Was able to hit the 7-11 across from the station in time to grab my free cinnamon coffee. It's a medium and I reckon its ingestion should provide the caffeine fix for the day.
I listened to the last few tracks of the first disc of the Hume in 90 minutes. It's more of a biography but it certainly explains his basic ideas (many of which were covered well in the TPM I read last week).
By the time I platformed the coffee had shot right through me and I really needed to use the bathroom. I decided to use the one @ the Piers since it's smaller, cleaner and not as congested. In doing so, I stopped at the light at 11th and of course it took forever to change. Upon exiting the bathroom I had this wonderful moment where I could hear the new Chickenfoot album very clearly. The moment had passed the second the light turned green.
After that, I made decent time. I wonder if I'm the only person in the history of the world to listen to a biography of Hume and then play Chickenfoot (or any Sammy Hagar-led band).
I'm only sweating out there b/c I'm wearing the sweatpants. Otherwise it's truly a perfectly nice morning. Sun is mostly out. It may rain and I just want to stay as dry as possible. I'm barebacked again and I'm realizing if I have more interesting audiobooks like this, then I can get away with riding whilst carrying almost nothing. No bag with me today either. Just wallet, phone, Ipod and train pass. It certainly makes it all bearable.
This 4-day week was alright. Next week is a 5-er, with weds being a day off from the bike and the week after that will be a 3-day week, with only 2 potential days for biking. I feel really strong and light and the fact that I've upped my weekend game with longer running distance and slightly heavier lifting, I am in better shape than I had been before the summer had started. If I can get a run in tomorrow morning, then the holiday won't destroy me.
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
RT day #485
No reading material today. Realized I should've put my Hume in 90 Minutes audiobook on the pod yesterday but I will do it today. Got to give the balls of my eyes a rest.
Am breaking in the new Chickenfoot album and it's pretty solid. It's not as heavy as the first but it's still pretty good. Watched the live broadcast on the lizard's ipad last nite and that was fun. For the $10, I'm entertained and it's a pretty rockin' album. Yes, Hagar's lyrics aren't always of the highest caliber but when he's talking about life and real-life issues, they can be inspiring. Listen to "Right Now," and "Turnin' Left." All about seizing the moment and it's good to hear a song about rising above your own expectations and standards rather than sticking it to someone else. The more important conflict is internal. Succeed there, and the external conflicts are easily won.
I'm a little groggy b/c of the lack o' caffeine again but there is a sendoff party for a nice fellow today and I'm banking on my one cup being there and being the real stuff and not Flavia brand.
I worked out pretty hard last nite -- did a slightly abridged circuit of abs, tris, pecs and then banged out a 5k at 21:55. Running that hard at night after a full day, roundtrip on the bike and the first 35 minutes of a workout can knock you out. I have run harder than that before but it is an indication of what an Ironman would do to me.
Barebacked today and no plastic bag either. All I need to do on the ride back is make space for a coconut water which I will refrigerate later. Lunch will be an uneven hodgepodge today. Could go Met-Rx bar -- I plan to carb up at the party this morn.
Have no lock today and can leave the bike in the office. Will need to tighten the screw on the front wheel, though.
Thank you for reading.
Am breaking in the new Chickenfoot album and it's pretty solid. It's not as heavy as the first but it's still pretty good. Watched the live broadcast on the lizard's ipad last nite and that was fun. For the $10, I'm entertained and it's a pretty rockin' album. Yes, Hagar's lyrics aren't always of the highest caliber but when he's talking about life and real-life issues, they can be inspiring. Listen to "Right Now," and "Turnin' Left." All about seizing the moment and it's good to hear a song about rising above your own expectations and standards rather than sticking it to someone else. The more important conflict is internal. Succeed there, and the external conflicts are easily won.
I'm a little groggy b/c of the lack o' caffeine again but there is a sendoff party for a nice fellow today and I'm banking on my one cup being there and being the real stuff and not Flavia brand.
I worked out pretty hard last nite -- did a slightly abridged circuit of abs, tris, pecs and then banged out a 5k at 21:55. Running that hard at night after a full day, roundtrip on the bike and the first 35 minutes of a workout can knock you out. I have run harder than that before but it is an indication of what an Ironman would do to me.
Barebacked today and no plastic bag either. All I need to do on the ride back is make space for a coconut water which I will refrigerate later. Lunch will be an uneven hodgepodge today. Could go Met-Rx bar -- I plan to carb up at the party this morn.
Have no lock today and can leave the bike in the office. Will need to tighten the screw on the front wheel, though.
Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Complications of a Mastermind
It's pretty humid today.
This is day 2 of weening myself off the java. Had the iced cup in the fridge this morn, I must thusly limit myself to only one more cup, preferably later on in the day.
I'm listening to some tracks off Californication and I'm With You. Nice to hear "Get On Top" after a long while.
New Chickenfoot album comes out today. Will probably have to go to a major retailer to get it. This group was able to form, tour, and release 2 studio albums before Van Halen could get their shit straight and put something out.
I wanted to run today but I might do that at the gym tonite. If I knock it all down to 15 minutes of abs 15 minutes of pecs and 25 minutes of running I will have a very concise workout. The only way I can manifest that, however, is to skip the bench press, which is fine I can do that Friday morn.
Read MH today. Took a little break from the philosophy.
Having a 4-day week is good. By day's end, half of the week will be over.
Saw the handlebar-mustachioed Skeet Ulrich again.
Crossing Albany, there was dressed in a blue business shirt walking west, and was muttering (to himself) and gesturing as if someone was offering him a drink. No one was acknowledging him.
Thank you for reading.
This is day 2 of weening myself off the java. Had the iced cup in the fridge this morn, I must thusly limit myself to only one more cup, preferably later on in the day.
I'm listening to some tracks off Californication and I'm With You. Nice to hear "Get On Top" after a long while.
New Chickenfoot album comes out today. Will probably have to go to a major retailer to get it. This group was able to form, tour, and release 2 studio albums before Van Halen could get their shit straight and put something out.
I wanted to run today but I might do that at the gym tonite. If I knock it all down to 15 minutes of abs 15 minutes of pecs and 25 minutes of running I will have a very concise workout. The only way I can manifest that, however, is to skip the bench press, which is fine I can do that Friday morn.
Read MH today. Took a little break from the philosophy.
Having a 4-day week is good. By day's end, half of the week will be over.
Saw the handlebar-mustachioed Skeet Ulrich again.
Crossing Albany, there was dressed in a blue business shirt walking west, and was muttering (to himself) and gesturing as if someone was offering him a drink. No one was acknowledging him.
Thank you for reading.
Monday, September 26, 2011
...I believe I've waited long enough...
Early Fall is a lovely time of year.
My ride is smooth and uneventful.
There is a man riding north many mornings, whom I saw today, who looks like Skeet Ulrich with a handlebar mustache.
I haven't had any coffee yet. My legs are almost entirely fresh. That means last week, when they were sore, it was from the weight training and not the boardwalk run. I ran a 10K yesterday and I felt fine. Still do.
Watched "Thor" last nite -- it was pretty solid. I'm on the fence about the costumes. They have a tendency to look as though they were bought at a Ricky's. "Walk" plays in the film and during its credits and it made me want to hear it this morn on the train.
Listening to Dust again. Tough to top. The Trees' lost album is coming out in a few weeks. Chickenfoot drops tomorrow. Jane's also in a couple of weeks. In terms of being a rock/music fan, 2011 has been among the most fruitful of years. '06 and fwd have had their moments but this year my 3 fav bands all had new material and a couple of others that I hold in high esteem also are making the world a better place.
