Creep

Watch out for sick fucks watching your intimate moments:

Music of the Week - Blogriotus Boston

Rogue Wave - Harmonium

The Avett Brothers - The Greatest Sum

Owl City - Fireflies

Ziggy Marley - Walk Tall

Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan

The White Stripes - We're Going to Be Friends

Zee Avi - Darling

Rogue Wave:

Patriots at the end of glory? Blogriotus - 12.13.09

Is this it for the Pats? Have we seen the best days behind and the beginning of a painful-to-watch, disappointment-laden team that dwells in mediocrity (as in the lowly Jets/Fins/Bills)?

Moss' injuries have everything but sidelined him: T-Rexing passes over the middle and otherwise becoming a glorified decoy. Brady's new found inaccuracies are difficult to watch, as we remember his Montana-esque game rescuing drives. I had thought he was gaining traction after a cobwebby first few games after injury, but as more passes go long, wide and short on receivers you begin to question when or if he is ever going to get back into '07 form. Welker is still a joy to watch; he is like a windup toy when he catches the ball, an artist of kinetic deception, he eludes two and three defenders on every touch. But despite his abilities, guys like Watson, Maroney and the absence of another dependable receiver have left the Pats with only one playmaker. Not enough guys on the field to make the plays that win games.

The defense can't cover themselves against the pass, it seems like even stalwart physical play by Merriweather can't seem to lift the performance of the D collectively. Wilfork continues to be a beast up the middle, but when third down comes, too many receivers are left wide open for any quarterback with aeons of time on his hands to find them. There is no pass rush anymore.

Obviously, I love watching the Patriots play football every week. I will be a fan win or lose for life. But as I evaluate this team against those of past years, it becomes clear this is not the same calibre team we have had in recent years. Many of the high-quality players of the past are gone, especially on a very unfamiliar defensive unit that just doesn't seem to be getting the job done.

Of course, hopefully I am very wrong.

Lost weekend streaks end quietly; obviously

With a girlfriend that has been keeping me quite occupied, even my time drinking and partying on the weekends has been a stretch. Suffice to say, I enjoy the weekend party and artful half-naked hangover, but without that underlying reason to party and get drunk [spelled out: To get laid by random women], drinking and cavorting with females has lost not only urgency but has been scratched entirely. I prefer [fullstop] hanging out with my girlfriend over this or that party. Yes, seems incredible and perhaps a bit unbelievable, yet my partying has certainly taken a nose dive.

This brings up a bigger point which I am willing to discuss. Does having a girlfriend limit your time "going out?" I, for one, know that my time on the night has been curtailed, albeit voluntarily, for sake of spending the quality time with the lady. But nonetheless, in reality and actuality, I have less desire to go out with the old boys like I have in past. The basis for going out, traditionally, has been to meet and greet women by which I mean to an end: Hooking up. Without that end game as an option (again voluntary), going out loses luster fast. Decidedly, fast. Is this a maturation process, or in reality just being whipped?

Funny, I was always on the other side of this one, either gaming the ladies with no attachment or at least playing a small hand on any given night with the long leash of a long distance relationship. Either way, I was going out without being mindful of others. Odd that I am on the other side of the spectrum now.

Buying the house

Well not exactly, but I have purchased a ton of items recently. I moved out to a friend's 2BR condo, and in the process, I have had to buy quite a number of new items. The following list is what I got, where I got it and for how much.

-Samsung 32" LCD HDTV 720p + Sylvania Blu-Ray, Amazon, 453

-Queen Sealy Posturepedic Mattress Set, Sleepy's, 560

-Sheet Set, Pillows, Towel, Blanket and Body Pillow, Target, ~50

-Bookshelf/TV Stand, Target, 70

-Wet-Dry Vac, Fabric Steamer, Plant, 130

This on top of rent, and I have had quite a sizeable September already. I'm glad we switched to biweekly pay, cause my wallet just thinned quite succinct-like.

I'm off to the endless possibilities in Allston for food, then down to the Cape for a beach day tomorrow. Labor Day Weekend is Grand indeed.

Music of the Week

Music I've been listening to this week:

Arcade Fire - Wake Up

Matt and Kim - Daylight

Electrasy - Cosmic Castaway

The Raconteurs (featuring Ricky Scaggs and Ashley Monroe) - Old Enough

meiko - Heard It All Before

Animals - We Gotta Get Out of this Place

Aimee Adams - On Vacation

Lost Weekend Trend Continues

Lost Weekend is synonymous with blatant drunkedness, lewd behavior and a lessened regard for personal safety. In the clutches of my good friend's birthday, this weekend promised to rocket blast into the Annals of Lost Weekends...

