My Apologies...I’m Constipated...(Updated With Replies)
Current mood: touched
Category: Blogging
My Apologies...I'm Constipated...Mentally...
Folks, i'm feeling really shitty...not because I didn't wipe properly (that was just a filthy, filthy rumor...no, really)...I'm feeling shitty because i've been a crappy Blog friend. I know what you're thinking..."who gives a shit, and what the hell are you babbling about" (and if you say you weren't thinking that, you're a filthy fucking liar)...let's pretend for like two minutes that we all give a damn (pretty please). You've all been posting your Blogs, and getting your usual comments... and i've been conspicuously absent in most of them.
It's not that I find your Blogs to be craptacular or anything (no, really...I don't...seriously)...i've actually read them all (and even enjoyed most of them). It's just that i've found myself mentally constipated once I hit the comment button. Like all of a sudden I don't know what or how to write. Sad...yes, I am acutely aware of this (sigh). This is making some of you believe that maybe something's wrong with me (besides my serious need for therapy...many, many years of therapy).
So I decided to write this Blog (if you can call this writing), to let you all know that i'm sorry...truly sorry for not leaving comments or kudos to at least let you know that i've read your shit...and by shit i'm of course referring to your wonderful special Blogs (hey, i'm really being sincere here...don't laugh...at me anyway).
You may now return to your regularly scheduled program...or drug of choice (hey, i'm not judging anyone). By the way...you can blame this Blog on boredom...seriously (it's not like i'm drinking or anything).
And just so you don't accuse me of not giving you anything (besides a possible computer virus)...three questions for you:
Other than Michael Phelps, have any of you paid any attention to the Olympics (do any Americans give a fuck)?
Who here has seen the Comedy Central Roast of Bob Saget?
How much wood can a Woodchuck chuck, if a Woodchuck could chuck wood (hey, I never promised completely original questions did I...)?
I have given up...drinking...for the month of August. Yes, you read that correctly... Roberto a.k.a. Choco-Latte, has not and will not consume one drop of alcohol for the month of August. Heresy you say...??? There's rhyme and reason to this madness.
After many weeks of straight up boozing and partying, I came to the conclusion that I needed to either slow down or just stop drinking altogether for a a little while. I'm not completely sure if it was waking up with the "lovely fuzzies" or the full on "make-the-world-stop-spinning" hangovers that prompted this line of thinking...but one thing was clear, I needed to get this shit under tighter control.
It also occured to me that if I was to get anywhere close to accomplishing my weight loss goals, I needed to eliminate certain impediments. If you're wondering how drinking can impede weight loss, i'll give you the simple scoop: Beer is nothing but empty calories...meaning it has very little nutritional value, and when you consume it in the quantities I do, it all adds up...around your waistline. Hard liquor is not much better for a different reason...when you consume what you can handle, you wind up eating something to both fill up your empty stomach and reduce the upset stomach you get with your hangovers. And let's face it, when you're shit faced at 4am, you're not going to pick healthy foods to eat (White Castle anybody). Also, from the many things i've read, too much alcohol can dampen Testostorone, which is necessary for building bigger & stronger muscles (which would aid me in getting rid of more fat). That has become my biggest motivating factor.
I conveniently chose August because July was a busy party month, and also because my Birthday is in September (along with a few of my other friends). I thought now would be a good time to detoxify while saving some cash. It's a bit of an interesting experiment. I started on August 1st, and here I am 11 days later, stone cold sober. I only mention it like this because in the past, some of my close friends have said that I couldn't go for more than a few days without drinking (hogwash I say). Others suggested that I might have a problem. I personally never believed that I had a drinking problem (other than not getting enough...LOL), and I could easily go without if I had to...I just saw no reason to do so...till now.
There was one thing I expected, but am still surprised by....the overwhelming offers for free drinks. Now, now that I have decided to stop drinking, now is when i'm getting offered free drinks and shots from every direction. I couldn't get these offers when there was nothing but lint in my pockets or when I really wanted it. That's just how the universe treats me. I also find it quite funny how some of the people who may have suggested that I stop are reacting to this. You should see the looks of shock I get...quite priceless.
The adjustment has been easy so far...with one minor exception. Dealing with Karaoke custromers when you're not at their level can be a test of your patience. If you had read this blog, you would know about some of the crap I have to deal with. Now imagine dealing with that with no libation...that no one has been bitch slapped by me yet is a testament to my good nature.
I crack up too because my favorite waitress looks at me and I can see she wants to ask me if I want a shot or a strong drink...but she has to stop herself and remember that i'm not drinking for this entire month (as opposed to a week or two). Sometimes it feels like i'm fucking other people up by disrupting my usual drinking...LOL. By the way, singing Karaoke when you're sober is SO unnerving, believe me.
