Checkerphil's Top Secret Blog

Step by Step: Quinoa and Beans ala Phil

2011-07-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

Someone asked me to share my recipe for preparing quinoa. So here it is. this will garner a lot so have some tupperware on hand to create serving sizes for yourself. Ready?

1) put 2 cups Quinoa red or black into a saucepan

2) add 3 cups water flame on high

3) add 2 Caps of Braggs Liquid Aminos

4) add 1 tablespoon of Tabasco sauce.

5) add can of beans with water.

6) add adobo and black pepper to taste

7) when water boils reduce flame to a simmer then put lid on pan

8) stir occasionally

9) add an half an ounce of Bob's Milled Flaxseed

10) after 5 to 7 minutes of this shenaniganery let it sit for a hot minute and the flaxseed should sap up the last of the water

11) Dole out some to eat then put the rest in tupperware to eat later.

12) Enjoy this perfect protein plain or add to salad for extra punch!

The Independent

2011-07-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

Walking home from meditation. Who needs fireworks?

2nd Ave looking towards 18th street. (I think.)

Phil's Day

2011-06-25T02:18:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness its Saturday!

Woke up. Strange dream last night that I was living in a strange house with a million different roomates. Gahh. what a mess. Glad my roomate is such a chill dude.

Phone has a email message from the union. Teacher layoffs have been averted. That's good news.

Prayed. Brushed teeth. exercised, took a breakfast out of the cabinet. 3 days of prepared breakfasts left. I'd better get on that and make more. I meditated for 10 minutes. Kept being distracted by my life. Be still.

Took shower. Did a little cleaning. Spoke to Jen and Ned. I gathered some clothes to take to the cleaners.

Busting woman at the cleaners hump for not sewing my pocket like I requested. I was taken aback when she pointed out she did sew the pocket as requested and I was whining about the other pocket.

Ouch! I totally had to humble up. I got totally pwned. In my face.

I ran to class through Tompkins Square Park and got there on time. Tai Chi class was great. we went nice and slow. I like when my sensei shows me the practical applications to the moves.

Texting with my homey Tesfa about how Green Lantern could have been better and how I had no expectations on Xmen first class (in fact I expected it to suck but it didn't.)

Met up with my pal Ladd he is very wise. For lunch I went to Number 1 on 1st avenue for Steamed vegetables w tofu, cashew nuts, brown rice, black bean sauce on the side. I was trying to concentrate on my meal but there was this big mosquito with a menacing probiscus. Stay away from me! I don't want to kill you. hmn maybe i can lose myself in the place-mat about the Chinese Zodiac. I am a Fire Sheep so lets see what it says:

Sheep people are creative and elegant. Sheep are somewhat quiet, timid and prefer anonymity. Sheep tend to have a difficult time with romance. Anyone who couples up with a Sheep must be aware that this Sign has a hypersensitive streak and can be subject to periodical anxiety over seemingly insignificant things.

Gahh. No comment. Pwned by a placemat. Maybe that mosquito has Malaria or Dengue Fever!

I saw the local video store place was having a sale. They had the first season of Big Bang Theory so I snapped it up. I also bought an animated Underdog DVD I may have already had but whatever.

Today I am excited because I am making something new for dinner. this might seem old hat for you but I have adhered to a small list of maybe four different dinners for the past two years. I have all the weapons of war assembled (ingredients) but I cannot cook it in my 3.5 qt Cuisinart sauteing pan. Sauteing is for slow cooking at a low heat while stir frying involves high heat. In order to accomplish my goal, I will need a wok. Just as well because I always wanted a wok ever since I met this woman Debby at the TV station who swore by her wok and always made kick ass meals.

So off to the Broadway Panhandler on 8th st. I got a special Joyce Chen Pro Chef 14" Excalibur Nonstick Wok: 2.0mm carbon steel construction. Reinforced Excalibur nonstick interior coating is perfect for high heat and tough enough for metal tools. It has a 25 year guarantee. W00t! I also got a Joyce Chen angled bamboo spatula and 5" Stainless Steel Strainer, Handy for scooping foods out of hot oil, boiling water, or simmering broth.

