Looking forward: bracing for snow, real food and rabbits.

Mother Nature must be punishing us for the BP oil spill; a wave of karma in its purest form. The eastern shore is in for another blanket-covering blizzard. This time, however, it will be a one-two punch in terms of timing. Between the two days of snow, accumulation could reach 22 inches in the biggest mid-week storm of winter thus far, according to numerous weather reports. There's nowhere to put the existing snow and the sizable snow banks next to my apartment are getting revamped. I do not mind shoveling, but only when getting a day off from work. Speaking of, I am getting a new shovel and washer fluid tonight. Big things for a Monday. Bring it on, snow.

Anyways, I tried to reserve a spot for Hell Night and it was booked. It sold out in eight minutes. At least that's what the unhappy fellow on the phone told me. I bet he was on the phone for a wild eight minutes. It's like booking a Dispatch show: it sells out before you can attempt to purchase. I really wanted partake in the fiery challenge. It will have to wait until next year. (I did get Dispatch tickets - FYI)

Good news is not hard to find though. This coming weekend I am celebrating Chinese New Year with the girlfriend's family. The New Year is actually on Thursday, but that's how it goes. It's a wonderful (and tasty) tradition. There is more prep work than you could imagine. All the scrumptious dishes are homemade by the girlfriend's mother in an impressive spread including the best bok choy, real egg rolls, real wontons and real beef and broccoli. I'm just name dropping. There is so much more. I use real to distinguish the difference between grease-bucket Chinese food and the real thing. You get it. We are bringing in the Year of the Rabbit in warming company and great family. According to my research, it's the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. A joyous occasion awaits.

Then, on Sunday with the crew, we all turn into cheese heads for a few hours with beverages in hand.

Have fun shoveling all, don't pull out your back.

going to temple, but not that temple

Putting the final wraps on the weekend, and it was a good one at that. Friday started with getting Guster tickets in the mail. Although I've followed their music closely, I have not seen them live since the Goldfly days.


On Saturday, I went with the girlfriend back to Worcester to take her niece out for lunch and do some arts and crafts. I got her niece a Panera Bread gift card for Christmas, which would be used in a "spend-a-day-with-Auntie-and-Craig." Indeed, Saturday was that day. It's good to promote activities to babies, I've learned.  After lunch, we painted a clay pot in pink, purple and light green shades with her name on it. I'm sure it will find its way to her bureau.


Later that night, we met up with friends for beer towers at Roggie's,  a local watering hole. After a few drinks, a general consensus emerged: let's go dance. Although most of us were not in appropriate attire, it was deemed appropriate for where we were going. We ended up at Golden Temple in Washington Square. More or less, it's an Asian restaurant you can make a party. A parquet dance floor resembles a Bat Mitzvah floor deejayed via Siagel Productions. However, if a Bat Mitzvah was ever held at Golden Temple somebody really got crossed up. It would be a disaster. Nonetheless, we made the most of it and danced like fools for hours. There was definitely more laughs than awkward moments, but given the variety of characters it wasn't by much. After our final call, we departed and walked home with numerous tackles into Beacon Street's snowbanks accompanied by falling females. Everyone made it home safely.

It's Golden
Photo: Yelp

Now it's time to prepare for the work week and anxiously await the Super Bowl. For those who asked me about Hell Night, I'm going to try to get a reservation tomorrow. Burning your taste buds is not fun unless y'all are watching.


I hope everyone had a good weekend! Please no more snow.

another man down with the flag defoe, it takes a lot of love and comin’ out of cold.

Amos Lee’s new album, Mission Bell, is his most realized work to date. In a fusion of R&B, folk, acoustically driven soul and jazz, he transcends the aforementioned genres in 12 tracks. The pace is easy on the ears, almost Ben Harper sounding before Live from Mars. The opening track, “El Camino”, is a melodic start demonstrating country styles and a gentle toned bridge incorporating light trumpet before a piano solo. Particular tracks will prompt goose bumps, namely “Out of the Cold,” which depicts a war veteran with politically charged undertones. “Violin” is also a hair-raiser. What would an album be without a romantic love ballad? “Stay with Me” is the closest anecdote to the conventional love song. It features Priscilla Ahn in a bluesy sound with enticing, yet meaningful lyrics and also a rich riff. “Cup of Sorrow” encompasses a sing-a-long beat; a folksy hand-clapper if you will and “Learned A Lot” includes a head-bobbing electric guitar solo.

