Do Something With Yourself for Christ Sake

Holy crap, I forgot about this blog...my apologies, it's been a while. I promise I won't disappear like that again.

So I have some new ideas, plans, things I want to do, make, see and so on. I guess its kind of like a bucket list but not really. It's more like "do something with yourself for christ sake" list. So moving forward the plan for this blog is to get my ideas out there, my work out there and get feedback. Things are going to change here people and I'm f*cking excited.

One is a new and unexpected thought. I'm thinking about getting a tattoo. My entire life I have been so against it, I love it on other people, I actually think a tattoo with a story or a true meaning behind it and it being in the right spot is sexy. Anyways, I've always said that it's too permanent and I wouldn't be able to do it...that is until recently. I don't know what it is but I got the bug and I want one, I want one real bad. Again a tattoo is permanent but if it's of something that is a passion, a huge part of your life, a huge part of who you are then I say go for it. Plus, as cliche as this sounds, you only live once. So I'm told.

My plan for a tat would be one of these...thinner outlines though and the placement is TBD. It's simple.



Photography is one thing in life that I couldn't live without, it's who I am. Am I great at it? Depends on who you ask but it is by far one of my favorite things in life.

Tattoos are permanent and that's basically how I feel about photography. It's permanently apart of my life. So why not, right?

Jury is still out on whether or not I'll actually do it, my mom will most likely kill me even if I am 28 years old. As for placement, I would love it to be on my wrist or forearm but I'm not sure I want it to be that visible or perhaps on my side in the rib cage area.

I'll keep you updated on that.

Other things on my mind include, music, movies, photography, writing and possibly take a class. There is so much I want to do and I plan on doing everything in my power to do them...I need new challenges, I need new inspiration...I'm ready for it.

Something to Think About

THE SITUATION - In a Washington D.C. Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

About 4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

At 6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.

At 45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while.
About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

After 1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.

This experiment raised several questions:
In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? If so, do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made; how many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

Took a little trip to Jackson Hole...

and I have video to prove it.



Links to this post

Hey, Soul Sister

Natural Talent

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

National MS Society - Bike Event:

National MS Society - Bike Event:

My brother and his friends are doing it again...help out of you can or spread the word!!

"As many of you know, a great friend of mine from college, Liam Kennedy, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in March 2008. After learning of his diagnoses a group of us decided we wanted to do something to show Liam our support. We learned of the MS Cape Cod Getaway and decided to form a team, Liam’s Lucky Charms or LLC. The Cape Cod Getaway is the largest MS ride in New England. Beginning on the morning of Saturday June 26, over 2000 riders will pedal from Boston, Massachusetts through the coastal towns of Massachusetts' South Shore to Cape Cod. Early Sunday morning, the riders cross the Bourne Bridge and ride through picturesque Cape Cod as they make their way to Provincetown.

In 2008, Liam’s Lucky Charms consisted of 12 riders and through the support of friends & family we were able to raise just over $28,000. That was good for 7th best team overall, despite being one of the smallest teams to participate. Team LLC was back at it in 2009 with 25 riders and raised over $60,000 which earned us 3rd overall and a fundraising award, see attached. That brings us to 2010 and after some heavy recruiting; team LLC currently has 56 riders registered for this year’s ride.

I'm hoping to raise about $1,000 and I’ve got about two months to do it. Obviously, I'd like to raise more but I thought this would be a nice goal to start with. I also realize that times are tough for everyone and I completely understand if you can't make a donation. Click here to get to my personal page and make a secure, online donation.
Or, why not join me on the day of the event? "

Donate if you can!!!!

These guys are insane

This is your decision point

At the end of this past March I was fortunate enough to make a trip out to Jackson Hole, WY for some skiing with my brother in laws family. The last time I was out west was when I was about 13 or 14 and my parents took my sister and I to Snowbird, Utah (1996 to be exact, Yikes that's a long time ago). It was awesome, I loved it and to be honest I am so surprised that I never went back out there till now. Growing up in a family where everyone skis, it blows my mind that this was the first time back. That will change now after this trip.

So if you're a skier and are looking to make a trip out west, I highly recommend Jackson Hole. The mountain was one of the steepest and the most challenging, I have never experienced anything like it. To put that into perspective, the mountains in Vermont are the equivalent of the "easier" side of the mountain at Jackson.



I have been a skier my entire life and I have never been as challenged as much as I was out there, it was incredible. A few scary moments here and there but more breath taking moments than anything. I am absolutely going back next year.

Below are a few photographs from the base of the mountain. The final morning we were there, there was this incredible fog hovering over surrounding mountains which looked awesome. You can see some more photographs here

Golden Grahams sharing the graham for a job interview story

Wow, I grew up eating this stuff and still love it. How do they cram all that Graham?
Golden Grahams is looking for people who have weird, funny and interesting stories about job interviews you've been on. If they like your story, they animate it and you get 12 boxes of Golden Grahams shipped to you!!
It's called the Golden Grant and some of these stories are pretty f*ing funny...check out some example videos below and more details from the website.

