Mohawk Willy

Being a non-vampire denizen of the night, I sometimes wander my apartment in the so called wee hours. Every now and again I hear a rustling out in the alleyway that happens to be a homeless man rummaging through my apartment building's garbage cans (this happens to have happened tonight, too).

Whenever I see this, I always want to stick my head out the back door and warn the poor guy to beware the bags filled with cat poop from my cat. Of all the things I should feel guilty about with the homeless, this probably isn't one of them.

Maybe I should put a sign on the bins: "Homeless, garbage-picking dudes: beware of cat poop!"

You know how some novels and short stories start with a description of objects and things and how they interact without really telling you why or what the bigger picture is or why you should give a damn for a few paragraphs or pages?

Like this: "And hairy mongrels stalked amongst the shopping carts, sniffing the air and each others butts, thinking about lemons the whole while. A car rushes by and the beasts jump like grasshoppers--quickly and silently--into the brush, of what little there is surrounding this desolate and lifeless place...etc."

Yeah, I decided I fucking hate that. Apparently everyone thinks that they're writing the next "Of Mice and Men." Fucking douche-bags.

Frontman - wishes he had talent.
Lead Guitarist - wishes he was the frontman.
Rhythm Guitarist - wishes he was the lead guitarist.
Bassist - wishes he was the rhythm guitarist.
Drummer - likes to hit things with other things; the one happy person in the band.

I'm brushing my teeth at the bathroom sink. Bam pushes the door open and saunters over to the toilet. He jumps up on the toilet seat and proceeds to stick his head and half his body right in the bowl. He splashes around a bit and laps up a few swallows.

I spit out my toothpaste and ask, "Why do you do that?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Bam responds.

"Well," I say, "You don't see me playing in your kitty litter and eating a few spoonfuls of it, do you?"

Bam's eyes suddenly become very wide as he stare's down into the bowl, stupefied. "Holy shit! THAT'S what this is!"

He promptly runs out of the bathroom and hides underneath the bed in shame for a few hours.

Later that day, as we lazily watch TV together in the living room, a series of cars start passing the apartment. The sun is catching their windshields so that large blobs of reflected light glide along the wall. Bam begins chasing them around the room, jumping at them, and repeatedly asking, "What is this thing? Maybe if I catch it..."

But I just don't have the heart to explain it to him.

The Paper Jets played their second show yesterday. It went rather well. It was probably the longest non-acoustic set that I have ever played; I think it was somewhere around the 13 song mark and lasted close to an hour. We opened the set with a cover of Steve Winwood's Back in the High Life Again featuring Jim Parker on vocals. I played the mandolin on that one! I have finally gotten a use out of that thing after owning it for nearly 3 years. It's awesome to play, but I never seem to be able to actually use it on a song. Luckily, Steve Winwood added some 8-stringed miniature goodness to his song, which allowed me to 'soft out' (as opposed to rock out) to his 80s classic. Jeff was on hand to add some awesome synth sounds to help us all jump into the way back machine and travel to 1986.

We then blasted through our set with Jeff jumping up onstage when he felt it appropriate. I think the coolest thing was when he plugged his guitar into the keyboard for 'Always Will' and gave us that awesome 3-guitars-playing-the-same-thing sound (I realize that might sound like sarcasm, but it wasn't). Highlights for me were: nailing my solo on 'Take It All Back,' playing 'Down' for the first time in front of an audience, 'Stay Back Here,' 'Atlantic City,' having someone tell me that 'Always Will' should be on the radio and/or the background music to a WB teen drama, and eating a slice of pizza.

By the way, this show was more of a party of sorts at Mr. Parker's studio in Bordentown. It was really awesome because there were a bunch of people, other great bands played, and it was a very laid back vibe. We also did a multi-camera shoot of the thing (although we were not able to pull off audio [...this time]).

Afterwards, a bunch of us went to Brian's to hang out, where Brian promptly fell asleep. We didn't do much there, but it was a nice epilogue to the day.

So this is my first (of probably 5 or so) entries in 2009. We have a new president. That is a good thing. I hope 2009 will have great things in store for the nation and my band.

