Hit Man's Hideout

Farewell All

2008-03-30T11:05:00.001-05:00

It was fun. Life moves ever onward.

If you know how to find me...please do.

J

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-07-27T05:11:00.000-05:00

Week 29: "Something Borrowed, Something Blue"

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

Ready? GO!

Weekends Rule

2006-07-22T20:47:00.000-05:00

So do girlfriends.

And light bulbs.

And my whole "gang" for playing along with Word Verifier this week.

I promise to post more often.

Enjoy what's left!

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-07-20T04:27:00.000-05:00

Week 28: "Green-Flag Re-start"

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

Ready? GO!

Bummed by YOU

2006-06-11T21:03:00.000-05:00

I come back from hiatus, post this awesome WV:TG, leave it up ALL WEEKEND and only two of my faithful comment.

Ouch.

I'm not mad, but I'd have your neighbor start your car in the morning.

In other news...What's up with Hollywood re-hashing old movies? There is one coming out with Sandra Bullok about communicating through time via mail. Wait, that sounds familiar!

Oh and there's another one about a street dancer who sweeps up at a ballet shop and then (get this) gets the lead in the big ballet. Wait..no, that one was a little different.

The cartoons are still doing good. "Over the Hedge" was TOO CUTE! All I can say is I wanna cookie. Didn't make it to Ice Age 2 but I hope to see "Cars"

I miss Shiner Bock but I like Yuengling, so the metamorphosis is nearly complete.

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-06-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Week 27: "Handi-Capable"

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

Ready? GO!

Sunday, 8pm, worst time of the week

2006-06-04T20:53:00.000-05:00

Is it me, or is it just about 8pm every Sunday (except when Monday is a holiday) that you realize "Shit, tomorrow is Monday and I've wasted this WHOLE weekend!" and then scramble to get ONE thing done so you can rest peacefully.

If I finish unpacking this ONE box I will have unpacked 1 box this weekend!

PA drivers still don't piss me off as much as Mississippi ones. I do have SOME advice for you's:

1. A turn signal should signal your intention to change lanes, not serve as a reminder of what you just did.

2. If you didn't follow so close to my bumper, your brakes would last longer.

3. Being first to work makes you gay.

4. No, really, 70 in a 45 is unsafe...even to a hot-rod like me.

5. I'd rather sit in a garage for 3 hours while they inspect my car than have shady mechanics hand out MS state inspection stickers for $5 to people with no working brake lights.

6. There's a Dunkin Donuts on every corner.

ok, so that last one was just bragging.

Have a great week!

************************************************

I didn't finish unpacking that one box

No Regrets

2006-04-08T15:49:00.000-05:00

All decisions have pros and cons. We all struggle through them to make the best decision. In the case of one's life, it is even harder. Jobs, cities, kids, spouse, family, friends--all weigh heavily on the decision.

The fact is I miss my family and friends in MS dearly. I still get text messages from the owner of my favorite bar (I dubbed "Cheers") telling me the nightly specials and entertainment. It just kills me to know I can't go.

However, the reality is that I DID make the right choice. After just two short weeks, I've made some great acquaintenceships at work and went out for beers yesterday. Work is going so well so far, too. I'm trying to meet folks around town, but I'm still in temp housing---but that will change soon, too!

I can say now that I have no regrets. I miss my past but my future's so bright...

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-04-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Week 26: "What would you do if I sang out of tune?"

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

Ready? GO!

NJ sucks

2006-04-02T10:51:00.000-05:00

I took a little venture out east yesterday. I noticed something I thought I'd share. The road leading into New Jersey is wide open. To get out, however, you have to pay! THAT'S how bad NJ sucks...that people are willing to PAY to get out!

I also was thinking about some stuff on the road. I was listening to the comedy station on my satellite radio and there were a couple of comedians who mentioned getting caught masturbating. I started to think back. I was NEVER caught by my parents. Now, I did have to explain myself when their back bedroom TV was unplugged once. That was because I found their little porno movie and was watching IT instead of babysitting my little sister. That's the closest I came to getting caught. I never got caught even making out on the couch.

I'm sure mom wondered about all the stains on my bed sheets, though.

Enjoy the weekend, gang!

Mon Chateau

2006-03-30T19:52:00.000-06:00

Well, it is a nice house. 3 bed, 2.5 bath. All told, 4 stories--three above ground and a SUPER basement. No pictures--no camera...it is in storage with the rest of my crap. The kitchen is fine. Not the best part of the house (that'd be the basement), but FAR from the worst (that'd be the roof). Hopefully they will get that fixed before I move in later next month.

I guess you could say I'm "back" but I'm really not. I'm still in temp housing and on a public computer in the 'business center' at the appt complex. It sucks and is not as much fun as surfing the web from your own home. BUT, it is better than nothing, so I guess I'll be thankful.

I'm glad my comment box wasn't full of hate mail for the lack of Word Verifier: The Gathering. Then again, I guess that means no one even noticed it was missing. You all suck revolvers...not mine cuz I just polished it.

Settling In

2006-03-28T20:19:00.000-06:00

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
- Thoreau

I think that's quite fitting for me.

I'm settled in my temporary apartment while I close on my house. Two days done at work--LOTS of paperwork so far. Lots of meeting new people and getting up to speed. However, I can tell from only two brief days that I definitely made the right choice. I'm going to be SO much happier at this job.

Next goal: meet new people!

Goal #3: Get caught up on Blogging!

Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts, gang!

Home Sweet Home

2006-03-20T07:12:00.000-06:00

It is so nice to be back in my own bed.

That said, it will be even better when my own bed is moved into my own house!

The househunting was a success and I found a great new home for a steal of a price. I have only two days until the movers come and I still feel like I have a TON to do. I'll lose my PC Thursday. I may have some limited access here and there to leave some comments. The time off will do me good. I've got some stuff on my mind I would like to develop into meaningful blog posts. I know there are a lot of blog readers out there who just hate it when you are self-absorbed.

Things to come:

1. Low-carb menus for kids (at IHOP?).
2. Idiotic law suits (it is YOUR fault you're fat!).
3. More fads I hope die in the second half of 2006.

In the mean time, start saving pennies and dimes for a housewarming party in May!

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-03-16T01:28:00.000-06:00

Week 25: The North and The South

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

Ready? GO!

World Baseball Classic

2006-03-14T01:31:00.000-06:00

I've really enjoyed watching the WBC this year. It is the inaugural year for the WBC. 16 teams started. We're down to 8. I must say, however, I'm very excited to watch the Latinos and Caribbean teams! Their round 2 is in San Juan. The Puerto Rican fans are NUTZ! These guys (Puerto Rico, Japan, Dominican, Cuba, Venezuela) are acting like this is the World Series! The US? Just another Spring game. It is the same in soccer...all these other countries are so excited to a point of violence sometimes and the US? Eh. We're torn between Baseball, Basketball, Football, and Hockey. I think the best thing for the WBC would be for the US to lose. Show us that we need to put more into it when it comes back around in 2009. I'm rooting for U.S., but we'll see!

In other news: I'll be in PA househunting this week. I'll do my best to try to find a PC and throw up the WV:TG on Thursday. Brad, I'm counting on you to spread the word and get us some good comments as well as keeping an eye on the Hideout this week.

Still here, Still Monday

2006-03-13T10:56:00.000-06:00

So, not having to go in to work doesn't make Monday's suck much less. I sit here at home. It is raining. I don't leave for PA until tomorrow. I can't get my car into the shop until next week. I feel inundated.

On the bright side, it's 11:30, I'm still in my underwear and I don't have to answer to anyone. I get to chat online to my hearts content (with my three favorite blogger budies woot).

Have fun at work!

I don't wanna work

2006-03-11T14:45:00.000-06:00

I want bang on the blog all day.

WOW.

I went from rarely posting on weekends to wanting to spend my whole day on here. I suppose I could be more creative and spend some time commenting on ~~y'all~~ yous-guys' sites.

Unemployed

2006-03-11T09:06:00.000-06:00

Technically, right now, I'm unemployed. That was the loneliest walk through the parking lot yesterday.

Just like the refreshing rain in Arizona there is a fresh beginning awaiting me.

I remember long ago when I was young and immature. I used to get insecure that no one would like me, so I would try to find ways to look cool and important. I can't believe how far I've come. I have a great job (ahead of me), tons of friends all over the world. A family that loves me. Someday, I'll find Miss Right and we'll have a great family of our own. I can't believe that I used to actually pick on the younger kids. I can't believe that I used to try to fill the empty void in my life by finding others weaker than me to pick on. How immature? What a cop-out. When someone was better than me at something and I was jealous I would lash out at helpless people to make myself feel better. Now? Now I have the confidence to know that no matter what, no matter how bad life gets, I will survive. I will come out on top. I may not be the smartest web-master in the world. I may not have the power to hack into a government site. But I do know how to make a kickin' website for myself and my interests. I may not be the best engineer. I may not know all the inner workings of an integrated circuit. But I know why a cable-stayed bridge is better than a suspension. I know how to calculate the tensile force in a truss member. I can calculate the thermal load of a heat sink attached to a microprocessor. I can calculate the wind resistance of any object. I have implemented millions of dollars of cost-saving ideas on medical device manufacturing equipment. I can write ladder-logic to control automation machines. I can program a robot. I may not be able to build a house, but I've build a solid-oak night stand. I've carved a bear out of a single block of wood with no pattern.

Call me what you want, say what you will....call me fat, say I'm ugly, call me a pussy, talk bad about me behind my back, throw stones at my house, key my car, slash my tires..

I don't give a rats ass about you or your insecurities.

I've got a GREAT life goin for me, I'm living it the best I can and I'm proud of who I am.

Last Day

2006-03-10T08:40:00.000-06:00

Today is my last day at my job.