From there I went to Casey Rubber Stamp Design at 322 East 11th Street (b/w 1st and 2nd aves) to order a rubber stamp for my address. John the owner keeps it so real and knows his stuff so he get my official rubber stamp of approval. I also bought 2 new stamps. One is a unicorn and an atom for my collection. I also bought 10 granny smith apples from the fruit stand $2 for 5. Ya just cant beat that for the apples size.

Once I got home I put away my stamps and washed my apples with Dr Bronners Peppermint soap. perfect for fruit and vegetables!

This would be the section where I talk about my delicious dinner but I am exhausted so I will make a separate blog for this grand event. suffice it to say I made it ate it, washed and dried the dishes and put them all away.

Ever since I bought my new sketchbook I am going to attempt to draw in it every day. today I drew a picture of myself.

From here I'm going to pray and go to bed. it is 2:09am Reminder to mention that to Peter. That's his number.

More tomorrow.

Spring Break

2011-04-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

Ive been doing a lot of relaxing and making food at home over spring break.

My Dinner With Sen Pei: (Left plate) Black quinoa, lentil and garbanzo beans, yams, steamed asparagus.

My bowl (center) has pearl quinoa with seasoned black beans, chopped kumatoes, tabasco and braggs liquid aminos, red lettuce, baby spinach, arugula, alfalfa sprouts, crunchy sprouts, sun dried tomatoes, steamed asparagus olive oil, adobo and black pepper and a chopped up sweet potato. I will also have 2 egg whites and 2 slices of wheat bread.

The soundtrack for today: Ive been listening to "Bright Lights, Bigger City" on a loop. Maybe its that Michael Jackson vibe, perhaps its the James Bond sample in it. In any cases I'm just feeling it.

Eating For 7 Days Straight

2011-04-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

Here is my eating for the next 7 days 4/10-17th. If you need a visual of what I eat search my blog because I usually photograph everything I eat. I tend not to deviate to far. I must admit if I have what I have for lunch for dinner also I might add a side of some steamed veggies most likely some red cabbage I have in the crisper or I'll sauté some spinach with onions, garlic, mushrooms and red and Italian peppers.

Sunday:
Breakfast: 1oz shredded wheat, 1 oz raisins, .5oz teaspoons milled flaxseeds, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 banana

Snack: 2 granny smith apples (One between breakfast and lunch, one between lunch and dinner)

Lunch: 1 baked yam, salad with 5 colored peppers, arugula, baby spinach. red & green lettuce, alfalfa sprouts and baby kumato tomatoes, cucumbers, crunchy sprouts, beans and quinoa, 2 slices wheat bread, 2 egg whites

Dinner: Veggie burger with egg whites on dry wheat with lettuce, tomato, pickle. Baked potato (plain).

Monday:
Breakfast: 1oz shredded wheat, 1 oz raisins, .5oz teaspoons milled flaxseeds, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 banana

Snack: 2 granny smith apples (One between breakfast and lunch, one between lunch and dinner)

Lunch: 1 baked yam, salad with 5 colored peppers, arugula, baby spinach. red & green lettuce, alfalfa sprouts and baby kumato tomatoes, cucumbers, crunchy sprouts, beans and quinoa, 2 slices wheat bread, 2 egg whites

Dinner: Steamed fish, broccoli, side salad.

Tuesday:
Breakfast: 1oz shredded wheat, 1 oz raisins, .5oz teaspoons milled flaxseeds, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 banana

Snack: 2 granny smith apples (One between breakfast and lunch, one between lunch and dinner)

Lunch: 1 baked yam, salad with 5 colored peppers, arugula, baby spinach. red & green lettuce, alfalfa sprouts and baby kumato tomatoes, cucumbers, crunchy sprouts, beans and quinoa, 2 slices wheat bread, 2 egg whites

Dinner: Steamed mixed vegetables w/ tofu and cashew nuts, brown rice, black bean sauce.

Wednesday:
Breakfast: 1oz shredded wheat, 1 oz raisins, .5oz teaspoons milled flaxseeds, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 banana

Snack: 2 granny smith apples (One between breakfast and lunch, one between lunch and dinner)

Lunch: 1 baked yam, salad with 5 colored peppers, arugula, baby spinach. red & green lettuce, alfalfa sprouts and baby kumato tomatoes, cucumbers, crunchy sprouts, beans and quinoa, 2 slices wheat bread, 2 egg whites

Dinner: Salmon, mushroom w/ spinach, baked potato, side salad.