My stomach is still pretty tight. I'm not bragging. I worked out the abs hard on Sat., then ran the 10K yesterday and also ate a huge meal yesterday afternoon/evening. It's hard to ascertain if it's a good tight or not, b/c the meal was monstrous.
I'm not moving too hard, mostly b/c I do not feel it's necessary. I'm certainly going to be early. I had wondered how the protesters would fare and they are still out here. They are accepting donations for books and stuff like that. I can drop some off. I hope they like a story about John Wayne Gacy's attorney!
Thank you for reading.
My ride is smooth and uneventful.
There is a man riding north many mornings, whom I saw today, who looks like Skeet Ulrich with a handlebar mustache.
I haven't had any coffee yet. My legs are almost entirely fresh. That means last week, when they were sore, it was from the weight training and not the boardwalk run. I ran a 10K yesterday and I felt fine. Still do.
Watched "Thor" last nite -- it was pretty solid. I'm on the fence about the costumes. They have a tendency to look as though they were bought at a Ricky's. "Walk" plays in the film and during its credits and it made me want to hear it this morn on the train.
Listening to Dust again. Tough to top. The Trees' lost album is coming out in a few weeks. Chickenfoot drops tomorrow. Jane's also in a couple of weeks. In terms of being a rock/music fan, 2011 has been among the most fruitful of years. '06 and fwd have had their moments but this year my 3 fav bands all had new material and a couple of others that I hold in high esteem also are making the world a better place.
My stomach is still pretty tight. I'm not bragging. I worked out the abs hard on Sat., then ran the 10K yesterday and also ate a huge meal yesterday afternoon/evening. It's hard to ascertain if it's a good tight or not, b/c the meal was monstrous.
I'm not moving too hard, mostly b/c I do not feel it's necessary. I'm certainly going to be early. I had wondered how the protesters would fare and they are still out here. They are accepting donations for books and stuff like that. I can drop some off. I hope they like a story about John Wayne Gacy's attorney!
Thank you for reading.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Murky Friday
Had a rough time getting out of bed this morning.
I was basically Liam the Teenager Who Just Woke Up yet somehow I managed to make the 749.
I couldn't muster the eye-strength to read on the train so I just kinda mellowed out to some lighter RHCP. I finished Sextet last night.
We saw "Relatively Speaking" - ROW B - last nite, which was why I am so tired. It was a good but long, day. The third act was the best.
There's pizza for lunch today so I'm in good shape.
I'm listening to Temple of the Dog this morning -- I normally start out with "Reach Down" b/c it's a heavy blues tune but it moves thanks to Mr. Cameron. That has become my morning/wake-up song.
It was supposed to pour but I got away with it this morning. The problem, I realized, is that I should've worn sweats. Now I'm going to have murky water on my legs on the ride home.
I wonder how the protesters will do in the weather.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
TOTD: "Hunger Strike" "Pushin' Forward Back" "Your Savior"
Pearl Jam: "The Fixer" "Johnny Guitar"
I was basically Liam the Teenager Who Just Woke Up yet somehow I managed to make the 749.
I couldn't muster the eye-strength to read on the train so I just kinda mellowed out to some lighter RHCP. I finished Sextet last night.
We saw "Relatively Speaking" - ROW B - last nite, which was why I am so tired. It was a good but long, day. The third act was the best.
There's pizza for lunch today so I'm in good shape.
I'm listening to Temple of the Dog this morning -- I normally start out with "Reach Down" b/c it's a heavy blues tune but it moves thanks to Mr. Cameron. That has become my morning/wake-up song.
It was supposed to pour but I got away with it this morning. The problem, I realized, is that I should've worn sweats. Now I'm going to have murky water on my legs on the ride home.
I wonder how the protesters will do in the weather.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
TOTD: "Hunger Strike" "Pushin' Forward Back" "Your Savior"
Pearl Jam: "The Fixer" "Johnny Guitar"
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
...show us love before you go...
Began reading the final installment in Miller's Sextet. It's a near 30-page dissertation on his love for a German book called "The Maurizius Case." I'd deluded myself in to thinking that I would read the book first before getting Miller's thoughts on it, but I'm glad now that I didn't because from what I can tell, it was a trilogy that was left incomplete. And, there are enough excerpts to get the gist of the story. I'm reading it as more of a learning experience, to see how well one can write an essay about another piece of work that resonates profoundly with him.
Listening to the opening tracks of I'm With You again. It nicely complements the surprisingly bright and warm morning. Upon first glance out my window, I thought today would be gray and muggy.
I plan to run today during lunch, as tomorrow I will be dressed too nicely and it might rain. Today I was assured there would be no chance of precipitation. I feel a slight soreness in my thighs but nothing I cannot handle. I wonder if it's from the squatting or the running.
Worked out last nite and did BP reps at 185, and 15 at 165. I don't know what's changed that I cannot hit the 3 sets of 8 @ 185. The only "theory" is that I'm using two 35s on each side of the bar as opposed to a 45 + 25. Oh, the tangled web a meathead weaves. I did do 3 sets of 10 at 90 on the fly and 60 reps of the swim with dumbbells (10lb) so it was a solid session last nite.
I'm a little groggy, as I had some weird, very vivid dreams this morning that woke me up a bit too early. I dreamed the Oceanside stop was at the BP station across the street from Farmer Joel's, and that I left my bike on the train. I went to the train yard to fill out a form, and sure enough, the bike had been right behind me the entire time.
The protesters are out there hoping to get clemency for Troy Davis in Georgia. From what I heard on the news, he was convicted 20 yrs ago for killing a cop. But b/w eyewitnesses recanting their testimonies, new evidence, and redoubtable jurors (who seem to be anti-death penalty), he has a viable shot at innocence. Obama cannot intervene, as it's a state matter. Some history will be made today and tomorrow.
Thank you for reading.
Listening to the opening tracks of I'm With You again. It nicely complements the surprisingly bright and warm morning. Upon first glance out my window, I thought today would be gray and muggy.
I plan to run today during lunch, as tomorrow I will be dressed too nicely and it might rain. Today I was assured there would be no chance of precipitation. I feel a slight soreness in my thighs but nothing I cannot handle. I wonder if it's from the squatting or the running.
Worked out last nite and did BP reps at 185, and 15 at 165. I don't know what's changed that I cannot hit the 3 sets of 8 @ 185. The only "theory" is that I'm using two 35s on each side of the bar as opposed to a 45 + 25. Oh, the tangled web a meathead weaves. I did do 3 sets of 10 at 90 on the fly and 60 reps of the swim with dumbbells (10lb) so it was a solid session last nite.
I'm a little groggy, as I had some weird, very vivid dreams this morning that woke me up a bit too early. I dreamed the Oceanside stop was at the BP station across the street from Farmer Joel's, and that I left my bike on the train. I went to the train yard to fill out a form, and sure enough, the bike had been right behind me the entire time.
The protesters are out there hoping to get clemency for Troy Davis in Georgia. From what I heard on the news, he was convicted 20 yrs ago for killing a cop. But b/w eyewitnesses recanting their testimonies, new evidence, and redoubtable jurors (who seem to be anti-death penalty), he has a viable shot at innocence. Obama cannot intervene, as it's a state matter. Some history will be made today and tomorrow.
Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
More Humean Than Humean
Today is roundtrip #480.
I intentionally took left the bike lock @ home since I am quite certain it will rain on and off. This makes lugging the thing around in Penn slightly easier. I'm obv. going to bring the bike into the building.
Devoured the equivalent of up to 4 donuts yesterday. I don't feel as bad about it as I thought I would, since I ran twice my normal distance on Sunday and my legs are still a little sore.
