plancher: take three

As an editor in college, I wrote about Ereck Plancher -- who, in 2008, collapsed and died at UCF's training facility after drills. I admittedly angled the piece to focus on pressure being that I was writing for a university setting. (I apologize for the redunfancy of pasted paragraphs from that link, it's a Wordpress malfunction from back in the day.) It was a mess of heat, a heart condition and coaches doing more than coaching. Indeed, I used the column as a soapbox to lash out out at the system because there's no coming back from a dead teen.

I was listening to the radio this morning and heard that the case was coming to a close. This is three years later. Negligence is the call from the jury. Plancher's parents are awarded $10 million. I doubt any monetary amount will heal their pain.

My position has not changed on this issue. It won't anytime soon. I am content with how I approached the piece given the setting I was in -- and I would do it again if I had to. I remember thinking about this story in our newspaper office; how could I make it relevant? That is what I came up with on deadline.

After the story was published, I was approached by someone who asked me how I justified knowing what college coaches go through. At the time, I think I said something rude, snarky like -- "freedom of speech, it's my column, I'm the sports editor." In hindsight, that should have been my time and place to say the following: The issue was not what the coaches did, it's what they didn't do. This turns into a moral issue, not a pride booster or boasting 40 times. Plancher was struggling mightily toward the end of his workout. What did the coaches do? Nothing. Then, as it goes, it was too late.

So, do I know what college coaches go through? No. I don't pretend that I do. I do know when enough is enough. You can't blame a kid for knowing when to call it quits with immeasurable pressure.

spatch

Dispatch happened last weekend at the TD Garden. It was another gem in my concert quest of 2011. Dispatch is my favorite band of all time without question. There music has had such a profound impact on my life. If I have only one song to listen to before my time is up, it's passerby. They happened to play it, too. There was so much energy among the crowd. It truly was a show where each song is potentially memorable.

Trying to put something the full concert into words is difficult since it was the type of show that consumes you.  I can say this: when you get 20,000 people together that love what Dispatch stands for, appreciate their role as arguably one of the greatest independent bands of all time and understand their balance of lyrics -- you have a recipe for Saturday's show.  They way in which they joke between songs, tell stories and blend in impenetrable chemistry makes for an energetic and thoughtful performance.

It's funny because they disbanded in 2002 citing "the wrong reasons." That is just other words for they were getting so large. And, it was becoming a head game. Nonetheless, they never signed on to a large record label. Their music lived on and fans could not let go -- and Dispatch did not want them to. Now, as most of the music world has seen, they sell out unprecedented venues because there is that much attraction, that much pull, that much influence. It's all documented in their documentary, Last Dispatch.

"They're your band, it's not like they're corporates band."

Who knows when their next tour will be. It does not come around often.The last time they played Boston prior to this weekend was 2004. Shame on you if you missed it!

I do, however, have some audio of 'decent' quality you can listen to. 

Little foggy -- but Pete sporting some Bruins gear

Stage

JP and his newly purchased kelly green Celtics Dispatch logo shirt

And, of course, I had to capture some Garden rich photos. The band -- especially Chad being a Boston native -- alluded to the Bruins on numerous occasions; wearing jerseys, speaking of the cup during songs, in between song banter and even references to Patrice Bergeron, who was in attendance.

knot just a passing afternoon

With a beautiful blend of Jewish and British traditions -- chalk full of fascinators and hava nagila -- my sister, Samantha, got married this weekend. It encompassed the collective merge of families from both sides of the pond with dear friends in tow, and manifested itself elegantly in Simsbury, CT.  I have never seen my sister so full of joy and nerves. She grabbed my hand before we started to walk and I knew we were all in for something special. She was composed, though, and managed to hold it together. She was a stunning bride. My new brother in law, Adam, is a stand up guy. The ceremony went swimmingly as did the entire wedding. The speeches were humorous and heartfelt. Tears were shed.

What amazed me this weekend was the politeness, love and overall welcoming nature of the new people I met. I speak mainly of the British and some Scottish friends/family who, with open arms, made the experience even more memorable. Learning cultural differences, debating sports, embracing the uniqueness of people when they're in an unfamiliar atmosphere and sliding back a cocktail or two made it special -- well, even more special.