It didn't. Both Friday and Saturday nights were met with a late-night girl rendezvous, and besides the near black-out status on Saturday, neither night constituted bender status. Although heavy drinking indeed was the norm, its rationing did not allow this weekend to barter with those of past Lost Weekends. Can we say a 1/2 Lost Weekend?

The Heat is On

Temperatures in Boston yesterday and today are quite unbearable. Just sitting makes you sweat. The reading is 95, but with the humidity as it is (probably near 100%), makes for some sticky sitting weather. Throw in the service work and it becomes difficult, lest to say. Pants and shirts are flooded by noon, that sickly onion smell pervades in crowded places. Train cars get vacated by a particular un-deodorized patron, lines in Dunkin Donuts stretch precariously longer than seemingly necessary when an odorous customer is waiting. People change directions in mid-stride. Behaviors change when its hot. People are quicker to anger or get upset. Complaints rise. Tempers flare. I am just wishing we purchased the room fan, I was eyeing at CVS the other day, so now I would be enjoying a warm fan breeze rather than sticky stale air while writing this blog entry. Hope tomorrow brings relief.

Glorious City - Boston

Salute to the West End

Another "Lost Weekend."

Beauty and the Business

I think I am looking very tired. I feel wrinkles, droopy sagging eyes and a heavy head. It's the norm for someone running a business I guess. I went out on Saturday to a few upscale clubs and just felt lethargic. I couldn't move my feet properly to dance as if they were both mired in hardening cement. Sunday was a slopshow, able to stuff face with McDonalds and then get involved in some hapless tennis. Monday morning was started without a shave and shower, it was almost as if I could not believe it was already morning. I think this man needs sleep. 

Otherwise the business has been pretty exciting. Recently we've done services for bed bugs, of course carpenter and pavement ants, termites, mice and rats, and we even did a exclusion for bats and a bat bug service. That was pretty exciting. Right now we're trying to optimize our termite searches to get some more termite accounts. Termites and bed bugs are the profits for a pest control company while regular pest control basically pays bills. Check out the website.

Recession and the City

Dancing with the Devil

I have had a number of very interesting liaisons in recent weeks and paramount are the sort of awkward dates that have come to characterize my interactions with a certain "friend". In a restrained but manipulated manner, I have carefully weaved my hand into the intrigue of attraction yet at go time there seems to be this natural reticence. I want to strike yet I am struck, time and again. I can't seem to understand the motives behind such obviously uncomfortable actions yet I can sense the fear. 

Asking an Irish to drink is like inviting the Devil to dance. There is never a beneficial outcome. Not entirely the case I would have to hope for my own sake, but the social habit of relying on drink to lubricate speech flow in the awkwardness of forced intimacy is something I am trying to squash. 

Picking up and moving - Boston

Artist's interpretation of the times

Big East Reigns on Mar 27, 2009

The Big East is really, really Big. Already poised with 3 of 4 teams entering the Elite 8 from last night's results, 2 more Big East teams are waiting to tap off tonight. And these teams are breathing down hard on Elite 8 status; Louisville, the overall first seeded team, and a Syracuse squad that no one seems able to slow down. Could it be possible to get 5 teams into the final 8? How does this now look for PC, a 19-13 bubble bust? I think PC's 10-8 record in conference makes clear of their status as an above-average team with potential to be good, but suffering from bouts of inopportune mediocrity. Only in instances could we make out a concise unity in their play that makes basketball teams great, far too often it was replaced with little effort into a numskull-esque, reckless performance, that left PC supporters embarrassed and basketball fans shaking heads (and writing them off as amateurs). Only from hard stats can PC manipulate its season into one so tournament worthy, yet it took all but one NIT game to vindicate its naysayers. Hopefully, the PC of '08-'09 can outlive some of this disappointing season with a bittersweet finish for the country's best college basketball conference. Never thought I could say this without reservations, but assuredly it is in the hearts of the all those PC... Go Pitt and UConn, Go 'Nova and 'Cuse, and even a lowercase 'go' for Louisville (even though it was Louisville who effectively ended PC's dream of a tournament berth this season). 

