2/22/08

My Sideswipe

Wednesday night I got in my car after work. I closed the door. I turned to my right to connect my iPod and BANG! The car shook and there was a loud bang that seemed much louder than it should have from the slight movement my car had made. I looked up and saw another car speeding up the road. The fucker that hit me. I leaned on the horn, but he didn't slow down. How could he not know he just hit someone. So I started the motor and took off after him... for about a block and a half. That's as far as I got because my left front tire was down. I got out to look at it. Huge scuff on the lower part of my fender, and the biggest cut in a tire I've ever seen. It looked like a 2" rectangular flap. Apparently the loud bang was my tire exploding. My rim was damaged too. hopefully it's not bent cause if it is... i really can't afford it.

I called the police who called AAA for me. Not that i can't change a flat myself but A) I just changed one 3 weeks ago and didn't feel like it and B) that's why we pay for AAA in the first place. The cops asked me all kinds of questions that I didn't know the answers to. What kind of car was it? Did you see the plates? What color was it? It was dark and it happened fast. The guy never slowed down, I didn't see a thing. Even when I did get my car moving for a block or so, I still never got close enough to see anything.

So when you have to park your car in the street, get as far right as you can. If your mirrors fold, fold them in! Mine was and I'd probably need a new mirror too if I would have flipped it out before I got in the car. I'm lucky I got in when I did. Another 10 seconds and who knows, I could have been hit. And it would have been HARD too.

2/20/08

My Latest and Greatest

As I sit here at work, bored and cold, I figured I would write a little to pass some time. This could prove difficult considering it's so cold in here, I can't feel my fingers. Typing is already getting harder. Hooray for spell check. Anyway, I wanted to write about my current projects. I'd rather be writing them as opposed to writing about them but it is what it is.

1. Kevin Tanner. This is the book that going to make me a millionaire beyond my wildest dreams. Or not. Either way it's damn sure fun to write. The current Tanner project is the evolution of something Rich and I have been writing for ten years. There are two other Tanner stories, but both need to be rewritten as one of them was written by two high school kids and one only exists in notebooks. The current project is a little more mature. I use that term VERY lightly though. Lots of childish humor, dick jokes, and silly things combined with a shit-ton of action. Guns, car chases, blowing things up, and believe it or not, a story that's different from anything we've ever done. Our main character is usually a consummate bad ass who always has enough bullets, rarely gets hurt, has infinite resources, and cooler toys than the bad guy. This time, we took all that away from him. He's running around fearing for his life in this one. It's different (for us) and that actually makes it better. As bad as we've made it for Kevin this time around, you'll wonder would we go so far as to kill him this time? Maybe. You'll have to read it. Or watch the movie after we've sold it to a studio for a BOzillion dollars. It is as of yet untitled (along with the first two) but figure it will be something along the lines of Kevin Tanner: (Something Cool and Dangerous Sounding) OR Kevin Tanner and The (Dangerous and Cool Sounding Shit)

2. The Twisted Fairy Tale. This one is so much fun, we've only just started it and I can't wait for it to be done so I can read it myself. I'm doing this one with the lovely and talented Ms. Katherine Sauchelli. She came to me with the idea of a twisted fairy tale. I love conventional things that have been screwed with to make them unconventional so I was pretty stoked on this from the beginning. The idea here is twisted fairy tale. NOT a parody. Then we wind up with Shrek. That's been done and it's been done too well to even attempt to replicate. No no, this is a fairy tale where nothing is really what you'd expect. We have kidnapped princess who is an evil, horrible bitch. The people celebrate her disappearance as opposed to mourning it. Gnomes are little assholes instead of kind little people you'd expect. Fairies are still good natured, but all have different abilities and can be quite annoying most of the time. Our main character is only in it for the money (just like everyone else cause they all hate the Princess too). I can't tell you much about him yet because I haven't written much of him. I've named him Sir Michael Graves (this may change though). He wears rusty armor and is accompanied by an enormously fat cat named Argyle. Every time Graves speaks or does anything, there is a possibility for a joke, or for something you didn't expect. It's gonna be a good time.

3. The third project. That's all I can call it for now. I wanted to collaborate on something with Lauren and I had nothing. I've had this idea for a long time of a regular guy working in cubicle hell. One day, the building gets taken over, or partially destroyed, etc... Bad things. So Mr. Normal has to fight his way out without any kind of military training. And he's kind of a dick who will actually be a nice guy by the end of the whole thing. But I scrapped that idea. I still have the asshole guy trapped in cubicle hell... but I'm pretty sure I won't be going the action route. So basically that leaves me with Office Space... which has been done already and leaves me with very little interest as a result. So I may be scrapping the whole thing. Eventually I will have something worth sending to Lauren, though it may have absolutely nothing to do with offices.