Those are rich iotas in life. The surprises that make an already great experience greater.

Congratulations to Samantha. To Adam. And to believing in the immense power of love.

Colourful Tuesday

Dallas Green -- also known as City and Colour -- released Little Hell today. I have been anxiously waiting. He's really grown on me in the last five months or so. I've posted on his music before alluding to his melancholy lyrics, but praised his guitar skills. His new album is a bit louder. All that really means is that it's not nearly as acoustic. What's Little Hell? I read an interview of his about the title and he said that everyone goes through their own hardships -- or Little Hell if you will. Music is his escape and outlet. The music has the same effect for his fans. It seems fitting since we all have our bad days. Liberation of sorts.

Have a listen : O Sister

Album artwork: Little Hell

.

welcome back three-daze.

It's entirely feasible that the Bruins winning made this weekend more enjoyable. I remain in awe of how this team pulled it together at precisely the right moment on the biggest stage. Anyways, the weekend was great. For starters, the girlfriend and I headed to Connecticut so she could partake in my sister's bachelorette party. My sister is in full wedding mode and we'll be headed back to CT in three weeks for the wedding. I'm stoked.

Meanwhile, while they frolicked around, I headed to visit my roommate from college, Brian. We spent nearly two hours on his back porch embracing summer's warmth while listening Iron & Wine and crushing beers before going out. It brought back fond college memories with the kid, and we're still able to enjoy the simple things to this day.

We were roommates. I enjoyed college.

 

For your viewing pleasure: Iron & Wine - Upward Over the Mountain

Other weekend things: kayaking the Charles River with friends, getting my golf swing back and a beer-b-que hosted by another friend from college. 

Three day weekends, you're spot on.

movin' parts

Oh, those Bruins. After such insufferable collapses and game seven follies, it's such a relief. No need to harp on this. Vancouver it is.

That said, I'm back and sorry for the delay. Rather, a shortened hiatus as rain soaked New England took its toll. Perhaps beautiful weather was just the inspiration needed. And this long weekend.

Dolly is back for another weekend-stay-cation in Newton. The heat is getting to her a bit. Her panting has become white noise at this point. Regardless, we took some time to look out the window today.

Intimidating watchdog

In unrelated news, it's almost time to kiss the impala holla goodbye. She's been solid all these years and still drives well. At the very least she is tolerable. The reason she'll be gracing Craigslist after summer is because I'm moving and will no longer need her services. Indeed, my commute to work is short -- it's about five minutes depending on when parents are dropping their children off at school. In general, though, I am tired of driving and can take the T to and from work with minimal walking. But I digress. The girlfriend and I picked out a Brighton apartment (edge of Comm. and just up the hill from Cleveland Circle to you Bostonians) today after a relatively short search and put down a deposit to avoid the September 1 rush. We can now comfortably enjoy summer without a search looming, which is something we deemed important from the moment Newton became an afterthought. Newton has been an above par first apartment and an overall joy. Residing close to Boston is nice, but living in Boston is nicer. Moving to my second apartment has taught me one important iota: you know it when you see it. As was the case in Newton, our new apartment fits the bill -- literally and figuratively -- to become our next niche. I suppose the point of this post was to ask if anyone wants to buy a rugged 2000 chevy impala that has a broken fuel gauge, 120K miles and persistent low tire pressure?

Yeah, I wouldn't want it either.

Plans for the long weekend? Maybe seeing an old pal, Musuem of Fine Arts, kayaking the Charles.

Cheers.

reading, listening, making

Reading: "The Way" by Michael Berg. It focuses on the fundamentals of Kabbalah with a balance of past and modern societal ideals. It does not preach nor extend an agenda, either. What it does do, essentially, is lay out the methods to better your life in terms of spirituality by realizing what's proverbially above you. It also stresses levels of fulfillment, which is really the crux of the book. I find similarities in my own life with some of its aspects; not to mention the carry over displayed in daily life. Nonetheless, a difference of opinion is quite prevalent as well. I suppose that's the beauty of it. I originally read it in college when balancing an internship at Hartford Magazine, being a staff writer at The Informer and taking on a full course load. I'm not sure what prompted me to re-read the metaphors and tales that were -- perhaps still are -- so convincing. It allows you to lose yourself and evaluate from a new perspective.