I'm looking forward to the end of the month...to see what happens in regards to my weight loss, see how lack of alcohol affects my progress. I figure after September, I can maybe go back to reduced drinking, since i'll be able to actually deal with not drinking as much. But you better believe that when my Birthday rolls around on September 5th, I will be making up for lost time.
America...a Nation of Morons
Current mood: irritated
Category: News and Politics
America...a Nation of Morons
Reading about the New Yorker's current cover, watching the Jesse Jackson clip (on the news and then repeatedly on the web), and just thinking about all of the ridiculous e-mails, bulletins and Blogs that have leveled so many attacks against Barack Hussein Obama, i've come to a conclusion, that while not new, I have decided to share with you today...we are a nation of morons. You read that correctly...WE are a nation of morons. I have included myself only because I have not participated much in politics (other than voting during the last 8 years) or engaged in any serious political discussions with my fellow morons, and that means that more of "them" are spreading their idiocy like smallpox (instead of being stopped in their tracks, or slowed down). I am an American...and I take pride in that...but only in so far as the fact that I enjoy MANY freedoms that would be denied to many of us in so many differnt parts of this world, even in this day and age. But that's as far as my pride in this so-called "great country" goes.
Why am I stating this??? Just look at what's being thrown against one of our Presidential hopefuls. Has McCain recieved personal, ridiculous, misleading, erroneous attacks in the media and on the campaing trail??? Yeah he has. Did Hillary Clinton??? Sure enough, including one type of attack that the boys couldn't receive...sexism. Were the other Presidential hopefuls no longer in the race attacked in a similar fashion...? Yup. So what's my point? Simple, I can't really recall the last time Obama was fairly taken to task for an actual politcal stand point or campaign promise (that's not to say he hasn't...just that with all of this ridiculous bullshit, I and the general public would be hard pressed to actually mention any). The only thing I can clearly recall is the blatant bigotry and prejudice towards him (as if his being or not being "black" has any bearing on the real pressing American issues)...I can clearly remember those individuals who couldn't properly stand united with this Presidential candidate out of pure spite (Jesse *cough* Dumbass *cough* Jackson for one)...I can clearly see that bad satire* will only substantiate the misgivings and piss poor understanding of the ignorant many. Yes, Obama has been at the receiving end of these attacks that have nothing to do with actual Presidential issues...more so than any other candidate this election year.
It's quite sad that I can thankfully wake up out of my comfortable bed, turn on my TV to mindless entertainment for a moment (hey, don't judge me because of what I like), eat some good food for breakfast (or bad food if the mood strikes me), step outside to the beautiful sunny day without fear that I might wind up hung from a tree or get my skull bashed in just for sitting in the "wrong" seat on the Bus or dinner counter, or drinking from the "wrong" water fountain... to have all of these nice reminders that I, and many others should be thankful we don't live in the 60's, 50's or earlier. We've come a very long way for a nation paved with blood...just writing that sentence I am reminded of how far we've come...but i'll be damned if i'm not also reminded every other minute of just how far we really need to go.
Damn...I find it almost inconceivable that in the year 2008, there are so many people that are blissfully ignorant or willfully stupid (and quite stubbornly so). I mean think about this for just a minute: Could it REALLY be possible that Presidential candidate Barack Hussein Obama might be some kind of secret terrorist??? Would our suspicious, always invasive government agencies allow such a man to attain the positions he has already??? I think not. Look, our government agencies many not always appear to be on the ball in these matters, but the fact still remains that while they "may allow" terrorists into this country through bureaucratic idiocy and permit them certain freedoms, there's just no way in hell that "they" would allow one to run for President. So for all of you reading magazines, newspapers, e-mails, bulletins & Blogs claiming that Obama may have terrorist ties, and actually beleiving that shit without any credible evidence...I pray for your pitiful, gullable souls...because I refuse to beleive that a government that had dossiers on Martin Luther King Jr. & Malcolm X, wouldn't have had such a watchful eye on one Barack Hussein Obama.
Does the possibility exist that I may be wrong...sure it does (theoretically speaking)...and if we're shown incontrovertible evidence to prove the lies & misrepresentations that have been lobbed at Obama's Presidential bid are actually true, I would gladly eat crow (i'd like it Medium-Rare please). Somehow though, I doubt i'll ever know what crow tastes like.
Ok...i'll get off my soapbox now...
"These are the best of times, these are the worst of times (to badly paraphrase Charles Dickens)".
Ten Things To Consider When... :.You Go Out For Karaoke.: (particularly at the joint I work at)
10. Being Obnoxious is Not Cute
When you've finished singing your song, please, get off the stage and let the next patron up. It's really fucking rude to stay on stage AFTER the next customer has been called up, while you continue to make a fool of yourself (after all, unless you get hit by a Mack Truck that night, you'll have PLENTY of opportunities to make an ass of yourself).
