The Original Blog

Goodbye 2008.  Thanks for the giggles.  I'll be glad to see you leave.  But I must admit, you came on pretty strong there in the end and made yourself one of the most memorable years in quite some time.  I'm sure that when I look back, 2008 may well be the year where everything finally started turning around.  I've just got to keep the momentum going into 2009. A year-in-review is not needed.  A lot happened, but I won't go into it.  Suffice it to say, outside my own little world, it was one of the most turbulent years in memory.  The economy is in the garbage.  The housing market is about to crash.  There is serious unrest in the middle east.  Our nations political arena is still wobbly, even though we have a new man at the helm.  Yada yada yada. Tomorrow I quit smoking.  Tomorrow I quit drinking for a little while.  Tomorrow I try to  put myself on a path to gain some clarity and hopefully start moving in a new, positive direction.  Tomorrow is the beginning.  And so ...

"Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters" And now I know Spanish Harlem are not just pretty words to say I thought I knew But now I know that rose trees never grow in New York City Until you've seen this trash can dream come true You stand at the edge while people run you through And I thank the Lord there's people out there like you I thank the Lord there's people out there like you While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers Turn around and say good morning to the night For unless they see the sky But they can't and that is why They know not if it's dark outside or light This Broadway's got It's got a lot of songs to sing If I knew the tunes I might join in I'll go my way alone Grow my own, my own seeds shall be sown in New York City Subway's no way for a good man to go down Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown And I thank the Lord for the people I have found I thank the Lord for the people I have found -Elton John

Ah, the nap.  The glorious nap.  Few things in this world are as special as the nap!  Sound a bit overboard, do I, friends and neighbors?  Maybe, yes.  But can anyone actually tell me that they wouldn't love to settle down for a nice nap during their day?  What a luxury to have the time to stop everything and close your eyes and sleep! I have valued naps more than most things since my high school days.  My boarding school was a tough one.  We were pushed from early morning until 11PM every night.  Sleep was a prized commodity.  So we slept at every chance we could get.  15 minutes?  No problem.  Lunch or nap?  Nap, damn it.  Bet your ass I'm going to grab some shut eye. Then came college and naps became important for different reasons.  Classes began as close to noon as possible, so getting up at the butt crack wasn't a factor.  Rather, the hang over became the enemy.  And the nap became the cure.  A two hour nap could recharge the batteries for a repeat performance.  And l...

I can't help but feel pains of nostalgia during the holiday season.  I have had some amazing Christmas holidays over the years.  I find myself thinking of my EHS days, in particular.  We would have crushing exams right before we left for break.  And my first year, we were still very much running under the old "rat" system that the school was founded on.  The day we were leaving for home, all the new boys on 2nd McGuire had to go sing Christmas carols to all the seniors on the hall, which basically meant that we had to walk into several lion's dens.  But more memorable than that was the fact that I was going home to see Alice.  We had met over Thanksgiving break, and in one short month I had fallen in love for the first time.  This was the first girl I had ever said "I love you" to.  We had an amazing break together.  I still have a picture of us together during those few weeks together and I cherish that picture like few others. Another EHS Christmas break w...

The season has been pretty mild so far.  In fact, if it wasn't for the decorations in the restaurant, I wouldn't even know we were in the midst of the season.  I guess that is both good and bad.  Good because nothing kills the mood than an obnoxious season.  Bad because this is supposed to be the busiest month of the year. Christmas in Aspen was the most dreadful experience you could ever wish on an enemy.  Locals who were fortunate enough to avoid Aspen would disappear until the new year to avoid the town.  And it was just the damn people who made it bad.  All the richies who owned the gigantic mansions on Red Mountain would descend on the town for 2 weeks and everything would go to hell.  These people are the rudest, most unpleasant people you could imagine.  Unlike the tourists who would visit during other times of the year, these awful people would look down on everyone around them.  It was truly a miserable experience.  And every local in Aspen will agree.  Granted, it was...

