Dig This

This site is dead

2008-10-19T12:56:00.002-04:00

Come to the new and improved, non dead site.

http://www.handonthestove.com

You should probably just bookmark the new site, it'll be easier.

J/L

2008-03-15T18:21:00.007-04:00

I've recently been christened Uncle.

Not by blood. It's a charge that I've always had an interest in experiencing but knew that my sister would never have need to call on me. Who can blame her, she will never experience being a blood related Aunt. We have an understanding.

I find that I'm incredibly excited for Madison, my 'niece,' when she figures out how far away a toy is from her face; and subsequently can reach out and grab it. It's bubbling to hear her mimic the sounds of words she absorbs. She can melt your heart when you catch her gaze as she casts off a smile.

It's an astonishing process to watch, learning how to interact with this probable reality. Figuring out spatial relationships, how to disseminate sounds and language, and how to move our appendages. Madison, or Wiggles as I like to call her, has far from conquered any of these feats but it's very humbling to watch and learn how we all begin this complex sojourn.

She will rock like no other.

Cutting it to the Quick

2008-01-20T22:36:00.000-05:00

Peyton Manning. You're overexposed. Stop doing commercials.

Are Hermaphrodites Real, or are the Imaginary like Unicorns and Democracy?

2008-01-20T21:16:00.000-05:00

Heisenberg's Uncertainty principle states that one inevitably changes the outcome of events simply by measuring them.

Holding caucus elections weeks apart while broadcasting the winners of each caucuses would stand to reason bias and corruption run rampant from the impetus. This is a non partisan issue here folks, both sides are equally as fucked. If 'Red State A' has Agent Smith as a winner this week, would it not stand to reason that 'Red State B' might gather behind Agent Smith in the next caucus? If 'Blue State 1' marked Mr. Anderson the winner, might it also stand to reason that 'Blue State 2' would gather in throngs against Mr. Anderson in the next caucus? Why don't we have all the glad handing, buzzword toting, hopefuls, waiting to rend this country in twain, voted at the same time before the bias and corruption set in? Thereby at least pretending we have some sort of honor and impartiality in this convoluted constitution republic.

'But Ray, our fore fathers set up this system with joy and smallpox in their hearts and white powdered wigs on their heads, who are we to change it?' Well, Voice in my head, our fore fathers were setting up a brand new system. A system to govern illiterate farmers, blacksmiths, and prostitutes in the fairest way possible. Colonies were spread way the fuck out, few could read, and there were no Lobbysts to bitch it all up. Let me be, hopefully not, the first to say just because we've always done something a certain way, doesn't make it the right way.

Not all the blame falls on the narrow shouldered, greed infested, silver spooned, power hungry politicians. Journalists have severely let this country down. Is it so important to have great ratings and guest stars that reporters can't ask real questions that would warrant real answers? How is it that a journalist can have a politician look him straight in the eye as said politician avoids the question completely. Only then to have our esteemed news jockey move on without pressing deeper and further for a real answer? Isn't it the job of an investigatory journalists to find the truth for the populous? As a system of checks and balances?

I'm off on a rant, to which I could add many, many more pages. Before I run amok let me just say this to our veritable plethora of mediocre candidates, and to you country. I don't care who you are or what you believe; a minister cannot become an elected official. We cannot let the hypocrisy of religion become any stronger in this land of the 'free' than it has already become. It will soon emerge a beast that cannot be fed. Hide behind whatever book you'd, like the 'laws of love' are clearly stated. Bigotry is bigotry no matter who you claim as your 'neighbor.'

New Year, New Groove, New Robots

2008-01-02T21:40:00.000-05:00

Let the 2008 commence.

Slashy R S or Slash E R S?

2007-10-24T23:37:00.000-04:00

Cingular customers.

I enjoy the IDK Commercials. I really do. Granny texting her 'BFF Rose.' The little girl so defeated in her punishment exclaiming 'TISNF!' It's quite enjoyable. It's really is but I want to implore you world please don't incorporate said ad campaign's seminal pitch into your everyday language, at least spoken language. Even in jocularity.

Language is wonderful, alive, and has been evolving throughout the eons but I don't think we've gotten our fill of the sentence just yet. Noun verb structure; is, was, to be. The iGeneration may grow up never knowing that Whom refers to the object while Who refers to the subject. They'll never learn to not misplace their modifiers ie. the handsome boy was playing his piano with a Mohawk. If we lose the concepts behind language communication shits down and we lose everything we have.

It's going that way, I understand the evolution. It's natural and needs to happen. I'll roll on with it when I have to but I'm going to fight to the bitter end to hold on to my sentence structure.

Excitement, Thy Name is October 23rd

2007-08-22T15:16:00.000-04:00

Drafted for my share of the Penguins season tickets the other night.

My first game for the 2007-2008 Penguins season. Eastern Conference Finals, anyone?

Ska Loves All Ages

2007-08-22T14:50:00.001-04:00

25.

My age.

Mike's age.

The age of the eldest people at the Against All Authority, Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake show last night.
We didn't mind. Someone has to teach the iGeneration how to Rock; and nothing teaches kids faster than running and throwing yourself at them while 'Where Have You Been' screams through a murky room smelling of sweat and fear.

B-Movie Actor, Never!

2007-08-01T23:26:00.001-04:00

Bruce Campbell, actor, director, writer should one of the highest paid talents in the business.

Not opinion. Fact. He's handled The Evil Dead trilogy. McHale's Navy. The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. Bubba Ho-Tep. Spider-man 1,2, and 3. The Man With the Screaming Brain.

What other characters will this master tackle most expertly? The Old Spice guy? Boosh.

'The Kill Point'

2007-08-01T23:03:00.000-04:00

Spike TV picked up a show set in beautiful downtown Pittsburgh.

Starring John Leguizamo, Donnie Wahlberg, and Tobin Bell. Not bad billing. 2 0f the 3 actually have careers. I'm definitely not counting NKOTB as any kind of career.

I was really hoping it was going to be great, get picked up for another season, bring some cash to the city, and launch me into super stardom. I haven't figured out how the last piece ties in yet. Sadly it doesn't really matter; I could only stand watching 10 minutes of the pilot episode before it became unbearable. Yet another set back for my illustrious career.

ACLU Beware

2007-07-25T22:00:00.000-04:00

Smokers, seek refuge in Pennsylvania.

