Jul 4, 2008

I Got Published

Apparently my incessant ramblings are worth publishing in the Springfield News-Leader. Philip stumbled upon it in the "Voices" section last week. I totally forgot to mention it... but thought it was worth passing your way. I had heard of the paper doing such a thing with other Ozarks bloggers. I wasn't exactly asked if it was okay... but no bigs. So the Ozarks was exposed to my post about the trip back, gas prices and Obama NOT being a Muslim. I figured somebody would come on here and vent, but I realized that most people who read the paper probably don't have a computer handy. So for what it's worth...

Posted by Brad at 7/04/2008 | | Comments

Jul 3, 2008

I'm Soooo Ready

The Dark Knight advance tickets have gone on sale around the Ozarks... and of course I nabbed mine. This flick is selling out fast across the US, forcing several theatres to add more showtimes on that Thursday (17th) night at midnight. It's getting great buzz... even people around the Ozarks are defacing signs in support of it... haha. I feel like a little kid again.
Are you going to see it? I've heard rumors that they'll introduce/tease the villain for the third installment. I'm calling for a Riddler redux... or maybe a re-invention of the Penguin, if someone wants to one-up Danny DeVito. I really don't care... just keep 'em coming!!

Posted by Brad at 7/03/2008 | | Comments

Need a Good Laugh?

I had my doubts about this show. I'm not a huge fan of "MXC" on SpikeTV. Don't ask me why. But O.M.G... I haven't laughed so hard in months. Basically you watch people make asses out of themselves as they vie for a prize of $50,000. The extremely difficult courses make every goof-up a side-splitting riot. I suggest you try to watch... you won't regret it. Here's a clip.

Posted by Brad at 7/03/2008 | | Comments

Jul 2, 2008

No Gas Included

There's so much to see in little Springfield that it's not worth whizzing by it all in a car. We aired up our bike tires again last weekend and spent a good chunk of the day on laid-back bike ride. I'd guess we went at least 25 miles, had dinner, shopped a little and even read some magazines at Barnes & Noble. Philip says he hasn't filled up his gas tank in FIVE weeks! So obviously I had my camera with me and figured I would share some fun stuff we saw along the way.
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First, check out this weave. It was laying on the hot asphalt of a really popular college apartment complex. It looked fresh... and my theory is that somebody had a few too many drinks the previous night and didn't make it home with all her belongings. I didn't see any jewelry or scratch marks nearby, so I think her night wasn't all that bad... I'd just hate to be that guy (or girl) watching her wake up the next morning! Talk about a walk of shame! But seriously folks, please clean up after yourselves, weave and all.
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Of course we stopped by a Wal-Mart. Who wouldn't? That's the only place I could find a cheap badminton set! But take a looksy at this familiar sight! Why must we be punished for our desire of inexpensive perishables? And please don't tell me she actually needs a scooter to get around "Big Box Mart." I almost felt like I should submit this photo to some workman's comp agency or something. Seriously, get over yourself! The upside to the little scooters: there's not much room in those carts, so it encourages those who actually CAN'T walk to buy and eat less. The lord works in mysterious ways!
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Oh, here's just another example of how insanely crazy the US of A actually is... two extremes of clothing sizes. First, for the guys who don the moobs or backwards hats, there's the "XXXXL," which I found at the Finish Line. Seriously? And then, as this shouldn't be a shock to anyone who shops at Hollister, "Dudes X Small." So basically we're either starving ourselves or saying "to hell with it." And look which one costs the most! Whatever happened to small, medium and large? I tried on an old shirt from Old Navy circa 1999, labeled "small" and it fit just fine. But when I went to the store this weekend, smalls weren't even on my radar.
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Gosh I'm getting crotchety, aren't I? Some high school girl came up to me in the mall, asking, "can I rub your bald head?" I didn't even flinch. I just knelt down and smirked. And no, I didn't take a picture of that!

Posted by Brad at 7/02/2008 | | Comments

Jul 1, 2008

A Dollar Short...

I meant to post this yesterday. SO. EXCITED.

Posted by Brad at 7/01/2008 | | Comments

Jun 27, 2008

Herniate This!