Is it human nature to want to rush in?  Is it in our nature to see/feel something that we really want and then want nothing more than to rush in and embrace it?  Throw caution to the wind.  Jump in head first without a moment's thought.  I wonder.  Because that's what I've always done.  I have historically jumped the gun and thrown all caution to the wind.  And, you know something friends and neighbors, it hasn't really worked out that well for me.  In fact, you could say that its been more or less 100% bad.  Hmm.  Think about that one.  The only time that pops into mind when I haven't gone rushing in and have actually formed a friendship first was Marcia.  We were very close friends for quite some time before we stepped it up a level. I don't have any problem with taking things slow.  I mean, I've been single for so long that I don't feel any pressure to jump right in.  Now that's not to say that I wouldn't jump the minute the opportunity presen...

Been wanting to write a book for quite some time now.  I've always enjoyed writing.  I've always been praised for my writing.  Its always come very easy for me.  Words are fascinating and putting them together to form thoughts and ideas has enthralled me since I was little. When I was a little boy my grandmother would read my little sister and me Dr. Seuss books.  They would make me laugh and laugh.  And she encouraged that.  She pushed my imagination.  I credit her and those early years for igniting a passion for words. The trouble, though, is that I've been waiting all these years for an idea to come.  I've been hoping my muse will deliver a wonderful story to my brain and I'll just sit down and begin to write.  Call me crazy, but I don't think that the way it happens.  I think that the process starts on a much smaller scale and evolves into something bigger and more complex. That being said, I've tried to use this blog as a chance to work on expressing my...

So I found some Christmas scenes on You Tube that I thought would post, as they are some of my all-time favorites...

The winter months at my apartment building are interesting months.  They are old apartments and the hot water can be kind of touch and go.  I learned last year that you need to sometimes give yourself about 1 hour to wait for the hot water, which kinda sucks, because that's one hour of letting the water just run down the drain.  But, that's pretty much the only way to get a hot shower.  So I'm letting the water run as I write this little blurb, in hopes of getting some hot water today.  Yesterday, I didn't time it right and was not so lucky. I'm growing to despise the other blogger about as much as a Duke fan.  The author is the most pretentious, stuck-up little snob I've come across in a long time.  I'm sure she's as bad if not worse in person than she portrays herself on her blog.  But I still read it all the time.  Can't help myself.  Used to read it because I liked it.  Now I read it because she's so ridiculous that I just have to shake my he...

I can remember getting my first couple of Grateful Dead bootlegs back when I was an early teenager.  Man, they were like treasures!  Most of them had been copied so many times that they sounded like shit.  But it was so incredible to me to have actual copies of old shows.  And I learned the whole bootleg language and how to write down set lists and everything.  And then I scored more bootlegs and more bootlegs.  I became obsessed with trying to get as many as I could. Then along came recordable CDs.  Now we could put bootlegs on CD and not have to worry about fast-forwarding and rewinding, etc.  So out went all the old cassette cases and in came all the CDs.  We'd go to shows and brag about how many Phish or Widespread shows we had.  Yada yada yada. Now there's the internet.  Everything is available with a point and a click.  You could have a zillion bootlegs if you wanted to.  Hell, you can copy shows straight to iTunes and then upload them onto your iPod.  All digital.  No wo...

My first thought about Christmas is always: "My god, is really Christmas time again!?"  It seems that each year it gets here faster and faster.  Wow! Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of year.  Of course, for youngsters, its the whole Santa Claus and toys thing.  But in high school it was incredible because I went to a boarding school and Christmas meant getting to see all my friends for almost 3 weeks.  And unlike spring break, everyone was always off, so we could all spend time together.  And the times we spent together for those 3 Christmas breaks was magical. And then came the restaurant biz and everything changed.  Rather than attend Christmas parties, I was working them.  Rather than enjoy time with friends and family, I was serving them all dinner and drinks.  Rather than go out and get crazy on New Year's Eve, I worked it and hated it.  So its very safe to say that Christmas has taken a much different direction these last 10 years. So what is Chri...

