It's a beautiful day for a ride again. Not as humid as it was a few weeks back and because I'm riding with the computer bag as opposed to the backpack, I'm not schvitzing as much. I had started to read an article about posture in the office in Men's Health this morning but had to cut it short, will resume shortly. There was an article buried in the Personal Journal of the WSJ about jazz photography that was really nice, too.
Between the 3 rides (I'll include going home from RVC station), the run and swim, I did the triathlon yesterday over the course of the day.I swam last night so I am still a little drained though I ate and slept well. Sometimes there's not enough coffee in the world.
"In Your Honor" and "No Way Back" the first two tracks off the Foo Fighters' best album (In Your Honor) start me off on my way. I've had this album 5 years and it immediately became my favorite FF album (and a personal all-time fav). I remember before it came out I heard "Best of You" and it changed me completely and I called in to Steiner Studios the next morning and quit working on that godawful film office. Bunch of crap and waste of time that was -- except that I got a copy of a real shooting script so I know what one should look like in case I decide to infect the world with another original screenplay.
I was really moody yesterday -- you'd be too, if you hated your job as much as I do -- but today I know it's the end of the week so I'll chill out a little bit. I think about this when I hear the intense/positive lyrics of "Scraped" by GNR. "I'm here to tell you, you're worth more than they tell you." Damn right, I am.
So in the past few weeks I've really amped up the running during lunch. I tried to pick music that wasn't too heavy or else it would've ruined some of the nice moments and I don't want to be PO'd during cardio for fear I will keep running and never burn out and end up in Canada torn and tattered, hungry, but awake. So that's why I've dug in to a lot of Van Halen and Living Colour but I've re-discovered a Chili Peppers song that I always liked but now I love. "Turn It Again," the penultimate track off Stadium Arcadium. This is a rock song that is heavy without unnecessary distortion, cool lyrics and a dynamite guitar solo -- the kind where the musician and instrument just merge in a very "Matrix" way. I can tap in to that -- I respond to it -- it creates a high that cannot be paralleled by much, and pushes me to reach a newer, better high. I hear this and it reaffirms that I do not, and never needed, any kind of drug and why I only drink one or two beers on the weekend.
I'll probably never hear it live, in-person. I used to think that Flea gives up halfway through John's solo but he just tones it down. This album will always remind me of a wonderful time in my life -- probably the best so far. But this track is what will typically remind me of running along the Seaport and training in general. I can only hope the next album has another one of these on it.
Another old favorite, "Alive" by Pearl Jam is on for the red light at Albany Street. Yet another great song with a long guitar solo as an outro but it's just too good with a nod to the Doors' "Five to One."
See you Tuesday. Thank you for reading.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
End of Roundtrip #185
There's not a whole hell of a lot to say about the ride back except the very beginning. Whilst passing the human-made chain rope-off (yeah, that makes sense) you could smell the hot street pretzels that were probably just a bit too crispy but worth the dollar fifty. Then a bus that had picked up its passengers on the left started up and kicked all this dirty air into the wind. So much for the pretzel fantasy.
I ran today during lunch and will swim tonight.
Thank you for reading.
I ran today during lunch and will swim tonight.
Thank you for reading.
First Sunny Day All Week
I won't pretend to have any real deep thoughts today. I am too driven and am too excited about Sunday. I think my blood is still pumping from the 3-mile run in the gym last night. The storm has passed and I am just content to be a meat head. You can tell by today's playlist:
Too Much Rock & Roll - Rollins Band
One Shot (live) - Rollins Band
Rusty Cage - Soundgarden
Yesterday Don't Mean Shit - Pantera
We'll Grind That Axe For a Long Time - Pantera
There is one thing to be noted and I'll ask the DOT about this: Why is there more ground work at the WFC? This stuff used to hold me up big time as I'd exit past the Deloitte building. They have one week before I get PO'd.
I did the ride today in about 20 minutes. I'm reading All-Star Superman tpb #1 that my brother lent me. It is a good take on the character and story. I'm not sure what book I'll read next, I've got shelves waiting to be tackled. Hemingway's Garden of Eden is at the top of the list, but that doesn't mean I'll get to it immediately. I have nice, probably unread hardcover first editions of Henry Miller books but I don't want to take that on the train and keep it in a bag next to my sweaty water bottle.
Maybe I'll have more depth or insight on the way home. I'll run during lunch today and maybe swim tonite or tomorrow.
Thank you for reading.
Too Much Rock & Roll - Rollins Band
One Shot (live) - Rollins Band
Rusty Cage - Soundgarden
Yesterday Don't Mean Shit - Pantera
We'll Grind That Axe For a Long Time - Pantera
There is one thing to be noted and I'll ask the DOT about this: Why is there more ground work at the WFC? This stuff used to hold me up big time as I'd exit past the Deloitte building. They have one week before I get PO'd.
I did the ride today in about 20 minutes. I'm reading All-Star Superman tpb #1 that my brother lent me. It is a good take on the character and story. I'm not sure what book I'll read next, I've got shelves waiting to be tackled. Hemingway's Garden of Eden is at the top of the list, but that doesn't mean I'll get to it immediately. I have nice, probably unread hardcover first editions of Henry Miller books but I don't want to take that on the train and keep it in a bag next to my sweaty water bottle.
Maybe I'll have more depth or insight on the way home. I'll run during lunch today and maybe swim tonite or tomorrow.
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Don't try to intimidate me with rain #2.
Today was the ying to yesterday's yang: It wasn't raining at home when I left and it was coming down hard in Manhattan. But I said "screw it" because I didn't have any food with me and everyone will understand my coming in late due to constantly delayed LIRR trains. It forced me to ride without music (I don't want to screw up the Ipod or its holder) but that's okay it made it a tougher experience. There was a huge invisible puddle on the path approaching the Piers and it splashed and seeped right into my shoes and socks. Such a gross feeling but I will brave it, it just makes me wish I'd be smart enough to bring an extra pair of socks.
I do see some cyclists and joggers on the path today and a few gave me the nod -- the one that telepathically says: "We're like-minded and committed to ourselves." It's a good feeling. It's not about saving money it's about getting the training in for Sunday. I think this is also punishment for not riding on that last Thursday in July.
My dreams are getting more violent and erratic. I imagined I was picking a fight with an older fellow from work (he'd deserve it; he's not that old) and just as we were exiting the office to throw down, I woke myself up around 6:20. That could be attributed to hearing Pantera's "I'm Broken" for the first time in a while last night, or my (confident) anxiety about Sunday, or I could just not be too happy about my career. Either way, I'm trying to use this all to my advantage and convert it all to positive energy and not dwell on it or think of it as a premonition.
I can only go so fast on this thing to start with but with the few driveways along the path I don't want to push it.
To my right is the Hudson River and the water, like the skyline, is gray. It's like something out of "The Road." The buildings to my left I know normally have color but they are dulled today and everything is gray. After a while, not getting sunlight and the proper amount of Vitamin D takes its toll on your outlook. Supposedly the next 7 days will be nice out. I can supplement the Vitamin D with my multi-V but when you sit in an air-conditioned nightmare all day and there's no natural light coming in, it negatively impacts your mood.
I swam the 1/2 mile last night in 25 minutes which is a solid time for me -- I'll take it. I planned to run during lunch today but it's not worth it. If the rain keeps up like this I'll take the subway home I will not risk the road trip along the cars during the evening rush.
Soaked as I passed the WFCs there were thankfully no tourists, though I think if they had been there I would've left them alone because it meant they were braving the rain which would melt the average person for their weak shots of Ground Zero which would probably be blurry anyway.
Thank you for reading.
I do see some cyclists and joggers on the path today and a few gave me the nod -- the one that telepathically says: "We're like-minded and committed to ourselves." It's a good feeling. It's not about saving money it's about getting the training in for Sunday. I think this is also punishment for not riding on that last Thursday in July.
My dreams are getting more violent and erratic. I imagined I was picking a fight with an older fellow from work (he'd deserve it; he's not that old) and just as we were exiting the office to throw down, I woke myself up around 6:20. That could be attributed to hearing Pantera's "I'm Broken" for the first time in a while last night, or my (confident) anxiety about Sunday, or I could just not be too happy about my career. Either way, I'm trying to use this all to my advantage and convert it all to positive energy and not dwell on it or think of it as a premonition.
I can only go so fast on this thing to start with but with the few driveways along the path I don't want to push it.
To my right is the Hudson River and the water, like the skyline, is gray. It's like something out of "The Road." The buildings to my left I know normally have color but they are dulled today and everything is gray. After a while, not getting sunlight and the proper amount of Vitamin D takes its toll on your outlook. Supposedly the next 7 days will be nice out. I can supplement the Vitamin D with my multi-V but when you sit in an air-conditioned nightmare all day and there's no natural light coming in, it negatively impacts your mood.
I swam the 1/2 mile last night in 25 minutes which is a solid time for me -- I'll take it. I planned to run during lunch today but it's not worth it. If the rain keeps up like this I'll take the subway home I will not risk the road trip along the cars during the evening rush.
Soaked as I passed the WFCs there were thankfully no tourists, though I think if they had been there I would've left them alone because it meant they were braving the rain which would melt the average person for their weak shots of Ground Zero which would probably be blurry anyway.
Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Don't try to intimidate me with rain.
Train wasn't delayed in getting to O'Side today but it was packed and hit every stop west of Jamaica. It was pretty peaceful but what bothered me was that some people still pulled that "I'm-sitting-on-the-outside-of-the-three-seater-seat-and-keeping-it-so-you'll-have-to-wait-for-me-to-get-up-and-sit-in-the-middle-because-I'm-above-it" crap. On a normal day I wouldn't care but everyone's standing and you're holding us up, so just sit in the middle, you loser.
It poured during the 5 minutes it took me to get to the station but I know that's just a test so I said screw it and took the bike and wouldn't you know it? it's not raining in Manhattan. It's blue-gray and windy, but dry. The train came in not terribly later than normal.
I'm taking 33rd Street up today because I had to use the bathroom before I left the NJ Transit side. "Wherever I May Roam" is on and I realize that I am not roaming, I have a destination, unlike Metallica in the 90s who did more shows than once thought feasible. Because I'm wearing boxers I will not run during lunch, which is a good idea because I'm scheduled to swim tonite. I'm killing the "Ghost" again and picking up speed as I pass the Piers.
All things considered I had a good night last night and this morning, despite a later train ride home and waking up at 4 a.m. for no good reason. My thighs feel the brunt of everything today and I have the computer bag (sans computer) to cut down on some of the weight. ("Whipping" - Pearl Jam) Gotta love the lyrics -- "Dont need a helmet/I got a hard, hard head." Brilliant and appropriate in the moment.