So the results of my MRI are in. I officially have not one but two herniated discs in my spine. I did a little research on America's most-trusted resource, Wikipedia, and found a few interesting tidbits about the so-called "slip disc" conundrum I'm in. Basically it's a tear in the fibrous ring of a lumbar disc that allows the soft, inner portion to bulge out.... like that nasty photo I have posted to your right. Most people get surgery to remove the "pressure" or reduce mechanical compression on either the spinal cord or nerve root. Yup. Good stuff. How did this happen to poor ole Brad? Wikipedia says, "discal herniations can occur from general wear and tear, such as jobs that require constant sitting, but especially jobs that require lifting." Well, I have the first part covered. I'm not sure if I really do have to have surgery. Most of these cases apparently heal themselves within weeks... but I've had mine for several months, if not years. So, if the pain is due to a chemical instability of some sort, it's time to go under the knife! I'll keep ya'll posted... I don't go to the pain clinic until July 17th. Well, I can't back out of this now! :)

Posted by Brad at 6/27/2008 | | Comments

Jun 25, 2008

Vacation Pics!

Posted by Brad at 6/25/2008 | | Comments

Jun 24, 2008

So True

Another one ripped from "Blue Girl, Red State." She's on to something!

Posted by Brad at 6/24/2008 | | Comments

Jun 23, 2008

Monday Musings (I'm BAAAACK!)

Oh My God. Two weeks of non-stop vacation fun have come to a screeching halt. I figured I'd give you a peek at how things went down the last few days...as I made my way home from Florida, through the south, into Illinois and then slicing through the Show-Me State.
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First, how beautiful is this sky? I think it was situated just north of Taney County when I made my way back into Greene County. I was certain I was going to hit a nasty ass storm, but it managed to stay away long enough for me to get home and unpack all my shit. Boy did I have a lot of crap this time around. I think I bought just about every souvenir I could get my paws on. Seriously! I haven't been on such a vacation in years and years. By the way, I'll be POSTING A SLIDE SHOW of the entire two weeks a few days from now. I'm in the process of uploading all my pictures.
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So gas was a BITCH! I think the highest we saw it was $4.39 somewhere in Tennessee. Surprisingly, it got much cheaper as we ventured farther toward the gulf. But, it never got as cheap as it is in Springfield today... about $3.63. Not bad, considering! We filled up outside of Waterloo... and Jeff took out a loan to pay. I think his family wrestled with the attendant to get like three cents off with some grocery card, which actually helped. Go figure!
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One thing that really didn't shock me was what I found inside a Greenville, Alabama gas station's restroom. Yep, some of the first signs that this political season is going to get REALLY messy. "Obama = a Muslim in a Business Suit." Yep, you read it right. People! He's not a damn Muslim. Do your homework. There's no way around the facts here... any way you slice it, you're becoming an islamaphobe...and we don't need you in this country. Yeah, he's a flawed candidate, much like McCain, but let's tackle their stances on the issues. K? Stop sending me forwards that have no factual backing!
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One guy who probably still has ink drying in a random bathroom stall is this guy. Check out the freshly-permed mullet on this guy! Sorry it's blurry; I was in a hurry to get to my little sister's 21st birthday dinner at a St. Louis Red Lobster yesterday. I really thought that being closer to a big city, I'd see some more up-coming doo's. No sir. He was all gelled up and walked in the front door like he deserved to be seated first. Whatever bud.
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And finally... check out this guy's truck that jumped the median on I-44! His trailer remains on the left lane of traffic, but God only knows how he managed to park perpendicular to traffic. Somebody out there was watching out for me, because I got there just moments after it happened and managed to slip through the wreckage and be on my way. Yes, emergency crews were there just as I got there. And a message to I-44 drivers: if I pass you on the interstate, don't take it personally and speed back up to pass me. Are we in Junior High? I'm just glad to be home!!!

Posted by Brad at 6/23/2008 | | Comments

Jun 21, 2008

Darby's Gone

You don't realize how important a dog is in your life until you make one your best friend. In the fall of 1993, Darby entered our lives. Ace of Base was popular, Clinton had just been inaugurated and life was great as an 11-year-old. Through the years, Darby was the sixth person in our family and became more than just a dog. So much more. He was there for us as we all entered adulthood and flew the coop. He'd been the best part about walking inside after a long time away. Darby was the best damn dog you could ask for. He died this morning in the animal hospital from liver problems. Luckily the family was in town for the wedding and we were able to say goodbye properly. I love you Darby.