One post in November.  Stellar!  Top notch performance!  Guess its safe to say that the month of November was utterly forgettable.  And it was fast.  My god, that month went by in a literal flash.  I was commenting to a friend at the bar the other night that November basically didn't happen.  I remember Halloween... and then it was December.  Oh well.  Maybe next year we'll get a 12-month year. Also been noticeably absent because I've got this blog hooked up to my Face Book page, which I thought would be a good idea.  I'm not so sure anymore.  I enjoyed the complete anonymity of this blog.  No one ever reads it.  I can say whatever the hell I want and not worry about repercussions.  I can spill my guts, delve into personal little secrets and the like and not worry about who reads it.  But dipshit me connected the two, so now wandering eyes can venture into my blogosphere.  Damn it Beavis.  Need to do something about that. So I'm going to try to put something down ev...

13 in October.  Nothing yet in November.  What gives?  Nothing to say?  No commentary on the elections?  Nothing fun and exciting to report? Yes to all the above.  It would seem that life is very much in coasting mode, with no commentary needed.  A few random thoughts have crossed my mind, but nothing that would make for a good post.  So I'm just gonna throw this down so as to have written at least something in the last 2 weeks. Guess the only good news is that my muse/nemesis is putting out a bunch of mindless bullshit, so I'm not really falling that far behind.  And then there's always the approaching holiday season.. .

Carolyn had a pocket full of sunshine, but then she accidently sat on it. 5:57pm Philip Harmon at 6:07pm October 21 And darkness descended on the land... Carolyn Molway at 10:21pm October 21 Haha yes, and then we all froze, sorry guys.. Philip Harmon at 10:23pm October 21 And to think, everyone's been going on about these green house gases and such... when all along it was your ass that done sent us into the frozen years! Carolyn Molway at 10:29pm October 21 It changes lives. Philip Harmon at 10:32pm October 21 I'm assuming we're talking about your ass and not green house gases or frozen years. But to go with my assumption (which, as you know, makes an ass out of me and you), you should use that fine ass of yours for good, not evil... Carolyn Molway at 10:38pm October 21 It helps me get jobs and higher tip percentages Philip Harmon at 10:46pm October 21 Then you are using it for good. So go forth, young Carolyn, and snuff out not the sun, but shake that ass and reap th...

I'm not liking the tone of your voice.  First off, you are not and never will be Jamaican.  That needs to be understood, felt even, if we are to begin a dialogue on the inappropriateness of singing Christmas carols in the middle of October.  Knowing that all things secular would have us decking the halls whilst we carved pumpkins, I can vaguely understand your excitement about singing the few songs that you actually know all the words to.  But, can we please address the issue of Jah and pot and dreadlocks and how none of this really jibes with carols?  Think for a minute, ponder if you will, and get back to me....

Went to the NC State Fair last night.  Big fun!  Big big fun!  I usually go to sample the culinary treats.  Most years I just binge on corn dogs and avoid the rides.  But last night we were all about the rides.  And rode we did!  Upside down, twirly, flipping and all kinds of stuff.  It was great!  And the company I was there with was even better.  MP is quickly jumping up the charts as one of my favorite people to hang out with. In other news, the blogger I follow the most closely is at it again.  I'm beginning to detest this person the way I detest a Duke fan.  But she's got me hooked, so I keep reading the crap she writes.  I am quite certain now, based on her many posts, that she is one of the most conceited people one could ever meet.  This woman is so high on herself and her views that it is almost comical.  And she represents everything that I really hate about the Democratic party.  I would be much more willing to embrace them wholeheartedly if they didn't have peop...

I need a day job, friends and neighbors.  Badly.  In the worst way.  To say that I'm cutting it close each month is an understatement of political proportions.  I currently have $1.38 in my bank account.  My kittens haven't had their beloved dry food in three weeks.  They've been getting by and the "reserve" cat food that my mom picks up at Sam's whenever she goes.  They don't like it, but they realize we're all in crunch time, so they're eating it.  And then there's me.  I haven't had groceries in the the house in weeks.  And I'm running low on some of the vitals.  So, I need to make some damn money. And thoughts of this nature always drag me into regret for the way I've spent the last decade.  While most of my friends are now reaching some level of financial security, or at least breathing room, I am far from it.  I chose to keep having fun and avoid anything resembling responsibility.  I chose a "career" that is absurdl...

