that I plan on reading. It's by "Gary Troup" (a character on Lost, whose name is an anagram for "Purgatory". Hmmmm). It's called Bad Twin, and I assure you it's going to kick ass.

Kinetics is tomorrow, supposed to be shitty weather. I'm with Riki on this one, why don't they schedule it 2 weeks later every year?! 2 years ago it was snowed out, last year it was like 65 degrees... yet in mid-May it'll be 80. Who plans this stuff?

Yesterday I was informed I won a free "Year of Pizza" from Old Chicago. This is defined as 12 coupons for large pizzas. I won this for winning the NCAA Tournament pool they had. This was highly unexpected for 2 reasons:
1) They told me yesterday, the tournament was over a month ago
2) I didn't pick either of the teams in the championship game
It doesn't surprise me, however, as I did pick 6 of the 8 teams in the Elite 8 ... it's just that the 2 who I had in the championship game (UNC vs. Duke with UNC winning) so happened to be the two who didn't make it.

My luck rules recently. Ten free burritos last week, 12 free pizzas yesterday. Why couldn't I have had this luck when I was in Vegas? I bought several Powerball tickets last night. *clink* Here's to hoping! (That was a toast).

I need payday to get here fast, and it's 10 days and 2 weekends away yet, yikes!! Have a great and save Cinco de Mayo (yet another holdiay I don't celebrate as too many people go out because society tells them they're supposed to). I'll be doing something much more fun: watching the Avs beat up on the Ducks.

What I am listening to as I type this: Taproot - Poem (a top 5 of all time song!)
Most Recent DVD Burned: Kill Bill vol. 2 (I already have it, burning a copy for a friend)

May 04, 2006

Today I was perusing Myspace and came across Don Flamenco's profile. I noticed he looks a hell of a lot like Ed McCaffrey

Could the Royals possibly be a worse baseball team? If I were to use alliteration to descibe this Kansas City group, I'd call them a truly terrible team.

This is the 7th consecutive day where I've woken up and it's felt like Friday. The thing is, that was only true once. Should I wake up tomorrow and it feels like Monday, I won't be all that thrilled with my feeling.

Looks like the Avs are playing the Ducks in the second round of the playoffs. Things couldn't have happened any better. Now we need to cheer for the Oilers so we can finally take home ice advantage back! (Also, as discussed yesterday, then we don't have to play against the massive 1-2 punch that is Cheechoo and Thornton). We got Konowalchuk back yetserday, which is very sweet. With Wojtek Wolski called up (and he'll be Rooke of the Year next year) we're sitting pretty... just think if Marek Svatos wasn't hurt ... wow. I love the Stanley Cup playoffs!!

In other news, I'm very excited about Kinetics this weekend, I have no idea why, but it should be cool. I'm probably excited as it'll be the first time I've really "gone out" in a long time in the greater Denver metro (translation: first time I've been anywhere except Old Chicago). I went to Old C's on Saturday for two or three beers on Saturday night after work; I got fucking carded. I couldn't believe it, that hasn't happened since literally the first time I went in there just under five years ago. The bartender has even served me about 6 or 7 times before. Not that I really care, I'll always have my ID ready to show, it just shows you how much employee turnover has taken place and how much I don't like associating with most of the people there. They suck compared to the long-time employees. That place is so hit-or-miss anymore it's ridiculous. A new BW3's opens a few blocks from my house in a few weeks, looking forward to that.

Our network is still hosed at work, but I've done everything in power to fix things ... I'm convinced every issue we're having is now out of my hands. This is both good and bad ... it's good as I have no guilt, and it's bad becuase I keep having to give people bad news. Ah well, if I have to deal with the bad news all day long from 30 people, they can handle taking the news from 1 person.

I need a weekend, badly.

What I am listening to as I type this: The Lively Ones - Surf Rider (the closing theme to Pulp Fiction)
Most Recent DVD Burned: Kill Bill vol. 2 (I already have it, burning a copy for a friend)

May 03, 2006

This is my tenth consecutive day of work. I haven't had a streak of work like this since my days at AHS!

Boulder Kinetics is this weekend! You're damn right I'm going!! I think it's Riki (imagine that), Ian, Andy, and a couple of Riki's friends so far. Sure to be a blast as usual! Picture of the day will be a memory from Kinetics past ... yee haw!

New Lost is on tonight, I'm very excited for this. It seems like about a year since I've gotten to watch it in HD.