I'm offering my hand in friendship as a non-smoker. This constitutional republic has yet to completely sell off our civil liberties for a little 'Bit-O-Safety' by passing a smoking ban. You are all welcome here until at least September when congress returns from their summer vacations.

Why are we constantly asked give up our civil liberties? And when asked, why do we hand them over without resistance? Does anyone feel any safer?

I'm aware of the facts. I'm not completely heartless or an idiot. I don't think non-smokers should have to work in conditions that are unhealthy and unsuitable for them. I know smoking teeters on being the number one cause of preventable death; and is linked to a myriad of deadly diseases. However, one is free to choose where they work and socialize. I enjoyed living in Boston, a smoke free city, and not having to take a shower or air my clothes out when I came home after being at a bar or club. I just don't think these actions require laws to be enacted to disallow certain behaviors in certain places.

After smoking, a legal activity, is successfully banned in public areas to keep us safe what comes next? Ban food, of course food is legal, because obesity is responsible for 300,000 deaths a year? Ban alcohol, a legal drug, since it is responsible for 85,000 deaths a year? Ban automobiles, legal mode of transportation, because they are responsible for over 43,000 deaths a year? A mandatory curfew at dusk because statistically citizens out at night are more likely to be accosted than those out in the daylight? When will our governing laws find us to be safe enough?

Relax. I know. Worst case scenario and all that jazz. Still, "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither." - Ben Franklin

You Went Back To What You Know

2007-07-25T21:41:00.000-04:00

3rd Annual Party Bus was a few weeks back.

If that isn't inspiration enough to post something then I don't know what is.

There is talk of turning the bus into a semi-annual groove.

I have a feeling we wouldn't get any complaints.

More pictures on Matt's page.

Goodbye Blue Monday

2007-04-12T21:19:00.000-04:00

He was the subject of my senior theme for AP English; as well as a phenomenal mind and writer.

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. November 11, 1922 - April 11, 2007.

Added Character For the Malibu

2007-04-02T20:57:00.000-04:00

Could it possibly be that I've forgotten how to post a blog?

I'm calling myself out on this one. A month without any postings is a travesty. Especially since I get requests everyday to post new ones. Remorse thy name is encore.

I apologize to the faithful and dedicated checkers. I'm sorry that everyday, with your eyes wide and hopeful as you navigate to read my thoughts, ravings, and lunacy, that there hasn't been any new anecdotes to greet you. No rants to welcome you home. No emotion to invite you in. No pain to make you flee.

Yahoo!

2007-04-02T20:52:00.000-04:00

Took over my photo hosting site. I don't have a Yahoo! address and I really didn't want one. Can my blog survive without it's fucking sweet ass pictures? Definitely, but at what cost?

I guess I'm going to have to fold and open a Yahoo! account. Until I do I guess I'll have to make up the lack of visuals with insta-good writing.

"Fresh Air" Finally Has A Podcast

2007-02-28T20:10:00.000-05:00

I was listening to NPR earlier this evening.

As I checked the score for Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 I heard something that peaked my interest. Fundamentalist/Evangelical/Born Again/Ordinary everyday Christians have taken it upon themselves to cure homosexuality. Once I heard that the Christian Right was going to 'cure' individuals of being gay I immediately started laughing beyond any hopes of containment.

Christians, let me be the millionth person to say that one can't spread love through hate and fear. One can't fight for freedom while squashing individual civil liberties. A person can't get to the end of any sentence that involve the words 'cure,' 'God,' 'sacred bond,' and 'homosexuality' without implying that homosexual love is some how less-than heterosexual love.

It is intolerable that these Gayness Re-education Camps exist in the 'freest' nation on the globe. Christian parents, how can one send their child to a GRC under the opportune guise of love?

Once homosexuality has been eradicated what is the next item to cross off the Legal Pad of Evil? Non-Christian Religions? Race relations? Brunettes? Soy Milk?

Happy Cake You

2007-02-28T19:49:00.000-05:00

'Dig This' began it's 2nd rotation around the sun on the 22nd of February.

I always remember when birthday time is afoot because the Academy Awards generally fall on the closest Sunday. I felt bad not updating the little guy as he headed off towards the 'Terrible Twos' phase but the feeling was quelled by an arcane Black Hole of emotion.

I Never Had a Spyrograph

2007-01-28T19:31:00.000-05:00

From my first self-actualizing moment I've always wondered what I would see if I was able to crack open my skull and peer into my thoughts.

What does the visual interpretation of a chaos of synapses firing through sense memory look like? A Spyrograph design? If I was able to broadcast my thoughts onto a large motion picture screen I would be able to decipher the odd splits, poor plot lines, sad character arcs, and the lunacy of my own creation. I would be able to direct myself, slap myself, and push myself through various roadblocks and obstacles that my Ego throws up in front of me without so much as a flinch. Lessons would be learned in moments rather than months.

Until Steve Jobs invents the iConsciousness, with WiFi, I'm stuck growing and learning the old fashioned way. Loving. Living. Experiencing. Standing up.

YKK Be Damned

2007-01-28T19:25:00.000-05:00

I've become accustomed to wearing button fly pants.

So much so that now when I wear lo-fi zipper pants I immediately begin undoing my belt and the fly as if it were button flyed. Once I get to, and undo the zipper, I remember and generally mutter 'Fuck' as my pants fall to the ground.

Proud moments.

She Was Drinking an Arnold Palmer.

2007-01-14T15:19:00.000-05:00

Exhaustion be damned; I need to post a blog.

After such a long recess I'm not sure where to even begin..."the Man" changing the name of Global Warming to a much more non-threatening Global Climate Change...the influx of gadgetry that will undoubtedly modify the globe...Perfect Tits Jess...my silent reverie...two $85 Dual Link DVI cables...collapsing under the weight of my own genius...inadvertent use of the word 'hot,' and having it be misconstrued...existentiality...the list of topics is practically endless since the last time I posted anything real.

So many things to talk about I can't bring myself to pick just one.

Boy Wonder

2007-01-06T14:37:00.000-05:00

Earning my keep.

Funkiness Quotant

2006-12-04T16:21:00.000-05:00

Am I Funky enough to be a Globetrotter?

I used to be. I'd like to think I still am. Have I gotten less Funky as the years pass on by? Preposterous! I'm much Funkier now than on the day I was born.

They Changed Tense Mid-Sentence?

