Merry Christmas!!!

Awesome!

Goodbye, Carl!!!!

1988 - 2008

Christmas Performance

Last Wednesday was Academie Lafayette's Christmas concert, and Lisa and I's first official Christmas concert as parents.  While in preschool, Collin had a couple of roles in the Nativity story.  One year and the Angel Gabriel and the other as one of the Wise men.  But this year was bigger. 

Here we are all packed into the school's auditorium.  Lisa, her aunt Susan, my dad's wife Mary, and that dark figure next to her is my dad.  Lisa's step-father Kevin was there too, but he got there a little late.  He had to watch from the balcony.  

Wednesday was only grades K through 3rd.  There would have been NO WAY POSSIBLE to get all the grades in one night.  The French like sardines, don't they?

There were lots of skits about trash bags.  I think they wanted us to purchase them or something.  This here is the principal wearing one.  

Sorry the picture isn't so good, but thats with a flash and everything. We were so far back that if I tried to zoom in any closer it starts blur. This is the all of the Kindergarten classes.  There are 22 kids in Collin's class, so I'm guessing there are around 4 or 5 K classes total. It is definitely the largest in the school.  Can you spot Collin?

What you can barely spot on the left is a guy in a brown leather jacket.  He stood in the aisle during the whole Kindergarten song. Lisa and I could see Collin perfectly, but he caused a freak out session by her aunt and my step-mother.

After messing with the camera I was able to zoom in a little more. Right there in the middle is Collin, singing "Must Be Santa" with all of his classmates.  I think the dark photos look kinda creepy, especially when you focus on the kids eyes.  When we got home and view all the photos, I zoomed in on this one because I thought I saw something weird.

If you look to the right, it kinda looks as if Batman's nemesis the Scarecrow is singing behind him.  

WTF?!?

Sunday night I tried to force myself to stay up and cram for my Business Math final.  I was dead tired when I began, so I got a cup of cold coffee out of the fridge that I was saving for the morning.  An hour went by when I realized that this was totally out of my normal study pattern and wasn't going to do me any good.  The more I worked the more frustrated I got.  My mind felt like mush so I decided that I'd have better luck cramming in the morning. Procrastination fits more into my kind of study pattern anyway.  

So I left everything on the table, put the rest of the cold coffee back in the fridge and got ready for bed.  Even though I was tired my mind was racing with thoughts of improv (it never stops) and now math problems and formulas.  I knew I was not going to fall directly to sleep.  This happens to me more often than not.  Dead tired from the moment I decide its bedtime to the moment I hit the pillow.  I won't be able to sleep even if I have one thing on my mind.  It's like a habit or something.  But strangely Monday night was different.

I laid there for five minutes thinking about the final, which consisted of things like depreciation value, simple and compounded interest, and everything that is taxes.  As well as improv, which consisted of new possible formats, marketing techniques, and things that happened in past shows.  I knew I HAD to sleep, the final was very important to me.  Then something happened.  I envisioned myself in my brain, floating upright and directly inside the middle of a gigantic cube.  The walls of the cube were transparent but defined.  I could visually see myself floating there as well as see what my eyes were seeing.  The cube itself resembled something out of TRON, and I resembled something out of the virtual reality scenes in The Lawnmower Man.  

Anyway, I started seeing thoughts come towards me through the cube.  I knew the only way for me to sleep was to keep all of these thoughts on the outside the cube.  So I started mentally pushing them away.  Breathing helped.  I good deep breathe was like a force that would push them all at the same.  Once the inside of the cube was empty except for me, I felt completely at ease, and I was able to focus on the nothingness inside the cube for a while.  A couple more thoughts would enter, and before they got close I was able to mentally push them away with no problem.  As this was going on, I knew I was not asleep.  This wasn't something that I had planned on doing to help myself.  It just sorta happened.  

Once I felt like I had a good grasp of the situation, I focused on expanding the cube.  I figured he bigger I made it, the more empty space I would have and the harder it would be for thoughts to get to me.  So with a big deep breathe the walls expanded as I exhaled. After a few more times of this, I believe I fell straight asleep.  The whole experience couldn't have lasted 10 minutes. 

I woke up the next morning feeling like I had gotten the best sleep I have had in a long time.  Then I started to think more about what happened and it left me completely confused, although extremely refreshed.  Did my brain just do me a favor?  I know for a fact that never in a million years would I purposely plan on falling asleep that way, yet it felt completely logical.  Of course!!!!  Keep my thoughts on the outside of the cube!!!  That's It!!!!!!!  

I wish I knew what the hell that was.

On a side note, I was able to get to school a couple of hours early and study.  The final went well.  I'd be very surprised if I didn't pull off an A.  Part of it was due to the blueberry smoothie I drank while studying.  Another part was due to the unexplainable sleep I got the night before.

What's wrong with me?

Thanksgiving Recap.

Thanksgiving was good, minus the fact that Lisa had to work.  She had to be in at 6:00 a.m. and worked until 6:30 p.m.  The hospital provided her with a free Thanksgiving meal.  She had to convince the cafeteria staff to give her potatoes AND stuffing, because they were told to only allow one or the other.  She ate it by herself.  :(

Collin and I went over to my mother's new place in Shawnee.  It was fun.  Nothing but Wii games and football, even though the football games were boring, its still football.  Mom had only been in this house less than a year, so it was her first holiday gathering.  It was good, but would have been better with Lisa there.

The evening was topped off with a musical performance by Collin of the song "Sing" by Travis.

But because the after-meal walk took longer than expected, the performance was rushed.  Collin was able to perform, but he was didn't not have time to assemble his Lego microphone that he brought from home.  Still, the performance was a hit.

Collin and I left to go pick up mommy and head home.  After Collin went to bed, Lisa and I stayed up and watched Braveheart on the Ion channel.  A perfect ending to a non-traditional Thanksgiving evening.

Hey Hey, How 'Bout a Book Review

Great book.  A friend of mine told me about the books a few weeks ago.  I knew about the television series but have never seen any of the episodes.  I was always intrigued though.  The actor playing Dexter, Michael C. Hall, played David on the best show on tv in recent history, Six Feet Under.  So when I heard that he was in a new show, I was interested.  But not having Showtime curbed me from watching it.  Yes, during the actor's strike it was on CBS for a little while, but I missed it then too.