There is not a signature upbeat song on the album, per say. You won’t find a “Listen.” It was not recorded to be calm before the storm in musical personality. When mentioning electric guitar solos, it’s in a Ray LaMontagne manner and chock full of R&B. That’s why Mission Bell is considered neo soul. By contrast, industry critics deemed Lee’s second album --Supply and Demand -- louder because it’s folk rock.

Mission Bell is an eclectic mix that can’t be singularly defined. It’s difficult to gauge how soft-sounding an album is, or if that’s characterized as a slower pace. It all depends on the perception of the listener. It’s Lee’s best album in my opinion and I have not scratched the surface of its beauty. 

It’s easy music to fall in love with. It makes you believe.

Listen to your barber

In a prior post, I wrote about flaws in the justice system and how it relates to the West Memphis Three. I also alluded to Troy Davis’ case, which served as a chief example in displaying those flaws. Meanwhile, while scoping SI.com, I stumbled upon a massive feature, a three-page byline from Jon Wertheim detailing the story Terry Harrington.

I had no idea who he was either…

To get a jist of the story: Harrington spent 25 years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. It was racially charged, littered with conspiracy and full of lies. What makes this story so captivating (and the reason you should read it) is because of the woman who, with no legal background or education, dedicated her life to the innocence of Harrington. The lengths at which she went to reveal the perpetuation of flaws are nothing short of unbelievable. Take 10 minutes to read Wertheim’s story, it’s moving.

Check it out here.

Action3News.com

bringing the heat...to Cambridge

East Coast Grill in Cambridge, MA is hosting their annual Hell Night in a month, and I could not be more excited. In terms of gastronomic adventures, it’s not for the faint of heart or weak palate. Hell Night consists of a four-night spicy food feast with a sole purpose of creating atomic-like dishes at the public’s expense. It was featured in season one of Man vs. Food and the host, Adam Richman, needed a creamsicle to end the burning. The event boats a mix of chilies: ghost, habenero, cayenne, thai, scotch bonnet, serrano and jalapeno. They are used in exotic and mainstream dishes and it's cultural to that end.

 

The balance of pain and pleasure is a natural high. I admire the ability to harness a degree of spice just enough to enjoy a dish and still get other flavors. Hell Night has my name written all over it. It’s difficult to get a spot because chili-heads like myself yearn for such an event. I have never attended before and I really hope I get a reservation.

getting an ear full.

A full slate of live music awaits. Sure, I have seen countless shows but 2011 features a plethora of favorable artists. My list of resolutions could have included this but this is more of an undertaking. With concerts filling up the calendar, I am elated to blog about the pure feeling of shows, people’s expressions, memorable rhythms and the immeasurable cohesiveness that transpires. A stream of photos will accompany the posts and maybe some videos, too. Inevitably, some tickets come at a steeper price than others but whatever, life's expensive sometimes. I just need music. It feels wholesome. It feels right. An open mind and appreciation for musical creativity is all that’s required. Whether it be a small venue or large venue; attending with my girlfriend or friends; or perhaps even catching an acoustic solo set in a beat down pub – it all sounds good to me. To those following a similar musical path I wish you the best. And to those joining me on this melodic adventure it means a lot.

Here is the list so far. I'm sure it will grow.

Joshua Radin – February 12 @ House of Blues (Boston)

Barefoot Truth – February 20 @ Brighton Music Hall

Iron & Wine – April 19 @ House of Blues (Boston)

Guster – May 7 @ House of Blues (Boston)  

Dispatch – June 25 @ TD Banknorth Garden

west memphis three's flame, birthday royale, the week ahead.

