Thoughts of Sorts..."the band's asterisk is my true skin color."

Well yesterday was not as revelatory as it normally is when RHCP release a new album. I don't know that I can ever match the high of 5/9/06.

The reason I'm not bouncing off the walls is b/c I'm in an air conditioned nightmare. No doubt. When I can get to the beach I will give this my all. I'm with you. I'm with it.

I ran with the Lizard last nite so my legs got a little extra use and I did 60 quick curls this morn so I'm doing all right. The bare-backed ride this morning is pleasant as this weather is pretty much perfect. 80s.

I have 2 reviews today -- the first is I'm With You and the latter is for Things and A Man Asleep, which I finished last nite.

I've listened to I'm With You at least 3x now. I've also been a huge RHCP fan since I'm 12. For nearly 2/3 of my life they have provided its soundtrack and awakened creative measures and have inspired me to do good and walk a positive path. I also strongly heeded the message in Mother's Milk and have avoided drug use, and, I make it my business not to listen to them while under the influence of alcohol. My theory is that if the music and lyrics are spawned organically, then it should be transmitted to an uninhibited person. Let the music be the mind-alterer. Granted I am extremely biased -- yes, I'm going to love the album, but I'm more intrigued by it right now, it's almost like I'm ruminating on a first date -- but because I have a solid knowledge of its predecessors and have some insight as to how it's played thanks to some experience with the bass, I feel it's a warranted bias. An unwarranted bias would be my trying to review a rap album. I will have more thoughts on these tunes as the weeks progress, because this is important to me (and I don't have the lyrics in front of me). It'd be wrong not to have more and different takes on it. It's wrong to care about nothing and not to put yourself out there and commit to a favorite some-thing/one/place. So it places a label on you, BFD! Wear it proudly. I once saw a bumper sticker that read "Opera Lover." So as far as I'm concerned, the band's asterisk is my true skin color.

Monarchy of Roses: This is the "Warped" of the album in terms of its style, scope and loudness. It's fast, it grabs you and the genre-bend, which is new, is a departure from the Frusciante-driven music we've heard on the last 2 albums. None of the other tunes sound like it and the vocals are sonically distorted. Nevertheless it's a cool song and does have a hard rock-disco effect that is certainly appealing. If Kiss can make "I Was Made For Lovin' You" work, then there's every reason that this works.

Factory of Faith: Kind of a familiar-sounding funky, jam-inspired (?) quartet tune. Easily could've been on Stadium. Also, has traces of "Easily" in it ("be my wife" -- "let's get married today") but is more positive than that song, as the message is optimistic -- the title alone is empowering. At least it moves in a "21st Century" sort of way. Is the faith from an internal source? Does the band leave its fate in the hands of Obama? It's reaffirming to hear a message like this, especially in the wake of natural disasters (I realize it's circumstantial).

Brendan's Death Song: Actually quite uplifting and beautiful, despite a morbid title. I guarantee it'll end up in a show or movie by year's end. You could have played it over Nate's ethereal death in the ocean in "Six Feet Under" and it'd suit just fine. Anthony is really singing from the heart here, and the layers just keep piling on. I imagine waves crashing down. The dirge's lyrics are tough ("Like I said/I'm almost dead/I'm almost gone...) but they are sung with a confidence and an ease, making the transition from life that much simpler. Hire a string quartet to play that at my funeral. Flea deviates toward the end, contributing to the loudness. It's an emotional time, your feelings are all over the place and they are accented and emphasized, even. Of course it makes me think of Pop, just a little, as we all knew what was going on with him and the transition, while quick, wasn't a major shock.

Ethiopia: I don't want to like it as much as I do. At first I found the rhyme scheme a little juvenile but the chorus makes it worthwhile and since he's addressing his boy/son (at least, in the song -- he could just be a character in a song) there's a silver lining there. The guitar bounces off the singer, and sometimes it sounds off by a half-beat but I felt that way about "Charlie," too, and now I can't imagine it another way. Similar to "Factory" this song can be accomplished by a quartet. You can also get a better feel for Josh's (new) background vocals. I also like that there are two solos. The first one was underwhelming but the second one (dual-layered) is pretty impressive.

Annie Wants A Baby: Probably the most "Stadium" of all the tracks. Comes off as a tighter and more interesting cousin of "She Looks To Me."

Look Around: Take the funkiest and most rocking parts of Californication and Stadium and you get this. Here's elements of "Purple Stain," "So Much I," and "21st Century" in a spicy sauce. The clapping adds a nice garnish and here we get the best parts of mostly non-distorted Chili Pepper sound. Whatever mantra Kiedis is repeating during the bridge is awfully reminiscent of what he does during "By The Way." Here's a good song about the variety of, and distractions in, life. I guess the clapping can get you to focus if you are too distracted. I think this is my second-favorite track.