The story follows Dexter Morgan, a blood-splatter specialist for the Miami Police Department.  He is also a serial killer who only kills those who deserve it. He also does not possess the ability to feel normal human everyday feelings.  So he has to fake it.  It's actually quite fascinating to read his thoughts as he encounters other characters in the book.  His descriptions of his responses and whatnot.  

I finished the first book in four days, which really says something because I am a slow reading.  I ordered the second book the day that I finished the first.  It should be here in a day or so. 

But now I'll have to rent the first season of the television series. Apparently it follows the first book pretty well with slightly alternate endings.  Then the tv series goes off in a different direction from the novels.  So that could mean that there are two different worlds of Dexter going on that I can't wait to find out more about.

If your looking for a book to read, let me be your Dark Passenger and recommend this one.  

A Good Week of Sickness

I have been sick for a whole week now.  Thursday to Thursday.  It started as a slight sore throat and then slowly moved upstairs to my head.  If I stand up for too long I have to lie down for a while, and I don't like lying around when there is stuff that needs to be done.  I think I'm getting better though.  So that's good.

Sickness or not, Lisa and I got out to see a movie yesterday afternoon.  Guy Ritchie's new film RocknRolla.  

We love both Lock Stock and Snatch, and this one looked as if it fit into the same category.  It had everything we loved about Ritchie's films.  Great dialogue.  Over the top characters.  Viloence.  Vivid cinematography.  And it was fun.  We left the theatre telling ourselves that we'll need to see this one a second time.  And I just learned that Guy Ritchie is working on an adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.

Fun Fun Fun.  

Poster Boy for a Good Lunch

Last night we went to Collin's school's website to look up information about a lunch bill.  This is what we found on the lunch's main page.    

Thank goodness we didn't send beer and frozen peas that day.

Halloween Drive By.

Last night was Halloween. Collin the train engineer took two trips out and got lots of candy. Here are just a few photos.

It was a blast, and I think it is just as fun to walk around from house to house with your child as it was back when I was the one doing the trick or treating.

Now here's what I don't get.  I'd say about 90% of the people out last night were actually driving their kids around.  Not dropping them off at the end of the block and then picking them up after they hit each house.  They were literally pulling up to a decorated house, letting them out, and then they would get back in the car once they got their candy and drive to the next house.  If they weren't doing that, they were following their kids, in their car, from house to house.  Am I crazy for thinking this is odd?  Isn't half the fun of Halloween actually getting out and WALKING?  

Sheesh.

Maybe they are just overprotecting parents.  Maybe they are just lazy.  But something about seeing  this almost took the fun out of what we were doing.  I almost got into an altercation because I was "strangely" looking at one of these cars as they drove by.  Mainly in part because they were driving faster than a car should on a night where there are lots of little cars darting into the street.

"You gotta problem?'

"No, I'm doing just fine."

"Well, you were looking at me."

"Yes, yes I was."

Anyway, I figured that these people problem hit every single house in the entire metro area.  Being directed by there parents as to where to go to next.  They probably even hit up the homeless shelters.  Just another typical backseat Halloween for those kids. 

And yes, I'll say it, the majority of these parents were morbidly obese.  I'm surprised they didn't yell from the driver seat as their kids reached the doorsteps, "MORE CANDY!!!!  FEED ME!!!!"

Very Scary.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween.

Whoever Has the Most Fun Wins!

What could be better exercise than going to the gym?  

Frisbee Golf!

I gotta admit, it's a lot of fun.  I've been playing for a couple months now and have gotten fairly good.  

The first time I played I had to borrow a disc from one of my friends. Everyone else had around 3 or 4 discs, all for different distances and whatnot.  I made fun of them for it.  The next day I went and bought two of my own.  Today I own 6 discs: 4 drivers, 1 mid-range, and 1 putter.

I never thought that this little sport would be something that I would enjoy so much.  Plus, playing with friends, I don't think I have ever laughed so hard in my life.  

There is a sign at the 18th hole at Swope Park that reads "Whoever has the most fun wins."  

It's true.

Collin Hemingway

Sort of. Collin wrote and illustrated his first book in under 10 minutes. It will soon be published and sold on Amazon.com, but you get the first sneak peek here. It's a gripping tale of a young man and his love for all things that go by. Enjoy!

"Everything Comes By!"

By Collin Brustad

The train comes by.

Then the car comes by.

Then the helicopter comes by.

Then the birds.

Then the plane comes by.

Rest In Peace.

Grandma Elsie

Tooth Be Told

I have had my teeth on my mind lately.  

I have not been to see a dentist since my senior year of high school. The reason has been a combination of 1.) never having a decent job that supplied good coverage and 2.) an overall fear of going having not been in a loooooooong time.

Not that I feel that my teeth are that bad, I know that I don't look like this... 

Good God no, far from it.  I might have a little bit of coffee stain here and there.  Plus, my bottom wisdom teeth have sorta come in. The one on the lower left side seems to have come in nicely, but the one on the right came in at an angle.  The angle has caused there to be a small hole in between it and the next tooth.  Food is constantly getting stuck back there.  It gets annoying.

So yes, I should go see somebody.  13 years is a long time to not see a dentist.  What keeps me from going back?

I had a very dramatic experience when I was very very little.  I believe I must have been in the first grade because it was around the age when kids start losing their first teeth.  Anyway, my brother and sister and I saw the same doctor.  At each and every visit I always went last.  It was just easier for my mom to keep me occupied leading up to my check up than after, I guess.  When my turn came up, for some reason my mom didn't come in with me.  The doctor took one look at my front teeth, felt them and and, "yep, those need to come out."  He then locked the door to the room and grabbed what looked like pliers and yanked them right out.  No novocaine.  No nothing.  My mom says my screams were horrifying.  She tried to get in the room, but for some reason they wouldn't let her in.

The one thing that I remember best about that experience is that my two front teeth were not loose at all.  This guy was nuts.  I think he just liked seeing little kids in pain.  A couple years later we started going to another dentist.  Just kidding.  We dropped him right after that. 

Funny enough though, my fear does not stem from that.  I had been to other dentists since and never had any instances like that.  What I do remember is the disappointing tone that some dentists would have when I missed an area.  I remember one guy went on about how he couldn't believe that my front teeth were the dirtiest.  "How could you miss those?  Their right in front."  Man, now I had to worry about pleasing the dentist.  What's he going to do if I really disappoint him?