Thursday:
Breakfast: 1oz shredded wheat, 1 oz raisins, .5oz teaspoons milled flaxseeds, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 banana

Snack: 2 granny smith apples (One between breakfast and lunch, one between lunch and dinner)

Lunch: 1 baked yam, salad with 5 colored peppers, arugula, baby spinach. red & green lettuce, alfalfa sprouts and baby kumato tomatoes, cucumbers, crunchy sprouts, beans and quinoa, 2 slices wheat bread, 2 egg whites

Dinner I will have either:
A) 1 baked yam, salad with 5 colored peppers, arugula, baby spinach. red & green lettuce, alfalfa sprouts and baby kumato tomatoes, cucumbers, crunchy sprouts, beans and quinoa, 2 slices wheat bread, 2 egg whites
B) Veggie burger with egg whites on dry wheat with lettuce, tomato, pickle.
C) Steamed mixed vegetables w/ tofu and cashew nuts, brown rice, black bean sauce.

Friday:
Breakfast: 1oz shredded wheat, 1 oz raisins, .5oz teaspoons milled flaxseeds, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 banana

Snack: 2 granny smith apples (One between breakfast and lunch, one between lunch and dinner)

Lunch: 1 baked yam, salad with 5 colored peppers, arugula, baby spinach. red & green lettuce, alfalfa sprouts and baby kumato tomatoes, cucumbers, crunchy sprouts, beans and quinoa, 2 slices wheat bread, 2 egg whites

Dinner I will have either:
A) 1 baked yam, salad with 5 colored peppers, arugula, baby spinach. red & green lettuce, alfalfa sprouts and baby kumato tomatoes, cucumbers, crunchy sprouts, beans and quinoa, 2 slices wheat bread, 2 egg whites
B) Veggie burger with egg whites on dry wheat with lettuce, tomato, pickle and plain baked potato.
C) Steamed mixed vegetables w/ tofu and cashew nuts, brown rice, black bean sauce.

Saturday:
Breakfast: 1oz shredded wheat, 1 oz raisins, .5oz teaspoons milled flaxseeds, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 banana

Snack: 2 granny smith apples (One between breakfast and lunch, one between lunch and dinner)

Lunch: 1 baked yam, salad with 5 colored peppers, arugula, baby spinach. red & green lettuce, alfalfa sprouts and baby kumato tomatoes, cucumbers, crunchy sprouts, beans and quinoa, 2 slices wheat bread, 2 egg whites or Steamed mixed vegetables w/ tofu and cashew nuts, brown rice, black bean sauce.

Dinner I will have either:
A) 1 baked yam, salad with 5 colored peppers, arugula, baby spinach. red & green lettuce, alfalfa sprouts and baby kumato tomatoes, cucumbers, crunchy sprouts, beans and quinoa, 2 slices wheat bread, 2 egg whites
B) Veggie burger with egg whites on dry wheat with lettuce, tomato, pickle and plain baked potato.
C) Steamed mixed vegetables w/ tofu and cashew nuts, brown rice, black bean sauce.

Seems kind of dull to you? Not to me. I switch up my quinoas and beans and lettuces and tomatoes. I can even get different sweet potatoes if I desire. There are some places I may eat similar stuff at For example I'll have the Yogis Choice (of quinoa, black beans, seitan and steamed Kale with a simple salad) @ Jivamukti Cafe or The Dragon Bowl (brown rice, beans, tofu, sea vegetables and steamed vegetables) @ Angelicas Kitchen.

My Standard Lunch/Dinner 2011

2011-03-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

For those that want to know what I eat. Here it is. This is my standard meal I eat it for lunch every day at school, packing it with me or taking it with me on trips to Coney Island or wherever I'm going where good food choices are not available. sometimes I have it for dinner too. Everybody is always "don't you get bored?" There is a lot of variety to be considered. different lettuces, types of beans, quinoas, tomatoes, sprouts etc. I pick and choose my battles very carefully and getting sexy with my food is not an option.

1) Sprouts. Don't pay more than $1.99. I pay $1.50 at Gracefully. ive seen em for $2.99

2) Add Arugula

3) Add Baby Spinach

4) Add Washed Lettuce Red or Green (or both!)