First, somehow my default icon got changed some anime witch with hearts and/or butterflies. I don't know how this happened.

Next, Christmas came and went this week. I had to work my usual 2-10 schedule on Christmas Eve but they kicked us out at 6:30, which was annoying because I wanted to not use my paid time off in order to get full hours this week. With my new found free evening I met up with Rebecca and went to see Slumdog Millionaire. I thought the movie was really good but I found myself really forcing my suspension of disbelief on two facts: 1) the main character, Jamal, meets a little girl when he is like 6 and is in love with her for the rest of his life, apparently never meeting another girl, which was easier to believe than 2) said little girl is separated from Jamal early in their lives, proceeds to be raped on a regular basis while being the arm candy of a powerful crime lord, and somehow never loses her innocent outlook on life. Oh well, I guess it could happen. The movie was still very good.

I stayed over the Knab's place that night and had Christmas morning with them. Rebecca got me a GPS for my car! Unfortunately, I don't get a signal in my apartment, so I haven't been able to play with all the cool features yet. We had dinner with her family early in the afternoon so that we could make our way over to my Aunt Ginny's house for the evening. There, we ate another dinner and Rebecca proceeded to get quite buzzed on a handful of different wines. In our little 'poppers' this year we got whistles all with a different note. My cousin Joan was then able to conduct us into playing the most ridiculous versions of Christmas carols that you have ever heard.

My mom got us Pictionary Man, which seems awesome.

Finally, today was the last week of the NFL's regular season. The Giants lost to the Vikings in a pointless game. It was pointless for the Giants because they already have the #1 seed in the conference. It was pointless for the Vikings because the Bears lost, making the Vikings division champs no matter what, although they didn't know that while playing the game. The Giants played a good game, but by the fourth quarter it was mostly Giants backups versus Vikings starters who thought they were playing for something. Therefore, the vikings were able to squeak in a win with a last minute 51 yard field goal.

With the Dolphins beating the Jets, they have secured their position as the division champs, keeping New England out of the playoffs. Now, with Chad Pennington's 11th win with Miami, facing his old team no less, is he not being considered a top contender for league MVP? I know that the Dolphin's winning ways have had a lot to do with rookie coach Tony Sparano, the wildcat formation, a healthy Ricky Williams, and the fantastic Ronnie Brown. But, let's face it, before Pennington was kicked out on his rear end by the Jets and promptly shuttled down to the southern tip of Florida, the Dolphins didn't have a QB let alone a proven leader. And Pennington has been exactly that. He's passionate, intelligent, and unselfish. He is the definition of a leader. And with his amazing 67% completion percentage, he has obviously been a deciding factor in what has made his team division champs a season after going 1-15. This is definitely not someone the Giants want to see on the other side of field come the Super Bowl (because obviously the Giants will be there).

Also, riddle me this: who knew that the Eagles were so good that they would make 3 teams lose in one day? They needed: the Bears to lose to Houston, the Bucs to fall to lowly Oakland, AND beat Dallas, the team that many pundits were crowing SB 43 champs before the start of the season. Somehow they did it. I'm not so sure if they belong in the playoffs though. They kind of feel like the '06 Giants, who snuck into a playoff spot at 8-8 but lost in the wild card game. The general feeling that I've gotten from Philly fans is that, while they are happy that the Eagles are there, they don't seem too excited. I think they may have exhausted all of their fandom on the Phillies 2 months ago.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/27076523/

Although I liked it at the end when Mr. Cimini pointed out that the Cowboys just may not be mentally tough enough to get them through to the Super Bowl. I think the 'Boys just straddle that edge--the one where they are always looking too big, too grand--too much. Some team is going to come along and kick out out one leg and the whole thing will topple over. Everyone on that team wants to make a huge play because they think they are the most important part of it. Eventually, someone will screw up (whether it be Terrell, Romo, Jason Garrett, or Jerry Jones), some one will get hurt, some one will forget about skill and rely too much on talent, and they'll lose it big time.

