MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Will be taking the next week off from blogging as I will doing the usual holiday festivities. Hope everyone has a great holiday and best wishes for the New Year!

SYS

Take that, slacker!

Yes, I am man enough to admit when I am being a royal slacker. But, in a somewhat valid defense, I have only been a slacker with Walking Wounded and not other things in life in general. Sometimes life gets a bit dull and I feel as though I'm in a stage where nothing interesting is going on. To the contrary many interesting things have been going on but I have been either too busy or too damn tired when the time does come to blog. Oh well. I expect to hear flack about this but I can take it.

On a more interesting note Christmas is coming up real soon and while I had a bit of the ol' Christmas noose tightening around my neck last week, this week I have felt a bit more of the cheerful Christmas spirit enter my being. Although, I wish it could cure the common cold as I have been sick as a dog since Friday night.

Friday night was a big event at Bricktop. It was Ricochet's birthday party, so a bunch of awesome DJs within my Lincoln circle were on hand to help make it a night to remember. Boy was it. Usually on a given Friday or Saturday night BT features two DJs that split the hours between 9pm and 1am - basically two two-hour sets. Sometimes the two DJs will split it up an hour-on/hour-off as well. On a few ocassions it is one DJ for the entire four hours which can get a bit tedious especially if it is the run of the mill house DJ.

But for the birthday bash there were five DJs on hand to help keep the floor flowing with dancers. Chuckles as well as Mattman brought in great house sets. One of the things that appeals to my ear is when house becomes a bit more darker and the beat a bit more percussive. Chuckles is the master of the chilled out sound which set things off great for Mattman to turn the beats a bit more "grimey" as I like to call it. Also, Crucial made a guest spot and mixed two records one of them a remix of BT which is probably one of my favorite BT tracks. He dropped it quite nicely!

Ricochet also mixed some dirty breaks into the set which helped get things going for one of my favorites, DJ Blac. Blac spins jungle and DnB and doesn't bring the cheese either. It was just the thing to set me off on a wild rampage of dancing and drinking, which most likely caused me to catch this cold but it was worth it for the sake of the excellent music. At one point in the night, in order to avoid a chicks drink ending up all over the front of my sweater I leap backwards of the stage and landed squarely on my arse. Luckily, my glutes are touch and I was really "loose" from all of the pomegranate red bulls I was imbibing. Didn't hurt one bit not even the next day.

The only ill affects of the night was due in part to perspiring on the hot dance floor and then walking in the low-teens temps to get to my truck. One thing I did do was run home real quick in between after hours and took a shower and changed. The thought of spending another couple of hours mingling with birds being all moist underneath really didn't appeal to me. Once I left my apartment after the superman routine I felt very refreshed but started sneezing and didn't stop all night. When I woke up the next morning I was sick as a dog and couldn't breathe out of my nose. Bullocks!

But dems the breaks... ;)

SYS

You gotta love the hussle...

I am currently getting paid for my hobby! Yay, I love friend chicken. No seriously, I picked up a part-time job working at a record store to fill in time between bartending and the eventual teaching position. The store is really cool cause even though it is a chain it maintains the "independent" store vibe. Plus, the blokes that work there (like me) know a shit load about music and love to talk shop whenever possible.

Also, helping customers find music and that perfect gift for the holiday season has been remarkably rewarding. Usually, working with John and Jane Q. Public can be like getting your gums scraped at the dentist. But so far it has been pretty cool. Plus, my employee discount has already more than paid for itself since I started. Looks like my vinyl collection will soon return to respectibility. Needless to say, I am very excited.

Now if I can only workout at the gym and perform dead lifts without the other meat heads looking at me like I have lobsters crawling out of my ears. Where are all the hardcore weightlifters in this city?

SYS

Every now and then we need a reminder...

...of just how precious and short life really is!

Tonight was a usual Wednesday night. Stopped in at Homer's in the afternoon to see Chuckles and the rest of the crew and talk music. Chuckles of course is a resident DJ Wednesday nights down at Bricktop so I like to go down there to support him, shoot some pool (if you can call it that, LOL) and chatterbox. The night was still brutally cold as has been the trend since turkey day. So as people come on in throughout the night everyone is extra happy to see everyone else I guess because we are all happy that we made it there alive, in one piece and not frozen.

I was chilling with Chuckles in the booth when I saw some friends come on up to the stage. I like it when I run into people that I know and have had a good time with PLUS I like for people to come out and support Chuckles because he is an excellent house DJ whose creativity often gets overlooked on slower nights. Either way I was happy to see the fellas. I took time out from the DJ booth to sit down with them and catch up on the week and whatnot. I noticed one friend was not in a particularly chatty mood. It was made more obvious because normally when he is chatty he is an utter pisser! But he was rather quiet and out of it in general.

On a side note, I have no idea how smokers "stay" smokers in the winter (or any other time a year for that matter) when they have to go outside in the cold to smoke. They must really freeze their asses off and for what, nicotine(?). But as far as I am concerned, let 'em freeze! They'll learn eventually, either the easy way (sans chemo) or the hard way (with chemo). I know this statement may cut like a knife but I have deep rooted feelings on the subject that seem to come to the surface rather often having lost my own Mother to cancer. I'll be the first to admit that while smokers can be very intelligent people, in the long run they are not too bright.