Rain Dance Maggie: I've always felt like it sounds like a really good B-side from By The Way. Love the guitar work during the chorus -- creates a second melody a la George Harrison. Not the single I would've led with, but it is catchy nonetheless. The outro is too long - no reason they couldn't have just repeated the chorus. For a single that's dead air time. I've been listening to the song for a month, now, so it's not new anymore.

Did I Let You Know: So far it's my favorite track. It works on many levels -- it's a rock song, with some Spanish (?)/Latin-guitar influences and at its heart it's a love story you can dance to. It conjures an image of a couple in the middle of a bossa nova dance. I even get the feeling of a matador in a coliseum. It's a sensual tune and the guitar work, though minimal in sound, is clever, catchy and warming. It's like a wink. Josh's vocals resurface more heavily this time and he almost sounds like a breathy woman. I'd kill to hear this at a wedding. Similar to the way Horace Silver is credited for combining several geographical elements to his compositions, RHCP should be similarly acknowledged.

Goodbye Hooray: Off the heels of an intimate track, here's a garage band just rocking out. A lot of energy. Heavy bass here, and Flea is soloing for the first time in quite a while ("Coffee Shop" and parts of "Get On Top" stand out as the last true solos). This is what "On Mercury" aspired to be.

Happiness Loves Company: A latter Beatles-ish, piano-driven tune. Throw Chris Robinson in there and this could be a newer Black Crowes song that could blend right in to Before the Frost... It's nice to hear them using a piano without showing off too much with it. It's catchy and quick but it has a nice lyric: "We all struggle with some loneliness."

I will pick up from "Police Station" tomorrow and I'll have my book report done, too.

Thank you for reading.

A Man A-Pedaling

I never would've thought that in the time b/w posts -- in the time between bicycling commutes -- that NY would experience earthquake tremors and a hurricane.

I had to take the train from RVC today and my guess is that I'll have to all week. That's fine b/c I'll get to make up some of the distance and times that I missed. Factoid -- it only took me 5 minutes to get from the oside lot to Lincoln Ave in RVC today. I'm moderately impressed. The problem is that to get from there to the station is variable. Crossing Sunrise is a deathtrap. I will not die to get to work. I'll die leaving it but you will never read this in my obituary: "Mr. Smulison died trying to make a train in to Manhattan during peak hours."

Reading the last 40 or so pgs of A Man Asleep. Perec employs a second-person narrative here, so of course, more no-dialogue. I haven't read much in this style so it's challenging. I think I like this story better than Things. This one speaks to me a little more b/c it's addressing "me." It has a Rollins feel -- his books and "Such a Drag." I'm going to email him that.

I'm very one-track-minded today b/c I'm With You comes out today. It's hard for me to stay mad at the fact that my triathlon was cancelled when I have something this exciting to look forward to. Tomorrow, after I've listened to it a few times (at least) I will write up something special.

The Hudson is higher than most days I've witnessed. Near the Dept. of Sanitation it's nice & high. Nothing to fret over, but still.

Some progress finally over near Ground Zero -- while I still cannot take the bike path along the buildings, the space is opening up, fences are coming down. Even at Albany Street, they've unveiled a new SIDEWALK!

Deeper thoughts to come.

Thank you for reading.

RT day #465

Today marks the pause in my August.
Was a little skeptical about riding this morning b/c I got to the station with the car and the bike tumbled out of the trunk and landed upside down as I scrambled for the train. No short-term effects were sustained, we'll see about the long-term, though.

I'm bare-backed today and listening to Blastronaut. It's good to hear it after all these years. I've listened to, and loved, this album so much since I'm 15 or 16 that I don't need to hear it again but I love waking up to it and riding to it. Started at "Panic in Hanoi" and it played through the end of the album. [A note about this video -- I cannot find a link to the orig song so this was the best I could do -- there are amazing things about it though -- namely 1) that anyone other than myself would cover it; 2) they sound nearly identical to the original; 3) that anyone other than myself would cover it.]

Of course when I hear this I think of playing it in Joel Remland's kitchen before at least 100 high school chums. Wild times of which I wish there had been more.

With yesterday's 5k, that puts me at over 100 miles ran since April (I am not counting the 2 runs in Feb., though I could) if you include the two recent Boardwalk runs.

I'm in pretty good shape for the race, which is in 9 days. Last nite we ate at the Greek festival in Island Park, so I didn't eat the healthiest dinner but that's alright. I'd feel better about it if I hadn't eaten such a huge lunch at the Pump, but these are good problems to have. I will train hard for a couple of days b/w Tues - Friday and then I'm resting.

