1 day on the wagon

I'm very happy to say, that after yesterday's Battlestar Galactica-fest, I didn't turn on the TV once today...AND I actually visited the gym...AND I used the equipment there. The real test will be when I get CD #4 of the 1st season. Can I sit through just one episode without progressing to the next one. Stay tuned, if you dare (I mean, care). Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Serenity now, serenity now.

Obsession...Frak!

I'm currently obsessed with the new Battlestar Galactica series. Those of you who know me know that I don't subscribe to cable TV, so I'm playing "catch-up" by ordering the series on Netflix. But I can't seem to watch just one frackin' episode. I turn on the DVD with every intention to watch just one, and then 3-hours later, I've wasted the whole night. I really do consider this a psychological problem. It's the exact reason why I don't have cable. I do have a TV, but only can get a handful of channels, and even those I get with really bad reception. I do this on purpose because I figure I'll flip through the few channels I have, get disgusted, and then turn off the TV and do something productive. But even then I sometimes find myself watching hours of Everybody Loves Raymond, King of Queens, Bernie Mac, that show with Jim Belushi and Courteny Thorne Smith. The list of syndicated crap goes on and on.

I know that I'm not alone in this. Which leads me to my question: What is it about our brains that hardcodes us to get obsessed with stuff, even against our own best interests. I guess there is some modicum of pleasure we get out of the object of our obsession. For example, Battlestar Galactica ROCKS! So does LOST and Heroes. So what the Frak am I doing watching Girlfriends or George Lopez, some of the worst crap on Television! There's no answer here, folks, just questions. Perhaps more exploration will occur later. This is just on my mind because just tonight I wasted 3 hours watching 4 episodes of Battlestar Gallactica.

And now off to bed, where I will fall asleep to another obsession...the "Keith and the Girl" podcast.

Toothcare

Today I got my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fillings. No kidding! 2 of them were in wisdom teeth, so - not so bad. Until very recently, my father was my Dentist, so this visit was traumatic in more than one way. Happily, Dr. Jankowski did a great job, and I left the office an hour later with my lip dragging on the floor (love that Novocaine).

Also, today I bought tickets to the upcoming Frames show at Webster Hall on Sept 10, continuing my current obsession with the music (and film) of Glen Hansard, the lead singer of the Frames. It all started when I heard a song from Hansard's solo album, The Swell Season (more of a duet with Marketa Irglova) toward the beginning of this year. Then, a few months later, I heard that he had created a film called "Once" starring...himself and Irglova! The film was featured at the Sundance festival and got rave reviews. I saw it a few months ago and it was pretty damn good. Great music of course, along with a simple and romantic story about 2 singer songwriters who fall for each other, but their circumstances create barriers for them.

So, nobody, reads my blog as of yet, but I haven't really told anyone about it. If I continue writing, and there's something interesting to read, maybe I'll let a few people know. For now, it is for my own self-expression. But if you do happen upon it, please feel free to say hello. :)

Coney Island Going Buy, Buy!

We've all heard the rumors, which of course are now more than just rumors, about Coney Island's Astroland Park being sold to the highest bidder. Yes, "the man" is taking away our freak show, the phallus, "Shoot the Freak", etc., etc., and putting up. Well, it's still under discussion...

So, Cousin Adam, Ari, and I spent a nice Summer Saturday at Coney Island to try and preserve our memories of it in it's current form. And, in true Jeff fashion, my visit HAD to coincide with a music festival. Specifically, the Siren Music Festival. Good times were had by all. Sorry so short - here are some photos of the glorious day it was.

Cousin Adam - not a speck of dirt on those white pants!

SHOOT THE FREAK!!!

Ari in his usual pose

Elvis Perkins at the Siren Fest

To Blog Again

Gotta get connected, gotta get addicted, gotta get conflicted, gotta keep it separated, gotta network, gotta do work, gotta be Turk, gotta see Kirk.


OK - so there's Kirk. I hope you like his picture. He's a good guy, Mr. Kirk.