It is becoming increasingly clear in these ultra-political days that I may very well be a member of the wrong party.  And say "wrong party" not because they are wrong by definition.  I use the word "wrong" to mean that they may not be the right party for me. The party I have been loyal to for a while now does not have a lot in common with me.  As an atheist, I think the religious right is completely full of shit.  And dangerous as hell.  As much so as the damn jihad.  The fact that this group was part of my party was a complete embarrassment for me.  And I would like nothing more than to distance myself away from these nutballs. I also feel like my party would look at me financially with complete disdain.  I am not rich.  I will probably never be rich.  I am in fact a poor servant to the fat cats in my party.  I bring them food.  They treat me like shit.  And yet I belong to their party and spout their beliefs. I believe that women should be able to responsibly choo...

Enough about the election!  Who cares about the economic crisis?  Let's focus on some real news: Playboy Hugh Hefner eyeing twins Karissa and Kristina Shannon, Amy Leigh Andrews as girlfriends BY KORIN MILLER DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER Well, that was fast! Hugh Hefner is already on the hunt for new girlfriends just days after longtime loves Holly Madison and Kendra Wilkinson announced the end of their respective relationships with the Playboy founder. The veteran bachelor has admitted he's considering making 19-year-old twins Kristina and Karissa Shannon official girlfriends. RELATED STORY: HEF'S GIRLS: 2 DOWN, 1 TO GO The twins, who partied with Hefner on Oct. 4 wearing little more than body paint and briefs, "very much want to be girlfriends," Hefner told E!. "Now under the present circumstance, they probably will become my girlfriends." This wouldn't be Hefner's first foray into twindom: The 82-year-old dated Bentley sisters Sandy and Mandy in ea...

Malkovich malkovich.  Malkovich, malkovich?  Malkovich malkovich malkovich. Malkovich malkovich, "Malkovich, malkovich malkovich malkovich."  Malkovich.  Malkovich malkovich: malkovich. Malkovich... malkovich, malkovich.  Malkovich!!!

As a long time member of the service industry, I always get a chuckle out of the fact that those in the industry genuinely hate the people they are charged with taking care of.  Granted, this really only applies to those of us who might be called "professional servers," because we've just been in the game so long that we've become bitter.  I imagine that those sad souls who work in the corporate chains such as Chilis, etc. hate their customers as well.  That should go without saying because that clientele really has no clue how to dine and/or tip.  But those of us who find ourselves in the up-scale restaurants have developed a deep loathing for some/most of our guests.  Be in rudeness, cheapness, crassness, what have you, we just don't like you much.  But we love our jobs and we really enjoy working with people who share our views.  We're usually foodies, meaning we know a lot about and really appreciate good meals.  We're drunks and like to go out and dri...

Is it even possible to compare the glory of an autumn day versus the glory of a spring day?  I mean both times are relative to the extremes they follow.  Those first warm days after winter are nothing short of miraculous.  To finally put on a t-shirt and shorts and bask in the warm sun.  Wow! But then there's autumn in NC.  We've just made it through another torturously scalding summer and then the cool air blows in.  Windows immediately open.  Long sleeves are pulled out of drawers and closets.  Leaves begin to turn.  Days get shorter.  There's even the occasional shiver from the cool air.  Heavenly. I would have to tip the scale towards autumn days.  Two Reasons.  First, we've got football and college basketball on the way.  Spring has the Masters and then a long drought for anything resembling exciting sports.  Second, there's no pollen in autumn.  Granted, the azaleas and dog woods are more than beautiful in the spring.  But there's all that damn pollen.  Eq...