I'm sad, excited, nervous, and relieved. I still have no idea where to live when I get up to PA. I have two weeks to find something. I'll be up there the better part of next week looking. I'm pre-approved for a home loan. I've got the movers set up to get started. I've cleaned out my office and have started cleaning the house.

Wish me luck!

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-03-09T08:04:00.000-06:00

Week 24: You might as well face it, you're addicted to spuds

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

Ready? GO!

Prize Patrol!

2006-03-08T08:08:00.000-06:00

Since LadyK was the only one who actually landed on the correct posts (69, 96, 100) during a recent episode of "Word Verifier: The Gathering" She gets the best prize:

Jewelry!

Since I'm a nice guy, I decided to get LOTS of presents for everyone!

Brad:

Alkelda:

The redhead is mine, but you can have the puppet.

Nonny:

Birdy:

SignGurl:

That's all I had money for (Birdy's cost the most I think), so if I missed you, next time post more comments!

Worst Case of the Mondays

2006-03-06T08:29:00.000-06:00

It's my last Monday at my current job. Could I be less excited?

The answer is no.

Everyone wants one more piece of me before I leave. "Organize all your prjoects so we don't lose anything after you go." "Train everyone on how to run this machine. We need every single detail. I've scheduled 3 four-hour blocks. Is that OK?" "Can I have your entire bar-coding file?"

Let's not forget tennis. Someone's gotta take this team over and make sure we get all our matches played.

I just want a nap. And hasbrowns--cooked MY way...BROWN, not hash-lukewarms or hash browned on just one bit.

Wanna go to Chotchkie's, get some coffee?

It's a little early...

I gotta get out of here. I think I'm gonna lose it.

Fine, swear if you want to

2006-03-03T08:22:00.000-06:00

I'm so dissappointed at the turnout at yesterdays Word Verifier: The Gathering. I blame El Nino.

I'm down to 6 days left here at work. I'm scheduling my first househunting trip. I'm nervous about all that. I have NO clue where to start looking. I know what town I'd like to live in, but other than that I'm lost.

I am, however, officially excited about starting my new job. Lots of the guys at work down here are trying to give me crap about how much colder its gonna be how much traffic and stuff trying to psyche me out. I'm determined, however, to prove them all wrong.

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-03-02T08:08:00.000-06:00

Week 23: PG-13

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

No swear words allowed this week. All comments containg swear words will be deleted.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

Ready? GO!

ENJOY!

You can take the Hitman out of the South

2006-03-01T08:28:00.000-06:00

Well, it is official now--I'm moving to PA! I've been given a new opportunity to try something completely new and exciting. I'll be getting out of the South and into the Snow Country (what's a snow tire?). I should be starting later this month. I'll be at my current job for another week and a half so I'll be blogging for sure until then. After that, it will be hit or miss. Anyone in that part of the country want a roommate?

On another note, today is Ash Wednesday. You know how we Italians take our Catholocism seriously. AW marks the begining of Lent--the 40 days before Easter representing Jesus time in the woods fasting while preparing to die. It is customary to make a sacrifice in rememberence of Him. This Lent I'm watching my potty mouth. No cussing for 40 days....dangit, shucky-darn! Hopefully this will help me tone it down a bit in my everyday life beyond Easter and make me a better person. I also am going to resolve to start attending Mass again. God has blessed me with a new opportunity and I need to show my respect.

Have a happy day, ~~y'all~~ yous guys!

Save the Gorillas!

2006-02-28T08:02:00.000-06:00

Brad got locked up.

Funny story, but there's no time for that.

Run over to Blogjail and leave him some heartfelt comments. The way I see it, if we all express what an asset Brad is to the Blogosphere, then the jailers might feel sorry and let him out!

Happiest Hitman

2006-02-27T09:23:00.000-06:00

Remember that thing I talked about that would make me the happiest Hitman in the world?

Well, barring a disaster, it is going to happen!

This will mean some transitional times for J and I may not be able to blog as much as I want for a couple of months....but watchout! Here I come!

Word Verifier: The BFM

2006-02-23T00:01:00.000-06:00

Week 22: Pudding

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

Although, something tells me that this week not only will you be ignoring the topic, but also the rules......aww, hell, special prize to comments #69, #100, and #666. However, #96 owes me a beer (or some Captain)

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

Ready? GO!

ENJOY!

Stress Fatigue

2006-02-22T07:48:00.000-06:00

In college we studied the strength of materials. We learned about stress and strain and fatigue.

Little did I know then that the stress, strain, and fatigue I would deal with on a daily basis was not that of structural steel or aluminum--it would be that of J.

I found out Monday that I have to have my Performance Objectives entered into the system by next Monday. Not a major deal, but it takes time and that time HAS to be at work due to the corporate firewall.

I was asked earlier this year to give a presentation at a Corporate Global Conference. I'm honored, I really am! However, my presentation has to be submitted to the conference coordinator by Monday as well.

That's all on top of this new project I've been working on--which has really been a blast so far! We got money approved and I've started buying equipment. I might even get to travel back to OH in a week or two! The timeline for this project is much more accelerated then I would like, but I guess the stress is what brings out the best in me.

Ok, back to the drawing board*.

No, engineers don't still use drawing boards. We have ONE over in the drafting department that is used to hold a couple of notebooks and for nostaligia.

Why I hate Southern Drivers

2006-02-20T09:39:00.000-06:00

1. They NEVER use their turn signal unless they are in the "left turn only" lane. By then, I already know you're turning left. You should have indicated that to me BEFORE you slammed on the brakes and swerved into that lane.

2. They don't know how to turn left across traffic. The center lane is for LEFT turns OFF the road only. These tools will turn left out of a parking lot, then STOP in the center lane and THEN look over their shoulder and try to merge into traffic. You should find an opening before you even left the parking lot and NEVER NEVER NEVER stop!

3. Just because your truck is a 4-wheel drive and you have big ol' mud grip tires doesn't mean you can speed through ice. It only means you'll get out easier when you get stuck. Mud grips? Ha, the best traction is with SLICKS or any tire with an ice rating of 9 (Goodyear Assurance Tripple-tread or ComforTread work nicely),

4. Snow chains? Are you KIDDING ME? The roads are just wet with some ice patches. Snow chains cause you to LOSE traction on wet pavement. Fool.

5. 75 in a 45 on a dry day but 20 in a 45 when it's raining.

The following were added based on Alkelda's Comments

6. Alkelda will disagree with me, but two cars CAN go through the 4-way stop at the same time if it makes sense. Like if you and I are facing each other and are both going straight, it is ok for both of us to go at the same time. Also, if you would USE YOUR TURN SIGNAL, I would know that you are turning and therefore I have the right of way and don't have to sit there and wait for you to wave me on.

7. Yes, cops not actively in pursuit or on their way to an emergency are supposed to follow the rules of the road...and USE THIER FUCKING TURN SIGNALS!

Gift Horse

2006-02-17T09:31:00.000-06:00

One of my co-worker's parents were displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Today she was talking at breakfast about how her folks FINALLY got their trailer and when they DID get it, they had to wait for the inspector to give them the OK to move in. "My dad has been trying to call them for weeks!"

If my house caught on fire due to a lightning strike, would the federal government step in and give ME a place to stay? NO. Victims of this HORRIFIC tragedy should feel VERY blessed for what they have been given from the government. You are getting free temporary housing! Don't sit around and bitch about how ugly the carpet is.

I'm trying to be sympathetic, but I'm just really SICK of people EXPECTING a hand-out from the government. No WONDER my taxes are so high!

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-02-16T10:20:00.000-06:00

Week 21: Things that make ya go "Hmmm"

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

ENJOY!

No one loves me?

2006-02-16T10:15:00.000-06:00

I leave the SAME POST up for two days straight and I get NO additional comments? Now it is 10am on Thursday and no one is wondering where WV:TG is?

Thanks

:(

2006-02-14T08:09:00.000-06:00

I told you sleep was overrated.

Monday turned out fine. After I got through my gazillion and three e-mails (Thanks, Birdy!), the day went by pretty dogone fast.

I was so inspired last night, I actually got on my exercise bike for the first time in about two years. Nonny, look away....I watched "Skating with Celebrities" while I rode. This is probably only the second reality show I've become addicted to. It is down to just two pairs. Both are FABULOUS, both are effen hawt, and either could win. When I finished riding, I was all hot, sweaty, and exhausted but I felt like something was missing...

I got another phone call last night regarding an important opportunity. Thanks for all the well-wishes, prayers, karma, etc. Still not done yet. As a matter of fact, I'm anxious as hell!

Today is shaping up to be a great day. I know this is all boring and someday I'll have the time to get back to my antics (Music Review Mondays?) when this project at work gives me more than 10 minutes to post. I really wish I had the time to tell you all why I HATE Feb 14th.

(woot)
*snog*
{douche}

You know who you are.

Sleep is overrated anyway

2006-02-13T09:46:00.000-06:00

Today had every red flag a bad Monday could have....but so far so good.

I was supposed to come in an hour early today to perform some much needed maintenance. After a weekend of staying up late (woot) and sleeping in, I was NOT tired come midnight last night. I finally dozed off and then some motherfucker called me at 1:30am....wrong number. I woke up and got here by 7 as planned.

I got here and the production line was running and the scheduler said it would be Wed now before I can get in. WOOT. I took that as a chance to chill and wake up.

Just before 8, my coworker called and had a dead battery....cool, an excuse to leave work and drive around town. WooT.

NOW, after filtering through the gazillion e-mails, I get to you, my bloggers. I have nothing interesting to share right now.

only

WOOT

I scream

2006-02-10T07:57:00.000-06:00

http://www.baskinrobbins.com/IceCream/coupon/EmailCoupon.aspx

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-02-09T07:54:00.000-06:00

Week 20

We started this thing 5 months ago because people were inspired to be creative with their verification words. Don't feel like you have to actually make a WORD out of it. If it looks like something, then share that. Be creative and have fun!