So now that it has been so long since my last visit, I can't even imaging what any dentist would say to me.  They probably couldn't believe that someone put off going for so long.  I would rather not go than put up with the embarrassment of finally going.  I know this seems like a small reason to not go, but it eats me up.  I'll spend a few days stressing over the need to go, but then stress over everything that I just talked about.  In that time, I brush more than three times a day, go crazy with the floss and mouthwash, and cut back on soda.  Eventually the thoughts fade away and I don't think about it for a couple months.  Then it all starts over.

A Bunch of Stuff Smeared into One Post

Okay, what to start with.  How about being a man?  Sounds good.  

I have blogged in the past here and here about my manliness.  I own tools and a book on how to use them.  Yesterday I replaced an old faucet in the bathroom.  We've had the new faucet for a while, but I needed a special wrench that could fit up there behind the sink.  It was either that or I needed a normal wrench with midget hands.  The job took most of the afternoon with only one trip to the hardware store to purchase WD-40.  It was frustrating to say the least.  Three hours were spent trying to take off the old pipe directly connected to the sink.  The base of the stopper was suppose to just twist off.  But it didn't, hence the WD-40.  Once that was accomplished everything else seemed like a piece of cake.  I cursed at the little stopper-handle-thingy that connects under the sink, but that was expected. Then came an hour of just tightening screws to avoid any more leaking and the project was done. 

Looking back on this chore and the others I have done (two sinks and a toilet) it hasn't been the actual task that is frustrating, but the moments when I am at a stand still and realize that the water in the house is turned off, and that I won't be able to turn it back on until I am finished.  I get the most worked up when I start thinking ahead. Like always though, now that I am done I am very happy.   

Next on the list (there really isn't a list) is an Improv Thunderdome Season 2 review.

I had blogged about Season One (here, here, here & here) after each show, but I didn't this time.  No reason more than I am just lazy.  It takes a lot of thought and energy for me to put an improv show into words.  I have no problem talking about it, but to write it out is just more difficult for me.  Anywho...

Round One was great.  I felt that we had a strong threesome to start off a new season.  A high school group (Some Technical Difficulties), a college group (Makeshift Militia), and talented troupe that is rising fast in popularity (Babel Fish).  The high school kids brought the crowd and ended up winning the match.  Their set was solid.  Strong scenes, strong characters and strong edits.  Their win was well deserved.  Both Babel Fish & Makeshift Militia were performing in their second Thunderdome.  Babel Fish's season one loss was probably the most controversial (yes, I am being dramatic for effect) and Makeshift Militia made it to the finals, placing 3rd.  For season two however, both gave, in my opinion, performances of a lifetime.  But it just wasn't enough to steal any votes away from the sold out bias crowd.  That's Thunderdome though.

Round Two was great as well.  We had Scriptease vs. CounterClockwise Comedy vs. Death Rattle.  What I liked about this show was the different elements of the teams.  Scriptease performs as "Fakers" up in Liberty.  In season one they placed 2nd, so they felt as if they had something to prove this time around (again, dramatic effect).  CounterClockwise Comedy is a seasoned troupe in Kansas City, but it was their stint at Thunderdome.  Death Rattle was a mix of talented improvisers who performed in season one, but not together.  All three teams each had strong experimental sets, and Scriptease walked away the winner becoming the first 2-time chmapionship finalists.  

Round three was probably my favorite of all, only because all three teams were complied solely to compete in Thunderdome.  It was the Burnin' Sternums vs. Fluffer Nutter vs. Type O Positive.  In the beginning stages of Thunderdome, my thoughts were to have a random drawing of teams.  Forcing people to get out of their comfort level and perform with people that they have never played with, or at least played with very little.  The lack of enthusiasm amongst the little improv community pushed me in the direction of simple letting people choose their own teams.  So this night was special for me. Burnin' Sternums had a challenging set that consisted of  one long continuous scene.  Fluffer Nutter wowed the crowd with smart and funny 2-woman show.  Type O Positive, to be honest, blew everyone away with non-stop laughs and an inspiring sense of play.  For that, they moved on to the finals.

The Championship Match was crazy awesome.  From my point of view, I was just happy with the way Ed and I have tightened up all the loose ends from season one.  There are still some little tiny kinks that need to be worked out, but I believe from a production stand point the show itself went really smooth.  As for the outcome, Some Technical Difficulties took 1st, Scriptease took 2nd (becoming the first 2-time 2nd place finishers), and Type O Positive took 3rd. Because this was only last weekend, my thoughts of the performances are still up in the air.  Only meaning what I said earlier, that it is hard for me to write about an improv performance that just happened.  I will say that everyone did a great job.  The main goal of a show is to entertain the audience, and that is definitely what the three teams did.  What I like most about the Thunderdome format is that no matter whether or not you win or lose, you just performed for a crowd that was two-thirds there NOT there to see you.  That is not too shabby. 

Season three will be starting up next January 2009.  And season four will be starting up in July 2009.  Not to take away from the excitement of number three, but number four will be the first attempt of an all-team random draft.  I can't wait.

And lastly but definitely not leastly, this past weekend was Lisa and I's sixth year anniversary.  And because I love her so much, I will post a non-embarrassing picture of the two of us.

Love you, Leese!!!!!!!

Lawn Jockey IV

It has been nearly 3 months since we seeded the dirt patch surrounding the oak tree in our front yard. If you care to follow the progress, you can go here, here, then here.  Now, thanks to some massive drenching rain, the grass is starting to look like my father's head.  Meaning that there is still some life there, but it is fading fast. We have got to hit the re-seeding fast and soon.

On a side note, I was out mowing the lawn yesterday when this strange man came walking up to me.  As I turned off the mower and took the ipod headphones out of my ears, he greets me with a "I just couldn't stand that noise anymore."  He was talking about my lawnmower, which I admit doesn't make the sweetest of sounds, but I thought that was kind of rude.  He had been working on the home a few houses down from ours.  he and his crew had been there for 3 straight weeks doing a complete makeover.  Hammering, banging, crushing, sawing, drilling and all out noise for 3 straight weeks.  And he comes over to tell me that he doesn't like the sound of my lawnmower?!?!?  What nerve!!!!