9. Stop Being Greedy Bitches
You know you're in a PUBLIC place with other patrons...so why in Joe Pesci's name do you think that you should be the only ones allowed to get on the mic??? If you and your group have done at least two songs, you've gotta figure that there are others waiting to sing too. I'm not asking you to actually care about other human beings (God forbid I should do something so insane), I am however asking you to be mindful of the fact that there are others there who want to do the same...so calm the fuck down.
8. Tipping is Not A Province In China
Tipping in the service industry is done to show appreciation for the people who work in the establishment. If you've never worked in the "Service" Industry here's the one thing you really need to know: The typical pay is generally shitty...to compensate, they allow (and encourage) their employees to recieve and ask for tips. Try to imagine YOURSELF in your Waiter's/Bartender's/Host's shoes, where you work long arduous hours serving food/drinks/entertainment for hundreds of people each day...now imagine the crappy treatment we get...from management to the patrons who treat us like it's a privilege to serve them. If that doesn't persuade you to be kind and offer some decent gratuity, try to remember this little acronym: T.I.P.S= To Insure Proper Service (that's how you make sure there's no fly in your soup). Now i've heard that in most European contries there is no tipping...this is true in SOME of those countries...but let's remember, you're in America you cheap asshats. That excuse does not fly here (especially with me).
7. Bullshit is Not Currency
While we're on the topic of tipping (and not a province in China), let me remind you of that old axiom: Where Money Talks, Bullshit Walks. If you REALLY want me to skip 20 other customers (who have been waiting JUST like you) to put on your song, do not, I repeat, DO NOT try to convince me that your girl is the next Kelly Clarkson or that your cousin has been compared to Justin Timberlake. PLEASE...I was born at night, but it wasn't last night. You want your song up THAT bad, do what everybody does in a capitalist economy...grease my wheel...translation, put some money in my fucking tip jar...you know, the one labeled TIPS!!! And if I just told you that I have received some decent tips for the first few songs in queue, that's a clue for you to follow suit...if you want your song up faster.
6. This is Not American Idol
I know this isn't a TV singing contest, and i'm not REALLY expecting great or even decent singers...hey, i'm a realist ok. However, if you truly know that the best you can do is scream...why bother??? No seriously??? People ask me how I can put up with the bad singers...I tell them that they don't bother me a bit...it's the jackasses that scream almost every damn word in the song...even when it's clearly a soft ballad that truly grind my gears. Making a fool of yourself is fun for everybody...screaming is not.
5.This is Not American Idol - Part II
As i've stated...you're not on a TV singing contest...and nobody is expected to be great (or even mildly decent sometimes)...and you're not Simon Cowell or Piers Morgan...therefore under NO cirumstances is it ok to Boo the people on stage. Whether they're really trying to give it their best or they're making an obvious ass of themselves for eveyone's entertainment, it takes courage (liquid or of the typical variety) to get up on that stage and grab that microphone. I don't want to hear any bullshit excuses...stop your booing...ESPECIALLY if you haven't got the balls to get on stage and do it better (i've yet to see anyone rise to that occassion...asshats). Plus, it pisses me off in general...and you don't really want that.
4. You Can't Use Your Jedi Mind Tricks On Me
Look, I don't know what people see in my face (i've been told I was cute...but whatever)...but nowhere is it written on my face that I am incapable of telling time. You can't stand there and tell me you've been waiting 2 hours for your song, when i've only been operating the machine for 45 minutes. That kind of exaggeration, especially with an attitude, will get you absolutely NOWHERE with me. If you have been waiting for quite some time, and other people in a large group have gotten a fair amount of songs in, I might be inclined to bump you up...but only if you talk to me decently (like a human being...with feelings) or put SOMETHING in my tip jar (i'm not asking for $20 bills here...though I have had plenty of people do so, including some bigshot from Washington D.C. who basically paid me $40 when he walked in, just to get his girl ONE song). For the ladies, flirting WITHOUT insulting my intelligence works just as nicely as a $10 bill (hey, i'm a dude, and the attention feels good...just don't try to play me like a dummy).
3. Nevermind Drunk Driving...Friends Don't Let Friends Pick Their Songs*
If my room is empty early in the night or later on, I could care less about what you pick and for whom. But when I have 20+ requests sitting in front of me, you should not be picking a Shania Twain song for your friend Jeremy to sing...especially without his knowledge. He might come up to the stage and give it a try...but we all know how it ends...horrible singing with Jeremy leaving the stage early, and you fuckers wasting my time while making other customers wait in suffering. You know what, I think i'm just bothered by the obviously wrong choice coupled with the craptacular singing....there, I said it.
