Inside The Perimeter

It didn’t start out this way, but I’m one angry old man this morning. It’s bad enough that I have to pay postage to mail my additionally owed taxes to The King Uncle Sam, but when I used my last few stamps and then realized that I forgot to add my W-2 to my State’s Care Package thus requiring me to attempt to reopen my envelope I lost it. Now instead of swinging by a post office just to drop off my taxes, I have to purchase stamps before I do so.

There Is A Fine Line Between “Clever” And “Stupid”
While avoiding both of life’s inevitabilities (that would be Death and Taxes) on Friday night I launched the latest episode of This American Life that was on my DVR. I am sure that TAL thought they were being clever by starting the show with a snippet of a piece that they showed previously, but I contend that it was more stupid than clever. When I recognized the piece I thought for sure that my DVR had picked up a re-run and was one button click away from deleting the recording virtually sight-unseen. For some reason I didn’t delete the recording and when I came back to it later on I realized that it was a new episode with the exception of the opening few minutes.

Sadly after viewing the entire program I kind of wished that I had deleted it because I didn’t think that it was that strong of an episode.

ITP Flickr Pic
Until I had the battery fiasco a few weeks ago this is how I thought I’d utilize my AAA membership.

They are not in the proper order but they do represent the places I know that I will be visiting this year.

Fair Weather Fan
I am still tired of cold weather. I had all intentions of hashing yesterday, but the minute I stepped outside I determined that I had no need to punish myself further. The only thing that would have been more uncomfortable would have been going to Turner Field and sitting in the cold for three-plus hours.

Again I Don’t Know How Amazing This Race Is
What sort of easy Fast Forward was that? Get into a car and let some guy crash it?

And for those who didn’t get that, they were had to pull a boat, carrying the Travelocity Gnome of course, across a pond. Whoopied Fucking Do!

I again wonder if the people who scheduled this “Amazing” Race had run out of ideas, or really didn’t have their hearts in it.

Another non-elimination leg. I kind of knew it would be one because I assumed that Charla and Mirna would be the ones finishing in last. Alas I was wrong about that, but right about the last team not being eliminated.

My hopes grew large for M&C’s elimination when they discovered that they had gotten onto the ferry headed in the wrong direction, my friend. I so hope that this next episode sees them get eliminated, my friend. However, I predict that the teaser predicts that the Blondes will get Yielded and eliminated. That’s called Yield Karma, my friend.

It’s Half-Time Again
Let’s see how I am doing… Before I do, let me tell you that while giving updates has not proved to motivate me toward accomplishing my goals, it has given me a better perspective on how quickly time passes.

1) Lose two pounds. (starting weight 202 lbs?)
Dunno, haven’t had the balls to step on my scale.

2) Run no fewer than thirty miles.
Zero down, only thirty more to go.

3) Do twenty push-ups and fifty sit-ups at on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
I’ve done this more than in prior months, but have not done enough.

4) Read three books, specifically
4a) “722 Miles: The Building of the Subways and How They Transformed New York”
Getting there, slowly…

4b) “Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job”
Moving along, although I didn’t realize that I’d have to solve problems along the way.

4c) “50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques”
Scrapped. I looked at the book this weekend and have decided it’s not worth my time right now.

5) Take Marta to work at least ten times.
I don’t know the count offhand, but I think I am doing well.

6) File my Income Taxes. (since they are due in two weeks I better get this done)
Done once I buy more stamps and fight the crowds.

7) Wear “nicer” clothes to work at least one day a week.
Somewhat successful, although I didn’t last week.

8\) Cook dinner at home at least two nights a week.
How should I define “cook”? Well, I’ve stayed home enough to accomplish this, but have not seen the inside of a grocery store for awhile so my success is questionable.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - angry
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing Beirut — “Scenic World”
Website Of The Day - Over the last month or so Twitter has taken off. How would I describe Twitter? As another technique for sending people information about yourself, kinda like a blog for those with ADD.
Exercise (b)Log - none
Mode Of Transportation To Work - My car

April Goals
1) Lose two pounds. (starting weight 202 lbs?)
2) Run no fewer than thirty miles.
3) Do twenty push-ups and fifty sit-ups at on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
4) Read three books, specifically
4a) “722 Miles: The Building of the Subways and How They Transformed New York”
4b) “Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job”
4c) “50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques”
5) Take Marta to work at least ten times.
6) File my Income Taxes. (since they are due in two weeks I better get this done)
7) Wear “nicer” clothes to work at least one day a week.
8\) Cook dinner at home at least two nights a week.