I finished Catch-22 last night and it is certainly one of the most effective and impactful books I've read. I know I mocked myself about reading it in the first place, but Yossarian is only a year younger than me in the story and is disillusioned (I realize it's about war, and I don't consider myself to be a tough guy) and there were certainly traits of other characters I could relate to (i.e. Milo, the schemer). All in all, it makes me want to read more of Heller's work, esp. Closing Time and Something Happened. I will watch the film, too, and see how it holds up. A friend said it was ok but cut a lot out, but I assume it'd have to. Not everything can be as faithful as "The Road" or "Sin City."
Because of some good work I accomplished yesterday I think I feel pretty good about today. Ozzy comes on for "11 Silver" and "I Don't Want To Change The World" as I approach and pass through the WFCs where there are no tourists today. I have some new CDs in my bag I'm happy to burn and upload.
Thank you for reading.
It poured during the 5 minutes it took me to get to the station but I know that's just a test so I said screw it and took the bike and wouldn't you know it? it's not raining in Manhattan. It's blue-gray and windy, but dry. The train came in not terribly later than normal.
I'm taking 33rd Street up today because I had to use the bathroom before I left the NJ Transit side. "Wherever I May Roam" is on and I realize that I am not roaming, I have a destination, unlike Metallica in the 90s who did more shows than once thought feasible. Because I'm wearing boxers I will not run during lunch, which is a good idea because I'm scheduled to swim tonite. I'm killing the "Ghost" again and picking up speed as I pass the Piers.
All things considered I had a good night last night and this morning, despite a later train ride home and waking up at 4 a.m. for no good reason. My thighs feel the brunt of everything today and I have the computer bag (sans computer) to cut down on some of the weight. ("Whipping" - Pearl Jam) Gotta love the lyrics -- "Dont need a helmet/I got a hard, hard head." Brilliant and appropriate in the moment.
I finished Catch-22 last night and it is certainly one of the most effective and impactful books I've read. I know I mocked myself about reading it in the first place, but Yossarian is only a year younger than me in the story and is disillusioned (I realize it's about war, and I don't consider myself to be a tough guy) and there were certainly traits of other characters I could relate to (i.e. Milo, the schemer). All in all, it makes me want to read more of Heller's work, esp. Closing Time and Something Happened. I will watch the film, too, and see how it holds up. A friend said it was ok but cut a lot out, but I assume it'd have to. Not everything can be as faithful as "The Road" or "Sin City."
Because of some good work I accomplished yesterday I think I feel pretty good about today. Ozzy comes on for "11 Silver" and "I Don't Want To Change The World" as I approach and pass through the WFCs where there are no tourists today. I have some new CDs in my bag I'm happy to burn and upload.
Thank you for reading.
Monday, August 23, 2010
the day the LIRR caught fire
With the LIRR delayed due to a fire at Jamaica, I decided to hang back at the office a little bit and take care of some business. There were several options about what to do and how to proceed (stay with Grandmother, stay with brother & sister-in-law until things picked up, crash at friends' place, kill time in CD stores, etc...) But at 6:25 I decided to head to Penn, scope out the situation and worst case scenario was to get booted off a packed train, bike-in-hand, and be forced on to an E train to go to Forest Hills.
It's raining a little bit and I am wearing my long sleeve Sanibel tee and pocketless blue shorts, backpack on back. It's not raining hard but the wind is picking up and it keeps me focused on what lies ahead. As far as I'm concerned there are no distractions on the nearby sidewalks as I climb Church Street. It's just me and the cars and the lights. No one drove selfishly, or perhaps I was so absorbed in my own self that one car became another and one block melted into the next. I am not angry and am not in any real rush since I've no idea what lies ahead. I'm not stopping at many lights and did the whole ride in about 18 minutes. This is the first time in long while that I've rode in the rain and it's somewhat refreshing and I do not take it for granted that it's not a cold rain and it could've been windier. It's just gray and generally unpleasant but without any malice.
Thank you for reading.
It's raining a little bit and I am wearing my long sleeve Sanibel tee and pocketless blue shorts, backpack on back. It's not raining hard but the wind is picking up and it keeps me focused on what lies ahead. As far as I'm concerned there are no distractions on the nearby sidewalks as I climb Church Street. It's just me and the cars and the lights. No one drove selfishly, or perhaps I was so absorbed in my own self that one car became another and one block melted into the next. I am not angry and am not in any real rush since I've no idea what lies ahead. I'm not stopping at many lights and did the whole ride in about 18 minutes. This is the first time in long while that I've rode in the rain and it's somewhat refreshing and I do not take it for granted that it's not a cold rain and it could've been windier. It's just gray and generally unpleasant but without any malice.
Thank you for reading.
No sun, no fun.
There's light precipitation upon us today. I actually like riding along the Hudson on days like today. There's something comforting knowing I'm not going to overheat and also won't get soaked.
Yesterday was the mock-triathlon in the JCC and I did it in about 85 minutes, which I'm very happy with. I stop a lot during the swimming and during the biking and running I had it on "Hill" setting to keep it as tough and accurate as possible. It will be hard to do that without listening to Rollins Band and Metallica's Death Magnetic.
So I'm a little sore/tired from that, or was it from the deep-tissue massage I got mid-day yesterday? I'm not sure. But I know now, at least, that I won't be as wiped out as I thought I'd be but I'm glad I will not be going to work next Monday and just take a day off from everything. My tailbone is sore.
I'm at the last 40 pages of Catch-22 and I would like to finish it today if I can read during lunch. I will not run today, no way.
Though there are some scrambled joggers and bikers, I notice almost nobody except for a guy I think is Tom Cavanaugh who walks his dog(s) every day. It could be him, but I mostly do not care.
Not excited to be getting to work today as there's only more meager tasks to finish. There will probably be no sunlight today and my mood is often reflected by that.
Thank you for reading.
"Black Capricorn Day" - Jamiroquai
"Thunderstruck" and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" live - AC/DC
"Rain" - The Cult
"Storm Coming" - Gnarls Barkley
"Let It Rain" live - Eric Clapton
Yesterday was the mock-triathlon in the JCC and I did it in about 85 minutes, which I'm very happy with. I stop a lot during the swimming and during the biking and running I had it on "Hill" setting to keep it as tough and accurate as possible. It will be hard to do that without listening to Rollins Band and Metallica's Death Magnetic.
So I'm a little sore/tired from that, or was it from the deep-tissue massage I got mid-day yesterday? I'm not sure. But I know now, at least, that I won't be as wiped out as I thought I'd be but I'm glad I will not be going to work next Monday and just take a day off from everything. My tailbone is sore.
I'm at the last 40 pages of Catch-22 and I would like to finish it today if I can read during lunch. I will not run today, no way.
Though there are some scrambled joggers and bikers, I notice almost nobody except for a guy I think is Tom Cavanaugh who walks his dog(s) every day. It could be him, but I mostly do not care.
Not excited to be getting to work today as there's only more meager tasks to finish. There will probably be no sunlight today and my mood is often reflected by that.
Thank you for reading.
"Black Capricorn Day" - Jamiroquai
"Thunderstruck" and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" live - AC/DC
"Rain" - The Cult
"Storm Coming" - Gnarls Barkley
"Let It Rain" live - Eric Clapton
Friday, August 20, 2010
Let's just get to Friday's end.
Today I have no backpack or bag at all. I'm going for lunch today and my clothes are already under my desk. It's nice to not carry anything -- save for Catch-22 hanging in a plastic pink "Love Culture" bag on my left handlebar. I can tell already that I won't be as sweaty as normal, since there's no bag on my back suppressing and insulating the heat.
I want this week to be over. I just want to train and get lean and read, among other things... I do not want to be at work or in an air-conditioned nightmare.
I'm on the General Peckem chapter in the book and it makes me think of a southern-drawled executive I know of. This passage in particular:
"Just pass the work I assign you along to somebody else and trust to luck. Somewhere down near the lowest level of this coordinated organization I run are the people who do get the work done when it reaches them, and everything manages to run along smoothly without too much effort on my part. I suppose that's because I'm a good executive. Nothing we do in this large department of ours is really very important and there's never any rush."
There's several people I know of whose professional lives can be summed up by the preceding quite succinctly. Makes a lot of things not worth it.
That's all for now. On the whole, it is a good morning (I did re-inflate the tires last night) but this passage is sticking with me and I need to just plow through the day like Refrigerator Perry.
Thank you for reading.
"Highwater or Hell" - The Answer (bottom right of pg is a jukebox)
"Blood Red Rock" - Bang Camaro (use jukebox)
"Raise the Flag" - Airbourne
"Your Shoes" (have fun with that page it's "Program 3") & "Way Down" - Taylor Hawkins & the Coattail Riders
I want this week to be over. I just want to train and get lean and read, among other things... I do not want to be at work or in an air-conditioned nightmare.
I'm on the General Peckem chapter in the book and it makes me think of a southern-drawled executive I know of. This passage in particular:
"Just pass the work I assign you along to somebody else and trust to luck. Somewhere down near the lowest level of this coordinated organization I run are the people who do get the work done when it reaches them, and everything manages to run along smoothly without too much effort on my part. I suppose that's because I'm a good executive. Nothing we do in this large department of ours is really very important and there's never any rush."
There's several people I know of whose professional lives can be summed up by the preceding quite succinctly. Makes a lot of things not worth it.
That's all for now. On the whole, it is a good morning (I did re-inflate the tires last night) but this passage is sticking with me and I need to just plow through the day like Refrigerator Perry.
Thank you for reading.
"Highwater or Hell" - The Answer (bottom right of pg is a jukebox)
"Blood Red Rock" - Bang Camaro (use jukebox)
"Raise the Flag" - Airbourne
"Your Shoes" (have fun with that page it's "Program 3") & "Way Down" - Taylor Hawkins & the Coattail Riders
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Round trip day #280
Train is delayed today. I'm third-way through Jackyl's "Headed For Destruction" (Woodstock '94 -- Jackyl was there?) as I'm up at 31st. I realize that I push harder in the winter to get out of the cold faster. It's summer and though I'll be late today it's due to circumstances beyond my control and I won't go all out to make up the time, especially since I'll be more than pulling my own weight for the next few weeks.
"Freak Momma" by Sir Mix-A-Lot & Mudhoney is taking me toward the first leg of the trip as I skip to the median at the WSH. Yes, between this song and the previous one I still seem to think it's 1994.
