Balance & The Traveling Sounds Daft Punk Cover "Something About Us"

Just sit back and enjoy!

Thinking about A New Staircase....

So my good friends over at thechive.com (NSFW) has given me a great thread this morning. Amazing staircases...view their awesomeness here.

Is It Really the iPhone

Jon Stewart had a great rant on the greatest almost phone in the world, outlining the wonders of the iPhone's software capabilities and slamming its actual phone properties such as talking, and rightfully so, but perhaps Mr. Stewart failed to see the potential criticisms that will be found with the iPhone over at Verizon. Here they are. Please note that all statements made henceforth are certifiably true, they were received from a member of the iPhone Specialist Support Managerial Team within the Apple Company. He is personal friend of mine and for these statements he will remain nameless.

"Verizon has been advertising a 4G network, and although they have this network, they do not have any phone's that can actually support this network, not even the new iPhone. AT&T's 4G will be up and running with phones long before Verizon has theirs. Also, the 3G network that AT&T offers is substantially more sophisticated than Verizon's. I.E. with AT&T's network you can talk, text and surf the web or use Google Maps all at the same time, with Verizon you will need 3 or 4 iPhone's to accomplish this. (On to reception). I would not under any circumstance try to defend the lackluster reception that AT&T offers us and yes, the dropped calls are insufferable but let's look at this subjectively. AT&T covers 97% of American's (supposedly), that would equal 291m people if there are 300m people in America. Within that coverage, AT&T's network is absorbed by iPhone's at a staggering 92% rate. So that means of 291m AT&T customers, 267.72m have iPhone's, and that's 3G phones of better. So, with these numbers it is no wonder the iPhone can have such reproachable reception and call qualities. So before we all jump ship in lieu of the new green grass, remember, when Cingular was small, with it's 51m customers in 2007-2008, our call qualities were great. So regardless of what you hear about the new iPhone this and the new iPhone that with Verizon, remember, it is not the same iPhone as AT&T's. "

Saturday With Eden

 Saturday started pretty great for Eden as Ashley and my mom wanted to go exercise in the park we took the opportunity to enjoy the finer side of the life and partake in the jungle jim that is appropriated for the park patrons children. Eden had a blast, she would intentionally fall in the sand so she could clean her hands off. The conversation in the pictures to the left went, "daddy, push me higher please, use two hands!" She could not get enough fun and it's these moments. It was very exciting to watch her in such a happy state.

Only In Louisiana

I was leaving my Grandmothers house in Carencro and I saw this Goat on
the side of the road grazing.

Vadrum Meets the Barber of Seville

I enjoy a great Classical Masterpiece, and I enjoy percussionary genius. Mix the two and you have an epic win, and as most denouemont's the final 30 seconds of this piece is brilliant. This is Andrea Vadrucci. 

The 5v2 USMNT

All credit to Pele1410 for this video. I am really big fan of the 5v2. This was our warm up when I was playing at the Chengdu Sports University, we would put GK's in the middle sometimes too, really cool variations. It's nice to see the importance of such a rudimentary drills. 

I'm Turning Japanese I Think I'm Turning Japanese I Really Think So...

I find Japanese game shows to be some of the most creative and most hilarious shows on tele today. Enjoy, because everyone needs a laugh.

Lights, Camera, Action

So I have recently reacquainted myself with the workings of Oscar Wilde. Last week I sat to read "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and yesterday I thought I was good for a laugh so I read, "The Importance of Being Earnest." I have the sudden desire to direct a play although I don't know the first steps to go about this. Here is one of the most classic scenes in Act 2. The denouement is most brilliant, but it is also the climax so I cannot give it up. Read it, you will laugh. It's about a 1 hour read, an absolute rout.