2006-11-30T17:35:00.000-05:00

I went into work today for a few hours.

I was requested in to do a scratch vocal track for one of our clients. The clients had heard the soothing sounds of my voice and ostensibly wanted me to lay in a scratch track on their spot. I never had a fondness for my voice upon listening back when I was younger. I find the fondness growing.

I've always wanted to add 'Voice Talent' to my resume. Along with 'Pornographer' and 'Cartoon Character.'

It all started with a $100 bet.

2006-11-26T20:29:00.000-05:00

We stood in the Marriott parking lot drinking Molson with one of the up and coming stars of the NHL.

Mike decided at the end of the hockey game last night that we should hang around and wait for the Pens to come out of the dressing room. As we were standing there in the semi cold November evening looking down 30 feet onto various heads of all shapes and sizes Mike says 'I'm going to ask Max Talbot if he wants to come to your car and have a beer with us.' To which I replied. 'I'll give you $100 if he has a beer with us at my car.' Several heads and minutes later we finally see Talbot walk out of the dressing room. Mike then begins to yell, 'MAX, MAX.' Talbot then turns around and catches our glance. Mike then yells, 'My friend said he'd give me $400 if you have a beer with us at our car.' Talbot asked where my car was and we told him all the way at the top of the parking lot. He then told us to meet him in the Marriott parking lot in 10 minutes he then yelled, 'No one else! Just these guys.' Mind you we were yelling this across the parking lot among several other Pens fans.

I busted my ass up to the parking lot to grab my car. Picked up Noah and Mike and headed over to the Marriott. I circled the lot a few times as there were only valet spots left. We saw Talbot walking over and Noah jumped out of the car and headed over to him. He told us to just park along the curb by the valet spots. Talbot and his cousin Mark came over to my car and we cracked open some beer. The valets started looking over and began to walk towards my almost certainly illegally parked car. Talbot then raised his hand and said, 'We're cool guys, they're with me.'

We stood there in the parking lot drinking beer with Maxime Talbot talking about hockey and life. I had quite the weekend, to which this adventure added another small piece of awesomeness.

Mourn Over Your Butterfly Wings

2006-11-16T14:36:00.000-05:00

Spinning in infinity.

I have had several different guides walk with me throughout my life. Teachers, friends, music, talk-doctors, cartoons, books, co-workers, parents, a sort of ex-girlfriend. All of them transmiting some unknown imprint on me. I never really assumed that I imparted some pieces of myself back to them as well. Very foolish of me to think it would all be unrequited.

Sexy Pants Part 2

2006-11-16T14:24:00.000-05:00

Shopping was a good time.

Alyson and I usually have a fantastic time together. She told me the other night that I had a great girl once, then I made a bad decision and lost her. I told her that I knew that and my penance was to stand by and be her best friend for the remainder of our lives. Good times. I also made a pact at that time to never discuss that bad decision for the rest of my life!

(photo of Big Ken)
I got 3 pairs of pants and I must say they are definitely the sexiest pants I've ever owned. I lost a lot more weight than I had originally assumed so it took a little longer.
One of the pants has a button fly. I was told that I was not passing over pants that looked that good on me just because they had a button fly. I'll just need to have an extra minute to tackle them before I use that lavatory I guess.

Sexy Pants Part 1

2006-11-12T13:43:00.000-05:00

I've lost weight and I need new clothes.

I find it very hard to motivate myself to actually go clothing shopping. I walk through the moderately priced strip malls of suburbia looking around not focusing on anything. Eventually I just turn around and walk away. I'm like a swimmer whelmed in a raging storm and I cave under the pressure of finding a kick ass shirt or trying on the right jeans, or 'sexy pants.' Don't get me wrong, I love wearing nice clothes, I just have a hard time actually getting myself to the stores.

Luckily Alyson loves me and invariably guides me to my 'sexy pants.'

Bachelor Chow, Now with Flavor!

2006-11-12T13:25:00.000-05:00

I've been practicing like it's going out of style.

Mostly Sax and Guitar, a little Piano as well. I have an incredibly vast amount of 'Ray' time now. I enjoy spending time with my horn, books, words, and mind but I think I need to add a little more Life-time, no I'm not talking about Television for Women. I've had my time, now I can balance the 'Ray' time with the Television for Women time...and Futurama time.

Survey Says

2006-11-09T13:34:00.000-05:00

I was at Vincent's Pizza today with a friend for their lunch buffet.

As we sat there gorging ourselves on the greasiest pizza, possibly in the entire world, we were watching John Hurley as the new host of Family Feud. I long for the days of Richard Dawson in spite of how inappropriate he was with the ladies.

As we were watching in the semi crowded pizzeria I was yelling out my answers right along side the contestants. I didn't have my notebook so I couldn't write down the exact wording of this question but it was somewhere along the lines of "What animal does the farmer not want to become to attached to because he's going to eat it." Again, paraphrasing. I immediately shout out 'Sheep!' to whomever is listening which turns out is the entire pizza shop. The contestants are playing along and doing well. Sheep was the #3 answer so I feel good about my contribution. Then someone says 'Horse.' I'm thinking to myself, and out loud, very out loud. Who the hell eats a horse? Survey Says...Horse, #5 answer. I'm astonished. I keep asking, over and over, Who eats horse? Who eats horse? Looking around the room for someone to say, 'I do and it's not that bad.' I wish that were the pinnacle of the story. Sadly, the number #4 answer was Dog.

We Are All, in Some Way or Another, Going to Reseda.

2006-11-04T13:35:00.000-05:00

Readers, I implore you.

The only way to know where your journey has taken you is to look back and embrace where you've been. I encourage, nay beg everyone to read all of your old blogs and journal entries, visit old memories, look at old photographs. What did you think 5 years ago? Are you in a place now that you could never have imagined? Where did you think you would be by now? What have you accomplished that you never thought you could?

The boy in the picture has no idea what lies ahead of him; yet he has no fear.

Where Are You November 7th?

2006-10-31T12:53:00.000-05:00

Is anyone else tired of the political advertising during prime time television?

Aren't we supposed to be seeing commercials for Tampons, Burger King, & Molson? Instead we're inundated with an influx of politicians into our homes. Political advertising that states the only way to be patriotic is to support war. Political advertising that states the only way to be patriotic is to not support war. Political advertising that criticizes pro-life. Political advertising that criticizes pro-choice. When did politicians become brand names? Products that need a marketing strategy?