*Side read: Joel Stein's latest in TIME taking aim at Twitter and, of course, the pressure of following/being followed*

Listening: This is rather obvious coming from me. Dispatch released a new EP yesterday as their summer tour kicks off in about a month. They still demonstrate the undeniable chemistry that paved the way for independent music. There's a splash of State Radio, Braddigan's south american influence and Pete's folksy/bluesy-storytelling-ish lyrics from their respective solo work. The overall sound remains near and dear to my heart.

Making: Just finished jalapeno, corn and black bean rice. It's all sort of southwestern. 

Throw that down Bobby Flay.

the cure for your rainy day

I have found the anecdote to make you and yours feel better as this rainy week rolls through. 

Download the newest from Dispatch. We've waited long enough after such a drought.

ramblings on the Celts

I was not upset that the Celtics lost last night. Why? Because it's the NBA, and I personally can't stand how soft the game is. I get my daily fix from Adrian Wojnarowski. He speaks the truth. I admit to being a casual fan embedded with copious amounts of useless knowledge of the team. Last night's game forced me to ponder the future of the Celtics, and here are my thoughts.

The future is bleak at best and Celtics nation should be peachy with that. In other words: they are going to be bad sooner than later; bottom of barrel bad.

What were you people expecting? We knew this window was small -- alluding to the big three three in particular. Danny Ainge made the best move possible in acquiring them, and once a window is clear and open -- albeit a small one -- you take it. Look at the Philadelphia Phillies, for example. They are aging but taking advantage of a core group in a specific window. Indeed, they loaded up with Cliff Lee, but the Celtics envisioned that with getting Shaq and Jermaine O' Neil to compensate the injury to Kendrick Perkins. Although the latter was traded, the point is that the team -- with the ownership's support -- had this window to compete, and compete they did. Regardless of the insufferable years prior to the big three's arrival, this ship has almost sailed. I laugh at the prospect of a solid team in the future, especially from the green-teamers.

Backing up for a thought: I was irked by the Perkins trade for reasons different than offensive or defensive plays and schemes. The old adage of there's only a few "really talented true centers" in the NBA remains true, and that was the only advantage the Celtics had over other teams, principally in the east.  Nonetheless, the chief reason I hated the move lives behind the scenes.

It's strange though (putting aside the thought that the Celtics have never lost with "that starting five") as I can see any of these occurring based on the league's parody:
-The Celtics come back to win this series
-Paul Pierce opts out of his deal and retires
-They do not make a run at Dwight Howard when he becomes a free agent, causing a stir in Boston because they will have the money coming off the books -- and also, why would he pick Boston over somewhere with a warm climate? Superman works in any colors, especially purple and yellow.

All in all, it's one of those "enjoy it while it lasts" scenarios. Try to imagine the other side of the coin; the trade never happened and Paul Pierce was still carrying the load on a losing team (I was going to pull the team's records prior to 2008, but saying they were grotesque will suffice). They would remain irrelevant in the city as the Patriots and Red Sox would tower over them. People would not even feel a shadow.

We were all on board with the Celtics transformation when it happened, and we still should be. We, as fans of any degree, salivate over big-name transactions. The reason I'm so adamant about the flat-line future is not merely because of retiring veterans, but because the Heat and Bulls are getting that much better.

DJ's spark won't save em' now.

ode to guster

Last night the girlfriend and I ventured to our second home -- the House of Blues in Boston. We are seemingly there every two weeks or so, and we've come to understand it's truly an intimate venue that, regardless of seating, provides the perfect platform for numerous styles of music. Last night's rendition featured Guster, a band we've both followed for years, seen live on previous occasions and collectively amass triple digits of songs on our respective iPods. That's a realistic figure since they have been together for 20 years or so. I would not use the word skeptical going into the show, but I was worried they changed; I suppose suggesting that their old sound transformed into something less appealing. Let me be the first to tell you: if you have not seen Guster in years, go see them again. And if you have never seen them, get yourself tickets. Their live show remains loud, catchy and filled with jam-band-type solos. They do a masterful job of mixing up old and new tracks, which is something not all artists do when trying to appeal to the audience. Most importantly, their flow of songs does not diminish tempo. They include better lighting for shows, which has certainly developed over the years as popularity increased and demand for tickets came at a premium. 