Things is getting better. I skimmed through just to look at the pages and I realize I may be the only person to have checked out this book since its publication 20+ years ago AND I also realized upon physically seeing the pages that THERE IS NO DIALOGUE! My next sched'd read will likely be a Hemingway and I can rest easy knowing it'll show up there. AAAAHHHHH!

It's been a Smithers-free 72 hours. If only it were simultaneously Burns-free. In many ways, that's up to me and the fates.

Same rat carcass was on the road today.

It's pizza lunch with my bros today and vacation tomorrow.

Thank you for reading.

Hard core pt 2

Was able to crank out another tough morning. If I could just get moving 10 minutes faster to get out of the house I'd be better suited for it all and it wouldn't be rushed, but I'm still at an advantage.

Did my pecs and, subsequently, my back and ran another 9 mph 5k, which clocked in at 20:45. There is something to be said for running on the machine and I'm happy I did it.

Haven't started reading Perec's Things yet. Sat and talked with a friend on the train.

So now I'm listening to some new Megadeth tracks as I'm on my way. It seems to have rained already. I love when that happens.

I passed a rat in the middle of the lane and it was completely flattened and its entrails scavenged. I wondered if it was the same rat I saw yesterday (I'd forgotten to mention it). My guess is that one of the Parks folks ran it over. Pigeons must've had a feast.

I'm wearing my white tank today, and I keep expecting it to be colder outside but it's actually probably room temperature. I'm sweating again and it feels good but there is the phantom feeling of chilliness.

My Verizon brethren have encouraged passersby to honk their horns and it's working. Whether it's disrupting the VPs in the building is another story.

Looking forward to my egg dinner. Lunch today is thus far a mystery.

Thank you for reading.

Hard core pt 1

Had a solid workout this morn -- abs, bis and a 20:48 5k. I think that's a personal best. There's pro and a con to running at the gym. The pro is that it's all math and it cannot be contested. There's a 5k loop setting, which I chose, and I cannot refute the fact that the clock is ticking. It's possible that the flooring isn't moving at exactly 9 mph as I had put it on, but I believe it is. The con is that there's no scenery. But to counterbalance that, I'm not breathing in car exhaust. It was an intense morning but a solid one and I'm quite proud of it. I was tired at its end but knew I had enough for the 2 bike rides today. Obviously I won't run later today.

Finished W. last nite. Perec completely abandoned the Gaspard Winckler plot (it may show up in another book, but still...). The reason the passages/chapters about W. were daunting is b/c by changing the "plot," there was also the absence of dialogue. I see what he was going for. Seems to me that he's commenting on fascist societies and their ideal of perfection. It's odd that I chose this book at this time (not fully knowing what this alternate plot was about) because toward the end it was as if he was speaking to me. There was a piece where he asks what the point of all the training is..."all for a moment of glory." I mostly disagree. It's not just about glory -- for me it's about putting my mind to something and seeing it through, keeping from becoming another disgusting statistic, and preparing myself physically and, subsequently, mentally, for something better or worse; the unknown. I can also see how he was commenting on a male-dominated society in general. There's certainly some validity there and it's in its absurdity in detail -- and not the numbers, which feels like homework -- that it registered most.

I couldn't read anything on the train. I was too thirsty and spent. I put on Paul Chambers and just relaxed. The 3-album collection I bought is really fantastic, specifically Go! and Whims of Chambers.

I willed myself to the road today and put on the Chickenfoot album. Kept the volume low so I could take in the scenery. I took 9th to 24th to the Highway. That was more just to stay with the traffic light scheme.

I got a little skeptical in the Meatpacking District a la yesterday but I did alright. Nothing terribly interesting to report other than that this type of weather is as perfect as can be.

I can be hard core again at least one more morning this week.

Thank you for reading.

Off to a great STOP

Was all ready to tackle the drizzle -- had my "rain" songs ready to go and at about the Meatpacking District I realized the rear tire was flat. It's been probably about 6 mos since the last flat. It could've been worse, of course, and at least it isn't cold nor raining hard.

I walked over to the bike shop that I see from the Highway which was only about a half-mile from where I was -- Bethune Street I believe was the cross street. But it was 935 by the time I got there and the place opened at 10. I reckoned it was better to walk to Metro Cycles, which also opens at 10, but at least I cover another half-mile.

So I did. Fixed me up in 20. Cost 17 bucks but at least they tightened up some of the nuts and bolts (some of it is too tight) so it's almost like getting a tune-up.