I have plenty of time to beat the northbound traffic. I'm now 300 pages deep into Catch-22 and the theme I'm picking up on most is that you can talk your way in and out of anything. No matter what side of the argument you're on, you have valid intellectual points but wrong moral standings.
You are out there. If I am the I, then you are the you and I can see you any way I want to. You're the cretin. You're the one taking the credit for my work. You're the one who picked up and left. You're the one I am out there to destroy. You are the dollar, the cent, the air, the heat, the hate and the longing. With every ride and every run and every lift I am defeating you and making you look yourself in the mirror and I will make you turn on yourself. I will destroy you with meager accomplishments and move on to the next apparition--
Some guy in the bike suit just got too close for comfort. I yell out but he keeps going. I am not standing for such affrontery today. I try to catch up with him and I make good progress but I cannot keep up the pace (everything I've got and then some, plus I'd have to lose the baggage) and I see he's on a full-size bike and he's got a rhythm and I despise him more for it.
Tracks from Ministry's Cover Up take me the rest of the way. "Roadhouse Blues," "Radar Love" and "Bang A Gong" do the job. They take these songs and just add distortion and double-bass drums to them and as much as I'd hate to admit it, it's exactly what I would do (and have done, to some extent, in a former life). There's no one taking photos of Ground Zero which is refreshing and means I can keep my sarcasticity to myself.
It's Thursday already and I just want this week to be over. I do not want to be in my office a second longer than required. I make the light over at Albany Street and remember the recent topographical change in the street and stay right. There is always perpendicular traffic on Church Street and it's disgusting.
Thank you for reading.
"Freak Momma" by Sir Mix-A-Lot & Mudhoney is taking me toward the first leg of the trip as I skip to the median at the WSH. Yes, between this song and the previous one I still seem to think it's 1994.
I have plenty of time to beat the northbound traffic. I'm now 300 pages deep into Catch-22 and the theme I'm picking up on most is that you can talk your way in and out of anything. No matter what side of the argument you're on, you have valid intellectual points but wrong moral standings.
You are out there. If I am the I, then you are the you and I can see you any way I want to. You're the cretin. You're the one taking the credit for my work. You're the one who picked up and left. You're the one I am out there to destroy. You are the dollar, the cent, the air, the heat, the hate and the longing. With every ride and every run and every lift I am defeating you and making you look yourself in the mirror and I will make you turn on yourself. I will destroy you with meager accomplishments and move on to the next apparition--
Some guy in the bike suit just got too close for comfort. I yell out but he keeps going. I am not standing for such affrontery today. I try to catch up with him and I make good progress but I cannot keep up the pace (everything I've got and then some, plus I'd have to lose the baggage) and I see he's on a full-size bike and he's got a rhythm and I despise him more for it.
Tracks from Ministry's Cover Up take me the rest of the way. "Roadhouse Blues," "Radar Love" and "Bang A Gong" do the job. They take these songs and just add distortion and double-bass drums to them and as much as I'd hate to admit it, it's exactly what I would do (and have done, to some extent, in a former life). There's no one taking photos of Ground Zero which is refreshing and means I can keep my sarcasticity to myself.
It's Thursday already and I just want this week to be over. I do not want to be in my office a second longer than required. I make the light over at Albany Street and remember the recent topographical change in the street and stay right. There is always perpendicular traffic on Church Street and it's disgusting.
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
"like a cross between a hardcore bearded Texan and a pirate"
I'm dressed like Michael Pare from "Eddie & The Cruisers" today because I'm wearing a black sleeveless tee and trying to look tough and pained. "Sad But True" takes me up the escalator to the 33rd St. exit at 8th Ave. When you haven't heard it in a long time, Metallica's Black Album is practically succinct. I skip "Unforgiven" because it just doesn't do anything for me but everything else on it taps in to an energy that is good for a bike ride. I think a lot of people heard me singing the chorus going up 33rd toward 9th and making the left. There had been the massive "Inception" poster/billboard at that corner and it's been replaced by a mob-based video game. What a load of junk. Since the poster is atop a tall mixed-use building, the art on it -- a bunch of guys have already dropped some poor shlub off the rafter and he's mid-air -- is effective but it shows how dumb our nation's gamers are getting.
Approaching the highway, "The Creed" by MD 45 comes on. I bought this one 2 years ago pretty inexpensively on the internet brand new but it had Lee Ving's vox and not Mustaine's. I heard the remastered version on the now defunct lala.com and posted a review comparing the remaster and the former. This song is better with Ving's vocals because he's actually hitting the notes. I have no idea what he looks like but I imagine he looks like a cross between a hardcore bearded Texan and a pirate. I sing along shortly afterward to "Runnin' Wild" by Airbourne.
The sky is a blueish-gray today but not menacing enough to produce any rain. I'm sure it will later but not in the next few hours and I'd like to park the bike outside since I'm going to run during lunch again. ("Supercharger Heaven" - White Zombie)
"Can't Stop Rock & Roll" by AC/DC comes on at the WFCs and there aren't many tourists but of course there is one guy with a blonde crew cut taking a photo of WTC rebuilding effort and I yelled out a swear-free sarcastic comment about getting the shot in focus. My only gripe about Stiff Upper Lip is the tone/sound quality of the album as a whole. There's a major difference/improvement between the drum sound on Black Ice and if the band ever remasters Stiff (or have they?) I think it'd sound great.
I made the light over by Albany Street but the DOT really needs to smooth out the ground on the West Side of the Street. I decided to park the bike on the Nassau Street side of the building for later, which is the only reason why I'll include that "Hellfire" by Airbourne came and went too quickly for me to enjoy.
Thank you for reading.
Approaching the highway, "The Creed" by MD 45 comes on. I bought this one 2 years ago pretty inexpensively on the internet brand new but it had Lee Ving's vox and not Mustaine's. I heard the remastered version on the now defunct lala.com and posted a review comparing the remaster and the former. This song is better with Ving's vocals because he's actually hitting the notes. I have no idea what he looks like but I imagine he looks like a cross between a hardcore bearded Texan and a pirate. I sing along shortly afterward to "Runnin' Wild" by Airbourne.
The sky is a blueish-gray today but not menacing enough to produce any rain. I'm sure it will later but not in the next few hours and I'd like to park the bike outside since I'm going to run during lunch again. ("Supercharger Heaven" - White Zombie)
"Can't Stop Rock & Roll" by AC/DC comes on at the WFCs and there aren't many tourists but of course there is one guy with a blonde crew cut taking a photo of WTC rebuilding effort and I yelled out a swear-free sarcastic comment about getting the shot in focus. My only gripe about Stiff Upper Lip is the tone/sound quality of the album as a whole. There's a major difference/improvement between the drum sound on Black Ice and if the band ever remasters Stiff (or have they?) I think it'd sound great.
I made the light over by Albany Street but the DOT really needs to smooth out the ground on the West Side of the Street. I decided to park the bike on the Nassau Street side of the building for later, which is the only reason why I'll include that "Hellfire" by Airbourne came and went too quickly for me to enjoy.
Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Hopefully ruining the tourists' picture
Hot & sunny today. I had the foresight to tie my lunchbag to the back of the folding bike today and since I have 2 days worth of lunches in it, it's less stress on my back.
"Too Much Rock & Roll" by Rollins Band kickstarts me today again. What else can I say except that it's too good.
The train was a little late coming in so I am pushing a little harder than normal and it's paying off. Van Halen's "I'm The One" meshes in to Soundgarden's "Bleed Together," which was a new song on their greatest hits cd a while back. I always thought this was among the very best Soundgarden tunes and even tried to play it on bass way back toward end of high school. It moves, the guitar work is dynamic and impressive and one of these is a hundred times better than "Fell On Black Days" and "Blow Up the Outside World" put together. Truthfully though, I wish Cornell would just continue his solo career -- this way when you see him live again he'll do the whole catalog of stuff. I'm one of the few who liked Audioslave better than its original counterparts.
Lunchtime training will resume today and I'm kind of pumped for it. I think I will start a little further north today to incorporate more hills (where the overpasses are) to keep the idea of running on different topographical trails.
"Stained Glass Cross" by Down comes on and it is so badass. I love Down but I can listen to this one without getting too, um, down on myself. A heavy metal tune with an organ solo is just too good. I don't need their heavier stuff I'll save it for Fall's end when I'm pissed about the weather. I've seen them twice but they didn't play this one, but I've heard they whip it out once in a blue moon.
Just as "Suffer Some " by Jane's Addiction comes on near the WFCs there was a lot of loud drilling so I was at first relieved to see a lack of tourists -- and therefore, what I thought would be a lack of photo taking -- but sure enough there was a woman splayed against the fence in front of Ground Zero, posing for a picture. I yelled out something about how pathetic it was to do what they were doing and I rode through their photo. I hope it was a disposable camera and their memory is ruined.
There was also a guy walking and staring intently at his handheld device instead of looking up and I made my presence known, but without the malice.
I didn't hit any red lights today but I also think I'm getting faster, and I didn't have any coffee this morning.
Thank you for reading.
"Too Much Rock & Roll" by Rollins Band kickstarts me today again. What else can I say except that it's too good.
The train was a little late coming in so I am pushing a little harder than normal and it's paying off. Van Halen's "I'm The One" meshes in to Soundgarden's "Bleed Together," which was a new song on their greatest hits cd a while back. I always thought this was among the very best Soundgarden tunes and even tried to play it on bass way back toward end of high school. It moves, the guitar work is dynamic and impressive and one of these is a hundred times better than "Fell On Black Days" and "Blow Up the Outside World" put together. Truthfully though, I wish Cornell would just continue his solo career -- this way when you see him live again he'll do the whole catalog of stuff. I'm one of the few who liked Audioslave better than its original counterparts.
Lunchtime training will resume today and I'm kind of pumped for it. I think I will start a little further north today to incorporate more hills (where the overpasses are) to keep the idea of running on different topographical trails.
"Stained Glass Cross" by Down comes on and it is so badass. I love Down but I can listen to this one without getting too, um, down on myself. A heavy metal tune with an organ solo is just too good. I don't need their heavier stuff I'll save it for Fall's end when I'm pissed about the weather. I've seen them twice but they didn't play this one, but I've heard they whip it out once in a blue moon.
Just as "Suffer Some " by Jane's Addiction comes on near the WFCs there was a lot of loud drilling so I was at first relieved to see a lack of tourists -- and therefore, what I thought would be a lack of photo taking -- but sure enough there was a woman splayed against the fence in front of Ground Zero, posing for a picture. I yelled out something about how pathetic it was to do what they were doing and I rode through their photo. I hope it was a disposable camera and their memory is ruined.