Getting back to my buddy, he went out for a cigarette and that left me with the other guys chilling out. They took the opportunity to tell me that a girl who my buddy had been in an on again/off again relationship with just died on Monday. Needless to say I was a bit stunned. Not much in the way of details was known other than that she was 22 years old and simply went to take a nap and never woke. One had said that the death may have been as a result of some coronary problem. Regardless, I felt bad not only to hear that a person so young passed away, but for my friend as well because he really cared for her!

I apologize for the downward turn this post has taken but there is a positive message. This story should be a remninder to us all that life is precious and often times way too short. We should all enjoy ourselves and the company of the ones we care about each and every day. If you have someone (family member or friend) who you care about and you haven't been in contact with for a stretch, look 'em up and give them a call. Not only will they feel better but you will feel better too. And its the coolest thing to know that you were able to reach out to that special person!

SYS

Things that make me go - "Hmm?"

"I leap over lies in a single bound
who are you? the black prophet
one day i was struck by knowledge itself
it gave me super-scientifical powers
now i run through the ghetto
battling my arch nemesis Mr. Ignorance
he's been trying to take me out
since the days of my youth
he fears the day will come
i'm hot on his trail
but sometimes he has an army
they always bug me
and give me trouble
mainly Hatred, Jealousy and Envy
they attack me
they think they got me
but i used my super science
and i twist off three
i see sparks over that building
they're shooting at me
so i dip, do a back flip
and hit 'em in the heart
with sharp steel bookmarks
Ignorance hates when i drop it
but no matter what he do...
he can't stop the prophet!"

-The Prophet, Jeru The Damaja.

Those who dig old-school hip-hop already know the name Jeru the Damanja, but in case you don't. Go right now and pick up the LP "The Sun Rises in the East." The album IS that good!

This first verse from [The Prophet] above was pretty much a theme for the day. Being the time of year it is there is a lot of hussle and bussle going on even out here in Lincoln, NE. In general, since I have arrived things have felt a gear or two slower than what I am used to in New York. But it's picking up speed as I see people (despite the snow) driving a little quicker and walking a bit brisker. When I'm downtown, seeing people walk the street reminds me of the lower east side of Manhatten a smidge. Of course, the city's silhouette is different from Manhatten's but the feeling is definitely familiar. When I am back in SW Lincoln, the scene basically reminds me of Long Island but with less traffic. One of the things I was stressing about was whether or not Christmas out here would be white. No worries there! LOL

Not sure if others encounter this (actually, I'm sure others do, but had to say it anyway) so here goes. Now I thought that the Midwest was "the" capitol for proper manners and what not. The people out here are very considerate and approachable, don't get me wrong. But I have noticed now on several ocassions that people do not respond to "bless you" after they sneeze. Let me tell you why this annoys me.

First, not to get off on a tangent, I am not a religious person with regards to my own personal beliefs of life, the universe, etc. Mainly because I feel anyone who relies on religion to teach people morals are basically more than a little naive. I do find the theological aspect of religion as a subject for discussion and critique truly fascinating. But that is another subject. I look at the practice of saying, "bless you" after someone sneezing as an act of proper manners en lieu of an act of religious signifigance. True, saying "bless you" has been something that my Mother and father have reinforced in me throughout my life to the point that it is almost like a reflex. Someone sneezes, I say, "bless you." Simple. But it really rubs me the wrong way when someone doesn't acknowledge the fact that I said, "bless you" - the fact that I was considerate enough to say it, I guess.

If they are not religious people or do not believe in God I can see how saying something like, "God bless you" might be a tad insulting. This is why I say simply, "bless you" so I do not put anybody off. But you would think that even if someone had contrary beliefs that a comment like "bless you" would elicit a "thank you," no? Maybe it's because I am getting older and crabbier that I am becoming overly sensitive to these social faux pas because that's what I consider them. If someone sneezes and I say, "bless you" and they do not respond with either "thank you" or "thanks" I do start to wonder what kind of household they were raised in. I know this might not be the correct conclusion for me to consider, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit it.

So I leave you all with this question:

Is saying to a person "bless you" after they sneeze out of style?

I truly am curious. Oh, by the way, did you know its cold right now in the Midwest! LOL

SYS

Holiday Gift Ideas and Spreading Cheer

The new accessory for this holiday season? Looks like a winner. Not only can you have ice on the sidewalk, steps, gutters and gold digger's fingers but also right inside your grill too. I believe some models come autographed by Paul Wall. Eat your heart out you crazy cracker...





Personally, I like my grill enameled and white but I'm just too fucking lame I guess. But others like their grills either gas or charcoal, so maybe I'm not that lame or strange, huh? After all, I'm mighty tighty whitey and I'm smugglin' plums! j/k

Speaking of the Holiday Season, where can I find a chick with THIS much Holiday spirit, eh?