Read about this drug dealer in the philosophy world who I won't name and as far as I'm concerned is just another dirtbag. Supposedly he was just a pot dealer, which isn't as bad as worse drugs, but fuck him, he's another drug dealer. Wow, he read books in prison! Big fucking deal. "I write better when I'm stoned," he says. So you have no natural talent. Good for you. I've always felt that sobriety (or at least some moderation) is the right route. A lot of former friends didn't see it that way and I couldn't care less about them now. When you are on the outside of that, and that's the bond, you see people for what they truly are. My thoughts on the subject were summed up best by the last two tracks on Rollins Band's Weight. I used to think, though, that I was avenging myself but I realize that doesn't matter any more. I have shed that skin and now I'm just proving myself to myself. If I'm a success or a failure, it matters only to me and the close circle of people around me, and not to ghosts and memories.
It's starting to rain a bit, and I have a special group of songs I like to throw on the Ipod for such occasions. I'm also wearing the sweatpants again. The ground isn't wet yet, but I am sure it will be on the return ride.
There is a group of kids engaged in a somewhat organized run along the path to my right and one girl apparently doesn't run often, as her right hand was stuck between her crevice as she ran to keep her loose sweatpants from succumbing to gravity. I had to laugh. Her friends were, too.
Today's a.m. work is mostly done and lunch plans are to hit the National Museum of the American Indian. It's right down the street and I should take advantage. I'm actually glad to be going on a rainy day.
Watched "The Playboy Club" last night and as hot and bare as those women are I cannot imagine clearing an hour a week to tune in to the drama. The handsome-lawyer guy is a Don Draper knockoff all the way down to his dubbed voice. Aside from the women's good looks, I can see how the show is basically a way to show them as 2-D women trying to break the 1-dimensional mold in a time when women were still seen as inferior. That part of it is interesting but I get my fix of that from "Mad Men." I suppose I will leave it on in the background if I remember to tune in, but Hugh Hefner glorifying his Heff-ness is only moderately intriguing to me. He should've done this 20 years ago, and then at least he'd be an innovator. To their credit, though, there was more than just 1 black actress in the episode. Seriously. The girl who was in Mad Men (who played a bunny, there, too), may be the token for the regulars, but at least the costume mistress and Tina Turner and her band were black. So at least we get some diversity with our authenticity. Of course, the black guy that the lawyer was defending said not a word as they entered the courthouse, but we'll see if they rectify that in subsequent episodes.
The plan is to hit the gym tonite, run tomorrow, and maybe squeeze something in Thurs morning, too. We'll see how well I take to the mornings.
The protesters look as though they are just waking up as I pass them at 9:20. It's going to be an uphill battle for them in this weather. They are fighting corporate greed.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
AC/DC: Thunderstuck
The Cult: Rain, Coming Down
RHCP: The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie
Velvet Revolver: Slither
I intentionally took left the bike lock @ home since I am quite certain it will rain on and off. This makes lugging the thing around in Penn slightly easier. I'm obv. going to bring the bike into the building.
Devoured the equivalent of up to 4 donuts yesterday. I don't feel as bad about it as I thought I would, since I ran twice my normal distance on Sunday and my legs are still a little sore.
Read about this drug dealer in the philosophy world who I won't name and as far as I'm concerned is just another dirtbag. Supposedly he was just a pot dealer, which isn't as bad as worse drugs, but fuck him, he's another drug dealer. Wow, he read books in prison! Big fucking deal. "I write better when I'm stoned," he says. So you have no natural talent. Good for you. I've always felt that sobriety (or at least some moderation) is the right route. A lot of former friends didn't see it that way and I couldn't care less about them now. When you are on the outside of that, and that's the bond, you see people for what they truly are. My thoughts on the subject were summed up best by the last two tracks on Rollins Band's Weight. I used to think, though, that I was avenging myself but I realize that doesn't matter any more. I have shed that skin and now I'm just proving myself to myself. If I'm a success or a failure, it matters only to me and the close circle of people around me, and not to ghosts and memories.
It's starting to rain a bit, and I have a special group of songs I like to throw on the Ipod for such occasions. I'm also wearing the sweatpants again. The ground isn't wet yet, but I am sure it will be on the return ride.
There is a group of kids engaged in a somewhat organized run along the path to my right and one girl apparently doesn't run often, as her right hand was stuck between her crevice as she ran to keep her loose sweatpants from succumbing to gravity. I had to laugh. Her friends were, too.
Today's a.m. work is mostly done and lunch plans are to hit the National Museum of the American Indian. It's right down the street and I should take advantage. I'm actually glad to be going on a rainy day.
Watched "The Playboy Club" last night and as hot and bare as those women are I cannot imagine clearing an hour a week to tune in to the drama. The handsome-lawyer guy is a Don Draper knockoff all the way down to his dubbed voice. Aside from the women's good looks, I can see how the show is basically a way to show them as 2-D women trying to break the 1-dimensional mold in a time when women were still seen as inferior. That part of it is interesting but I get my fix of that from "Mad Men." I suppose I will leave it on in the background if I remember to tune in, but Hugh Hefner glorifying his Heff-ness is only moderately intriguing to me. He should've done this 20 years ago, and then at least he'd be an innovator. To their credit, though, there was more than just 1 black actress in the episode. Seriously. The girl who was in Mad Men (who played a bunny, there, too), may be the token for the regulars, but at least the costume mistress and Tina Turner and her band were black. So at least we get some diversity with our authenticity. Of course, the black guy that the lawyer was defending said not a word as they entered the courthouse, but we'll see if they rectify that in subsequent episodes.
The plan is to hit the gym tonite, run tomorrow, and maybe squeeze something in Thurs morning, too. We'll see how well I take to the mornings.
The protesters look as though they are just waking up as I pass them at 9:20. It's going to be an uphill battle for them in this weather. They are fighting corporate greed.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
AC/DC: Thunderstuck
The Cult: Rain, Coming Down
RHCP: The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie
Velvet Revolver: Slither
Monday, September 19, 2011
Humean Monday
Was able to go barebacked today.
There was an 11-minute delay on the 813. By the time I got in it was as if I'd taken the 818 off a few minute delay.
It's getting cooler out. Not as cold as Friday, but I will likely have to start wearing longer/thicker layers.
I ran a 10K yesterday, or as close to one as I can get. My legs are pretty shot. I'm not moving too hard and I'm a little groggy to boot.
Read about Hume and his theories on "theism" and religion. Now that I've read this part, I can see how indeed Darwin certainly could've been (and was) reading Hume while writing his theory of evolution.
There's one more passage about Hume in here and then I'm on to some other stuff.
There are donuts waiting for me @ work today. I figure I can wolf one down guilt-free, since I worked out pretty hard this weekend.
Made all my lights today. That always helps.
On the way up to Broadway there were a lot of (seemingly homeless) people camped out at the square across the street from the building. I wonder what they are up to.
Thank you for reading.
There was an 11-minute delay on the 813. By the time I got in it was as if I'd taken the 818 off a few minute delay.
It's getting cooler out. Not as cold as Friday, but I will likely have to start wearing longer/thicker layers.
I ran a 10K yesterday, or as close to one as I can get. My legs are pretty shot. I'm not moving too hard and I'm a little groggy to boot.
Read about Hume and his theories on "theism" and religion. Now that I've read this part, I can see how indeed Darwin certainly could've been (and was) reading Hume while writing his theory of evolution.
There's one more passage about Hume in here and then I'm on to some other stuff.
There are donuts waiting for me @ work today. I figure I can wolf one down guilt-free, since I worked out pretty hard this weekend.
Made all my lights today. That always helps.
On the way up to Broadway there were a lot of (seemingly homeless) people camped out at the square across the street from the building. I wonder what they are up to.
Thank you for reading.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Ex-humed.