Posted by Brad at 6/21/2008 | | Comments

Jun 15, 2008

Kristin Gets Hitched

The Destin skies parted just enough for the Haller/Egbert wedding. It was beautiful. It was emotional. It's now over. All that remains are the photos and memories...and another week on the beach. But I wanted to come in from the sun to show off the trip so far...

Posted by Brad at 6/15/2008 | | Comments

Jun 9, 2008

Taking a Break...

I'm taking a two week hiatus from blogging!
I haven't been on a vacation since I graduated and joined the real world in 2005!
That was even before I launched this blog!
Well, 334 posts later, I'm takin' a break.
I'll be back Monday, June 23rd.
If you need me, I'll be right here:

Posted by Brad at 6/09/2008 | | Comments

Jun 6, 2008

Three Degrees of "SYTYCD"

My favorite reality show, "So You Think You Can Dance" has narrowed down to the final 20 dancers. One of which happens to be Jessica King, the roommate of my good friend Britney, who moved to Myrtle Beach a few years back. Click here to read more about her! She's awesome!Like my Perez Hilton homage? :)

Posted by Brad at 6/06/2008 | | Comments

Jun 5, 2008

Good/Bad/Ugly

The Good: City Utilities sent its latest bill, which was -$51. If you haven't been keeping up, that's about a $200 credit, after it goofed up a few months ago. I'm ecstatic, yes, but I feel betrayed by the energy giant. Why didn't they just tell me they fucked up, instead of go behind my back, fix the problem, and act like nothing happened? They told me straight up on the phone that they COULD NOT do anything. Then, they did. Gerrr. If I hadn't said anything, would this had happened? I'm guessing no.. and wonder who else is having this same problem.
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The Bad: I have to get an MRI on my back this Monday. I'm not looking forward to it, because it costs a LOT. But, I have pretty decent health insurance, so I can't complain too much. Plus, I'm getting it done "in network," so I think all will be okay. Oh, and I have a really bad farmer's tan. That's bad... but at least I'm riding a bike more and reducing my gas consumption!
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The Ugly: My trashy neighbors - all of them - don't know what a trash can is for. Look at all this shit I picked up outside this morning, just in the lawn around us. Shame on you guys!

Posted by Brad at 6/05/2008 | | Comments

Jun 4, 2008

For Real?

It's hard to blog when you have something really heavy weighing on your mind. I'm in the process of re-evaluating one of the things that I thought was unbreakable. What do you do when the control in your science experiment of life becomes the variable? Why is Brad getting so deep? Well, my number one doesn't want to be my number one anymore and it really hurts. I'm not denying that I've screwed up here and there, but I really thought this recent "lull" was just a passing thing. I've gotten too comfortable, and that backfired. I'm not the kind of guy who lets go of things easily. So, if this is really happening, you may hear less from me for a while. Call me. Let's talk.

Posted by Brad at 6/04/2008 | | Comments

Jun 1, 2008

Happy June!

This is a HUGE month. My big sis is getting hitched on the beach. My dad is enjoying his last Father's Day in his forties. My little sis is turning 21. Austin Powers 4 comes out... er, in the form of "The Love Guru." It's going to be a wonderful month! Plenty of reason to celebrate... kinda like this church is doing, right down the street from me. Who said faith and good punctuation had to be mutually exclusive?

Posted by Brad at 6/01/2008 | | Comments

May 30, 2008

"Our New Baby!"

The hard-working team at KOLR/KSFX was rewarded this morning... with a new Satellite truck! Wahoo!

Posted by Brad at 5/30/2008 | | Comments

The Running of the Blondes

If ever I wanted to attend another greek "exchange," this was the belly of the beast. I'm talking about Springfield 8's midnight screening of "Sex & The City: The Movie" last night. Much in the fashion of the running of the bulls in Pamplona, hundreds of cell-phone embracing, greek letter-clad bubbly girls packed the lobby, keeping their eyes on the clock. When the ticket-taker threw open his big red cape, the herd trampled him to get the best seats. I was left in the dust, laughing at how things never change. The movie was great, but not as good as the show. The pacing was a little odd, and Jennifer Hudson didn't need to be in it, but for the most part it was a worthy big screen adaptation. I think there were about five other guys in that theatre besides us. I'm interested to see if it makes a lot of money based on the chick factor.

Posted by Brad at 5/30/2008 | | Comments

May 29, 2008

Hold Up!