5) Add Cucumber

6) Add chopped habañero pepper. Warning use rubber gloves when chopping peppers. I made sure hands were thoroughly washed but started noticing burning sensation under my fingernails. things got worse when I mistakenly touched my eye. At least I nipped it in the bud before I went to the bathroom! Yowch! My Uncle Tony was the first to warn me about this.

7) Add Chopped Peppers and Carrots: I like to combine, red, orange, yellow, green and Italian light green.

8) Add tomatoes and capers: I like Heirloom, kumatoes or campari tomatoes. I like bigger capers as opposed to tiny dinky ones.

9) Add Crunchy Sprouts they seem to be sprouted beans with little tails.

10) Add Egg Whites: I prefer Brown eggs with omega 3s added. Then add olive oil, black pepper, adobo and sea salt.

11) I bake yams in the oven then refrigerate them to take them to school etc.

12) Add Quinoa and beans. If I have black quinoa, I use white beans. If I use red quinoa, I use white or black beans. If I use white quinoa I use red, pink or black beans, I slice the yams add Sauteed spinach with red peppers, onions, garlic and mushrooms.

13) Steamed Vegetables: I like trying different ones. I picked red cabbage because it turns bright magenta when you microwave the leftovers. I try to get every color in my food except blue. Rachel Trachtenburg recommended I add blueberries. Like with smoothies even If I add one blueberry it will all taste like blueberrys. yuck! She also told me I might want to add pink grapefruit to my salad. I don't know if I'm ready for that. I think If I want blue or pink in my dinner I will start eating those organic edible flowers.

14) Add 2 slices of Arnolds wheat bread. Now I can eat. Bon Appétit!

Rolling Rhinos Video Shoot

2011-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

2009: Vince Lombardi from Rolling Rhinos went underground for a video for Webbafied.

Update March 2011: here is the video with my cameo. (Word up!) Enjoy!

Step by Step: The Perfect Breakfast

2011-02-26T07:22:00.000-08:00

Breakfast by steps. I take pictures of what I eat so may as well blog about it.

1. Lay out tupperware in a pleasant arrangement, lids at close proximity.

2. Assemble the weapons of war: Shredded Wheat, Sun Maid raisins, Milled Flaxseed. I usually get things in twos so I don't run out during this delicate process.

3. Use scale to measure 1 oz of Shredded Wheat (27 Squares if you don't have your scale on hand) 1 oz raisins (about 63) and .5 ounces Milled Flaxseed (about 3 teaspoons) Ive been doing this for around 2 years so I can pretty much eyeball it.

4. Place lids on cereal making a pleasant checkerboard pattern. Make sure to settle cereal using a crumble game term called squarification (basically shake it a little so the flaxseed moves to the bottom of the tupperware.) Do this previous to putting the lid on so static electricity doesn't draw the milled flaxseeds to the lid depriving you of precious molecules of flaxseed that you have carefully have measured out. I don't like to upset this precious balance of nutrition.

5. Stack them in order. Place neatly in cupboard. Stare. Close cupboard. Feel safe in the knowledge you wont have to do this again for about 10 days.

6. take vitamins, get Almond unsweetened vanilla non dairy beverage from refrigerator and 1 banana. Pour 8 ounces of Almond unsweetened vanilla non dairy beverage into measuring cup. Open cupboard select a tupperware of breakfast: round ones go first, purple second blue third. return Almond unsweetened vanilla non dairy beverage to refrigerator. Say grace, eat breakfast. Wash dishes thoroughly. Check pantry to see of you're running low on any supplies. Make list. Purchase. No buying any impulse items. Stick to the list always. No deviations.

Enjoy day.

I have since switched from Pacific Almond unsweetened vanilla non dairy beverage to Almond Breeze unsweetened vanilla non dairy beverage. its creamier.

Oscars 2011

2011-02-25T17:29:00.000-08:00

I'm not really one for the Oscars but an impromptu appearance by Seth Shire the Unpaid Film Critic really got me thinking. I really liked Inception and Toy Story 3. In any case enjoy the episode featuring Vince Lombardi from Rolling Rhinos and Rich from DVTV.

Enjoy the episode!