So that's the three current projects. The first one is very much near completion, but there is still much to be done as far as editing and whatnot. If you have any interest in reading anything, let me know. I'd be happy to send a chapter or two your way.

2/19/08

Yay! A Survey!

Was your last kiss a mistake?
Lawsuits be damned, I don't consider any of them a mistake. All worth it.

What was the last thing you heard?
The UPS guy thanked me for sighing for 2 boxes.

What is bothering you right now?
Being stuck at a useless job.

Do you think slavery was wrong?
Hmm... ummm.... well... Yes? I don't know, I always get this one wrong.

Have you ever seen somebody get hit by a car?
no but hopefully i'll have a camera on me if i ever do.

Who do you tell everything to?
some chick in belgium.

Have you ever taken a picture in a bathroom?
no, that's really not the place for pictures i mean... no, i'm done with this one, nevermind.

Do you use big words?
i don't know any.

Does your head hurt?
it's starting to thanks to this survey

Favorite number?
8

When was the last time you saw your Father?
my wedding last october

Name a lyric from the song you're listening to?
i'm not listening to anything

Do you use your friends?
yeah but i get them drunk first so they won't remember.

Do you fight with your parents often?
not since i moved out.

Where is the shirt you're wearing from?
china

Do you have to check in with your parents before you go someplace?
no, i have to check with my wife. kinda the same thing.

Do you know anyone with cancer?
yeah, but at this point, doesn't everyone know someone?

Do you have any picture frames in your room?
I think so. do we have any in the bedroom? I don't know, ask jen.

Where did you spend Christmas?
with the families

Ever smoked a cigarette?
never. not once.

Do you think the whole day is better if you smoke pot?
i wouldn't know, never done that either.

Do you get good grades?
no because i hate school.

Have you ever been intoxicated twice in one week?
yeah, back when i was a young whippersnapper.

Have you ever thought about getting your nose pierced?
not once ever.

Does a kiss make you feel better?
eh, it can. hugs are better for that though.

Have you ever passed out on the bathroom floor?
no, i'm a good passer outer. I use my very last bit of energy and consciousness to find a safe place to temporarily die.

Do you start the water before you get in the shower or when you get in?
Yeah, doesn't everybody? who gets in while the water is still freezing?

Have you ever brushed your teeth while in the shower?
that's just silly.

Would you rather be in a permanent relationship or play the field?
i'm married, you figure it out.

Have you ever had stitches?
no, but i probably should have. i just hate doctors... so i assume it'll just stop bleeding on its own.

How long ago did you hug someone?
jen before i left this morning.

Do you like the Red Sox or Yankees?
i hate them both, i'm a fuckin' METS FAN!

Whats your favorite cereal?
fruity pebbles. don't even.

Have you ever had an oreo with peanut butter on it?
no, why would you, you gluttonous asshole? what, the best cookie on earth isn't good enough for you?

Are you more of a coffee or tea drinker?
i dislike both equally but will drink them when necessary.

Have you ever thrown shoes on a telephone wire?
no, uhhh... white person.

Have you ever climbed up a water tower?
not professionally.

Do you dream in black and white?
not since we got cable.

Do you talk in your sleep?
i don't know, i'm sleeping.

Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?
i've never eaten butterflies. seems cruel.

What does the 10th text message in your inbox say?
i don't know and i'm not looking.

Can you recite the alphabet backwards?
no.

How do you feel about life right now?
it has to be better than this. it has to be.

Would you ever get someones name tattooed on you?
no, i'm getting the grinch, and maybe my family crest one day.

Do you feel guilty?
not unless i get caught.

What do you want to get accomplished today/tonight?
convince ___ to ____ me.

Who were your last 3 texts from?
i don't know... and know what else? not looking.

Where was your default picture taken?
in montauk

what is your middle name?
carmine

Your current job status?
bike shop zero

What is your current mood?
meh

What color shirt are you wearing?
navy blue

Who has the ability to hurt you most?
jen

If you could go back in time and change something, would you?
maybe

Where was the last place, out of town, that you went to?
Oxford, NJ (where?)

Ever had a near death experience?
Almost been hit by a car on my bike a few times. Always wear your helmet, kids.

Something you do a lot?
curse

Do you have a fondness for gnomes?
i hate them. i do. i'd punt them like little footballs i would.