There was also a guy walking and staring intently at his handheld device instead of looking up and I made my presence known, but without the malice.
I didn't hit any red lights today but I also think I'm getting faster, and I didn't have any coffee this morning.
Thank you for reading.
Monday, August 16, 2010
"Red Clay" starts the gray day, Catch-22, and a letter to Bloomberg.
We were on the fence about going to an opera-based Elvis tribute in the city tonite but we ended up scrapping those plans for minor reasons. I hadn't planned on bringing the bike today because of that so I'm getting an extra ride in. It's supposed to pour today on and off but my rule of thumb is that if it's not pouring when I leave in the morning, then I'm taking the bike.
It's gray this morning but not quite humid enough to throw any precipitation our way. I'm sort of dreading the next 3 weeks because of work-related, eye-straining reasons. That being the case I don't feel the need to "hustle" during the morning ride.
I let Freddie Hubbard's "Red Clay" take me from Track 20 through and past Chelsea Piers. I should've gone with the live take but this one will do for now. I love these more than 10-minute jazz opuses that keep the groove alive. I know it sounds corny and this was a more "commercial/popular" tune but it was never played in my house growing up and I found it on my own without the aid of radio. My legs are reacclimating to the ride. Depending on my view of things and how "hardcore" I want to be I have to adjust to the fact that there are no gears on my bike. My own intensity is the gear. Sometimes it's a plus but lagging is not an option.
("Hang 'Em High" - Van Halen) Almost 200 pgs in to Catch-22. I am liking it more as I keep reading it and really wish I could've read this in high school instead of Ethan Frome. There is something universal about each character (and therefore, each chapter) and there are a lot of ludicrous contradictions about them, the story and the war. I know this isn't groundbreaking commentary but if a class considered forced this upon me, as it did other fortunate students, I wouldn't consider it a requirement but a privilege and even fun. I just read the chapter where Yossarian has to pose as another dying soldier in the hospital and it's rare that something can be so simultaneously ludicrous, sad, sweet, funny and dramatic. It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out, though I know there is a sequel to this. I will also probably rent the film to see how it holds up. ("Perpetual Motion" - Anthrax)
An open letter to Mayor Bloomberg:
Dear Mayor:
Expect complaints via the tourism board about a white guy in a "Dodgeball" t-shirt making sarcastic comments to visitors taking pictures in front of Ground Zero. It's me. It's a brief statement, but I feel insulted now that it has become an attraction that people need to stand before as if it's Magic Kingdom. You don't see me going to Warsaw and posing, do you? I'm going to keep this up until the project's over or until I get relocated. I am merely extending the courtesy of the knowledge to you. I'm not cursing or insulting the tourists, I'm just making a sarcastic remark about how "awesome" it is for them to pose in front of a rough site that has deep emotional impact. I know I'm speaking for several New Yorkers or anyone with a conscience, for that matter, when I make brief innocuous jabs at the mindless herd.
("What's Eating You?" - Airbourne) I will not train during lunch today as I'll hit the gym after work. I ran the course at Oyster Bay for the Triathlon on Saturday and feel confident about it.
Waiting at Albany Street for the longest light ever to change and waited nearly wholly through "Let It Roll" by Velvet Revolver.
Thank you for reading.
It's gray this morning but not quite humid enough to throw any precipitation our way. I'm sort of dreading the next 3 weeks because of work-related, eye-straining reasons. That being the case I don't feel the need to "hustle" during the morning ride.
I let Freddie Hubbard's "Red Clay" take me from Track 20 through and past Chelsea Piers. I should've gone with the live take but this one will do for now. I love these more than 10-minute jazz opuses that keep the groove alive. I know it sounds corny and this was a more "commercial/popular" tune but it was never played in my house growing up and I found it on my own without the aid of radio. My legs are reacclimating to the ride. Depending on my view of things and how "hardcore" I want to be I have to adjust to the fact that there are no gears on my bike. My own intensity is the gear. Sometimes it's a plus but lagging is not an option.
("Hang 'Em High" - Van Halen) Almost 200 pgs in to Catch-22. I am liking it more as I keep reading it and really wish I could've read this in high school instead of Ethan Frome. There is something universal about each character (and therefore, each chapter) and there are a lot of ludicrous contradictions about them, the story and the war. I know this isn't groundbreaking commentary but if a class considered forced this upon me, as it did other fortunate students, I wouldn't consider it a requirement but a privilege and even fun. I just read the chapter where Yossarian has to pose as another dying soldier in the hospital and it's rare that something can be so simultaneously ludicrous, sad, sweet, funny and dramatic. It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out, though I know there is a sequel to this. I will also probably rent the film to see how it holds up. ("Perpetual Motion" - Anthrax)
An open letter to Mayor Bloomberg:
Dear Mayor:
Expect complaints via the tourism board about a white guy in a "Dodgeball" t-shirt making sarcastic comments to visitors taking pictures in front of Ground Zero. It's me. It's a brief statement, but I feel insulted now that it has become an attraction that people need to stand before as if it's Magic Kingdom. You don't see me going to Warsaw and posing, do you? I'm going to keep this up until the project's over or until I get relocated. I am merely extending the courtesy of the knowledge to you. I'm not cursing or insulting the tourists, I'm just making a sarcastic remark about how "awesome" it is for them to pose in front of a rough site that has deep emotional impact. I know I'm speaking for several New Yorkers or anyone with a conscience, for that matter, when I make brief innocuous jabs at the mindless herd.
("What's Eating You?" - Airbourne) I will not train during lunch today as I'll hit the gym after work. I ran the course at Oyster Bay for the Triathlon on Saturday and feel confident about it.
Waiting at Albany Street for the longest light ever to change and waited nearly wholly through "Let It Roll" by Velvet Revolver.
Thank you for reading.
Friday, August 13, 2010
"By the way, Plainview is not very good."
Not as tired as I was last week but pretty tired as I didn't hit the hay until about 1 a.m. I'm really groggy this morning and am not expecting to move too hard today although my legs feel pretty fine, probably since I gave myself yesterday off from running. The last few minutes of Lee Morgan's "Boy, What A Night" take me from MSG to the Post office. I don't normally ride whilst listening to my growing jazz collection but it was paused as it's part of a playlist designed to wake me up. That it's aptly-titled considering my night at Jones Beach is coincidence. This song is off The Sidewinder which is one of the better selling non-Miles Davis/John Coltrane jazz records. I didn't know that when I bought it but it's extremely solid and he died way too soon. I have a lot to say about 1960s jazz but am saving it for my personal essay that I may try to get published.
"Remedy" by Black Crowes comes on in the Post Office's underpass. Also part of the same playlist, but it rocks and it's supposed to get me moving. Last night someone told me that people from Plainview and Oceanside are one and the same, all cut from the same cookie sheet. I wouldn't necessarily disagree too much, but for some reason Plainview-ites I've encountered have this air of condescension about them. If you have an opinion of something -- say for example, "I just had the best slice of pizza I've ever had," the Plainviewer within earshot will rebuke you with: "No! The BEST slice of pizza is at a place called Dino's, in Plainview. You'll puke up what you just had after you have one of Dino's grandma slices, in Plainview." I do not tell people their opinions are wrong and I don't try to one up them on their own personal bests. Should someone share with you their favorite what-have-you, I just think it's good they can actually commit to having a favorite and leave it alone. By the way, Plainview is not very good. It's just like any other suburban spot and many of its inhabitants are of unsavory and meager character.
Passing the Meatpacking District, "Deliver Me" by Robert Randolph comes on. Also very positive, upbeat and rocking. I didn't like his second album as much as the first one, but it's still quite good.
I have no watch today and am holding the water bottle in my left hand. It doesn't feel like I'm moving very fast. I switched to a different list and put on "I Love It Loud" by Kiss. I first heard this on "Beavis & Butthead" and own it on Alive III. I have played this as "testing" music for when I work karaoke jobs on weekends but am now convinced I should sing it next time hit a karaoke bar. I cannot hit David Lee Roth's notes but I should be able to pull off Gene Simmons'. I mention the album this is from because at the end of the song, they get ready to introduce "Detroit Rock City" but before they do, another song comes on (DRC was earlier in the list but not played today) and instead Motorhead's "Born To Raise Hell" takes me the rest of the way. I'm singing some of the lyrics as I pass the WFCs and I don't know how loud I could be singing but no one seems to mind because it's Friday. I pull up to the Broadway office and the song ends. I did this ride in about 23 minutes -- not bad for a groggy Oceanside kid.
I am happy to report that yesterday was round-trip day #275. I haven't been on a subway in 2 weeks. I did every day on the bike this week (and last week, for that matter. I was off on Monday so naturally didn't take the subway). Stuck it to the MTA and am keeping it better shape than if I'd remained docile on the 4 or 5.
Thank you for reading.
"Remedy" by Black Crowes comes on in the Post Office's underpass. Also part of the same playlist, but it rocks and it's supposed to get me moving. Last night someone told me that people from Plainview and Oceanside are one and the same, all cut from the same cookie sheet. I wouldn't necessarily disagree too much, but for some reason Plainview-ites I've encountered have this air of condescension about them. If you have an opinion of something -- say for example, "I just had the best slice of pizza I've ever had," the Plainviewer within earshot will rebuke you with: "No! The BEST slice of pizza is at a place called Dino's, in Plainview. You'll puke up what you just had after you have one of Dino's grandma slices, in Plainview." I do not tell people their opinions are wrong and I don't try to one up them on their own personal bests. Should someone share with you their favorite what-have-you, I just think it's good they can actually commit to having a favorite and leave it alone. By the way, Plainview is not very good. It's just like any other suburban spot and many of its inhabitants are of unsavory and meager character.
Passing the Meatpacking District, "Deliver Me" by Robert Randolph comes on. Also very positive, upbeat and rocking. I didn't like his second album as much as the first one, but it's still quite good.
I have no watch today and am holding the water bottle in my left hand. It doesn't feel like I'm moving very fast. I switched to a different list and put on "I Love It Loud" by Kiss. I first heard this on "Beavis & Butthead" and own it on Alive III. I have played this as "testing" music for when I work karaoke jobs on weekends but am now convinced I should sing it next time hit a karaoke bar. I cannot hit David Lee Roth's notes but I should be able to pull off Gene Simmons'. I mention the album this is from because at the end of the song, they get ready to introduce "Detroit Rock City" but before they do, another song comes on (DRC was earlier in the list but not played today) and instead Motorhead's "Born To Raise Hell" takes me the rest of the way. I'm singing some of the lyrics as I pass the WFCs and I don't know how loud I could be singing but no one seems to mind because it's Friday. I pull up to the Broadway office and the song ends. I did this ride in about 23 minutes -- not bad for a groggy Oceanside kid.