He then proceeds to look at the mower, asking me questions about the gas, the blades,  and whether or not I've hit a rock or anything lately.  I responded to everything question with a rather disapproving tone.  I was kind of flabbergasted about the situation.  He then asks for a screwdriver and takes something apart.  Apparently some spongy-looking thing connected to the engine was clogged, making it sound like it was on permanent choke.  How was I to know, I had headphones on.  He told me how to clean it then went on his way. Yeah sure, he was only trying to be nice, but that really pissed me off.  

So I cleaned the spongy-thing, put it all back together and continued mowing. 10 seconds later the mower dies.  The 70 year old boy scout comes back over and looks at it again.  At this moment the thought of the Seinfeld episode in which George lets an old friend's father look at his car and then completely destroys it, is going through my brain.  He asks if I cleaned the spongy-thing with water, and I say "Sure did" because he told me to.  So now the engine is flooded. GREAT!!!  ASSHOLE!!!!!  A few moments he fixes it and watched carefully as I cut a few strips.  He said something before he walked away but I didn't hear him.  I sheepishly mouthed "thank you" and continued to mow.

Sure this guy was just trying to be nice.  Clearly.  But who goes up to a random stranger mowing his lawn and says, "I can't stand that noise anymore"??? Thank goodness I'm not a serial killer or something, otherwise that would have been a one-way ticket to the secret room in my basement.

High Neighbor!

I have put off blogging about this because I have been waiting for more information to develop. But it has been a week now and nothing new has surfaced.

Last Wednesday I was here, upstairs on the computer, when I looked out the window and noticed these two large pick-up trucks in front of my neighbor's house. I didn't think much about it, even when this large bald guy got out of one of the trucks and started taking pictures of the house. I thought to myself, "Maybe Fred and Barney (that's what we'll call them today) are thinking about selling their house or something. That's why that guy is taking photos."

When I came downstairs I noticed a Missouri Highway Patrol car parked in front of our house. Then, as I got closer to the window, i noticed another one parked in my neighbor's driveway. Neither Fred nor Barney's cars where there so they must have been at work. Aside from the four strange cars there, they people that drove them were nowhere to be seen. I called Lisa to ask her opinion as to why Highway Patrol would be out there and not regular police officers. Right then a couple of guys with State Trooper vests came out of the house and started taking "things" to the back of their trucks. At first glance through the blinds I thought it was computer stuff.

As I was relaying to Lisa what was happening, I saw that our neighbor across the street was in her doorway watching as well. I quickly waved and gave her a shoulder shrug, then she came out of her home and crossed the street. She said she had been watching for at least an hour. When all the cars arrived they spent at least 30 minutes at the front door. After a while, a couple of cops went around back. Then after about 10 minutes, one of the cops opened the front door from the inside and let everyone else in. She also said she go a good look at what was being taken out of the house: Lamps, extension cords, and things in big bags. Looks like our neighbors have been growing the wacky tobacky.

I left about 10 minutes later to go play frisbee golf. When I got back a couple of hours later, everything seemed back to normal. That night I noticed Fred get home. Barney on the other hand, I have not seen him nor his car since. I haven't talked to Fred yet, though I want to. We have always gotten along. Both he and his brother and extremely nice people. Usually we see each other as one of us is leaving or vice versa, but not recently. Though I notice that Fred still seems to be going about his life as if nothing strange had happened. I am not going to force the issue. But I am still very curious as to what had happened to his brother.

Are You Ready For Some Football???

Yes. Yes I am. Thank you for asking.

I am also ready for the Kansas City Chiefs to go 4 and 12. The only good that will come out of that will be the end of Carl Peterson.


What an Ass.

Swimming Lessons

Due to Improv Thunderdome this weekend, I was unable to go down to Lisa's aunt's lakehouse.  What I missed was this...


Collin literally swimming in the lake water.

I know it doesn't really seem like that big of a deal, but the last time we went down to the lake Collin didn't even want to get in the water, let alone touch it.  He spent most of his time playing on this inflatable island that was attached by a long rope to the dock .  He wouldn't even let anybody hold him in the water while they drifted him over to this giant floating moonwalk.  Someone would have to push it over to the dock so he could just jump on.  

Don't get me wrong, he likes water.  Loves the pool.  The lake however is deep and he can't swim.  So you can imagine my amazement when Lisa came home and showed me the picture.  What is even more amazing, is that he is scheduled for his first swimming lesson at the YMCA tonight.  

I think he was somewhat preparing for it.

Kindergarten!

Today is officially Collin's first day of Kindergarten. We went yesterday for a couple of hours as part of an orientation.  Saw his classroom, met his teacher, and was introduced to the new principle. But today is a full day.

It started with a good breakfast:  Eggs, milk, blueberry juice, and most importantly a toaster strudel.  Collin has been dying to have one ever since he saw the commercial.

Then he got all cleaned up and it was time to wait for the bus.

Unfortunately the bus never came.  Turns out the bus broke down mid-route, so we had to drive him.  Which was fine with all of us.

Due to the crowded parking lot, I dropped Lisa and Collin off so she could take him to class.  This shoot is at the front door of the building.

Nerves may be kicking in right about now, but he'll be fine.  He's a big kid now.

Comp I

Summer is over and it is time for me to go back to school.  Having involuntarily taken a summer vacation (I forgot to sign up for classes) and previously having nothing but online classes, I had to clean out my backpack to prepare once again for on-campus classes.  My first class of my new school life was Composition.  I learned a lot about writing, all of which I have now forgotten and even saved all the papers I had to write.  Some of them are okay.  Most of them I had to stay within the boundaries of the assignment.  Focusing of different sentence structures and whatnot.  Here is one of my favorites.  It is suppose to be a persuasive paper.

High Gas Prices Must Stop.

by

Jared Brustad

Composition I

Gas prices in the United States are reaching a record high. Something has to be done, or they will continue to rise.  The average price of a single gallon of gas was $3.09 as of the sixth of November in 2007. That price has increased by twelve cents since two weeks prior. The rise in price has not just been happening in the past few weeks.  As of last year, gas prices have risen a total of eighty-six cents.  Also, $3.09 is nine cents shy of the United States all-time high set on May 18th, 2007. The biggest issue is that families' average incomes have been dropping every year since the September 11th attacks.  The increase in gas prices is a thorn in the side of most families that are struggling to make ends meet.  A change must happen soon.