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

ENJOY!

I'm Glad I Grew Up

2006-02-08T08:04:00.000-06:00

When I look around town and see what young kids here do for fun, I think to myself "I'm glad I grew up." I just honestly don't see the reason to stay up until 2 am EVERY NIGHT getting hammered and acting like a fool.

Last night, I was invited to dinner by some college friends of mine. I knew "dinner" meant drinks and the possibility of staying out late. However, at about 11pm I realized that there was no real purpose to thier drinking. We just sat around and laughed at each other and really did nothing enjoying. I barely knew these people, so it wasn't like the social hour did me any good. I stopped drinking after my second beer at dinner. Maybe that's why I wasn't as goofy or giddy as them. At around 12:30 this morning they decided they needed Wendy's and they piled up into the Tahoe. I made my excuses and headed home. Now, this morning, I'm tired, I have a headache and my stomach hurts. And for what? A game of darts and an immature conversation?

I don't know. I guess I'm just an old fuddy-duddy trapped in a 20-something's body. Maybe I'm just a party-pooper.

For whatever reason....I'm glad I grew up.

Better than Yahoo Avatars!

2006-02-06T16:11:00.000-06:00

Check me out as a LEGO Mini!

Fixin' to whack some dude.

And LadyH, you beautiful, musical Muse, you.

Nonny, you bad MoFo!

Of course, you have to use the non-censored, not for kids version to make the cool shit. Found here.

Super Bowl Music Review

2006-02-06T07:58:00.000-06:00

By now you should know that I'm a big music critic. While I enjoyed the Super Bowl yesterday, I do have a few comments about the music I'd like to share.

Stevie Wonder led the pre-game performance. It was a montage centered around him at the keyboard while other famous-ish artists sang mo-town songs (his). This was kind of cute because they were in Detroit. Stevie had a pre-pre-grame interview and mentioned that his whole family would be involved and we would see one of the youngest drummers ever to perform. Well, yeah, he was young, but Stevie's youngest kid was just sitting at a drum set tapping and banging. I doubt he was even mic'd. I'm not good at recognizing today's pop singers by face since I never watch music television anymore, so please forgive me if I don't refer to them all by name. The first singer struggled. She had pitch control problems and had no spice in her performance. Joss Stone really surprised me. She did little singing and more grunting and groaning to the music. She has such a LOVELY voice...you wouldn't know it from this performance. I did, however, love the fact that Stevie Wonder sang along and got the spotlight now and again. India Arie did a fine job as well. My other main disappointment in this performance was the production. As the singers rotated on and off stage, the mics weren't keyed up and the first few words of each singer were lost. The singers themselves looked as if they weren't sure how to exit the stage and it all looked clunky. With as much money as they had, you think they could have done a bit better. Overall, though, it was enjoyable considering it was live and at a sporting event.

Halftime came just about halfway through the game and Mick Jagger and his guys took the field. I decided last night that I am neither a Mick Jagger fan or a Rolling Stones fan. Their music is ok, but has never really done anything for me. Mick really showed his age last night, too. Early on in the first song, he sounded like he was missing words and slurring others. Later in the song, he was only singing a few of the words and seemed to imply he wanted the crowd to sing the rest. When their show was done, just like in pre-game, the band looked lost. Mick looked like he wanted a full-band bow on stage while the drummer and other guitarist (Not Keith) looked like they wanted back to their cozy sky box with the beer.

I'm a big fan of live music and a big fan of collaboration for special events (like Grammy's, etc), but I also really don't like them ruining sporting events with stuff like this. They drastically affect the flow of the game and mess up the player's pre-game and half-time routines.

The game, by the way, was one of the best ones I've seen in a while. There were some awful calls by the refs and some questionable calls, but all-in-all it was a tight game and I enjoyed the football part of the Super Bowl for the first time in years. The only down side is that we'll have to see pictures of Ben Rothlesburger's gay-ass, redneck, dumb-ass-looking shaggy hair and beard.

One more 'nuther with work

2006-02-03T08:15:00.000-06:00

I was "tapped" this week at work to join a team on a high-priority project. The product that is sold with this device accounts for 14% of sales and 40% of proffit for the ENITRE corporation. Lots of Big-Whigs breathing down our necks.

I'm honored and scared.

I'm also affraid it will cut into my blogging time....dang!

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-02-02T08:17:00.000-06:00

Week 19: You, Furry Rat!

Johnny Clamps pointed his revolver at Punxsutawney Phil, cocked the hammer and said "You didn't see NOTHIN'! You got that, weasel?"

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

ENJOY!

Day Of Rest

2006-02-01T08:46:00.000-06:00

yesterday took some wind out of me.

I'm sitting on my ass today.

You all should fill my comment box with happy thoughts!

How Wal-Mart changed everything

2006-01-31T08:25:00.000-06:00

Jax mentioned something in her post today. I began writing a comment about it, but it got so long, I didn't want to stuff it into her comment box, I decided to post it here.

Please first read her blog, then Kelso's comment, then come on back for my response.

***********************************************************************************

Why do many people hate Wal-Mart? There are many reasons, here's my take:

Wal-Mart has achieved the status of 500-ton Gorilla in the retail environment. Enough people shop there that if your product isn't being sold there, you will not sell enough product to be profitable. As a result, Wal-Mart abuses this power and drives cost down thus resulting in a loss in quality, too.

Example: Haynes makes t-shirts. Wal-Mart buyer tells Haynes salesman to drop the price of each shirt by 1/2-cent or Wal-Mart will not sell Haynes products. Haynes grudgingly agrees. To offset this loss in profit for Haynes, the manufacturers are forced to find ways to reduce manufacturing costs. When all the obvious cost reduction strategies have been employed (lean manufacturing, 6S, Kaizen), all that is left is quality. By reducing the quality standards for he product, more product is shipped as "good" and less is sent to scrap. Some manufacturers have set up entire production lines JUST for Wal-Mart. The package may look IDENTICAL, but on the inside there is lower quality, less material, etc.

What happens next is what Kelso was referring to. People are slowly lowering their personal standards and buying for price. So, MORE people buy at Wal-Mart instead of the competing retail outlets. So, the manufacturer converts another production line over to Wal-Mart standards. Then another. Eventually the ENTIRE product line is now lower quality and cheaper.

How do I know all this? I work in a manufacturing facility. Our product is NOT sold at Wal-Mart as we are a medical device, direct to hospital environment. I'm quite familiar with the manufacturing process, however. I have direct experience with Uncle Ben's Rice, Haynes and other T-shirts and apparel (sweats, pants, hats). I have an MBA from the Sam M. Walton College of Business where EVERY member of the staff worked with Sam Walton or was on the board of Directors at Wal-Mart. My classmates worked for Pringles (Wal-Mart account rep), Proctor and Gamble (European Wal-Mart Head Account Manager), and another was in sales and marketing for another major food manufacturer. I have personally watched the quality of my t-shirts and underwear dwindle to sub-standard at Wal-Mart and have begun driving 2 hours to the nearest Target.

What’s more, Wal-Mart is encouraging this. I dated a girl who interviewed for a Wal-Mart Buyer’s job. They rotate accounts every 3 months so as to not allow personal friendships to develop. If you’re buying underwear this week, next week you’ll be the buyer for salty-snacks. You are NOT allowed ANY gift. If the salesman offers you a pen to sign the contract, you are encouraged to use your own, but if you use his/hers, you MUST give it back or you will be terminated. THIS is where most of the horror stories of working for Wal-Mart are born. The cashiers have a blast, they sing songs and promote happy workers…of course, they are the direct customer contact.

I don’t hate Wal-Mart. I love them. I shop there often. However, I keep a close eye on product quality. When it dips below my standards, I find another retailer who still carries the high-quality line.

Home, Again

2006-01-30T08:23:00.000-06:00

I'm back from Philly.

I guess none of y'all live out there. I had fun anyway!

I'd forgotten how good Entenmann's is. Once again, NO SNOW, but we made do.

I missed you all. But now I'm back.

Have a great week!

Four Things Meme

2006-01-26T08:26:00.000-06:00

Alkelda tagged me:

Four Jobs I’ve Had
1) NDB *
2) NDB
3) NDB
4) NDB

Four Movies I Can Watch Over and Over
1) Pirates of the Caribbean
2) Spaceballs
3) Paycheck
4) Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Four Places I’ve Lived
1) New Jersey
2) Oklahoma
3) Arizona (moved away the year before LH moved in)
4) Arkansas

Four Places I’ve Vacationed
1) Doublin, Ireland (On St. Patty's Day)
2) All-over Italy
3) St. Tomas, USVI
4) Wilmington, DE

Four of My Favorite Dishes
1) Dad's Lasagna
2) Chicken Parmasean
3) GOOD (read: non-chain) Pizza
4) NOT Ritz-cracker-breaded baked chicken breast.

Four (Non-blogger) Sites I Visit Daily
1) Yahoo Sports
2) Bens Bargains
3) Dilbert's Daily Comic
4) The Weather Channel

Four Places I’d Rather Be Right Now
1) Philadelphia, PA or vacintity
2) Home
3) Somwhere there is snow
4) Phoenix, AZ

Four People I am Tagging to do this Meme
Ok, here's the deal. I'm doing you all a personal favor and NOT tagging you to do this. Now, you all owe me a favor...you're in my debt.

*None of your Damn Business

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-01-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

Week 18: Fiesta Foreva

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

ENJOY!

Dang Shampoo

2006-01-25T08:23:00.000-06:00

I had a brilliant idea for a blog post. Best blog post idea ever.

My damn shampoo must have been too strong because the second I got out of the shower, I forgot it.