25 is the new 75 apparently. Seriously, where has my youth gone? Just yesterday I was sitting in the hot tub at the Y and was joined by a 70+ woman who was feeling chatty. She mentioned it was her baby’s 36th birthday. “He’s about your age,” she said confidently. “No, I’m a ripe 25,” I replied. I smiled as my mind attempted to comprehend what had just happened. Do I look 36? I know I’m no spring chicken, but seriously, I thought I looked okay. Then on my way to work, I saw a strategically parked cop car on my route. He had the radar gun aimed directly at ME. Instantly my heart began to thud uncontrollably, and my first instinct was to look down to see just how high above the speed limit I’d been flying. But, um, I was going seven miles per hour… UNDER. Wow. Brad, you’re an old man. It's something my friends have all told me, but I’ve boldly moved on, thinking they were being facetious. But I have more pill bottles, more cortisone cream & Bengay and more knee braces than anyone else I know. I actually thought about buying a cane earlier this week… but it’s for my Halloween costume. Yep, the early bird catches the worm. Wait a tick… that’ s something my grandpa would say! Maybe I’m just uber careful. Or maybe I’m just jumpstarting the inevitable. Either way, I think it’s time I acted my age!

Posted by Brad at 5/29/2008 | | Comments

May 27, 2008

Cutting Corners

If you're like me, every penny counts. Thankfully, I was introduced to "Mr. Cheap Stuff." I suggest you check this site out if you haven't. Here's a taste of what you'll find. The following is an abbreviated blog post.
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"Ten Commandments for Saving Money."
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1. CLIP COUPONS. Clip them anywhere and everywhere. Grab a Sunday paper!
2. CLEARANCE AISLE. You can really clean up, with 95% savings in some cases.
3. CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS. Check them closely for coupons or goof-ups.
4. LISTEN. Watch morning news on TV and radio. They know what's up.
5. NETWORK. Get to know someone who's a bargain nut.
6. SURVEY SAYS! Taking 30 seconds to 15 minutes to complete one can pay off.
7. ONLINE E-NEWSLETTERS. They keep you connected to great deals.
8. REBATES. Take the time, pay the stamp to send in the rebates. Save bunches!
9. DUMB LUCK. Sometimes you just stumble into a great deal.
10. CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE. Saving your own money is not a burden or a chore, it’s a competitive sport!

Posted by Brad at 5/27/2008 | | Comments

May 26, 2008

Full Speed Ahead

It's day three of a wonderful memorial weekend. Hey, if it's going to rain, it better be a soothing thunderstorm, right!? But those have been pretty scattered, allowing us to go everywhere on foot or bike. Yep, not one of our two cars has left the driveway... on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year! It's great not being too dependent on gas. I mean, we went shopping at the mall, had lunch at our favorite spots, hung out on campus, had a coffee downtown. And we got plenty of exercise in the process... I suggest you try it. I noticed more and more people were doing the same thing. Of course, there were still some idiots who stared at us or laughed at us at an intersection. Yeah, you probably weren't laughing when you spent $80 filling up your big ass truck!
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Memorial Weekend is also a big race weekend. I'm in no way a race fan, but I HAVE been to the Indy 500. It was a loooong time ago, but I won't ever forget it! My dad and some family friends took me across state lines to catch the really loud, macho fest. We got a tour of the track and met Jay Leno in the process. I think dad still has his autograph somewhere. Later, Carol Brady herself sang the national anthem. Now THAT was cool! Forget about the cars blasting by 220 miles an hour, so loud you have to wear ear plugs that barely put a dent in the pain. Oh and the sun! I had the worst sunburn I've ever had. I'm STILL red, more than a decade later!

Posted by Brad at 5/26/2008 | | Comments

Can Obama Carry MO?

Now that he's basically the democratic nominee, can Obama pull out a win in the show-me state this fall? McCain is leading the polls, and apparently the state's chosen the president in all elections since 1900 but one. THIS article sheds some light on his nearly impossible feat to come.

