Advantage: Little People

Todai
Originally uploaded by Minimalist.

Ever seen a buffet restaurant that charges by height?

Bucknaked

Bucknaked2
Originally uploaded by natka.

What if I did come bucknaked?

Narwhal Tunes -- Part II

The Blog Music Player just added a bunch of new songs and the ability to shuffle. It's actually worth listening to now.

Narwhal Tunes

I've added the Blog Music Player to the right hand column of the Narwhal. Cool concept but the music choice is somewhat limited.... and I can't figure out how to reorder the songs. So if you play the Narwhal Tunes station you'll hear two Coldplay songs first, every time. Fast forward to some better stuff. Truly patient listeners will eventually get to the Spinto Band!

Another Great Headline

Hops After the Battle

Hops After the Battle
Originally uploaded by Minimalist.

Hops got his tail caught in a door early Monday morning. I closed my office door and the tip of his tail was jammed by one of the hinges. Hops screamed and jumped away, leaving about an inch of tail stuck in the door. Most of the bone, however, was still attached to him and sticking out of where the tip of his tail used to be. At that point all hell broke loose. Anyhow, Hops is recovering from surgery to amputate the damaged bits. He is not, however, happy about having to wear this cone on his head for the next ten days.

Metric @ Webster Hall

Metric
Originally uploaded by mediaeater.

Metric is starting to attact a trendy audience that doesn't seem to know their music. A good show, nonetheless, but no "Empty" or "Succexy". But the real reason I am posting this because of the great photo of Emily taken by mediaeater.

R.I.P. Blind Tiger Alehouse

Blind Tiger Alehouse
Originally uploaded by Minimalist.

Again, a late post. The Blind Tiger Alehouse closed on December 27, 2005. They claim they'll open in a new location soon. Keep your fingers crossed.....

Greasy Tony's (Soprano)

Rutgers Alum, James Gandolfini
Originally uploaded by Cracker Bunny.

I know, I know.... All this stuff is over two months old now. Anyhow, I was in Arizona to watch Rutgers in the Insight Bowl. I'll post some pictures of the pep rally, pre-game party, and game soon.

So, after the game Shelly and I got lost leaving the stadium and got on Interstate 10 going the wrong way. As a result, we had to drive North through Tempe to get back to Scottsdale. We drive by the ASU campus and I decide to stop off at Greasy Tony's. You know, the same Greasy Tony's that used to be on Easton and Somerset streets in New Brunswick, NJ, until he was evicted in 1992 for a new dormitory. He's now out in Tempe and there is still no charge for the extra grease. Anyhow, I know that there will be other Rutgers fans there so we decide to stop in. It's a dump, just like his place in New Brunswick was. I park and as I approach the building Shelly notices a limo parked on the side of the building. As I pass the outside seating area, James Gandolfini is sitting there eating a cheesesteak and says "Hey, more Rutgers people." So I end up eating at Greasy Tony's with James Gandolfini and about ten other RU people. Pretty cool. What could be more Jersey than that?

I didn't take any photos, though. I didn't want to be that guy. So here's a photo taken by someone else at the game when James came out for the coin toss.

Here are before and after photos of Greasy Tony's (with links to the original photos).

Mmmmmm.... [hiccup].... Donuts......

I know it's been too long since I've updated the 'ole Narwhal. You can all stop sending me emails scolding me about my lack of diligence in posting. Here's one to get this thing back on track:

I was in Puerto Pensasco, Mexico in December 2005. An interesting place that I may blog more about. I now think of it as the home of boozy pastry. Across the street from our hotel was:

Yes, Drunk'n Donuts. You can find it on Av. Sinaloa. Home of "Coffee, Donuts, Cold Beer". Mis amigos del anillo de espuma. Here is a closeup of my friends en la noche:

Krystal vs. White Castle

I flew to Phoenix yesterday (12/25) to see Rutgers play in the Insight Bowl. But first I had to stop in Atlanta for an almost three hour layover (damn you Delta!). Some good did come of it as I was able to try a Krystal burger. Krystal is a blatant White Castle rip-off. I had a number 1 combo and Shelly had a number 5 (or was it a 4?) Mine was four slyder type burgers, fries and a coke. The burgers were the same size as WC but did not have any holes. The burgers were dryer than WC, the onions were raw, and there was mustard rather than ketchup. Decidedly inferior. The fries sucked, but then WC fries are nothing to write home about. Shelly’s combo included two burgers and two chicken sandwiches. The chicken sandwiches look similar to those at WC, same size, etc. They were a bit spicier. But again, the WC chicken is moister, and thus better. If there was a Krystal nearby and it is 2 a.m. and I’ve been drinking, then it would fit the bill. Or if I need a laxative. Any other time, not so much.