I am happy to report that yesterday was round-trip day #275. I haven't been on a subway in 2 weeks. I did every day on the bike this week (and last week, for that matter. I was off on Monday so naturally didn't take the subway). Stuck it to the MTA and am keeping it better shape than if I'd remained docile on the 4 or 5.
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
any minute now
We were dropped off at track 13 today -- revolting. There's never any action on track 13 as far as the LIRR is concerned b/c it's usually an AMTRAK train. They're working on installing a new escalator but there was no work crew today so forget it I was lost in a sea of sweaty office-dwellers inching their way up the stairs. "Can't Win True Love" by Blues Traveler took me upstairs, into the men's room and onto the street. There's no sunlight today and I'm expecting the start of some rain -- which normally wouldn't bother me but I have a concert at Jones Beach tonite and that may hinder it some. MSG had space for docking and such but now it's sectioned off and no progress has been made so I start and end each day in this awning they've put up and people walk so slow in and out of it. I understand why, too, but Vornado and MSG could've had their project finished by now b/c this is the sort of thing that can keep people from missing their trains. I may have to hustle a bit to make up some lost couple of minutes.
Going up 31st toward my loving Jennifer Aniston advertisement, Rollins Band's "Too Much Rock & Roll" throws me into a frenzy and the blood is pumping. There's a story about this song. Here we go. My favorite thing Rollins ever did was a live 2-disc set called The Only Way To Know For Sure in 2002. He'd recruited a new band to back him (Mother Superior) and that live album had a lot of the stuff off his last 2 music albums -- Get Some Go Again and Nice. The studio albums are quite good but live he is untouchable, as is the band. The songs are too fast, furious and relentless. Anyway, for years I've owned Get Some and love it and have even acquired some of the b-sides and unreleased tunes, which are just as good as the stuff that made the cut. I never thought I'd need Nice since all those songs minus 2 are on the live album. But it turned out there was a B-Sides supplement to Nice called A Nicer Shade of Red, which I would've bought through LiveNation's merch, but the shipping was $7 for a cd and on general principle I wouldn't buy it. Just before Lala.com was discontinued a few months ago, the album showed up, available for download. I deliberated for one day and bought the damn thing -- I don't love not owning a CD, that's just how I am. "Too Much" is that album's first track. I'm not exactly sure who wrote it though it's rumored to be his tune, but it rocks, -- sounds like good late-70s hard rock. The song propels me toward the highway.
Onto the highway, "Get Up" by Van Halen takes me for a ride. Lot of Sammy Hagar stuff coming up as I'm way too excited to see him tonite. I am with a computer bag (sans computer) today instead of the backpack and my back is thanking me as I'm a little stiff and not as gnarley-sweaty, though the humidity due to rain-threat is inescapable. I love this song but sometimes it sounds like Alex's drums are electronic. Takes me to "Goddamn Electric" by the best defunct metal band ever. I'm so glad I saw Pantera at TU when I had the chance -- didn't matter that I missed Soulfly (wasn't a fan then) and didn't matter that I had mono. I wasn't missing it. It's good b/c I haven't heard it in a while. Reinventing the Steel is underrated. End of story.
Ending on another Sammy note, "Turnin' Left" comes on and I don't think very much except that if you are making a turn in NYC (or anywhere for that matter) put on your blinker. Chickenfoot kicks ass I wish I would've seen them last year when I had the chance -- in retrospect I cannot believe I passed that up. My favorite songs are the last 2 on the album. I think that's the only time I can say that about any album.
I'm not tired today I have lots of energy to burn and I'm taking today & tomorrow off from the Seaport runs. I will take the freight elevator in a moment in case it does rain. We'll see what the Mustaine situation is like next door at Borders in a little while.
Thank you for reading.
Going up 31st toward my loving Jennifer Aniston advertisement, Rollins Band's "Too Much Rock & Roll" throws me into a frenzy and the blood is pumping. There's a story about this song. Here we go. My favorite thing Rollins ever did was a live 2-disc set called The Only Way To Know For Sure in 2002. He'd recruited a new band to back him (Mother Superior) and that live album had a lot of the stuff off his last 2 music albums -- Get Some Go Again and Nice. The studio albums are quite good but live he is untouchable, as is the band. The songs are too fast, furious and relentless. Anyway, for years I've owned Get Some and love it and have even acquired some of the b-sides and unreleased tunes, which are just as good as the stuff that made the cut. I never thought I'd need Nice since all those songs minus 2 are on the live album. But it turned out there was a B-Sides supplement to Nice called A Nicer Shade of Red, which I would've bought through LiveNation's merch, but the shipping was $7 for a cd and on general principle I wouldn't buy it. Just before Lala.com was discontinued a few months ago, the album showed up, available for download. I deliberated for one day and bought the damn thing -- I don't love not owning a CD, that's just how I am. "Too Much" is that album's first track. I'm not exactly sure who wrote it though it's rumored to be his tune, but it rocks, -- sounds like good late-70s hard rock. The song propels me toward the highway.
Onto the highway, "Get Up" by Van Halen takes me for a ride. Lot of Sammy Hagar stuff coming up as I'm way too excited to see him tonite. I am with a computer bag (sans computer) today instead of the backpack and my back is thanking me as I'm a little stiff and not as gnarley-sweaty, though the humidity due to rain-threat is inescapable. I love this song but sometimes it sounds like Alex's drums are electronic. Takes me to "Goddamn Electric" by the best defunct metal band ever. I'm so glad I saw Pantera at TU when I had the chance -- didn't matter that I missed Soulfly (wasn't a fan then) and didn't matter that I had mono. I wasn't missing it. It's good b/c I haven't heard it in a while. Reinventing the Steel is underrated. End of story.
Ending on another Sammy note, "Turnin' Left" comes on and I don't think very much except that if you are making a turn in NYC (or anywhere for that matter) put on your blinker. Chickenfoot kicks ass I wish I would've seen them last year when I had the chance -- in retrospect I cannot believe I passed that up. My favorite songs are the last 2 on the album. I think that's the only time I can say that about any album.
I'm not tired today I have lots of energy to burn and I'm taking today & tomorrow off from the Seaport runs. I will take the freight elevator in a moment in case it does rain. We'll see what the Mustaine situation is like next door at Borders in a little while.
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
"I felt as if I'd awakened the sleeping giant."
Literally rode the bike on to the train this morning. ....by the skin o' my teeth.
Began reading Catch-22 today. If you want to be a cool dude in your late 20s, you need to read it, apparently. I'm sure I will like it. I got it for $4 brand new at the borders next door about 6-8 months ago and also got Heller's last novel, Portrait of an Artist, As an Old Man, even more recently and read that in May. It was okay.
"Right Now" by Van Halen takes me from the platform onto the street today. I'm super-stoked to see Sammy Hagar tomorrow night probably even moreso than Aerosmith. I've always found his lyrics to be inspiring most of the time, fun a little less of the time, and cheesy once in a while. Doesn't matter -- most of the time it's fun and inspiring and that's why Chickenfoot rocks. I'm slow again today and I think it's because the rear tire is a little low. I'm not pushing very hard either but that's okay because I'm in no rush. I ate well last nite and slept too well and didn't have a lot of time to wake up this morning.
"Cosmic Universal Fashion" and "Loud" by Sammy come on as I'm making my way to the highway and on to it. I missed a couple of light I'd normally make. Approaching 12th/WSH, I was on the left side of the street to avoid a car and just then a bus instantly inched out. I felt as if I'd wakened the sleeping giant. I yelled and then started laughing. I bought Cosmic Universal Fashion last June when the Virgin Megastore @ Union Square was going out of business. Those two days were just amazing I bought a ton of good music at maybe 3-4 bucks a pop and it was right before my trip to CO so I could break it in. This was one of those cds and even though I don't love the whole album, I do like a lot of it and there are a few songs that are quite good. (First 2 tracks, esp.) On the whole I think I spent about 100 bucks which is really good considering all the stuff I bought. I skipped out on volleyball one night for it. When other songs come on from those purchases I will go in to more detail because I've got nothing better to think of.
I'm in a good place mentally, emotionally, physically and creatively (I started writing a personal essay about a criteria of jazz I gravitate toward and finished about 5 single-spaced pgs, I'm probably almost done). I suppose it's all downhill from here.
Hitting a good pace today -- not bad for someone who is feeling a little stiff. "Business As Ususal" by Blues Traveler is next and it's fast and furious sans malice. I've been listening to Bastardos! too much lately, especially "Amber Awaits." I'd like to see them live again.
I threw "Jaded" by Aerosmith on the list this morning because I'll be disappointed if they don't play it tomorrow night so I wanted to get it in there. It's got a lot of soul for a latter-day Aerosmith tune. As I crossed the highway via Albany Street "Falling in Love is Hard On the Knees" came on but I made it halfway through by the time I got to the office. When horns accompany an Aerosmith track it usually stands out as one of the better ones and this one is no exception.
We'll see what today brings. Thank you for reading.
Began reading Catch-22 today. If you want to be a cool dude in your late 20s, you need to read it, apparently. I'm sure I will like it. I got it for $4 brand new at the borders next door about 6-8 months ago and also got Heller's last novel, Portrait of an Artist, As an Old Man, even more recently and read that in May. It was okay.
"Right Now" by Van Halen takes me from the platform onto the street today. I'm super-stoked to see Sammy Hagar tomorrow night probably even moreso than Aerosmith. I've always found his lyrics to be inspiring most of the time, fun a little less of the time, and cheesy once in a while. Doesn't matter -- most of the time it's fun and inspiring and that's why Chickenfoot rocks. I'm slow again today and I think it's because the rear tire is a little low. I'm not pushing very hard either but that's okay because I'm in no rush. I ate well last nite and slept too well and didn't have a lot of time to wake up this morning.
"Cosmic Universal Fashion" and "Loud" by Sammy come on as I'm making my way to the highway and on to it. I missed a couple of light I'd normally make. Approaching 12th/WSH, I was on the left side of the street to avoid a car and just then a bus instantly inched out. I felt as if I'd wakened the sleeping giant. I yelled and then started laughing. I bought Cosmic Universal Fashion last June when the Virgin Megastore @ Union Square was going out of business. Those two days were just amazing I bought a ton of good music at maybe 3-4 bucks a pop and it was right before my trip to CO so I could break it in. This was one of those cds and even though I don't love the whole album, I do like a lot of it and there are a few songs that are quite good. (First 2 tracks, esp.) On the whole I think I spent about 100 bucks which is really good considering all the stuff I bought. I skipped out on volleyball one night for it. When other songs come on from those purchases I will go in to more detail because I've got nothing better to think of.
