Saturday, June 04, 2005
Whole Lotta Nothin'
I didn't post for a few days because I didn't really do anything. Seriously. I just sat around, eating and breathing and not much else. I guess I'm a little ashamed of that, but what am I going to do? Make up an adventure that I didn't really have? That's not how I roll, kids.
One thing that did happen was I got my laptop in the mail. I bought a used Toshiba Satellite for a good price. Since two of my friends fix computers for a living I brought the new machine with me when I went up to Westchester to hang out with them yesterday. We had fun and they took a look at my laptop. It works fine but there's a weird thing that happens whenever I restart (rather than shut down) the machine, so I left it in their hands rather than lug it back to NYC. I also gave Ben his signed copy of Haunted from Tuesday's appearance. Ben's birthday came last month while I was at school so this was a belated present. He really enjoyed it which made me feel very happy.
Anyway, here I am back in the city. What comes next? I have no plans.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
One thing that did happen was I got my laptop in the mail. I bought a used Toshiba Satellite for a good price. Since two of my friends fix computers for a living I brought the new machine with me when I went up to Westchester to hang out with them yesterday. We had fun and they took a look at my laptop. It works fine but there's a weird thing that happens whenever I restart (rather than shut down) the machine, so I left it in their hands rather than lug it back to NYC. I also gave Ben his signed copy of Haunted from Tuesday's appearance. Ben's birthday came last month while I was at school so this was a belated present. He really enjoyed it which made me feel very happy.
Anyway, here I am back in the city. What comes next? I have no plans.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Second Try
After finally locating an open Kinko's this morning, I now have a decent pile of resumes to pass out. I didn't buy very many since I'm not exactly trying to paper the city looking for a career and any leftovers will be completely obsolete next summer. I spent a decent amount of time on the internet this morning trying to apply for work online. Online applications are often very strange. One in particular (I won't say whose, but it's owned by a large corporation) had me respond to a 37-part psychological profiling exam. Each "question" is a statement and I have to choose between "strongly agree," "agree," "disagree" or "strongly disagree." Some of it is simple stuff like, "I work well with others" but how am I supposed to respond to "It is maddening when the court lets guilty criminals go free?" What does that even mean? By definition, how can they be "guilty" if the court finds them "not guilty?" Is this a trick O.J. question?
Meh, I had better luck this evening as Chuck Palahniuk was in town to read his new book, Haunted. I hope you remember that I first "met" Chuck in Albany last September and I wrote about the experience in detail. In order to best plan my evening I called the Union Square branch of Barnes & Noble for details. They told me that Chuck would be signing books and that they were handing out wristbands to regulate seating at 4:00 PM, three hours before the event started.
I showed up promptly at four to get my wristband. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my copy of Fight Club which I had bought at Chuck's last appearance. Since he was promoting a new book, I decided the best solution was to buy two copies of that and get them both signed; one for me and one for my good friend Ben who turned me onto Chuck's books in the first place. However, I did not buy them at the B&N. I went five blocks south to The Strand instead. It cost me a few extra bucks but you know they need the money a lot more than B&N does.
Taking some advice from the crew over at Chuck's official site, I immediately returned to the B&N as Chuck has been known to arrive early and start signing. I had a great fourth-row seat and killed time by reading the new book. Pretty compelling and creepy if you ask me. Chuck indeed arrived around 5:15 and started signing everything. Unlike last time, I got up there early so he was talkative and energetic. I didn't really capitalize on that, not really knowing what to say. I contemplated bringing up Albany, the whale porn thing or even the fact that my website was essentially named for his book. Instead I said nothing in particular, just got two personalized signatures and a handshake. No photo this time, sorry. In case you forgot, here's our photo from last time. You might enjoy knowing that same photo appears on Wikipedia's entry for Chuck with my body edited out (my hand is still visible). Wonder who put that there? ^_^
The speaking portion of the event was great. Chuck once again shared some outrageous stories he had heard that were different from the tales he told last fall. Not to get too graphic, but he told us about a fan who showed him an "art project" which contained nothing but photos of naked people whom the fan had found dead in the peep show booth at the porn store where he works. I had no idea that peep show booths were dangerous places but there's one more reason not to go in there: You might unwittingly end up a crudely-posed model in some creep's portfolio. Chuck also read a different story from his book, not "Guts" but "Hotpotting." It was less sexual but no less disturbing. Let's just say there was a reason he distributed meat air fresheners before the reading. I got one but it smelled so foul I threw it away. Speaking of handouts, he again gave out plastic severed limbs. He threw a foot in my direction and both me and this other guy ended up grabbing it. I opted to release it rather than fight for such a novelty item that I have no place to put.