It always blows my mind to think about how music can produce such vivid memories.  Most of the time I have trouble remembering what I did a week ago.  But let me listen to a particular song and I can all but tell you every single color, shape and smell of a particular memory. I used to listen to the Windham Hill Guitar Sampler to fall asleep back in junior high.  I remember a particular autumn evening taking a nap as the sun was setting.  I had my window open and there was a smell of burning leaves coming through the window.  The wind was blowing and there was the sound of rustling leaves.  It was an incredible nap.  I remember lying there vividly.  And to this day, the songs on that CD still conjure those memories. I got home last night and read one of my favorite blogs.  I like to check it often.  The author is quite good.  Very much conceited and quite full of herself.  And her youth often shines through in her posts.  But for some reason, I like to read what she has to say. Last ni...

I really don't want to work 2 jobs.  Really, really don't.  So its trim the fat time.  Cut to the bone.  Unfortunately the main area where I could trim expenses is the one area where I don't want to: alcohol.  Everything else can be tinkered with.  But damn it, leave my alcohol alone! What I need is to win the freakin' lottery.  I mean, let's just get it over with, friends and neighbors.  I'd be a great rich person.  I'd give back.  I donate, etc. etc.  All my friends would get styled.  Life would be good.  And I'd still work.  Probably keep my restaurant gig.  Like those trust funders I worked with in Aspen who did it as a social activity and not for the money.  Yeah, that'd be sweet.  And then I wouldn't worry about how in the holy hell I was going to pay these bills.  Because I know pretty much how much money I'm going to make each night at the restaurant.  The trouble is when you start doing the math and realize that there aren't enou...

My muse is out to lunch.  Or maybe on vacation.  There's always the sabbatical idea, which I like, cause maybe then she'll come back re-charged and energized and ready to inspire to new and great heights.  Whatever the reason, I hope she hurries her little self back.  Because I've got nothing these days, friends and neighbors.  Nothing.  Like gas stations.  Like answers by the politicians to our mounting problems.  Nothing. Course, I could post my thoughts on the economic crisis.  But that's boring.  All we hear all day long is a bunch of partisan ideas and complaints and solutions.  Blah, blah, blah.  Could it be that this great empire is falling.  I mean, we all took history.  We all learned about the great ones falling.  They all did.  Is it our time?  Scary thoughts, huh kids? Could talk about college football.  UNC is looking good.  Butch has us pointed in the right direction.  Give the man another year and I think we'll be on the national stage.  And that'...

Perfect song for the scene...

Probably my favorite example of a song absolutely nailing a scene.  Absolutely amazing...

"Interpersonal issues that were overwhelming yesterday now seem more manageable. If someone wants to talk with you today, don't let the opportunity pass, for you should be able to speak with great ease about sensitive topics. Remember, the point isn't to convince anyone that you are right; it's just about sharing your heart and listening with an open mind." Well that's a relief.  There actually was a topic that I broached yesterday with someone but didn't get to finish.  But the planets tell me that today's the day to tie things up.  Thank goodness.  I was sweating it.  But, man do I love it when the planets come to the rescue and make everything all better......

It appears that I've somehow linked my blog with Face Book so that my posts appear of my profile page.  An interesting twist if in fact that's the case.  So this is a test to see if that is true. WCPE is playing the entire "Nutcracker" by Tchaikovsky.  My favorite.  I only listen to it during the month of December (and of course if and when WCPE plays it).  So today is a treat.  I also save Vince Gauraldi's "Charlie Brown Christmas" for the month of December.  Unfortunately, every retail store in America likes to rape Charlie Brown for the 3.5 months of Christmas season.  Poor guy.  And that being said, I suppose since football season has started, we'll probably start hearing Christmas music any day now.  Guess I should probably go get my tree........

I've been wanting to write a post lately about this whole "Face Book" and "My  Space" thing.  The posting I had in mind wasn't going to be pretty.  Sort of on the same lines as my views on cell phones.  But I got an email from my buddy Gavin saying I should get on Face Book.  So I did.  After all, Gavin is rarely wrong.  Almost prophetic in a way.   Yeah, so got onto Face Book last night.  So far so good.  Already found some people I have wanted to get in touch with.  Found some others I never expected to hear from ever again.  So gotta say that its pretty cool to hopefully reconnect with some of these people. And I was trying to put some content on my home page thingy.  But of course, I'm rather hungover this morning and my brain is just not firing very well. Nap.  Must nap.  Need some more sleep...... 