It was probably long and complicated, so you're lucky I guess.

Instead you'll have to settle for candy hearts:

I lied

2006-01-23T21:00:00.000-06:00

I didn't think LadyHearteater was gonna post them, so I lied and said I did nothing fun yesterday. I did have fun! I drew an IMVironment picture with her!

Here's ours from tonight.

This will NEVER get old!

2 of each

2006-01-23T08:51:00.000-06:00

I even put a weather bug on my damn blog and I STILL was caught by surprise at all the rain. I had to help Noah load up the Ark yesterday. It was pretty rough. All of the cotton and rice fields by my house were under water and most of the roads, too.

I wanted to just stay home and eat pizza. So I called Pizza Hut:

"there's a 2-hour delivery time."
"Why?"
"Have you been outside today, sir?"
"Yes, ma'am, I just got back from a trip to Arkansas. The roads are fine, just a little water. I'll come pick up my pizza myself"
"It will be ready in 30 minutes."

It took the normal amount of time to get there. Yeah, there were a few puddles, but I was able to get through them in my full-size sedan car. There were rednecks in LARGE PICKUPS going 5 mph! Jeez. Then when I got there, I found out why they were telling everyone 2 hours...to scare them away. The delivery guy was in the back say "no more deliveries to **, XX, and YY streets!"

I spent the day watching football and working on my computer. Nothing fun.

Goals for a new life

2006-01-20T08:01:00.000-06:00

In the recent flick "Along Came Polly", Reuben Feffer (Ben Stiller) goes to an underground salsa club. He realizes this is important to Polly (Jennifer Aniston) and takes lessons from the best dancer in the club. What a great thing for a guy to do for his love. Brad, I know you understand what a mesmerizing effect Jennifer can have.

I went out last night. There was little to no dancing. The band was voted "Best band in the Delta" by Delta magazine. It was country. The place was packed but everyone was drinking, not dancing.

This morning while brushing my teeth a techno song came on the radio. I realized that I DO like to dance. I LOVE techno and I often find me tapping my toes to Salsa. SO, my new goal is that in my next life, I WILL find some good techno and salsa dance clubs and I will frequent them and I WILL be good at it!

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-01-19T10:47:00.000-06:00

Week 17: Open Skate

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

ENJOY!

Colder Down South?

2006-01-18T08:02:00.000-06:00

I spent a week in Cleveland, OH. It always snows up there, right? It was nearly 60 degrees all week.

Today, in Mississippi? Yeah, just look to the right and see for yourself. It was 33 when I got here this morning. I had to de-ice my window before I could leave for work!

I'm moving back to OH!

Sort of..thanks LH!

2006-01-17T09:56:00.000-06:00

So I completely forgot that I have access to a laptop at work. Just wait till they see all the shit I loaded on here so I can keep up my normal time wasting!

Thanks to my favorite Lady for reminding me!

Dead hard drive, just as I predicted. Still under warrantee, fortunately. Replacement drive will be here tomorrow. Could be another day on top of that for the IT guy to "image" it and get me set back up. This sucks.

Dang

2006-01-17T00:08:00.000-06:00

I fried my computer at work at 4pm (perfect timing, that last hour on Mondays drags forever).

I won't be able to get up with you guys until I get home!

Have a happy Tuesday!

Tales from the Road

2006-01-15T10:50:00.000-06:00

What a great time we had in Cleveland, OH!

We arrived late Sunday night, grabbed a car and headed to the hotel. Much to our pleasure, there was a sports bar right across the street. Slam Jams served up some outstanding burgers. Being a Southern-raised boy, however, I wanted to dip my Texas Toothpicks in some ranch dressing. Well, Y'all mid-westerners don't understand this ritual and Slam Jams only had ranch in a plastic packet for salads and it was probably the worst I'd ever had. Forgiven. Michelle was a cutie and smelled GREAT. She gave us the rundown for the week: Karaoke Tuesdays, big party Thursdays, and she was working M, W, Th, F.

Monday was our first day of training. Went smooth. No major stress. After class/work, we went on search of a computer geek store for my colleague. Right next to the Circuit City was a Ruby Tuesday's. My colleague picked up his rack of ribs and the bones literally slid right out. MMMmmmm. Up the road a bit was a Wal-Mart. It wouldn't be a trip of 4 rednecks if we didn't swang by The Wal-Mart. They had some good sales on rifles and shotguns. The air-compressor we were told was on sale was sold out. Dang.

Tuesday brought the first of the technical learning. Next to Slam Jams was a Hunan. General Tso was on top of his game. He had three embattlements to take on, Mild, Medium, and Hot. Well, duh, I charged the Hot camp. I lost a few good men, but achieved victory. Even managed to take a few POWs back to the hotel for later interrogation. Unfortunately, there was not a suitable holding pen and they were released into the wild. After the Chinese, we decided to see what Ohio'ns called Karaoke. It was not bad. Not as busy as down here, but nice. The beer was WELL deserved after that long day of work. Little did we know how hard it was going to get. We stayed long into the night chatting about work. It was then that I realized that every woman in that place had ALL HER TEETH! I was sure I was in Heaven.

Wednesday night we found yet another close restaurant, the Longhorn Steakhouse--home of the best hard lemonade we'd ever tasted. The big shocker of the night: they had SWEET TEA! All of the waitresses were hot. We got the one gay dude. I was one more smile away from giving the guy $5 to let one of the chicks wait on us. We wandered back over to Slam Jams to patronize Michelle. We couldn't find her, so we sat at the bar. Two rounds of beer later, she wanders up to us and expressed disappointment for not sitting in her section. We told her we'd be back Thursday. She said she was not going to make it in because she had an interview. Where? We asked. "Crazyhorse" she replied, "a strip club on Miles St. Waitressing job." So, we got directions to the Crazyhorse Gentlemen's club.

Thursday we all made joking comments about hitting the titty-bar but settled on Slam Jams for dinner. They DID have the best burgers in the area. Our waitress was dumb as a rock. Gave us food we didn't order and then charged us for it. Gave our credit card slip to the table next to us and vice versa. So we said screw it, let's go see some titties!

Once we found Crazyhorse, it was all good. This place was high-class. The bouncers were all 6'-8" but wore tuxes. It was nice. I didn't spend too much, but I did eventually get to meet Naomi. I'd seen her all night, but she was ALWAYS with someone. Halfway through the night, Marissa and Vanessa came and sat with us and fell in love with us for our accents and because we were the nicest guys in here. Apparently midwestern men are assholes in topless bars. After a few minutes alone with Vanessa, I asked her to ask Naomi to come hang with us. She went and told her we were interested. She came and talked with us for a couple of songs. She and I had chemistry right away. Yeah yeah, it's a stripper and she's working for money, but I don't care. We had some great chemistry and talked about all kinds of stuff. In fact, SHE was the one who used the word "chemistry." Normally you aren't allowed to touch the girls. She and I sat there holding hands, my arm around her, even kissed each other on the cheek a few times. *sigh* I'll miss her!

Friday the 13th I have enough anxiety with flying I didn't need to think about the fact that I'm flying home on Ft13. The day started off with a test covering what we learned that week. I scored a 100%! I'm so damn smart! We packed our bags. After last night, the guys were anxious to get home and get laid! We drove into Cleveland, had some Crackerbarrel, filled up the rental car and checked in at the airport. I told the guys bon voyage and I went out on the street where Jax was waiting. We went to Max & Erma's for a snack. She brought her precious angel along. We had some good conversation about blogging, how we met everyone, how we got started. Baby-girl started getting restless, so we hopped in the car and circled the airport listening to music and talking about it. Jax, you got my CD ready yet?

Of course it wouldn't be a trip to Ohio without a tailgate party

My next trip is to the Philly area. I don't think I have any blogger buddies out there, but if you are and you want to have dinner/lunch with a Hitman, let me know!

Home at last!

2006-01-13T22:44:00.000-06:00

I will say I missed home. Specifically my own bed and computer.

However, I miss Cleveland already. I was secretly hoping for snow to cancel our plane so I could have one more night.

Jax...what a great gal you are! Pleasure to sit and have chocolate cake and chase the rugrat all over the restaurant...someday I gotta get me one of them.

You Ohio folks really like my southern accent. I laid it on thick...what a hoot!

Naomi, I will never forget you or the Crazyhorse.

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-01-12T00:01:00.000-06:00

Week 16: On the Road Again

Brad, I got it this week.

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

ENJOY!

J

Day Two and I'm SO SMART!

2006-01-10T17:54:00.000-06:00

Two gold stars, one silver, and a smiley face!

I'm the head of the class...like you expected anything less?

Tonight is Karaoke night at the bar across the street from the hotel. It is quite different here, though. They have pool tables, like 25 TVs, bar that covers two walls, but also a black dance floor with silver pole in the middle (oh yeah) and they were playing techno, hip-hop, and teenie-pop. We'll see what tonight is like.

I need hangover remedies...better to be prepared, huh?

All the little chicks with the crimson lips...

2006-01-09T06:24:00.000-06:00

Cleveland Rocks!

Ok, well, that has yet to be determined. I like it so far because there is a high-speed internet connection in my room, a bar nearby, and the bed is comfy.

On a completley different subject, if you all remember some time back I said there might be an opportunity on the horizon that would make me the happiest Hitman ever....well, things are still progressing, but progressing QUITE well! I really wish I could share more, but you know how it is in my business!

Well, I have a long day ahead of me!

Have a great week, gang!

There's nothing wrong with Ohio

2006-01-08T12:58:00.000-06:00

I've said that before. Then it was about a song stuck in my head. Today, it is because I'm on my way to Cleveland!