2. If it Isn't Your Song...FUCK OFF THE STAGE
I could have put that much nicer...but the matter of fact is that I can't stand it when some greedy asshat decides to rush the stage and snatch the mic from a customer who waited PATIENTLY without complaint for their song. If the person on stage requests assistance...fine, ask me nicely for the second mic. Otherwise, patiently wait your turn, or "entice" me to put up your next request sooner (a.k.a. Tip me you cheap bastards), and then maybe you won't have to wait so long.
1. Tip or No Tip, Be Considerate To Me
Look, if you see that my makeshift table is full of requests, don't slam the song book down on top of them...be fucking mindful. And if you see that i'm dealing with one customer, don't be so insistant that I pay attention to you, especially if you're not on the stage (they have the right to demand my attention first). If you have the presence of mind to ask me what you can do to make me bump up your song, don't go all retarded on me the second I mention remuneration of some kind (you can't go from big shot of your group to having downs syndrome in less than a minute...I ain't buying it). Asking me to pick out a song for you is only cool if the place is relatively quiet...otherwise, you have to make that choice yourself, especially when i'm busy trying to give other customers what they asked for. Please, for the love of Joe Pesci, don't ask me if you were terrible when it's CLEARLY evident that you sounded like Prof. Stephen Hawking on the mic (and it's clear that you have no disabilities).**
This was brought to your attention just because I needed to vent (yet again). I've been doing Karaoke for 10 years now, but i've only been running it at my current joint since October (when the previous DJ/Host, DJ Chazz a.k.a. Carlton, passed it on to me). Despite the little horrors I suffer doing this, I still enjoy it...and when people are co-operating with me, it can be decently lucrative (for a weekend gig). It's just that this 4th of July weekend I had to endure these insults.
So here we go with my queries to you:
Have any of you worked in the service industry? Are you still in it?
Have you ever been considered a bad tipper (I have, and it wasn't true, but it was quite unpleasant)?
What's the most obnoxious thing that you've done in a public place (as an Adult)?
So come on people, dig in...and holler back at your boy...
*The tittle of that topic was never meant to be dismissive of Drunk Drunving Awareness. Drunk Driving has been, and continues to be a serious problem. I used it merely in jest, but by no means do I take the problem lightly. I hope you can understand the humor behind it...if not, get over yourself...it was a joke and nothing more.
**I meant no disrespect to the brilliant Professor Stephen Hawking...but this past Saturday I had this Jewish kid who decided to throw on "Baby Got Back" by Sir-Mix-A-Lot, and I shit you not, he sounded JUST like Stephen Hawking (if the Prof decided to rap). He sounded quite normal when he gave me the request...but all hell broke loose when he started rapping (completely out of sync no less).
Hot Bloggety Damn...it’s your boy Choco-Latte, with some shit to get off my chest!!!
Current mood: pissed off
Category: Life
A few gripes to get off my chest...
I don't normally do rant Blogs (even though they're so En Vogue), mostly because anything that's rant worthy I just let go...usually within a few hours or in a day or two. However, there's a few things irritating me...they aren't new, but they have been occurring quite more frequently than I want to deal with. I'm starting to feel as if I should be walking around with a spiked bat...
Gripe 1 - So-Called Land Owners
This is not what you're thinking...i'm not talking about actual land owners...i'm referring to the people in this city who for whatever-the-fuck reason have no regard for other people in this city, and have to monopolize doorways, staircases & narrow sidewalks. Now I say this without intending to offend anyone...but 99% of the people I witness doing this do not appear in any way, shape or form to be mentally retarded or physically handicapped. So why is it that they all gather around doorways, staircases & narrow sidewalks as if nobody else will ever be passing in that direction? I know some people may think that this is relegated to the disrespectful youth that are running rampant in our fair city. Sadly, that's not the case...i've seen way more grown adults being guilty of this grand offense. And these offenders come in every shape, size, color, socio-economic & ethnic background. IT DRIVES ME FUCKING INSANE!!! As if that were not bad enough, they have the nerve to not notice you coming in their direction...and believe me, if there were a way to get around these oxygen thieves that did not involve having to jump off the curb, i'd let it go. No...these rude asshats have to stand there, even as you approach them...and then have the nerve to actually be upset that you've politely requested that they allow you passage (mind you, it's usually after the second time I say "excuse" me...because apparently the first time just wasn't good enough). It's enough to make me want to pull out an automatic weapon and just let the bullets fly... Now if you're a frequent Subway rider in NY, you will have invariably noticed that the people waiting on the platforms are THE worst offenders. I get that there is limited seating on the train, and I truly understand that especially during rush-hour and on the weekends there is limited standing room...really, I get it. But is it really necessary to stand right in front of the doors without moving off to the side, when you can CLEARLY see people at the door, ready to exit the train?? These are the same jack-offs that have the nerve to get lippy with the exiting passengers when they are unavoidably bumped on their way out. Look, i'm a very peaceful person, I always look for constructive, non-volatile ways of dealing with certain rudeness...but I can't be mad at the people who exit the subway cars like they are NFL line backers...because you asshats asked for it.