To look at history of last year: that's exactly what New England did. They spent too much time in the regular season going for it on fourth down in the fourth quarter when they were up by 3 touchdowns. That is undisciplined Madden '09 football. Then they went to the Super Bowl and went for it on 4th and 13. They failed. Although I am happy that they did, they should have tried for a long field goal and we could have seen the first ever SB in overtime.

Let's look to last week: the Giants are decimating the Seahawks. Good time to get Manning out and put Carr in. Give Carr a TD and then run it until the clock stops. Smart football.

The Cowboys are too worried about what they look like to play disciplined, efficient football.

Okay, so the Giants won today--big time. But here's the thing: I bet over the next week, critics and analysts will continue to deny the Giants any credit for their ability to produce on both sides of the football. Rather, they will point to the terrible play by the other team. They will say, okay, the Giants are unbeaten for the season but look who they played: the winless Rams, the winless Bengals, the 1-3 Seahawks, and the 'young' Redskins. They will say that the Giants have had a weak schedule so far. Yes, the Skins have gone on to win 4 games straight, including wins against division powerhouses Dallas and Philadelphia, but during that first game against the G-men, they were still 'learning the system' of their new head coach Jim Zorn. Therefore, the win against the only team with a winning record to face the Giants doesn't count. And, therefore, the Giants 4-0 is not an indication of their talent. Forget that they won the Super Bowl, forget their great pass rush, forget that the Giants' defense lead the league in sacks last season, forget that their rushing unit is ranked first, forget their Super Bowl MVP quarterback who has the 4th best passer rating in the league. Forget it all. They suck.

Well, here's the thing: okay, I'll yield to the critics that they have faced some teams that are on tough times without winning records, but, other than the Rams, these teams are GOOD teams. The Skins are speaking for themselves at the moment. The Bengals, although winless, have now given a tough time to the Giants AND the Cowboys. The Bengals a team with a great offense that is starting to come around but needs to just get that first win before recognizing that they are a good team. Last year they went 8-8 in a very competitive division. And who cares if the score was closer than the Giants would like? They played a good game. Manning executed. The defense executed, earning 6 sacks. It just so happened that the Bengals found a way to overcome those things and put points on the board. But that's because they are a good team, like I said.

Has everyone forgotten that the Seahawks won their division last year and went to the Super Bowl just 2 years before that? Did everyone forget that they are coached by Mike Holmgren? This is the man gave Brett Favre his first NFL start and then went on to win a Superbowl with him. The Seahawks have been a quiet bully in the NFC for many years. The Giants going in there and destroying them today was no small feat (as it was against the Rams).

Let's look at something basic here. I would like anyone to point out another team in the NFL who, thus far, has defeated their opponents as consistently as Big Blue. Lets look at the other undefeated teams. The Titans: just look at today's games. Amongst all the fighting, with the Ravens AND themselves, it's a wonder they won (I attribute it all to their QB--the rock steady former Giant Cary Collins). Never-mind that crazy ass Vince Young. The Buffalo Bills (despite the fact that they lost today): they have yet to win a game without a fourth quarter comeback. Although comebacks make for great TV and account for Vinny Testeverde's career, it does not make a solid team. Let's also look at our own division: the Cowboys struggled against the 2-3 Eagles and the winless Bengals; the Eagles are great but can't commit that greatness to all 4 quarters; the Skins are phenoms now but can they sustain a whole season?

In the end it comes down to who wins consistently. That's the Giants. They have played every game with a great offense, a great defense, and great coaching. I may end up regretting such a statement later in the season, but I believe that the Giants will continue to execute well. Not every game will be perfect. They probably will not win every game (I am a firm believer in 'any given Sunday'). Not every game will have the Giants scoring on 8 out of 10 drives (like today). But they have enough talent and coaching skill to get them through a season, winning enough.

Sooooooo...LJ, how you been?

...

Good to hear.

...