In the process, I read another chapter or so of W. I'm realizing a couple of things about Perec.

1. He's messing with you. He'll give you superfluous (or seemingly-superfluous) detail just to test your patience. It all comes back around at some point but the backstory of the organizational and numerical breakdown of the athletes and competitions is just daunting. Same with the autobiographical part about skis. Which brings me to point 2....

2. When he gets knee-deep in personal/first-hand knowledge of a subject, he's demonstrating how his mind works. In many ways he's holding up a mirror b/c we all have a tendency to tell a backstory. If you think I care about skis, you are mistaken. But I'm sure someone, somewhere, was fascinated by the care and craft in his description of skis and skiing in France in the 1940s.

I took W. Broadway down and realized Gotham Bikes is closer to my office, knowledge I will need for future reference. I count this as a ride day, b/c I have the bike, covered the ground and didn't take the subway. B/c of my tardiness I know it's not in my best interest to run during lunch, though I doubt anyone would care. I will just have an abridged lunch and plow through the day with the loving knowledge that Smithers and I will not cross paths for almost 2 straight weeks!

I ran 21:48 yesterday and worked out the Pecs and tris yesterday. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Thank you for reading.

Kick the chair

I'm very sure I wasn't supposed to be able to hit the pavement this morning, but it was not precipitating when I left and there's nothing coming down as of 8:55. The shed is not completely waterproof, however, and the quicker I get a new one, the better.

I've escaped death or certain injury a couple of times just being on 31st street. The cabbies make their own lanes as they turn. Then, a cabbie was pulling in to one of the garage/shops between 10th & 11th. I must've been in his blind spot but thankfully I have my eyes wide open.

Saw that I had no chance at making the crossing, so I proceeded to 24th and turned there, and stopped off at the bathroom at Chelsea Piers lavatory. I changed albums from Mother's Milk to Peace Sells. 80s albums that are not typical 80s.

I'm reading Perec's W. or the Memory of Childhood and it is the first of his works I have read without being dizzy, elated, frustrated, confused and relieved. Fascinating how this man's mind translates to the pen to the page. He basically has two works that are barely novellas that he alternates chapters with. There are pieces of his autobiography that are reminiscent of Species, which I read in January.

This is my last week at work before the big race and I'm deciding how to approach the running, since I will have time to work out some mornings. If it holds out, I will hit the pavement for lunch today and get one in the can. I was displeased with my times last week and would like to get them back in the 21's if possible. I'll aim for 3 lunch runs b/w now and Thurs. With Smithers changing his sched it actually benefits me.

Small conversations are snowballing in to something wholly otherwise. I can't tell sometimes if they are uncalled for or if I am getting to a truth about myself. It seems to me that I need to break a cycle b/c the way I am going about moving up in the business world is not effective. I do resent that every last thing I do is all about money and I resent that I have to sit and eat shit in front of people who have deceived me one way or another. But that is only part of the problem. If anyone tells me to try harder they can shove it. If I wasn't trying and making progress, then that'd be a fine criticism, but it's not the case. Change the approach is going to have to be the mantra because I am wasting away once I get to my destination.

I have some Megadeth albums and compilations in the pack today that should propel me this week.

It is also worth mentioning that last Friday morning I saw Jon Benjamin on his bike going north while I was on my way down. I should have stopped him but I don't watch his show -- though I do watch his animated stuff and his time on Demetri Martin's show.

Thank you for reading.

RT day #460

Dropped in briefly to see what mags were on sale at Borders.
The security guard hassled me again about locking the bike in the front.
I started arguing with him and then just moved it off to the side of 33rd.
He's just like the guys who are at my building -- he's not your friend. He might see you every day and smile as he greets you, but he doesn't remember you nor care about you.
I busted his balls for a few minutes and left it there. Next time I won't let it go that long.
There's nothing revelatory at Borders. Some cool periodicals about biking and competing but nothing I don't already have under some other cover. I read a pretty intense MH article this morning about knowing your max limit and if it really exists and thankfully one of the examples they used was an Ironman triathlete and one piece of advice they impart is to make it a long-term goal. So I am already on the right path and if this triathlon goes well I will do more than one in the next year and try to eventually gear up for a real Ironman one. That would be a new life goal that I have total control over. I've got 2 weeks left. Last nite I hit the gym pretty hard for upper body and even though I have lost some zip on my bench press (8r- 185/ 12r & 10r - 165) I did well and I think I'm down to the 154 lb range (I was 156 with my shoes on and a full stomach).
Won't run today -- will run when I get home. I want to be able to make the 520 and I've realized that my ride times are slipping. I'm not pushing too hard, partially because I don't want the chain to come off, and b/c I'm taking a safer route around the bus depot, and also because I'm getting cocky so today I will make it a point to be smart and fast.
A run tonite will mean 4x on the week. That's pretty solid and maybe I can do the Boardwalk again. At least I know it will be cooler than Sunday morn was.
Knowing that Smithers will be out Mon-Tues is a nice thought -- I hope he tries skydiving and alligator hunting this weekend.
I've got a fun weekend ahead of me and I'm looking forward to it.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:
Pearl Jam: "The Fixer"
The Answer: "Piece By Piece"
Ozzy: "Life Won't Wait" "Scream"
Foo: "Rope" "Matter of Time"