I'll be in Solon/Cleveland all week. I'm already making plans to have dinner with one of my blogger pals. Anyone else in that area who wants to dine with the HitMan, drop me a comment! I'll be posting all week as time permits. I've heard Cleveland is a jumping town (compared to my po-dunk hideout), and I've been told to not leave it the same!

Wish me a bon voyage, gang! OH, and Nonny and Jax, turn off the rain or crank up the snow!

Hangovers Suck!

2006-01-06T08:47:00.000-06:00

And to top it off I ate WAY too much for dinner. So now I sit here at work (after showing up 30 mnutes late) with a bottle of Pepto on my desk trying to keep a clear path to the bathroom.

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2006-01-05T08:24:00.000-06:00

Week 15: Childhood Memories

Special thanks to Brad for covering last week. I was, um, on business.

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

NO FAIR HITTING "REFRESH"

ENJOY!

J

Trends/Fads I hope die in 2006 But I know won't

2006-01-04T10:21:00.000-06:00

Bluetooth earpieces

Increasing gas prices

Stupid Celebrity news

Long hair on guys

Teenagers who dress/act/look like 21 year-olds

TGIT

2006-01-03T16:10:00.000-06:00

It felt like a Monday all day with one minor change....it is a Tuesday and I only have 3 more days of work!

Next week, even better, I'm out of town for training all week! Most of you will shudder at the thought of a week of training. No worries, kids! This is technical training that will be sitting in front of a computer all week learning to program fun stuff! I'm a geek and I eat this shit up! It will be a welcome break from the daily grind. PLUS, I may get to meet up with a fellow blogger or two! If you live in the Cleveland, OH area and want to have dinner with the HitMan, let me know!

I will NOT reveal any details about my escapades last week, lets just say be glad Uncle Frank wasn't there or I'd be busted back down to street detail in NO TIME!

Special thanks to my main muscle man, Brad for covering WV:TG for me last Thursday. I think you all did excellent!

Miss Me?

2006-01-02T16:59:00.000-06:00

I know I missed you!

Quick update, then back to unpacking and cleaning this disgrace of a clubhouse:

I'm feeling tons better, but still have a bit of a sore throat and sniffle. On some antibiotics, though.

Got some cool stuff for Christmas, nothing worth really posting about, but we had a great time. Animals and people everywhere. Less food than normal (thank goodness) but more than we needed. Fortunately, being sick, I didn't have much of an appetite and managed to not eat like a pig!

I spent all last week visiting friends and family. I must have covered a million miles. I know I bought at LEAST 4 tanks of gas! I didn't even get to see everyone, either. Oh well, that's what weekends are for, huh?

New Year's eve was a blast. Got super drunk and did some shit I'm not proud of. Hangover was not that bad.

Time for laundry and cleaning. My resolution is to get this house in order and get on an exercise program.

More to come later!

Well....at least I'm on vacation

2005-12-23T08:46:00.000-06:00

I came home last night with a fever, headache, and sore throat. I'm not sure what you guys gave me but it sucks.

I was supposed to work half a day today, but I called in sick instead. I still have to do my laundry, pack, finish wrapping presents and run some errands. I guess the silver lining on the cloud is that I won't have to go back to work for 10 days. I have a long list of folks I want to visit during my time off. I hope it works out and I don't offend anyone.

The ENTIRE family will be in town tonight. It has been a while since everyone gathered together in the same place. Our family has grown in the last couple of years. Most of my siblings are now married. I may end up sleeping in my car.

Merry Christmas everyone! Have a safe New Year--or at least don't get caught...and if you do get caught...you can call me, I'll bail you out.

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2005-12-22T08:02:00.001-06:00

Week 13: Letters to "Lucky"

Lucky is one of my dearest friends. His whole life he was in the right place at the right time. Lucky is also well known in my family as someone who gets things done. This week, as a Christmas favor to all of you, he's opened his ears to your complaints. I stood up for you all and told him that my Blogger family was getting their asses chapped. He's agreed to do what he can. But just you remember this: Any disrespect shown to Lucky, is double disrespect shown to me--I stood for you, don't make me regret it!

Just to clarify, you don't HAVE to make a word or acronym. It doesn't have to be PER SE either. If you see a "u" and it turns out to be a "v" or if you look at your word and read it wrong, that's O.K. The point is to be creative and have fun, but also describe the first thing that comes to mind. This isn't a literary contest...it's a comedy contest!

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

ENJOY!

J

My letter to Cingular

2005-12-21T11:02:00.000-06:00

Dear Cingular,

I've been a 'valued customer' for three years now. I'd like to share a few things with you that have really rusted my pistol.

1. You're 'all-over network' isn't. Have you ever had a body float and need to call Frankie to bring the boat so you can put that squealer at the bottom of the Mighty Mississip? Well, 'all-over' must not include the Mississippi River.

2. When I miss a call and the caller leaves voice mail, my phone displays "1 New Voicemal. Call?" Only AFTER I say "no" does it display "1 Missed call. Call from 'Frankie Cell'". Well, how the fuck am I to know if I want to call my friggin voicemail if I don't know who its from? I mean, shit, voicemails are not all the same. The Boss's calls get returned within seconds, whereas Frankie, well, he likes to just waste my time (friggin rookie). He can wait.

3. While she sounds like a hot chick, that voicemail bitch wastes the fuck outta my time. When I go to my "messages" menu, I see Voicemail = 1. So I know I have one new voicemail message. When I call, this bimbo precedes to tell me "You have one new voicemail. The following message has not been heard" NO FUCKING SHIT, SHERLOCK! As if I was too stupid to see the fucking "1" on my menu, you have to have this broad tell me TWICE how many unread messages I have? Get to the fucking messages already!

4. Your competitors all have some form of unlimited text messaging--weather it be unlimited for $5/month like Cellular South or unlimted to "in" customers like Verizon. You, on the otherhand are stealing $20 a month just to get 2000 text messages. With all my neighbors on unlimited plans, I can get to 2000 pretty quick, so you start charging me $0.03 per message...that adds up fast, too. Ya cheap fuckin bastards.

Finally, I would like to wish all of you at Cingular Wireless a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May Santa see past your cheap acts and grant you stockings full of joy. May your New Year be prosperous. May you hire some programs who know what the fuck their doing and fix all my problems....cuz I know where you live and I have a bullet with your name on it!

Johnny "Clamps"

Freaking Cold

2005-12-19T10:27:00.000-06:00

It's the price I chose to pay. I keep the A/C vents in my office wide open. In the summer, I get WAY too hot. Unfortunately, it is cold as HECK in here right now. I have my jacket on and my fingers are going numb.

This weekend was OUTSTANDING! Friday night I met up with some old friends and met some new friends. We had a few drinks and listened to a band. It was off the chain! I even shook my groove thing just a bit.

I spent the whole weekend out of town. Did some shopping, caught up on old times, ate WAY too much and just relaxed. It was what I needed.

I STILL haven't gotten any word on THE big thing we're all crossing our fingers for....I don't want to get pushy and call them back, but on the other hand, the anxiety is eating a hole in my stomach!

Happy Monday!

Short Days Suck Less

2005-12-16T08:20:00.000-06:00

I've got the afternoon off. Now don't go get all hostile on me....I took a ½-day of vacation.

Today, I wish for luck and Karma. Some things lay before me that would make me a very happy hitman. I want to shout it from the rooftops. I want to tell you all about it. If I did, it wouldn't hapen and I'd be miserable...that's usually the way it happens right? I'm doing my best to be my best and live a good life...just in case Santa has anything to do with it. Many of you know how unhappy I've been. For a brief moment, let me be selfish and ask you to wish me luck.

On another note...I want to say Merry Christmas to all my blog readers. I've added some festive decor to my template. To those of you who would get on soapboxes, let me ask you this: Would an atheist say "God Bless you"? Probalby not. Therefore, as a Christian, one who believes Jesus was the Son of God and was born to life and died for my sins, I say Mery Christmas. This is the season we, as Christians, chose to celebrate our Lord's birth, though many would say it is historically inacurate. I also choose to partake in the lighting of a christmas tree, singing Yuletide carols, wrapping and giving of presents, and belief in Santa Claus. Yes, these things may be based in Pagan ritual, however, these things have brought me joy throughout many many years. These things have brought my family closer together and closer to God. Whatever these things MAY have represented, so be it. To me, they represent "the most wonderful time of the year." If you choose to not celebrate the way I do, may you enjoy your life, your beliefs and your traditions with the same zeal and vigor that has brought me and mine so much joy.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, but most of all I wish you and your loved ones Joy and Happiness all life long!

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2005-12-15T09:29:00.000-06:00

Week 12: Dirty Dozen

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

ENJOY!

J

Obligation

2005-12-14T11:03:00.000-06:00

I didn't know what an obligation I had to the Bloggosphere. Jax, I will one day comment again on your site. I just never have anything to add to your posts...keep up the music, though.

My Chat Buddies (you know who you are)...my days are brighter when you are there. Because of that..Wednesdays now rule.

I still vote for Nekkid Chat Wednesdays.

A BRIEF update in my life: Women suck...but not in the good way. Work sucks, too.

Keep your fingers crossed....more to come.

Monday Monday

2005-12-12T15:58:00.000-06:00

I had such a relaxing weekend, I decided not to blog until the day was nearly over. It was your typical Monday. The weekend was nice, too. I got together with some friends for food and drinks. Piddled around the house. Watched football.

Monday's still suck, but this one sucked less than usual.

Thanks for all the comments this weekend. I'm gonna get you all presents--generic, non-religious end of the callendar year presents.