Jack. I have lost both my parents.
Lady Bracknell. To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness. Who was your father? He was evidently a man of some wealth. Was he born in what the Radical papers call the purple of commerce, or did he rise from the ranks of the aristocracy?
Jack. I am afraid I really don’t know. The fact is, Lady Bracknell, I said I had lost my parents. It would be nearer the truth to say that my parents seem to have lost me… I don’t actually know who I am by birth. I was… well, I was found.
Lady Bracknell. Found!
Jack. The late Mr. Thomas Cardew, an old gentleman of a very charitable and kindly disposition, found me, and gave me the name of Worthing, because he happened to have a first-class ticket for Worthing in his pocket at the time. Worthing is a place in Sussex. It is a seaside resort.
Lady Bracknell. Where did the charitable gentleman who had a first-class ticket for this seaside resort find you?
Jack. [Gravely.] In a hand-bag.
Lady Bracknell. A hand-bag?
Jack. [Very seriously.] Yes, Lady Bracknell. I was in a hand-bag—a somewhat large, black leather hand-bag, with handles to it—an ordinary hand-bag in fact.
Lady Bracknell. In what locality did this Mr. James, or Thomas, Cardew come across this ordinary hand-bag?
Jack. In the cloak-room at Victoria Station. It was given to him in mistake for his own.
Lady Bracknell. The cloak-room at Victoria Station?
Jack. Yes. The Brighton line.
Lady Bracknell. The line is immaterial. Mr. Worthing, I confess I feel somewhat bewildered by what you have just told me. To be born, or at any rate bred, in a hand-bag, whether it had handles or not, seems to me to display a contempt for the ordinary decencies of family life that reminds one of the worst excesses of the French Revolution. And I presume you know what that unfortunate movement led to? As for the particular locality in which the hand-bag was found, a cloak-room at a railway station might serve to conceal a social indiscretion—has probably, indeed, been used for that purpose before now-but it could hardly be regarded as an assured basis for a recognised position in good society.
Jack. May I ask you then what you would advise me to do? I need hardly say I would do anything in the world to ensure Gwendolen’s happiness.
Lady Bracknell. I would strongly advise you, Mr. Worthing, to try and acquire some relations as soon as possible, and to make a definite effort to produce at any rate one parent, of either sex, before the season is quite over.

This playact literally had me laughing out loud. I had seemingly forgotten the comic wit and brilliance of Oscar Wilde.

What's In Your Wardrobe... Part 1

Purple Label R. Lauren 

  "In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity, is the vital thing," Oscar Wilde. Such is the phrase of our armariums to the engenders of our day. It is no small matter to appropriate our habiliments to the accordance of our lifestyle's. As the wardrobe of a Gentlemen goes, there are however, some aphorisms or a perennial dictum at hand. Be that as it may, it is not the agglomeration of a mans wardrobe but the assemblage that is the staple of his profligacy. It is better to have one expensive suit than five cheap suits.  When donning ones wardrobe with its first suit, I think it wise to avoid black. Undertakers, Hitmen, and the dead wear black. Consistency is the refuge of the unimaginable and black is insufferably consistent, and limiting in the same fashion. One can do very little with a black suit. Therefore, I beseech you in your purchase, again, if this is your first suit, to procure a Heather Grey Suit or a Grey suit of some type. Grey is incomparably versatile as it can be worn with either black or brown accentuation. There are two outer wear garments one should obtain, a trench coat of brown or gray aesthetic in a wool, or wool/cashmere blend, and a traditional Pea-Coat, preferably in a Navy Blue as if one is wearing a Pea-Coat it will most certainly not be a convivial event and will require a more subtle touch to his kismet. His shoes should be as complimentary to his wardrobe as his shirts, these are one in the same. One's shoes should be selected carefully, and spare no expensive on the pier nadir of your stature as it is the foundation for our posture, and a Gentlemen's playact speaks volumes to his character as he is the main protagonist in the dramatic persona that is his life. Upon the anthology of shoes there should be 1 pair of black dress shoes of considerable refinery and shoes trees - as well as box and shoes bags kept appropriately; 2 pair of brown dress shoes, I recommend a lace up oxford and a monk strap or slip on. (Not to be confused with a loafer, loafers are old and fashionably ugly, especially the one with tassels on the top, those bloody tassels are most insufferable. Loafers have their place, another topic for another day I'm sure.) The hue of browns should not be same, one should be of a mahogany or walnut and the other of a tan or camel color (it's safe to suggest the shoe that is to be most worn should be the mahogany or walnut depending on your pleasentaries). There should also be a pair of each black and brown casual tennis shoes, and by tennis shoes I am not referring to a proper athletic shoe, rather a more informal driving shoe or wonderfully athletic inspired shoe that can be worn with jeans or khakis. On a very quick note, your dress socks are an extension of your pants, I cannot stress that enough, and they should never be bunched around your ankles. The dress shirt is the pinnacle of style, the collar of your dress shirt should be complimentary of your physique (see your local upper echelon clothier for fittings in this matter i.e. F. Camalo in the Oil Center) and should be as crisp as the crease in your pants. The foremost worn dress shirt is the traditional, yet always classy white Oxford. Again, no expense should be spared in this purchase, you should expect to pay $150-$225 for this calico. The white dress shirt is of most importance in the wardrobe of any man, not just one of supreme declamatory fortitude. As a final point of wardrobe reference is the sweater/sweater vest of which I think both should be an obligation, although many opinions are not of mine. If this is the case then it is becoming to keep in part with a Cashmere, Wool, or Cashmere/Wool blend in a sweater. Here, unlike many other areas of the trousseau conglomeration there is some margin of expense that can be spared. Sweaters of the aforementioned materials range from $49-$349, purchase to your liking in congruence with your chiffonier of course.

