Monday 19 July 2010

Mid July

July 13, 2010
This man is a "mat-cheen" (an obscure reference to a Little Lupe appearance on the Howard Stern show). Down to 122.5, definition is coming in. Eating "no" fat. Barely any carbs. Avoiding red meat. Cutting calories everywhere. Shit's paying off. Get some discipline people.
Yesterday was quite the productive day. Got up before 8, worked, got home, didn't really slack, took a long nap because I couldn't sleep the night before, worked out, cleaned the car because my brother keeps the car fucking disgusting, had some chicken breast (cooked with no oil), steamed vegetables, and kimchi, and then started LSAT studying.
Right when I sat down with dinner, I was asked if I wanted to go to BHT to watch the Home Run Derby. However, I wouldn't have studied, I would've fattened up on beer, so meh, I did't go.
Can't wait for more Friday Night Lights, downloaded third season and so I should be back on that.
Louie, fantastic show. One of my favorite comedies to come out recently. It mixes his stand up with sitcom and while I dislike most stand up comedians, I can actually get Louis CK.
If you haven't seen Double Rainbow, it's pretty fucking funny. Better yet, Georgia State bodypaint guy is awesome.

July 15, 2010
I drive with Bolanos into the city to have dinner with Corinne and her friend at Kenka. It's the second time for the week going, but I still enjoy it and it's her still favorite place anyway. Along with dinner, between the four of us, we also are able to polish off 9 of their 32 oz beers for $5. It's New York City and that's a deal, buddy.
We end up meeting CNF, Evan, Arielle, and a friend. We stop by the Continental for a few 5 shots for $10. We Corinne and Marti have to get back. The rest of us go to Doc Holidays for a bit. Then we stop by Beauty Bar and Artichoke. I drive back

July 16, 2010
I pick up Atron and we get some KFC. You can actually order healthy there with their grilled chicken. We go back to my place and pregame with some rum. Bolanos comes, we pick up Miah from work, we pick up some Joose and take the 920 train. We meet some peeps and Miah and I go to split a Baoguette. It's already 10-11:00ish and dinner at 7 has left me hungry. I then meet Corinne and a few more friends. We meet CNF, Stefan, and Atron and go to a karaoke room in Koreatown. Not the Stout style, we rent out the room.
We then have some late night snackage as a restaurant. Kimchi bibimbap with loads of side dishes with some soju. Yeesh, that shit is rough.
We split up and we're at the Penn station area already. We have nothing to do so we find an empty bar, have a beer, 3:19, etc. etc.

July 17, 2010
It's Siren day. However, it's exhausting to be there all day. Matt drives in with Toph, Bolanos, Atron, and I. We go to Totonno's first and catch the end of Earl Greyhound. We then make some Ted Leo. Brown bagging some Negra Modelo. After that, we have Matt and Kim. Another beer there, though this time Atron and I walk by an officer. He points at the sidewalk where other partially drunken beers are. We comply and at least I finished most of it anyway. Stupid stupid law, though at least the cops are doing it right. Couldn't imagine them writing hundreds of tickets out.
Matt and Kim are funny, especially with Matt going into Ignition, though I wish they did a cover. Fun show and we head back. A serious shower is needed and some dinner. Then my brother has some people over to play beer pong. Bolanos heads over with Ben. I lose some though end the last game in serious good fashioned win.

Tuesday 13 July 2010

More July

July 7, 2010
It's the semifinals for the World Cup today. Bolanos and I get breakfast from Best Bagels. Then we make some errands and start the pregame for the city. We take the 1:20 train in for the 2:30 game. We're supposed to go to Zum Schneider, the German beer garden, but it's almost "closed." The metal gate things used when a store is closed are half closed because the place is so full.
We walk and try to find anything we can. We find a bar that's half full, which is still a decent amount for early afternoon. Walking in, the bouncer asks me multiple times to not blow the vuvuzela that I have on me or else I will get kicked out. We stay there and watch the first half. By the way, it's 100 degrees out today. Shit is way too hot. I'm even drenched in sweat while standing in the air conditioned bar.
During half time, we head to Nevada Smiths, which is superpacked and loaded with Spain fans. Poor Germany. I'm rocking my white shirt and white vuvuzela for the Deustchland. Spain scores a goal and I get some beer rained down on me for it. Spain ends up winning 1-0 and we immediately walk out.
It's past 4:00 and I'm starved after just breakfast and the drinks. We decide on Caracas. It's just a slopping mess of pouring as much sauce as I can all over the arepas and scarffing them down like an animal. It's quite a disgusting sight. We then take the train back because Bolanos wants to catch his water polo game.
I get home and chat with Ela about the German loss, though at least we'll beat Uruguay for the third place match. Shootin' some shit, we play "Guess the song" with some humming. Man, reminds me of loads of music that I used to listen to. Ok Go, The Vines, Jet, RHCP (By the Way). Hey, I didn't say it was the best music, but that's what I was into in Middle/High School.
She also gets me to start Season 2 of Gilmore Girls because that's partly where she learned her English, in addition to school. I've watched enough of these girly ass shows in my life. I shoud be able to tell if this is worth it.
Also, I've gone through a full season of Friday Night Lights. Pretty good show. I got hooked quickly. For a drama, it paces quite well. Some of the characters are compelling. And the most intriguing part is its portrayal of "middle" America. It really got me thinking about how it was be like if I grew up with that kind of lifestyle. Things are laidback. A small community. The importance of High School football and how so much revolves around that. Then again, I'm not crazy. I'm a city boy. However, I still will always regret not going to a Midwest sports team college. That would been so fun.

