This Weekend, Armageddon Hit NYC

Note: I finally understand why people pay Geek Squad so much money. Fixing your computer (Windows errors, hardware errors, viruses, etc.) is not only a SOLID TEN on the annoying scale (right above doing dishes), but it's also one of the most confusing things on the Internet. Lessons Learned? 1) Reading technical forums is horrible. 2) Dealing with any kind of "service manual" is harder than sitting through Ashley H's constant insecurity on The Bachelorette. 


This past weekend reminded me of the Lloyd Bank's classic, Fire. Banks' lyrics - "We on Fire / Up in Here, it's Burning Hot / We on Fire" - perfectly describes what its felt like to live in New York as of late. Can anyone imagine being in Times Square in 100+ degree heat? Not even Chicken & Rice would be worth it. Now, I don't want to be that guy who says "called it" out loud (do I do that?), but we are definitely in Stage 4 of Summer - see an earlier post for reference.

While on the Hip Hop note, last week I went to an old-school Joe Budden concert in Brooklyn. While he definitely mailed in his performance a bit (had a fan rap a whole song for him), I can't deny that I had a good time. He might not be the best lyricist, or have good radio "musicality", but he's someone hip hop fans can and should appreciate. Can't wait for Rock the Bells in September or the release of Watch The Throne - The initial reviews on the Jay-Z, Ye album (released at a party earlier this month) were craazy.

In MTN, my weight-loss goals are starting off to a good start. I am starting to get more serious about it -along with the sport as a whole. Especially enjoying learning all of the Muay Thai techniques now that I can finally handle the cardio aspect of the classes. All I need to do to reach my goal is continue to tell myself my new motto - "All it takes, is all you got." (Warrior Dash 2k11, here I come. Taking bets as the 4:1 favorite.)

Finally, I'm not sure whether or not True Blood has gone off the deep end a la "jumping the shark," but it's certainly getting close. While the past few weeks episodes have been entertaining - they also been somewhat disturbing (in a good way?). Normally, there are very few things to get excited about on TV in the Summertime - no football/basketball, most shows going off the air, etc. But to a TV junkie like me, it's nice to know there can still be things to look forward to. I'll be watching next week.

TV Quotes of Summer 2k11:

• "BREED, GHOST DADDY. BREED." (True Blood)
• "I'm doing this, FOR ME." (Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition)
• "These men go through the toughest training the world" (Surviving the Cut - every episode. The show details basic training for some of the US military's most exclusive units. Very inspirational.)
• "I'm definitely falling for Ashley." (Every Bachelor in The Bachelorette)
• "I just can't get over Bentley." (Ashley H, The Bachelorette - it's messed up, I know.)

Peace & Love,
MKP

Today, Follow my Lead

Note to self: Next time, take better care of your computer!! Remember all of those times that Windows told you NOT to shut down because it was doing something important? I somehow seem to always blatantly disregard the warnings...


The end of the 4th of July marks the last "work" holiday for the foreseeable future. It's a sad, sad time for all post college adults as they realize that an awesome vacation will probably consist of a 3-day weekend trip that always seems to last a day too short until Thanksgiving (shouldn't we schedule "catch up" days into our vacation plans anyway?)

For my 4th of July weekend, I did not make the usual trip down to the Jersey Shore (although from what I've heard it was too serious for me anyway) and instead went to Orlando with my family. I've been to Orlando, literally every 2-3 years since I was a kid for one reason or another (#X-10) and in that time period have ridden/seen/visited every attraction possible. (Rankings? #1. Universal. #2. Disney. #24. Sea World). But Alas, I discovered two new things:

1. Harry Potter World is amazing. Butterbeer is as good as they describe it in the books.
2. Americans love $3.99 all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets. Including me, although I can't pound pancakes like I used to.

On Friday Night, Tommy Boy, BKing and I checked out some actual muay-thai fights at the Beacon Theater in Midtown. A few people from our school, The Wat, were fighting (and did quite well actually, one of our instructors won his third title belt.) . It was incredible to see people really going at it, and there were definitely some Oooohs and Aaaahs from the crowd. It made me wonder if I would ever get to the point where I would want to fight. A crazy dumb interesting thought?  If I invited everyone I knew would I be nervous? That or supremely overconfident.

Hip Hopically, I just got tickets to see Joe Budden perform on Friday in Brooklyn. I've seen him before as a part of Slaughterhouse, but this will be my first time seeing him as a solo act. No hip hop fan can deny his flow talent and the fact that dude is HILLARIOUS on Twitter (follow him). A few people are amazed he's still around since releasing "Fire" and "Pump it Up" like 10 years ago. Check the dude's mixtapes, he might be the best rapper out there right now. Which is debatable, but I'm willing to defend it.

"Box Update"
The game I learned in Chi and upgraded NYC Style has has officially joined the ranks of the 'Best Games to Play at Parties" list - along with Pong, Kings, Flip, Boom, Never and Buffalo (which apparently has been in play for years by a group of older NYU alum). I thought about posting a picture of it to get people more interested in what it is and how to play - but you'll probably just have to see for yourself. When you play.

Don't blame me, blame The Box.

Peace & Love,
MKP