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Hello Friday the 13th.

The Taxman Cometh
Tonight I will complete my taxes. Writing the necessary checks is going to hurt like a motherfucker. Expect rants about government wastes of money in the future.

I will be happy to have this burden off my “To Do” list however.

Spring Purging
Along with purging my bank account I will also be undertaking another task which is long overdue — Spring Purging (that’s the level above Cleaning). Come Monday I hope to report that I am living in a tidy house with less crap, and that I am in possession of my first tax deduction for 2007 - a receipt from a charitable organization.

ITP Flickr Pic
Last night I met up with Stacy and Phil at Taco Mac for a few pints. This is one of those, a Terrapin Rye² as seen through my phone’s shitty camera.

In addition to drinking we played a game of “Guess Information About Someone” about a waitress-trainee that caught my eye. Many thanks to our waitress Kim for playing along and giving us the answers to our questions.

I Was Nearly Singing The Blues
When I was first planning trips for this year one city popped into my mind for the first time, Memphis Tennessee. I’ve never been to Memphis, and not being a humongous Elvis fan have not been drawn to Memphis like a moth to a light bulb. However, I have heard interesting things about Memphis so I’ve decided I want to make a trip.

Yesterday a weekend travel deal to Memphis popped into my email and I thought about taking them up on it for a second. I then realized all of the crap I need to do around here this weekend and put the idea of Memphis on the back burner — or until another deal is delivered unto me.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - blah
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing The View — “Wasted Little DJ’s”
Website Of The Day - Check out The Thrift Shopper to find thrift stores near you. Who knows, you might be able to buy some of the crap I am giving away this weekend really cheap.
Exercise (b)Log - none
Mode Of Transportation To Work - Marta

April Goals
1) Lose two pounds. (starting weight 202 lbs?)
2) Run no fewer than thirty miles.
3) Do twenty push-ups and fifty sit-ups at on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
4) Read three books, specifically
4a) “722 Miles: The Building of the Subways and How They Transformed New York”
4b) “Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job”
4c) “50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques”
5) Take Marta to work at least ten times.
6) File my Income Taxes. (since they are due in two weeks I better get this done)
7) Wear “nicer” clothes to work at least one day a week.
8\) Cook dinner at home at least two nights a week.

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

The Moleskine Wrap-Up
So I wound up going back to the original Barnes & Noble yesterday to clear up the Moleskine mess. I went straight to the display to verify that I had not pulled the only one marked $6.95 (I had not), and to get the notebook that I had originally desired. As it turns out this mythical notebook didn’t exist (the single, side-bound notepad with grid-lined paper) so I picked up the closest thing — which cost $9.95. Ha! Ha! Ha! I justified the higher expense because this single notepad contained more pages than the three mini-notepads combined (although I am not sure it contains $3 more).

Case closed.

Como Esta, Gringo Star?
For the first time in some time I was able to catch The EARL and take some shots. About this I was right. However, I am starting to question whatever photography skills I thought I had possessed. Even at an ISO of 1600 my Nikon was screaming about terribly low exposure levels with the Nikkor 24-120 1:3.5 lens I had attached. I had my SpeedLight with me, but the shots taken with this are so “clean” that they don’t look like I was at a concert at all.

Prior to Gringo Star taking the stage I looked around to see two other dudes with DSLRs, one of which was a guy named Aaron who I’ve seen at other shows. As does seemingly 90% of Atlanta, Aaron shoots Canon with sweet-ass lenses and kicks my ass. He told me that he was pleased how much light was in The EARL last night, and I saw some of his shots which looked great.

As for the music I was pleased. Gringo Star put on a typically good show, most of which was material from the CD they released last night (my assessment since I only immediately recognized about half of their set). I picked up a copy of the CD and will comment more about it when I’ve had a chance to listen to it.

ITP Flickr Pic
This is my current view of the world

I feel like a spectator with shitty seats for the Game of Life.