Don't get me wrong Mr. Santorum, I appreciate the awareness you are trying to spread about your support of the incumbent government, but every advertisement, Republican, Democratic, or third party, consists of slanderous remarks, sound bites taken out of context, and a looming message of doom if we don't pick the right product. It is a lot for me to digest along side my dinner.

I can't wait to get back to watching the normal commercials for Always with Wings for extra leak protection.

Also, is there anyone out there that doesn't cringe at the mention of Rick Santorum? I personally dislike him with a passionate vengence.

True Dreams

2006-10-31T12:10:00.000-05:00

I've always felt I picked up on universal vibes throughout my life.

A lot of the time they are spot on, or at least pretty damn close to the spot. I can remember a lot of them specifically. I'm sure you are all begging for an example of my mental prowess and I would hate to disappoint my faithful readers.

In high school I had worked up the courage to ask out a female class member who I very much liked adorning with my attentions. We had been vigorously flirting for weeks before the approaching Thanksgiving break. That particular Thanksgiving my father was getting remarried on the Caribbean Island of St. John and my sister and I went with the soon-to-be newlyweds for the ceremony and also spent a week living in a beautiful house right on the beach. While I was absent on this tropical paradise I had a dream every night that when I returned home the lady friend which had previously told me that she would love to share my company had changed her mind. Those dreams were very vivid and felt quite real. I decided then that they were just wild fabrications of a teenage mind. How could I possibly know what was going to happen upon my return to the States?

When I resumed school after living on that gorgeous island, one of the most wonderful experiences of my life mind you, I re-commenced my courting of this young lady. To my astonishment she in fact had changed her mind. Turns out she actually already had a boyfriend at another high school which I had known nothing about. I was saddened, as any young man would be after a slight rejection. I was also enraged that my dreams were correct, they weren't just idle thoughts of a teenager. I felt as though my mind had turned against me. I also wondered if I wasn't visited by those dreams would she and I have gone on our date?

I know now that dreams are other probable realities in which you play out life scenarios in your mind. I have been remembering dreams about certain scenarios.

Nuclear Arms

2006-10-24T20:47:00.000-04:00

If every country has them will it really stop the masses from using them?

World leader tempers are too close to the boiling point as it is. I'm really not that comfortable with our current leader out there tempting other countries into blowing up the planet.

Penn State Basketball?

2006-10-16T15:01:00.000-04:00

I'm reading some old journal entries.

(photo by Crysta)
To see where I've been and how far I've come to know myself.

"7.31.04
Drunk. Bar 11. Bride. Rumshackers. Rashell. Penn State Basketball."

Introspective indeed!

Naivete

2006-10-16T14:19:00.000-04:00

It causes us to search for answers.

To examine inward as well as outward. This journey toward enlightenment should never end; no matter what situation, where we are, who we are with, what state of mind we are residing. The journey doesn't need to stop when we've stumbled upon things we like and want to hold on to, even if we think those things may get in the way of our learning. It's up to us to keep our quest for truths going.

How long will this journey take? Are we strong enough to make it through?

Dig This.

2006-10-09T13:19:00.000-04:00

I need to share this with everyone. I know it's not one of my normal posts but it needs to be spread.

"The integrity of any intuitive information depends upon the inner integrity of the person who receives it. Expansion of consciousness, therefore, requires honest self appraisal, an awareness of one's own beliefs and prejudices. It brings a gift and a responsibility. All who wish to look within themselves, to find their own answers, to encounter their own 'appointment with the universe,' should therefore become well acquainted with the intimate workings of their own personality.

Such self knowledge is in itself highly advantageous, and in one way is its own reward. It is impossible, however; to look inward with any clearness if you are unwilling to change your attitudes, beliefs, or behavior; or examine those characteristics that you consider uniquely your own.

You cannot examine reality without examining yourself, in other words. You cannot hold encounters with All That Is apart from yourself, and you cannot separate yourself from your experience. You cannot use 'truth.' It cannot be manipulated. Whoever thinks he is manipulating truth is manipulating himself. You are truth. Then discover yourself."

Seth Speaks.

Peter Principle

2006-10-05T12:35:00.000-04:00

"In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence."

On the first page of the Federal Government's employee handbook?

She Came In Through The Bathroom Window...

2006-10-05T12:06:00.000-04:00

Usually I journey on the bus with my head apostrophed with headphones.

I decided to go sans music yesterday just to look around and to see if I could gain any comfort in the faces of my fellow travelers. For the most part everyone sits in silence. Some are in a gentle slumber. They jar themselves awake every so often wondering if they've missed their stop. Others sit staring blankly out the window at the fleeting trees and houses that quickly pass. Some read trying hard not to lose their concentration on the book or newspaper in front of them. Others sit, like me, with their earbuds in listening to whatever their iPod decides to play for them.

I saw the distractions we've created to block out one another. To keep us a safe distance away so we don't have to think or feel or interact with anyone, including ourselves. Isolation becomes our only friend.

Harbor No Grudge...

2006-10-03T16:25:00.000-04:00

Against me for leaving you all with nothing to fill your Internetastic lives.

When did the entertainment industry begin to worry if was towing the party line? When did we begin to delineate our enjoyment bipartisanly? When did we decide that only certain subjects are able to be made the subject of fun?

Isn't it more inappropriate to draw a line in the sand about what is safe and unsafe to laugh about than to just laugh about everything?

My cousin Jamie.

2006-09-12T10:26:00.000-04:00

Very wise.

Holy Crap!

2006-08-31T21:08:00.000-04:00

I've just fallen in lust with Wikipedia.

I know that is intensely lame but I can't help it. I sat for 10 minutes just searching for things. It's got it all. Occamm's Razor, Evgeni Malkin, Mythbusters, and Fedora hats. It's got them all. Of course, I had to go for it and see if perhaps Raymond Sneed, has made it into Wikipedia.

He hasn't.

Story Telling

2006-08-31T20:59:00.000-04:00

As I sit here listening to Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade I remember about my blog.

The piece being based on the tale of an incredible story teller. Sadly, I am not and have let you down once again. I don't think I could keep telling stories for 1001 nights to keep alive. I'm sure I'd start out strong. Perhaps even make it to story 200; but after that I'd start crapping out and only getting in one story every few days.

Christianity 21%

2006-08-20T21:37:00.000-04:00

I just took a religion quiz on the internet.