I'm in a good place mentally, emotionally, physically and creatively (I started writing a personal essay about a criteria of jazz I gravitate toward and finished about 5 single-spaced pgs, I'm probably almost done). I suppose it's all downhill from here.
Hitting a good pace today -- not bad for someone who is feeling a little stiff. "Business As Ususal" by Blues Traveler is next and it's fast and furious sans malice. I've been listening to Bastardos! too much lately, especially "Amber Awaits." I'd like to see them live again.
I threw "Jaded" by Aerosmith on the list this morning because I'll be disappointed if they don't play it tomorrow night so I wanted to get it in there. It's got a lot of soul for a latter-day Aerosmith tune. As I crossed the highway via Albany Street "Falling in Love is Hard On the Knees" came on but I made it halfway through by the time I got to the office. When horns accompany an Aerosmith track it usually stands out as one of the better ones and this one is no exception.
We'll see what today brings. Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
another morning in the humidity
I am slow today. My head is cloudy as if I need more caffeine. It's cloudy and I'm listening to "Mean Street," by Van Halen. I guess I get a little dramatic as there are several times I start my ride with the first track off an album. The verse riff in the song is similar to "House of Pain," though.
I am dried out. Parched. ("Master of Light" - Monster Magnet) I stopped at Pier 54 (Hudson River Park) to grab my water bottle and looked up and saw that there was some sort of bike tour group getting ready to go out. But there were lots of boxes (tall, thin rectangles) so it looks like they bought a bunch and right there on the spot started to assemble them. Tourists, maybe?
It was a pretty dull ride on the whole. ("Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle" - Nirvana) Listening to Nirvana, I remember that of all people, Aunt Joyce bought me In Utero for either a holiday or my birthday. I was 13.
"Ace of Spades" by Motorhead came on at around Houston Street and gave me a little boost but I'm just going through the motions. It's humid and I might be conserving energy for the lunch run.
Just before the WFC comes "Funky Crime" by my favorite band ever. Pretty appropriate, all things considered. Jack Irons is an okay drummer but you can hear how he's not very challenging and it is on Mother's Milk where Chad comes in and puts Flea to the test. I would've bought the re-mastered Uplift Mofo Party Plan 4x over by now but there's no urgency since there are no new tracks on there (as opposed to the Mother's Milk re-master which was the best thing since the original was served on sliced bread). I will always have an opinion, comment, or story every time I hear a Chili Peppers song.
Finishing up at the end of the WFCs and onto the street, "I Control, I Fly," by Monster Magnet came on. Wish I could've saved it for tomorrow -- I'm crossing the street and up into the alley.
Thank you for reading.
I am dried out. Parched. ("Master of Light" - Monster Magnet) I stopped at Pier 54 (Hudson River Park) to grab my water bottle and looked up and saw that there was some sort of bike tour group getting ready to go out. But there were lots of boxes (tall, thin rectangles) so it looks like they bought a bunch and right there on the spot started to assemble them. Tourists, maybe?
It was a pretty dull ride on the whole. ("Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle" - Nirvana) Listening to Nirvana, I remember that of all people, Aunt Joyce bought me In Utero for either a holiday or my birthday. I was 13.
"Ace of Spades" by Motorhead came on at around Houston Street and gave me a little boost but I'm just going through the motions. It's humid and I might be conserving energy for the lunch run.
Just before the WFC comes "Funky Crime" by my favorite band ever. Pretty appropriate, all things considered. Jack Irons is an okay drummer but you can hear how he's not very challenging and it is on Mother's Milk where Chad comes in and puts Flea to the test. I would've bought the re-mastered Uplift Mofo Party Plan 4x over by now but there's no urgency since there are no new tracks on there (as opposed to the Mother's Milk re-master which was the best thing since the original was served on sliced bread). I will always have an opinion, comment, or story every time I hear a Chili Peppers song.
Finishing up at the end of the WFCs and onto the street, "I Control, I Fly," by Monster Magnet came on. Wish I could've saved it for tomorrow -- I'm crossing the street and up into the alley.
Thank you for reading.
Monday, August 9, 2010
...am glad I never went that route...
Riding with the backpack on me as opposed to the soft briefcase I'd been using last week. I had contemplated tossing that thing in the trash and I suppose I still should but it's light and gets the job done. Anyway, while the pack isn't heavy today it's filled with food, clothes, books, and papers to be recycled. I'm wearing a sleeve-less tee today, and figure I will change in to one of my shirts in the bathroom before going to my desk and to avoid being seen by anyone at the office. Will do the same thing later for the lunch run.
On my way out of Penn today, I navigated further down the Morning Ride playlist and began with Faith No More's "Epic," which was the anthem of 1989/90. That was one of the very first real "current" rock songs I'd heard as an 8-9 year old having seen it on MTV and it certainly stirred something up. No malice but totally intense, tough, and fun. I even played that song with Graven Image, a heavy metal band I sang for during my senior year of high school with 3 really talented dudes who were a year younger than me. We never played any shows but I loved jamming with these dudes who almost never missed a note and for whom I was certainly the weak link. The guitar player was a cool guy named Ben, and was directly responsible for helping me get Liz's number months after we'd first met in 2005.
"Girls" by Tricky with Anthony & John came on. The whole song is a crescendo and pumps me up. I flew through/under the post office and made my way toward 10th when I saw a white "Empress" limo which I had seen last Thurs or Fri turning around 14th street on the ride back. It was beaten up along its long side in the same spot and had a novelty tire on its side -- there's no way it was a different one. It was parked so I suppose it's being serviced at one of the many spots across from the galleries on 10th ave. Interesting dynamic there. I wonder who was being chauferred in it last week and how much or how little $ that person had. Or was it a prop for a movie?
Was pretty PO'd when I had to stop at the corner. Was just about to cross when someone pulled out of their parallel spot -- I probably could've proceeded but didn't want to chance it.
(Airboune - "Stand Up For Rock & Roll") I heard on the news this morning that a pedestrian punched a PA on the set of the biking movie I'd previously written about. That was up on 104th Street but I just passed where they'd been filming the past couple of weeks. It's a two-way street. When they film in a high-volume spot in Manhattan, some people do not give a shit about you, or your goddamn movie. They shouldn't have to. They certainly don't want to be told by some skinny 20-year-old intern not flashing an NYPD or FDNY badge that they can't cross the street. I get it becuase what if the guy had to see his wife, pick up tickets at a window about to close or had to take a dump? I was almost that PA and am glad I never went that route because nobody respects you. I did it for 6 days in a production office and said the hell with it. (Van Halen - "Unchained") On the other hand, I hope the kid gets some recognition for getting punched out (they showed a photo on tv) and taking one for the team. Next step: PAY HIM MORE MONEY or PROMOTE HIM.
"Radiation Day" by Monster Magnet came on as I was passing the WFCs. This is off the "Monolithic Baby!" album which had eluded me for a long time and I legitimately downloaded for free off a music service's free trial. I can't "not have" a Monster Magnet album. I'd had the song for a while but when they played it live last year at the Gramercy it pushed it over the edge for me. And if you are a fan of "Sons of Anarchy," it was played in the chase of Season 2 Ep. 1.
Coming up Albany and on to Thames (the alleyway that is the lair of Big Al's Pizza, best place around here) was "Let Me Drown" by Soundgarden. The idea of dying while being doused is appealing now as I'm boiling and stuck behind buses before making it up to Broadway.
Thank you for reading.
Friday, August 6, 2010
A lot of stuff for a clear head
On the way up, through the 8th & 33rd exit and into the street, I chose "Doesn't Remind Me" by Audioslave to kick off the ride.
Here's me with an art critic's air, a la "Six Feet Under":
I felt the lyrics of the song -- getting lost in nothing to clear one's head -- reflected my mood which was that of an empty vessel. However the energy of the song and Chris Cornell's fantastic voice was able to wake me up and provide some intensity to my emotionally-neutral state.
That is what I'm thinking, but if I ever say anything like this aloud you have permission to stomp on my foot until I bleed.
Slept miserably last nite b/w 3-5 so it really took its toll on my mind but today I was able to get up with the alarm and have a better breakfast which I believe contributed to a better ride.
Am nearly finished now with the Crosley essays. They are good and realistic and have pushed me to the limit of my estrogen-fueled essay reading and I've had a good idea for an essay for a long time that I may begin writing this weekend.
I am a little tired and didn't need to pedal once I headed south for the whole four blocks from 33rd to 29th, gravity did its job nicely and I'm in no rush.
My next two songs were by Jane's Addiction -- "Price I Pay" and "The Riches" -- off Strays, an album that is probably one of the best I own. It started under the Farley Post Office where for the first time in a while I didn't make the light at 10th street but I don't care too much. These songs are straight rock, subtle at times but they explode often and will knock you on your ass. If this album had come out before Ritual De Lo Habitual, no one would've dismissed it as they do. I'm glad Duff McKagan is now the bassist for the group as he'll probably contribute more rock-based stuff as opposed to some of the wishy-washy stuff that is in my opinion merely good (except "Summertime Rolls" which is too good for words, so I won't write any). Duff is not as versatile as Eric Avery was, so some of the funk will be gone, but I will overlook that for some musical duels with Navarro.
I saw Perry Farrell's Satellite Party at Irving Plaza nearly 3 years ago with a friend and the cool thing was it was a whole Perry Farrell catalog, so he did Jane's, Porno for Pyros and Satellite tunes. It would have been the best show I'd ever seen had it not been 60 minutes (including the encore). The only thing that sucked was that at the end one or two fans made their way on stage at the end of the last song, which I think was "Jane Says," but I had the feeling one was not a fan. He was just some beer-drinking, 200-pound frat-boy who wanted to make it look like he was a rock star. Perry held his arm up as if he were the referee displaying the winner of a boxing match but you can tell he was grimacing and not smiling. When Jane's tours again I want them to do new stuff and Strays stuff and they can omit "Three Days." It's ten minutes long and it's not "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," so don't do it.
I saw/met Perry sometime in late 07-08 right near the Fuse HQ on 7th Ave. I stopped him, shook his hand and told him I was a fan -- he seemed grateful but I think it was too early in the morning for him.
Once I got on the highway I took my water bottle in to my right hand and rode like that all the way down to stay hydrated more readily.
To my left, there's a building where I think they filmed the library ribbon-cutting scene in "Man of the Century." I'd buy that movie again if need be.