When I Want To Validate The SRS Light I Will Let You Know
I received one of those “OMFG that was too fucking close!” scares last night when some asshat came feet away from broadsiding me on Moreland Avenue. I was the second car turning left onto Moreland from Edgewood Retail District so I had let my guard against people running red lights down slightly. As the car ahead of me made its way through the intersection I looked and saw a pickup truck heading north on Moreland, which at first glance didn’t appear to be slowing down. As I made my way through the intersection I realized that my assessment was correct and I punched the JackMobile with as much acceleration as it could muster. I am not sure how close I came to getting creamed because I was paying closer attention to making sure that I didn’t plow into the car in front of me. Normally I know that if you rear-end someone you are at fault, although I don’t know if that condition is waived if you are trying to save your own life.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - dissatisfied
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing Jesse Malin — “In The Modern World” (has a 80’s sound I can’t put my finger on)
Website Of The Day - I keep reading DSLR Blog hoping that it will all sink in one day.
Exercise (b)Log - nothing
Mode Of Transportation To Work - My car, which is thankfully still in one piece.

April Goals
1) Lose two pounds. (starting weight 202 lbs?)
2) Run no fewer than thirty miles.
3) Do twenty push-ups and fifty sit-ups at on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
4) Read three books, specifically
4a) “722 Miles: The Building of the Subways and How They Transformed New York”
4b) “Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job”
4c) “50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques”
5) Take Marta to work at least ten times.
6) File my Income Taxes. (since they are due in two weeks I better get this done)
7) Wear “nicer” clothes to work at least one day a week.
8\) Cook dinner at home at least two nights a week.

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Remember yesterday’s plan? Remember “I drive so that I can leave early”? Did you know that I had a 6pm haircut appointment that I didn’t make last night? (Spare me your “You can’t polish a turd” snarky remarks…)

After leaving work at 6:15pm, stopping at Edgewood Retail District, and swinging by Slice in Glenwood Park for dinner (Thai chicken pizza still fucking rocks!), I was home by 8-8:30pm. My taxes must wait until another night…

Plan “B” Is My Plan “A”
This was a slogan in a magazine that I read yesterday. Good Magazine is the sort of magazine that appeals to faux-environmentalists such as myself. In the magazine are articles about alternative transportation plans implemented by forward-thinking cities which do not exist in this country, articles about companies who doing right by the environment as well as those that are pretending to do so, etc.

I will be plucking a few of the links included on the pages of the magazine in the near future.

What’s A Dollar Worth To You?
For the past seven days money has been the main focus of my life. (Is has even temporarily displaced my disgust with my physique). It is no coincidence that this has occurred since I prepared my taxes last week.

Yesterday while I was in Barnes & Nobel I purchased one of the iconic possessions of the Hipster Dufus — a Moleskine notepad. I have looked at these often in the past and have hemmed and hawed over purchasing one because of the $6.95 price tag (it is just a goddamn blank bound notepad, you know). Yesterday I decided to perform a little “retail therapy” and finally buy one.

When I pulled it out of the bag this morning I noticed on the receipt that I was charged $7.95.

My question for you is this — Would you return to the store (or to the store which resides across the street from your office) to complain and have the dollar refunded, or would you just suck it up and move on taking this a lesson to check the receipt immediately?

And Some More Questions
- Why are audio books so damn expensive?
- Why is Microsoft so arrogant / insecure that they consistently reset my default browser to Internet Explorer when they download monthly patches? I have chosen not to use your piece of shit Microsoft, deal with it and leave my setting alone.
- What is your favorite source for finding out information for cities you have never visited?

ITP Flickr Pic Screenshot
Google Ads, sometimes they are the source of amusement and sometimes they make me ask the question WTF?

I stared at the email I received which prompted these ads to be chosen and I could not figure out the connection at all.

Haute Cuisine I Ain’t Never Heard Of
I used to pride myself on what was happening in Atlanta’s restaurant scene. Somewhere along the way I lost track. I could bore you with theory, but instead I will move on.

While watching Iron Chef America the other night I found out that there was a Southeast Iron Chef America contest, and that the winner was from one of the many Atlanta restaurants of which I have never heard. On Iron Chef America last week the challenging chef was, Linton Hopkins, who is the chef at Atlanta’s Restaurant Eugene. I admit to have never hearing about this restaurant previously, and that I am not intrigued to try it.

Iron Chef America spoiler — Iron Chef Morimoto beat Chef Hopkins quite handily.