Bklyn

Today is a first!
First time I have taken the bike to Atlantic Terminal and rode to either office -- and in this case both offices.
I am of two minds about not playing the hand I was dealt and just working out of Metrotech. It's 5 minutes from At. Term., which is SOOOO convenient, just like the way our old PASouth office was close to Penn. Then again, had we not moved down here, I wouldn't have shed the weight.
There isn't a whole lot to say about the ride to Metrotech, as it's brief and not too inspiring (you're in the street w/ cars). LIU is there to my right, taking Flatbush Ave. north.

Leaving Metrotech to return to Wall St., though was quite scenic. Crossed at the Manhattan Bridge, which was a mistake (should've taken Brooklyn Bridge) but since I knew exactly where it'd lead (b/c I run under it twice weekly) I was okay with that and it only cost me another 5 minutes. I got a tougher workout riding uphill on the bridge, which thankfully has a bike/pedestrian lane partitioned by a gate from the cars and the subway train. Graffittiied residential buildingtops to my left. Nice sunny day. The path spit me out in to Chinatown and it took me a minute to get my bearings but realized the smartest/safest move was just to get back to the Seaport. I saw Catherine Street, realized it would eventually become Catherine Slip (it did) and took it.

Got free 2nd breakfast, fruit, coffee, milk and free lunch/salad/water during the meeting, where I have to admit I actually learned something. The Atex rep looked like Sam Kinison (and sorta sounded like quiet Sam Kinison) with 1st 1985 Biff Tannen hair.

I imagine him opening his next meeting as such:

"Welcome to Atex PGL. A lot of people think that Atex is just a program, but I hold it sacred...."

Thank you for reading.

"Dear Rosemary" and others

While reading Honey's Room, the name Rosemary pops up a couple of times and then she gets popped. Made me think of Foo's "Dear Rosemary" which is the first song of my list today. I'm at the 2/3 point of the novel so I'll be done by tomorrow night. Solid read.

I consciously packed light (my canned, liquid lunch is at work) so that I could ride bare-backed again. I won't be able to do it tomorrow but I certainly could on Friday.

I ran a 22:19 5K yesterday -- not bad, but I know I can do better. I am going to run again today and will call an audible on Friday.

Made the light at the Highway again in the nick of time -- once again, thanks to the second counter there. I hustled then, but otherwise I'd like to save my energy for the run today. See if I can get my time down to under 22 again.

It feels as though the left headphone is overcompensating for the right one, which does play but at about 10% capacity. It's a bummer, but finding good folding headphones is tough. I wonder what I'm doing to have this happen.

Took a phone call near Pier 40 from Liz but otherwise I am making decent time for someone who isn't moving too fast. This week, Smithers had to come in earlier than normal because another editor was out. He came in 15 minutes after me at most. That's fine, and since I'm not going straight to the office tomorrow and I come in really early on Fridays, there's no reason to race to the office.

In between Chambers and Murray is where the wiseguy security guard stands in the middle of the two bike lanes that run directly in front of the building (200 west st). He's normally over the top with his traffic-directing gestures but today, rather than do that, he stood right in the the middle of the two lanes. Normally this isn't a problem, but a suit with a lithium-powered bike crept up right behind me and I almost clipped him. Oh well.

I haven't hit the gym this week -- will try to maybe tomorrow night.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:
Foo: "These Days"
AC/DC: "Have a Drink On Me"
Pearl Jam: "Force of Nature" "The End"