It breaks down, in percentages, world religions based on how they relate to your scientifically tested 'Agree' or 'Disagree' answers. 88% of my answers were apparently considered Pagan. Not terribly crazy or odd I guess; however 83% of my 'Agree' or 'Disagree' answers were considered to be Satanistic.

I really don't find myself to be much of a Satanist, nor do I even believe in a Satan. I don't particularly agree with most organized religions actually. I also didn't realize there is only a 5% difference between Paganism and Satanism. You can learn a lot from quizzes you find on the internet.

"I Miss Your Blog, Man" -Mike Laubach

2006-08-19T14:05:00.000-04:00

The pizza place right around the corner from my house has a Myspace page.

Bradlios. Pop Culture, I shake my fist at you!

Hey, Pizza Man.

2006-07-30T21:22:00.000-04:00

Crysta was maid of honor in her best friends wedding.

I was her +1. I do my best to make the position of +1 a class act. I go out of my way to be charming, funny, and of course smell nice. The ceremony and festivities were greatly enjoyed upon by her guests. We had a blast. Of course she caught the bouquet. Then the groom threw the garter belt at me. Nothing more appropriate than putting your hands up your girlfriend's dress while her mother yells, 'Lets go Ray!'

After the reception we rolled to the Hilton and commenced our 'after the reception' party in one of the rooms. A few of the other gentlemen in the party gathered the desk from the corner of the room and decided to set up a mini-beer pong table. Crysta and I wanted some pizza but got side tracked. After we remembered about our pizza quest we saw a man in the hallway carrying 2 pizzas. Crysta proceeds to yell 'Hey, Pizza Man!' and accosts the poor fellow. She is talking to him like he is the delivery man, all the while we're telling her the poor man is a hotel guest.

Dave Foley?

2006-07-29T14:04:00.000-04:00

I worked on my first session at Big Science last Wednesday night.

It was awesome. We had sort of an unexpected session pop up while Mark was on vacation. Andy and I were also right in the middle of updating all of the equipment in Mark's room Nemo. We got it all situated and I got to work my first session while we tested our brand new set up.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. I recorded a young woman who was doing the voice over for an on-hold message. No equipment foul ups! No engineering foul ups! I thought it went very well and it was a nice starter session for me. I'm allgrowedsup.

If That's Your Boyfriend He Wasn't Last Night

2006-07-29T13:36:00.000-04:00

Seth.

I've been reading Seth Speaks almost every night. At least one session. Sometimes 3 chapters. The chapters I am currently reading are about religion. These chapters are fantastic. I find myself re-reading them just to try and grasp all of it.

Seth addresses Christianity the most since it is the largest minoritied religion in the world. I don't want to spoil the chapters for all the hoards of people who are reading a long with me but I need to say at least a little about the religion chapters. Seth speaks of the THREE Christ figures and how the 12 apostles all represent qualities of personality that actually belong to one individual and Christ as we know him represented the inner self.

It's definitely a lot. Feel free to leave comments. I know this is really heavy but it is Rockingly Good.

Steve Fitzgerald

2006-07-10T21:47:00.000-04:00

Went down to the office the other night. We don't seem to frequent it as much as we used to.

It was an unofficial celebration. Steve got a new gig with an army band and Laubach had his very special 25th birthday event, 2 days after his actual birthday.

These ladies just couldn't keep their hands off Steve.

For Real Real.

2006-07-05T23:00:00.000-04:00

It's been quite awhile.

I know I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it several more times during this probable reality but, I'm the worst blogger ever.

I can use vacation as an excuse, but I was only gone for a week and it was in June. I'm a failure as a blogger. All those in blog land I beg of you for forgiveness.

The Bible Outlet Store

2006-06-03T16:22:00.000-04:00

Outlet shopping is fairly amusing.

I found the watch I was looking for and some shorts. The watch was half the price but the shorts were only a few dollars off. Also learned a lot about Maple Nut Fudge and Maple sans Nut Fudge from a gay gentleman working at 'The Fudgery.'

I was, however, not allowed to enter the aforementioned 'Bible Outlet Store.'

Where the Fuck is April's Newsletter?

2006-06-03T16:11:00.000-04:00

Seth Speaks has a movie. Called, creatively, The Seth Movie. I only watched pieces of it as I transferred it from VHS to MPEG; but the sections I caught were wild.

The trance parts where Seth is actually speaking through Jane are crazy. Two distinctly different personalities, Seth and Jane. She falls in and out of trances like a person nodding off rapidly on the bus ride home from work and catching their heads just before it hits the bar on the seat in front of them. When she comes out she immediately says "I'm Out, I'm out."

I wish I could fall in and out of this probable reality with nothing more than a head nod.

Longhorn

2006-05-07T23:09:00.000-04:00

Cute Vegan girls and Mr. Green please avoid this post.

Let me start off just by saying, Holy crap what a feast! I didn't order anything extravagent from the menu. I was in a boring mood and ordered the 11oz. NY Strip Steak. The chunk of flesh wasn't the only thing to sink your teef into though, the vegetables and salad and potatoes and bread and mushrooms and onions and ranch dressing...Holy crap what a feast!

Ok...Dig This

2006-05-07T22:25:00.000-04:00

Seth Speaks.

Hang with me here folks. Even if it gets a little weird, hang with me. I promise, it's good shit.

The book was written in 1972 by a woman named Jane Roberts. Although she is listed as the author, she is not. She is merely channeling a 'multidimensional personality' named Seth...I'll let that sink in.

Seth explains throughout, well in the first 4 chapters at least, that we are not who we think we are. We are all 'multidimensional personalities' living several simultaneous lives. We all also hold the knowledge of the universe in its entirety. The reason we can't tap into that knowledgeable goodness is because we are too focused in this particular reality.

He also goes on to explain that time isn't linear. Time as we know it is an illusion. We, as 'multidimensional personalities,' create each of our own existences, as well as collectively create the world as we see it and time and space. We create the people we know, the situations we encounter, and the hardships we face in order to learn and gather more knowledge on our quest towards enlightenment.

We can train ourselves into unlocking the knowledge and learning of our other experiences, so don't fret folks. I wish there were more exercises in this book, however there are several other books which are chock full of them! When I find out how I'll make sure to share. What's the point of enlightenment if you can't share it with everyone. Don't rely on my half-ass explanation as your only info into the insight of this book. Please check it out for yourselves.