Because Of “Big D” I Must Switch To Plan “B”
Yesterday I was informed that I might be traveling to Dallas (the one in Texas) in a few weeks for business. While I am happy to go (the last time I was in Dallas for anything other than a transfer at DFW was the same year I saw the Grand Canyon — 1972) to Dallas it will mean the rescheduling of another trip I had planned.

Want to know where I was going instead? Promise not to laugh? I was planning on going to Montgomery Alabama to attend a Montgomery Biscuits baseball game during the weekend I will be traveling for work instead. Hey, you promised that you weren’t going to laugh.

Seriously, ever since a few years ago when I first heard that Montgomery had a team called the “Biscuits” I’ve wanted to attend one of their games. I had the weekend planned and had almost booked a hotel room as well. It’s a good thing that I procrastinated on this one. Look for a future announcement of a Montgomery trip sometime this Summer. I swear that this will be the year I make it to a Biscuits game.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - meh
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing The Beta Band — “Dry The Rain”
Website Of The Day - Continuing Paulie’s World of Bizarre Literature, I present to you Post-It Note Stories.
Exercise (b)Log - not a thing
Mode Of Transportation To Work - My car

April Goals
1) Lose two pounds. (starting weight 202 lbs?)
2) Run no fewer than thirty miles.
3) Do twenty push-ups and fifty sit-ups at on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
4) Read three books, specifically
4a) “722 Miles: The Building of the Subways and How They Transformed New York”
4b) “Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job”
4c) “50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques”
5) Take Marta to work at least ten times.
6) File my Income Taxes. (since they are due in two weeks I better get this done)
7) Wear “nicer” clothes to work at least one day a week.
8\) Cook dinner at home at least two nights a week.

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

It Sure Takes A Long Time To Save $40
Yesterday I decided to book a one-way ticket on United Airlines. This ticket was the final piece of the puzzle for a trip that I am taking this summer. Normally I don’t interact with people when making plane reservations any longer; I usually do this via the internet. However for this ticket I was forced to book via the phone because I was trying to apply a $40 voucher that I received from United when I switched my flight plans last September. With taxes looming and yesterday’s car troubles I figured that if I can keep an additional $40 in my pocket I’ll do whatever is necessary.

I had already done all of the research necessary to book the ticket prior to calling the agent. I knew the price, flight numbers, and had also checked out seat availability. This should have been a slam dunk.

No matter, this transaction took about twenty-five minutes to complete. First, actually second because the first thing I did was opt out of the automated booking process because I knew that would be useless in this scenario, I had to reconfirm the flight information with the agent. Then she had to go through this long, elaborate process which included asking me questions about the voucher, and then telling me where to mail the voucher. That’s right, I must mail this voucher in order to get it applied to my reservation. I was told that I must mail the voucher today or tomorrow so that it could be received and processed in time. WTF? What sort of archaic system is United using? Are they employing monks to do their work? I never could find out why this whole series of shenanigans was necessary. This is a voucher that they issued to me! It must be in their database, right? Certainly they could do the math…

$250 ticket - $40 voucher = $210 charge to the credit card number I supplied.

Seems pretty fucking simple to me. But no, this is not how United does its business. Can we figure out why the airline industry is losing money?

All this hassle for $40. Dear United, I hope that you are not surprised if I don’t leap for any offer that you may give me in the future. It’s too much work for me in order to get things done.

ITP Flickr Pic
I would fly Delta…

…if they would supply competitive rates. Sure, I know they’ve just bailed themselves from bankruptcy, but charging twice as much as your competition is never a good business plan in my world.

As For Me I Don’t See Tree Removal As “Progress”
Early last week all of the trees fronting the office building in which I work along with many other large specimens along the street were knocked down. Late last week we were informed as to why.

It seems that we have not learned from the mistakes we have made. Perimeter Center Parkway, a road which currently runs from the new mega shopping center north of Perimeter Mall to just beyond Hammond Drive (at least until that already-late I285 overpass is completed) is being transformed from its four-lane current state in the name of “progress.” In the process all trees large and small, which in case you don’t recall provide oxygen necessary for our survival, are being knocked down.

The plan is to widen the road for turn lanes, a bike lane (which no other connecting roads have, so whose risking their lives to get to these new lanes?), and a new traffic signal (yes, that will help with traffic flow!).