Too much Tues

Feel good this morning.
Was able to crunch out 60 curls before I left and finally paid the roofer for attic fan installation.
Missed the 813 by probably 30 seconds and had my shoelace not gotten caught up in my pedal, I might've had a shot. But that's fine.
Upon exiting 33rd Street I see a kid in a suit with a sign around him about how he's got his degrees and skills and wants a job. He's me and I regret not taking his resume.
Am now almost halfway through Honey's Room. Seems to me that this is the inverse to "Inglorious Basterds" in the sense that is on U.S. turf and it came out around the same time. Since Leonard and Tarantino are in cohoots to some extent, it is possible they had discussed it. What I always liked about Leonard's stories is that he often takes two cliches or two characters from normally-different surroundings and pairs them up. Here we have a German POW in Detroit, speaking perfect English and looking to be a cattle wrangler. It's certainly different. Carl Webster appears in the Hot Kid and Women Come Out to Dance but I must confess, since I read those two at least 2 years ago I don't remember everything that transpires other than that he's a pecan farmer.
I'm only going to listen to two songs this morning: Freddie Hubbard's "Red Clay" and Lee Morgan's "Domingo."
The former is a tune (and album) I've had for a couple of years now and though I tend to favor Hubbard's mid-60s stuff, this album is undeniably a high point in his playing. He moves forward with the instrumentation and technology (electric piano as opposed to acoustic/grand) and the song takes its time. I am desperately trying to find a session that features both Hubbard and Horace Silver but I think it may be futile.
"Domingo" really cooks. I bought it in March when there was a 2 for $10 Blue Note sale at J&R and am always glad I expanded my Morgan collection because his playing is brilliant here. It's off Volume 3 that he gets better and he's moving up and down the scale here like a pro. Song's written by Benny Golson, whose work is more and more intriguing.
My brethren from Verizon are still out there -- a sea of red shirts!
At Albany Street I think I saved a couple of people's lives. I got to the median but some people were still crossing, even though the light was not green for us. That's why I wasn't terribly surprised when a car plowed through what-one-would-think is a red light. Then the driver of a town car, which realize it had made a wrong turn, decided to make his turn without looking at the Asian girl and the black guy who were about to become plastered on its grill. All this, amazingly, in the 2 seconds that the crossing guard was doing a 360. I yelled for the duo to stop walking. Thankfully they did, and the driver unapologetically moved on. The guard looked pissed and disappointed as if he might take down the license number. He and the pedestrians thanked me. I mentioned that it is not painfully obvious when we have the right of way -- not to lecture but to sympathize.
I'm going to run today during lunch. It's hero time. Time to shine.

Thank you for reading.

Monday with Bastardos!

The load is heavy on my back today. Got clothes, food, and Elmore Leonard's Up In Honey's Room in there. I started reading it on the train and his work -- when it's on -- is still tops. I began reading him habitually in high school when I discovered "Jackie Brown" was an adaptation of his. I think this will be the 20th of his novels I've read. The only one I didn't finish was Tishomingo Blues. I feel as though I've written that before and if it's true, then I apologize. I should be able to finish it by the weekend, though.

I ran a round-trip on the Boardwalk yesterday morning in 36 minutes. It was a scorcher at 11 a.m., surprisingly but I put up some solid #s and then hit the gym for upper body. I'm not as sore as I thought I would be. I worked out the legs on Saturday but sub'd front squats for back squats, so I saved my back some strain plus kept myself able to do the run.

It's pretty humid today and I'm wearing the beige shoes to force myself not to run today -- it's going to be much cooler tomorrow and Weds and I'll run then, instead. Otherwise, it's business as usual this week, unfortunately, except for Thurs when I'll take the train in to Bklyn and ride over the bridge for the first time.

Finally watched "Johnny Got His Gun" yesterday morning. That was a long time coming. I read the book about 10 years ago and I couldn't put it down. It's not a long book but I read it in sweltering heat in about 2 days. The movie had color, unbeknownst to me and it's really a haunting story. Joe doesn't have to be a WWI soldier, he could be in any war, any country, any time. Odd that the film was released during 'Nam and didn't get well-received, but then again, when you are surrounded by footage of a current war, you might not want to watch a film about an old one.

My CWA brethren at Verizon are outside the co's HQ across the street at Vesey. I saw them on the television, or "TV" before I left. They certainly have a right to protest and they are in the right, as far as I am concerned. I hope they get what they are demanding -- not to have their healthcare and pensions cut. They are fighting corporate greed -- the good fight.

Listened to the first tracks off Blues Traveler's Bastardos! again.

I looked at my watch when I left Penn and it was 9:05. It's 9:26 as I lock the bike up.

Thank you for reading.

RT day #455

Kept up my end and made the 749 -- made it by about 1 second, but as long as I am on, the ends are all that matter.