You Always Loved My Non-Sequiturs

2006-05-07T22:17:00.000-04:00

Myspace.com has worked its way into daily conversation.

Pop culture be damned!

Consciousness Creates Form

2006-05-02T15:32:00.000-04:00

I lost a great deal of the pictures I had taken. These 2 were still living on my camera when my computer died.

Life has been going quite well for me. I've been holding back an update while I started reading a new book, a book to the likes of which most of you will hopefully dig. Seth Speaks.

Only the title for now. Sorry.

Big Ken

2006-04-23T14:05:00.000-04:00

In response to your comment Ken.

I put in a DVD and it crashed. I hard restarted it and it wouldn't go past the grey Apple white background screen. Happened out of no where man.

Ron Stewart

2006-04-20T10:53:00.000-04:00

My laptop. She is sick.

I'll do my best to keep the posts up while she's back at Apple getting better.

Last Thoughts on Woody Guthrie

2006-04-10T12:50:00.000-04:00

The mentality of the Incumbent world has got me feeling trapped.

3121

2006-03-27T15:59:00.000-05:00

I just got the new Prince album from Uncle Bobby.

I'm still taking it all in, but I have to say I like it better than Musicology already.

Mike L? Mike M?

2006-03-15T15:27:00.000-05:00

I watched 'Mullholland Drive' the other night.

I grasped the 2 distinct sections of the movie, however i was unaware of how they fit together. I asked Mr. Green, my boss and an avid David Lynch fan, what the hell was going on. He stated that it's a metaphor for the 'joke' of Hollywood. Sadly I still needed to look up a synopsis for the film. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely a money film, I'm just apparently an idiot.

The People United Never Shall Be Vanquished

2006-03-10T20:32:00.000-05:00

Josh's tattoos.

Money.

The Life of David Gale

2006-03-09T19:50:00.000-05:00

Yes, it is true that watching American Idol makes Jesus cry.

Not just normal cry yourself to sleep crying either. Jesus cries loud. Like 3 year old fell and smacked his head, snot bubbles, and gasping for air type crying.

On a lighter note I highly recommend watching 'The Life of David Gale.' It's a fantastic story as well as fantastically acted.

Gravitas

2006-03-05T12:43:00.000-05:00

My dreams have been reaching outlandish circumstances.

At least I hope they are outlandish. My subconscious seems to have turned against me while I slumber.

Superman Lunch Box

2006-02-26T22:53:00.000-05:00

Good old little Superman lunch box.

Rock.

For Mr. McDuffie

2006-02-23T16:52:00.000-05:00

I've got photos of Rodney for everyone to enjoy. Don't laugh at his patheticness please.

It's not his fault.

He was made this way.

Poor guy.

Happy Anniversary

2006-02-22T08:15:00.000-05:00

It's been one year since I started blogging.

Hopefully everyone has been entertained and enjoyed sharing in my life this past year.

Rodney

2006-02-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

Penny bought me the ugliest bear for Valentines day.

His name is Rodney. He's a ballerina, wearing a blue tutu and matching head piece. His name is Rodney. It was clearly displayed on the name tag. Rodney. Wearing a tutu. Rodney. The Ballerina Bear.

Not only is he a ballerina, but he was in danger of being the only one left on the shelf, hidden in the back, alone. Penny saved him from a certain life of becoming trash, or worse, a ripped up dog toy on the carpet of my living room.

It Has Infected My Brain

2006-02-08T11:35:00.000-05:00

When did the seemingly ridiculous idol worship of Chuck Norris lay its eggs in our collective chests?

It seems to have taken pieces of our civilized society by thunderous storm. The random Chuck Norris quotes and away messages. I find myself reading them and actually looking forward to finding more. Chuck Norris? For real?

Dance On Vaseline

2006-02-07T12:14:00.000-05:00

Our Super Bowl party was quite fun.

I think everyone enjoyed the festivities immensely. The burger king crown on the head of our party was our homemade 'Terrible Table.' We received several high-fives over our efforts in making it look spectacular.

We also learned that some folks can't begin playing beer pong 6 hours prior to the Super Bowl without losing consciousness and/or vomiting several times. I'd also like to add that none of the ladies in attendance were apart of the aforementioned group.

Terrible Table

2006-02-07T12:04:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl Extra Large

Mistakes

2006-02-03T10:53:00.000-05:00

What happens in your mind in the exact moment you realize you've changed something, possibly forever?

I can tell you what happened in my mind. Regret. I'm abhorred at myself.

When you realize apologies can only go so far, then what do you do?

I break down. I lose myself in my emotions until I've exhausted them away.

When you look into the eyes of the woman you love and see you let her down, how do you feel?

I'm sorry.

The Pop In

2006-01-30T11:50:00.000-05:00

Coincidence aside, is it a time for the whole universe to remember past times?

New Car

2006-01-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

Folks. I am a car owner.

2004 Chevy Malibu. 37,000 Miles. Rock diggy.

Cerrado

2006-01-17T14:36:00.000-05:00

I realized that I have some difficulties imprinted on my personality.

Luckily I've got a cadre of hi-fi peeps surrounding me. Overwhelming evening this past weekend. Luckily my wonderfully caring special lady carried me through kicking and screaming. Literally.

Sunshine Circumcisions

2006-01-12T22:21:00.000-05:00

I spent the morning lounging amidst the vast array of sunshine in Oakland.

Penny needed a ride down to school so I gladly took the time and added an adventure to my day. We just sat there watching our fellow society members walk around us. I had a blast.

While we basked in the sun we talked about circumcisions and tried to figure out what percentage of the men-folk passing before us were in fact whole. From the crack research team I've assembled I've found that there really is no point to it outside of conformity and appearances.

MOTU Gone

2006-01-10T13:54:00.000-05:00

I sold my MOTU on eBay Friday.

Watching it all week sparked a love affair with the online auction site. I find myself looking around my room seeking possessions which I might be able to sell next.

Here I am, Rock You Like a Hurricane

2005-12-31T11:51:00.000-05:00

On the eve of the New Year I'd like to give a shout out to capitalism.

Buy me

Coffee Backpacks

2005-12-28T15:25:00.000-05:00

As I rode the bus into town today I happened to notice out of the corner of my eye a cadre of people in McDonald's uniforms equipped with coffee dispensing back packs congregating at the corner.