Since I had gotten my items signed ahead of time I was able to leave the reading promptly and still have time to catch some dinner over at the Otafuku, my first visit since returning from Albany. Good lord it was delicious. I fucking love Japanese food, bottom line. I'm not just talking sushi, frankly, I prefer the lesser-known dishes like katsu kare (explained here) or Takoyaki.
Dad's out of town for a few days so I can relax a little...w00t! Party at my place!
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Meh, I had better luck this evening as Chuck Palahniuk was in town to read his new book, Haunted. I hope you remember that I first "met" Chuck in Albany last September and I wrote about the experience in detail. In order to best plan my evening I called the Union Square branch of Barnes & Noble for details. They told me that Chuck would be signing books and that they were handing out wristbands to regulate seating at 4:00 PM, three hours before the event started.
I showed up promptly at four to get my wristband. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my copy of Fight Club which I had bought at Chuck's last appearance. Since he was promoting a new book, I decided the best solution was to buy two copies of that and get them both signed; one for me and one for my good friend Ben who turned me onto Chuck's books in the first place. However, I did not buy them at the B&N. I went five blocks south to The Strand instead. It cost me a few extra bucks but you know they need the money a lot more than B&N does.
Taking some advice from the crew over at Chuck's official site, I immediately returned to the B&N as Chuck has been known to arrive early and start signing. I had a great fourth-row seat and killed time by reading the new book. Pretty compelling and creepy if you ask me. Chuck indeed arrived around 5:15 and started signing everything. Unlike last time, I got up there early so he was talkative and energetic. I didn't really capitalize on that, not really knowing what to say. I contemplated bringing up Albany, the whale porn thing or even the fact that my website was essentially named for his book. Instead I said nothing in particular, just got two personalized signatures and a handshake. No photo this time, sorry. In case you forgot, here's our photo from last time. You might enjoy knowing that same photo appears on Wikipedia's entry for Chuck with my body edited out (my hand is still visible). Wonder who put that there? ^_^
The speaking portion of the event was great. Chuck once again shared some outrageous stories he had heard that were different from the tales he told last fall. Not to get too graphic, but he told us about a fan who showed him an "art project" which contained nothing but photos of naked people whom the fan had found dead in the peep show booth at the porn store where he works. I had no idea that peep show booths were dangerous places but there's one more reason not to go in there: You might unwittingly end up a crudely-posed model in some creep's portfolio. Chuck also read a different story from his book, not "Guts" but "Hotpotting." It was less sexual but no less disturbing. Let's just say there was a reason he distributed meat air fresheners before the reading. I got one but it smelled so foul I threw it away. Speaking of handouts, he again gave out plastic severed limbs. He threw a foot in my direction and both me and this other guy ended up grabbing it. I opted to release it rather than fight for such a novelty item that I have no place to put.
Since I had gotten my items signed ahead of time I was able to leave the reading promptly and still have time to catch some dinner over at the Otafuku, my first visit since returning from Albany. Good lord it was delicious. I fucking love Japanese food, bottom line. I'm not just talking sushi, frankly, I prefer the lesser-known dishes like katsu kare (explained here) or Takoyaki.
Dad's out of town for a few days so I can relax a little...w00t! Party at my place!
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Funny Finds
As I discussed here, I saw the latest Star Wars film and I laughed out loud when Darth Vader screamed "NOOOOOOOO!" I just found this page that will allow you to experience the absurdity too. Don't forget to turn your speakers on! If you want to download the sound, here it is. Note that it is a .WAV file, so Mac users might not be able to hear it.
On a much creepier (or funnier, perhaps) note, meet Brian Peppers. Brian's a convicted sex offender in Ohio and he looks...well, see for yourself. For your computer's sake, make sure you're not eating or drinking anything.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
On a much creepier (or funnier, perhaps) note, meet Brian Peppers. Brian's a convicted sex offender in Ohio and he looks...well, see for yourself. For your computer's sake, make sure you're not eating or drinking anything.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Monday, May 30, 2005
Caught Napping
One of the things I love about NYC is the huge variety of services available, and at all hours as well. If I want Indian food at two in the morning, I can get it. However, this "city that never sleeps" surprised me today when I tried to make some copies of my resume. For starters, I struggled with my printer to create a double-sided page. I know some people say it should only be one side, but I need at least two pages to include all of my embellishments.