I'm more than halfway done with Silver's autobiography and, even though I like it, it's not revelatory. I was hoping he'd delve in to his writing methods and recording sessions but he only briefly discusses it. I own a lot of the albums he put out during the early- and mid-60s and they are truly fantastic. In the past 3 years I've bought and downloaded at least 40 jazz albums almost entirely from the mid-50s to the late-60s and his work stands out the most because they are the tightest and best arranged, but he glosses over the process, which is sort of a let-down. You'd think he'd mention the more specific details of the writing process of Cape Verdean Blues and Tokyo Blues since they came from concrete and revelatory experiences (which he does detail) but there's barely a mention except that his one-time Japanese girlfriend is on the cover photo with him on the latter album. Personality-wise, he seems to be extremely open-minded and I'm glad I'm not listening to another musician's "overcoming drug addition" tale of woe. He apparently wasn't a user or a drinker so the music must've been more organic, which is nice but it would be more engaging if he'd elaborate on that. Also, there's almost no dialogue -- a far cry from Moveable Feast. The only other jazz book I could imagine reading is the bio about Blue Note Records, the label that is probably most responsible for my continued love of the genre. The RVG remastered series is truly fantastic and since the liner notes there are saturated with enthusiasm and history, and I'd like to think the book about the label would take that to higher level.

I've got my head down and I'm not moving too fast as I'm listening to the last few tracks off Black Crowes' Before the Frost. The album is good and the sound quality (esp for a live album of new material) is top-notch but the band sounds tired in the writing. There's not a lot of distortion and I think they wanted to go for a more subtle approach. It works in the context of this double album (I own the dig. copy of disc 2 b/c I actually bought disc 1), but when I throw on the first four tracks of By Your Side, as I did this morning, that blows the slow stuff out of the water.

I actually made the light at the Highway this morning and I'm happy to say I was able to take my few belongings in Borders bag so I'm bare-backed. It's a nice feeling, but I'll have the filled water bottle later and that may hinder things.

I awoke from an intense, violent dream involving beating up Mila Kunis' boyfriend, who is in reality a dude from the gym. They were at the house of a childhood friend whose parents still live in the same house down the street (his parents are always walking their two dogs). Since I uncharacteristically ate chocolate after dinner and later fell asleep watching "That 70's Show," it makes sense. When rising from such a vivid dream, I tend to have some lag and today is a prime example.

Hoping to get to a certain record store today for a book signing of all things. I'll see if I can get there in time.

Thank you for reading.

Black Crowes Playlist:
Make Glad
And the Band Played On
Go Faster
Kickin' My Heart Around
By Your Side
Horsehead

Had a coconut water on the train today.

It being the first Thursday of a month, I speak in code only to myself.

At the Dunkin Donuts at 31st & Ninth Ave there was catering for a film. It's disgusting. There are people starving across the street and I hope the caterers hook them up. One quick left on to Ninth and I see a bunch of muffins, bagels and donuts on the street, picked at pigeons near the bus parking. Hopefully people had first crack at them.
I had to cross at 24th today again and the right headphone is shorting out too frequently for my liking. I bought it via amazon in January and it's convenient and it folds but I suppose i just wear it out.
Last nite was a ride back in the rain. The key to riding in the rain is to do it smartly and not quickly. I feel that's the best plan since no one else rides with a brain in the precipitation. The second a drop hits them they decide to move at double-time with tunnel-vision and they'll take the shortest route possible, rather than the best. How many idiots on bikes did I pass going south on 6th last nite? At least 3. I made it a point to cross after Park Row last nite to avoid the bus depot on Church Street and, having fresh memories of the recent chain-snafu, didn't want to go all-out. The morning ride is easier because the terrain is flatter, newer and more predictable. I realize that on beautiful mornings like this, when I can just put on the "Mars" disc of Stadium Arcadium and hit the road.
I move pretty quickly in the morning these days. I'm not consciously trying to move faster but I am more able and capable. Had I not just missed the light at Albany Street, I probably would've been finished a couple of minutes earlier.
Ran a 21:31 5k yesterday and will give my legs a rest for the business week.
I might crush them on Saturday.
Thank you for reading.

Smuli-scope

Not off to the best start today. For the first time in a while I had to dash over to RVC because of my own faults, and not the train. Problem was, I figured it was a futile effort. I was right by about 30 seconds. If I didn't have to cross Sunrise Highway, I would've had a fighting chance.

In all fairness, however, I'm positive my time from the house to that station was under 10 minutes, which is really good.

Began reading Horace Silver's autobiography. Fantastic pianist and composer and apparently now he has alzheimer's, which really sucks and I suppose he did his fans a favor by writing his memoirs when he had full use of his facilities and memories. He recorded a lot of albums for Blue Note in the 50s and 60s and I'm really looking forward to the chapters where he details how he got there and what it took. I'm almost 30 pgs in and he's already met Kenny Dorham on the smaller circuits. Though I only have 3 of his albums (and a few others where he is a sideman), Dorham is one of my favs as he was a great trumpeter and his compositions were catchy and sometimes justifiably long. I totally dig that guy. In random order, my top 5 jazzmen are: Silver, Jimmy Smith, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard and Donald Byrd. I won't claim to be a jazz historian or anything like that, I just base that on my growing collection. They either wrote or played my favorite jazz tunes. Special mention for Dorham, too. Anyway, Horace Silver's Doin' the Thing Live at the Village Gate is easily one of my very favorite jazz reissues and it's just a masterpiece.