David Foster Wallace, Influential Writer, Dies at 46 By BRUCE WEBER Published: September 14, 2008 David Foster Wallace, whose prodigiously observant, exuberantly plotted, grammatically and etymologically challenging, philosophically probing and culturally hyper-contemporary novels, stories and essays made him an heir to modern virtuosos like Thomas Pynchon and Don DeLillo, an experimental contemporary of William T. Vollmann, Mark Leyner and Nicholson Baker and a clear influence on younger tour-de-force stylists like Dave Eggers and Jonathan Safran Foer, died on Friday at his home in Claremont, Calif. He was 46. Mr. Wallace was an apparent suicide. A spokeswoman for the Claremont police said Mr. Wallace’s wife, Karen Green, returned home to find that her husband had hanged himself. Mr. Wallace’s father, James Donald Wallace, said in an interview on Sunday that his son had been severely depressed for a number of months. A versatile writer of seemingly bottomless energy, Mr. Wallace was a...

Just found out that one of the great ones has died: David Foster Wallace.  I read "Infinite Jest" a few months back and loved it.  So I am going to cut and paste and article that I just read about him...... David Foster Wallace, R.I.P. I was about to go to bed when I read the terribly sad news that novelist/essayist David Foster Wallace was found dead in his California home at age 46 after apparently hanging himself. He was married and had been teaching English and creative writing at Pomona College in Claremont. I profiled him for the Tribune back in early 1996 when his brilliant, prescient 1,000-plus-page novel "Infinite Jest" was being hailed as a masterwork. Wallace, who was born and raised in Urbana, was teaching at Illinois State University in Normal at the time and was wary of what all of the acclaim might do to him. He told me that after his first burst of fame that followed the publication of his debut novel, "The Broom of the System" (1987), and ...

"All you need is love today, and you have an excellent shot at receiving what you want. Unfortunately, a pleasant day or two won't necessarily cement a long-term relationship, but it still might be a sensual surprise that you remember for a long time to come. Don't push your luck; it's crucial that you know when to stop." So it looks like I'm in for a pretty good day.  I guess I just have to sit back and let the magic happen.  I mean, who am I to argue with the planets?

Standing on the waters casting your bread While the eyes of the idol with the iron head are glowing. Distant ships sailing into the mist, You were born with a snake in both of your fists while a hurricane was blowing. Freedom just around the corner for you But with the truth so far off, what good will it do? Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune, Bird fly high by the light of the moon, Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman. So swiftly the sun sets in the sky, You rise up and say goodbye to no one. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread, Both of their futures, so full of dread, you don't show one. Shedding off one more layer of skin, Keeping one step ahead of the persecutor within. Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune, Bird fly high by the light of the moon, Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman. You're a man of the mountains, you can walk on the clouds, Manipulator of crowds, you're a dream twister. You're going to Sodom and Gomorrah But what do you care? Ain't nobody there would want to marry ...

I love this scene! I've already posted it to my blog, but it needs to show up once in awhile. Check it out.......

Two and a half weeks and nothing.  That's a pretty drastic turn from texts every day.  Is is safe to say that you are gone forever?  I'd hate to think that is the case, but all signs are pointing to "yes."  And there isn't much I can do.  My hands are tied.  It was said that there would be new numbers.  Preventative measures taken.  Barriers.  All means used to prevent communication.  Looks like ti worked.  Especially from my end.  I have nothing I can do.  You, on the other hand, I would think have options.  Maybe limited ones, but still some options.  I mean, I'm here.  Nothing changes on my end.  No one sneaking around and checking to see who I'm talking to.  I have the ability to receive and respond to texts at any time.  And yet, not a one.  That's pretty cold.  Pretty fucking cold.  To be thrown away so quickly.  So effortlessly. Life goes on, though.  Right?  And so I'll just pick myself up.  Dust myself off.  And get back into the game.  Do...