A Gentlemen knows that dressing up may require going to great pains, but it does not require that he feel any pain at all.

PS - The shoes pictured are by Romano Martegani, one of my personal favorite designers. I can orate for days about shoes...

Can You Pass the American Citizen's Test

Think you can past he 96 question history exam to become a US Citizen. Test that theory here. I scored an 80%. Not my proudest grade, but apparently enough to pass. It's amazing, not being pressured to answer certain questions I would've answered them no worries, but with all these other choices you realize how little you pay attention to our daily knowledge.

Man Purse; Fashion Forward, or Fashion Faux Pas?

Man Clutch by Gucci

Duffle Purse by Louis Vuitton

It's come up recently, this question of the "Man Purse", what is its place in society? The metabolic process of fashion in America has had many staples in society. From the baggy habiliments of break dancers in the 80's, to the lavish palatable colors of the artists of the 90's. But the one thing that has carried on is the procurement of items, and how one should carry them. Let's take the fanny pack for instance, a miserable little bag that straps carelessly to your waist in the most awkward of fashions and holds your personal effects. Once a staple of fashion in America, Canada & South Africa, now they're more associated with nerds or tourists, and if you are a tourist with a fanny pack then you are most likely a nerd as well. Is the fanny pack the ear mark for the infamous Man Purse? There are many different faces of the Man Purse, there is the Man Clutch (a Cristiano Ronaldo fave), the Man Purse Duffle (which Snoop Dogg has been seen wearing), and the self titled Man Purse, or European Shoulder Bag.

European Shoulder Bag by Etro

     There is a question that beckons, where does the brief case fit in to all of this? The brief case has it's place as I am sure we all know. Although no longer as popular as it once was, no one questioned a man with a brief case. In theory no one would question a man with an over-sized duffle bag on his shoulder...if he were walking through an airport or delivering your mail. But I find the perpetration and perpetuation of the "Man Purse" unmerited. Woman have a need for a purse, men do not, at least not the ones I know. I consider myself a stylish person, I feel as though I possess a clever form of style and fashion, and I have never, under any circumstances, been walking about thinking, "man, I really need an additional Bucephalas to tote my personal effects!" No, that statement has never arose. Other designers, namely Louis Vuitton, have gone a step further to bridge the metro-sexual gap and designed a sort of book sack or nap sack as means of a garment carriage. I actually owned one of these, although I only used it for travel, for my daily commutes with soccer and marathon training I use a standard black JanSport book sack I have had since the 7th grade.

Louis Vuitton Bosphore Backpack

I purchased this item about 3 years ago whilst on holiday in New York. Upon returning from one my trips it was "lost" by the airline and never recovered, as was a Louis Vuitton duffle bag I received as a gift in 2002. The additional reticule's that may be required for a man certainly can find their place. The clutch makes for a great shaving/grooming kit bursa, the duffle makes for a wonderful habiliments tote, or book carrier, and the European shoulder bag is great for school goers or messengers. I cannot say that I agree with any of these items as a mandate for style or fashion. I emailed esquire the following question, "Is there an acceptable man purse on the market right now?" Their response, "No, we've looked." So without further ado, the Man Purse is indeed a Fashion Forward Faux Pas. I do not recommend one for use while gallivanting around the town. There is so much more to this topic than what is depicted here. But I am afraid anything further would be quite boring. I'll say it again though, there is a metabolic process that takes place within the fashion world every couple of years or so, but that is why it is called fashion, because they fade away, the style in dress will always be here. Fashion is not a bad word, but it is not how our wardrobes should be orchestrated.

P.S. Next topic will be on entitled, "What's in your wardrobe?" (in my mind I envisioned one of those capital one guys saying it, like the what's in your wallet guys, so reread it with that voice in mind.)