Boston's Sustainable Future

For those of you with an interest in green community events, next weekend Apr 3-5, the Hynes Covention Center in Boston is hosting down2earth: an exploration into sustainable living. As you may be aware, Blog Riotus is concerned with the environment and sustainable living. The cost for admission is $10 for any weekend day and the doors open at 11a. I am sure something there will spark some interest. My company, Green Planet, which is a ecological-minded pest solutions company, will be there in force, networking with other like-minded businesses and getting our name out to the green community.

 

I was wrong!

I guess PC's early exit at the hands of a very mediocre Miami squad is a good indicator that Providence probably didn't deserve a berth in the big dance and that the complaints erupting from the Friar's Corner was probably a bit unnecessary and foolish. 

Providence College loses out in tournament bid

I thought this year could be the year. After the then-no.1 Pittsburgh upset, I thought we had a chance to get in. Then we faltered to Villanova by double-digits but still I had hope with the Big East tournament. Then we lost to no. 1 seeded Louisville. Ok. There not that good I thought, but with a 19-13 record and 10-8 in the best conference in men's college basketball in America, I thought they have a strong bet to get in. With a starting squad of 4 seniors, this team is poised to make a run at it too. I had some faith in these guys, much more than can be said about prior teams since I graduated 5 years ago. Efejuku was a hair away from blossoming into real NBA talent and it is a real shame that his showcase couldn't be a sweet sixteen cinderella story. Instead PC was shamed into the loser NIT bracket as a dispicable no.4 seed. JB is right when he is frustrated with the Big Ten squeezing as many teams into the tourney as they did. They have no business getting them in. It is really a shame. Well, I will be cheering the Friars on for the rest of the postseason NIT games and hopefully they can prove that they deserved a berth in the big dance when all the smoke clears. Elsewhere, I will be waiting for next year's rendition but with a lot less hope than I had for this year's team. Good luck to McDermott, Efejuku, Kale, MacKenzie and Hanke.

Cool Green

greenplanetpest.com

The Blog Riotus Reading List

People always are asking me why I am so smart. I say, "Gee, I guess I was born that way." This typically angers most people who didn't ask why I was really smart, but probably why I am a raving lunatic about matters that really upset me. People want to get inside my mind and see what drives it and really, the answer is closer to a desire to gain knowledge in diverse subjects... AND act on what are moral obligations! There are too many of us out there that just go with whichever way the wind blows, or less perverse, go with the flow. While I generally try to think on my own about different issues, using applicable resources to make informed decisions, I can say that these last few non-fiction books I have read have certainly struck to my core beliefs. Their message was indeed powerful: Powerful enough to get me off my busy schedule to promote and blog them. I suggest if you can read any of these, go with No. 1. It will wake you up from energy-unaware slumber, yes even you conservatives out there that think our 19th century systems can be maintained in the 21st century. Time to wake up. Seriously friends, F***ing Wake the F*** Up!

1) Hot, Flat and Crowded by Thomas Friedmann
Probably the best non-fiction book that wraps up the energy-climate crisis in such a eloquent but comprehensive package that enables the reader no comfort in denying human effect on our world. Just as it points to our culpability, it provides the ideas for solutions; something that is heard few and far between with our political figures. While Al Gore's An Incovenient Truth certainly revved up the political bases, and presented a scientific exposee on our carbon footprint and its implications for our future, Friedmann spoon-feeds us with logical arguments and conclusions how globalization, climate change, our (US) economy and conservation are so entangled in creating a viable future, that it would be the most foolish thing to brush off this book as political. This book challenges our current energy policies in light of such a desperate situation

2) Anti-Cancer by Dr. __
A fifteen year brain cancer survivor pieces separate accounts of cancer accounts with current research together to present an overwhelming document supporting an integrated approach to combatting cancer. Just the section on food alone is stirring, especially in his Pollanesque reference to industrial agronomics and how our food system is essentially poisoning us a plague of cancers.

3) I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max
Ok. anyone who has heard of this book (or read it) knows how twisted this guy is. He has demonstrated through his (anyone who keeps having to remind his readers how true this or that story is strikes up red flags for its "non-fiction" status) stories the bigger picture of what America has become for upper-middle-class elites, unaccustomed to any responsibility, devoid of any moral obligation and seeking only to gratify personal desires. It is humorous and entertaining from his standpoint, and I can say that his stories gave me a sort of benchmark to use (don't worry, I could never stand at a quarter of his immoralities), but in the greater context it reveals about this country, it's essense is of a vile and rotting citizenry that could only export this kind of trashy 'lifestyle'. The last story in the book, is foretold throughout, however, as his situation could not be more pitiful than the two booty calls he tries to session together; one, a broken down, married stripper, the other, pregnant with what might be his kid. Good luck Tucker.