I am not going to try to describe it all here. What I am going to do though is let you see the videos and photos I've posted to get a feel. Of course, it won't be the same sound as attending live, nor is it possible to capture the emotion and ambiance of a sold out show. The girlfriend was almost in tears seeing them again, nearly resembling one of those old Beatles videos where females practically combust and shake from seeing Paul McCartney grab a guitar. I will probably cry at Dispatch this summer, but I digress. Usually I post videos to Facebook and pictures to the blog, but these videos were worth the upload time as they are above par quality taken from the second row.

Enjoy the tunes, people! Maybe even share them with your mother for her day!

"Demons" 

  "Hercules"

 "Manifest Destiny" 

 

"Happier"

Reading and listening

Here's a solid duo. If you enjoyed the Royal Wedding, understand current sports and can stand dry humor you're advised to read Joel Stein's latest column in TIME Magazine. It's that good. Also, take a listen at Dispatch's new song Melon Bend. The fact that Dispatch is having a tour, recording and collaborating -- albeit for only a couple months -- sparks a musical utopia for those who appreciate what they did for independent music.

Thoughts on the Bruins, some tunes

A tiny hiatus has been ceased. I’m back in the blogosphere ready to shed light on nothing particularly important. I mean, what could possibly be newsworthy after that wedding?

I’m overjoyed that the Bruins were able to go out and get one. The people around these parts couldn’t handle another letdown.  A loss would mean finding new coping mechanisms for the masses. I use overjoyed because if the floppers of Montreal advanced it would validate my harsh sentiments toward Gary Bettman. The constant embellishment brings out the worst in the game. It’s fraudulent and has no place in the game. If I wanted to watch diving, I’d watch competitive diving…or European soccer. The diving penalty is no longer part of the game, which is something I don’t understand since it was an integral call in the past. 

Was there any doubt that Bruins-Habs would go seven games? The implications and weight associated with game seven bring ratings -- not to mention a  Bettman wet dream. It was Boston and Montreal, a true original six dream matchup for the NHL. That, combined with fan hatred for each other, creates a recipe for every last drop of hockey.

But it’s on to the Flyers. The Bruins are underdogs and they should be. They’ll have trouble matching their size, offensive depth and power play. The only advantage the Bruins have is goaltending; Tim Thomas must steal a game for them and play on his head. In fact, he is accountable for that because the team has to have it. Here’s the interesting twist about the upcoming series in my view: The Flyers’ trio of goalies have to perform decently and keep them in the game. The Flyers' offense will carry them. So please, Thomas, steal a game and give yourself an opportunity to advance. Your team's power play is not going to throw you a bone.

The Bruins are surprisingly healthy and the Flyers are a little banged up. That said, if the Bruins falter in this series I won’t be surprised given Claude Julien’s inability to adjust during a series. He’s a modern day Bill Belichick. They both can’t seem to make the proper changes in the locker room when it matters most. Indeed, Julien did a better job in the Montreal series (I’m slow to dish out credit to him), but that team is soft. Adjusting to offensive schemes and containing true goal scorers is different than adjusting to a defensive trap and small wingers who create space down the boards. The latter of which wasn’t adjusted until gave seven. Julien will ultimately save his job by advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. It’s black and white in that regard. Bruins fans need it too, but more for their sanity and patience.

Furthermore, I blame the Bruins for a lack of blogging in the last week. It’s just easier that way since they are usually the sure-handed scapegoat of Boston sports.

There’s not too much else to report. Work is going well thus far. (Hi guys, I know you’re there...well now I do...there will be bark) I know some other people who were recently hired or switched jobs all together, so if I haven’t said congratulations to you, congratulations. New challenges keep this world spinning.