The other blog that I like to read was talking about the season premiere's of certain shows.  Ouch! Don't worry about me EVER writing about some stupid TV show premiere.  I spent some time on Sunday doing my laundry at my folks house.  Its pretty much become the my weekly visit/laundry day on Sunday.  And I usually get in my weekly dose of TV on Sunday.  And let me tell you, that each week I'm left with a serious loathing for that damn box.  I mean, I sit there flipping the damn channels looking for something worthwhile to watch.  And there isn't a damn thing on. But at least football season has started.  So now I have much more to read on my sports pages.  I won't be seeing too many of the games, what with no TV and all.  But I read about them.  And the Heels won on Saturday, so things are pretty good....

What did we do before cell phones?  How could we ever have lived?  I mean, look around.   Everyone  is on them all the time .  These are obviously very important conversations.  Why else have them in a crowd, in a public place, in the car?  I mean, these all must be live or die kind of talks.  So in that respect, I'm glad they're out there.  I'd hate to think of all the death and chaos that would arise if everyone couldn't conduct their pressing business immediately. But I still wonder what we did before cell phones?  Actually, wait I remember.  I was alive.  Oh yeah!  So, I remember a time before we even had answering machines.  If you weren't home, the phone would ring and ring and ring.  And the wasn't call waiting, either.  So if you were on the phone, the caller would get this busy signal.  And that lead to phone rage.  A lot like road rage.  Yes, friends and neighbors, there was a time when there was thing as phone rage.  You'd be trying to get a hold ...

I gotta stop drinking so damn much!  I'm getting real tired of these hangovers.  And I hate how hangovers effect me as I get older.  You see, kiddies, when you're young, a hangover is just a really bad headache and maybe some pukers.  But when you get old like me, they become much more insidious.  I don't sleep well, so I'm dragging ass all the next day.  My head hurts, so that's the same as you youngsters.  But I'm also a complete fucking idiot.  I can't process things to save my life.  Simple conversations, simple directions, basically anything and everything becomes that much harder.  I walk around in a complete fog all day long.  It sucks.  And if I got especially drunk the night before, then my equilibrium is off and I'm constantly dizzy. Yeah, so I gotta lay off the sauce.  I know I'm an alcoholic.  I've known for a while now.  But I also know that the scare tactics that are in place make it seem like all alcoholics are the same and all alc...

Its that time of year again, friends and neighbors: back to school.  I remember with fondness how my buddies and I would head down to the brickyard and watch all the freshmen girls walking to class.  What a great week that was.  I don't think we even went to class.  We'd just perch in front of Harrelson (I think that's the buildings name) and watch the girls, girls, girls. Of course, that also signifies the beginning of football season, followed closely by the beginning of basketball season.  So I've always had a special place in my heart for "freshmen season." I also remember how excited we get at the thought of the new freshmen class that would head to Aspen every season.  The mountain would open on Thanksgiving day every year.  And the freshmen would start trickling in between early November and Christmas.  And all the wolves knew that that meant a whole new crop of girls from all over the world arriving in our little snowy paradise, ripe for the picking.  ...

Once again, I have nothing to say.  The news is lame, the olympics suck and nothing is happening in the sporting world.  So I copied this survey thing from another blog I like to read. I deleted her answers and will now fill in my own.  Wow, how original! 1) Raised in: Fayetteville, NC.  From 1980 until college.  Though we did spend time in Charleston, SC when I was a wee pup and also in the UP of Michigan.  But ole Fayettenam is where all the magic happened! 2) Your name: Philip H. Harmon.  The H. would stand for Hampton.  My grandfather's name, on my mother's side. 3) Birth date: June 6th, 1973.  D-Day.  6-6-73.  Lots of 6's with me.  Born on the 6th day, 6th month, at 6:12 PM.  My grandfather died on my 6th birthday at 6:06.  My mother graduated college on 6-6-66. Satan, baby! 4) Any siblings: My younger sister Peryn is 32. 5) Oldest of them all:? I am the first born of the family.  Me and Peryn.  With me being the one who broke in the rentals, took the licks, explored n...