Which reminds me..... I rediscovered White Manna in Hackensack, NJ. Not to be confused with White Mana in Jersey City, NJ, which while good, is not in the same league as White Manna. A Hamburger Today agrees. The White Manna cheeseburgers are sublime. A steamed potato roll encasing a juicy mini burger steamed over onions, with plenty of onions and cheese. Damn they are good.

Adam and Bono

Adam and Bono
Originally uploaded by Minimalist.

U2 at the Hartford Civic Center on December 7, 2005.

Storming the Field

Storming the Field
Originally uploaded by Minimalist.

There are abount five people that regularly read my blog. None will find this interesting. Rutgers beat Navy 31-21 on Saturday, October 29, 2005 to go to 6-2 and become bowl eligible for the first time since 1992. Shelly and I would join the scrum on the field only moments after I took the photo. More photos are on my flickr page.....

Is it just me....

101-0187_IMG
Originally uploaded by natka.

or does this guy look really scary?

Wal-Mart & DeLay - Perfect Together

In a weird convergence of events, my previous two blog post subjects are united in a big steaming pile of crap. Turns out that two days after Tom DeLay was indicted Wal-Mart donated $5,000.00 to him. As if I need another reason to avoid Wal-Mart.....

Get the Cuffs!

I know it's just a formality but isn't this just one of the best headlines in a long time?

Another Reason Not to Shop at Wal-Mart

Last month a Wal-Mart employee in the photo department at a store in North Carolina called the police because a photo was being developed that showed a high school student essentially being disrespectful to a picture of the president that was affixed to a poster. The Secret Service interrogated the kid and his teacher. Interestingly, the poster was for a project on the Bill of Rights. I am certain the irony was lost on the Secret Service. Here's another link about this.

Best Obit Ever!

A real obituary from the Chicago Tribune via Boing Boing. Send those acerbic letters!

Metric @ Southpaw

Across the Narrows

I went to two days of the Across the Narrows festival this weekend. Very small crowd considering the bands performing. I went to the October 1, 2005 show in Staten Island, NY and saw British Sea Power, Interpol, The New York Dolls, and The Killers. October 2, 2005 was in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY and I was there for The Raveonettes, The Polyphonic Spree, and Belle and Sebastian.



The Raveonettes, whom I saw at Maxwell's in Hoboken several months ago, totally rocked out. Probably my favorite set of the weekend, although closely followed by British Sea Power and Interpol. Most disappointing were The Killers who took an encore break after about 45 minutes and the crowd (such as it was) started leaving.




A pleasant surprise was The Polyphonic Spree. Although they seem like a cult, what with the long flowing robes, they put on a high energy fun set. The New York Dolls, although legends, were by far the worst act I saw this weekend.

Dropping the Hammer on the Hammer

Tom DeLay indicted. It's about time.

Rep. Roy Blunt (R- MO) is possibly in line to take over some of the majority leader responsibilities. Maybe he should be investigated as well.

Big Bunny

It's hard to tell in this photo but the pink bunny is 200 feet long and rests on a mountain in Italy, where it is expected to stay until 2025. Which is pretty bizarre. But the best part is that "the artists want people to scale the rabbit's sides and fall asleep on its stomach…" Which sounds kind of fun. Providing it hasn't recently rained....

Potty Break

I swear to FSM that I am not making this up. This is a Reuters photo posted on Yahoo News. Follow the link if you don't believe me. It is President Bush writing a note to Condoleeza Rice during a U.N. meeting today.

Krugman on Bush

Go read Krugman's take on the NOLA disaster. Go read it now.