TGI*mf'nF

2005-12-09T08:23:00.000-06:00

Weekend outlook:

Our coldest days this year are upon us.
My lights MUST go up.
My house is a disgrace. I have one, maybe two loads of laundry left, but the rest of the place is embarrassing. I wouldn't even let my college dorm buddies come over right now.
Shopping....oh shit shopping. Right now, I have only shopped for one of 4 siblings and my father. It sucks when all your siblings live far away and their spouses NEVER put forth any effort to get to know you or stay in touch. Now I'm supposed to buy them something? A gift is supposed to come from the heart. I know my lunchlady at work better than I know my sister-in-law. She'll probably be insulted by my lack of effort in her gift, just like she did the year before they got married. She bought us all gifts and we didn't know she was even coming to Christmas. Then, my brother said, in front of the whole family, that she was feeling hurt cuz no one bought her anything...well, if she'd come hang out with us once in a while...or call...or write a friggin e-mail. I swear, the only e-mails I got from them all year was one saying they were safe from the hurricanes (a welcomed note), one with pictures of them in Halloween costume, and one with their Christmas Lists. Which is more than I can say for my sister who only e-mails me junk mail and chain letters. I have NO clue what she wants for Christmas. The one that makes me the saddest is my youngest sister. She DOES come to visit (well, mom and dad, but I live on the way and we have lunch and chat). Whenever I'm in her town (nearest big shopping town), I stop in and we chat. We are qutie close...but I am stumped for gift ideas.
Women. All these cold nights and I have no one to keep me warm. I am sad that I lost J (the last girl, dated for 2 months). I know we don't need to be together, too many differences when push comes to shove. However, I miss the way she held me when we slept. I think she was the first woman I ever was able to fall asleep in her arms and not toss and turn ALL night. I miss cuddling on the couch watching movies. I miss random smiles and phone calls.
Which leads me to the most important thing in my life. I shouldn't be here. This is not where I need to be. I need to be closer to a different culture. I don't fit in down here. I've tried to find opportunities to move and it seems that the better the opportunity, the more likely it is to have something come up and fall through. I miss my best friend. He moved back home to the Northeast after college. I want to be up there with him. I want to hang out and watch football and baseball with him.

Y'all have a great weekend. Stay warm! Come visit me!

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2005-12-08T09:36:00.000-06:00

Week 11: Deck the Halls

Deck the halls with Gruff Gorillas.
Fa-la-la-la-la La-la-la-la.
Trim the tree with Yuletide Spinners.
Fa-la-la-la-la La-la-la-la.

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

ENJOY!

J

Shout Out

2005-12-07T10:16:00.000-06:00

Stichin' Bitch? Are you out there? I know you read this. You've let it slip. Make a comment once in a while! Sorry I missed your call last night. Out on the town with the gang...out way too late. Stayed sober, I swear. One drink only. I miss talking to you. I never stopped loving you. How far are you from Columbus, GA? Cleveland, OH?

Wow, a whole paragraph in my blog just for you. You ARE more special than all the other fish I've hooked. My bait is tasty, try it? The hook is not that sharp, I promise. I will let you have the live well all to yourself until we get to shore. You can stay in my big tank. I'll feed you every day.

I know you're not a bitch...but I thought the nick name was apropos. You know why. You are a great gal. Heck, it could've been worse. I could have called you SweeTits.

Shh..our little secret.

P.S. Yahoo theives suck my revolver.

P.P.S. I STILL have no Christmas Decorations up. I hope to get to that tonight. Brad will sit atop the tree and guard against theives. Alkelda will adorn the branches. Anyone else?

I really don't fish, silly!

2005-12-06T08:20:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure if you all were so involved in the metaphor or you missed it completely so I'll break it down for you.

I'm now back on the singles' scene. My gal and I had some irreconcilable differences and from the tone of the last fight, I assume we are kaput.

I had a couple of dates this weekend. No chemistry what so ever.

I've been enjoying a lack of sleep the last couple of nights, however. Just as I was about to hoist my pole, I felt a nibble...er, I mean, I met a cool chick and we'be been chatting on the phone.

In other news. Work got the best of me yesterday. I didn't even get to sit at my desk until 4:30. I had to read all y'all's blogs last night while munching on my Burger King (aahhh, bachellorhood). I was too pooped to decorate. The tree MUST go up tonight. Anyone want to come help? Hot chocolate is on the menu!

Catch and Release

2005-12-03T20:29:00.000-06:00

Well, I had a couple of bites at my hook, but I threw them back.

I think I'm gonna stay home and eat steak for a while...I think the fish aren't worth it.

Have a great weekend, Bloggers!

Gone Fishin'

2005-12-02T00:58:00.000-06:00

Yup. I think I'm gonna grab the Captain, pack up the tackle.

Head to my favorite spot.

Who knows what might be there.

Plenty of fish in the sea. That's what they say.

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2005-12-01T13:15:00.000-06:00

.
10-week Anniversary

Well, it was 10 weeks ago today that I decided to host a gathering of silliness. We all had just started using the verification on our comments and began to notice that sometimes the collection of letters made words or seemed to imply something. We began to share with each other what we saw. Sometimes it was a sill word, sometimes it just looked dirrty, sometimes it put a smile on our face. Usually it was fun. I decided to try to influence the subject a wee bit, getting everything from excellent short stories from Alkelda to quick one-liners about enemas from Nonny.

Well, once again it is Thursday, and once again we shall meet up here at the Hideout to stretch our brains. Not gonna force anything that doesn't come naturally today. If you feel it, type it.

Ready? GO!

ENJOY!

J
PS There's another new post below this one. Ididn't want to take away from WV:TG. I'll re-order them tomorrow

HTML Is Frustrating!

2005-11-29T10:44:00.000-06:00

First off, I want to share this with you. I'm not a fan of embedded music/videos, but I want you all to be able to hear the song I reviewed yesterday. Thanks to Jules, I have a quick, easy way to share it with you. I know it works in Opera and I can only assume it works in Netscape and IE.

UNWRITTEN (Natasha Bedingfield)

This leads me to my main point. I enjoy web development. I also enjoy learning. I have learned so much about CSS from w3schoolshttp://www.w3schools.com/ here lately. They have great tutorials and examples. The problem I face now is that not all browsers are on the same page as far as HTML, XML, XHTML, and CSS code. I chose to go to CSS as opposed to java scripts because loading java takes browser time and doesn't always work the same on every computer (depending on the java package you have installed). The trouble I face now is that the really neat stuff, the stuff that separates the men from the boys, in the world of CSS is not being picked up by the browsers at the same pace.

An example, if you will, is pseudo styles. "Hover" is a pseudo class and "First-letter" is a pseudo element. In this blog, I have utilized the "first-letter" element. If you are viewing my page in Netscape, Opera, Mozilla, or something OTHER than IE, you wil notice that the first letter of every post is a larger size and a different font. If you have "GothicE" loaded on your machine, then you will see a gothic font. If not, then it uses "Script." If no Script, it defaults back. But the size should still be larger. IE, on the other hand, only allows pseudo-classes and elements to be given to anchors (i.e. <a href=...>). The bastards.

So, it has become annoyingly difficult to develop a creative, informative, and colorful website that is consistent across ALL web browsers. It sucks.

So I bang my head against the wall and move on..."Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten."

Music Review Monday Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield

2005-11-27T21:48:00.000-06:00

Here's how it works: I pick a song, I make an opinion of it, and I share it with you. Songs have many layers. Here, I will critique the Music, Lyrics, and Performance. I will also have a special category for other influences, like media/radio stations.

So, without further ado:

HitmanJ's review of "Unwritten" as performed by Natasha Bedingfield

Overall Rating:

Music

The base layer of this song is simple yet beautiful. It has a very subtle hip-hop beat track. Don't let that fool you, though. This is NOT hip-hop. On top of that beat is a melodic guitar layer that just sticks with you mixed with a gentle spice of Latin Percussion®. The palette is filled out with voice and keyboard. The simplicity of the music keeps you from being distracted from the real power of this song--the lyrics.

Lyrics (click for printed lyrics)

When done right, a song should leave some emotional impact on the listener. Sometimes the beat makes you get up and dance, sometimes the singer's voice melts your heart. In the midst of all the pop songs about love, hate, murder, anger, and loneliness, Danielle Brisebois, Wayne Rodrigues, and Natasha wrote a set of lyrics that has a special message. Observe:
"I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines
We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find"
Choosing positive message over some of the more popular approach of attacking the enemy, these lyrics challenge the listener to look inside and "Live your life with arms wide open."
Please, if you have not already done so, do yourself a favor and read the lyrics of this song. This is the sort of message that can move mountains, break down barriers.

Well written, well organized, and well thought out, these lyrics poses few flaws. No signs of made-up words, poorly pronounced words, or grammatical privilege just to make a rhyme.

Performance

Natasha Bedingfield has the sort of voice that can make a listener's knees weak. Her voice is pure, strong, and clear. She enunciates the words quite well. When the song calls for gentle, her voice is like a mother's soothing whisper. As the message gets strogner, so does her voice. Her passion comes through and helps move the message from speaker's cone to listener's heart.

After a brief search on the internet, I was unable to find the name of the choir that sang on this track. This is unfortunate, as credit needs to be given! The voices just really added to the overall flavor of the performance. They kick in on the first chorus and are present throughout. First one voice, then two, then the whole lot. The harmonies are spot on and every voice is clear. Natasha blends beautifully. The producers did a magnificent job mixing the chorus--just enough Natasha above the choir.

The bridge on this performance is so unique and really builds the emotional crescendo. It is a subtle, one, though, nothing more than a modified chorus gospel style.

When listened to on headphones, the listener can practically feel the singer's lips next to his ear. Every crack of her vocal chords and wave of her tongue can be heard clearly and really enhances the performance. Vocals this beautiful need not be hidden.

Other

Natasha is a beautiful woman. Born in the UK, she is the younger sister of Daniel Bedingfield of "Gotta Get Through This" fame. Perusing the internet looking for info I came across many devoted fan sites. Clearly Natasha loves her fans as much as we love her. She has taken the time to meet many of them and even had some contests where the winners joined her in a special studio session. She seems to be a humble artist who just loves her work.