Yeah, lots of stuff to talk about:

Band situation: I am no longer doing Piper Maru, the Ink Spills, or my solo version of the Ink Spills. I have once again joined Brian's band, which was formerly called the Sly Figurines but will likely have a new name in the upcoming months. Truth be told, the new name is already picked out, but Brian hasn't changed the MySpace so I'll remain mum for now. This is a good move for me. Fortunately, with the new energy we have going because of the studio experience (recording done by the new year! :::fingers crossed::: We are HALF WAY there already) and a solid line-up (Brian, Frank, Bill, and SCOTTIE!) I think this is going to be my best shot at getting something done musically--something real that could take me places. Unfortunately, I feel that if this does not pan out, it is time to put the dreams away. Not necessarily give up on music because, really, I could never do that. But instead focus on the things in life that I am not prioritizing for the sake of the band: career (god, I want to teach so bad but know that my heart couldn't give everything to my students AND a band), a future with a plan, my future with Rebecca, etc. I will hate it if I have to live up to that kind of thing, but I know I can be happy with that kind of life if I have made an attempt at music first.

Residence: I now live in Philly, which brings us to our next note...

Rebecca: I am living with Rebecca. We have a very cool apartment in West Philly/University City. So far so good!

Job: I am a proofreader at Vertical Screen, which is a company that does background checks on prospective employees by employers. I proofread the information as it comes in prior to research and once it goes back out after research. It's a desk job, which makes me get antsy all the time. I work 2-10. It's 45 minutes away. So, I pretty much hate it. The job itself is okay. If it were two blocks away and I worked 9-5, I might like it better.

Other news tidbits: My sister, Jessica, was married to her longtime boyfriend/fiance/now-husband in June. It was a pretty raucous event that I enjoyed thoroughly. It marked the first time in about 15 years that my sister hugged me. It also marked what was likely the first time that we ever danced together.

August 9th saw the 4th Annual MidAugust Celebration, which, if I say so myself, was a complete success. I was very worried about making this year something big, something awesome, something...eventful. Well, I had no reason to worry because, much to my complete, joyous surprise, Heather was at the party. It was amazing seeing her after 2.5 years. I was on high the whole day--just having fun (mind you, not just from Heather but from everyone who came out). And it went by much too quickly. I wish I had more days like that much more often.

August 29th saw my debut as the best man for Scottie. It was an awesome day, despite the rain and the 4 hour drive there and back. He and Nicole looked really great and happy. I have yet to talk to Scottie since the honeymoon, but I look forward to it hopefully tomorrow.

I guess that's it. I don't plan on continuing to update this thing too often anymore, but keep an eye out and don't defriend me!

Ah, another band, another group of friends that I've alienated. Actually, two bands in about as many months. Piper Maru and the Ink Spills. I guess I reap what I sow. And I know that I'm pretty much to blame for both bands states of unwell-being. I set my expectations high and I push others to go beyond their limits, but sometimes people don't want to do that. I stand by the fact that if people just did what I wanted, there would be some good drama free bands that I've been in (just kidding--although it is true, but I don't expect people to always do what I want them to).

So the Ink Spills, as of this evening, are now a one man affair with just me doing everything, which I don't mind so much for recording, but when playing out I would much rather have a band.

Here's the weird thing--aren't bands supposed to break up over 'creative differences?' How come I get along with bands creatively--collaborating with others and hearing out their ideas is fun and exciting and 'easy' in the way that all rewarding work is--but it's everything else that gets in the way of us becoming successful?

But the good news is that I should have a demo of about five songs recorded by about next week being 95% done.

In other good news, considering that I haven't updated this thing in something like eons, I got a new car! An '07 Ford Fusion. It's red. And I'm broke.

Also goo news: I will be moving in with Rebecca in Philly come June. I guess that's one good thing about not having a band; I don't have to worry so much about traveling for practice once I'm down there.

I'll try to update again shortly.

Yet another new band, yet another link for you to click on. This time I sing on the tracks and have written the majority of the songs. Let me know what you think.

I hope that we play shows very soon.

Bam has returned!!! Some neighbors down the road found him in their bushes and remembered my sign that I put up a few days ago. He is a little skinnier and a little dirtier but he is still my cat!

Tomorrow I shall pamper him with flea and tick medication as well as finding him a good vet to give him shots and chop off his manhood.

I think I should start taking Bam outside under supervision so that he becomes familiar with it and knows where to return when he is hungry.

