It has happened to all of us. You want to go out for drinks but you and your friends can't decided where to go. You want to go get food but can't decided if you're craving Chipotle or Sushi. Well, a computer geek has come up with a way to help you make the decision. The wheel of food. Enter your Zip code and enter the activity i.e. bars, food, lunch and spin. Then go where the wheels says. Sometimes the wheel will tell you to "Skip Lunch", I say just spin again.
[via Lifehacker]
The judge had another good review of some stuff he has been listening to but I wanted to share this song. It was my athem while driving through California this summer. I'm not a big fan of anything Garden State but I would buy the soundtrack just to listen to this track over and over and over again. For the longest time, I only knew this song as track #7 on the garden state soundtrack and track #3 on the Califiornia CD #4. The song is actually titled Fair and it's by Remy Zero. Accrding to their website the band has been put to rest though. (click here if you don't see the embeded video)
Apparently comedian Al Franken decided to run for the U.S. senate for the state of Minnesota(MN). I don't know much about him nor where he stands on the issues, nor will I care until I think he is a real contender. Then again MN did elect Jesse Ventura as their Governor. But the real question that I have about Al Franken running is "Why isn't Jon Stewart doing the same?" The guy is probably as well known as any of the presidential candidates in '08. And with the race as wide open as many say it is, why not? A lot of people get our age get their "political news" from his "Daily Show" . I believe he would actually get the 18 - 25 years olds to go to the polls. So I say Jon Stewart for president in '08. However he should wait to enter the race till after everyone experiences Obama fatigue.
Does this remind anyone else of the movie Man of the year?
The Judge says:
I've known about Bloc Party for a little while now, you've probably heard their song "This Modern Love" off their second EP Silent Alarm. Their new album, A Weekend in the City, came out this week. Rhapsody sent me an alert and since I have their earlier album, I was interested to hear the new one. For the uninitiated, Bloc Party plays upbeat, alternative rock that borders on a punk sound. The punk part might just be because they have British accents and that sounds punk to me. Maybe it's just Brit Rock? Put it this way, it's meant to be played loud.
ANYWAY, the new album is actually quite good with one problem: Rhapsody won't let me listen to all of the songs. "The Prayer" is climbing the charts, according to their website, (which probably means it's climbing the charts in England). It could be a good song but I would have no idea since Rhapsody refuses to play it for me. Otherwise, my favorite song is "I Still Remember". If you're not going to be in a hyper-major city in the US or Europe (no visit to DC planned) you're going to have to wait to see them live; their tour schedule is mostly European stops. I'd buy this cd, especially so I could hear the whole thing. Stupid Rhapsody.
If you want something mellow for Valentine's Day, check out The Weepies "Say I Am You". It sounds like a cross between Simon and Garfunkel and Joni Mitchell. It's a quiet, mellow cd that sounds a little depressing but actually has some hopeful, romantic songs on it. It's one of my favorite cds, I don't care if that makes me a wuss.
I say:
I listened to the tracks available on Rhapsody and it's definitely worth listening to. To me some of tracks sounded more like house music played over punk with a bit a Keane thrown in. But like the judge said maybe all Brits just sound alike when they sing. The sounds reminded my of postal service more than anything else. I do agree that the tracks are definitely meant to be played loudly. With bloc party, I faced the same issue that I faced with Postal service; That is I don't really know where on play list they would go if I was to listen to them on the regular. They kinda get lost between the depressing/mellow stuff and the hot party bangers beats as my friend JK would put it. I would not buy the entire CD but a few tracks off of Rhapsody or Itunes wouldn't be a bad deal. And if you're looking for something for Valentines day, I say go with the Barbershop Quartet. Classy and Cheesy all in one.
As a programmer and someone to likes to keep up with the hottest and new things on the web. I have been inundated with the number of web 2.0 apps that have been springing up over the last few years. Yet when I asked my other geek friends what exactly is web 2.0; None of them were really able to explain to me in concrete terms. And What makes and app 2.0 instead of 1.0 or 1.5 for that matter? (There isn't a web 1.5 just in case you were wondering). Using Ajax, User generated content? tagging? using OpenID? Organizing an insane about of data to look pretty or ugly? Allowing object to be embedded? Loading faster? simpler UI? The weird names? Making the Web 2.0 directory? The label "Web 2.0" seemed to be arbitrary to me and I did not readily accept as some of my other geek friends did. This morning, when I walked to my desk and began to read my rss feeds using google reader, I found a blog entry by Scott Hanselman I figured I should share.
Who types that fast? Although, It did not answer all my questions and I'm still rather skeptic of the label "Web 2.0", the video did a good job explaining some of the concept behind the label "Web 2.0".
Rocco Deluca (UK) has been in the national spotlight lately, going on tour with Mat Kearney ("Nothing Left to Lose") as part of the VH1 "You Oughta Know" tour. In my opinion, you ought to know that the album is a mixed bag, with VH1-type romantic songs mixed in with more standard blues-rock fare. Either on their own are good but present such a striking contrast with one another that the overall cd suffers. I would not purchase this cd.