Lastly, I have been listening to a lot of City and Color lately. He’s such a talented guitarist and has a booming voice. His demeanor is perceived as melancholy by many, but I think that’s what happens you take personal stories, convert them to lyrics and condense it into four minutes or so. He alluded to that in an interview at some point, too.

The next concert on the list is Guster at the House of Blues, which is next weekend for the girlfriend’s birthday. I've always posted videos to Facebook and pictures on the blog, so I’ll try to do that again.  I do realize I have videos in this blog post. 

Anyways, I have not seen Guster in eight years or something. Their newest album is alright, but could do without all the Jesus references. I am stuck in a Two Points for Honesty, Barrel of a Gun and Demons phase. I know I am not alone there. 

Left: Biggest Guster fan I know

Next week will be Guster dedication week and hopefully some shorter posts. That’s manageable, right? I guess that depends on how the Bruins fare.

Happy weekend, all. Cheers.

Friday things -- Easter and Jewish bagels.

Happy Easter weekend all!

My last post said there would be forthcoming Iron & Wine picture(s), so Sam Beam is gracing the background as promised. Again, my dearest apologies for a lack of wrinkles, sweat stains and emotions in the picture. It was simply not happening this time around.

Such fancy attire, per usual

Working from home on Friday's certainly has its perks. Besides work work, I get to cook and prepare meals for future consumption. Today, for example, I made turkey meatballs from scratch with all the fixins, and then they were seared, sauced and simmered.

 

I also made the girlfriend my version of the "ultimate Jewish bagel." It's pretty simple: toasted bagel, cream cheese, good quality lox and a sprinkle of scallion. It was delicately devoured. I have not convinced her to try gefilte fish a second time, but that's ok. I also bought macaroons (not the cowardly French type) and they remind me of being a kid.

My take on the perfect Jewish bagel

iron and sangria

Last night I saw Iron & Wine with the girlfriend and friends at the House of Blues in Boston. Although I did not have the most visually appealing seats -- balcony in the center -- the sound was flawless. I still got glimpses of Sam Beam's grizzly beard as he belted in front of a sold out crowd. He played an interesting set filled with long tracks, horns and keyboard solos. It was a mix of old and new music, the latter including selections from Kiss Each Other Clean. The set varied in tempo so it's difficult to follow a strict rhythm. It's a blessing or a curse depending on the concert-goer, but it was musically satisfying for a Tuesday evening in rainy Boston. I do not have photos to add yet, but will get them uploaded soon. I apologize in advance if the forthcoming quality is subpar.

Prior to the show we ate tapas at 94 Mass Ave. It was sinfully delicious and perfect for a party of four. Arancini, balsamic glazed gnocchi, salty meatballs and mediterranean calamari all washed down by white sangria was the perfect opening act for the evening. 

Happy Hump day!

adjustment period, and JBT part deux

A lengthy week one at my new post has come to a close. Adjustment will suffice as the adjective while absorbing the last five days. Although some processes remain the same from previous endeavors, by and large there's a hefty learning curve -- one that takes time, and sometimes I forget that. Reflection is also a welcomed commodity in moments of change. I'll be doing a plethora of that.

That said, it's on to the weekend; some reading, lounging and happy hour-ing is on tap. Perhaps, this will be the weekend the Red Sox show some life. Perhaps, this will be the weekend the Bruins score a goal. And, naturally, we have no idea what the Celtics are going to do. It's not as if their window is any larger, and the green-teamer's bandwagon has seemingly departed from the station.

Lastly, I'll be seeing John Butler Trio again this summer thanks to the girlfriend ordering tickets this morning. They co-headlined with State Radio last summer at the BOA Pavilion, amassing Dispatch's 2004 Hatch Shell show as the greatest concert I've seen. With Barefoot Truth's show last night, Iron & Wine next Tuesday and Guster in a month, fulfilling the quest for more live music in 2011 is in motion.