The project is supposed to last a year. Check back in eighteen months to see if they have completed it.

Bonus ITP Flickr Pic
This tree will never be seen again

??? - 2007, R.I.P.

They Are Going To Win It All, Aren’t They…
First off, I think the blondes made a huge mistake in Yielding Eric and Danielle. I think that they over strategize and that what will ultimately be their downfall. I realize that they couldn’t have known that Joyce and Uchenna had not made their connecting flight, but it still seemed like a short-sighted move to me, even if a Yield was the cause of their demise last time around (although I thought that it was a missed turn if I remember correctly). I still want them to win it all, but that’s just me thinking with my other head.

I cannot believe that Joyce and Uchenna took such a chance with the connecting flight. Do you think that they actually performed all of the tasks once they landed in Kuala Lumpur, or did somebody just go out and put a card telling them to go directly to the pit stop since all of the other teams had arrived and they were due to be eliminated? If nothing else I have learned from their mistake. That United flight I booked has a nice cushy layover in Chicago.

I think Mirna lives in her own world — one I hope never to visit. I never expected those two to make it this far. I want to give them credit for doing so, but they annoy me so much I cannot.

Could somebody explain to Danielle how to wear a bicycle helmet? She looked like a damn unicorn with that thing on backwards. And she did some nice damage to that bicycle as well. Even with the help of a local boy/man I was surprised that she was able to get that thing back to the paper truck.

I still miss having Rob and Amber on the show.

CD Pick Of The Week
Two good picks exist today. Rosebuds have a release called “Night Of The Furies”, but I am going in the other direction by picking “Cassagada” by Bright Eyes. I listened to the majority of Cassagada online (legally through AOL’s CD Listening Service) and while it seemed to be typical Conor Oberst I still enjoyed it. It’s getting good reviews from the critics as well.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - meh
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing My Morning Jacket — “One Big Holiday”
Website Of The Day - Although I have too many books in my “to be read” stack I have to give props to someone who takes an alternative and rather humorous approach to marketing a book. Check out No One Belongs Here More Than You to see what I mean. And if you are a more efficient reader than me, buy the book and give us all a review.
Exercise (b)Log - 20 push-ups, 50 sit-ups
Mode Of Transportation To Work - My car (I chose a thirty-minute morning commute and a chance to leave at work at 4pm over the hour-long morning commute and having to stay to 4:30pm and have an hour-long commute home on Marta)

April Goals
1) Lose two pounds. (starting weight 202 lbs?)
2) Run no fewer than thirty miles.
3) Do twenty push-ups and fifty sit-ups at on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
4) Read three books, specifically
4a) “722 Miles: The Building of the Subways and How They Transformed New York”
4b) “Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job”
4c) “50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques”
5) Take Marta to work at least ten times.
6) File my Income Taxes. (since they are due in two weeks I better get this done)
7) Wear “nicer” clothes to work at least one day a week.
8\) Cook dinner at home at least two nights a week.

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

The title of this entry has changed at least three times. Last night it was finalized. Even with the cold weather and mere single victory posted by the Mets I was having a good weekend — until I got into my car to head home from the Variety Playhouse. My weekend was spoiled by my car, specifically a little red light with the letters SRS on it. Apparently for some unknown reason my Secondary Restraint Sensor indicator felt the need to illuminate. I know two things about this light. One, I can drive the car with it illuminated. Two, it’s not going to be an inexpensive trip to a mechanic to get it turned off. The reason I bought a Honda was to avoid bullshit such as this.

One Child Left Behind
Spring is here, although you may not know it by looking at the temperature. More and more of the people I know have entered into lasting relationships. I haven’t had a date in ten months. I quit.

ITP Flickr Pic
From Friday night, the only game that ended the way I had hoped.

I’m also once again frustrated with my photography. I had an awesome seat, and with my camera I expected much better shots.

Always Be Closing
That is the underlying theme of “Glengarry Glenn Ross”, the play I saw on Saturday afternoon with my friend Stacy at the Hertz stage of the Alliance Theater. The cast did an admirable job of performing each role and no curse was spared which made me appreciate the performance further. We were also pleased to find out that after the show the actors came out for a brief question-and-answer session with the audience. If you fancy live theater and specifically the play “Glengarry Glenn Ross”, I have heard that its run has been extended until the end of this week. Go see it.