Barebacked today. Don't need much, lunch will be bought and clothes await me.
Am reading more about Hume today. Even the mistakes he made and his followers' misinterpretations have had profound effects on society, supposedly. It's fascinating still, though some of the novelty is wearing off. I'll pick up a new book next week.
Smithers' being out today is an added bonus to it being a Friday.
It's nippy out here, though. It's windy and not warm. Summer truly feels faded.
I'm listening to I'm With You again and it's as if these tracks have been with me all along. I need better headphones for purposes of sound quality and physical comfort.
Had a wonderful, healthy dinner of poached salmon last nite that will fuel me until my greasy pizza lunch.
Thank you for reading.
Am reading more about Hume today. Even the mistakes he made and his followers' misinterpretations have had profound effects on society, supposedly. It's fascinating still, though some of the novelty is wearing off. I'll pick up a new book next week.
Smithers' being out today is an added bonus to it being a Friday.
It's nippy out here, though. It's windy and not warm. Summer truly feels faded.
I'm listening to I'm With You again and it's as if these tracks have been with me all along. I need better headphones for purposes of sound quality and physical comfort.
Had a wonderful, healthy dinner of poached salmon last nite that will fuel me until my greasy pizza lunch.
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Humeor Me.
Here are some things I saw today on my normal route:
An older man at the Piers crosswalk who looked like Santa.
A cut, lean, black guy with short dreads, an eye patch and a small backpack (which I'm seeing more freq. lately) jogging north. He looked like he materialized straight out of a comic series I just read called the 7 Soldiers of Victory, where there were underground pirates in the subway. The eyepatch was a shade of brown that matched his skin color perfectly. It was strange and hardcore.
Shortly after that, there was a young(er) black kid talking to a woman with Arab headgear and trying to impress her right at the brick crossing. He seemed oblivious to the serious, spandex-clad two-wheeler group coming at him, so I warned him to get out of the lane. They moved and the oncoming group's leader thanked me sincerely.
Had a coconut water today and though I ran a 22:50 yesterday where my legs were quite sore, they seem to be alright today. I'm down to (w/o shoes) 154 lbs.
Read a little more about Hume today. This stuff fascinates me b/c it was not a part of my upbringing at all. Philosophy and jazz are two phenomena to which I was almost entirely blind while growing up. But I appreciate that b/c it's new fuel for inspiration and knowledge. After a while, the well runs dry with the metal and the true crime. Got to change it up and eventually integrate it all. I won't pretend to understand all of it in the same way I don't like all jazz but I appreciate it all b/c of its lasting effect and influence.
Watched "Valdez is Coming" last night. Of the 20+ Elmore Leonard novels I've read, only a few have been westerns, and of that (total) amount, I've seen only a handful of adaptations that I've read. "Get Shorty" seemed to not need much of a script in terms of new dialogue and it still worked really well. In the same vain, "Valdez" was almost exactly as I imagined it. Sure there were a couple of characters and subplots cut out, and there wasn't the same growing relationship between Valdez and Gay Erin (nor the full explanation of her situation), but by-and-large it was really faithful. I'd only seen Burt Lancaster in "Field of Dreams" so to see him 20 years earlier as an aging Mexican was quite a 180. The only thing I take issue with in the portrayal of Mexicans, there, was the idea that they make a "ch" sound where an "H" would start a world. Like: "His." Granted I have not met too many Mexicans, though I have worked with some (possibly authentic) who didn't pronounce words like that at all. I'll make a trip down to Juarez and get some first-hand experience and report back. Regardless, it's the kind of movie my grandfathers probably had on at one point during my childhood and they all were in the zone when they watched, except when they nodded off. Even still, it's comforting to imagine they were watching with me while Gilly continued with her project for A&L's baby.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Chris Cornell - "Enemy" "Other Side of Town" "Climbing Up The Walls"
Chickenfoot - "Down the Drain" "My Kinda Girl" "Learning to Fall"
An older man at the Piers crosswalk who looked like Santa.
A cut, lean, black guy with short dreads, an eye patch and a small backpack (which I'm seeing more freq. lately) jogging north. He looked like he materialized straight out of a comic series I just read called the 7 Soldiers of Victory, where there were underground pirates in the subway. The eyepatch was a shade of brown that matched his skin color perfectly. It was strange and hardcore.
Shortly after that, there was a young(er) black kid talking to a woman with Arab headgear and trying to impress her right at the brick crossing. He seemed oblivious to the serious, spandex-clad two-wheeler group coming at him, so I warned him to get out of the lane. They moved and the oncoming group's leader thanked me sincerely.
Had a coconut water today and though I ran a 22:50 yesterday where my legs were quite sore, they seem to be alright today. I'm down to (w/o shoes) 154 lbs.
Read a little more about Hume today. This stuff fascinates me b/c it was not a part of my upbringing at all. Philosophy and jazz are two phenomena to which I was almost entirely blind while growing up. But I appreciate that b/c it's new fuel for inspiration and knowledge. After a while, the well runs dry with the metal and the true crime. Got to change it up and eventually integrate it all. I won't pretend to understand all of it in the same way I don't like all jazz but I appreciate it all b/c of its lasting effect and influence.
Watched "Valdez is Coming" last night. Of the 20+ Elmore Leonard novels I've read, only a few have been westerns, and of that (total) amount, I've seen only a handful of adaptations that I've read. "Get Shorty" seemed to not need much of a script in terms of new dialogue and it still worked really well. In the same vain, "Valdez" was almost exactly as I imagined it. Sure there were a couple of characters and subplots cut out, and there wasn't the same growing relationship between Valdez and Gay Erin (nor the full explanation of her situation), but by-and-large it was really faithful. I'd only seen Burt Lancaster in "Field of Dreams" so to see him 20 years earlier as an aging Mexican was quite a 180. The only thing I take issue with in the portrayal of Mexicans, there, was the idea that they make a "ch" sound where an "H" would start a world. Like: "His." Granted I have not met too many Mexicans, though I have worked with some (possibly authentic) who didn't pronounce words like that at all. I'll make a trip down to Juarez and get some first-hand experience and report back. Regardless, it's the kind of movie my grandfathers probably had on at one point during my childhood and they all were in the zone when they watched, except when they nodded off. Even still, it's comforting to imagine they were watching with me while Gilly continued with her project for A&L's baby.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Chris Cornell - "Enemy" "Other Side of Town" "Climbing Up The Walls"
Chickenfoot - "Down the Drain" "My Kinda Girl" "Learning to Fall"
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Hume-idity
I'm thinking about the article I read in TPM this morning, regarding David Hume. I am not the most learned individual when it comes to philosophy and I don't want to come off as the put-out schmuck in the back of phil. class who's read a few books and thinks he knows everything. I don't pretend to have any answers but I am intrigued by an idea Hume mentioned.
He didn't believe in a soul nor an afterlife but rather that one's self is a connection of mental states. And in a symmetrical way, he sees no great injustice about the fact that we don't consider not having a soul before being born, so afterward shouldn't be a problem, either.
I've never read anything like that before and it's truly revelatory. I leaned toward believing in a soul, and still do, but I hadn't considered that my body had no soul prior to conscious, physical birth. You read all sorts of wonderful stories and literature about reincarnation, and the enlightenment of the spirit and all that, and now there's some logical reason to doubt or reconsider it. The magazine is celebrating Hume's bday with a major chunk (its midsection) full of essays about him and his theories and at first I thought it'd be isolating but now I'm intrigued.
Hit the gym last nite and was able to bench the 3x8r of 185 again. Felt much better this time around and if I can repeat that next week, I'll see if I can up the weight. Am probably going to run today, again. If I'm truly committed to getting my weight down to 150, then another 9x should knock out another pound. There's only going to be a couple of days of gorging and that won't be for another couple of weeks so I think I can accomplish this.