John Butler, summer 2010.

musical Thursday

The girlfriend and I just got back from a Barefoot Truth show on Newbury Street. There's no need to rehash the past on my admiration toward BFT since it's well documented. They played an acoustic set and, to my surprise, packed a lively 30-person or so crowd who clapped along and made the best of a small venue. And by venue I mean a Patagonia store. Unfortunately, the below picture does not include Wayno, the band's piano player, as there was a light in front of my lens. And, to reiterate, they did not have much room to work with. All in all, they tuned up and performed a comforting set. Seeing live music on a Thursday -- which in my mind hints at the impending weekend -- is something I want to do more of. I am going to post a few videos to my Facebook page, so tune in shortly for some new beats!

BFT, minus Wayno.

new music to get you through the week

Brett Dennen released his newest album today, Loverboy. He has a very unique sound. It takes some getting used to. Have a listen to Sydney (I'll Come Running)  in the video below and check out the album if seeking new tunes. It will add some flavor to your iPod.

simple reflections on vacation

Like changes in the weather, vacation has come and gone. Florida’s in the rear-view mirror and, as vacations usually unwind in hindsight, it went by quickly. That being said, a week of pure uninterrupted leisure does wonders. The crux of vacation in its simplest form was achieved by the following: Hours at the beach, reading, napping, eating, drinking, looking at old photo albums and walking the streets with the locals. Naturally, there were particular drinks that stung the nostrils, meals embodying umami and moments that garner more explanation, but vacation is a feeling more than anything; it’s a mindset rather than specific activities on a to-do list. The feeling of premature sunburns, waves substantially larger than Duxbury Beach creating a white noise sensation, accompanied by a constant breeze is enough for me. The girlfriend and I fully embraced being away from chilly Massachusetts, just being together in a place I visited every winter as a youngster. It allowed me to reflect back on a simpler time and encourage those same thoughts to the current stay.

The next chapter begins on Monday. I'm ready. Happy weekend, everyone.

Some sights:

Song of the week

This song has made my week. Tall Heights - To Be Young

                                                           



Craig's List. And finding my way back.

The second rendition of Craig's List...

Yay:

-Sunny south Florida! Vacation in 48 short hours.

-Opening Day for the Red Sox.

-Re-connecting with friends from Israel, and learning they’re all doing well.

-Golf season is right around the corner, and I’m playing with the girlfriend’s brother in law soon to get the swing back

-Finishing Kitchen Confidential (Awesome read)

Nay:

-At least 120 were killed in an ammo factory blast in Yemen.

-The brutality of sharks from Shark Finning, which I heard about in depth on a NPR podcast originally from 2004.

-Reading Erik Ainge’s personal battle with addiction, without knowing its severity and how sad it is.

-The current weather. We’re all over this weather.

In addition to Craig's List, exciting news has lit up the radar. I will be starting a new job when I return from vacation after giving notice at MultiPlan. I was offered an Assistant Site Editor position at one of TechTarget's websites and I happily accepted. Remaining in the health sector is exactly what I wanted, and this position encompasses all the journalistic principles pertaining to health IT. I have been yearning to get back into writing and editing for months; it's the root of what I love. I've internalized an abundance of health-related information over the last year. Naturally, I can transcend that information to the newest venture in my life and partake on the challenging transition that's ahead. I am nervous. I am thrilled. I am relieved. I am ready to learn. Furthermore, as I've come to realize, timing is everything. Some of you know another young professional who works at TechTarget. However, that person works on a totally different site. It's unknown if we will see each other at all. As the story goes, we worked together at The Informer, Hartford's school newspaper, and now for the same company as professionals. There must be something in the water.


Alas, it's time to pack for Florida. The upcoming week will be restful, alleviating all stress and preparing me for the next chapter.

"the system has done failed you"

Another appeal, another rejection. As for a fair trial in the case of Troy Davis, it appears as likely as hell freezing over. Today, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Davis' request that his execution be delayed, meaning a new execution date is likely. The case has fluctuated over the years, where balancing recanted testimony and a lack of physical evidence has become deeply rooted in judicial soil. Seven of the nine witnesses claiming Davis shot and killed off-duty police officer Mark MacPhail in 1989 have recanted their testimony and no gun was ever found. Davis has been on death row since 1991. He's vehemently claimed his innocence on the grounds of being wrongfully convicted as a result of false identification. Despite immense pressure from Amnesty International and a plethora of public figures, Davis remains behind bars with his fate unknown. I have written on this case on a few occasions, alluding to State Radio's music to help reiterate the case.