The Mets should have used the same “A-B-C” logic yesterday as they blew their one-run lead in the eighth inning of yesterday’s game. Thankfully I didn’t venture out to brave the cold, I watched it all go down in the (almost) comfort of my own home.

It Takes All Types I Suppose
At 8am on Easter Sunday the current temperature in my neighborhood was 30 degrees. And my neighbor started mowing his lawn.

Now I understand time schedules. I understand that they might be having company over today and it would be nice to have a pristine lawn especially if it is to host an Easter egg hunt, but come on, 8am? What if I wanted to sleep late on Easter Sunday?
It’s bad enough that I was awaken by their faulty car alarm that sporadically goes beep-beep-beep when the temperature drops below freezing.

Fortunately for me I am an early-bird, and I had one of those bizarre sleep-pattern nights where I doze off extremely early, wake up around 2am, and then go in-and-out of sleep the rest of the night/morning so I was wide awake when the mowing began.

Easter, Sebadoh — Yes; Amazing Race — Recorded
Having a ticket to the Sebadoh concert I convinced myself skip watch Amazing Race and not another concert. Until the SRS indicator I felt I had made the proper decision.

Sebadoh put on an incredible concert. The show was a mix of tunes from Harmacy, Bakesale, and III — to the best of my knowledge (I have been wrong about set lists in the past, so I make no guarantees. The band members switched instruments often, and there was a good mix of crowd interaction thrown in as well. I saw Rich in the audience recording the show (Sorry buddy, I wasn’t in the socializing mood otherwise I would have come up and said hello. Your identity was unveiled by a conversation I eavesdropped on by two guys I’ve seen at a million local shows.) so hopefully you might get to hear the show even if your didn’t attend.

Perhaps the most interesting thing I saw, other than the really attractive short-haired woman wearing bunny ears, was the number of people carrying records, that’s right, vinyl. Huh, I didn’t think people still bought those.

The crowd was smaller than I had imagined, until I realized how long ago I used to listen to Sebadoh. A quick calculation revealed that the majority of Atlanta’s showgoers were probably in short-pants, or perhaps diapers in Sebadoh’s “hey day”.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - beaten
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing Sonic Youth — “Schizophrenia”
Website Of The Day - I need a drink. Maybe this week I’ll use Local Wine Events to find a wine tasting nearby. I will no longer care who else is in attendance, but rather how to get my wine on.
Exercise (b)Log - 20 push-ups, 50 sit-ups
Mode Of Transportation To Work - Marta

April Goals
1) Lose two pounds. (starting weight 202 lbs?)
2) Run no fewer than thirty miles.
3) Do twenty push-ups and fifty sit-ups at on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
4) Read three books, specifically
4a) “722 Miles: The Building of the Subways and How They Transformed New York”
4b) “Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job”
4c) “50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques”
5) Take Marta to work at least ten times.
6) File my Income Taxes. (since they are due in two weeks I better get this done)
7) Wear “nicer” clothes to work at least one day a week.
8\) Cook dinner at home at least two nights a week.

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Or perhaps, “I’m Dreaming Of A White Easter?”

It is really cold in Atlanta on this morning before Easter

Damn, I was hoping we had gotten past this cold weather.

And Now I Find Out It Is Spring Break?
Another sign that I am not a parent…. Only yesterday I found out that this is Spring Break week for metro Atlanta schools. Crap, had I known that I would have been driving everywhere this week, even with the incredibly soaring gas prices.

I purchased a seven-day Marta pass the other day and have used it some, but if traffic is going to be much lighter than normal I’m all for driving.

Standing On The Shoulders Of Nerds
Last night I attended a banquet at the Georgia Tech Hotel And Conference Center. The facility, part of that new construction along Spring Street at 5th, is actually quite nice. The banquet was to honor Georgia Tech students who have participated in their co-op program, and I was invited because my company has employed some of them.

The only problem with college-related banquets is that they tend to be alcohol free. Otherwise the meal was wonderful including a salad, chicken entree, and a decadent chocolate mousse dessert. If you ever get invited to such a banquet I suggest that you attend. The dessert alone was worth the effort.

I wanted to hit the Barnes & Noble that sits directly across the street from the conference center but unfortunately time didn’t permit. I like that bookstore because they have a bunch of nerdy shit that other bookstores don’t normally carry.