The justice system is a slippery slope at best. Recently, there have been rumblings of a new trial for Damien Echols, one member of the infamous West Memphis Three, who is on death row. The other two men, Jessie Misskelley and Jason Baldwin, are also imprisoned serving life sentences. The three men were tried and convicted of killing three eight-year-old boys in West Memphis, Arkansas in 1993. The prosecution team stated the primary motive stemmed from a form of Satanic ritual. Testimony has been questioned, words have been fabricated and forensics, which seemingly would provide the pudding, has been faulty.

"Cause there was an on scene deputy

And he had it in for the West Memphis Three

Got them for murder of the first degree

But the crowd wanted more"

[Unfortunates by State Radio]

In November 2010, the Arkansas Supreme court ordered a judge to review new DNA that potentially could exonerate the men. The lower court is now questioning the jurors of the trial and it's possible that all three men will receive a new trial. I have been following this case for quite some time and it's gaining a lot of notoriety even though it's been on a carousel. Today, on CNN's site, David Mattingly interviewed Echols in his maximum security prison. We were only privy to small portions of the interview and it ended in a cliffhanger as Mattingly asked Echols if he committed murder. There was no response and the video ended.


Nevertheless, I cannot fathom the debate whether to give the men a new trial. There is no proof of the slayings and the original evidence is crumbling. It's quite sad. If we've learned anything from Troy Davis' case, it will be a lengthy drawn out process. The West Memphis Three should be rotting in prison if guilty but so much is unknown. I find myself in a quandary: did these murders actually happen, or does the perception and influence of men killing children disrupt all claims of innocence? Does Satanic thoughts lay the framework in its own right? It's a case worth giving attention to and a few moments of awareness.  I want to be believe in the justice system, and I really want to believe in the goodness of people.


I needed to spew that. It's important. In unrelated news, it was not knock-down-drag-out in nature, but conquering Foxwoods is firmly off the to-do list. We drank and lost money. The latter of which became a rolling trend as the night progressed. The birthday boy did his thing and was giddy at the turnout. I have known him since in utero and of all the memories we’ve shared this one sticks out. I suppose when you love gambling and love your friends, a casino filled with your friends is choice. He was thankful and we’re thankful to have him. At one point, he reminded me to look back at my mindset and demeanor at this time last year. For better, my head’s above water and often times you can’t move forward without looking back.

After the much-needed weekend away, it’s time to get back to business and to focus. Preparation for two important meetings this week has begun and I’m looking for positive results from both of them. I am eager and nervous. Indeed, the adrenaline is flowing through me. That’s what happens when you want something so badly. Hopefully, on Friday, when these meetings conclude, I’ll be able to purchase Dispatch tickets with less weight. 

libel involving the Pats? Of course! -- and old college friends

Leonard Shapiro, a member of the NFL Hall of Fame election committee and columnist for the Washington Post, committed the biggest sin in the journalism world. It is a big uh-oh. Shapiro wrote that Bill Belichick was fined and docked draft picks for taping another team’s walkthrough and subsequently using it at a later time. That is factually inaccurate and epitomizes public libel. Belichick was incorrectly portrayed for the reason he was fined by the NFL. The tidbit regarding using the footage for a later advantage is not accurate and what’s more, the Patriots did not tape the walkthrough but rather the signals, which were later transcribed by New England’s staff. The Washington Post has since added a correction on the piece, but it makes me wonder…where is the editor? John Tomase, who erroneously reported that the Patriots taped the St. Louis Rams’ walkthrough prior to Super Bowl XXXVI, no longer covers the Patriots for the Boston Herald because of the incident. He issued an apology but Shapiro has not said a peep. If the Patriots did film a walkthrough – and it was proven from the NFL – Tomase would still be covering the Patriots. It amazes me how Shapiro did not learn from Tomase's faulty reporting. Where is the accountability from Shapiro?

Shapiro: You're better than this.