Gripe 2 - The Hearing Impaired
Again, I do not mean to disparage those with disabilities...it's just that there's no better description for the next set of offenders on my hit list. A lot of people have a serious beef with cellphone users...mostly the fact that they're on them in all sorts of places ill-suited for these personal conversations. Personally, I don't see it as such a problem (mostly because I often fall in that category), but there is one particular case where I can actually sympathize with the general populace. What I refer to are the people who have these loud ass conversations either in a movie theater or on the subway when they hit the elevated stations. For me, the problem isn't that they're having these conversations in those two particular locations, but that they feel they have to speak at the top of their lungs. It's not enough that these people feel the need to share with their loved ones such intimate details like their latest battle with yeast infection or their most recent bowel movement...no, they need to share this with EVERYONE within earshot.
Gripe 3 - Non-Tourist Tourists
If you're walking down the street, it would stand to reason that you have a destination to arrive to. I know I do. So why is it that i'm always plagued by people who walk as if they actually have no place to be...walking aimlessly with absolutely no purpose??? I don't mean tourists...they get a pass from me because while they are going someplace, they almost always have no reason to hurry...they want to take in the sites of our fair (but often foul smelling) city. While it can be annoying, it is perfectly forgiveable. In fact, the majority of tourists can be found concentrated mostly in Mid-Town, with the rest congregated further downtown. But how do you explain the people you literally bump into in the non-trendy areas of Manhattan or the other boroughs of NYC??? How do you explain the natives who know full well that it's a big no-no to walk slower than a slug??? That's when I feel like pulling out a Machete and mowing these oxygen thieves down...
You know, writing these things down and sharing them with all of you has made me feel just a tad better...it's not going to actually cure any of these problems...but I feel better just the same.
So tell me...
What kind of annoyances or indignities do you have to suffer regularly in your neck of the woods (since most of you are not in NY)?
Do you think i'm bad for feeling so much hostility towards my fellow man??
And why is it that so many people I know are blissfully drunk on a Tuesday night, while I remained pitifully sober???
Currently
listening
:
Anarchy in the USA
By
The Sex Pistols
Release date: 2001-08-14
Getting Back To Where I Started...
Current mood: determined
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
Getting Back To Where I Started
Somewhere along the way, I lost sight of my goal. I mean, I was painfully aware that the end of this journey was truly far off...but when I began, there were clear signs that pointed towards that final destination. All I needed to do was hit those mini goal posts along the way. That was surely the way to stay on the right path.
While it would be no picnic in the park, it seemed like this task was quite plausible. I even garnered the assistance of someone who wholeheartedly believed that I could accomplish my goal. He would impart his wisdom upon me, and all he asked in return was faith...in his methods and in my ability to make it. For reasons of his own, he wanted to be a part of my victory, and I had no compunctions.
Indeed, I began to see progress along this voyage. Many cheered me on to success...many others cheered for my failiure. I drew strength from both to persevere. I would show my naysayers that while the word "Can't" was a permanent fixture in their vocabulary, I would not allow it to take the same shape in my life. Every marker I saw along the road gave me more power to push along.
However, it was the look upon the faces of friends and strangers alike, as they heard the tales of my success, that would continue to propel me forward. There were days when I wavered, but that was to be expected. No one would fault me if I veered off momentarily. Thankfully, those moments where fleeting, for the thought of failing, of giving my naysayers the pleasure of saying they were right...that truly gave me pause.
I knew it would be no mean feat, but I could not envision myself making it as far as I did, only to eat crow at the end. So I focused my rage, I focused on the prize at the end, I bent my will towards my task. I allowed nothing and no one to set me back...onward I went.
And then came the day of judgement. After all was said and done, I had won. Alas, my victory would be bittersweet, for the prize promised to me at the end would not be proffered. I was however, so satisfied in my accomplishment, that the prize itself held no more meaning for me. I had achieved what I set out to do, and that would be consolation enough for me. Would it have been sweet to recieve what was pledged to me...sure, except that was not the sole purpose of my taking on this challenge.
Once I had reached my destination, I would come to realize that this trek was far from over. So I continued to forge ahead, albeit without that clear goal line. No matter, I figured, i'll find my way as I always did.
Sometime in the second leg of this journey, I enlisted my closest friend to encourage me to continue, and to share my goal (for surely two could not fail, where one had once succeeded). There were rocky moments here and there for sure, but it seemed my plan was bearing fruit. The cheers and pats on the back had returned. I felt motivated to press on.