ITP Flickr Pic
People looked at me oddly when I was taking this self-portrait with my cameraphone in the Marta station

But what the hell do I care what other people think?

IRS Be Damned, I’m Going To Live
I’ve decided to go ahead with my July travel plans. Sure, it’s going to break the bank now that I owe the Feds all but my right nut, but I must keep reminding myself that we only go through this game called “life” once (at least using my belief system).

Hot Chocolate Instead Of Cold Beer?
I’ll be down at the Braves’ home opener tonight. Of course you know that I’ll be rooting for the Mets though. For the first time since I purchased my DSLR there is little threat of rain (snow and sleet perhaps) so I’ll be dragging it along to see what sort of sports photographs I can capture.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - scatterbrained
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing Liz Phair — “Fuck And Run”
Website Of The Day - Inspiring Futures is an Atlanta-based organization trying to improve the quality of life in the Atlanta area.
Exercise (b)Log - none, I got home from the banquet too late
Mode Of Transportation To Work - My car

April Goals
1) Lose two pounds. (starting weight 202 lbs?)
2) Run no fewer than thirty miles.
3) Do twenty push-ups and fifty sit-ups at on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
4) Read three books, specifically
4a) “722 Miles: The Building of the Subways and How They Transformed New York”
4b) “Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job”
4c) “50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques”
5) Take Marta to work at least ten times.
6) File my Income Taxes. (since they are due in two weeks I better get this done)
7) Wear “nicer” clothes to work at least one day a week.
8\) Cook dinner at home at least two nights a week.

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

According to WordPress this is Post #666.

Sober Hockey, Now There’s Something Different
I went to the Thrashers game and did not drink a single beer, not at Gorin’s nor inside. It was kind of refreshing not to be inebriated at game’s end, and my wallet still had money in it when I woke up this morning.

The Thrashers played 1/3 of a good game. Something happened in the second period and they looked horrible as they played their way to a loss.

Why I like Jeans
I’m doing my best “business casual” impersonation today for a post-work function that I am supposed to attend tonight. (the “supposed to” is there because right now I am not feeling stellar, so I might not be up to going)

As I sit I worry about creasing the hell out of the khakis I am wearing. With each sit of coffee or bite of food I am weary of soiling the pants. I have none of these concerns with jeans.

Jeans are my friends, until they get too tight — then they are my nemesis.

ITP Flickr Pic
Last week I walked from the Arts Center Marta station to my car at the Candler Park Marta station. I had my camera with me, and while waiting to cross Peachtree this image appeared.

There is something oddly angular that makes me like it.

Picture To Be Provided Tomorrow
The other night I had a Senior Moment and forgot to buy the Carroll Shelby Chili Kit when I went to the store to buy ingredients for chili (reminds me of the time I forgot to buy chicken for the Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya). Not to be dissuaded I rummaged around my pantry and assembled my own concoction. I present to you Paulie’s Turbo Dog Chili

Paulie’s Turbo Dog Chili

Ingredients
1 pound ground pork, ground
1 pound+ ground beef, ground
1 large onion, chopped
1 fresh jalapeno, chopped
8 oz tomato paste
14 oz can peeled, diced tomatoes (chili style), with juices
1/8 tsp cayenne
1/8 tsp ground cumin
4 heaping tsp Kroger chili powder (because that’s the brand that was in the pantry)
12oz bottle Abita Turbo Dog
3 chili peppers, plus some adobo sauce
1 can kidney beans, drained
salt

Instructions
- sweat onion and jalapeno in a dutch oven over medium heat with salt, cayenne and cumin for a few minutes (from 3 - 5 depending on your preference)
- add pork and beef; cook on medium-high until meats are browned and onions have softened
- add tomato paste, canned tomatoes, beer, chilis with adobo, chili powder, and beans
- bring to a boil and then lower heat to medium-low
- cover and cook for about thirty minutes stirring occassionally
- reduce heat and cook until desired thickness has been reached

Serve hot, with beer (of course) and any sort of toppings (cheese, onions, crackers, sour cream, etc) or bottomings (rice, spaghetti, etc) that suit your fancy.

Let your imagination run wild.