I've never seen this type of mobile coffee patrol. It seems to fall into the 'almost a good idea' category.

Sorry for the lack of pictures. I'm at work and needed to post my thoughts on McDonald's fight against non-coffee drinkers.

Edward 40 Hands: Christmas Edition

2005-12-13T12:36:00.000-05:00

We played 40 hands Friday night while watching National Lampoons: Christmas Vacation. For some reason throughout the night it was in French?

You Shan't III

2005-12-08T17:01:00.000-05:00

Perhaps I championed the 'religious' side to my arguments too much.

What I was getting at was that it is a matter of respect. I feel our country as a whole can do a little in the respect department. I'm not championing other religions taking over the 'Holiday Season.' I'm also not condemning Christians for having the majority in the country. I'm just saying that I don't think it would truly ruin anyones day or violate anyone's religious freedom to say 'Happy Holidays' over 'Happy Kwanzaa.'

I don't feel that it is a violation of freedom of religion or freedom of speech. My argument was for a respect of diversity and trying a little harder to accept everyone. Be excellent to each other.

You Shan't Jr.

2005-12-07T21:56:00.000-05:00

Fantastic comments.

Leave more. I love open dialogues about different opinions. It's what keeps me alive.

You Shan't

2005-12-07T18:02:00.000-05:00

I went to pick up 50 cans of tomatoes with Andy this afternoon.

Big Science is making homemade salsa for, what I'm assuming will be corporate Jesus-mas presents. I've never made salsa before, or assisted in salsa making as it were. Friday will be the salsa-vaganza.

I don't like to get preachy, or even overly opinionated but I'd like to express a small qualm I have with the Christian Right (which by my calculation is neither).

Christians, lets have a chat. You've turned Christmas into a beast that cannot be fed. I'm sorry to say it, but when people say they're tired of not being able to say 'Merry Christmas' in school or see 'Merry Christmas' in stores or banners hanging up throughout the town square they are telling everyone to commercialize the holiday. Stop being so upset. I know you're in the minority, all 80% of you, but give it up.

Do you really all want to go with the pundits and make this into a huge issue? Deal with it America. We're a diverse nation, filled with diverse cultures. I would love to see a more equal mix of religions in this country, and granted we do deal with diversity a hell of a lot better than most, but just let it go. Who cares if we have to call it a 'Holiday' play or say 'Happy Holidays'. Embrace the diversity of the nation. Love the fact that we can have several major religions all coexisting in one country. If there is one thing Jesus loved, it's semantics.

As Big As Your Face

2005-11-29T12:01:00.000-05:00

Jade thinks she's a cat.

She's laying on the mystery sweatshirt. A sweatshirt I acquired at the Halloween Steeler game. I have no idea who it belongs to.

Fffff

2005-11-29T11:57:00.000-05:00

Went to Carlisle for Thanksgiving.

I had a great time hanging out with my new baby cousins. I find myself enjoying little baby types more and more. The only thing about them is that they will grow up to be teenagers. I didn't even like myself as a teenager much less some one else I used to like becoming a teenager.

But My Lips Hurt Real Bad

2005-11-22T14:19:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the fotos from my photographics assistant debut ganked from my boss.

Model Angella Ashton.

You can definitely dig my reflector work in this one.

I think this one is might adorn the the office walls at some point in time.

Reflecto-Boy

2005-11-14T16:32:00.000-05:00

I worked a photo shoot this weekend.

My first time. We were working with model Angella Ashton. It was an all out hi-fi experience. I could definitely dig getting further into photography. Perhaps even taking it on as a sub-career.

I held the esteemed job of handling the reflector and swapping out tapes and film. Whenever the video is processed and the photos are posted they should be at Ceiling of Glass.

Paint Transfer

2005-11-08T13:51:00.000-05:00

I got rear ended today.

Wasn't a terrible accident or anything horrendous so don't fear for my broken body. I was just sitting there, waiting in traffic when some lady in a Green Falcon hit me from the back.

I really didn't care, it's not like my car doesn't have something wrong with it's transmission or doesn't leak gas fumes through the heating vents or isn't under the constant watchful eye of the 'Check Engine' light. No, no worries. Besides when I got out to look at it, I didn't see anything wrong with it outside of my license plate holder was cracked.

We exchanged information. I didn't say much, I kinda feel bad about that. She said it was her first accident. I really didn't know how to respond to that so I said 'Oh yeah.' How do you respond to that? 'Well don't worry, I'm sure you'll have more?' 'Too bad, you had a good streak going there?' Endless possibilities swarmed my mind, however I decided to just let it go with the 'Oh yeah.'

Steeler Game

2005-11-01T16:02:00.000-05:00

We went to the Monday night Steeler game last night.

My first experience tailgating. It was quite exhilarating. I was very please with the experience as were my fellow 'gaters. At least they seemed to have an excellent time.

Our neighbors ended up sharing their food with us as well.

After a little while, I put on 'Thriller,' and then kept taking requests from the entire parking lot.

Girls walking around the parking lot with a can collecting money for Breast Cancer Research made the mistake of coming by our car. We ended up giving them a lot of money as well as a few hot dogs and some beer.

I christened the bathroom...

So everyone else wouldn't be ashamed to go in public.

Our neighbors were uber friendly as you can tell from the previous picture of them sharing their food.

Overall, we enjoyed ourselves extremely. I think we did a damn good job for it being most of our first times tailgating.

Green Line Please

2005-10-24T15:47:00.000-04:00

Why can't we have a subway/busway system that is efficient and makes sense?

I've spent the past week looking up and down Pittsburgh's Port Authority schedules and bus routes. Half of them have to correct times on them, the other half don't even have all the stops on them. I just need to get from Point A to Point B as reasonably close to my punch in time as possible. Why haven't the built the damn Maglev yet?

Suburbia is the burden of my existence.

My Murse Is Famous

2005-10-20T11:58:00.000-04:00

I saw the Mike Doughty Band last night at Smalls.

It was a fantastic show. Scrap Facts. Face calls. G'n'R. Chuck. Old school Hip Hop.

Pete McNeal, 'The Man of Feel' as Doughy has so dubbed him, has got to be the tightest drummer I've heard in a long time. I've definitely only heard a few drummers who not only play well, but play well enough into the songs that to hear the song without the drums would be a travesty.