It's funny though...I can clearly recall vehemently vowing never to return to where I started from...yet I somehow made it back. I know I took a few wrong turns here and there, but I would not have believed that I could so easily stumble right back to the begining. Now mind you, I was not quite there yet. I still had time to reverse course. There were many attempts to get back on track, and just as many pitfalls for those attempts. Still, I would not give in so easily. The idea of quiting was abhorrent to me.
Yet I feel as though I have truly failed, for even though I am not at the very beginning, I have come close enough to feel frustration and anguish over my predicament. In falling short of my goals, I had allowed myself to wallow in misery and self pity. How the mighty had fallen.
The answer to my problem would seem simple enough. By doing everything I had before, I could surely grasp victory once more. Easy right? Not so, as it would turn out. I came to the realization that in order to make it to the finish, I had to be able to visualize my goal. I needed to see something at the end, something that was tangible...like I had done before.
While I was having this revelation, I became aware of a few others who where on the same path. But that alone would not be enough to encourage me. There had to be something I could claim for myself, something to give me the impetus to do this.
So now, I begin my quest anew...though I must take great care to not succumb to over-expectation, for that is a recipe for assured failiure. I will go back to the basics, but I will make adjustments. I have not set any hard goal lines yet, but I am resolute in accomplishing a very visible measure of victory by the time I celebrate my day of birth in September.
Mark my words, Roberto a.k.a. Chocolate Thunder will get back on the program...and I will win the battle of the bulge. That's right my friends...I am going to lose this extra weight, and get back in shape. I am no longer content in wearing blacks and greys to hide my bulk. I will no longer tolerate super baggy clothing. I refuse to have to toss out my entire hard earned wardrobe. I already know this will not be an easy battle. But I have already proven in the past, that it's a battle that can be fought...and won.
This was me before...
This was me after... (Mind you, I haven't reverted all the way back...but i'm getting dangerously close)
I'm a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due. I also believe that imitation can be a sincere form of flattery. With that, I'd like to say that I have been inspired by one of my favorite Bloggers, JD (most of you reading this know him, but for that small percentage that haven't had the priviledge, I encourage you to pay him a visit). At the end of JD's missives, he asks his audience several questions. This encourages people to do more than just passively read. It gives them a reason to actually leave comments. It helps him engage his readers, and builds camaraderie. I have decided that whenever possible, I would do the same, I'd ask you guys a couple of questions...see where everybody's head is at. So here it goes:
How many of you are currently fighting the battle of the bulge?
Are you taking any serious steps towards weight loss, if so, what are they?
Be honest, how many of you were seriously confused before you got to the end of my Blog? Hell, how many of you made it that far?
Tuesdays With Choco-Latte (Yeah, Morrie wasn’t available)
Current mood: breezy
Category: Parties and Nightlife
Tuesdays With Choco-Latte...
For some reason as of late, it seems i'm out and about, having a good time...on a Tuesday of all days. Just last week I was at the Skyy Vodka party with my friends, sipping on some lovely premium cocktails...for Free (check out my photo album of that night). Well, this Particular Tuesday past was no exception.
I had seen the bulletin posted by Shayna, as well as the e-mail from the mailing list...in it was the announcement of her free show, being performed at this bar/lounge called the Livingroom on Ludlow street (specifically upstairs @ Googies Lounge). This was to be an intimate set, with her Writing Partner/Pianist/Husband, David Cook (not to be confused with the Americal Idol winner of same name), and a bassist (whose name escapes me at present time...my apologies)...She is usually accompanied by a much larger contingent of musicians and back-up vocalists. Unfortunately, I had arrived a few minutes late (the show was set to start at 8:30, and I had missed the first fifteen minutes...*sigh*), so I have no clue what she sang in the begining, and I lament that. I did manage to hear some stripped down renditions of the new material they had worked on for her new upcoming album. Mind you, there may have been a few instruments and vocalists missing compared to the studio versions, but in no way was this a drawback. Shayna's voice was all the instrument that was needed (though she did have Piano & Bass on hand to add flavor). Just listening to her you could tell that these are some powerhouse tracks for the new album...and you can attest for yourself that she's the real deal, no need for engineering tricks to pump up her vocals...it's all her. She also sang a few songs from her previous E.P. SHAYNA STEELE: Shayna Steele (available at CD Baby...which I wholeheartedly reccommend you get), as well as a couple of covers (the most memorable one being Chaka Khan's "Through The Fire"...surely becoming a favorite of mine). I know I left out any actual description of the kind of sound of her own music...that was deliberate, as her style is quite varied. She convincingly flows from Jazz stylings to R&B (the real thing, not the current crap that sells), Funk to Neo-Soul, with a few Bluesy overtones...all of it contemporary. When you hear her lyrics, you can relate, and truly feel what she's singing about. I have had the priviledge of seeing her perform at many venues over the last few years, from the Cutting Room (which I found out is co-owned by the actor Chris Noth...for you S.A.T.C. fans) to the world famous Blue Note in the Greenwich Village. I decided to do this little write up because I am a faithful fan, and I wish to spread the word of this wonderful talent...I want to do whatever I can to make her fan base grow (even if it is an infinitesimal growth). I urge you to go to her page here ==> Shayna Steele, and check out the tunes on her page...then go to CD Baby to buy the CD online, or go to iTunes and buy the tracks you like there. I'll keep you posted on the release of her new album (keep your eyes open for my bulletin or possible Blog post).