Listen to the lyrics. It's telling. Simply the crux of the entire case.

"Cause' there was no physical  weapon
 no murder evidence

No appeal, no clemency"

Craig's List. The other Craig's List

Welcome to Craig’s List. In an attempt to bring more spice to the blog, I’ll write five tidbits of news, events, and noteworthy nuggets that are on the “Yay and Nay” scale. Some will pertain to my life, others not so much. What I’m saying is that during the course of a week the good and the bad occur. Therefore, here’s the platform to display such anecdotes. And, I'll add links to stories and videos; a forum of sorts to learn something new. I will post every Friday or Saturday here on out. Off we go…

The Yay: 

-Brett Dennen’s new album will be released in April. He’s really good, people.

-Heading to Florida with mah girl in a week from tomorrow. This might be a re-occurring yay until my toes are in sand.

-Seeing an old Informer friend this week (co-worker) who, for lack of better description, makes me laugh every time I’m in his general vicinity.

-Dolly is here this weekend.

-The Bruins drubbing the Habs last night, 7-0, which in turn silences the Montreal media for 30 seconds.

The Nay:

-Dentist appointment yesterday: No cavities, but my dentist insisted we talk about Jewish cuisine, prolonging the appointment for 25 minutes.

-The bus bomb in Jerusalem, Israel.

-Learning that renting a car in Florida when you’re not 25 is an extra $25…per day

-The Impala holla’s right windshield wiper stopped working.

-Admitting that this “Yay and Nay” section came to fruition by wanting to condense my blog, but also because my girlfriend’s “Awkward and Awesome” posts are inspiring.

runnin with Nelly, but for the cause.

Props to BR in convincing me to run the 10th Annual Harpoon 5-Miler. The run, which is on Sunday May 22, benefits the The Angel Fund for ALS. The $40 fee gets you entrance to the race, free t-shirt, post race party at the Harpoon Brewery, two beer tickets, race day meal and helping raise over $100,000 for the The Angel Fund. That is a whole lot for the price. Running for the cause is worth every penny. 

I have also rekindled my love for Nelly, but really just Country Grammar. I'll never forget the summer it was released despite it being 11 years ago. That album has such catchy hooks and creative lyrics. It's been all over the gym playlist. I dare you to listen to Country Grammar, E.I., Ride with Me and Greed, Hate, Envy in succession without head bobbing. I think running and Nelly go together, hence the above correlation.

Lastly, my thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by today's bus bombing in Jerusalem. It will always be a special place to me, and hearing of this news after two years of quiet stings.

To the right side: Placing my note in the Western Wall. Jerusalem

here and there, near and far.

I will never take the weather for granted. With TIME Magazine next to me, I'm currently writing on the front porch as a constant breeze comes through. It's a beautiful day in New England. What's more, with all the cold weather and unforgiving snow this winter I forgot how refreshing it is to walk at lunch during the work week. Thursday and Friday was prime walking weather, and getting a few strides in is ergonomically satisfying. Sometimes fresh air is all that’s needed.

There's basketball on in the background. It's currently the best three weeks on the sports calendar. March Madness is a distant level of utopia. The first two days have been memorable. It’s acceptable to get giddy for competition, upsets, half-court heaves and Gus Johnson’s lingo. Guy’s a bona fide orator. Rise and fire, rise are fire.

The girlfriend and I entertained last night for friends; some chicken cacciatore, mustardy potatoes, wine and other gems. It got good reviews from the clean plate club. All in all,  I love entertaining despite it sounding old fashioned or making me appear really old at 24. It's fun to kick back and watch everyone devour a dish. The girlfriend made a killer dessert too, check it out.


My sister's wedding is rapidly approaching. Hava Nagila! (It's almost June, Sammy!) In addition to walking my mother down the aisle, I'll be escorting the flower girl because she's too shy.  The sister's special day is the highlight of summer 2011...and Dispatch.