July 9, 2010
After a slight pregame, I take a walk to the station for the 850 train. Stefan is supposed to meet up with us, but I don't know what happens to him. Bolanos and I go to Cheap Shots where we get disappointed by the fact they're out of the best beer, Patriot Ale. If you mix water and beer, you'd have the Patriot.
Atron and Murray come through from their earlier plans or whatnot. We meet up with Erin from the Montreal trip and other school friends. While we're standing around Atron says he'd give me $1 if I ask an open shirt homeless black man the time. It's easy money. I walk over and ask what time it is. He starts spitting like crazy at me and shouting and then starts coming towards me. I immediately turn around and walk away as fast as possible. Even people on the street have to try to stop him as he walked towards me, spitting and shouting. That's the hardest $1 I've ever had to make.
We decide to take the 1:19 back because I'm too old for this shit these days. We get to Penn early and spend the next 20 minutes playing Johnny Lodden Says. Example: Chris and David don't think James has a clue about measurements. They ask James to think of how many feet are in a mile and lock it down in his head. Chris and David then start naming numbers higher and higher until one stops. Stopping at a number means you have that number and numbers under it. The other person has all numbers above. Obviously this game is to be played with wagers.
You can play this game with: Sports trivia, celebrity ages, even something as stupid as the current time. The best part of the game is that "facts" do not matter. All that matters is if you can guess what the non-betting party thinks. You really need to get into their head and extract an answer in from their shoes. Fun fun fun times.
After that, we catch jump onto the 119, which is usually a lame train without fights like the 319. By the way, it's a bit sad that the nights come down to highlights from the train ride. Anyway, we sit across from three girls. One of them has a cup of beer. One is sitting against the window and looking off. Another one is sitting at the isle and a chubby dude walks over, gets on a knee, and starts chatting her up. I could tell they know each other, but I think he's just a friend that's drunk, horny, and lusting.
Atron restart our game where we speak in Spanish. It's fun because I love the language and I really hate losing it after taking it for three semesters in college. The girls stop us and tell us that they know Spanish. We don't care, we keep making fun of the chubby kid. I call him "THE Romeo." About his fire eyes as he starts deeply into the girl's eyes. All this business, it's really fun.
He later leaves and it surprises me that she says they aren't anything official, but they were something. Really? That chubby kid? The girl near the isle is smokin' and has a fuckin' rack that bulldozer can't even pick up. I called out and could tell that she was Persian. The other girl near the window is Italian and quite the looker herself. Dammit, all night nothing. Then the highlight of the night (and even girl spotting) has to come down to the LIRR. Lammmeee. We introduce ourselves, get into a BS talk, exchange names, what are you doing with life, age, etc.
Afterwards, Bolanos and I go to White Castle. 1 BBQ slider, 1 burger, split a sweet potato fries. Not the best, but certainly better than when I used to shove down up to 7 burgers and an order of onion rings in a drunkin stupor. Keep the food clean. Take the liquor easy. This body is a machine.
Either way, update on that, I'm down even more weight. In the mornings, without food in me and all my water weight is gone (so not my "natural" weight), I'm at 123.5. And about saying if I should cut, depends on the goal. I don't have a gym membership nor the time, so I won't be completely bulking, proteining, etc. Instead, I want to cut that body fat and work on the abs, in addition to other areas. Abs are shitty muscles. You need to be unnaturally low in body fat to any get definition from them. Anyway, that's my update/rant.
PS: Flabbymaster Flex Atron owes me a six pack for losing our contest.

July 12, 2010
I'm listening to the Siren bands.
To see:
Wye Oak- The band I'm looking forward to the most. Dreamy folk is how I would describe them, if that helps.
Surfer Blood- Fun indie rock with a hint of "surfer." They draw a bit of that 50s surfer rock feel.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- Despite the silly name, not bad indie rock, but nothing I'd go out of my way to see.
Matt and Kim- I like last year's album more other stuff that I've heard of them. And also, they released one of my favorite songs of last year, unfortunately I feel the rest of their music doesn't hold up to that.
The Night Marchers- Not too "heavy," but still a lot more action than a lot of the other indie pop bands playing.
Ted Leo- Didn't really like them in the past, but I enjoyed the most recent album.
harlem- Catchy indie pop.
Earl Greyhound- I hope they stick to their more rock stuff because a lot of the last album focuses on more the pop side of the band and their female vocalist. SOS is going to be sick though, along with Oye Vaya.
Screaming Females- A punkish band from New Brunswick. Looking forward to them.