GO DUCKS!!! We'd like the Flamers to lose tonight. I don't want to play against Kiprusoff this season. And if the Flamers win, we have to play the Sharks first, and I'm not too excited about facing Cheechoo and Thornton, those guys are monsters.

I'm going to buy a road bike this weekend, and I'm all but 100% positive I'm going on RAGBRAI this year, should be a blast and I'm getting very excited for it. Mom & Dad, Brent, Nic, Jeff, and Kelly all go - along with their friends. Nothing like getting exercise with friends in the sun with 20,000 other people around for 7 days straight while camping, is there? I can't believe I've never participated in this event before, it looks to be a blast! Team Skunk? Team Irish? Team Blonde? Who will I ride with?! AHH!!

Upcoming plans:
May 5 weekend: Boulder Kinetics, buy bike
May 12 weekend: Ride A-Basin for one more snowboarding day
May 19 weekend: Go to KC
May 26 weekend: Run Bolder Boulder

What I am listening to as I type this: Metallica - Ain't My Bitch
Most Recent DVD Burned: Kill Bill vol. 2 (I already have it, burning a copy for a friend)

May 02, 2006

For the past 1 1/2 weeks at work, EVERY time I've left my desk, wether it be for 2 hours or just to get a drink, EVERY time I've had a voice mail waiting for me when I got back to my desk. To be honest, it's really fucking pissing me off.

Go cast a quick vote, it'll take 10 seconds and you don't have to register ... I bet nobody does it. Prove me wrong.

What I am listening to as I type this: Filter - Hey Man, Nice Shot
Most Recent DVD Burned: Kill Bill vol. 2 (I already have it, burning a copy for a friend)

May 01, 2006

This was the most productive weekend of my life. I got caught up on everything at home, also worked about 10 hours or so (in the office) and worked from home as well. The Avs won the first round, I played some poker Friday night. I ran the Cherry Creek Sneak (although I ran the wrong race, don't ask, I somehow only ran the 5K ... got in the wrong line. Damn headphones). I worked out at the gym. Just an all-around productive weekend.

So I worked this weekend, and that really doesn't bother me very much. I've always said, after doing detasseling and other miscellaneous farm duties in the summers of my teenage years, that you don't work 8-5 M-F while taking breaks and leaving right at that time. (Given the fact that I do that 99% of the time). If something needs to get done, you bite the fucking bullet and you do it. The system is set up to rely upon that. Wether it's an accounting system that lost 12 years of data that's preventing others from working, or if it's a corn field that needs the rocks picked up before the corn grows too tall so the combine doesn't get damaged. You just work - because the system is set up to rely on you. Am I talking about me? No, I'm talking about this ridiculous "Day Without an Immigrant".

Yes, a true day without an immigrant will hurt the economy. Do you know why? This country is set up with the assumption that people who have jobs GO TO THOSE JOBS. Why do I drive by five McDonald's on my way to work every day? This is because we have the demand for it (both for employees and patrons). Suddenly, if 1/5 of the country decides to boycott, of course all of the McDonalds' won't flurish as much. If you want to immigrate here, that's more than fine with me, just do it legally. With regards to jobs, you were hired to be relied upon, if you don't show up to work, of course your place of work won't be as productive. You were hired, SHOW UP!! This goes for anyone! You were hired so we could rely upon you. SHOW UP TO WORK!! I don't go to Mexico illegally and demand they pay my health insurance, it'd be absurd for me to request that. What are you proving today? That if we don't do what you want, you don't want to work? Then fucking leave, go back where you came from if you're going to start skipping work to protest a law (when you already made it here legally! why are you complaining? YOU'RE HERE!! If you're here illegally, you're just exposing yourself today for deportation. Idiots.)

Speeding is illegal. Yet driving the speed limit is legal. What if, one day, everyone who wanted the speed limit to be 80MPH decided to not show up to work. We'd call it a "Day Without Speeders". You see, the world can't operate if everyone who likes to speed decides to not show up for work today! How does this make it right? I'm still allowed to drive - the law tells me I can drive the speed limit all I want (similar to how you can immigrate here legally) ... but I'm still not satisfied. I want to drive as fast as I want, when I want, and I don't want to have to pay for my car (health insurance) either. Sounds kinda stupid, doesn't it? Well today is even more ridiculous than that. Fucking ridiculous. Get back to work, we rely on you because we did you a favor of offering you a job and a place to live - don't bitch because you're here illegally. Millions upon millions of people have made it into this country the right way. So to everyone who is boycotting America today - quit your bitching and get back to fucking work.