I really meant to have a picture ready to accompany the recipe, but the chili looked so tasty that I had to dig in immediately. I’ll snap a shot of the bowl I eat for lunch today with my camera phone and link to the picture tomorrow. I just ate and forgot that I needed to take a picture.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - Not good. It’s either allergies (then I blame Mother Nature) or cold (then I blame Marta or my co-workers)
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing Bloc Party — “The Prayer”
Website Of The Day - Archie McPhee has some of the strangest novelties in the world. I think my favorite are the band-aids that look like strips of bacon. Mmmmmm baaaaconnnn.
Exercise (b)Log - none. I tried when I got home from the Thrashers game but it was futile.
Mode Of Transportation To Work - My car

April Goals
1) Lose two pounds. (starting weight 202 lbs?)
2) Run no fewer than thirty miles.
3) Do twenty push-ups and fifty sit-ups at on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
4) Read three books, specifically
4a) “722 Miles: The Building of the Subways and How They Transformed New York”
4b) “Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job”
4c) “50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques”
5) Take Marta to work at least ten times.
6) File my Income Taxes. (since they are due in two weeks I better get this done)
7) Wear “nicer” clothes to work at least one day a week.
8\) Cook dinner at home at least two nights a week.

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

After basking in the glow of a sports achievement in which I had no other part than spectating I figured nothing could bring me down. So I prepared my 2006 income taxes last night. I found something that could bring me down. Let’s just say that the number crunching went more in Uncle Sam’s favor than mine — by a lot. I am now re-budgeting 2007 and may wind up scrapping or severely altering the Seattle / Edmonton trip that I was planning on taking in July.

I Wish That I Could Go Out And Buy All New Electronics
Yesterday I noticed that my PDA had shifted all of my appointments in Outlook to compensate for the hour shift which didn’t occur last Sunday. Let me repeat that. ALL of my appointments were shifted and I will have to adjust them manually. Then they will only be correct until November when I go through all of this bullshit again. Argh!

After much consideration I think that I need to go and see if I ever downloaded a software patch for my PDA.

ITP Flickr Pic
Upon seeing my taxes due I became about this stoic.

My apologies to the Woodruff family for using his likeness to express my distain.

Another Change In Plans, This One Far Less Severe
One of the three books that planned to read this month was “The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book for Digital Photographers”. I picked it because I am trying to learn Lightroom and the book was due out near the end of March. Yesterday I received word from Amazon that the book was not going to be available until June, which makes it impossible for me to read in April.

In its place I’ve chosen to read a photography book that has been in my arsenal for some time, “50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques”. I’ve chosen this book not only because I think that it will improve my photography skills, but also I think that the chapters are short enough for me to complete on Marta commutes.

Honey, I’m Gone
Word the East Atlanta streets is that Honey’s Kitchen has closed its doors. While it’s not a complete surprise to me, I will miss having a breakfast option in my hood. I don’t understand why a breakfast / lunch restaurant can’t survive in East Atlanta Village. I understand that a lack of office buildings nearby hurts, but there are no offices near Flying Biscuit, is there?

The Next-To Last Regular Season Puck Drops Tonight
I will be at the final penultimate home regular season game for the Atlanta Thrashers tonight. Unlike past seasons the Thrashers will not be packing their duffel bags and heading to the golf links after the regular season. No, this year they have actually qualified for the playoffs (for the first time ever). However, if hockey is like every other major sport ticket prices will go through the roof for playoff games, so tonight will likely be my last live hockey game until next Fall.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - still in shock
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing Ween — “You Fucked Up” (man, there could be no better title than this for me this morning)
Website Of The Day - This should come as no surprise based on what I’ve written today — FairTax.org.
Exercise (b)Log - none, which is not to say I didn’t achieve an elevated heartbeat. After nearly stopping, my heart raced to a panic when I saw what I owe Uncle Sam
Mode Of Transportation To Work - Marta

April Goals
1) Lose two pounds. (starting weight 202 lbs?)
2) Run no fewer than thirty miles.
3) Do twenty push-ups and fifty sit-ups at on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
4) Read three books, specifically
4a) “722 Miles: The Building of the Subways and How They Transformed New York”
4b) “Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job”
4c) “50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques”
5) Take Marta to work at least ten times.
6) File my Income Taxes. (since they are due in two weeks I better get this done)
7) Wear “nicer” clothes to work at least one day a week.
8\) Cook dinner at home at least two nights a week.

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]