Now this is a shining example of how to spread peace on earth and goodwill to men and women for that matter. Nothing like adding a little "jingle" to your strut to help get through the merry doldrums, I say. Think of all the smiles one can put on the faces of boys and girls you meet everyday. Plus, those who celebrate Hanukkah won't feel left out because dreidels can just as easily be incorporated into this very chic holiday look for the office and workplace.





Honestly guys, tell me you wouldn't feel a whole lot better about paying that expensive holiday postage and handling if the chick behind the counter had a pair of these poking through her uniform to greet you? For one thing, I think these should be standard holiday uniform for all bank tellers. Trips to the bank would be way more enjoyable afterall!

Most of my holiday shopping is complete. Fucking-A, buddy. And without stepping into the mall. *Yes* But there are always a few last minute extras that spring up that you know are just "perfect" for that certain friend or loved one. I think I found the perfect shirt for a buddy of mine. Check out the design here and order one for that special simian you know at Rinawear.com.





Just a side note, if you like watching videos of really dumb animals check this out:

Don't steal my bone, bitch!


So for all those trying to get their last items checked off that Christmas list I wish you luck. The weather we have been having here in the heartland has been sheer bollocks! Today I was picking up some items I had on hold at Homer's Music and Video and we got a snow/ice storm that kicked up within minutes with near ZERO visibility. Hell if I was gonna go out a try to navigate the roads back to my crib. So I bounced next door and got myself a tall English breakfast tea and chilled for nearly two hours until the storm subsided. If I were anywhere else, that time hanging around would have been "B"-to the-"O"-to the-"R"-to the-"I"-"N"-"G" boooooooooring. However, I was at a music store. So I was more than occupied. ;)

(going out on a limb)
Enduring Fans: "Eh-yo, Paul! Where the Christmas Party at dis year, yo???"
(/going out on a limb)
Paul Wall: "Right here in my mouth, bitches!!!"




LOL

SYS

Go F@#! Yourself!!!

We've all been there. Sometimes when you are out and about in the world, taking care of business and tending to your daily routines you encounter screwed up people. Seemingly there only goal is to by any means impede your progress. Most often you try to steer clear of these assholes. But every now and then the "funnel of life" just happens to narrow down to where all roads lead to a jackass or two or three. What to do? Solution seems complicated, eh? Well the simplest solutions tend to be the best, indeed. And this guy knows exactly what you should do next time you cross paths with the hopeless majority out there.

Here are a few solutions I like the most:

What to do when people bust your balls...

What to do with people with cell phones who are being rude...

What police should do to thwart youth criminals...

Why peddlers were great back in the day...

SYS

Yet another reason why it's all whooey!

A friend passed along to me another online quiz thingy knowing that I am an addict and claiming that the test results were surprisingly accurate. Now I thought for a moment after reading her results and realized, indeed the results were pretty spot on. So what the hell, right?

The test was through this dating site called OKCupid!. Basically, I think all dating sites are, to varying degrees, full of shit. But I figured I would take the quiz for the hell of it and for the laughs. Be warned, however, the quiz has nearly 40 questions so you will need a moment or two to read and fill out the questions. So here are the results I received:

The Boy Next Door Random Gentle Love Dreamer (RGLDm) Kind, yearning, playful, you are The Boy Next Door. You're looking for real Love, a lot like girls do. It might not be manly, but it's sweet. We think the next three years will be very exciting and fruitful ones for you. Your spontaneous, creative side makes you a charming date, and we think you have a horny side just waiting to shine. Or glisten, rather. You enter new relationships unusually hopeful, and the first moments are especially glorious. If you've had some things not work out before, so what. Your exact opposite: The 5-Night Stand Deliberate Brutal Sex Master On paper, most girls would name the Boy Next Door as their ideal mate. In the real world, however, you're often passed over for more dangerous or masculine men. You're the typical "nice guy:" without just a touch of cockiness, you're doomed with girls. A shoulder to cry on? Okay, sure. But never a penis to hold. More than any other type, Boys Next Door evolve as they get older. As we said, many find true love, but some fail miserably in the search. These tarnished few grow up to be The Men Next Door, who are creepy as hell, offering backrubs to kids and what not. ALWAYS AVOID: The Nymph CONSIDER: The Maid of Honor, The Peach Link: The 32-Type Dating Test by OkCupid - Free Online Dating.

I think what makes this more hilarious is that some things the test nailed, honestly. Others were ass-backwards, seriously. Do I prefer habitual, gratifying sex with the same person over a bunch of random, ungratifying sex? Sure! Do I have an inner horny side that's waiting to come out and "glisten?" I'd say anyone who knows me, espcially the birds, knows I'm a total freak in the sack. This is just a well known fact along with my shoe size! Have I been passed over before by more dangerous or more MASCULINE men? WTF? When I stand next to guys I tend to make them look less masculine which might make ME appear more dangerous.

In all fairness, I think this test would have fit me better had it been me at 16 years of age. But at 30, this really misses the mark. Oh well, at least I did get a good laugh! ;)

SYS