Posted by Brad at 5/26/2008 | | Comments

May 25, 2008

Just Gonna Say It

Stop hating Indiana Jones 4! It's not a bad movie by ANY means. Yes, it doesn't really measure up compared to a few of the original movies from the 80s, but it really can stand alone. And no, Harrison Ford didn't need a walker to make that happen. By the end, he didn't seem old at all... and I was very pleased with the action/story line. Nasty ants! Big waterfalls! Familiar Faces! Yes, a little cheese here and there, but for the most part, an awesome summer movie! I'm tired of hearing people complain about the alien stuff, saying it's too much fantasy. Have you SEEN the first three? WTF? I want more! The jury's still out on whether Shia is worthy of his own spin-off, or continuation of the series. They could totally bring Harrison back full force, but they better do it QUICK! Rank: Temple-1, Crusade-2, Kingdom- 3, Raiders-4.

Everything else: Ugly Betty bowed out Thursday for the summer... with the help from a healthy selection of Madonna songs (new album). That was fun... and so was the Naomi Campbell/cell phone reference! This show continues to amaze me and I don't know why more people aren't watching it. I still haven't digested DH's finale... that flash-forward hasn't impressed many yet. Good thing they have a few months to sort out plans for next season. Grey's Anatomy had an epic finale, complete with some girl-on-girl kissing. I think I'm finished with that show again (has nothing to do with the kissing, btw). So You Think You Can Dance has already proven itself as a worthy summer guilty pleasure and I'm totally jonesin for some more Kathy Griffin... aren't u?

Posted by Brad at 5/25/2008 | | Comments

May 24, 2008

If It's Not Broke...

The square in downtown Springfield is a little old, yes, but it doesn't scream to be re-done. As part of a deal to re-develop the Heers building, Kevin McGowan agreed to completely gut and start fresh on the square, then focus on that massive eye sore next to it. Now the state says the square's an historic place and could end up on the registry. Apparently it's a "halprin" and there are only a few in the country. Big snag. So, it's on to "phase two," which involves fixing the sidewalks and the Heers building. And what's so bad about that? Nothing! I love the square and my only problem with it is those nasty pink sidewalks that seem to have a thin layer of painted fabric (odd, no?). So Springfield, please stop trying to waste money on an unnecessary project and get to work on the Heers building right away. If you end up saving money, please direct that to the Kitchen, Convoy of Hope or the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. K?

Posted by Brad at 5/24/2008 | | Comments

Is it Hot in Here?

I wanted to congratulate five great KOLR/KSFX team members who have been honored for their looks. It takes years to perfect this kind of hawtness! J-School... Internships... Independent Studies... Vanity Mirrors... And if you're great at what you do, you can be recognized by some of media's finest for innovative haircuts, oversize tie knots and woolly mustaches. You can't just wake up and look this good, people! Nope. But, that's not the main reason they were part of Alice 95.5's goofy "News Hotties" contest. They're actually incredibly awesome people and well-respected journalists. It just so happens they look damn good doing it. Kudos!

By the way... Steve Grant gets a "Lifetime Achievement?" He does have a certain finesse each day as he stumbles across his noon newscast's finish line. Gosh, I'm such a bitter producer who puts his blood, sweat and tears into the news product.... yet the only people who drool over my beautiful mug tend to also wear crocs w/ socks.

Posted by Brad at 5/24/2008 | | Comments

May 23, 2008

Going Nowhere!

McCain on Gay Marriage on Ellen.
Why can't we move past this issue already!?!
(click image to watch)
McCain on Ellen Video (click here)
A wise man once told me:
"If you're against gay marriage, then don't get one, and shut the FUCK up!"
Amen!

Posted by Brad at 5/23/2008 | | Comments

May 22, 2008

Oh.My.Gawd!

So I recently received a message from "P.Nutt." It's an "Ozarks Mountain Hoe-Down Newsletter." Take a looksy at their website. "Ya Get It?" Oh yes, and you're looking at the header from the e-mail. I didn't realize hillbillies were even logged on! Is there WiFi in the backwoods? Or maybe they used a mule to bribe a misplaced webmaster, who was just looking to find a good place to hike. Either way, I KNOW who signed me up for this, and don't you dare think for one moment I don't have plenty of ammo for one helluva retaliation! :)
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And tonight is the night I NEVER thought would get here.
It can only be summed up in pictures:

Posted by Brad at 5/22/2008 | | Comments

Why We Can't Have Nice Things...