Attention Phil: Don't Ego Trip!

2011-01-22T07:54:00.000-08:00

Manhattan Neighborhood Network decided they were going to put pictures of the producers in the halls. The original pic they wanted to use was me from like 2007 yikes. Thank God they actually had a photographer come in and take new photos. I actually like them and can accept what I look like. I threw the hat to him so we could take the pic but he kept throwing the hat back to me so then I'd throw it to his assistant and he kept shooting pictures. I'm getting all "Dude, yer going to get my hat dirty!" The end result looks good to me.

Breakfast Query

2011-01-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

Ah, home sweet home.

I had 4 boxes of Post Shredded Wheat already but felt compelled to snap up a couple more due to Duane Reades 2 boxes for $6 sale. Then I dipped down to Morton Williams for their sale on Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk. (2 for $5) I currently have 8.

So my question is in 2 days (Jan 12th) I will make 10 breakfast servings that contain 1 oz Shredded Wheat. 1 oz Sun Maid Raisins. .5 oz Milled Flaxseed. 1 banana and and 8 oz of Pacific Organic Almond Non Dairy Beverage (Unsweetened Lo-Fat Vanilla) (Best Used by 5/13/11)

Each quart carton contains four 8 oz servings.

I have 11 boxes of Shredded Wheat that have 16.4 oz each (5 Boxes best used by 9/3/11 and 6 best used by 10/13/11)

How many days worth of cereal do I have ? Calculations say 180.4 if I round it off to 180 days I will have to purchase a new box of Shredded Wheat right before Monday, July 11th 2011. Perhaps I'll join a Costco or something by then and purchase it in bulk.

How much Almond Milk do I have? I possess 256 fluid ounces. If I divide that by 8 it gives me 32 days of milk. Weird number considering there's 32 oz in a quart but I digress. 32 days from Jan 12th dictates my Almond Milk reserve running dry Sunday, Febuary 13th 2011. Rats!

The question is how many more cartons of Almond Milk... (milk is such a misnomer - lets call a spade a spade) *Ahem* How many more cartons of Organic Almond Non Dairy Beverage should I purchase to catch up to my Shredded Wheat surplus?

Truth be told I desire to take some time out and check out some other Organic Non Dairy Beverage options like Oat Organic Non Dairy Beverage and Hazelnut Organic Non Dairy Beverage (unsweetened of course) In fact I'd have to stop because I would eventually start bumping into the May expiration date.

For more fun with food peep out my pal Zacks blog. He designed a spreadsheet program that will make him cool meals based on the nutritional values of certain foods. He is really having a lot of fun experimenting. I think he has the beginnings of a thesis paper here. Judge for yourself.

Twas the night before X-Mas vacation

2010-12-23T22:06:00.000-08:00

Today was a fantastic day. I am really loving the new pad. it is raw and needs work but the kitchen is getting there. I made dinner for my roommate and I. We prepared salad with sprouted beans. alfalfa sprouts. 2 slices of wheat bread; arugula. romaine and red lettuce. adobo. capers. with cucumber. campari tomatoes. chopped red. green. yellow and light green peppers. olive oil and the last of the balsamic vinegar.

I am quitting balsamic forever. Watch out for Balsamic Vinegars being sold for cheap prices. Investigate thoroughly because the 2 stores that I saw the balsamic said: May contain lead. No thank you.

I also made sweet potatoes in the oven and sauteed some spinach with olive oil. onions. garlic and red pepper. Alec. my roomate does not like mushrooms.

After our fine repast I proceeded to clean up the dishes and clean the stove and it was totally a pleasure with the introduction of the internet radio. I spent most of the night listening to Sirius First Wave (I guess its because its not so "New" anymore. ) It is a great station!

That's all for tonight the kitchen looks very nice again. my food and plates are away and my breakfasts for the next 10 days have been packed . I am so happy! I am going to meditate before I sleep tonight. I feel extra thankful.

Good Night!

Thank You Ari Up

2010-10-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

A word about Ari Up. She was a friend to the Checkerboard Kid program. She was always cool so giving. I still have messages she left on my voice mail. She was always wild, always a party. I remembered when we did a live show she came on stage with us and sung "You Can Get It If You Really Want". She also did a full show with us and another bit with Brave New Girl. My sympathies go out to her friends, family especially her kids. Ari was all about bringing people together. She truly was one of a kind. Respect to you Ari! Thank you so much!

