Where you can read the relatively rational ramblings of a silly half-monkey, half-boy. This freak of nature is named Joel. He also responds to the name 'Bart Wang'.

Saturday, September 30, 2006

New car and new music

Yes, the car saga has come to an end. Well, for the most part. I am left with a large amount of money owing on a line of credit (after being debt-free for five months) but I own a dark red 2002 Honda Civic LX. It's a great vehicle and I am very happy with it. However, I would be happier if I still owned a 1995 Dodge Stratus SE. The new car is fully powered (windows, locks, cruise, air conditioning) and protected. Between Honda's anti-theft device and the MEK alarm system I had installed, that bad boy isn't going anywhere I don't know about. I can also start the car with the click of a button so I won't be freezing my ganoogies off this winter. Woo hoo! If it's not raining tomorrow, I'll try to remember to take a picture so you can see it. As if you give a rip.
Melanie has completed the big task of installing quarter-round in the dining and living rooms. It looks awesome and she did a great job. She's very handy. It's a good thing one of us is. Although, I did get the shed finished with the help of Chad Tomlinson. I never would have been able to do it without him. Now I have a place for all the shovels and yard equipment I own. I have two metal shovels, an edging tool and, I think, three snow shovels. Shovelling this winter is going to be a breeze compared to the old Green Road house that Jon Belanger hated so much.
I've discovered a bunch of awesome MP3 blogs while I killed hours late at night/in the morning. You should check out My Old Kentucky Blog, What Would Jesus Blog?, Muzzle Of Bees, Mocking Music, Music For Kids Who Can't Read Good and I Am Fuel, You Are Friends. I wish I knew more about the Internet and could upload songs for you to check out.
Instead, I'll link to the songs other people have posted. First off, Shara Worden. She's also known as My Brightest Diamond and has been playing with Sufjan for a few years. You can download her live cover of Prince's 'When Doves Cry' or watch the video on YouTube. Second, a track from a CD-R that Damien Jurado is toting around on tour, apparently. Download 'Dear So And So' here. I intend to see Mr. Jurado on Tuesday in Toronto. Another concert I will make valiant efforts to attend is that of Denison Witmer in Buffalo on December 7th.
October is shaping up to be incredibly busy and it's not even here yet. We are having Melanie's family over for Thanksgiving. My friends from work, Rick and Lisa, are getting married the last weekend and having a stag-and-doe on the second weekend. On the third weekend, Bill and Ronee, are having their full wedding ceremony (they've been married for a few months but it was a small event in which they wore jeans). We hope to be able to go down to see them in New Jersey. Unfortunately, that's also the weekend that the Toronto After Dark film festival starts, which has been programmed by my friend and your's, Todd Brown. The line-up looks killer and I think I would actually enjoy most of the films in spite of my international film ignorance. Of course, there's also the special UFC on October 10th with Tito Ortiz fighting Ken Shamrock for the last time. I would be foolish to forget that. Ortiz better take him apart.
Melanie and I watched Monty Python's 'Life Of Brian' today. It had some really funny parts, though I didn't find it as consistently funny as 'The Holy Grail'. Taxman and I watched my new, limited edition 'Dragon Tiger Gate' last night (see the trailer here). While the story was not the best, the fight scenes were amazing. Definitely worth watching. And the Stoney Creek Dairy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream was delicious as well (though Taxman didn't actually get any of the dough, just the chips)!
Melanie is working nights again tonight so I've put out the feelers to keep from staying home. Maybe Matt will want to see a movie. I heard the Moretons invited some folks over. Whatever I do, it won't be as fun as if you were there. Yes, I sincerely mean that, [insert your name here]. You make every event better by your very presence. Ain't I sweet?

Saturday, September 09, 2006

The Urban Achiever Show


Those of you who have read much on this blog (both of you) have heard me talk about my friend, Bill. Bill's an awesome guy who I have been blessed to get to know over the last several years, including a couple trips down to see him in Wildwood, New Jersey. He and his lovely wife, Ronee, are now in Nashville, where Bill is back in the music biz amongst friends and Ronee is kicking ass and taking names. We hope to visit them there sometime in the near future.

After much delay, I am glad to share with you his new online show, The Urban Achiever Show. The first episode is on religion and politics (with a little bit on pie) and features such wonderful guests as Lee Camp, Jerry Maynard, Derek Webb and Randy Draughon. It is excellently assembled. I'm not just saying that because I fear Bill's wrath (though I do) but I actually enjoyed it a lot. Bill and I share a lot of the same values and views and he was able to say a lot of what I think needs to be said. Plus, he's funny, not to mention hunky. Can't wait for the next episode, BP!



If you prefer Google Video for some reason, you can watch the show there too.