Now it's time to read and rest, as tonight we go buck for birthday festivities. The only downer this weekend is Dolly is not around. She’s doing her thing elsewhere but will storm Newton in the near future, shmatteh in tow.


And, of course:

-A very happy birthday to Eric and Alix.

-My congratulations to Bobby and Trisha as they will be bringing a baby girl into the world with unconditional love. 

 

     

music on the mind

                               A trio of songs topping my playlist of late. Click to play. Enjoy.

Damien Jurado - Abilene

Bon Iver - Skinny Love

Blind Pilot - One Read Thread



just talk about it...it's the headlines

I had written a recap of the weekend but stopped half way through. It wasn’t so inspiring anymore.

So many horrific events happened over the course of a week. It’s thorny to fathom that these circumstances occur in life and roll in swiftly like a breeze, albeit stemming from natural causes or insufferable acts. I listened to NPR for hours today trying to gain perspective from those covering the news around the globe with events such as: crisis management of epic proportions in Japan, a suicide bombing in Afghanistan and grisly slayings in Israel. They filled the radio waves with a melancholy tone. It revealed a heightened sense of urgency. It’s too much death at its core.

Japan: As the pieces from Port-au-Prince and Christchurch still weigh heavy, it’s feared that 10,000 are dead after the quake and tsunami in Japan. Bodies are washing up on shore like seaweed. Putting that into context – even words – is daunting. It can’t be underestimated that this is the worst crisis since WWII. Miyagi Prefecture plays host to a disorganized cemetery. NPR had journalists speaking live with displaced families who were stripped of everything, only sparing their lives. Specifically, I heard a report that 3,000 people have filled an elementary school where boiling water for instant noodles on an open fire and using makeshift bathrooms has become customary. Now they’re wrestling with aftershocks, uncovering scores of bodies under debris, mulling over nuclear reactor and radiation concerns and dealing with flattened infrastructure.

Afghanistan: 33 were killed when a suicide bomber detonated a device in an Afghan army recruiting center. In addition to the 33 left dead, at least 42 people were also wounded. Hearing another report on a suicide bomber has placed itself into common vernacular. It’s a sad vernacular to that end. Unrest is relentlessly prevalent as the war continues.

Israel: Friday night’s Itamar massacre completely folded me; a family of five in the West Bank settlement of Itamar were stabbed to death in the middle of the night. Three children and their parents were murdered in cold blood. There are no suspects. PM Binyamin Netanyahu dubbed it a terrorist act and is looking squarely at the PLO for answers. The Jerusalem Post has been actively following the story.

What can you make of it all? The acceptance of natural disasters is tragic because, as it goes, there's no choice. Your heart breaks for those searching for loved ones.  Dying at a recruitment center at the basement of potential democracy, or at least yearning for it? Your soul irks with the mere thought of children being killed. Is the purpose of this post to highlight the world’s tribulations? Or, does it encourage contentment with what you have and subsequently haven’t lost? I don’t know. This does not suggest a call for immediate action, either. I do know, however, that not talking about is rather lethargic and anything to the contrary is stubborn.

keep it rolling

I recently had a lengthy, catch up type conversation with a friend whom I speak to every three to four months. He no longer lives in the Boston area and it's refreshing when friends are finding personal success, are stable, and keep it rolling in the direction they seem fit. Losing touch is never a good thing.

Overall, it's been a few days since I've posted. There have been a few topics to touch upon, but it never came to fruition, and certainly not in the form of words. There's been gobs of reading but I didn't feel compelled to shell out opinions or discuss why Joel Stein's writings stick by setting an audience -- and making them adjust -- instead of adhering to magazine norms. I digress. There are things to look foward to: Tall Heights concert, continuing to read Kitchen Confidential, dim sum with friends (spreading the brunch love) and beginning whispers of birthdays in a couple weeks. And, I have to book a rental car for Florda, which means heading south and the much-needed vacation is approaching. I'm reading to let the bones thaw. I'm going to embrace a week without television, Internet and routine.