Last Memories from a Dying City -- Reminiscing my Waterbury Hotel visits

From the first taste of sandy lettuce in my salad to the final snub of the replaced potato salad, the Courtyard has imprinted memories well beyond food. Although it is the dinners and lunches I remember well, since the mere exposure to society at those times cloaked my hotel-prison loneliness. I met some great people; at the hotel, and from my classes. The staff regulars became my friends, even to the point where I would trust them more than my own co-workers at the hotel.
Back to the Food. The food was never great. They changed the menu on occasion (which seemed to be constantly) and I remember being consulted as a valued guest on it, but despite my fervent protests, the prices never seemed to descend to a level that matched the value or taste of the food. There was always a question whether you would get what you ordered the last time, especially when you asked for the same plate. Drinks were even more of the same story. After hearing a few of my attendees complain of changing drink prices, I tested for myself. Sure enough, the next month, for four straight nights ordering vodka cranberries, I was charged a different price. I think the last straw happened on my last visit. After one of my attendees complained about the taste of the mandarin stir-fry, the chef, informed by the barman, confronted the guest and told him that the meal was good and tasted fine. I have never heard of such a thing happening at a restaurant. But not at this place.
The receptionists, waitstaff, bartenders and greeters were my source of social entertainment. I became friendly with several of them. The date with Elda was probably the weirdest I have experienced, from her chain smoking, bare apartment, eastern European accent or the double bottle dinner that I received little help finishing to the fruitless foreplay and characteristic mid-hookup passout. I awoke at 5am, clothes on, and realizing my folly, sprung to my feet, promised a call and jetted. I did actually call her back several days later and after not recognizing my name, she pretended to be too tired to talk...I got the point.
Off and on there were those working at the reception desk that were into me. Faten and Christy were the first there and both left about a year after I began giving the classes at the hotel. I had a crush on Faten (Egyptian name). Safia came later and soon replaced the former receptionist stalwarts. Until the end S. and I were more than mere acquaintances, though I would not consider my connection to her went beyond a sort of workplace friend. Our conversations, while entirely on a personal level, never crossed that line of professionalism, no matter how far the line was drawn. Kiara did cross that line. Slipping me her number on my keycard packet and frequently giving me the "why haven't you called me?" sobs. Not that I didn't want to...in a sort of a fuck-her-to-shut-her-the-fuck-up way. But she was bad news and I knew taking that step with this girl would have been a heap of trouble. She was a hormone induced travel bag of bad decisions. I was surprised how long she lasted at her post. That was until she was spotted by a manager picking up some of my attendees at the hotel drive-up and then taking them to a local strip joint. In the end she was fired twice for "fraternizing with hotel patrons." It's not that some of the other girls didn't break the fraternizing rule, it's just they had the brains not to cross that line with such a zealous disregard for decency to stop at that previously stated line. Andrea and AnnMarie became my closest friends at the restaurant. AM was always kind and pleasant company, subconsciously attempting to make my stays at the hotel that much more comfortable. If it was not the extra wine filling my glass, it was the feeling of having someone I already knew there to talk to. Andrea was more of a confidant, even acknowledging that we both liked eachother at some time ago. I always looked forward to seeing her, even if just in passing. She had a spark always, and it was blatant that this place was just a stop on her journey. Chrystal, Kylie and Kimberly, all relatively new on the scene, were all friendly and to laugh at any and all silly jokes I could muster at the front desk. In fairness, I did have them rolling at my act, which makes me question what kind of sense of humor they had. (in jest) Who knows?
The weight/workout/gym room was always a riot. They shouldn't have had the thing in operation, much less advertise its existence. (Actually another patron's complaint) The elliptical made this awful see-saw noise, the treadmills' tracks were always in need of oil and the weights from the adjustable dumbell were a real hazard, falling on the user in mid-rep. I was just lucky not to have been injured. Halfway in, I convinced myself that the 1/2 mile run to the local Y made sense. Taking a tip from my weightlifting attendee, I negotiated a $10/week fee, got a membership card and managed to workout at that place after every class. The place was a palace compared to the Courtyard fiasco they called a "gym". With brand new equipment and a complete range of workout options, it was enough enticement to brave the vampires and zombies that paraded and sulked about in the town green. Although they never bothered me coming and going, their presence was somewhat unnerving , even with a police presence in the area. It was almost as if the junkies, crackheads, dealers and lowlifes had held the town center hostage legally, by just being there.
Banquet Staff. In the beginning, Casey kept everything in check with what seemed at the time to be a smooth operation. When he was promoted to the Marriot-Hartford, the void in his absence left a jolly jump up to take his place. While she was no slouch in command, she was not a manager at heart and was bounced around to a few different positions before I didn't see her again. That's the thing about the hospitality business, sometimes you never see or hear from people ever again. A completely transient industry. Renee took over command for a time, and although things went somewhat well, I always had the sense that the wheels were falling off the wagon. Bobby filled the captain position after Renee's transitional role. Dale followed and currently Christine holds rank. In all that time Jojales still sees action and has worked with our group in almost every session we have had at the hotel. I have to admit our relationship over the three years has waned (or never really progressed) as her English is atrocious and my Spanish without alcohol is just as bad. Language barrier aside, I perceived her disapproval of my insignificant relationship lifestyle. In her mind things should fit into neat bows and tie up just as tight. I shiver to think that is a reflection of her flirtatious comportment with my attendees: Leading them by a string this way and that. It's no wonder showing me basically naked beach photos with an "oops" after recognizing her lack of clothing. Not a stretch when a rather notorious attendee asked her to attend his "private class" in his room. Maybe she deserved it. But for the tribulations of basically being called a slut, I gave her a left-over gift card from the Home Depot.
I looked back towards the middle of the lobby, the pillars masking the front desk and my girls working there, the partition of the fireplace blocking my view of the bar and dining area. If it weren't for these static emplacements, perhaps the nostalgia could have flowed more convincingly, but they didn't. I was relieved to leave on this friday as I always was after a full week at the hotel. Only this time I knew I was not coming back.