Not see:
Holy Fuck- Instrumental electronic isn't really much cup of tea.
Cymbal Eat Guitars- More indie rock, didn't hear much that I found interesting.
Ponytail- Jamming, it's a lot of noise.
Apache Beat- Fail.

Monday 5 July 2010

July Starts

July 1, 2010
Bolanos and I make plans to go into the city for dinner. We switch from Meatball Shop (a restaurant that fucking serves just meatballs?!) to Keste & Vino. Keste is small as hell and loaded with a 45 minute wait. Across the street is John's of Bleecker Street, which also has a long wait. I didn't know that they were so close to each other and they're two of New York's best pizza pies. You also have Bleecker Street Pizza there, one of New York's best slices. Jeez, gotta love the Apple.
We meet Stefan who tells us this ridiculous story about him running into people on the street and running into a party and having drinks with strangers. The kid is a wild man. I love my pizza, but no way we're waiting around. We instead go to the Baoguette in the West Village. Man, I don't know what restaurant I've frequented more and I've even been to three of their four restaurants in the chain. This one is a bit different from the "regular" one. The menu is a bit different and it's more sit down friendly. Review will have to be written.
After dinner, it's almost 10ish and Stefan has to get home because he has work tomorrow. It's another move of monotony, but can’t knock Baoguette and International Bar. Two of my quick, simple favorites. Evan says he’s showing up and with people. I expect it to be the his NYU friends, but it turns out to be TA and Jared. Two people we rarely get to see, what a surprise. After a while and a few drink deals (whiskey shots and Genesee), Bolanos and I move out. The other three go back.
Bolanos and I go to Kenka to meet some people from online that I’ve been hanging out with. We grab some beers and the place is awesome because shit is balls cheap and it’s a great place to grab a bite and chill out. After that, we go look for somewhere else. Next to Crif Dog and Hop Devil is this place that’s playing loud music. It’s a late on a Thursday night, so places won’t be popping anyway. Around 10 of us plop ourselves down there. The bartender, who looks like Jonathan Ross, but 60 lbs. heavier, blonde, and a bit more creepy/bar ownerish, walks over and tries grabbing the girls to dance on the table. They resist, but he knows how to push it and he gets two of the girls on the bar to dance on top of the bar. Crazy shit.
He gets into the classy move of grabbing the bar and thrusting upwards towards the girls. That’s a class man. He’s a smart owner. He blasts the music, asks what the girls want on and gives them the iPod, and even gives people upside down shots on the bar. Free liquor? Obvs, I’m down for that. He poured a few shots of liquor for having all of us stay, ordering drinks, and even more. The front of the place is all glass and people start staring from outside from the spectacle that is this place, The Belgian Room. People dancing near the front and people dancing at the bar with really hella loud music. On a late late Thursday night, it’s moths to a flame. He gets more and more people to come in, even other girls get on the bar and dance their asses off.
It’s a hella fun night that’s so spontaneous, though one of the girls with our group gets her wallet stolen because of the influx of people coming in. I feel so freaking bad. It literally happened to me blocks away. Worse for her, she came all the way to visit NYC from DC, hit traffic all the way, came on a budget, and now all shit’s gone while away from home. Ugh, not a good feeling. Either way, it’s 4ish by now so Bolanos and I depart.

July 2, 2010
After a good snooze, I get a day going. I work out a load, biceps, abs, chest. I was thinking about going to Pacha tonight, but I give up on that and throw a party at my place instead of mom and grandma are gone for the weekend. Brother is having people over too. I pick up Aaron and we go to the beer distributor. I grab a Four Loko because it’s the new shit. It’s 12% alcohol and 23.5 fl oz. of it. With the math, that’s around a six pack of 4% beer. Aaron and I are talking about it when we pay. The guy in the front looks like he owns a Harley. He doesn’t believe that it’s a six pack of beer. He tries doing the math for it. He pulls out his hand and with each finger goes “Two, four, six, eight, tan, twelve,” until he reaches his second hand. I jump into the car and tell Atron, “Now that is a ruh-tard.” We get back to my place and I’ve already sent mass texts so people start coming over.
The Four Loko does its job and gets be buzzed quickly. It really is an efficient one. Bolanos and I start off beer pong 0-2. Damn. However, we pick it up and roll into a 4 game streak. That’s how we roll. Stupid me at one point punches the wall out of excitement over the game. The game isn’t great for drinking, but it just amplifies emotions when you have the competitive “eye of the tiger” boiling inside of you. There’s loads of people that I invited. There’s people that my brother invited. There’s music. There’s drinks. There’s company. Hell ya, definitely the best party thrown here and we also haven’t had a house party in a while.

July 3, 2010
At night, I use the house for one more night. A few people head over and we play “Ask Wolfe game.” We ask Scott a question like “How old do you think Miley Cyrus is?” Bolanos and I keep saying higher and higher numbers until one of us wants to stop and that person takes that number and lower. We bet crazy ass things. For the night though, I end up down a few bets on Bolanos. Not bad though considering each bet is only $2 a pop.