The public taking advantage of their city's transit system could be one of those changes. Between buses, taxis, subways, and in some areas the light rail system, people have plenty alternate solutions other than their own cars. Taking one of these options to work or to the store every now and then would cut back on how much a person spends on gas a week. It would also stretch the value of gasoline throughout the United States.

Another solution would be carpooling.  This ancient mode of transportation can no longer be an idea of the past. Carpooling with coworkers to and from work can not only save you some money, but it can help build relationships as well.  If people were to work out a carpooling system between each other, then they could all be saving money.  Plus, instead of driving to work by oneself getting nothing done, a car full of coworkers can get the work dat started earlier and beat deadlines together.

There is also no reason that carpooling should specifically be for work.  It could be geared towards friends and neighbors as well.  People can organize all-neighbor trips to the local park or plan on Wednesday to be the day everybody gets their errands done.  All of these ideas would help bring down gas prices.

There is, however, one solution that topes them all - Put and end to NASCAR.  This idea is bound to upset NASCAR fans across the country, but statistics speak louder than words.  One weekend of races uses up nearly 6000 gallons of gas. Spread that over thirty-six races (the equivalent of one NASCAR season) and it totals nearly 216,000 gallons.  All that gas could be used for people who actually need it for life's daily routines.  Throw in the fact that fans, sports announcers, and even the NASCAR drivers themselves have to get to the racetrack for every race. NASCAR takes up to thirty percent of the country's fuel intake. 

 

Out of the three solutions that were proposed on what to do about high gas prices in the United States, ending NASCAR is the best choice.  Put aside the amount of gasoline NASCAR wastes on a yearly basis, the sport itself is pointless. It is more of a competition for mechanics that a sport.  Mechanics could compete in how fast they put wheels on cars without all of that driving around in circles.  In the end, without NASCAR more gas will be available to the public.  The sudden burst of ample gasoline will make prices decrease to a price more affordable to the average family.  To make cases eve better, NASCAR fans will be forced to find work.  This act will help solve the United States' unemployment situation.  Putting an end to NASCAR would actually kill two birds with one stone.

I got a B+.

Tuesday We Went to the Zoo

And we took pictures!

Myself, Grandma Kathy, Lisa & Collin.

Lisa and her Lemur friends.

Birds hate me, and I hate them.

No trip to the zoo would be complete without a picture of Collin next to his favorite animal.

This Gorilla had the hiccups.

Collin rode the elephant.  Grandma Kathy rode the wild boar.

These are sea lions.  NOT seals.  They made that very clear.

Who enjoyed the gift shop more?  Simba...

or Dr. Zaius?

Tool Time and Time Again

I think the greatest thing about being a first-time home owner is when something needs fixing there is a sudden urge to do-it-yourself. The easy way out is to call a professional.  But why not give it a shot? Since moving in I have accomplished these three major tasks: fixed a leaky toilet, replaced electrical cords on the washing machine, and most recently (but not finished) installed a new faucet in the kitchen. I'm going to install one in the bathroom too, but I am one wrench size too small, so I've got to wait.

All of these chores have been frustrating and time consuming.  But finishing the job is the ultimately satisfying.  And most importantly, $0 has gone towards manual labor.  Take that "The Man"!!!!

1 Out of 3 Ain't Bad

In the beginning we had Dobby, but ultimately this is what happened to him.  Recently there was Raja & Miss Love.  But now the duo is no more.

We went into the vet on Tuesday with two kittens and left with only one.  Turns out Miss Love, who had previously been diagnosed with worms, had the F.I.P. and according to vet, nothing could be done for her.  So after being told Miss Love's future, Collin and I went to Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Kevin's house a few blocks away as Lisa stayed with her as she was put to rest.  Raja was given the opportunity to see her sister one last time before we left.   

The vet said that adopting from shelters are pretty much a crap shoot.  

Raja is doing very well.

Hey, He's Gonna Sit By You...

Another one rides the bus.

My friend Lance turned me on to something yesterday that I am going to have to start taking advantage of.  And that something is ... Taking the bus to Royals games.

He called me around 11:00 a.m. to see if I wanted to go to the 1:00 game.  Not wanting to leave Lisa car-less, I said I'd go if he drove. That's when he said we will just take the bus.  We went to Tomfooleries on the plaza around noon.  A "Royals Express" showed up across the street at 12:10.  A round trip ticket cost $6, but the bus driver gives you a $6-off coupon for any Royals ticket, so in a sense, the bus ride was free.  Lance and I both bought the cheapest upperdeck seats at the stadium, which were $9.  So with the coupon our seats cost $3. Nice.  What's nicer than that?  We sat in the lower level on the right field side where nobody bothers to check to see if you are in the right seats or not.  After the seventh inning we moved here...

Throw in a beer and a hotdog, and the whole experience costs less than $20 per person.  Though Lance will tell you not to buy any beer at the stadium.  It's best to either get wasted at Tomfooleries beforehand, or just bring a sixpack and a flask on the bus and sit in the back.  Either way, you can't beat the deal.  The topper for me was that on the way home, some people on the bus said that the last (and first) stop is at 75th & Wornall.  Just up the street from my house.  

Since moving to the Waldo area, Lisa and I always comment on the bus stop that is at 75th & Wornell.  We've known that it will take us to the Plaza, or Crown Center, or even Downtown.  We've just never taken the time or energy to look up the schedules.  It is possible that all that might change soon. 

Injury

I played NCAA Football last night for four hours.  I had bought the game a week ago but had never had the opportunity to play it until last night.  Until now I had never owned a college football game.  My left thumb is swollen and it feels like there is fluid building up under the skin.

The game is pretty fun, but it's just buying me time until Madden comes out.

Testes, Testes, One, Two...

A while back the Trip Fives met with a guy to do some cold readings for some possible internet sketches.  Though there were roughly 20 scripts to go over, the focus was on a couple of "jokes" that could possibly be animated and presented to Mondo Media.  The jokes would then be animated much like the Happy Tree Friends, a Mondo mini show.