So I put on a couple of the live Jazz Messengers tunes to keep me in the upbeat mood.

I ran a 21:54 5K on Monday and am looking forward to running again today. I'm moving well on the road today and even though I'm not thrilled about running after a tougher biking morning, I realize it'll give me a more accurate read on myself, b/c I'll be running in the triathlon after a 9-mile bike ride.

I moved pretty swiftly today. Had a rough return ride last nite as the chain got lifted again as I approached Worth Street. I'm sure there's a way to limit the frequency of that, but I suppose the answer is to avoid indentations in the street.

Two months ago I was sure I could draft a letter of resignation and now I'm sure that although I could, I cannot submit it with any merit.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:
Art Blakey & Jazz Messengers: "Quicksilver" "Now's the Time"
Foo: "Word Forward"
Rob Zombie: "Demon Speeding"
Bad Religion: "Leaders and Followers"

Of course....

Trains were consolidated this morning and they were late making it in to Penn so I was already behind the clock. I realized rather quickly that I don't have the key to the kryptonite lock, meaning I'd have to bring the bike inside today.
Finished Dark Avengers and it was pretty damn good. If you give villains enough time to get a fan base, you can do interesting things with them, including making them "heroes." I'd read another installment. I did notice how Norman Osborn resembles Tommy Lee Jones only with that triangular "Osborn hair."
Am listening to Pearl Jam's Backspacer. Listened to it for the first time driving to the vineyards a couple of weeks ago and it's pretty solid. Not as great as the first two but it's probably better than Yield, actually. Guitars have gotten choppy -- when they're not they soar. When they are, they tend to gum up the works. "Fixer" is a winner but the rest are merely okay.
The city must have recently installed a second-counter at the traffic light at the 29th street entrance to the highway. That's good b/c yesterday it enabled me with the confidence that I could cross over in the nick of time. Today, no such luck -- I made it down to 24th St before I crossed.
Hitting Pier 40 today, OF COURSE, there's someone pulling in there from the perpendicular side of the street. In all the seconds of the morning, the ONE car chooses those 3 seconds. Not a big deal, but it's another bullet to dodge.
People got fired yesterday -- about 20 in all at my company. That really is too bad -- I only casually knew some of the NY casualties but it is unfortunate, esp. they came in to work on a Monday only to be told "you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here." We all knew the cuts were on the way but I was relatively sure I was safe.
Put air in the tires yesterday and I'm sure it's making a difference. Hopefully today's train situation will be better than the past 2.
Today the debt deal has to get signed but in the end it doesn't matter, Fareed Zakaria said it best, "We already look bad."
Thank you for reading.

Aug 1 -- the countdown's begun

Cannot believe it's August already.
July was good, of course and I guess I am in the habit of waiting all year for the summer.
Today is important as it marks the homestretch. I have 15 days of work before the week of vaca and then the triathlon. That means that, in theory, I should/could be at RT #465 by the time of the race. I have no plans post-work so, short of a major rainstorm, I should be able to do 3 full weeks and get myself back in shape and on track. The two weeks did its number on me, physically, and though my weight is hovering in the 156 zone I can see some extra padding on my lower midsection, which needs to be rectified. I'm confident that once I resume running for the next few weeks it will begin to resemble the way I looked in early July.
I had to give up reading Nostromo. It's just too dense and I also don't care enough. I read almost all of the first big section but there was just so much description and so much back story and exposition that I couldn't plow through. Not enough dialogue, either. It just kept going on and on about these minute details that couldn't possibly impact anything else later on.
So today I begun reading Wolverine: The End. I do like the Wolverine mythology and I do like the series so I reckon it'll be a satisfying read.
Next on the agenda with either be a Horace Silver autobiog or Elmore Leonard's more recent, and after both are done I'm hitting Perec. I figure I'll breeze through the first 2 and be able to read Perec while on vacation.
I'm schvitzin today. Still have to run, though. No ifs. I don't know how well I will do but I will do my very best.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:
Crue: "Kickstart My Heart"
Pearl Jam: "The Fixer"
The Answer: "Piece By Piece"
Ozzy: "Life Won't Wait"
Foo: "Matter of Time"