Some dickwad(s) are defacing downtown Springfield and it's pissing me off (can you tell?). They've tagged the new recycle bins, apartment buildings, store fronts and now the amazing Gillioz Theatre. Last night, we aired a news story on how it's such a slap in the face to the historic venue, which took $10 million and more than 15 years to restore! Click here to watch and click here to buy some remover and keep it handy. I realize that people aren't going to stop doing this crap, so I plead with you, whoever you are, to swap out the symbols and goofy lettering with colorful, imaginative pictures. At least make it pretty. Or beautify a rundown storefront with a full paint job. Or maybe you can use your energy to pick up some of the trash laying around park central square. Who am I kidding, though? A stabbing? Graffiti? I guess that can only mean one thing... we're growing into a big city! HA
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5/22 Update: They strike again... this time in the theatre's restroom. Classy. Good work, assholes.
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Posted by Brad at 5/22/2008 | | Comments

May 21, 2008

Chinagasm

Since Joy Robertson returned from China, I've been gung-ho about making the trip. Gosh, if only I could afford it and were capable of flying. So, when I get rich and overcome my biggest fear, I will someday venture overseas. Just look at some of these photos she brought back... amazing! They're so modern over there and the economy is booming. She stayed in Hong Kong and the island of Macau. Speaking of mod, there's a guy from Missouri that Joy met over there who manufactures solar-powered garden flowers and lights, but his new venture is solar-powered cell phone/PDA/iPod chargers. I'm certain I'll be getting one of them in the next few weeks. Take THAT CU! So this guy made it big with 'belly lights' (tiny, LED lights that adhere to the belly buttons of young club-goers the world over). He sold out and traded the Midwest for the Orient. Joy says, "the stories and scenery were fascinating. He's constantly coming up with new designs. One charger even contains a powerful flashlight and mosquito repellent." It's so fascinating to listen to her stories about harvesting energy from bicycle wheels' wind! Joy says, "The Chinese waste nothing. There are people who spend their whole day collecting recyclables. Interestingly, Missouri's largest export to China is waste and scrap - things like metal, automotive and industrial waster. Makes you wonder if the sell our scrap right back to us, doesn't it?" Thanks Joy!

Posted by Brad at 5/21/2008 | | Comments

May 20, 2008

Fun at the Movies

Have you been to the movies lately? Campbell 16 has some fun stuff in its lobby! Indy Jones! A beautician's chair alongside a life sized Adam Sandler! Wall-E sitting on a bench! And a "Made of Honor" bride-maker! Fun stuff!

Posted by Brad at 5/20/2008 | | Comments

May 19, 2008

Upside.Down

Hey all... life is kinda crazy right now, so hang tight. I've been doing mornings and trying to cram in doctor and dentist appointments. I'm back to normal Friday, but wanted to catch you up on what I've been doing. Over the weekend we sat out at the pool down the street and I bought some beach gear for this summer. I'm really itchin' to get to Florida already!! A little more than THREE weeks! Also, I finally finished Indy 3. I had the damn thing rented for a month, returned it without watching it, then decided I wanted to see it today. Then, when I went back to get it... GONE! Go figure! So I pulled out my treasure map and found a copy on the extreme south side. Phew! We're going to see the new one Thursday night. I just finished watching the Desperate Housewives finale, which rocked my face off. It flashed forward five years... what do you think about that? I'll have to say, I didn't expect the mystery to wrap up the way it did, but I'm satisfied. Other than that, life is grand. I've been walking a LOT more these days to avoid paying nearly $4 a gallon... it really helps me stay in shape, which is a plus! Right now, we have NO plans for Memorial Weekend. I have three days off... and I'm laying in the sun the WHOLE time. Okay, I really need to get back to sleep. What a crazy week. Oh yeah...and SYTYCD starts Thursday night. When will I ever sleep!?!?!

Posted by Brad at 5/19/2008 | | Comments

May 15, 2008

Under Construction

It's like crack for me. I absolutely LOVE peeping in on construction sites. There. I said it. I think it has a lot to do with my dad. He's an electrician and when I was a kid he'd take us out on some of his projects to see how the progress was going. We'd play on rock piles... roller blade in empty basements... and climb through the skeletons of future attics. It was way more fun than any playground. Since it started last year, I've been particularly interested in the College Station project in downtown Springfield... and my co-workers know it. So Jeremy Stevens introduced me to THIS new site. Now I have a really good idea of what it's going to look like, thanks to diagrams, videos, blueprints, etc!

Posted by Brad at 5/15/2008 | | Comments

May 14, 2008

Peekaboo!