Eat Your Face!

2010-09-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

What's gonna happen to Salad face? Red Leaf green leaf lettuce. heirloom tomatoes, beans and quinoa, capers, egg white, cucumbers, red, yellow, green, orange peppers with some olive oil and balsamic. and a sweet potato.

My Uncle also hipped me to chopping up a hot pepper and putting it in the bottle of olive oil. the pepper I'm using is called a volcanic hot pepper.

The Passing of Vicker Gringo

2010-08-17T03:30:00.000-07:00

The Checkerboard Kids is primarily a ska program. I have to really believe in a band to have a band that is not ska on. Thus was the case with the innovative band The Deuce and a Quarter headed up by artist, animator, actor and general raconteur Vickers "Bastard" Gringo (Paul Vickers Lyon) I met Vickers about 1995, a kid with green hair and big ideas about music and life. I was happy to reconnect with him in 2009 and have the band on Checkerboard Kids. Upon my return from Canada yesterday I received a call from The Deuce drummer, Jerry who told me after the Gig they played on Saturday, Vickers passed away in his sleep. Wow. I'm still processing this but while I'm sitting around scratching my head. Lets never forget the music that he and his bandmates loved so much. My sincerest sympathies go out to his friends, family, girlfriend, and especially Jerry, Patrick, Adam and the entire network of The Deuce and a Quarter who were just putting the finishing touches on a new release. I'm sure Vickers would have wanted that music in the hands of the people. Rest in peace, Vickers. Thank you for everything.

His friend Abbi from Dart Gun Radio put up a touching tribute on her blog so check it out! http://abigailallan.blogspot.com/

Here are some clips:

Amero:

Absorbing the Head of a Fly:

Whiskey Bottle and a Shot Glass

The entire episode:

MondayTuesday in Canada

2010-08-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

Monday: Ride in was very crampy. Met a nice Womens Studies Major named Betty. Met with my Uncle and his homeboy, Bobby and we took the train from Montreal to Sorel. Then we went shopping for everything that I eat. I have simple needs. then we had lunch. Enclosed is a picture of Lunch:

Sorry I said I was going to really stop posting pictures of my food up but Its what I do.

Exibit A: A yam and a salad made of lettuce, cucumbers, capers, red, green, orange, yellow and sweet long red peppers, carrots

Exibit B: Quinoa and kidney beans white and red with hot sauce, adobo and milled flaseeds.

Afterwards I went out and met with a freind from Sorel and hung out for a bit. then I came home and hung out on the porch with my family. My Uncle made Salmon and I had a smaller salad with 2 slices of wheat bread. Then we planned out the rest of the week and decided Weds was going to be Karaoke night! Yay! Emailed folks and went to bed after listening to the same song like a million times.

My cousin says I can get a job teaching English and stay in Canada. It sounds like a nice dream. Looking at the stars from this vantage point it almost seems feasable. Who knows what the future brings. For now Im happy to be on vacation.

Tuesday: I prayed, meditated and showered then I counted raisins:

63 sun maid raisins makes one ounce. put them on a napkin and make sure they dont touch each other. I dont take my travel scale across the border. I bet you can guess what kind of scenario that could create.

I count 27 squares of spoon sized shredded wheat. I make sure the grains of the cereal go up down up down up down. (look at photo closely for details) 27 squares is about ounce also. From there I add 3 teaspoons of flaxseeds for the needed amount and put them together in a tupperware sandwich case. I do this 3 more times. Note: at home I can do this 9 more times (see other blog entries) but time and tupperware constraints were upon me.

I chop up one banana and add one cup (8 ounces) of unsweetened soymilk. That is how I roll.

Next my Uncle and I went around Sorel Tracy and looked at the homes, some had homes with 2 cars, some had boats on their lawns one guy even had a plane. Then we went to visit my Aunt in the Cemetery. That was sad. I miss her. from there we came home and had lunch I ate the same thing I had yesterday. After lunch its been threatening to storm so we kicked back with Clash of the Titans then I broke out Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths I think hes digging it. Hes a very hip Uncle. Thats it for this moment more later. See ya!