Who can you tell EVERYTHING to?
don't worry about it.

Name someone with the same birthday as you?
Anna Nicole Smith, Jon Stewart, Judd Nelson, Ed Harris, Paul Schaeffer, Randy Newman

when was the last time you cried?
it involves waffles and stuff.

Where are you right now?
work

If you could have one super power what would it be?
invisibility.

What is your favorite color?
blue

What is one thing that annoys you on TV?
reality shows.

Do you still like kiddie movies?
not all of them, but sure.

What are you eating or drinking at the moment?
nothing. wishing i was though.

Do you speak any other language?
no.

What's your favorite smell?
The racetrack after the green flag.

Describe your life in one word.
uneventful

Have any tattoos?
no, i keep putting it off.

What are you looking forward to the most?
getting a better job

What are you thinking about right now?
see above

What should you be doing right now?
working

Who was the last person that made you upset/angry?
jen

What are you listening to?
nothing.

Do you like working in the yard?
no one does.

Do you act differently around the person you like?
yeah, i'm a nervous ass.

What is your natural hair color?
brown-ish... i don't know what it is.

Whats your favorite place in the world?
montauk

What is the holiday closest to your b-day?..
thanksgiving

What is your dream car?
The new Dodge Challenger... holy shit.

Has anyone sang or played for you personally?
yup

Have you broken a bone or had stitches?
no

Anyone on your mind right now?
jen. and some other chick who eats waffles and has a drinking problem.

2/14/08

Our Insomnia

I know I use this blog as a means to bitch about my problems a lot. But this time I actually have something good to write about. Something that made me feel good instead of bothering me and ruining my entire day. i went to bed last night a little after 12:00. And I was a little surprised to find Jen still up. She's borrowed all of the Harry Potter books from her mom and has decided to put her entire life on hold and read all of them, in succession, without stopping. She usually goes to bed early, like9:00, but apparently The Order Of The Phoenix had a firm grip on her eyelids and prevented any form of early bed time.

I got in at around 12:15 ish, and I was done. Finished. Bed is awesome. But then something happened after the lights went out that I always welcome but hadn't counted on. We started talking. Now don't get me wrong here, us talking isn't a big deal. We talk all the time. but usually when the lights go out, we want nothing to with each other. Sleep becomes the #1 priority. But last night, we talked. For over an hour. About the old days. About our friends. About Nascar. About Harry fucking Potter. And it was awesome. It was fun. We did a lot of laughing.

I feel awesome (though still sick) today as a result. She gives me a lot of shit sometimes and annoys me more than I ever thought possible. But last night I was reminded that she really is my best friend and there are a good number of things we agree upon. We both hate Valentine's day and refuse to acknowledge it, for one. We both hate hippies. At least i think Jen hates hippies. Nah, I'm sure she does. I love my wife. A lot. Nights like last night and days like today make it all worth it.

See? I'm not always sad!

2/10/08

I Bring The Suffering On MYself, I Really Do

60 Things You Possibly Didn't Know About Me

1. What is in the back of your car?
A pile of junk, and a body I haven't gotten rid of yet.

2. When was the last time you threw up?
Jen made me watch "America's Next Top Model."

3. What color is your toothbrush?
blue and white

4. Name one person that made you smile today?
no one did.

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
dreaming about not waking up.

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
watching Band Of Brothers

7. When was the last time you cried and why?
when jen was really sick and she wouldn't let me do anything to help her.

8. Have you ever been to a strip club?
no, they're really not for me.

9. What is the last thing you said aloud?
something about snow, i don't know.

10. What is the best ice cream flavor?
pistachio

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?
coke

12. What are you wearing right now?
the same shit i slept in, but with jeans.

13. What was the last thing you ate?
halls vitamin c drop

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
no

15. When was the last time you ran?
I don't even remember. I'd rather ride bike.

16. The last sporting event you watched?
NYR

18. Who is the last person you sent a comment/message on myspace?
Lauren

19. Ever go camping?
Yeah. I want to go again but Jen won't go.

22. Do you have a tan?
It's February. Yeah, I have a tan. Asshole.

24. Do you drink your soda with a straw?
No, I'm not: 1. under the age of 10 2. over the age of 50 3. gay

25. What did your last text message say?
none of your goddamn business, sir.

26. Are you someone's best friend?
no, people don't really like me

27. What are you doing tomorrow?
working... hating myself?

28. Where is your mom?
home, probably wishing she had a better son.

29. Look to your left, what do you see?
The porch door... which has the worst draft I've ever dealt with. It's fucking freezing in here.