After printing, I wanted to make more copies and use some nicer paper. As it was only 4:30 I figured it would be a snap to get some professional copies made. I strolled to a nearby copy place but the clerk was outside and he said they were closed. The sign on the door said 9 PM but I guess they closed early for the holiday. He suggested a nearby Kinko's which also turned out to be closed. I thought the whole point of Kinko's was that they were open 24-7, but it seems that Memorial Day trumps business philosophies. Rather than search any further I went home. Fortunately this was no emergency, but does anyone else find my inability to get a photocopy made in the middle of afternoon spooky?
No? Well, it sucked.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
After printing, I wanted to make more copies and use some nicer paper. As it was only 4:30 I figured it would be a snap to get some professional copies made. I strolled to a nearby copy place but the clerk was outside and he said they were closed. The sign on the door said 9 PM but I guess they closed early for the holiday. He suggested a nearby Kinko's which also turned out to be closed. I thought the whole point of Kinko's was that they were open 24-7, but it seems that Memorial Day trumps business philosophies. Rather than search any further I went home. Fortunately this was no emergency, but does anyone else find my inability to get a photocopy made in the middle of afternoon spooky?
No? Well, it sucked.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Whirlwind Weekend
Sorry for not updating sooner, but I've had a very busy weekend. Not "hard work" busy but fun busy. I went up to my hometown on Friday to hang out with a bunch of friends, including Jason who is moving to Florida very soon. In between the jokes and levity we started to talk seriously about my need for a laptop computer. My computer has served me well but it has two serious drawbacks: it is five years old (positively ancient by computer standards) and it weighs a ton, especially the 19" monitor. Not exactly something I can haul with me on an international flight. I was told that the best prices around are on eBay and I found some pretty good looking deals. I put a number of systems on my watchlist and moved on.
Saturday we all came into Brooklyn to hang out with my friend Mike and record more music. This was the first time that six of us were all together at the same time in months. We were able to hang out and get a lot of audio work done. Having consulted my doctor, I got the green light to resume consumption of alcohol. I began the night with a 22 oz. bottle of Steel Reserve and later had a few Molson's. I got a buzz going pretty quickly but I never got crazy or even close to sick, nor was I hung over the next morning. It was a blast! I look forward to visiting Jason in Florida next year.
Today was a pretty sleepy day as most of my friends left early to return to Westchester. Even Mike had to run but he let Ben and myself hang out a little longer. Having heard good things about it for so long, I finally watched Anchorman (the unrated version). It was hilarious and totally demented to boot. There's no way the PG-13 version they showed in theaters was that funny.
Ben and I eventually came back to Manhattan and we both realized we had a craving for the Carnegie Deli. I was worried there might be a wait, what with the holiday weekend and all, but we were seated immediately. I had my usual: a pastrami sandwich on rye and a slice of cheesecake for dessert. Ben ordered a Reuben but actually modified it to the point it became a Rachel, something I just learned now on the internet. He wanted them to grill the sandwich with the Russian dressing but they refused. In any case it was enormous. I had nearly forgotten how awesome their food is.
All that eating wore me out so I went home to Dad's place. I guess this week I need to seriously accelerate, no, start my job search. Oh yeah, and I finally invested in a pre-paid mobile phone, so no more filthy pay phones for me.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Saturday we all came into Brooklyn to hang out with my friend Mike and record more music. This was the first time that six of us were all together at the same time in months. We were able to hang out and get a lot of audio work done. Having consulted my doctor, I got the green light to resume consumption of alcohol. I began the night with a 22 oz. bottle of Steel Reserve and later had a few Molson's. I got a buzz going pretty quickly but I never got crazy or even close to sick, nor was I hung over the next morning. It was a blast! I look forward to visiting Jason in Florida next year.
Today was a pretty sleepy day as most of my friends left early to return to Westchester. Even Mike had to run but he let Ben and myself hang out a little longer. Having heard good things about it for so long, I finally watched Anchorman (the unrated version). It was hilarious and totally demented to boot. There's no way the PG-13 version they showed in theaters was that funny.
Ben and I eventually came back to Manhattan and we both realized we had a craving for the Carnegie Deli. I was worried there might be a wait, what with the holiday weekend and all, but we were seated immediately. I had my usual: a pastrami sandwich on rye and a slice of cheesecake for dessert. Ben ordered a Reuben but actually modified it to the point it became a Rachel, something I just learned now on the internet. He wanted them to grill the sandwich with the Russian dressing but they refused. In any case it was enormous. I had nearly forgotten how awesome their food is.
All that eating wore me out so I went home to Dad's place. I guess this week I need to seriously accelerate, no, start my job search. Oh yeah, and I finally invested in a pre-paid mobile phone, so no more filthy pay phones for me.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
unpaid advertising...I'm no sell out!