Little Wonder About My Latest Obsession

2010-08-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

On my way up to Canada I had a lot of David Bowie I was listening to, a lot of it I had never heard before. In the middle of the night I was awoken by this song that I enjoyed so much that pretty much I listened to on a loop since I found it. People know that I have this tendancy to do this. So here is my latest obsession, a song called Little Wonder off Bowies album Earthling. I was wondering why I liked it so much since I love to analyze stuff into the ground but I found somebody who really hit the nail on the head of what makes it such a catchy tune. Peep this article out. Ill have my normal blog about whats going on here in Canada next time. I think im gonna count raisins and listen to this song a couple of more times before going on a walk with my uncle.

Here is the video so I can watch it at my leisure:

Taking Off To The Great White North

2010-08-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

Psyching myself up for my big Canadian Adventure! With the real actors doing the voices! watch the end for the preview to their animated television show.

What's Grosser Than Gross?

2010-08-07T04:47:00.000-07:00

Warning: do not read this if you get easily grossed out. It makes me sick just thinking about it.

I was just discussing with my homegirl Maya Bidiya the virtues of veganism. Personally I eat salad to keep my food pretty much cruelty free. Yesterday I chopped open a red pepper to see that not only had I had successfully chopped the top off said pepper but also cut some sort of tiny caterpillar in half. We sat there looking at each other for a bit. the lil' feller was a gonner and he didn't even know it. So I just made him comfortable putting him in the bag with all the vegetable trimmings where he could eat his fill while the food kept pouring out the other side. I cleaned my pepper and pressed on. This hearkened me back to days in the Bronx as a child and roaches would get into the box of Golden Grahams and I would have to turn on the kitchen light, wait a minute. enter the room. grab the box, open the box, smack the box three times on the table, leave for a couple of minutes as a courtesy for them to get out of the box. Gingerly I'd pour cereal into the bowl. inspect it for any dead roaches or stragglers. Then pour the milk, eat, repeat. Any roaches alive or dead that would float to the surface I'd just remove with my spoon and keep it moving. Disgusting, I know but this is how it was. I am grateful that I don't ever have to experience any of that again on many levels. It is a fantastic life. Now without flinching I'm going sit, pray and fully appreciate my shredded wheat, banana, raisins and milled flaxseeds measured out perfectly with eight ounces of silk unsweetened soy milk. cruelty free of course. Have a great morning. Eat a good breakfast it's the most important part of your day.

Meet Buster!

2010-07-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

This is my roommates 6 year old Dachshund, Buster. I cant help but be drawn to him. I was petting him on the head and he jumped into my lap. He flinches at every sound. Nervous thing.

HEY BUSTER! WHERE ARE YOU?
ROVER HERE!

Double Happiness

2010-07-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

Two different versions of steamed veggies with black bean sauce on the side and brown rice.

Lunch in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Wild Ginger 112 Smith st. offers a small serving of brown rice with white cannelloni beans in it. but they make up for it with a wide assortment of vegetables including everything from asparagus to zucchini, pea pods, celery, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and some weird white vegetable. What the heck is that thing?

Dinner in Manhattan Chinese Fast Wok 230 7th Avenue between 23rd and 24th st. are fast and have low priced eats and a nice amount of grub (carrots, water chestnuts, baby corn, green pepper and broccoli which I always remove and eat separate) Drawback: sometimes the patrons don't know the term "indoor voice"

Skyrockets in flight: American Buddhist Delight

2010-07-17T16:29:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite spots to eat is
Fuji Asian Restaurant 1367 First Ave. (Between 73rd and 74th) American Buddhist Delight (fresh pea pods, mushrooms, eggplant, carrots, string beans, baby carrots and soft bean curd aka tofu) I add a lil' cashew nuts and some steamed Broccoli for maximum vegetablelocity and brown rice, black bean sauce on the side. This restaurant used to go by the monicker "Maple" (I know, it sounds like a Canadian pancake house!) but after a lovely renovation this place has stepped up their food game as well as the ambiance level. The workers are courteous and never give me the ol stink eye if I languish around for a while. This place gets a major thumbs up from me.

It's Supper Time

2010-07-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

95% of the time I eat the same exact dinner every day with small deviation. I don't use menus ever.