[ Props. to the Judge]
I started liking Damien Rice after watching the Closer, starring Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, Jude Law and Natalie Portman. He makes frequent appearances on Grey's Anatomy episodes soundtracks. I seriously believe he is one of the most depressed people on the planet but his music makes it all worth it. I pretty sure I listen to at list one his tracks every day. My Favorite used to be Blower's Daughter but I like some tracks on this album much better but I haven't decided if a favorite one yet. Take a Listen (UK).
Tuesday, unlike most people, I spent some five hours watching the state of the Union by President Bush, the democratic response by Senator Webb of the commonwealth of Virginia, and countless hours of the Analysis on CNN, Fox, and NBC. After watching all everyone else and their mom share their thoughts on speech, I thought I would go ahead and share some of my own.
I felt that the speech was very well written. Of all Bush's televised speeches, I think this one was the best. The words were chosen carefully, and the paragraphs constructed is such a way to simultaneous praise (sometimes forcefully) from both democrats and President. The words were less decisive, less forceful and less macho. Although the wording of the speech was fantastic, the delivery was less than memorable. At a time where the president needed to inspire to nation to rally behind him, he barely managed to keep members of house and senate awake for the 50 minutes. He sound flat, tired, disconnected, and irresolute.
The content of the speech was not of made of up anything great either. Social security, Health Care, Energy dependence, immigration and etc...These are all great issues and things that we as a country should be working on. But I don't see it coming from this president. After claiming last year that "America is addicted to oil", he then spent the next 11 months doing nothing about it. He made a attempt to do something about social security, but failed to sell that plan to the American public. Although I agree with most of his plan with immigration, he was unable to strike deals with member of his own party. So Basically I don't believe he will do anything. Not because he doesn't want to, but because most of the time will be spend defending his policy abroad. I think he will try to get to ball rolling on some of these, because like every president he is conscious of his legacy. And although 9.11.01 and the Iraq war will largely define his presidency I don't believe he wants to be it.
I was impressed that the president mentioned Africa, Darfur in particular and fighting the AIDS epidemic that is affecting the entire continent. I hope he can back those words with some actions and not tie the donation dollars to religious organizations and or Abstinence programs. As impressed as I was that the president mention Africa, I was shocked beyond belief that he failed to mention the gulf states that were devastated by Katrina and are still recovering. If nothing else, i believe that the he should have taken ownership of everything that went wrong with FEMA and pledge continued support from the Federal government.
Overall, well written speech, average delivery, but too big of a wish list that will barely be touched.
When I heard that senator Webb tore up the speech written for him by the Democratic Party to write his own, I was shocked. I certainly thought he was going to make a fool of himself on TV. I had not been impressed by any of the speeches he had given during his campaign against Allen. But I was pleasantly surprised by his speech. His speech was short, passionate, personal, and straight to the point. Office title aside, He commanded more attention and respect than the president. He refuted what the president while at the same leaving room for negotiations and laying out the issues the democrats are ready to get ball rolling on. I look forward to see what he does in the senate this year. He is def getting drafted on my fantasy congress team.
You can Listen to some of their music on MySpace or PureVolume. And if you like them, Don't hesitate to buy the EP
Every year I like to set goals and and go back at the end of the year and see how I have done. I believe the more concrete your goals, the more achievable they are. I think most people fail to achieve their goals for several different reasons. 1. They set too many goals, 2. They set unrealistic goals, and 3. They have no tangible way to measure them. Before I go on further on a tangent about setting goals, here for my goals for the this year.
Wish me luck. I will update you at the end of February to let know you know how I'm doing.
Here is something else, I found really funny.
That's all. I'm off to ATL for the weekend. Pictures to be posted when I come back. Enjoy your weekend.
The good thing about having a blog is that I can always go back and look at goals that I set for myself at the beginning of the year and see how I've have faired. Ideally I would look at them throughout the year and gage as my progress. But the world isn't ideal ... so too bad.
1. Go the doctors/dentist . I visited the doctor, got through physical therapy for my knee and went to the dentist twice and even got one tooth pulled... Not a fan of that.
2. Go on 4/5 Vacations. This year was very exciting in terms of travel. I wish I would have done bit more but I did enough. I went Philly, OBX for a week, and California for a week. I didn't get any international trips done though, which was a bit disappointing.
3. Get my U.S. citizenship (Started). I have applied for my citizenship and currently awaiting to hear back from DHS.
4. Become more financially savvy - I have a better understanding of personal finance. Although I'm not where i would like to be financially i think I've made great strides in personal finance and I have put in place to have do even better the upcoming year (barring any huge emergencies)
5. Consolidate my web presence/revamp Makembe.com (somewhat completed) - I redid the website. As for the first part of that, now that i reread this I don't even know that this is possible. I basically don't like the fact that by paying $99 to some random company on the web you can find out alot of me. It really bothers me. But the HP case has brought more light to some of the illegal ways people can obtain information about you whether you like it or not and whether or not it's accurate. I hope this issue is not forgotten.