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2005-11-24T11:30:00.000-06:00

Week 9
Time for Turkey and Thanks

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

ENJOY!

Today IS Thanksgiving, and I am with my family. I posted comments on the gang's sites as reminders and invitations. I will eventually get around to reading your posts and making actual comments. For now, it is back to the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Family. Have a Happy!

J

American Music Awards

2005-11-23T08:31:00.000-06:00

I wish I'd taken notes. I had so much to say about that terrible demonstration of music last night.

First off: The awards pretty much went to the right people...pretty much.

The show opened with Mariah Carey attempting to sing. She came out in a dress that was not appropriate for singing on stage. It was slit up to her ass...and then further. She walked like she had a corncob up it, too. Oh, and it has been a while since she's been popular, but wasn't she black? She uses her arm to sing. Now, I'm no vocal major, but voice comes from the throat not the arm, right? She looked like she was riding a wild bull....I shouted "8 seconds, Mariah, ride that bitch!" to the TV. She also does that nasty throw-up sounding "uuuhhhahhhhuhhh" in the back of her throat. At one point, I almost lost my dinner.

Then, she wins the first award of the night. She comes out in another slutty dress and proceedes to apologize for her performance and blamed it on the fact that her monitors weren't working and her dress wasn't sewn up yet. Dude...you were the FIRST ACT. You had ALL DAY to get your shit straight...plus the sound check and dress rehearsal.

None of the country singers disappointed me. Country is a genre I typically miss out on. Too many of the stereotypical "My baby threw my favorite beer bottle out the window and I can't sleep tonight" type shit. But, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Gretchen Wilson, and the other couple that were there and performed/won/were nominated and I got to see 6 seconds of video were all right by me. The first cross-genre award of the evening went to a Country singer.

Will Smith was only nominated for one award. I hate that. If you haven't listened to his latest album...go get it. You can Download it at Wal-mart.com for $9.88 or you can get it song at a time for $0.88 apiece. Better than iTunes or Napster! It is full of powerful, emotional lyrics and some great beats.

Same goes for Black-Eyed Peas. They got an award. Their last two albums were off the chain. If you like "My Humps" then you have GOT to hear track 10 off that same disc. I think it is called "They don't want music." It is a pop, soul, FUNK song that has a bass beat that rattles my rear-view mirrors. Think, James Brown in the year 2004.

Carlos Santana did a duet with Los Lonely Boys. Santana can play the SHIT out of some guitar. He made ME wet.

Lindsey Lohan sang like two lines of her "Daughter to Father" shit and then covered a great tune...and RUINED it. I can remember the chorus, but not the name..."Just like the white winged dove, sings a song, sounds like she's singing, oooh oooh, baby, ooh" Lindsey was wearing some maternity dress looking shit and she danced like she was on crack. Oh, and she was off pitch most of the song. "Edge of Seventeen" - written by Stevie Nicks..thanks Google.

Hillary Duff lip sync'd "beat of my heart" it made me fart. It is such a damn repetitive song and has NO point. She, too, danced like a crack whore. Her back-up dancers were the most HILARIOUS. Some new-age choreographer fresh outta dance school must've been REALLY geeked up about that dance routine.

"You'll think of me" was performed BEAUTIFULLY by Keith Urban on acoustic guitar.

Tim McGraw did his latest hit, "Real Good Man." Different. But good.

Cindi Lauper teamed up with Sarah McLachlan to perform "Time After Time." Cindi played a lap dulcimer. It was just a bit out of tune with the guitar, but bearable. It was a nice performance, but Cindi seemed a bit strung out.

One of MY favorites, The Eurhythmics, got together to sing a couple tunes including "Sweet Dreams." It was HOT. I LOVE that song. It took me back.

There was a hip-hop medley...cuz clearly we couldn't handle the full version of any of these songs. One of them was Bow Wow's "Like U". The second in the medley was the best part. I have NO CLUE who the performer was, but three lines into his song, he stopped and said "Naw, I've done THIS before. Let's try..." and then did a dance number. He wore a black suit with red shirt, red trim on his fedora and red socks. The pants were cut short (sound familiar?). I was expecting him to moonwalk, but he was more respectful than that. He did a back flip instead. It was hot (but not off the chain).

Gwen Stefani got all dressed up just to say "you got it like that" a couple dozen times in some form of accompaniment to Pharrell. They should have chosen someone else. Someone black. Gwen is a great singer (though I hate that she left No Doubt), but she can't do rap, clearly. She needs melodic direction for her voice. You could tell she was uncomfortable last night.

At some point late in the evening, i was distracted by laundry. I only heard part of some boy-band type group just MASSACRING their song. They had NO pitch center and they were out of sync. I just reached up and turned off the tv. After that load was folded, I went into the living room and finished watching.

The Rolling Stones closed out the show live via satellite from Salt Lake City. We were told this would happen early in the show by Lionel Richie's daughter, douchewad stuffy brithces spoil't brat Nicole. If you didn't know she was Lionel's daughter, Cedric the Entertainer had a few cute puns when he tossed it to her "Here's a girl who's once, twice, three times a lady. She's got me dancing on the ceiling. She's got my endless love." and "We'll be hearing from her all night long." Cheesy, but I got it.

It seems that about half the performances were either good or bearable and the other half kept me begging for Cpt. Morgan.

Another Cute Quiz

2005-11-22T09:45:00.000-06:00

You are Woodstock!

Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Sunday Shouts Out

2005-11-20T17:12:00.000-06:00

Well, it's Sunday...and my computer is my main focus. I'm close to being recovered completely. Obviously my internet connection is working. I just stopped in while I had a few things on my mind:

m'Lady, Lucky call. The guy WAS out of bounds, but he WAS pushed. Congrats. Have you met Jags? She seems to be the type you'd hang with. She has a blog about stuff and a blog about food (more important than just stuff).

m'Lord, check the fine print. Do you have to wear red on the OUTSIDE? I've got a red undershirt you could wear under your Wolverine sweatshirt.

Nonny, a shutout?! Sweet. I saw you on TV.

Brad, I've never made anything besided Jell-O Instant Pudding. I may have to print this one out and use it for my "I'm bored and want to cook" experiment this Thanksgiving.

Amy, As I type this, Jimmie Johnson is off the track thanks to a wreck. I never was a Tony Stewart fan, but this year he seems to have simmered down.

Alkelda, what's a word for "the more technology advances the more frustrated I get"?

Madge...did I do that "?" right? I mean, the quote is NOT he question, so the question mark goes outside the ""'s right?

Priate, Julia, James Yeh, and Amichai, if you read this. I'm sorry I don't comment on your site all that often. I DO stop by. I want you to know that.

What I want for Christmas

2005-11-18T14:50:00.000-06:00

People who know me know that I am quite passionate about the official start of the Christmas Season. Those of you who don't know me...well, Christmas season officially starts when Santa comes to town. When is that? When he rides down Broadway next Thursday morning on the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Friday is the EARLIEST I want to see decorations in your yard. I have cut stores a bit of slack, because I have no problem with shopping early for financial reasons. Stores need to advertise their wares to get customers. I cut them some slack...but very little.

As a man of my Word, Nonny followed my request and gave me the topic of "What I want for Christmas." It is still too early for letters to Santa, but I'll just label this one a first draft. I'll revise it in exactly 7 days and mail it to Macy*s Attn: Santa.

Dear Santa:

I have been a very good Hitman this year. I only capped people who REALLY deserved it like that cocksucker who squealed to Big Eddie. I was very environmentally conscientious and disposed of the bodies carefully. I use ONLY bullets made in America and never waste them. Single shot to the back of the head. Aim for the heart when the chicken shits flee. I've spoil't my Misses quite well. In fact she still doesn't know about the affair I'm having with Amy (who has been spoil't as well). Both are covered gold, platinum, and diamonds. I have the receipts for most of them, even!

Therefore, for the reasons stated above, I believe I am entitled to a few gifts.

First off, I need a new car. My 1920 sedan with gangster windows just won't cut it anymore. I need something with some speed, agility and stlye. Something along the lines of a Pagani Zonda c12-S 7.3 ought to do the trick.
My revolver has seen better days. I've cared for it as long as I could, but sometimes I don't have time to clean all the blood out of it and now the silencer doesn't screw on straight and the dern thing jams. Something comfortable, plenty of rounds (I hate reloading after 6 shots), reliable, accurate, the smaller the better, and if it came with a silencer, well, that'd be cool. I hear Glock makes a nice weapon.
I'm running low on garbage sacks, concrete, and rope. Oh, and only synthetic rope, that natural stuff makes me itch.
I'm gonna need new shoes. These black and white saddle jobbers have no arch support. Black, size 11.5, Alligator skin. Throw in some Dr. Scholl's too.
A new pair of gloves to keep my fingerprints fingers warm. Can't go wrong with Isotoners.

Santa, I know you have a lot on your mind this year. Probably tons of wieners clamoring for fuel efficient family sedans or Hummers. Guys who need chainsaws. Kids who need homes. Soldiers who miss their families.

Fuck 'em.

Bring me my shit or Mrs. Claus gets it in the kisser...and I won't be cheap on the holes.

Love:

Johnny "Clamps"

Ideas

2005-11-18T10:21:00.000-06:00

First person to comment, give me a word and I'll write a post about that word/object/action in my life at the moment.

No, not some cute short story...cuz I'm not that good. But I'll fill you up with how mailboxes affect my life for example.

This is my new "I can't come up with a topic" cop-out.

J

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2005-11-17T07:39:00.000-06:00

Week 8
I believe in Karma

In light of what has been going on the last 24-48 hours, all WV creations should be in the form of a sincere compliment to a member of the blogosphere.