Last night we all (minus Megan, who is currently scheduling her appointment) did the audio recordings for the two scripts.  It was a lot of fun.  I've auditioned for one voice-over commercial only once before.  But really, to all of us, this was very new.  We all stood in the sound proof room with headphones and mics. Tom and Jerry (that's right) were on the other side of the glass, only being able to converse with us after the push of a button.  After various sound and level checks, we recorded.  An hour later, we were done, but I have a feeling we could have done that all night and maybe even into the next day as well.

The next step is to have the audio cleaned up with a little music and sound effects, then it will be presented to the Mondo people, or person.  It may just be one guy, but in my mind is a big boardroom full of people in matching suits.  Then, who knows?  Maybe it will be animated, which hopefully could lead to more recordings.  It's possibly that we could start working on some of those other scripts for some future short-film festivals.  Out of the 20, about half of them I could really see working. 

I am trying to keep my expectations low at this point.  I'm excited, but there are other more important things to focus on.

The Hook Brings You Back

Okay, a few of months ago I had blogged about joining the YMCA.  I had been putting off hitting the basketball court because I know how bad of shape I have been in.  Not that getting into shape would help my game.  Far from it. Even when I was 18 and playing on a regular basis, I never played like I was 18. I played more like a 50 year old.  I do the hook shot.  I do the scoops.  I do the sloooooooow fade away jumper.  I can pass.  I even do the occasional 3 pointer.  That's my game.  All that has nothing to do with getting into shape.  The reason I avoided the court was because I knew if I started there, I would never hit anything else.

So now three months after joining, I am ready to ball it up.  I've taken it pretty easy so far, nothing too drastic.  A couple games of 21, one game of 2 on 2, and one game of 1 on 1.  I tell you, playing like a 50 year old is just like riding a bicycle.  I might as well where this jersey whenever I play.

I didn't win any of the games of 21, but I did earn respect from the people I played with.  The game of 2 on 2 was pretty easy.  I believe my team won 12 to 7.  I contributed about 8 of those points.  The game of 1 on 1 was different.  I played against a 14 year old black kid that was twice my size.  He had to be at least 6'3" and weighed in the ballpark of 280 lbs.  Mentally, he was a good ball player. Physically, he was a little slow.  I simply scooped and hooked all around him.  I won 12 to 2.  I think he had to be tired by the couple of games he played before I played him.

So far I have been one of two white boys playing at this gym, which doesn't at all bother me, nor does it seem to bother anyone else. Which is awesome.  I love playing the game of basketball and I love playing with competitive people.  I am very comfortable playing there.  My confidence is up and my goal is for all of the locals to soon start referring to me as Pistol Pete or even Bird, only because they don't seem to care what my real name is.   

My game is better than it ever has been.  I think it's because I have been playing like a 50 year old for so long.  With every year that gets closer to that age, that's another year that I get better.  Never doubt the hook.  Just fear it.

My Chin Is Not Pronounced

Tell me something I don't know.

A while ago I got manscaped, and now the article has come out. Once you are there you can go and read about some of the other "men" that went and had this done.

When I look at the before and after...



I think I look better in the first picture. Maybe that's just me. Maybe that's just the "style" that I am comfortable with. Anyway, about three days later I started resembling the before pic again.

Overall, it was fun. It was free. I got in the paper.

I could have done without them making me a foot shorter. That was not part of the deal.

Enjoy It With Me Now

The first teaser trailer for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

July Improv Blog-off.

Welcome to the July improv blog topic for the Kansas City improv community. This month's topic:  Is there such a thing about being too nice? Too blunt?

This topic deals with giving feedback of another's show and/or performance.  I am a firm believer that someone should never open their mouth about a show/performance to that individual unless it is asked for.  If they don't ask for it, then and only then is a "good show" a worthy comment. 

Now, as far as giving feedback goes, I don't necessary believe that giving too nice or too blunt of advice hurts the performer.  Yes, there are some very fragile people out there who could get hurt if they ever knew the truth, but most of us are smart enough to know whether or not we gave a bad performance.  We are our toughest critic and we know when we've done shitty work. Yes, there are people out there who are clueless to their own performances.  They are the ones that are extra happy, all shiny and smiley at the bar afterwards. Why crush this poor sap's spirit?  If they need to get better, then it should be their troupe that does the teaching.

What is it about feedback that gets people all riled up?  I think it says a lot about the person who feels the need to give people their opinion.  To tell someone that what they did is either good or bad gives a person a sense of importance, like they need to prove to others that they know their shit.  Yes, we are a community and a small one at that, but if we need to go around telling everyone either how good or how bad they are, then we should all join forces and be one gigantic troupe.  Because within the troupe/team/group should be where any of the constructive criticism comes from.  It shouldn't come from anywhere else unless it's asked for.  And then and only then can and should a person be honest.

The same goes for telling people whether or not they need to take workshops. If someone outside of your own personal troupe is shoving classes down your throat, who are they to tell you what you need? Listen to your troupe.  

Like always, this is just my opinion.  I've been known to be wrong on more occasions than one.

This Week In Improv

The week is over, and it was a busy one. Recap.

Wednesday was the beginning of the Kansas City Improv Showcase at the Kansas City Fringe Festival.  Mr. Guy Maggio had organized a Wednesday through Sunday improv extravaganza, and got it all under one roof.  He acted as director, producer, technical supervisor, host, talent scout, stage hand, and a plethora of other title during this stretch.  The Fringe was a blast to be a part of and Guy deserves all the credit coming his way.

As for me, I had put together a mini Improv Thunderdome to participate in the festivities.  Wednesday started the exciting week that was.  Round 1 was between Trivial Prov-suit (John Robison of the Roving Imp Theater and James Nelson with the Makeshift Militia) and Loaded Dice (Improv Thunderdome's season one champions). Both sets were great, and in the end Trivial Prov-suit won the match by a vote of 12 to 11.  The one vote difference was a Thunderdome first.

Friday, round 2 pitted Improv-Abilties (Organizers of the up coming Kansas City Improv Festival) against Spite (or "the lady parts of Tantrum", Trish Berrong, Nikki DuPont & Megan Mercer).  Again, two great sets were presented, and once again one vote determined the outcome.  Spite was victorious 16 to 15.  An hour and a half later, Jen Roser, Megan Mercer and myself performed in the KC Improv Showcase as three fifths of the Trip Fives.  We had a lot of fun.  The set went by so fast.  I had had one beer before the show (which I NEVER do) and felt as if it went right to my head.  I personally felt "off" but nonetheless had a great time performing with Jen and Megan.