Listened to I'm With You from "Annie" to "Goodbye Hooray." It gets better with each listen.
Thank you for reading.
He didn't believe in a soul nor an afterlife but rather that one's self is a connection of mental states. And in a symmetrical way, he sees no great injustice about the fact that we don't consider not having a soul before being born, so afterward shouldn't be a problem, either.
I've never read anything like that before and it's truly revelatory. I leaned toward believing in a soul, and still do, but I hadn't considered that my body had no soul prior to conscious, physical birth. You read all sorts of wonderful stories and literature about reincarnation, and the enlightenment of the spirit and all that, and now there's some logical reason to doubt or reconsider it. The magazine is celebrating Hume's bday with a major chunk (its midsection) full of essays about him and his theories and at first I thought it'd be isolating but now I'm intrigued.
Hit the gym last nite and was able to bench the 3x8r of 185 again. Felt much better this time around and if I can repeat that next week, I'll see if I can up the weight. Am probably going to run today, again. If I'm truly committed to getting my weight down to 150, then another 9x should knock out another pound. There's only going to be a couple of days of gorging and that won't be for another couple of weeks so I think I can accomplish this.
Listened to I'm With You from "Annie" to "Goodbye Hooray." It gets better with each listen.
Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
RT day #475
Finished Across the River on the train. It was a good read through and through. Mostly a disenchanted, disillusioned memoir but well done all the same. This is the fifth Hem on the year. I'll squeeze one more in there by its end. On to other things, now.
Just to catch myself up: Yesterday I ran during lunch because one friend was out and the other was saving his voice for an audition. I clocked in at 22:30, which was a pleasant surprise considering I haven't run in about 2 weeks. I was doing it more to reacquaint myself with the pacing, rather than to kill the ghost. Seems to me that when I do kill the ghost I have the potential to shave off more than a minute.
Last nite, the second I got off the train platform, I felt something give in the rear tire and the entire tire came off the wheel. Thankfully my guy @ RVC was able to turn it around before 8 p.m. and I'm back on the road b/c of him.
And now that I'm back on the road, I get the feeling the front wheel is a little light but I can manage. I can feel my legs are a little worn but nothing like the way I feel 30-72 hours after I squat.
I'm realizing that the guitar sound on I'm With You doesn't have the standard "slinky/funky" sound that Frusciante boasted. So "Factory of Faith" sounds more like a rock sequel to "Monarchy of Roses" b/c of that. That, and I don't love the (what sounds like) sampled percussion in "Factory." I feel like it takes away from some of the purity of the band. I like listening to this when I'm on the Highway beside the water, as opposed to along/with the traffic.
I'm really glad there's a new Jane's album coming out soon. The one song I did hear sounded like (praise the rock gods) it could be off Strays!
Nothing much else to report. There is a job I will apply to today, and I may need to write up a quick CV and revise the ol' res.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Megadeth: "Black Friday" "Bad Omen" "I Ain't Superstitious"
Jane's: "Suffer Some"
Just to catch myself up: Yesterday I ran during lunch because one friend was out and the other was saving his voice for an audition. I clocked in at 22:30, which was a pleasant surprise considering I haven't run in about 2 weeks. I was doing it more to reacquaint myself with the pacing, rather than to kill the ghost. Seems to me that when I do kill the ghost I have the potential to shave off more than a minute.
Last nite, the second I got off the train platform, I felt something give in the rear tire and the entire tire came off the wheel. Thankfully my guy @ RVC was able to turn it around before 8 p.m. and I'm back on the road b/c of him.
And now that I'm back on the road, I get the feeling the front wheel is a little light but I can manage. I can feel my legs are a little worn but nothing like the way I feel 30-72 hours after I squat.
I'm realizing that the guitar sound on I'm With You doesn't have the standard "slinky/funky" sound that Frusciante boasted. So "Factory of Faith" sounds more like a rock sequel to "Monarchy of Roses" b/c of that. That, and I don't love the (what sounds like) sampled percussion in "Factory." I feel like it takes away from some of the purity of the band. I like listening to this when I'm on the Highway beside the water, as opposed to along/with the traffic.
I'm really glad there's a new Jane's album coming out soon. The one song I did hear sounded like (praise the rock gods) it could be off Strays!
Nothing much else to report. There is a job I will apply to today, and I may need to write up a quick CV and revise the ol' res.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
Megadeth: "Black Friday" "Bad Omen" "I Ain't Superstitious"
Jane's: "Suffer Some"
Monday, September 12, 2011
Across the Westside and onto the Highway
Knocked out 30 pgs of the Hemingway novel. 70 or 80 pgs left. It's decent, but in the story's reality, nothing is happening. Eating, gondola trips, drinking, and fooling around and remembrances and that's mostly it. This is also one of the few that hasn't been adapted, and I can see why. Colonel Richard Cantwell is convincing himself that he can live the good life as it is his last chance to do so. But he's taking it too far by falling in love with a 19-year-old. At least the characters know that it's somewhat frowned upon.
This is the 8th Hemingway book I've read. I plan to be done with it by Tues nite/Weds morn.
This will be the last Hemingway read for a little while as there is a lot on deck that I actually own.
There's not a whole hell of a lot going on on the highway today. I did see one woman jogging, just past the piers, with matching blue-ish tattoos on her exposed calves. I couldn't make out the insignias but the woman was easily in her 40s.
Watching the 9/11 ceremony was difficult yesterday morning, as I did get choked up more than once. I wept last year, possibly b/c I was alone last year on the day and a little more claustrophobic. There comes a point once they make it into the Bs and Cs where you can block out distractions and take stock of what happened and what is happening and you can zero in on the moments. It's easy and uncomfortable. That I pass the site daily is one thing, but I don't read the names every day and we all know there are some people who do.
The Albany St. traffic cop could've held traffic an extra 5 seconds as the traffic lights had indicated, but it's not the end of the world.
Thank you for reading.
This is the 8th Hemingway book I've read. I plan to be done with it by Tues nite/Weds morn.
This will be the last Hemingway read for a little while as there is a lot on deck that I actually own.
There's not a whole hell of a lot going on on the highway today. I did see one woman jogging, just past the piers, with matching blue-ish tattoos on her exposed calves. I couldn't make out the insignias but the woman was easily in her 40s.
Watching the 9/11 ceremony was difficult yesterday morning, as I did get choked up more than once. I wept last year, possibly b/c I was alone last year on the day and a little more claustrophobic. There comes a point once they make it into the Bs and Cs where you can block out distractions and take stock of what happened and what is happening and you can zero in on the moments. It's easy and uncomfortable. That I pass the site daily is one thing, but I don't read the names every day and we all know there are some people who do.
The Albany St. traffic cop could've held traffic an extra 5 seconds as the traffic lights had indicated, but it's not the end of the world.
Thank you for reading.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Going with the Crowes in the Fall
Am now using the old $1 headphones that kind of hurt my earballs.
Was listening to I'm With You as I got off the train but am now putting on Black Crowes' Warpaint. The reason being that yesterday I was at the graveyard across the street from the morgue in which I work, and saw a stone that read "daughter of a revolutionary war veteran" and it made me think of "Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution." So that's where we're headed today. Amazing that they were able to put out a bunch of albums, disband, reunite and put out another album before GNR could put out Chinese Democracy.
Worked out tris and pecs last nite pretty good. Didn't do as well with my bench press set as I did last week -- I completed all the reps but started to teeter out toward the end.
I'm barebacked today and only have a few items in the bag which hangs on my left handlebar.
Began reading Across the River and Into the Trees today.