This evening I met up with two old college roommates for a beer in Boston. They were my roommates freshman year and although we lost touch a little, it was great to see them. I had not seen them since graduation in 2009. We reminisced about memorable moments and recalled some timeless memories. Collectively, we agreed that freshman year was the wildest time and if we could do it all over again...we would, tenfold. 

Another old roommate of mine recently posted a status on a cloud of nostalgic thoughts towards college. Fast-forward 48 hours and I'm sitting down with two college pals. Timing is everything.

thank you powder

Major kudos to Mother Nature for doing her part. I have no work today, marking the second snow day of winter. I'll gladly take a day off on hump day. Much of today will be spent reading TIME Magazine, watching Bobby Flay, listening to John Butler Trio and hangin' with the girl. Eventually, I'll tackle the elements to shovel but as you can see, it's a doozey.  

                                                                                            Back porch view.

                                           Impala -holla- is buried.

Milk and Honey, Monday Blues -- and looking ahead.

Two years ago today I was in Israel. It was a life changing experience that I’m grateful for. As it goes, I touched down in the midst of the Gaza War. I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn about the conflict while it was unfolding. Even with a war happening merely miles away, I was content. It was a trip of bonding, of trust, of being vulnerable in a different place. I met remarkable people. We brewed up a collective gumbo that left lasting impressions and lasting smiles. The images still play in my head. I can still hear the echoes.

Hangin' over Jerusalem

Oh man, today. It was one of those Monday’s; one where you wake up 20 minutes before your alarm and debate whether to close your eyes again. It’s an uncomfortable thought in the most comfortable of places. It sets the tone for the week, at least for me. Trying to get through this week is a daunting task because there’s much on the horizon. I am relying on spin and yoga to tide me over, but it’s all about the weekend.

On Saturday, my best friend is celebrating his 24^th birthday at Foxwoods so we’re all headed there for smoky lounges, grossly expensive drinks and reckless attempts at making money. It will probably get sloppy rather quickly. I am not big on the gambling scene and rarely even dabble. The birthday boy, though, is quite the shark and I’ll gladly offer moral support as he fulfills his resolutions on the felt. Sunday brings us the third installment -- and rubber match -- of Patriots-Jets. It’s truly the Divisional round and as a fan, you couldn’t ask for more. We Bostonians are accustomed to winning and I can't see the Patriots losing this one. Only a major hiccup would allow such a disaster. It’s Super Bowl or bust around these parts. 

Maybe Mother Nature will throw a bone. Four more days.

Weekend things -- and a brick of chilies.

That was a long week. It was my first full week back at work in two months since I used my vacation time to make each week four days long. The girlfriend works from home on Friday's so it's been a treat to be home with her. Today's a snowy day and we just got back from Boston's Chinatown where we dined on authentic Dim Sum at Chau Chow City. I was introduced to it not too long ago and it's typically served Saturday and Sunday for brunch. It's not the greasy in-a-box type of Americanized Chinese cuisine, but rather steamed and fresh. There are only a few items that fried. The staff pushes around carts and you simply pick.  Generally, they do not speak English so the pointing method is effective. It ranges from steamed dumplings to steamed chicken feet. There is something for everyone and it's one of those eating experiences you just have to try.

                                  One of the better spots for Dim Sum in Boston, Chau Chow City.

It's a variety: dumplings, shrimp rolls, pork buns, spareribs. My favorite, which the girlfriend absolutely won't eat, is the steamed chicken feet. It's traditional in Dim Sum and the only way I can describe it is it's textural and gelatinous.

 

 Don't be afraid to try  new things... 

Especially food! 

You might stumble upon something satisfying.

                                                         A Chicken foot prior to eating. It's a staple.

After brunch, we walked to get Boba Tea, also known as Bubble Tea. It's a refreshing beverage with pearls of tapioca at the bottom that you suck up by a thick straw. It comes in different flavors depending on your taste.

The girlfriend and her spot for Boba Tea, Boa Boa Bakery & Cafe. She is very particular about where to get the best so I oblige. She is a seasoned veteran.

Get yourself some Boba!

Chinatown is relatively small and everything is within walking distance. There is a lot of yelling on street corners, car horns and interesting smells. I love it.