Moving south, these tunes took me past the numbered streets and then Metallica's "Better Than You" came on. Haven't heard it in at least a year and I really like it though some of the repetition at the end could've been cut. Had they re-edited the track and dropped 45 seconds it'd be the perfect rock/metal anthem. When I got ReLoad it was 1997 or 98 and my disenchantment with certain friends was beginning and I felt the chorus was my own personal mantra. Now I don't feel I'm competing with anyone other than myself -- I'm enduring the struggle within (nooch) -- but the song really amped me up and I begun flying toward Chambers, through Warren, through the WFCs.
At the corner of Albany Street, a live version of Aerosmith's "Rag Doll" came on and I think I saw some of the women Tyler's describing walking opposite my Dahon. Constant beat, excellent tune -- would work just as well if it were debuted today. Going to see them next week so I'm going to increase my Aerosmith and Hagar listening habits during the rides.
A solid week of subway-less commuting. Sun is shining. I'll endure the air-conditioned nightmare for a little today.
Thank you for reading.
Here's me with an art critic's air, a la "Six Feet Under":
I felt the lyrics of the song -- getting lost in nothing to clear one's head -- reflected my mood which was that of an empty vessel. However the energy of the song and Chris Cornell's fantastic voice was able to wake me up and provide some intensity to my emotionally-neutral state.
That is what I'm thinking, but if I ever say anything like this aloud you have permission to stomp on my foot until I bleed.
Slept miserably last nite b/w 3-5 so it really took its toll on my mind but today I was able to get up with the alarm and have a better breakfast which I believe contributed to a better ride.
Am nearly finished now with the Crosley essays. They are good and realistic and have pushed me to the limit of my estrogen-fueled essay reading and I've had a good idea for an essay for a long time that I may begin writing this weekend.
I am a little tired and didn't need to pedal once I headed south for the whole four blocks from 33rd to 29th, gravity did its job nicely and I'm in no rush.
My next two songs were by Jane's Addiction -- "Price I Pay" and "The Riches" -- off Strays, an album that is probably one of the best I own. It started under the Farley Post Office where for the first time in a while I didn't make the light at 10th street but I don't care too much. These songs are straight rock, subtle at times but they explode often and will knock you on your ass. If this album had come out before Ritual De Lo Habitual, no one would've dismissed it as they do. I'm glad Duff McKagan is now the bassist for the group as he'll probably contribute more rock-based stuff as opposed to some of the wishy-washy stuff that is in my opinion merely good (except "Summertime Rolls" which is too good for words, so I won't write any). Duff is not as versatile as Eric Avery was, so some of the funk will be gone, but I will overlook that for some musical duels with Navarro.
I saw Perry Farrell's Satellite Party at Irving Plaza nearly 3 years ago with a friend and the cool thing was it was a whole Perry Farrell catalog, so he did Jane's, Porno for Pyros and Satellite tunes. It would have been the best show I'd ever seen had it not been 60 minutes (including the encore). The only thing that sucked was that at the end one or two fans made their way on stage at the end of the last song, which I think was "Jane Says," but I had the feeling one was not a fan. He was just some beer-drinking, 200-pound frat-boy who wanted to make it look like he was a rock star. Perry held his arm up as if he were the referee displaying the winner of a boxing match but you can tell he was grimacing and not smiling. When Jane's tours again I want them to do new stuff and Strays stuff and they can omit "Three Days." It's ten minutes long and it's not "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," so don't do it.
I saw/met Perry sometime in late 07-08 right near the Fuse HQ on 7th Ave. I stopped him, shook his hand and told him I was a fan -- he seemed grateful but I think it was too early in the morning for him.
Once I got on the highway I took my water bottle in to my right hand and rode like that all the way down to stay hydrated more readily.
To my left, there's a building where I think they filmed the library ribbon-cutting scene in "Man of the Century." I'd buy that movie again if need be.
Moving south, these tunes took me past the numbered streets and then Metallica's "Better Than You" came on. Haven't heard it in at least a year and I really like it though some of the repetition at the end could've been cut. Had they re-edited the track and dropped 45 seconds it'd be the perfect rock/metal anthem. When I got ReLoad it was 1997 or 98 and my disenchantment with certain friends was beginning and I felt the chorus was my own personal mantra. Now I don't feel I'm competing with anyone other than myself -- I'm enduring the struggle within (nooch) -- but the song really amped me up and I begun flying toward Chambers, through Warren, through the WFCs.
At the corner of Albany Street, a live version of Aerosmith's "Rag Doll" came on and I think I saw some of the women Tyler's describing walking opposite my Dahon. Constant beat, excellent tune -- would work just as well if it were debuted today. Going to see them next week so I'm going to increase my Aerosmith and Hagar listening habits during the rides.
A solid week of subway-less commuting. Sun is shining. I'll endure the air-conditioned nightmare for a little today.
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Hangover sans hooch
No intensity today. Two straight days of the roundtrips, the gym (albeit, an abridged session yesterday) and running during lunch will catch up with you. I woke up late and left a wee bit early today so no caffeine. I'll try a new format today.
Chickenfoot - Down the Drain: On my way up to 31st st via the 8th Ave. exit. This song is waking me up a bit. I can't believe I've had this album for over a year.
When I'm this tired, riding is almost as bad as a hangover. I have not had too many hangovers -- my last one was Labor Day weekend 2009 and before that I think it was sometime in 2007 doing comedy after meeting Pablo Francisco. I slept too well and too hard and now I'm paying for it as my legs are on autopilot. I'm going at a good pace but I've got no rage to manufacture and synthesize in to energy.
Civ - Set Your Goals: Totally positive message here as I approach the Highway Crossing. In fact, I make it to the median and then all the southbound traffic makes its way and I'm stuck here. I almost bought a 2-cd Civ set earlier this year but I decided I only need this song and "Can't Wait One Minute More" to hammer the point. "Hammer the point?"
Fishbone - Question of Life: Waited through most of this one at the median and made my way toward Chelsea Piers. Love this song -- so uplifting. If there's an album that needs a remastering, it's "Truth & Soul." Most people (mercifully, thankfully) don't know this but my very first stab at standup was in college as a junior -- I was terrible -- but this was the song the DJ brought me out to at my request. Listen to that horn section! Didn't matter that I stunk, at least you were excited for a few seconds.
The Cult - Fire Woman: I hear this on Matt Pinfield's radio show sometimes in the morning. Totally rocks. I think I remember it from Beavis & Butt-head, too (I'm not confusing it with "Lil Devil"). As I'm making my way parallel to the Meatpacking District where my bachelor party was held, I see a woman to my right walking north with one of those accountant visors on her head covering 98% of her face. Really? Look, I know I appear ridiculous sometimes on the bike or at a bar or in the bathroom but I'm not crunching numbers in the process. There's a reason this woman was power-walking alone. It looked like one of those collars you put around a dog to keep it from stratching its own neck, only spanning the height of her face.
I imagine this is the phone call this morning:
"Jean, I'm leaving to meet you at the pier."
"Oh, Frannie, um, I will be there, I think. I haven't looked out the window yet, how sunny is it today?"
"I wouldn't know, this visor has everything a dull green-gray. Isn't it wonderful?"
"On second though, Fran, I have some, um, errands to run at the library."
" 'At the library?' but--"
~CLICK~
Guns N Roses - Scraped: Three minutes of pure adrenaline. I'm not pissed though, but it's helping me keep my pace. I can't go too slow or else it becomes laborious since I've only got one gear.
Guns N Roses - Locomotive: This'll wake me up. I wonder if Axl was singing about Stephanie Seymour in this one. She may have been the hottest thing on earth at the time of Use Your Illusions' release in 1991 and she's the bride in "November Rain." I heard she was a wretched booze hound so now it seems likely. I'm singing the lower octave parts as I weave through the WFCs and probably sound like a moron who's way off-key. "But love to me's a two-way street and all I really want is peace" -- that's a happy lyrical coincidence as I was crossing Albany street. Just as it was ending on that piano-heavy outro, I pull up to my spot at the building.
Thank you for reading.
Chickenfoot - Down the Drain: On my way up to 31st st via the 8th Ave. exit. This song is waking me up a bit. I can't believe I've had this album for over a year.
When I'm this tired, riding is almost as bad as a hangover. I have not had too many hangovers -- my last one was Labor Day weekend 2009 and before that I think it was sometime in 2007 doing comedy after meeting Pablo Francisco. I slept too well and too hard and now I'm paying for it as my legs are on autopilot. I'm going at a good pace but I've got no rage to manufacture and synthesize in to energy.
Civ - Set Your Goals: Totally positive message here as I approach the Highway Crossing. In fact, I make it to the median and then all the southbound traffic makes its way and I'm stuck here. I almost bought a 2-cd Civ set earlier this year but I decided I only need this song and "Can't Wait One Minute More" to hammer the point. "Hammer the point?"
Fishbone - Question of Life: Waited through most of this one at the median and made my way toward Chelsea Piers. Love this song -- so uplifting. If there's an album that needs a remastering, it's "Truth & Soul." Most people (mercifully, thankfully) don't know this but my very first stab at standup was in college as a junior -- I was terrible -- but this was the song the DJ brought me out to at my request. Listen to that horn section! Didn't matter that I stunk, at least you were excited for a few seconds.
The Cult - Fire Woman: I hear this on Matt Pinfield's radio show sometimes in the morning. Totally rocks. I think I remember it from Beavis & Butt-head, too (I'm not confusing it with "Lil Devil"). As I'm making my way parallel to the Meatpacking District where my bachelor party was held, I see a woman to my right walking north with one of those accountant visors on her head covering 98% of her face. Really? Look, I know I appear ridiculous sometimes on the bike or at a bar or in the bathroom but I'm not crunching numbers in the process. There's a reason this woman was power-walking alone. It looked like one of those collars you put around a dog to keep it from stratching its own neck, only spanning the height of her face.
I imagine this is the phone call this morning:
"Jean, I'm leaving to meet you at the pier."
"Oh, Frannie, um, I will be there, I think. I haven't looked out the window yet, how sunny is it today?"
"I wouldn't know, this visor has everything a dull green-gray. Isn't it wonderful?"
"On second though, Fran, I have some, um, errands to run at the library."
" 'At the library?' but--"
~CLICK~
Guns N Roses - Scraped: Three minutes of pure adrenaline. I'm not pissed though, but it's helping me keep my pace. I can't go too slow or else it becomes laborious since I've only got one gear.