6. Read 6 books (half done) -- I read four books this year. Middlesex, The dreams of our father, Time's Traveler's Wife and some random book that was so bad that i don't even remember the title
7. Build Two Commercial Website (failed) -- I completely failed at this. Hence the portfolio part of my website is still not up.
8. Be more organized -- I don't really know how to judge this. But the simple fact that I've paid all my bills on time is a testament that I'm better at keeping track of things. But now I don't get any more mail.... booo.
9. Gain 10lbs (Failed) - Brady Quinn is still bigger than me.
10. Make a 5 yr plan (Started). Basically the market forces me to go back to school. My goal to have obtain two more degrees before the age for 30 (They say it's the new 20 so i have some time to party after that). A JD being one of them. The other would be a Master in Business Administration (preferably with an International Component) and or a Master's in Public Policy or Government
Overall I think i fared well. For 2k7, i will have more concise goals that build on the ones that I have accomplished this year.
After 3 years, I finally decide to build the photos section of my site. Take a look and it when you get a chance. Maybe I will actually doe the other sections too this time around.
Lately I’ve been craving lobster. I’m going to on the record that I have never had
lobster (I’m not a big sea food guy). Since I have a lot of friends from the New England,
I kept asking a recommendation of restaurants in the city where I could get some good
lobster. They all informed that it wasn’t lobster season and I have to move to New
England to get a good lobster. Clearly that was not good enough. So After shopping
for some work clothes in Georgetown,
I decided that I will find a seafood restaurant and have some lobster. After
walking around for a bit my "friend" and I settled for for Manhattan
Seafood Grill. Located on M street, it was easy to find. When I
first walked in I very impressed by the decor and ambiance. The
right touch of lighting, heat (I don't know about you but i don't want to
be freezing or sweating while I'm eating) , and music.
At first glance this seems like the type of place you would want to take a girl
out date to impress her. But let's face it I'm not in the business
of that. The service was friendly and timely, which was a big change of pace
from the last few times I've eaten out. The Menu was simple and very readable
if you get can get pass the prices. I didn't not take a look at the
wine list. We ordered for Crab, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip as a Appetizer.
And quiet frankly I was very disappointed. I was by far the worse artichoke Dip
that I've ever had. It was too salty, not enough crab meat and I don't even know what
else was in there. But was plain awful. I was tempted to recommend that they
a borrow recipe from a couple a friends that make a much better Dip. For an
entree, we ordered a Surf & Turf. I was very excited because I thought I
was going to have the best of both world. My excitement subsided after my first bite
of the lobster. I can not say that the lobster was good or bad since it was
my first time. So I will move on. The steak and grilled vegetables slightly
made up for the bad appetizer and less than impressive lobster but were still sub
par for a fine dining institution. To review,
Pros:
Cons:
Needless to say I don't think will be dinning at Manhattan Seafood grill
in the near future.
My friend says:
Let me begin this by saying that I am by no means a connoisseur of fine dining, as
chipotle is my usual fare. However, I do have enough sense to know that the meal that
I ate last night wasn't, by any stretch, fantastic. It wasn't even good, especially
for the price. First off, the appetizer we ordered, "Crab, Spinach, and Artichoke
Dip" wasn't horrible but it was too garlicky and salty to taste anything like crab,
spinach or artichokes. Disappointing and for 7 dollars, I could have had a burrito…
a damn good burrito. And I would not have needed the somewhat bland, very expensive
Surf & Turf entrée. Once again, no grave complaints, but nothing extraordinary,
except maybe the potatoes. But no one should ever spend $37 on decent side dishes.
The lobster looked blah and the steak tasted like meat. Overall, a pretty un-thrilling
meal. But the ambiance was nice and the company was great, so I can't complain too
much. For all the restaurants on M street though, I won't be returning to Manhattans.
Other Reviews:
WASHINGTON (AFP) - People who consume alcohol earn significantly more at their jobs than non-drinkers, according to a US study that highlighted "social capital" gained from drinking.
[ Yahoo! NEWS ]
I have a friend doing a piece on American youth and debt. And she is looking for young, hip people like you to interview.
Hi guys,
I am doing a story on Youth and Debt for my next TV piece. The story will focus on American youth (18-30 yrs olds) and how they are falling into deeper and deeper debt thanks to credit cards, student loans and the rising cost of living. I know we all struggle (to different degrees) to make ends meet as young, just-out-of-college professionals.
What I'm asking from you is this- do you, or anyone you know, want to be profiled for my story? I'm not going to make you look bad, and you don't even have to come out and say, "I'm in $50,000 over my head". Even if you're just paying back your student loans or struggling with the high interest rate on your credit card, I just want to showcase young people dealing with money issues. Even if you're not in any debt but are struggling to make ends meet. Perhaps a shop-a-holic who can't stop using his/her credit card?
If you know of anyone who may be interested in participating in this story, please let me know. My deadline is in a week, so I need to shoot this ASAP. It's fun and completely painless- plus, you'll be an international SUPERSTAR!
If this sounds like smoething you are interested in contact my friend and help her out. Thanks.