As you may know, Quizno's has jumped on the $5 bandwagon.
What I DIDN'T know was that meant peep shows were part of the deal.
I had to wait for this hottie to cover her bread bowl a little more before I could snap a photo... because this blog is NOT x-rated! :)

Posted by Brad at 5/14/2008 | | Comments

May 13, 2008

Knowledge is Power

In the wake of all the destruction the Midwest has seen in the past few days, not one person has lost their faith. Rawk on. But when does the "thanking God" stuff take a back seat to reality? Yeah, I'm going to get a lot of shit for this, but I'm tired of everyone always saying God has a plan. No, life just sucks sometimes. But let's thank this higher being anyway, since thousands were spared. Well, folks, thousands weren't spared during the earthquakes and powerful tsunamis overseas. Now who are you going to thank? Maybe that's the mentality of this country. It's so much easier to thank a God or blame a God instead of looking at the hard facts. Even EINSTEIN was on to something. Have you read THIS article yet? It's very revealing about his views on religion. My dad always tells me about how the man couldn't grasp the concept of one million, but he could visualize a million items. Maybe if we tried to study his teachings, instead of trying to follow some scripture that says a woman on her period should sit outside the house (and put herself in harm's way, if she's in Missouri), then we'd probably be giving Al Gore control of the Vatican and throwing the Pope back into drama class. I'm just sayin'.

Posted by Brad at 5/13/2008 | | Comments

Time to Rendezvous

There's too much coffee downtown. Or maybe not. I'm torn, having been to "The Rendezvous" off Park Central Square this week. From the outside, it doesn't look like an upscale diner, but when you walk in, you can tell they have invested lots of time and moolah into it. What a place! I've been saying all along that downtown needs a place to sit, eat and chat that doesn't close at 11 p.m. This place is open until 2 p.m. on Saturdays and midnight on Sundays. So, what's on the menu? Some cheap, but delicious, eats. Wow, this sounds like a commercial. It sits right where Randy Bacon's old studio used to...just west of the bus stop. You have to check out the seating. It kind of reminds me of the top floor at "Nonna's" just a few blocks away...there are some groovy extra-large booths underneath a second story that are very cozy. I can't wait until the new theatre opens so I can catch a late night flick and a bite to eat around the corner. Now, if it just stays open longer than other spots. I have a feeling it just might.
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Posted by Brad at 5/13/2008 | | Comments

May 12, 2008

Rice Gouging!

I like to eat out. And one of my favorite places to grab some japanese cuisine is "Fuji" at Campbell and Battlefield. Since gas prices are too high, we decided to walk over that way Sunday morning. It used to be tradition during college to meet up with friends there on that day and yack it up. The best part, at least lately, has been the really cheap lunch specials. You get salad, soup, veggies, rice, noodles and a drink for about 8 bucks. Not bad! So, on this particular Mother's Day, we were going to treat ourselves to a deal... and stood outside with all the hungry hillbilly families until our name was called. Once we sat down, we noticed they removed the traditional menus and replaced them with "Holiday Menus." First of all, Mother's Day isn't a holiday. Second of all, they wanted $21 bucks for that meal I mentioned above. Um, Happy Mother's Day, mom! Now, pony up some cash! So we ran to McAlliser's for a lighter lunch, happy to save upwords of $30.

Posted by Brad at 5/12/2008 | | Comments

May 11, 2008

I Love You Mom!

Mom, you're the most important person in my life and I can't thank you enough for bringing me into this awesome world. Happy Birthday (May 10) and Mother's Day (today)! We may have a lot of differences, but despite them all, our bond will never be broken. I love you!!

Posted by Brad at 5/11/2008 | | Comments

May 10, 2008

Kristin & Jeff

It's time for all that mushy & gushy stuff. My little sister, being the little media savvy girl she is, put together a fun montage for our older sister Kristin's upcoming wedding. Enjoy!

Posted by Brad at 5/10/2008 | | Comments

May 9, 2008

Springfield Shout-Out!

Any fan of "Ugly Betty" knows how painful it has been watching her and boyfriend Henry trying to make things work, despite his ex-girlfriend being pregnant and constantly getting between them. This week it got a little more tolerable, when Henry said he wanted to stay with her forever and mapped out his plan to bring that to fruition. You see, he's moving to Tucson, AZ and she'll be staying in Queens. So in Thursday night's episode, he said they would "meet halfway, which is Springfield, Missouri. It's known as the 'Queen City' of the Ozarks and has the most varied weather in the country." Wahoo! Maybe they can pick up some cashew chicken and Wilhelmina can wreak havoc on Bass Pro, looking for the perfect camouflage outfit!! Fierce!