Then, we stopped at a different bakery for sweet treats to bring home and at a grocery store where I got a massive brick of dried chilies. As you'll see above, it has some serious bulk to it. I'm a spicy food junkie. Groceries are uber cheap in Chinatown and these chillies were only $12.

Before I can hunker down to watch football, it's time for Ugg shopping. I shouldn't joke about getting the girlfriend a new pair because that's where I am headed...right now.

Happy weekend all!

Barefoot in February

One of my favorite bands, Barefoot Truth, is playing on February 20th at the Brighton Music Hall. Tickets are around $15. Super cheap.  Before I took a blog hiatus, I posted a brief description of the band. I just got word my tickets were being shipped. I am planning on taking the girlfriend, even though she doesn't dig them like I do. We listen to most of the same tunes and this here is one of the exceptions. She is a sport though and will give anything a try. It will be a fulfilling way to wrap up a cold February weekend, a Sunday-funday if you will. I hope to get some of the fellas to join as well to highlight our wild winter activities.

                                                        Barefoot Truth

Inspirational.

TIME Magazine's most recent cover story focused on Aung San Suu Kyi, the recently released political activist of Burma who continues to fight for human rights and democracy. She was on house arrest for nearly 20 years before her release two months ago. She is credited with spearheading the National League for Democracy (NLD) despite her political rights seemingly vanished. Furthermore, there are clauses in Burma's new constitution that prohibit Suu Kyi from becoming Prime Minster, according to TIME's story. Her message is clear, and it should be reverberated. She constantly preaches kindness and even values it over love saying, "Love comes and goes, but kindness remains."

Although imprisoned for all those years, her new found freedom and acts of kindness towards the hungry,  impoverished, sick and dying is more than admirable. She's a small woman with a large political agenda, seeking liberty for her people and unequivocal balance in government. It's yet another example of radical forces derailing peace, or at least the prospect to get the wheels turning. She does not know how long her freedom will last, but promises to make the most of it.

That's the reason Suu Kyi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and that's the reason she deserves our attention.

Check out TIME's story, it's well written and honest: The First Lady Of Freedom

                                                                 

NH 11', the gift of music and...Dispatch

2011. It's here and promises to be a good one. We're all back from New Hampshire, where we partied hard and made a memory. Everyone brought delicious appetizers and different finger foods. What's more, most of it was homemade. My favorite moment of the night came when everyone was in a large circle and took turns stating their best moment of the past year. As expected, the answers varied and everyone got a cheers in response of their moment. Without a doubt, my best moment was moving into an apartment with my girlfriend. It was a special night with special people.

                                       Some of the crew, courtesy of Kevin's iPhone.

In other news, I am giddy over a music overload. January brings new albums from Iron&Wine, Amos Lee and Ben Harper. My girlfriend bought me tickets to see Joshua Radin at the House of Blues in Boston in February for a birthday gift. She knows the way to my heart. Radin is mellow and acoustically driven for the most part. He's becoming mainstream so if you don't know him already, you soon will.

                         Joshua Radin and the cover of his new-ish album: The Rock and the Tide

Lastly, in the most important development of all, DISPATCH is on tour this summer and returning to Boston on June 25 at the Garden. They're also playing Colorado, Illinois, California, New Jersey and Georgia. Dispatch revolutionized music for me and I cannot wait to see them again. Tickets go on sale in three weeks.

Tour logo.

Dispatch. The Best.

Another highlight: The night before we left for New Hampshire a buddy of mine gave me a groupon for a Thai/Tapas bar in Somerville so the girlfriend and I went. It was a tiny place and half the seats used pillows on a bench for comfort. It was tasty and very very fresh. If in the area, check out Ronnarong Thai Tapas Bar in Union Square.

The rest of the weekend has been relaxing and lazy. Some reading, some sports. Speaking of, the Patriots concluded a 14-2 regular season and have a bye week before their postseason starts. You did not see that coming. It's Dallas or bust!

Again, Happy New Year everyone!