Good Luck in the New Year...2011

Well, 2010 is behind us. I for one would love to give 2010 a nice warm middle finger. 2010 was the worst year of my life thus far. I am looking forward to a new 2011 and so far, it's started off pretty nicely. I recently received a very nice promotion at my job with a contract to move in to outside sales by 2012. Well I wish everyone the best. Drinks up!

A Little Holiday Style

V Style Layering has to be complimentary on all accounts

I was toying with a few articles in my wardrobe one morning, it was chilled outside, but nothing worth a leather or wool jacket/coat but certainly worthy of a sweater. I'd been having this 120's wool full zip sweater in my possession for a while but had not yet merited an outing worthy of it's accompaniment. After buttoning the grey Jos. A. Bank Executive shirt and swiftly tying a turquoise tie with white and brown polka dots compliments of Salvatore Ferragamo, I began looking for the missing link. It came with a cashmere maroon/burgundy sweater vest by Pronto Uomo and here was my opportunity for this wool Jos. A Bank Zip Sweater to bring it together for me. When wearing a sweater vest, it is imperative to pair any outer wear according to that sweater vests' drape/silhouette. Given the V style from collar to vest, it was only fitting I do a full zip (although a 3/4 zip would've sufficed) for the necklines denouemont.

The Perfect Fall

It's important not to over-think slacks in this situation or ever for that matter (traditional navy blue Canali), but your shoes... that's where creativity is at it's most assertive. There were a few options I had at my leisure, the first was a pair of brown chelsea style boots by Donald Pliner, a python boot I've owned for years, always a great look; I had also a pair of antique calf amber Romano Martegani, a hard to come by shoe, but if it's in you, I strongly recommend them. But for the final choice I went with a very classic cap toe Donald Pliner Radley-61 antique calf. These shoes are 8 years old, but thanks to shoes trees and a little OCD, I can keep them looking great all the time. The color is what sold me on these, as it extended the simplicity of the vest through the entire outfit with a design as classic as they are stylish.

An ideal Crescendo for Time...

Playing with colours

I was given this beautiful sweater as a Christmas gift from my mom, I am still to this moment impressed by its color. You can imagine my surprise to learn it's a Merona from Target, so I pair it with a Pink and White Ghilardi dress shirt.

For all your shopping needs in the Greater Lafayette area, please visit F Camalo Men's Wear in the Oil Center. Frank (owner) is the best dressed man I know, and if I aspire to be dressed the best, I must address the best.

P.S. Just picked up a new Ralph Lauren Suit, photos to come, no it's not a Purple Label, but one day....

Dayton Marze Signs with Blue Jays

Dayton Marze

Approximately one month ago we hired a young man here at Seatrax Marine Cranes by the name of Dayton Marze. Dayton is a wonderfully intelligent and athletically sound individual with quite the story behind him. Dayton is/was the closing Pitcher for University of Louisiana at Lafayette for the past two years, with an amazing record to boot. Upon my interaction with Dayton I found out he was signing a contract to play baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays and was leaving for training camp in March. Taken back by his poise and nonchalance in this statement, I found this staggering 21 year old was more mature than his youthful exuberance lead on. Drafted by the Blue Jays in the 14th round, 426th overall, Dayton was the #39 best prospect for the Jays in the Jays Journal top prospects and picks. He signed his contract with a guaranteed paid education and a cost of $112,500. You can read his entire article here. All of his stats and accolades are listed there. A very well written article complimenting and accentuating the greatness Dayton has brought to the forefront of ULL's success and his own personal success. Although my words in this article and meant to promote the talents and support we here in Lafayette should have for a local going Pro, don't be mislead, Dayton is quite the character. He's a thrill junkie, no other ways to describe him, I will spare the details of some the stories he's shared with me suffice it to say, he would find himself in comfortable company with the likes of Steve-O and Johnny Knoxville in an episode of Jack Ass.

Ever Wanted a Yeti Cooler...

Ever wanted a Yeti Cooler but couldn't justify the price? Yeti is the only cooler in the world to be Grizzly Bear Approved.

Conversation

Me: Eden, baby let me wipe your face please!?
Eden: Wait daddy, you gonna wipe off my lipsticks!
Me: Oh I'm sorry, we can redo it, I promise.
Eden: (now crying) But daddy I just did it and you're gonna wipe it off, please don't wipe it off daddy!!!!
Me: But baby your face is crusty, let's go redo your make-up princess...
Eden: (sniffling) O-o-o-o-o.....ok.