In her e-mail, through out her performance and even after the show, Shayna asked...no, she insisted that we stay for the next performer coming to the stage...Ben Carroll. After a reccomendation like that, coming from her...I would've been a fool not to stay. Well let me tell ya...i'm glad I listened. I wondered what kind of treat i'd be in for, never having heard his music...and they came in with their instruments...an Accoustic Guitar (played by Ben himself), Upright Bass (Dave Dawda), small Drum set (Mike Riddleberger), Electric Guitar (Adam Levy) and a guest violinist (Tim Fain)*. It was an interesting blend of Folk music, Pop and Soul, with a touch of the Blues. Ben had a voice that was quite powerful, and full of range. His songs were catchy, and quite whimsical without being cloying. I most definitely plan on catching Ben and his band when they play in the city...it's truly a musical treat.
On a little side note: I saw this tall man walk in to catch Ben Carroll's show...when I looked up to see his face, it turned out to be Actor/Director Tim Robbins. I took several glances at him...just to make sure that's who it was. I never actually confirmed it by asking if it was him...but I swear it had to be. I just found it interesting to see what kind of music he would be into.
After Ben's set, I wound up spending the rest of my Tuesday night at the usual place I hang at, the Karaoke bar I work on the weekends, the Grisly Pear. While sitting at the bar by myself, I made conversation with a small group of college kids, who were taken with my singing (I tend to sing along to music playing in the bar....karaoke is in my Blood...LOL), and would later buy me several shots. I also befriended a lovely couple from Harrisburg PA., who also treated me to a couple of drinks. It was a good Tusday night overall.
I'm gonna end this Blog by asking you, my friends & readers, a question: Is there any artist or band that you would reccommend to me (or your friends)??? I'm talking about somebody (or Group) who isn't getting a lot of radio or video play. I'm always looking to expand my music collection (broaden my horizons), but I can't stand the corrupt commercial music monopolly known as Radio...and their Video brethren are even worse (does MTV even show videos anymore???).
*Updated:I contacted Ben, and he gave the names of the other guys that were playing with him.
Currently
listening
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Shayna Steele Release date: 2004-08-31
My Trip To Miami For The Winter Music Conference
Current mood: touched
Category: Travel and Places
My Trip To Miami For The Winter Music Conference
On the last week of March, I had the distinct pleaseure of going down to Miami for the Winter Music Conference, where the record labels and DJ Hardware/Software manufacturers gather with Top DJs, Producers and other industry professionals to make deals and exchange ideas...etc. during the day. And in the Afternoon all the way to the early morning top DJs are spinning at just about every hot venue on South Beach and beyond. I had been meaning to go down to Miami for the last 7 years...but for one reason or another, I just never made it. This year, thanks to Aaron Higgins, founder and creator of Mixmeister Technology, I made it. I made it to the airport just fine on March 26th...but I should have known it wasn't going to be the a completely smooth trip when I got interviewed at the airport by channel 12 news. Apparently there were a lot of delays due to some surprise inspections...and as I found out, it wasn't prompted by the airline wanting to be cautious (not exactly good news if you know what I mean). I didn't let that worry me...although there was a bit of a delay, we finally took off, in the most uncomfortable flight ever. After 4 hours on the plane (on what was supposed to be 3 hours), I had finally made it in to Miami on that Wednesday night. I met up with my benefactor and friend, Aaron. We split a cab to the hotel (Avalon), and in the lobby met up with our other companions, Gayle & Ed.
After checking into the rooms and a quick change, we headed out for dinner. We walked around until we found this very nice Italian restaurant (I can't remember why I didn't take pictures...oh well). We called it an early night though (it's a quarter to Midnight), cause we were exhausted from our respective flights, plus Ed was fighting what he thought was a cold. The next morning Ed sent us a text message saying he was cutting the trip very short because he felt too sick to enjoy himself (mind you, he's from England). We decided to go this Cuban diner that I had been to back in 2000 for lunch before Ed was to leave us (Ed later told us that he had had some kind of chest infection...so he really was not well).