Saturday came the original Improv Thunderdome at the Westport Coffeehouse, round two of season two.  Scriptease vs. Death Rattle vs. CCC.  I thought all teams gave great performances, but to be honest, none of them seemed to have brought their A game.  Each set included many great highs and great laughs, but each set also included a few down moment.  Nothing down-right horrible, just some lulls that I think each and every performer would agree with, that is the only reason why I feel comfortable mentioning it.  In the end, Scriptease received the most votes, and became the first 2-time finalists in Thunderdome's short history.  I was very proud of everyone and am so happy that each person was involved.  Also, big props to Loaded Dice who performed their first true show before Thunderdome.  They all did great.

Sunday was the last day of improv at the Fringe, and the last show was the mini-championship of the mini-thunderdome.  Trivial Prov-suit vs. Spite.  The crowd, I believe, was the biggest of the week (Not of the whole Fringe Fest, I'm sure, but for the improv portion of it). 50 people came and voted Spite as the mini champs.  And once again, for the third straight show in a row, one vote decided the winner.  23 to 22.  Awesome, and completely unheard of.

Now that it is Monday, I am looking back on my busiest week of improv since 1998 or '99, or  whenever the last Lighten Up/Funny Outfit sponsored improv festival was.  This past week was a blast. After talking with Guy after show, we discussed the excitement of next year's Fringe Fest and ways of expanding the talent as well as the audiences.  To be honest, the audiences were quite a surprise. Not to mention some of the press we got with the KC Star, the Pitch (both mini-dome & regular-dome), and even the KC Stage.  What a week.  The improv community should be very proud.  And a big thank you should go out to all of those involved.

Thanks.

9-6-5 is a Joke

This morning I was listening to the radio during 96.5 the Buzz's "My List" mornings.  For those that don't know what that is, it's where listeners can submit their own "top ten" lists and possibly have them played on the air.  A chance for the listeners to take over the airwaves. They've been doing this off and on for almost three years now.  Sometimes the person who created the list can actually get on the air.  Usually they don't. This morning was no exception.  

As the morning DJ was playing a song list created by Joe Listener, he was having a contest, sort of, throughout the duration of the list.  He wanted listeners to call and guess what the "theme" of Joe's list was. Whoever had the best answer would win tickets to some concert this weekend.  I only heard one caller, but my guess is that he was right on the money.  Not only with Joe Listener's list, but every "My List" that has ever been played on the station.

DJ:  "What do you think Joe's theme is?"

Caller:  "Songs that would be played on this station anyway."

The caller hit the nail on the head.  The DJ tried to play it off like it was funny, saying something like, "Oh, so you think Joe is just being lazy?"  HA.  I bet not.  I submitted a list back when they first started doing this.  Did it get played?  Of course not.  Was I upset?  Not really, but then I started hearing everyone else's playlist.  It was a Joke.  Are you telling me that everyone and their mother has at least one Red Hot Chili Peppers song in their list?  I seriously doubt it. Even if they did, would all the songs be off of their last two albums. Hell NO!  Every list was the Killers, Coldplay, Death Cab For Cutie, My Chemical Romance, 311, Sublime, Blink 182, and every other band that is in the Buzz's regular rotation.  

A lot of lists had bands that I actually like, but come on, if any die hard Weezer fan is going to put one of their songs in their top ten list, it wouldn't by Buddy Holly.  And do that many people out there like the Offspring that much?  It's a Joke.

Anyway, I've though this way for a while, but hear the station today made we want to rant about it.

Dark Indeed

We went and saw The Dark Knight this morning, and it was everything I wished it would have been and more.  Those are my thoughts and opinions at this very moment.  Usually I don't like to start dissecting a movie until I have stewed over it for a couple of days, thinking about every little bit that I liked and disliked. This film was different.  I wasn't watching this movie as an adult. I watched it as a kid. 

Lisa already wants to go see it again.  She was blow away.  I think she expected it to be entertaining, but I don't think she expected it be that good as a whole. The acting was probably one of the best things about it, which usually is absent from most comic book films. Rumors are already starting to pop up about oscar nominations for the late Heath Ledger.  He was, dare I say it, a brilliant Joker.  Sick, twisted, and definitely different from Jack Nicholson's take on the murderous psychopath. (There were moments that were hard to watch because I'd be enjoying his performance so much, then realize that he is dead. It was sad.)  But to me, Ledger's performance wasn't even the best part.  Aaron Eckhart blew me away.  

Aaron Eckhart

I was more enthralled with his Harvey Dent than anything else. Maybe that's just because I knew of his character's fate.  But still, his performance should not be overlooked.  And all the rest of the actors that rounded out the cast; Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, they all gave great performances.  Even Maggie Gyllenhaal wasn't too shabby. 

The kid in me loved it.  The adult in me loved it.  They both can't wait to see it again.

Best. Speech. Ever.

I Love a Good Story

Especially if it involves baseball, drugs, and life-changing comebacks.

This is Josh Hamilton, of the Texas Rangers, in last night's home run derby.

Hamilton ended up finishing second to Minnesota's Justin Morneau, but not until he pounded a derby record 28 bombs in the first round. 13 of them were hit consecutively. 3 of them were longer then 500 ft, putting them in the top ten list of longest shots in the history of the derby. His 518 footer is now third longest overall.

But that wasn't the real story.

Each member of the HR derby gets to choose who they would like to pitch to them for the contest. Hamilton picked a 71-year-old volunteer coach who often threw batting practice to Hamilton when he was a teenager in North Carolina.

But that wasn't the real story.

They say that Josh Hamilton had a dream two years ago that he was being interviewed at Yankee Stadium after competing in the Home Run Derby. Last night that dream came true.

But that doesn't even begin to be the real story.

Josh Hamliton was drafted in 1999, out of high school, by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He was the #1 overall pick. Veteran scouts had said that he was one of the greatest talents that they have ever seen. Then heroin, cocaine, and alcohol addiction took over his life. He was banned from baseball and was slowly becoming a story of a "never will be" player. His "HR derby" dream came two years ago while he was still banned. After awaking from that dream, he started taking the steps to self-recovery.