Ack! I've had such an up and down week. Saturday I had a great birthday party that Rebecca threw for me. There were people and games and Rebecca made cake and we drank Pabst Blue Ribbon. The following day was Sheelagh's dad's viewing and it was so sad because there were so many people there. I guess that's a good thing, but I just kept thinking about how all those people lost someone that they cared about. But then I went to Sonic with Ivan, which was sort of fun. And then I went to Brian's to watch the Super Bowl:

Where the Giants won! I couldn't believe it. It was the upset of the century. It was such a great game. I went home feeling great. But when I get home I find out that our door had been left open and Bam got out. And, despite two heavy front doors, apparently he got out of the building because we can't find him. He has yet to come back.

Work has been shitty in general. I just hate all this new sales stuff that we have to do. And in order to keep my job, I have to make OTHER people do it to.

Tuesday, my new band had its first practice and it went stunningly. We have two guitars, bass, and drums already. We will practice again on Sunday and Tuesday. I hope it continues to go well and sound good. I'm having a lot of fun singing my own songs, despite how much energy it takes. I hope we play a show soon (maybe sometime in March?).

LAst night was a new episode of Lost that was better than the previous week's. But now, waking up this morning, I just feel like I'm in a funk. Where did the sun go?

The good news is that I got to eat chicken and stars the other day because I found it in our pantry. The bad news is that I didn't get ginger ale until the next day when I left work early because I still wasn't feeling too hot. I had to play the cabaret that night and there was no way I was going to work an 8 hour day and then go right to performing. So I went home and slept for 3 hour (I probably could have gone longer but I had to get up).

The cabaret went alright the first night. There were a few miscues with the sound guys (James and Mr. Parker) as well as a few missed notes, but all in all not bad. The following night was much better, likely due to the fact that I FELT better. Although, as the nausea and fever left my body I found a ridiculous pain shooting down my spine, which has made bending over unbearable, which is something that I usually do often when setting up guitar gear and whatnot.

Last night I had troubling conversation with Scottie about music in general. We talked about our new project, Piper Maru, our goals, etc. It turns out that Jaime wants to have a band meeting. It turns out, as usual, I'm the bad guy.

And, I guess my biggest problem right now is that I'm tired of having to explain myself to others when it comes to music. And I'm even more tired of after explaining myself, I then have to defend myself. Is it really so wrong that I just want to DO something in a music career? And I would do just about anything to achieve my goals of moderate success?

It's funny, what I've said to Brian, Scottie, and Rebecca recently: I'm tired of working with talented people (I know that sounds stupid). I've always worked with talented people in bands: Liz in Luck Out, Brian and Frank and Jeff in the Solids, everyone in Piper Maru. And they are all wonderful people and great artists. But here's what I've learned about talented people: they are lazy. Their talent comes to them so naturally and that is so naturally rewarding in and of itself that they think that all rewards will come to them just as easily. 'I play my instrument, I sing my songs and things will just work out' is the mentality. And I'm not trying to criticize any of my friends, because I'm sure that if they stick to their guns they will be rewarded in the long run. That is what most people say to me, and criticize about me, is that I have no patience when it comes to music. They tell me not to worry, that we will cross any bridge when we come to it. But that's not how I work. I plan every bridge crossing well in advance. I like to be prepared. And I like to be constantly working towards my goals and to do it in a short amount of time.

I believe the reason for that is because, opposed to some of the people that I've worked with, I don't believe that I am naturally talented as others. I guess I'm talented, but I've always had to work really really really hard to achieve the results I get in my music. It's through lots of physical and mental determination that I've been able to do what I have. And I cherish that. And want to do something with that out in the real world.

I wish I could find people to work with and collaborate with that trust me when I ask them to try something.

So who knows what is going on with Piper Maru or even this new project for that matter? But I swear this year will be different, unlike the past 3 where I said I was going to accomplish something and something has not to appear.