I read a few articles yesterday in my TPM and it's very inspiring b/c it's such uncharted territory for me. I began an idea for a philosophy-based essay but the problem is I lack the real knowledge of its basics and furthermore, I read a review of a book that sounds like a good read and something that can help me get on my way but toward the end of the review it sort of bashed it by saying that the ideas are so basic and fundamental that it's almost condescending. The last thing I'd want to do (but might do, anyway, just to finish the essay) is to write it without the philosophical stuff and then, after some extensive research, inject it into the essay. It's very possible that a learned person could read a finished product and figure out my method. It's also possible that it might work.
My legs are still readjusting to life in the bike lane. I can tell. I may have been numb to it prior to my break but I can feel my thighs without much focus.
Saw a short Pan-Asian looking man running near Moore St. completely barefoot. I just find that to be a generally bad idea.
From a very practical standpoint, I am glad this year's 9/11 anniversary is on a weekend. The crowds are enough to delay things. But a sad, reflective, sometimes-gawking crowd really does a number on us down here.
Thank you for reading.
Was listening to I'm With You as I got off the train but am now putting on Black Crowes' Warpaint. The reason being that yesterday I was at the graveyard across the street from the morgue in which I work, and saw a stone that read "daughter of a revolutionary war veteran" and it made me think of "Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution." So that's where we're headed today. Amazing that they were able to put out a bunch of albums, disband, reunite and put out another album before GNR could put out Chinese Democracy.
Worked out tris and pecs last nite pretty good. Didn't do as well with my bench press set as I did last week -- I completed all the reps but started to teeter out toward the end.
I'm barebacked today and only have a few items in the bag which hangs on my left handlebar.
Began reading Across the River and Into the Trees today.
I read a few articles yesterday in my TPM and it's very inspiring b/c it's such uncharted territory for me. I began an idea for a philosophy-based essay but the problem is I lack the real knowledge of its basics and furthermore, I read a review of a book that sounds like a good read and something that can help me get on my way but toward the end of the review it sort of bashed it by saying that the ideas are so basic and fundamental that it's almost condescending. The last thing I'd want to do (but might do, anyway, just to finish the essay) is to write it without the philosophical stuff and then, after some extensive research, inject it into the essay. It's very possible that a learned person could read a finished product and figure out my method. It's also possible that it might work.
My legs are still readjusting to life in the bike lane. I can tell. I may have been numb to it prior to my break but I can feel my thighs without much focus.
Saw a short Pan-Asian looking man running near Moore St. completely barefoot. I just find that to be a generally bad idea.
From a very practical standpoint, I am glad this year's 9/11 anniversary is on a weekend. The crowds are enough to delay things. But a sad, reflective, sometimes-gawking crowd really does a number on us down here.
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
OJ and Cliff bar fuel
Today marks the first time I have seen any sunlight since Monday.
My right headphone speaker has blown out -- so no music today.
The past couple of days I read the first 2 volumes of Simon Dark. It was a decent read. There was certainly a "Matrix"-style Architect scene ripoff, but it was interesting to have a Gotham-based story with only a one-line reference to Batman and Gordon. I'm pretty sure I bought these for 2 or 3 bucks apiece @ the store near the office. Today I read an essay/article in my Philosopher's Magazine about how we can derive truth from fiction and how we interpret it. I understand enough of it and plan to hit up another passage on the way home.
Stopped off at Borders (this is the penultimate day) and bought a birthday card and The Bridge Of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder. Grand total I paid $1.75.
I'm relatively groggy today -- I only had time for a class of OJ at home and took a Cliff Bar for the train ride so at least I have some calories in me. This is one of the more severe cases of oversleeping I have had in a while and it's due largely in part to the two or three storms that hit us last nite.
Nothing interesting happening on the road today save for an ambulance that needed a police escort starting near Chinatown that lasted almost the entire southbound ride. There's also a tall white man on the walker's path next to the river at 10th St. who appears to be practicing tai chi. He looks like a suit -- extremely atypical.
Approaching Chambers St., the Freedom Tower looks as if it's so tall that you cannot see above a certain (finished) point, but then you get closer and you notice that a low cloud is there obstructing your view.
Thank you for reading.
My right headphone speaker has blown out -- so no music today.
The past couple of days I read the first 2 volumes of Simon Dark. It was a decent read. There was certainly a "Matrix"-style Architect scene ripoff, but it was interesting to have a Gotham-based story with only a one-line reference to Batman and Gordon. I'm pretty sure I bought these for 2 or 3 bucks apiece @ the store near the office. Today I read an essay/article in my Philosopher's Magazine about how we can derive truth from fiction and how we interpret it. I understand enough of it and plan to hit up another passage on the way home.
Stopped off at Borders (this is the penultimate day) and bought a birthday card and The Bridge Of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder. Grand total I paid $1.75.
I'm relatively groggy today -- I only had time for a class of OJ at home and took a Cliff Bar for the train ride so at least I have some calories in me. This is one of the more severe cases of oversleeping I have had in a while and it's due largely in part to the two or three storms that hit us last nite.
Nothing interesting happening on the road today save for an ambulance that needed a police escort starting near Chinatown that lasted almost the entire southbound ride. There's also a tall white man on the walker's path next to the river at 10th St. who appears to be practicing tai chi. He looks like a suit -- extremely atypical.
Approaching Chambers St., the Freedom Tower looks as if it's so tall that you cannot see above a certain (finished) point, but then you get closer and you notice that a low cloud is there obstructing your view.
Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Rain day 2
I realize this morning that if I look out my kitchen window, I cannot accurately gauge the rainfall on the puddle since there are trees directly above. The better way to do it is to look out the front near the driveway puddle.
With that in mind it was lightly drizzling when I left. I would've made the 818 but it was delayed by 13 minutes. Rather than book it to RVC for a train that'd leave simultaneously, I sat and waited.
My right headphone is still crapping out on me. I thought I'd fixed it up but apparently not. Sometimes it's fine, like when I'm at work or the odd gym session, but on the bike there's certainly something wrong with it. Listening to the opening of I'm With You is hampered by this, as only my left side can truly enjoy it.
One of the hardest parts about riding in dampness is keeping traction with the pedals. Intermittently, I have to realign my feet. Sometimes I feel a strain in my ankle but it quickly subsides.
Am wearing my sweatpants today, as yesterday's return ride was unpleasant at best. I don't regret riding in the rain but I also do not like it. I know it's a contribution toward my leanness, and sometimes I imagine myself in an alternate dimension as the same me, only without the biking and I can envision the slightest expansion of my gut. That cannot happen on my watch, if I can avoid it. However, last nite, while wearing the red "Dodgeball" shirt I was drenched. I was smart about everything, however, but it was coming down hard. My feet were soaked and the train ride home could have been worse (anyone remember last year's tornado?) but it's the worst in recent memory.
At the WFC, there's no longer a little pedestrian incline so I have to stop there and move the bike onto the sidewalk. Minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience all the same.
Thank you for reading.
With that in mind it was lightly drizzling when I left. I would've made the 818 but it was delayed by 13 minutes. Rather than book it to RVC for a train that'd leave simultaneously, I sat and waited.
My right headphone is still crapping out on me. I thought I'd fixed it up but apparently not. Sometimes it's fine, like when I'm at work or the odd gym session, but on the bike there's certainly something wrong with it. Listening to the opening of I'm With You is hampered by this, as only my left side can truly enjoy it.
One of the hardest parts about riding in dampness is keeping traction with the pedals. Intermittently, I have to realign my feet. Sometimes I feel a strain in my ankle but it quickly subsides.