Posted by Brad at 5/09/2008 | | Comments

May 8, 2008

So You Want to be a Star?

One of the best parts about living in a college town is all the local media & film productions that geeks like me can be a part of. If you're looking for something fun to do this summer and you're really into the horror genre, you might want to click here. My buddy Josh at work is holding a casting call for "True Indy Films" on May 24 and 25th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Creamery Arts Center. Here's the synopsis: "In a world filled with crazy flesh eating humans, one man struggles to cope with his surroundings." Sounds fun, eh? There's also a link to the script for the short film if you're interested. Right now the filming dates are tentatively scheduled for July 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27. They hope to turn this into a feature film next year. Who knows, maybe you'll end up at Cannes! :)

Posted by Brad at 5/08/2008 | | Comments

May 7, 2008

Oh, My Achin' Back!

I'm going to think twice the next time I say that... because back pain is a BITCH! And I'll never forget when my news director told me, "as we get older, stuff doesn't just roll down our backs as easy." Boy, she wasn't joking! So combine those two elements and that's pretty much my story this week. I've had chronic back pain for several months, if not years, but for some crazy reason (well, probably b/c I did a lot of extreme stretching over the weekend) it is now really bothering me. So much so that I've spend hours laying down, hoping that the next time I get up I don't have to strategically roll so I don't have to bend much. At first I couldn't even get into my car, so I tried walking to the nearby Walgreen's. But I didn't make it halfway before my back went back out, forcing me to walk like a caveman back home. And the best part? When it went out, I was walking past a guy fixing his car in his driveway. Boy what a show he got! So I retained a chiropractor and visited my doctor. I'm waiting on X-Ray and blood work results and have been prescribed three different meds to get me through all this. So far, the meds are helping me get around, but deep down I think there's a pain in there from something else.... something no doctor has been able to diagnose. This time, I'm not settling for lingering pain. Oh no. I'm fighting it... thank GOD for that $150 deductible!

Posted by Brad at 5/07/2008 | | Comments

May 6, 2008

Something to Watch

It's been more than five years since I took Media 365 (film class) at MSU, but this past semester Philip enrolled and I was right there to help out (and re-live my glory days). So, I present a few videos, courtesy of YouTube. See if you can spot me in the music video (the lead is News @ 9's producer Rachel Ayres). In the second, I'm the Easter Bunny! Watch out!!! Hey, it's a rainy day, what better things do you have to do?
This was shot in our apartment... and the basement of the Gillioz.

Posted by Brad at 5/06/2008 | | Comments

May 5, 2008

Project D.A.N.

If you're not busy Wednesday night, I'd encourage you to take part in "Project D.A.N." It's a fundraiser commemorating the life of MSU grad Dan Imperiale, who surprisingly took his own life, leaving a bewildered family and devastated fraternity. He was an avid recycler and soon-t0-be groom, but that all came crashing down in mid-April. Now the Gillioz Theatre is holding the event at 7 p.m. for his friends and family, with musical performances by Chris Aytes and Aubrey, as well as a presentation by Dr. Alexander Wait on the importance of recycling to promote sustainability of natural resources. To learn more, click here. Dan's tragic end is a grim reminder of how precious life is and how important it is to keep our heads together in this crazy world.

Posted by Brad at 5/05/2008 | | Comments

ArtsFest 2008 (I'll be BACK)

Here's a glimpse into ArtsFest 2008. What a great weekend! Thankfully I had a chance to soak up the arts before throwing my back out. Yep, I'm laying around on my back now, so give me a call! Gonna visit a chiropractor later today...! Happy Cinco de Mayo by the way! Sip some margarita. The most ethnic I can get is Ellen's "ellemundo" skit. Good stuff.

Posted by Brad at 5/05/2008 | | Comments

May 3, 2008

Stealing from the Poor

Earlier this year, we got a really high utility bill. Really high. So, starting in March, we shut off the heater, which is the main gas guzzler in our townhouse. The only other thing that uses gas is our water heater. But we're not cutting back on showers, so