You and Your Heart - Jack Johnson

Hair and all, Jack Johnson performs a new song off of his upcoming album out in June.
It's Jack, of course I love it.
Can't wait for the album

A Wednesday Mixtape

Versus (The White Panda Mixtape) by whitepandamusic

Compliments of The White Panda



Tracklist


1. Intro
2. What You Know About Little Secrets (T.I. // Passion Pit)
3. Sweetest Fascination (Wyclef Jean // Alphabeat)
4. Eminem Front (Eminem // Clipse // The Who)
5. Lean Back Wit It (Fat Joe // Will Smith)
6. Button Showers (M.I.A. // Sia)
7. Hypnotic Echo (Plies // Akon // Cyndi Lauper)
8. Throw Some Tik On That Tok (Rich Boy // Ke$ha)
9. Golden Encore (Jay-Z // One Republic // The Whitest Boy Alive)
10. Forgot About September (Dr. Dre // Earth, Wind & Fire)
11. Bizarre Flirt (R. Kelly // Rick James // OMC)
12. Dancefloor Sex (Jeremih // Cascada)
13. Drugs In My Rocketship (AZ // Thieves Like Us)
14. Stand Up (Like A Pimp) (Ludacris // Phonat)
15. Like This Ghetto (MIMS // Phonat)
16. Ice Chrome Paint Job (Dorrough // Chromeo)
17. Badd Fire (Mike Jones // Young Punx)
18. I’m A Gangsta (Yes You Are) (Bun B // Bob Sinclair // Mylo)
19. Picture The Donque (Will.I.Am // Sneaky Sound System)
20. Shake Drop On Video (Pitbull // Timbaland // Trans X)
21. We Made Ghosts N Stuff (Eminem // Deadmau5)
22. When The Lights Calle Ocho (Pitbull // David Guetta)
23. Party Where Your Head’s At (Basement Jaxx // Tonite Only)
24. Hustlin’ Pirates (Lil Mama // Rick Ross // Klaus Badelt)
25. Stay Fly Every Day (Three Six Mafia // Benassi Bros)
26. Army of Yeah (Wiz Khalifa // Usher // Umek & Beltek)
27. Touch 3 Skies (Kanye West // Britney Spears)
28. What Lonely Girls Do (Lil’ Jon // Ocean Lab)
29. Smack You Forever (Akon // September)
30. My Life Would Suck Without A Milli (Lil’ Wayne // Kelly Clarkson)
31. Hot N Cold Rain (Katy Perry // Fat Joe)
32. Stuntin’ Like My Energy (Lil’ Wayne // Keri Hilson)
33. Pop, Lock & Grizzly (Huey // Grizzly Bear // Fred Falke)

Billy the Kids 1st year

I put together a little video of my nephew Billy for my sister and brother in law. I intended on getting this done before his 1st Birthday but I just couldn't do it in time. So here is a glimpse at the 1st year of Billy's life.

The baby whisperer

This dog is what all moms are looking for...a little pup to calm a crying baby down.

Up in the Air with Pauly D

The Jersey Shore Presents: Up in the Air - "Miles" - watch more funny videos

People falling always makes me laugh

Flip Flops Glued to the Ground - watch more funny videos

Billy's dancing on the table again

The little man is pure entertainment.

Between Two Ferns - Ben Stiller

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: Ben Stiller from Between Two Ferns

The craziest man alive...

WTF???

What's it like telling a story to your family?

I know what it's like to start a story but I couldn't say I know how to finish one in my family. Not because I don't want to or that I'm bad at story telling, it just turns out that I always end up getting interrupted by a family member and that's the end of that. I am by no means complaining, I actually think it's quite humorous and only until this past weekend did I realize the extent of it. This also isn't a new thing, it has pretty much been an on going battle for as long as I can remember and I am pretty sure it has stemmed from one attempt in particular.

Growing up, being the youngest of 4, it was never easy to get a word in at the dinner table. All I know is that you better have something pretty damn good to say or else you’re just going to be made fun of. My brothers were by no means mean to my sister and I it was just that they were 10 and 8 years older than I am so we weren’t really on the same page in life.

One night I finally got the chance to say what was on my mind and it ultimately became the story I will NEVER live down for the rest of my life. What’s funny is that I am sure I have told a million stories since then and yet this particular one is the one that my family relives every single time we are together. Well that and the string bean story but that’s for another time.

I can't recall how old I was but I do know that I was fairly young, possibly 5 when it finally became my turn. Everyone was talking at the table and I made a few attempts to get a word in. Finally my brother noticed and gave me the floor to talk. I was shocked, this was unexpected and I drew a blank, all memory of what I was going to say had left my 5 year old brain.

Stage fright.

The room was silent; I think even our dog Donut stopped to listen.

So what do I finally say?

"Today, me and Lindsey went down the hill and got snow in our faces"

Continued silence followed by laughter. It was an "I carried a watermelon" moment and I'll never be able to take it back. I kid you not that this story gets brought up every single time we are all around when I want to tell a story. It’s never going to go away.

For the years following it I would get all pissed off but now, to me, its as funny as ever.