Am wearing my sweatpants today, as yesterday's return ride was unpleasant at best. I don't regret riding in the rain but I also do not like it. I know it's a contribution toward my leanness, and sometimes I imagine myself in an alternate dimension as the same me, only without the biking and I can envision the slightest expansion of my gut. That cannot happen on my watch, if I can avoid it. However, last nite, while wearing the red "Dodgeball" shirt I was drenched. I was smart about everything, however, but it was coming down hard. My feet were soaked and the train ride home could have been worse (anyone remember last year's tornado?) but it's the worst in recent memory.
At the WFC, there's no longer a little pedestrian incline so I have to stop there and move the bike onto the sidewalk. Minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience all the same.
Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Foo tix in the rain
Booked it to RVC today and made it just in time. I suppose tomorrow morning I'll be back on a normal schedule -- it was fun while it lasted.
Bought tix for Foo Fighters upon exiting Penn Station @ MSG box office and had a nice chat with the vendor about my bike. He rides too, from Harlem. Our seats are not great but they have some potential depending on the stage/platform layout. I realize that I could've done stubhub, but at least it's in stone, now.
It's raining a bit today, so I twist the ipod around the back side of my arm so there's substantially less chance of rain. Listening to disc 1 of In Your Honor this morning. I'm moving pretty swiftly considering the conditions and that I already had one hard ride.
I'm making it a point to ride faster and harder on the straightaway parts of the path. I am feeling pretty lean as I had a couple of solid workouts Sat and Yesterday. This is what I am made of. The goal is to keep pushing. I was really bummed about the triathlon's cancellation and all this pent-up-edness is still stored up inside me.
As I was passing the final building of the WFC the ME of the building walked right out toward his bike. He was looking down and not left and right, as I am accustomed to doing and he was dressed more like a bicyclist than I do (I look like I'm going to beach volleyball or gym class). I quickly just said "dude, look out" and he let out this weird, too-falsetto-for-evil laugh as he looked at me. I'm not scared of something that sounds that acted out. If you're trying to intimidate me, you fail. If that was a laugh of some sort of ironic introspection, fine, but now your balls need to drop a little bit before you let the squeal out. I almost expected this guy to follow me to Albany St., but he didn't. And what would he have done anyway? Fight me? It'd be worth his doing it, just so I could knock him out but in the end I am distracted by the fact that there's a ton of cops and workers in the new ground zero sidewalk to my left. They were awaiting some sort of shirt or instructions.
I made my way to the freight entrance and in I go.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
"In Your Honor"
"DOA"
"Last Song"
"Hell"
"Free Me"
Bought tix for Foo Fighters upon exiting Penn Station @ MSG box office and had a nice chat with the vendor about my bike. He rides too, from Harlem. Our seats are not great but they have some potential depending on the stage/platform layout. I realize that I could've done stubhub, but at least it's in stone, now.
It's raining a bit today, so I twist the ipod around the back side of my arm so there's substantially less chance of rain. Listening to disc 1 of In Your Honor this morning. I'm moving pretty swiftly considering the conditions and that I already had one hard ride.
I'm making it a point to ride faster and harder on the straightaway parts of the path. I am feeling pretty lean as I had a couple of solid workouts Sat and Yesterday. This is what I am made of. The goal is to keep pushing. I was really bummed about the triathlon's cancellation and all this pent-up-edness is still stored up inside me.
As I was passing the final building of the WFC the ME of the building walked right out toward his bike. He was looking down and not left and right, as I am accustomed to doing and he was dressed more like a bicyclist than I do (I look like I'm going to beach volleyball or gym class). I quickly just said "dude, look out" and he let out this weird, too-falsetto-for-evil laugh as he looked at me. I'm not scared of something that sounds that acted out. If you're trying to intimidate me, you fail. If that was a laugh of some sort of ironic introspection, fine, but now your balls need to drop a little bit before you let the squeal out. I almost expected this guy to follow me to Albany St., but he didn't. And what would he have done anyway? Fight me? It'd be worth his doing it, just so I could knock him out but in the end I am distracted by the fact that there's a ton of cops and workers in the new ground zero sidewalk to my left. They were awaiting some sort of shirt or instructions.
I made my way to the freight entrance and in I go.
Thank you for reading.
Playlist:
"In Your Honor"
"DOA"
"Last Song"
"Hell"
"Free Me"
Friday, September 2, 2011
First Fri in a While
I'm reminded that the last time I had to work on a Friday, Smithers was out. Glorious days gone by.
I'm without caffeine this morning but I'm With You is with me and it seems that that's all I need.
I'm looking around a little more and noticing that at Hudson River Park (?) are a bunch of tents set up in some sort of conjunction with the surfing competition -- all the teas and energy drinks are there. I saw them yesterday near 14th Street on a closed off part of 6th ave and almost stopped but decided it was more important to hit the gym on time. I was probably right.
My shins are speaking to me and there must be something about my posture that is causing this. It could be that they have been willed out of entropy from last week but I also ran last week (and this past Tues night).
There's much to look forward to this weekend and I am glad I have another Monday-less week next week.
I've been reading Valdez is Coming by Elmore Leonard since Weds even ride. I will have it done by day's end (it's under 150 pgs). It was left for me by a co-worker and since I needed a break from anything too heavy or strenuous, it was actually good timing. I've read at least 3 of his westerns, they are all good and I think his are the only of the genre's that I've read. I've got plenty to read next month and it's time to write some good stuff, too.
I benched 24 reps (3 sets/8) of 180 lbs yesterday eve. I'm sticking with the MH suggestion of doing less reps with heavier weights.
The weather for riding is perfect and I am living it up. I didn't have to take the subway at all in August due to weather conditions. The best part was already having vacation time booked during the earthquake and hurricane and the latter's aftermath. I wouldn't want to deal with corporate bullshit about what day I'm entitled to, and I don't know how I would've felt if Smithers spoke to me at all during that time. Will have to hit Borders next week as they are closing.
The first batch of tracks largely start with Flea.
More thoughts of sorts next week.
Thank you for reading.
I'm without caffeine this morning but I'm With You is with me and it seems that that's all I need.
I'm looking around a little more and noticing that at Hudson River Park (?) are a bunch of tents set up in some sort of conjunction with the surfing competition -- all the teas and energy drinks are there. I saw them yesterday near 14th Street on a closed off part of 6th ave and almost stopped but decided it was more important to hit the gym on time. I was probably right.
My shins are speaking to me and there must be something about my posture that is causing this. It could be that they have been willed out of entropy from last week but I also ran last week (and this past Tues night).
There's much to look forward to this weekend and I am glad I have another Monday-less week next week.
I've been reading Valdez is Coming by Elmore Leonard since Weds even ride. I will have it done by day's end (it's under 150 pgs). It was left for me by a co-worker and since I needed a break from anything too heavy or strenuous, it was actually good timing. I've read at least 3 of his westerns, they are all good and I think his are the only of the genre's that I've read. I've got plenty to read next month and it's time to write some good stuff, too.
I benched 24 reps (3 sets/8) of 180 lbs yesterday eve. I'm sticking with the MH suggestion of doing less reps with heavier weights.
The weather for riding is perfect and I am living it up. I didn't have to take the subway at all in August due to weather conditions. The best part was already having vacation time booked during the earthquake and hurricane and the latter's aftermath. I wouldn't want to deal with corporate bullshit about what day I'm entitled to, and I don't know how I would've felt if Smithers spoke to me at all during that time. Will have to hit Borders next week as they are closing.
The first batch of tracks largely start with Flea.
More thoughts of sorts next week.