Last year with Cincinnati was his first year in the majors. He was then traded to Texas, where this year he is on pace to be the first triple crown winner (Leader in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in) since Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967. The home run derby/All-star game signifies the halfway point in baseball. Josh Hamilton is by far the greatest story in baseball this season.

As a fan, what made last night so special to watch, besides the bombs the Hamilton hit, was the crowd at Yankee Stadium. Arguably the toughest and most passionate fans in any sport, they new his story. The cheered for him. Everyone there wanted to see him win. They were chanting his name before the first round was even over. Even though I hate the Yankees, last night I loved their fans. Not to mention all the other players there, veterans and rookies alike, all stood in awe with every swing. You could see some mouth the word 'Wow" every now and then. It was amazing.

I can not even begin to imagine what it must be like to not only suffer with an addiction, but to be haunted by several. Heroin AND cocaine AND alcohol. Forget it. This guy beat them all, and is now in the spotlight where he so rightfully deserves. This is a guy that everyone should root for. This is a guy that you want to watch succeed. With so many scandals in today's sports, fans all over are being feed reasons to stop caring.

Then came Josh Hamilton and his story.

I love it.

New Additions.

Lisa and Collin went to Animal Haven on Friday to look at some puppies.  Just look. That was their sole intention. They came back, however, with the two newest additions to our family.

Jasmine Raja the Second & Raja Miss Love the First

They are three month old Maine Coon sisters, and they are my little girls. It did not take them very long to adjust to their new surroundings. Within a day they were out and about, exploring each corner and step of their new home.  Even this morning, they were both sitting on Collin's lap as he sat on the couch, waiting for the bus to arrive.  I think the two of them being siblings may have factored in to their quick adjustment. If I remember correctly, Dobby (R.I.P.) spent a lot of time out our bed. yes, he was a sickly cat, but even on his good days he still stayed hidden.  Having two gives them a little company and maybe even a little confidence. 

Their adopted names were Jasmine and Raja.  That stuck for about an hour.  Collin decided that he wanted to rename Raja, Miss Love (Don't ask).  Lisa, liking the name Raja, thought to just rename Jasmine.  So now Raja is Miss Love and Jasmine is Raja.  I thought it would be neat to stick with the Harry Potter theme and name them Padma & Parvati.  Or perhaps something obscure like Chickenhead.  

I was out voted.  Raja and Miss Love fit their personalities nicely though.

Lawn Jockey III

Okay, two weeks ago yesterday I planted the seeds for new grass, and I haven't mowed my lawn since. The new grass is growing in nicely, but not everywhere. Sure, the great big patch of dirt surrounding the tree is covered, but there are still some areas that I clearly missed with the seeds. I can not allow myself to focus of that though. We have new grass!!

Because of my lack of knowledge or knowhow about new grass, I have refrained from mowing it just yet. It's very easy to pick out the new grass from the old. Besides the bright green color, the new grass looks about three inches shorter than the old. Probably not that noticeable to someone driving by, but I notice it while I'm sitting there staring at it, wondering when I should start mowing. I'm also putting it off because I think I've been cutting it too short. When I worked at the L'Arche house with "the boys" I always had to mow the yard, which was on a corner street so it had much more yard than most houses. I cut that sucker as low as I possibly could just to give myself time in between mows. That must have stuck in my mindset.

Anywho, I can't wait to start mowing again.

I Have Seen the Face of the Enemy

And it belongs to the Cricket Spider.
Or, as I just now found out as I searched for a picture, the "Cave Cricket".

I Hate these things. Hate!

When Lisa and I first got married and lived with her aunt, these hideous creatures lurked the inside of our house at night. Often times I would be playing the Playstation at wee hours of the night with nothing but the glow of the television as my source of light. These things would freak-me-out as I seem the scurry across the floor in front of the t.v. Then I get up and turn on the light to kill them and they just hop away. Awful things!!! We had no idea where they were coming from. They liked hanging out in the bathroom, so my best guess is that they come from the sewer.

Anyway, when we moved I was hoping that our mutated spider problem was in our past.

I was hoping.

One greeted me at the bottom of the stairs on my way to do laundry. I greeted him with my foot, fast.

I'm thinking about heading up to Lowe's tomorrow and stock up on some ammo. If and when I see them again, I'll be ready.

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeere Comes Whiskey!

My brother and his wife came down from Minnesota this weekend. It was nice for me, Lisa and Collin to spend some time with them. My brother's wife is a nurse like Lisa, so they got to discuss the likenesses and differences of their jobs. My brother is just a bigger, smarter, funnier version of me. The only proof of the "smarter" aspect of that was the Big Brain Academy game on the Wii. He outscored everybody.

Along with my mom and her husband, we all went and watched fireworks Friday night out at Shawnee Mission Park. It was very nice and surprisingly not a lot of bug casualties. Today we went to Jack Stack for lunch and then headed out to the Woodlands for some evening entertainment and gambling. Even if you don't care for dog racing at all, it's easy to get caught up in the action after your first bet. The greatest, and possibly most famous, thing about this event is the announcer yelling "Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere Comes Woody!" at the start of each race. Tonight, the guy sounded extra drunk. He talks about each dog before the enter the starting gate, but it doesn't matter. You can't understand him and nobody is really listening anyway. They are all waiting for the "Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere Comes Woody!" to set the tone. This "Woody" is a little stuffed animal bone that the dogs chase around the track. The dogs never catch it. If one every does, I think it's shot on the spot. (j/k)

My grandfather used to take us grandkids out to the Woodlands all the time when we were young. Both he and my brother have the "luck" gene. They hit trifectas left and right. What always made it worse was that they never even seemed to care about winning. Some people go to the track to bet it all on the long shot, hoping to walk away with a fortune. Both my grandfather and brother would go for the fun of it, and always walk away with more money than they came with.

Tonight wasn't too bad though. Lisa and I took turns better on each race. She got hooked right away. I told ya, it's easy to get hooked. Everyone had their system, whether it was sharing a birthday with a dog, or a funny name, or even a favorite number. My mom waits to see which dog pees before they enter the gate. She didn't do so hot tonight. In the end, I think my brother was the only one that came out on top, even if it was only a couple of bucks.

It was a good time. I think we'll go again some other time.