Surfer only loses an arm to 16 foot shark

Let's keep our planet green...oops, I mean...clean.

Sox sign Saito

"I saw Theo today. He was at the state landfill sifting through garbage looking for diamonds. He said it is his favorite low risk, high reward activity outside of baseball."

A New Year

It’s really 2009 and I have already made a few mistakes writing 2008 at the end of some dates. It’s tough to break a year-long habit; and in the same breath, as it is trying to break life-long (multi-year) habits. All the vices that I am overdue on, simple ways to forego an early collision with the doctor are resisted, instead, favoring the ephemeral pleasure. Isn’t it odd that such a wise creature constantly affords him/herself the tentative pleasure for potentially permanent pain? Smoking, unprotected sex, Drugs, Alcohol, Drunk driving, poor diet, and laziness can all lead to harsh repercussions. Yet how many of us subscribe ourselves to such wanton abuse on a regular basis? I would venture to suggest that there are very few who are mindful of all one’s activities.

I looked at a list of possible New Year’s resolutions, and can’t imagine how depressing next December will be looking at that list and realizing that even though I probably accomplished great things (relative of course), maybe not even one will be from that list. What is the point of resolutions if they are impossible to keep? Does the thought of resolving our perceived malignancy give ourselves hope in the coming year? I have resolved to quit all smoking, even bar-time butt breaks, probably several times in the last few years, including this one. But even last night, watching the Gators beat the Sooners in the BCS Nat’l Championship, I was tempted to bum a smoke off of those not resolving to quit outside the bar.

The BCS and the Playoff series talk is so obvious, it’s painful. As a Gator, I can’t help wincing though, as every news story covering the game also includes the talk of the real no.1. It’s too bad that it comes to a head, as my college football team takes home the trophy, as I can only imagine how the talk must make the national champions maybe feel even a bit bitter. I mean think about how long they have waited to play this game and when they finally do, the muffled conversations before about playoffs and the real no.1 become full-blown following a less-than-exciting premier football showcase. It’s as if the No.1 team is decided by the last game they play in, rather than for a season. However, for as much as I would like to believe Florida is the real no.1, I also would submit that college football needs some sort of bowl playoff series to decide. It doesn’t matter how many teams; 6, 8, 12, 16… just something more than a calculation based on irrelevant points. After all, somebody has to put Utah in its place.