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Thoughts of Sorts...Part 2
Police Station: It moves along nicely. Seems like someone lost the sparkle in their eye and they need to be consoled or even confronted. Hearing songs like this near a body of water make it seem like a message in a bottle to someone. Nice little piano riff in there, I think they could've expanded on the instrumental bridge right before it for a little longer there. I like the way the settings are evolving. Nice imagery. This is this album's "Desecration Smile"
Even You, Brutus?: This one was talked up a lot prior to the album's release, since it was written toward its end and is piano-based. Like a better version of Scott Weiland's "Lady, Your Roof Brings Me Down." Despite its Elton John-like structure, there's still some funky guitar work going on there. Not exactly sure what the song is about, other than (likely) betrayal.
Meet Me At The Corner: The follow up to "Hey." Flows like a river, and it has a nice message about reconciliation. It also seems to be about coming to terms with who you have become and how you lost connections along the way, and painfully keeping it that way. Josh once again provides some vocals and sounds like a woman, but it's kind of cool b/c it almost makes it a duet. I also like the upbeat coda. Nice often-unused touch.
Dance Dance Dance: I think back on all the songs with the word "Dance" in their titles or choruses and I suppose I do like the ones that a rock band puts out. Examples: Jamiroquai, Bee Gees. I just can't stand it when a dance/pop group puts one out. I think Lady Gaga does one that is just headache-inducing. Regardless, while this has no real depth it is fun and it's the band going out on a high note. It's consistent with the variety; the album started with disco, its midpoint was a one-two punch of latin and garage-punk and it's finishing with a carribbean bailamos. This is where I am biased, b/c had another group put this out, who knows how much I'd genuinely like it?
Overall, I truly like/almost-love it. It's a new chapter for the band, and it marks a new chapter for myself, as well. I feel like it's the precursor of better things to come. A writer at Flavorwire said he was skeptical that anyone under 30 years old would care too much about the band anymore. I couldn't care less what anyone else likes. Here are good musicians putting out music that is good and honest and about life, love, loss, happiness, and yes, dancing. The songs aren't about bling, being the baddest, being the drunkest, or even boning (I realize it's a sea change from a lot of the earlier stuff). It says a lot for the musicians, and hopefully their audience.
Lately I've OD'd on metal and jazz so this is the perfect middle ground. I like being subjected to new styles of music. Sometimes I only prefer a song or album or particular artist to fill the void and you don't just wake up and like something new. I have friends who are very much set in their ways with their musical tastes, which I don't fully get. If you are a current RCHP fan, I'd argue that the odds are you like different styles, b/c different styles influenced the writing, structure and the musicians themselves. You can unquestionably make that argument for MANY groups, but as far as modern rock is concerned, there's a reason this keeps me turned on and excited more than anything else. Greg Dulli pulls it off nicely. Grohl stays within the rock realm, which I appreciate more and more b/c it gets better and better while the industry and the genre gets harder and harder. Metallica must experience the same conundrum. Clapton is a master of this. For that matter, so are the Supersuckers. They've got different personalities they can exhibit and when they do, they give it their all and it works. If your are going to limit your tastes, that's fine, but you ought to keep an open mind within the closed-mindedness. This isn't AC/DC we're discussing, so I don't want them to put out the same album one-after-another. Challenge me as a listener and you'll get my respect at the least. Possibly loyalty. With the loyalty, I'm willing to shell out a few bucks to see you live and probably buy the next record.
I'll eventually fall in love with this album. I wanted it too much. The odd thought is that eventually it'll be months and years since it was released.
Perec: His work will stay with me forever. It's too beautifully freakish. I don't love all of it. I don't have to. It's a Dionysian climb but it's all worth it. A Man Asleep was truly that much of a struggle -- from nothing to something. I like the message -- I respond to it on a personal and primal level. If you have Rollins as your subconsciously-chosen internally-audible narrator, then it sounds almost like a taunt, but the truth is the narration is on the same level. He's describing things and hopefully mocking the poor 25-year-old. I think it'd have been even better had the character been genderless since he's using the 2nd person narrative. There's no mention of sex or intimacy, really, so to have a "you" that is undefined by genitalia would reach more people.
Same old trip.
Thank you for reading.
Even You, Brutus?: This one was talked up a lot prior to the album's release, since it was written toward its end and is piano-based. Like a better version of Scott Weiland's "Lady, Your Roof Brings Me Down." Despite its Elton John-like structure, there's still some funky guitar work going on there. Not exactly sure what the song is about, other than (likely) betrayal.
Meet Me At The Corner: The follow up to "Hey." Flows like a river, and it has a nice message about reconciliation. It also seems to be about coming to terms with who you have become and how you lost connections along the way, and painfully keeping it that way. Josh once again provides some vocals and sounds like a woman, but it's kind of cool b/c it almost makes it a duet. I also like the upbeat coda. Nice often-unused touch.
Dance Dance Dance: I think back on all the songs with the word "Dance" in their titles or choruses and I suppose I do like the ones that a rock band puts out. Examples: Jamiroquai, Bee Gees. I just can't stand it when a dance/pop group puts one out. I think Lady Gaga does one that is just headache-inducing. Regardless, while this has no real depth it is fun and it's the band going out on a high note. It's consistent with the variety; the album started with disco, its midpoint was a one-two punch of latin and garage-punk and it's finishing with a carribbean bailamos. This is where I am biased, b/c had another group put this out, who knows how much I'd genuinely like it?
Overall, I truly like/almost-love it. It's a new chapter for the band, and it marks a new chapter for myself, as well. I feel like it's the precursor of better things to come. A writer at Flavorwire said he was skeptical that anyone under 30 years old would care too much about the band anymore. I couldn't care less what anyone else likes. Here are good musicians putting out music that is good and honest and about life, love, loss, happiness, and yes, dancing. The songs aren't about bling, being the baddest, being the drunkest, or even boning (I realize it's a sea change from a lot of the earlier stuff). It says a lot for the musicians, and hopefully their audience.
Lately I've OD'd on metal and jazz so this is the perfect middle ground. I like being subjected to new styles of music. Sometimes I only prefer a song or album or particular artist to fill the void and you don't just wake up and like something new. I have friends who are very much set in their ways with their musical tastes, which I don't fully get. If you are a current RCHP fan, I'd argue that the odds are you like different styles, b/c different styles influenced the writing, structure and the musicians themselves. You can unquestionably make that argument for MANY groups, but as far as modern rock is concerned, there's a reason this keeps me turned on and excited more than anything else. Greg Dulli pulls it off nicely. Grohl stays within the rock realm, which I appreciate more and more b/c it gets better and better while the industry and the genre gets harder and harder. Metallica must experience the same conundrum. Clapton is a master of this. For that matter, so are the Supersuckers. They've got different personalities they can exhibit and when they do, they give it their all and it works. If your are going to limit your tastes, that's fine, but you ought to keep an open mind within the closed-mindedness. This isn't AC/DC we're discussing, so I don't want them to put out the same album one-after-another. Challenge me as a listener and you'll get my respect at the least. Possibly loyalty. With the loyalty, I'm willing to shell out a few bucks to see you live and probably buy the next record.
I'll eventually fall in love with this album. I wanted it too much. The odd thought is that eventually it'll be months and years since it was released.
Perec: His work will stay with me forever. It's too beautifully freakish. I don't love all of it. I don't have to. It's a Dionysian climb but it's all worth it. A Man Asleep was truly that much of a struggle -- from nothing to something. I like the message -- I respond to it on a personal and primal level. If you have Rollins as your subconsciously-chosen internally-audible narrator, then it sounds almost like a taunt, but the truth is the narration is on the same level. He's describing things and hopefully mocking the poor 25-year-old. I think it'd have been even better had the character been genderless since he's using the 2nd person narrative. There's no mention of sex or intimacy, really, so to have a "you" that is undefined by genitalia would reach more people.
Same old trip.
Thank you for reading.
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