Ack. I am so sick right now. I can tell because this morning I threw up, which I never do. I spent all last night with my stomach tossing and turning for reasons that I don't know. When I woke up this morning I was nauseous and as the day went on it only got worse because now I am like severely dehydrated. I'm pretty sure that I either have or had a fever. But I have such little energy that I keep falling asleep instead of drinking water. I woke up at like 8, fell back asleep around 10, woke up at 1, fell back asleep at 3, and woke up again at like 5:30. All I really want right now is a ginger ale and chicken and stars but I can't trust myself to drive.

This is definitely the worst kind of sick because I can't do anything. I hate being sick because I'm never sick.

As the final 4 seconds of the Green Bay Packer's versus the New York Giants tie game (20-20) wound down, I listened in dismay as the announcer told me that NY's kicker Lawrence Tynes shanked the game winning field goal wide left. This effectively brought the game into overtime as I beat up a pillow.

Brian immediately sent me a text that said 'Fucking Tynes!' to which I replied 'Fuck fucking Tynes!!!' (note: Tynes is probably one of the worst kickers in the league, considering that he missed two extra points [the easiest score in the game] earlier in the season. I hate him with more passion than a fat kid hates brussel sprouts)

So there they are in overtime. Giants lose the coin toss. Green Bay rests all of their hopes on one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Bret Favre. Not a bad choice, really. Amazingly, the much maligned Corey Webster, who at one point had been demoted from starter last season to the practice squad but came back in due to injuries, continued his amazing post season romp in the secondary by intercepting Favre, putting the Giants in prime position to score. Their drive failed, garnering only about 5 yards.

And here we were again: it was up to our buddy Tynes to put it through the uprights. Now, Tynes had missed on the potential game-winner from only 37 yards out. And here we are, 47 yards out.

And...

He knocks it through.

THE GIANTS ARE GOING TO THE FUCKING SUPER BOWL!!! NY GIANTS vs. NE PATRIOTS (the rematch! And this time it counts!)

I must have been saving up a load of bad and good karma that I cashed in today. As I was driving to band practice I got a flat tire (bad karma). I called up Jaime to let her know and see if she had a jack. As soon as I got off the phone a NJ Department of Transportation truck pulls up behind me (good karma!). This guy walks out and proceeds to help me change my tire. Sure I got to practice late, but I have a tire on my car. The unfortunate part of this is that I definitely need to get new tires for my car.

Right now I am listening to the Giants game (god, I wish I could see it). Patriots are in the Super Bowl. Bastards.

Take that, Jerry Jones! Up yours Terrell Owens! You suck, Tony Romo! And eff you, the worst of them all, Jessica Simpson!

I just got back form Brian's apartment where we had a 20 minute high 5 and chest bump marathon after RW McQuarters intercepted Romo's pass in the end zone in the closing seconds of the NY Giants vs. the Dallas Cowboys. Giants won. Cowboys suck.

I love Manning's quote at the end of the game: "No one gave us credit going into this game, and they probably still won't."

But one way or the other, it's Giants vs. Green Bay next sunday!

Oh, and whoever gets me this for my birthday will receive my first born in return. I swear I almost fainted in Best Buy when I saw it.

I have to be up in 8 hours to go to work and I am no where near tired. I had a very boring day. I did in fact record another demo for a song I wrote called 'the Best Words.' And I must say that this was even better than the other. Not only because the song caliber was slightly better but I did a much better job of recording and arranging this time around. It helped that the song is a very dynamic, straight ahead rock 'n' roll spectacular. I might share these soon, once I decide what I want to do with them.

I'm not sure where I want to use them: whether in a new project or in Piper Maru. Unfortunately, as I have previously mentioned, Piper Maru just isn't moving fast enough for me. And now that I am finally comfortable with singing AND my singing sounds good enough, I am really torn. I want to keep moving forward in the most expedited manner possible. And really the best way to do that is probably to do it myself. I mean, I have a drummer ready to come with me (thank god for Scottie!). Between the two of us we could probably record a good set of demos. And he would be willing to play out A LOT. We would just need a bass player and maybe a second guitarist. Not easy to find, but easier to find than a drummer!

Anyway, today was really boring. I spent a lot of time on the internet. Then I went to Best Buy and bought a couple CDs like I wanted. I got REM's 'Murmur' and the new Angels & Airwaves.

Well...off to forcing myself to sleep!