Tournament Champs

We had a great weekend here at STM Kawanis Tournament. We out scored
our challengers 19-2 this weekend. Both goals against were in the
finals against Vanderbilt. Puttin more hardware in the case at LHS, I
think I'm spoiled with these freshman classes I've been having. After
taking a year off I feel honored to be rewarded with such an amazing
squad upon my return.

Typical Morning at Seatrax

I've had a weight problem since I've started here at Seatrax. This is
a pretty good indication as to why. Boudin, cracklin', boudin balls,
cake, kolaches (not pictured bc they're all gone), and icing cookies
all make for a wonderful breakfast. I do my best to avoid indulging
every morning (I failed epically today) but I'd be rude to not
acquiesce to my reps' offererings. So every now and again I partake in
the morning ambrosia in an effort to pass some early morning time.

YMCA Bans Santa in California

A YMCA in California says that Santa is a member of the Christian Community and is not inclusive enough for all of the kids because of his Christian heritage. They want to be more inclusive and non-offensive so they are banning Santa and bringing in Frosty the Snowman to appeal to all the kids. Here is my qualm, YMCA stands for "Young Men's Christian Association" . I'm an atheist and I find this preposterous. How pathetic and cowardice to deny the very foundation of your organization, which has been around since 1809, for the sake of a bunch of pufters who refuse to assimilate or just ignore the basis of certain rituals and/or traditions. My daughter goes to a Christian School, my wife is a devout Christian, just because my beliefs don't necessarily adapt to theirs doesn't mean the world is over. I feel, as of late, that we are slowly becoming a country not of our own origins. America was founded and built to escape the tyranny of Totalitarian and Dictatorship style governments. Socialism was not in the foundation of America, but it has most certainly become more and more prevalent in our society today. We, at one time, were a county of Neo-Judaic philosophy, of Christian Theology. There was a time when kids were allowed to practice their religions without the fear of persecution, such is the foundation of our country. Now our freedoms are snuffed by overzealous right and left wing douche bags for the sake of fairness. Fairness for whom? Is it not the speakers of Islam and Christianity that are offending the patrons of Islam and Christianity. Islam, is an Arabic word meaning, "to be submissive" but it seems that our country, our traditions, our theories, our philosophies are the ones being sacrificed in the name of submissiveness. If you live in America and choose to practice the Muslim faith, you are most entitled to that lifestyle choice, if you are a Christian, you too are permitted the freedom of religion, and the Atheists have their place to be who they want to be, but to come out against another person for what they believe or don't believe is absurd. If you don't like Joel Olsteen on your television, then don't watch that channel. I don't want my daughter watching certain cartoons, do I call and protest the television stations and the creators of the show, no, I just don't let her watch those stations. It is absolutely perplexing how freedoms can go one direction for one group of people, but not for another, it begs the question, what is freedom? Miriam-Webster defines freedom as: the quality of state of being free, a political right. Very vague and ambiguous. But nonetheless we as people once possessed a freedom that was indeed free, and everyday our politicians are taking it away from us one day at a time. It will only be a matter of time until we are warned about our Prayers before our soccer games at Lafayette High School, or the prayers we have on my club team with CSC. I allow my kids this freedom, this Divine Right, for it is the way in which they were brought up, who am I to take that away from them? If I move to Palestine, and my family is a Christian family, I will most assuredly not attempt to remove Muhammad from the curriculum they teach. Public schools can teach you about Darwinism and Confucius (two men whom I study diligently) but mention the name Jesus Christ or speak a mere ounce of his work and there will be an uproar from some enraged moronic parent. They justify this by stating the offensive nature of the material to non-Christians, then there is the argument of separation between church and state. Allow me to clarify the concept of separation of church and state. It signifies the distant between organized religions and the nation state, by in which, no state shall name themselves as a specific religion. Louisiana cannot, under "constitution" (remember this phrase), claim to be a Christian, Muslim, Nihilistic, or any religion State. The term has been misconstrued and distorted for years. It was first written by Thomas Jefferson to the Dansbury Baptist's Association in 1802. The original text reads, "...I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State." The phrase was quoted by the Supreme Court in 1878 and then again in a series of cases starting in 1947, but this phrase is not and cannot be found in the U.S. Constitution. Now, the First Amendment does state, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." 


We have come to quite a crossroads as Americans. The world is laughing at us. We have organizations to protest other organizations. I'll be honest, it's embarrassing. When I read a story of a 6th grade boy in California who put an American Flag on his bicycle on Veterans Day in support of his fallen Grandfather and then gets threatened with suspension if he does it again because it offends the Muslims, and Jews in the school, it breaks my heart.