Scrap maybe the funniest person I've never met. He stands off center and in the backish playing the upright with swiss watch like precision. All the while he adorns a smirk on his face that makes you feel he is aware of something you aren't. I want to know what Scrap is thinking.

Handsome Dan has the most amazing sound. I totally dug his Face call. And I definitely want to know what keyboard he was using for it. Dan also has a look to him as he plays. Mostly with his mouth open.

Doughty signed my Murse. You are a very nice man Mr. Doughty. I enjoy all of your music as well as personal stylings.

I'll See You Back At The House

2005-10-18T10:23:00.000-04:00

I saw Henry Rollins last night.

He is on his latest spoken word tour. It was definitely Hi-fi. I sit bemused as he calls himself inarticulate and anything less than brilliant.

Blood Guy

2005-10-14T13:42:00.000-04:00

I got in at 1:30 this morning.

GWAR was incredible. They were celebrating their 20th year of rocking. I met three of the members and got to talking with one. Joe, the blood cannon guy, sans costuming. He was really quiet and very down to earth. It really was odd to me that they were all really normal dudes.

During load in I got to handle the blood tanks. An experience no one should be without. Three 50 gallon pressurized tanks we had to fill with water as Joe, who has a permanent red pigment to his hair and skin, mixed his blood colored powder mixture. We ended up leaving one of the tanks unattended for a short time, in which time it overflowed, all down the sidewalk. Now the sidewalk has a great redish orange tint to it.

I got to bring Gor-Gor the Dinosaur's head in. As fun as that sounds, he was still soaked in blood from the previous nights show. Needless to say my hands were died red the rest of the day.

As we were continuing to move shit off their 18 wheeler into the theater there was a guy sitting on the street who had just bought his ticket to the show. We asked him if he wanted to help us load in. His eyes got wide as hell. He was fucking more than happy to help GWAR move their shit into the theater. I lost track of him throughout the day, but hopefully he atleast got to meet the guys.

I didn't get to see much of the show. They decided at the last minute that they wanted a live recording. It added more stress to a seemingly simple day but we pulled it off. They were incredibly tight and outside the crowd noise no one would really know it was a live album.

As we knew the theater was trashed and covered in blood and various other substances from their perfomance. They killed off, in order, Pope Benidict, George W, Dick Chenney, Sharon Osbourne, and Michael Jackson, as well as the normal Gor-Gor the Dinosaur and Wargel the 'whatever the hell he is.' We placed the entire theater under various plastic wraps and carpeting in a preemptive strike to help keep the fluids from any sort of permanent damage.

When I got home I hung my official GWAR working crew/backstage pass on my door then drifted off to sleep with visions of blood covered fans walking out of the theater cheering and loving life.

The Worst Blogger Ever.

2005-10-12T11:29:00.000-04:00

I get to work with GWAR tomorrow.

For real. GWAR. I need to be at Smalls by 11 to plastic wrap the stage.

Happy Rosh Hashanah

2005-10-03T19:26:00.000-04:00

An ardent Happy New Year goes out to all my Jewish friends & family. 5766 years of amazing culture and history.

Matt the Monkey Champ

2005-10-01T16:38:00.000-04:00

Matt is the professional Barrel of Monkeys player. He gots them all.

Noah's Birthday

2005-10-01T10:17:00.000-04:00

We went to Noah's place last night to celebrate his birthday.

The plan was to pregame for awhile then roll out. We didn't make it out. We ended up drinking a lot and waiting for Jeff to get in. By that time most of us were done for the evening.

My stupendous lady friend went out got a surprise birthday pie for Noah after our first wave of drinking. We pretty much demolished it when she returned.

Dairy Queen

2005-09-24T14:57:00.000-04:00

Went down to the office last night.

I know it may seem like that is the only thing I do but I can assure you I do more interesting things occasionally. In fact, forget the office for now.

I worked a session for Liz Berlin of Rusted Root at Mr. Smalls the other night.

I had a blast. I was recording her doing some backing vocals as well as some various hand percussion on another artist's tunes. The artist is named Gaba Gavi. Cool guy, went to BU, probably met him while I was in Boston and didn't even know it. Liz is a great woman, I'm not a big fan of 'the Root,' but I do dig her as a person and as a musician. Hopefully working on that session the other night jump started my ascension up this apprenticeship ladder.

Pirate Day!

2005-09-19T12:57:00.000-04:00

Today is International Talk Like a Pirate day. Enjoy ye Scurvy Dogs!

The Recching Ball!

2005-09-19T12:20:00.000-04:00

Went to the Mellon Arena on Saturday.

We went to watch the first Penguins scrimmages. The first scrimmage between the White and Yellow team was crazy as hell it was like 7 to 6. Those teams didn't seem very into it, or that great either. I have a feeling a lot of those people were going to recieve a little red tag in their lockers after practice.

The second game, the Black team versus the Red team, or as it seemed the starting Penguins vs. Our lady of the Sacred Heart all girls school featuring Sergei Gonchar, was intense. The Black team schooled the catholic school girls 7 to 1. The Red team didn't even really score that 1 goal, they just gave them a point because they felt bad.

Before the games started we got to meet Recchi, Gonchar, Fleury, and Lame ass Rico Fata. I got Recchi and Gonchar's signatures on pucks and Fleury signed a picture. I had Rico sign a piece of paper which I later gave away. We also got to meet fat ass sports talk show host Mark Madden. We met him in the food line. Mike voiced his opinion about liking his show to which Madden replied Thanks and then ran off to eat his pounds of food. Overall it was a great day, a lot of fun being back at the Mellon Arena, even though its probably the shittiest building in the city.

Seamus O'Grady

2005-09-12T15:54:00.000-04:00

I took up my Irish guise again Saturday night.

We went down to Station Square for the Irish Festival. Needless to say there were more than a few sons and daughters of Ireland there, and although I was prepared to give my false appellation to anyone who questioned my ethnicity, I certainly wasn't the only non-irish person in attendance.

I was looking forward to enjoying some Shepards pie all day long. I've only tasted it once before and I've decided that it definitely warrants a second tasting. When we got to the main tent where the 'traditional' food was being prepared I found out to my dissapointment that most all of the food was sold out. The only traditional meal that was being served was stew in a bread bowl. I of course got the time-honored Irish feast of a slice of pizza, a corn dog, and french fries. I lost count, but I know we all had at least 4 funnell cakes to share as well.