Early in the evening we went to this pool party to meet up with Keri a.k.a. DJ Kares, who besides being an accomplished DJ is also a product specialist for Numark (A major DJ Equipment manufacturer, as well as the new owner of Mixmeister Technology). She was spinning some hot Electro & Breaks...and we got to chill with her in the out-door DJ Booth.
Later in the evening we wound up going to the Delanno Hotel where they were hosting the Giant Step Events (Giant step is a record label). We had gotten on an E-mail list (one of the two ways to get into the three day event...also one of the FREE events). After a quick walk-around, we settled onto a nice table where we chilled while sipping on some white wine.
We left sometime around 10pm to head back to the hotel to freshen up for a very late night dinner. After that we went to check out the "Ain't Nothing But A House Party" event hosted by Jellybean Benitez. My partners in crime were quite tired, so they left early...I stayed on for about another hour, as I sipped on some Free O2 Vodka (one of the sponsors of the event).
Friday, Gayle and I hit one of the Hotel restaurants on the block for Lunch (it seems every hotel doubles as a restaurant...even ours), while Aaron went on a bit of a walkabout. When lunch was over, we took a very nice long walk to Island Avenue...where the Standard Hotel was. They were hosting the Miambient event (Chilled out music) in the hotel lobby. The music was phenomenal, and the whole thing was quite relaxing...that included these swinging chairs the garden by the pool.
Sometime around 7pm we had hopped in cab and headed back to the Delano hotel, where Erykah Badu was set to perform (Aaron was there waiting for us). We took the same table we had the previous night, and decided to have dinner there (as well as more of that tasty white wine). When we saw the gathered crowd by the DJ booth area, we figured Ms. Badu was ready to make her entrance...so we proceeded to make our way to the area for an up-close look. DJ Spinna was dropping a hot set,and prepping the crowd for the grand entrance. Then Erykah came out, and the crowd went Bananas. She performed a few songs from her current album, and even did a song A Capella. We were all thoroughly pleased with her performance.
We went back to the hotel, and I was planning on going to some club somewhere (I had nothing in particular planned)...but I wound up falling asleep with everything on (TV, lights, all of my clothes), so the rest of the night was a wash.
Saturday...a new morning, and we were all refreshed. Since this would be our final full day together, we decided to cram in quite a bit. We started things off with Lunch at a nice Outdoor Italian Restaurant, which was not too far from the National hotel...that's where the Remix Hotel had their week long events, including all Day pool parties.
While we were there, we checked out the Numark/Mixmeister Booth, where we had the opportunity to check out the forthcoming Mixmeister Controller (A Midi controller for a computer based DJ program called Mixmeister).
Just a few Blocks away was the Garden Party we went to (that's not the name of the event, I just can't recall what it was called), at the Beach Plaza hotel.
Now THAT was a proper party. All of the other events had been real cool, and people were having a very good time with the dance music...but to me, this was THE party...because everyone there was a TRUE House head. (this pic was taken with a Cellphone camera...hence the lower quality)
People were truly getting down with the tunes, and the DJs were ruling their hour long sets. I had the most fun at that party.
After 5 hours of the hottest House tunes, we returned to our Hotel to freshen up for our last dinner together before hitting one last Club. Dinner was quite good, but pricey (WOW South Beach is expensive). The Opium Garden/Prive where some of the DJs we saw earlier were going to be spinning. This place was HUGE...it had one large main room under a tent, and was surrounded by 4 smaller rooms (each with their own DJs), which in all honesty were as big as some of the nice lounges we have here in NYC.
The DJs were throwing down some wicked sets...and the plan was for me to break night at the club (since I had to be up at 6am to make my way to the airport). At some point I sat down with the music pumping hard, and believe it or not, I just shut my eyes going off into La-La-Land. Despite my being at rest with this loud ass dance music on, I still had the wherewithal to know that my friends were looking at me, and laughing...because I was boasting about staying up all night so I could just crash on the Airplane. It was 2am, and I just gave it up, and we went back to the Hotel.
I still got up at 6am...feeling shit warmed over. Aaron and I had already said our goodbyes to Gayle (who was leaving later), so we checked out of the hotel, and shared a cab to the airport. After our lovely airport meal, we parted ways, and I boarded my plane headed back to the Big Apple.
I'd love to go back next year...but if I do, I need to make sure i'm rolling with some serious dough in the bank...food & booze is MIGHTY expensive down there, and I get quite thirsty.
touched
thirsty
irritated
)...but nowhere is it written on my face that I am incapable of telling time. You can't stand there and tell me you've been waiting 
pissed off
determined
breezy