Guns N Roses - Locomotive: This'll wake me up. I wonder if Axl was singing about Stephanie Seymour in this one. She may have been the hottest thing on earth at the time of Use Your Illusions' release in 1991 and she's the bride in "November Rain." I heard she was a wretched booze hound so now it seems likely. I'm singing the lower octave parts as I weave through the WFCs and probably sound like a moron who's way off-key. "But love to me's a two-way street and all I really want is peace" -- that's a happy lyrical coincidence as I was crossing Albany street. Just as it was ending on that piano-heavy outro, I pull up to my spot at the building.
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The bus and carriage that couldn't slow me down
Today was a great ride. It's been a while since I've felt this good about a ride and the way I feel afterward. Kind of like taking a huge dump and not having to wipe more than once.
With the aid of music, I was able to burn through my four miles quickly and efficiently. I don't think I stopped at one light until I got to Albany Street.
"Ghost" was on the playlist toward the top. I love hearing it as I take 31st to 9th. There's now a giant b&w billboard of Jennifer Aniston in a standing yoga stretch pose promoting water at 30th and 9th. She is aging like wine.
Last nite at the gym I saw I weighed 159 pounds and was momentarily discouraged but beat the hell out of my abs as punishment for 3 days of gluttony. I must've done the right thing because I was just going too fast for most of the cars on the road. I didn't even have to stop to cross the highway (to get on to it).
I was able to preserve a Morning Ride playlist and as I got to Chelsea Piers the best one-two punch of songs came on -- "Porch" by Pearl Jam and "Ride On" by Parliament. See, it doesn't need to be insanely intense all the time but it has to be energetic and show the skills of the musicians and the lyricist.
Last nite, wife, parents and I had a major discussion of future events with regard to long-term dwelling arrangements (not living with them again) and I think that's what was the big push this morning. It's a heavy topic and it's overwhelming and I had a lot of mental energy to burn this morning. I started thinking about children -- I will have children in the not-too-distant future but I've deluded myself in to thinking that my wife will give birth and we'll take home a five-year-old (of indeterminate gender) with a big mouth, a passion for sports and comic books and a wild imagination. I know for a fact when you have a kid, most people ask you about him/her to just relay/compare info about their own -- most times they're not trying to one-up you but it's a force of habit. When they do that to us, I can't wait to say, "but you asked about MY KID!" I know 60-year-old women who do this now about their loser children who are my age.
As I hit Chambers Street today, I could not be stopped. A bus was about to come through it but I had plenty of time to get through, and I pushed even harder and yelled out something incomprehensible but it was along the lines of Face's "Adios, motherfu--" (mercifully cut like that, I'm guessing, to keep it PG-13) in the A-Team movie. Hey, fuck you, that movie rocked! As I was successfully crossing the street, I yelled again: "Lady, look UP!" A mom or nanny with a phone to her ear while pushing a stroller through the obviously marked bikers' lane was having a conversation so intense she was moving at snail-like speed. Yes, I'm yelling, but I can't stop, won't stop and I don't want to hit you or your baby on the way. Give me all the nasty looks you want and yell back, at least you're not hurt. I'm yelling out of self-preservation and genuine concern.
Ate real food and skipped dessert last nite (did have a late-night bowl of cereal though, Total Cinnamon Crunch sprinkled with Cinnamon Roll dessert-protein). I think I did the whole thing today in abouth 20 minutes. Stop thinking about the past. Eat well and envision the future and you'll move well. Thank you for reading. Adios, Motherfu---
Track list today:
Burden in My Hand - Soundgarden (b/w docking in Penn and getting on to 31st)
Ghost - Slash/Ian Astbury
Porch - Pearl Jam
Ride On - Parliament
Burned Bridges - Living Colour
Joker & The Thief - Wolfmother
With the aid of music, I was able to burn through my four miles quickly and efficiently. I don't think I stopped at one light until I got to Albany Street.
"Ghost" was on the playlist toward the top. I love hearing it as I take 31st to 9th. There's now a giant b&w billboard of Jennifer Aniston in a standing yoga stretch pose promoting water at 30th and 9th. She is aging like wine.
Last nite at the gym I saw I weighed 159 pounds and was momentarily discouraged but beat the hell out of my abs as punishment for 3 days of gluttony. I must've done the right thing because I was just going too fast for most of the cars on the road. I didn't even have to stop to cross the highway (to get on to it).
I was able to preserve a Morning Ride playlist and as I got to Chelsea Piers the best one-two punch of songs came on -- "Porch" by Pearl Jam and "Ride On" by Parliament. See, it doesn't need to be insanely intense all the time but it has to be energetic and show the skills of the musicians and the lyricist.
Last nite, wife, parents and I had a major discussion of future events with regard to long-term dwelling arrangements (not living with them again) and I think that's what was the big push this morning. It's a heavy topic and it's overwhelming and I had a lot of mental energy to burn this morning. I started thinking about children -- I will have children in the not-too-distant future but I've deluded myself in to thinking that my wife will give birth and we'll take home a five-year-old (of indeterminate gender) with a big mouth, a passion for sports and comic books and a wild imagination. I know for a fact when you have a kid, most people ask you about him/her to just relay/compare info about their own -- most times they're not trying to one-up you but it's a force of habit. When they do that to us, I can't wait to say, "but you asked about MY KID!" I know 60-year-old women who do this now about their loser children who are my age.
As I hit Chambers Street today, I could not be stopped. A bus was about to come through it but I had plenty of time to get through, and I pushed even harder and yelled out something incomprehensible but it was along the lines of Face's "Adios, motherfu--" (mercifully cut like that, I'm guessing, to keep it PG-13) in the A-Team movie. Hey, fuck you, that movie rocked! As I was successfully crossing the street, I yelled again: "Lady, look UP!" A mom or nanny with a phone to her ear while pushing a stroller through the obviously marked bikers' lane was having a conversation so intense she was moving at snail-like speed. Yes, I'm yelling, but I can't stop, won't stop and I don't want to hit you or your baby on the way. Give me all the nasty looks you want and yell back, at least you're not hurt. I'm yelling out of self-preservation and genuine concern.
Ate real food and skipped dessert last nite (did have a late-night bowl of cereal though, Total Cinnamon Crunch sprinkled with Cinnamon Roll dessert-protein). I think I did the whole thing today in abouth 20 minutes. Stop thinking about the past. Eat well and envision the future and you'll move well. Thank you for reading. Adios, Motherfu---
Track list today:
Burden in My Hand - Soundgarden (b/w docking in Penn and getting on to 31st)
Ghost - Slash/Ian Astbury
Porch - Pearl Jam
Ride On - Parliament
Burned Bridges - Living Colour
Joker & The Thief - Wolfmother
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
"Life Won't Wait" at Chambers Street
Called out sick yesterday and ate a ton of food this weekend (including my first dose of french fries in quite a while -- tasty but unnecessary and I forgot to ask for a baked potato instead and couldn't exercise enough self-discipline). Cap that off without dinner last nite and I felt sluggish this morning. This is an extremely uncommon occurrence.
My brother gave me his Ipod which is now deemed obsolete for him so this will hopefully be the last music-less ride via digital transmission. I did have "Life Won't Wait" by Ozzy (new tune) stuck in my head which was really cool because as I approached the crosswalk at Chambers Street a cab had an ad for "Scream," his new album. I thought that was cool and I dig the lyrics a lot and equally love the prominence of the bass in that song, especially when it gets to play the melody between verses. I don't own the album and will wait until J&R puts it on sale during xmas eve.
I finished an essay by Sloane Crosley this morning who really hit upon something interesting -- "after your first poop all by yourself, life is downhill" (paraphrased) in terms of getting a pat on the back. Funny, honest and insightful. Totally true, too.
I periodically think about drugs. I was not, and am not a drug user, but I think about how something as seemingly insignificant as pot ruined several of my friendships and in turn, strengthened the friendships for people I'd moved away from. Now I am some of their facebook friends and I am disgusted with myself. I don't hate them anymore but if I saw most of them as I rode by them I'd say hello and keep going. I used to dwell on this sort of thing but now I meditate on it. I don't need any more "remember-whens." I'll keep my distance and dignity, thank you very much. It wasn't just my friends smoking weed that did it but it was how they traded ambition and potential for the chance to get high at the middle school parking lot during high school off-periods. Then came the ecstasy and when I voiced my genuine concerns about it they looked at me as if I was an earth science teacher asking what had happened to your GPA -- not a concerned friend they'd known all their lives. That was the end of 98/start 99. Once college came around I was mostly done with them and was very happy to have reconnected with other friends during that time.
See what happens if you don't eat dinner? Ghosts take over your thoughts when you should be thinking about the present and the future. I'll have to run today during lunch -- Ipod hopefully in tow -- and burn this away with the french fry grease. The triathlon is in less than 4 weeks now and I need to tap in. Thank you for reading.
My brother gave me his Ipod which is now deemed obsolete for him so this will hopefully be the last music-less ride via digital transmission. I did have "Life Won't Wait" by Ozzy (new tune) stuck in my head which was really cool because as I approached the crosswalk at Chambers Street a cab had an ad for "Scream," his new album. I thought that was cool and I dig the lyrics a lot and equally love the prominence of the bass in that song, especially when it gets to play the melody between verses. I don't own the album and will wait until J&R puts it on sale during xmas eve.
I finished an essay by Sloane Crosley this morning who really hit upon something interesting -- "after your first poop all by yourself, life is downhill" (paraphrased) in terms of getting a pat on the back. Funny, honest and insightful. Totally true, too.
I periodically think about drugs. I was not, and am not a drug user, but I think about how something as seemingly insignificant as pot ruined several of my friendships and in turn, strengthened the friendships for people I'd moved away from. Now I am some of their facebook friends and I am disgusted with myself. I don't hate them anymore but if I saw most of them as I rode by them I'd say hello and keep going. I used to dwell on this sort of thing but now I meditate on it. I don't need any more "remember-whens." I'll keep my distance and dignity, thank you very much. It wasn't just my friends smoking weed that did it but it was how they traded ambition and potential for the chance to get high at the middle school parking lot during high school off-periods. Then came the ecstasy and when I voiced my genuine concerns about it they looked at me as if I was an earth science teacher asking what had happened to your GPA -- not a concerned friend they'd known all their lives. That was the end of 98/start 99. Once college came around I was mostly done with them and was very happy to have reconnected with other friends during that time.
See what happens if you don't eat dinner? Ghosts take over your thoughts when you should be thinking about the present and the future. I'll have to run today during lunch -- Ipod hopefully in tow -- and burn this away with the french fry grease. The triathlon is in less than 4 weeks now and I need to tap in. Thank you for reading.
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