So now at age 27 whenever I tell a story they remind me of that one particular time I got to talk, even my brother in law is in on it.

In proving that this story has stuck and to prove that finishing a story is unlikely in my shoes, this past weekend, the family went to Mount Snow, Vermont for a ski weekend. After a long day of skiing we all went back to the house and had a great dinner. During dinner, the conversations were flowing as was the beer and wine. So in learning from past experiences (27 years of family dinners) I just keep a little quiet and just take it all in. If anyone knows my family, you might know that we are a few clowns short of a circus. After a few topics were thrown out there I took a chance to tell a story.

We're all talking and I begin to tell a story and somehow it turns into another story that someone else tells. I brush it off because this is nothing new. Another story comes to mind and yet again it gets turned into another story told by someone else. Around the 4th time this happened I leaned towards my sister who was sitting next to me and said "That's 4"
She looked confused. I said "I have attempted to tell 4 stories and haven't finished 1 of them" We both started hysterically laughing.

The 5th Attempt…no dice.

Finally after the 6th attempt my mom caught on to my sister and I laughing and asked what was going on. This finally got peoples attention and I said that I have attempted to tell 6 stories and never got to finish 1. Now that everyone was aware you would think they would let me tell my stories but no, the situation only became worse.

Now in my eyes, I don’t think I'm a bad storyteller, I could be completely off on that. I do know one thing, I'm a damn good conversation starter.

There is nothing I like more...

Than these commercials...
They kill me.

Soup Kitchen

Have you ever volunteered at a Soup Kitchen before?

I am happy to say I have and plan on doing it a lot more often.

What an amazing feeling to have done something for others in need. (sounds cliche but it's true)

I was asked on Tuesday night if I would like to help out at the local soup kitchen and with no hesitation what so ever, I said yes. For a while now I have been wanting to help out in any way I can whether it be donating clothes or my time, I want to help. Times are tough now and every little bit makes a difference. I'm lucky enough to have a great job, a roof over my head and to eat three meals a day unlike many out there who struggle to eat just 1 meal a day.

So yesterday I ventured down to the Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services, put on my hair net and rubber gloves and served some Sheppard's Pie, Salad, Apple juice and fruit to the ones in need. This was one of the most humbling experiences for me, these people were some of the happiest people I have seen in a while, they were beyond appreciative, smiling and at the end of the meal, they looked satisfied.

I know everyone's lives are a little crazy sometimes but this took all of 3 hours out of my day, if you can help out in any way you should, not only for other people but for yourself too. I know that sounds weird but its true. Last night was a new start for me, I have a whole new appreciation for life now and the way in which I utilize my time.

Not the reaction we were looking for...

See how a certain someone is reacting to Jersey Shore, Season #2 not being in the Jersey Shore.

And the Oscar goes to...

My Favorite time of the year is Awards season and after watching the disappointing Grammy Awards this past weekend I am ready to move on to the Oscars!!!

For as long as I can remember, I have loved watching the Oscars and in the past two years I have tried to see each movie that was up for an award and let me tell you, it's not very easy on the wallet. I do this because when watching the show, I like to know whether or not the person deserved to win the highest honor an actor could win or not. I have been disappointed in the past and have a feeling I just might be again.

Regardless, I love the movies and I love the Oscars. So now, being that the nominations have been announced I would like to put in my predictions on a few categories.

Before I do, I will have to say that you MUST see 2 movies on the list, Crazy Heart and The Hurt Locker.

Unbelievable movies.

Yes, Avatar was a beautiful film that should also be seen, especially in the theater, you will no doubt kick yourself in the ass if you don't, but Crazy Heart and The Hurt Locker were hands down my favorite.

I would also like to say that I am not a happy camper with the fact that there are 10 Nominations for the Best Picture, 10? Really? It's almost as bad as Jamie Foxx winning a Grammy, it just shouldn't happen!

I just realized I have seen 8 out of 10 and plan on seeing the 2 before the show.

Now do you believe me when I say I like the movies?

Ok here we go...

Best Picture

Avatar
The Blind Side
District 9
An Education
The Hurt Locker (even though we all know Avatar is going to win)
Inglorious Basterds
Precious
A Serious Man
Up
Up in the Air

Actor in a Leading Role

Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
George Clooney, Up in the Air
Colin Firth, A Single Man
Morgan Freeman, Invictus
Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker

Actor in a Supporting Role

Matt Damon, Invictus
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Christopher Plummer, The Last Station
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz, Inglorious Basterds

Actress in a Leading Role

Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Helen Mirren, The Last Station
Carey Mulligan, An Education
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia

Actress in a Supporting Role

Penelope Cruz, Nine
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Maggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy Heart
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Mo'Nique, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

Directing

James Cameron, Avatar
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Quentin Tarantino, Inglorious Basterds
Lee Daniels, Precious: based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air

Big talk about the tied number of nominations (9 each) for the once married, James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow. Should make for an interesting show. My vote goes with Kathryn, the fourth ever nominated woman for Best Director.

Check back after the Oscars for my rants and raves...and no it won't be about the fashion.