Why We Are All Screwed

According to the New York Times, 20% of Americans believe the Sun revolves around the Earth. Thank God FSM that our children will soon be learning Intelligent Design in school so that soon the other 80% of the population will see the truth.

NY Subway Flasher

A little over a week ago, a flasher on the NYC Subway was caught in the act by a smart thinking woman with a camera phone and the picture was posted on flickr. Then the picture of the as-yet-unidentified flasher makes the front cover of the New York Daily News. Then Daily News columnist Michael Daly writes about the incident. Now the fun part... go to the last link and compare the photos of Michael Daly and the flasher whom he writes about. Or just look below. Separated at birth?

Bullshit Protector

Don't forget to wear your Bullshit Protector when listening to President Bush..... Iraq... 9/11.... Don't believe the hype.

An Idea Whose Time Has Come

Beer for kids! Those crazy Japanese!!!!! Sadly, it is non-alcoholic.

On the fence....

I'm still on the fence about this one.... Maximo Park is playing Bowery Ballroom on Sunday, September 25, 2005, tickets atTicketWeb. But now I find that The Cloud Room is opening. "Apply Some Pressure" is a great track but the rest of the Maximo Park CD just isn't doing it for me. Should I go anyway?

This Could Be You

This Could Be You
Originally uploaded by Minimalist.

Sign spotted in Quebec. I think the car has just mortally wonded some kid. This is why I don't live in Canada.....

Windmill Lane Studios circa 1989

Joe @ Windmill Lane Studios circa 1989
Originally uploaded by Minimalist.

Although it's probably not cool to admit, I am a big U2 fan. Since 1985 I have seen them over 20 times. To prove my bona fides, here is a picture of me in December 1989 at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, Ireland. I had had a few pints and I think I'm trying to force my way in. Sadly I don't look much different sixteen years later (only older.....).

No Fun.....

No Fun.....
Originally uploaded by Minimalist.

I guess you're not allowed to have fun anymore at Rutgers University. So what's the minimum fine if I get caught drinking a beer while urinating behind a grease truck the whole time singing loudly and throwing empties over my head? Nothing 'cause I have a PBA card.

Free Tickets

Eisley is performing a free concert at Bowery Ballroom on Tuesday, August 16, 2005. Get your free tickets here. I saw them last year . . . I think they were opening for Snow Patrol at Irving Plaza. Definitely worth seeing at this price.

(Photo taken by Base10 and snatched off flickr.)

Unfortunate Ad Placement

survival of the masses
Originally uploaded by ♠ echo niner zerø.

Last night I watched an episode of "Dirty Jobs" that I had on my TIVO. "Dirty Jobs" is a show on Discovery Channel that sends host Mike Rowe out to tag along with people that have really bad and disgusting jobs. Like road kill cleaner or septic tank specialist. The episode I saw had Mike doing sewer inspections in San Francisco. Mike's down in the sewer pipe, hunched over, with rats running on, over, and around him. The light pans across the arched room of the sewer and it appears to be shimmering and moving. As the camera zooms in we see that the ceiling is covered with roaches. Big honking roaches. Then there is a break and as they go to commercial they announce "This program is brought to you by Red Lobster", followed by a Red Lobster commercial showing a lobster. And damn if that lobster doesn't remind me somehow of a roach.

Metric @ Bowery Ballroom

Tickets for Metric's show at Bowery Ballroom on October 5, 2005 are now onsale.

Other interesting shows coming up are:

8/27/05 Of Montreal @ Northsix
9/2/05 Sons and Daughters @ Mecury Lounge
9/19/05 The dB's @ Maxwell's
9/20/05 The dB's @ Maxwell's
9/30/05 The Hold Steady @ Maxwell's
10/1/05 & 10/2/05 Across the Narrows festival in Brooklyn and Staten Island
10/4/05 Athlete @ Bowery Ballroom
10/4/05 The Decemberists w/Sons and Daughters @ Webster Hall
10/5/05 Bob Mould Band @ Irving Plaza
10/12/05 New Pornographers @ Webster Hall
10/13/05 New Pornographers @ Webster Hall

I will obviously not be attending all of the above shows. I am very disappointed that Bob Mould is playing the same night as Metric. Maybe I'll see Bob in Hamburg on September 9, 2005 at Grunspan instead.