31. What do you think of when you think of Australia?
Enormous cans of beer and the best accent in the entire world.

33. What is your birthstone?
I don't know because I am not 1. female 2. gay

34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
I usually go in to ensure their retardation doesn't get int he way of my correct order.

35. What is your favorite number?
8

36. Do you have a dog?
No. and unless jen makes good on our deal, we NEVER will.

37. Last person you talked to on the phone?
Jen

38. Have you met anyone famous?
Not really.

Plans today?
Do nothing.

40. How many states have you lived in?
NJ

41. Ever go to college?
briefly

42. What do you want to be when you grow up?
If I could earn a living quoting movies...

43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
work

44. Last song listened to?
didn't listen to tunes today and i don't remember what was the last thing from yesterday. This is a really boring survey. i mean god damn...

47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
the infamous velcro etnies

49. Are you jealous of anyone?
people who's paychecks are 5 times more than mine

50. Is anyone jealous of you?
i'm confidently able to say that not one single person in this world is jealous of me.

51. Do you love anyone?
no. i'm a cold, heartless asshole destined to die cold and alone. jackass.

52. Do any of your friends have children?
yes

53. Do you eat healthy?
not even a little

54. What do you usually do during the day?
waste away at work

55. Do you hate anyone right now?
whoever is responsible for getting jen sick again

56. Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
no

59. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
I've been to great adventure. i REFUSE to call it six flags.

60. How did you get one of your scars
i was the boy who lived.

2/2/08

My Top 5

We were talking at work the other day about perfect albums. Albums without one single bad song that you can play completely through. No skipping. I was asked what my top 5 perfect albums are, not including greatest hits. 3 of them I knew without hesitation, but I had to think about the other 2. So here is my list in no particular order.

1. The Rolling Stones: Exile On Main St.
This album is about as flawless as an album can get. The stones have gone through several phases in their as of now too long careers. They started with classic rock & roll, moved on to straight blues, then went to disco, then to glam, then back to blues and rock which is where they are now. Exile is their 100% blues album. It's perfect in every way. Some classic cover tunes, some classic Stones hits, ballads, blues, guitar solos, and the rest is still gold. If I could only own 1 stones album, it might very well be this one.

2. The Rolling Stones: Get Yer Ya Ya's Out
Recorded live at Madison Square Garden in 1969, their 2nd live album is my favorite live album of all time. I prefer live albums to studio albums for two reasons. 1. you get most of your favorite songs, but more importantly 2. that's what the band really sounds like. Studio recordings can fix even the worst sounding band. Technically, so can a professionally produced live album. Ger Yer Ya Ya's out isn't really produced. It's a little cleaned up, but that's it. They left in bum notes, mistakes, and mic feedback. It's the real deal. no matter what I'm doing or what my mood is, I can listen to it straight through. And then play it again.

3. AC/DC: Back In Black
This is on every "best albums ever" list I've ever seen, but I don't care. They're my all time favorite band and this is definitely their best album. Start to finish, it's flawless. Hells Bells, Shoot to Thrill, Back In black, You Shook Me All Night Long are all of of this album. Another one I can play anytime, anywhere, and no one will complain.

4. ZZ Top: Degeulo
I'm not the biggest ZZ Top fan and really I'm just a fan of their hits... except for this album. Deguelo has a hit or two on it. I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide and Cheap Sunglasses I'm sure you'd recognize from the radio. The rest of the tracks are much more obscure to the casual and extremely casual fan. But that doesn't take anything away from the total package. Just cause you've only heard of two songs doesn't make the rest of them any less good. Not one of my favorites to hear while driving (despite ZZ Top's frequent automotive subject matter), but the consistency of good songs is enough that I'll always call it a good decision if someone puts this on.

5. Weezer: Weezer (blue)
Here's one we can all relate to. Every song is perfect. There were some huge hits off this album, but when your iPod shuffles to one of the deeper tracks, you still recognize exactly who it is and what album it's from. Is it punk, grunge, rock, pop? I t doesn't matter, it's timeless. that's something that all 5 of these albums share. You can't put one in and say "wow, this is so '70's." They're all timeless.

So there you go, my top 5 complete albums of all time. I'm not saying they're the best ever or anything, but I am saying they are my personal favorites. I could pick more but this is only a list of 5. Thanks for reading.

Some (not all) Runners up:
Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble: Live at Montreux 1982 & 1985
The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Are you Experienced?
The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Lady Land
AC/DC: Highway To Hell
Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin IV
The Cult: Electric
De La Soul: 3 Feet High And Rising