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

ENJOY!

J

Not in Kansas

2005-11-16T12:50:00.000-06:00

I may not live in Kansas, but we DO get tornadoes down here.

Let me just take your time this afternoon to tell you that I do NOT ♥ tornadoes. Everytime it storms, I wake up and turn on the TV/Computer/cellphone web browser to see if I'm gonna die. And since I don't trust them (aparently), I stay awake for hours wishing I'd made a back-up of my hard drive.

Also, Hurricanes=tornadoes....I hate them, too.

That said. I've spent my morning getting caught up on the whole TCF, Dragon, *badgirl soap opera. FUNNY SHIT! I'm not linking...if you don't know about it, don't ask.

later, douchebags.

J

Home is where the HitMan is

2005-11-15T20:38:00.000-06:00

I have a house and a computer....well, the computer still has its issues, but I'm getting unbelievable technical support from my favorite website.

It was a closer call than we all thought while we were making jokes in the conference room/shelter....a tornado ripped the roof of the barn next door to a friend who lives like a mile and a half due south of me.

Oh, and if you're the type of blog reader who only reads the first post on a site, then I shall once again give props to Nonny for her link to this funny article about one of my all-time favorite songs--though now I feel as if I should hate it.

Sleep tight, Gang!

All Clear

2005-11-15T17:01:00.000-06:00

Alive and safe.

Gonna head home and see if I live anywhere.

I'll post tonight if my computer is in tact.

Thanks for the prayers!

J

When she's right, she's right

2005-11-15T16:39:00.000-06:00

Nonny poked and proded and got me to break down and read that stuff she linked on her post today.

The first two were OK to an uneducated non-artsy-fartsy guy like me.

The third had me on the floor laughing.

Or was that crying and hiding from the impending tornado?

Anyway...

Let's hope I'm still in Kansas tomorrow, Toto.

TOTO? Did we get a new gang member?

Ok...the day is nearly over and I'm just passing time until either: 1) it is 5 o'clock or b) the tornadoes pass...whichever is safer

shit
they just fired the tornado siren....

pray for me!

Mutterings

2005-11-15T14:00:00.000-06:00

Once again LunaNina has inspired me by way of Spinning Girl. Read the list of words and write down the FIRST thing that comes to mind--no matter how lame.

Mighty::
Gotta find time to ....::
Statistic::
Midnight::
Thaw::
Hips::
Reader::
Related::
Brilliant::
Posture::

You don't have to get naked to play on my site...but it helps.

To pass the time, I'm gonna go google "play naked" and see what we get:

Mighty:: Mouse
Gotta find time to ....:: Blog
Statistic:: Two-Tailled T-Test
Midnight:: After
Thaw:: beef
Hips:: shake 'em
Reader:: 's Digest
Related:: kin
Brilliant:: Guiness
Posture:: poor

Music Review Monday Like U - Bow Wow f/ Ciara

2005-11-14T11:17:00.000-06:00

I'm kicking off a new feature for Mondays. My intent is to do my research and creation over the weekend and post Monday morning. Unfortunately, my PC died last night on me.

Here's how it'll work: I pick a song, I make an opinion of it, and I share it with you. Songs have many layers. Here, I will critique the Music, Lyrics, and Performance. I will also have a special category for other influences, like media/radio stations.

So, without further ado:

HitmanJ's review of "Like You" as performed by Bow Wow featuring Ciara

Overall Rating:

Music

I really don't see a whole lot here in the music category. It is your standard "pop-hop" beat as generated by a beat machine/computer. The highlight of the music on this song is the descending/ascending scale run that accompanies the chorus. It gives the tune some direction and flow.

Lyrics (click for printed lyrics)

I will say this probably every time I review a pop-hop tune, but I hate the written lyrics of this song. Starting right from the word go:
"I ain't ever had nobody show me all the things
That you done showed me"
My English teacher would roll in her grave...if she were dead...hell these lyrics may put her there. I'm not a fan of "ebonics" or whatever we're calling it these days. It is a bastardization of the English language and quite frankly, I'm offended. The part written for femal voice (Ciara in this case) is not this way, however. It is clear and well formatted English.

Besides the grammar, the message of the song is kind of trite. "You're my special girl and I've found no one like you." The approach is modern and it is in true pop-hop style.

Performance (Ciara carried him)

I've not heard anything else from Bow Wow since he, um, well grew up I guess (they no longer call him Li'l Bow Wow). I didn't care for his performance of this song. He doesn't sing. It is more of a Gregorian chant. He never changes pitch in the chorus at all. Again, however, this is typical pop-hop style.

Ciara, on the other hand, has a gorgeous voice and I enjoy listening to her. She has a clear and pleasant sound. The way she sings the tonal runs in the chorus is so nice (only to be contrasted annoyingly by Bow Wow's monotone chant).

Other

I'm a fan of the collaboration. As a Catholic, though, I believe in all things in moderation. Pop-hop and it's kin (gangsta, thug, etc) have been doing too much recently. I'm sure it's in an effort to boost sales. Li'l Jon fans are sure to buy the Usher CD with "Yeah" on it. This one is not so bad.

Ciara possesses true musical talent. Bow Wow not so much. Today it seems that recording contracts are available in Cracker-Jack boxes.

Woes Me

2005-11-14T08:21:00.000-06:00

My life is not that bad, but please allow me to throw a pity party.

I was surfing the web last night and my computer died AGAIN. Same problem as last time. So this leaves me with the question of upgrading my system ($110-$120 for a new motherboard/processor) or fighting the problem until after christmas.

What's worse, I didn't get to work on my post for today. We'll have to see how today pans out at work as to weather or not I'll start "Music review Mondays" this week or next.

I did spend some time developing my HTML/XHTML skills. I've managed to stump myself good. However, I am prepared to embrace CSS.

Happy Monday Gang!

Late Baseball and WV:TG abstinence

2005-11-11T08:28:00.000-06:00

I didn't even play my own game. That's how bad work drained me yesterday! The good news is it wasn't crappy work, it was the type of work I went to college for and actually enjoyed some of it.

I know it was cheesy and obvious to use "7th inning stretch." Baseball is over...it ended when the Angels beat the Yankees for me. The offseason is upon us. Let's hope The Boss buys us some more talent. The funny part is, I didn't intend the WV:TG to be baseball themed, more of a free for all relaxing day....but good work, gang!

I have come up with an EXCELLENT topic for Monday posts. I'm going to start my official "Music Review Mondays." As many of you know, I'm a super mega music geek. I cannot live without music. So, this weekend, I'm going to pick out a song, listen to it like it is going out of style and rip it to shreds. I'm developing my criteria and grading scale. I will separate the radio's influence. I mean, I'm SICK of Kelly Clarkson's "Because of you" but I DO like that song.

Have a great weekend, Gang! Be safe....well, just don't get caught. And if you DO get caught, remember how I treat Squeallers!

J

Word Verifier: The Gathering

2005-11-10T08:38:00.000-06:00

7th Inning Stretch
(I'm Uninspired)

Ready? GO!

First time visitors: The rules are simple. Go into my comments section, read your verification word and be creative. Each week I'll give just a bit of direction for the topic.

ENJOY!

J

I wear Paisley, therefore I'm Catholic?

2005-11-08T15:16:00.000-06:00

http://www.demonbuster.com/paisley.html

The very bottom states:

" In the PAISLEY PRINT PATTERN, you have a connection with

CATHOLICS

THE COUNTRY OF INDIA (WITH ALL THEIR GODS)

GOAT HAIR (GOAT IS THE SYMBOL FOR THE DEVIL)

MUSLIMS

PRAYER RUGS

JESUITS

CULTS

SEERS

MAGICIANS

OCCULT"

Umm...ok, whatever.

J

Hit Man's Hideout

Farewell All

Word Verifier: The Gathering

Weekends Rule

Word Verifier: The Gathering

Bummed by YOU

Word Verifier: The Gathering

Sunday, 8pm, worst time of the week

No Regrets

Word Verifier: The Gathering

NJ sucks

Mon Chateau

Settling In

Home Sweet Home

Word Verifier: The Gathering

World Baseball Classic

Still here, Still Monday

I don't wanna work

Unemployed

Last Day

Word Verifier: The Gathering

Prize Patrol!

Worst Case of the Mondays

Fine, swear if you want to

Word Verifier: The Gathering

You can take the Hitman out of the South

Save the Gorillas!

Happiest Hitman

Word Verifier: The BFM

Stress Fatigue

Why I hate Southern Drivers

Gift Horse

Word Verifier: The Gathering

No one loves me?

Sleep is overrated anyway

I scream

Word Verifier: The Gathering

I'm Glad I Grew Up

Better than Yahoo Avatars!

Super Bowl Music Review

One more 'nuther with work

Word Verifier: The Gathering

Day Of Rest

How Wal-Mart changed everything

Home, Again

Four Things Meme

Word Verifier: The Gathering

Dang Shampoo

I lied

2 of each

Goals for a new life

Word Verifier: The Gathering

Colder Down South?

Sort of..thanks LH!

Dang

Tales from the Road

Home at last!

Word Verifier: The Gathering

Day Two and I'm SO SMART!

All the little chicks with the crimson lips...

There's nothing wrong with Ohio

Hangovers Suck!

Word Verifier: The Gathering

Trends/Fads I hope die in 2006 But I know won't

TGIT

Miss Me?

Well....at least I'm on vacation

Word Verifier: The Gathering

My letter to Cingular

Freaking Cold

Short Days Suck Less

Word Verifier: The Gathering

Obligation

Monday Monday

T*G*I*mf'nF

Word Verifier: The Gathering

Shout Out

I really don't fish, silly!

Catch and Release

Gone Fishin'

TGI*mf'nF