Diner Dinner: Veggie Burger on toasted wheat bread, lettuce, tomato, pickle and a baked potato

Should I deign to eat fish (on rare occasion) I will have Salmon, side salad, (w/o onion) with a green steamed vegetable or on occasion lightly sauteed spinach with mushroom and a baked potato.

Chinese food: steamed vegetables with tofu and black bean sauce on the side with cashew nuts and brown rice.

Empire Schezuan "Design your own dish": steamed broccoli, spinach, green beans and soft bean curd (tofu) with black bean sauce on the side with cashew nuts and brown rice.

My "Standard Lunch" but for dinner: I prepare a salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomato and 4 different color peppers, cucumbers and alfalfa or broccoli sprouts, chopped radish with balsamic and extra virgin olive oil, adobo and capers. top it off baked yam or sweet potato. two slices wheat bread. For protein I will add beans or beans and quinoa

A Letter From Chef Dave

2010-07-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

This just in from Chef Dave via Facebook:

I’m with a friend on Wednesday, and he introduces me to Quinoa. I come to find out it’s the Incan “Mother Grain”. Phil teaches me how to cook it, and now I’m a big fan. Thursday I audition to cater a wedding for labor for 70 people in Brooklyn, and I had given my client a list of ingredients I needed in which to prepare a chickpea salad. I get there, and she had forgotten the chickpeas. I open her cabinets and find a collections of unmarked grain in jars, the client hands me a jar and asks, “Is this Quinoa?” I pop open the jar, put my nose in it, and say, “This is Quinoa”. Not a commercial Quinoa product, yet I prepare it the way Phil had taught me the day before…and I take a scoop of this diced cucumber and tomato salad I had prepared earlier, dump some in the perfectly cooked Quinoa I had cooled down and made a Quinoa salad with cucumber and tomato . The client loves it, she wants it for the wedding and hires me on the spot. Friday I share the story with these affluent members in the upper east side, and they absolutely flipped over the recipe. 5 days later, the New York Times publishes a recipe for a Quinoa Salad with cucumber and tomato. “My” salad. Thank you, Phil.

Way to go, Chef Dave! Glad to be service! :)

Water Aerobics: Not For Wimps!

2010-07-14T06:52:00.000-07:00

This young lady is holding a "noodle". It seems innocuous enough until you get it into the pool. it is one of the weapons in the water aerobicisers arsenal.

I really hate going to the gym. Its repetitive. It's boring, like being on a treadmill. (Actually I prefer being on the elliptical machine.) So In order to step it up a notch I started doing water aerobics. I got my speedo swim cap. (no rubber flowers) I think I was the youngest guy in the class and a woman was all like "I think you're in the wrong place whippersnapper!" I must admit I was a little intimidated but its hot outside and I'm grateful to be in a pool. The instructor arrives and we begin. Much to my surprise this stuff is hard. after a while I'm thinking "Do we get breaks up in here?" the answer is a resounding NO. I'm thinking I gotta finish strong I don't want to wimp out in a room full of a peeps in their golden years! at the end of the class I felt pretty accomplished. A couple more sessions and I started noticing a further range of motion in my extensor digitorum longus muscle. (I started noticing a stiffness during Tai Chi.) There is a lot of chop busting in that class but people are always willing to help a brother out. Man i have to learn how to tread water or I'm gonna drown in the shallow side of the pool and that would totally be ultra embarrassing! The class I went to yesterday we had equipment that looked like big toys, bright yellow weights. I was amused. that is until I put them under water these things got heavy and hard to move around. Then there is this noodle thingy! ya got to push this down and it really makes you tired! in any case you haven't seen the last of me yet! I'll be back!

Chef Dave is in the House

2010-07-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

Painter and Martial Artist, Chef Dave wanted to come over and show me Master Tony Jaa's Ong Bak 2. We even cooked lunch I made Quinoa and black beans with kumato. i also made the salad but Chef Dave busted out these Wustof knives that defied reality. his ability to cut vegetables and put together entrees was mind boggling. "Sometimes people refer to me as the human Cuisinart" here's what we had:

salad with with quad color julienne peppers, radishes, capers and cucumber in a balsamic vinaigrette

1 baked yam

wilted spinach salad with sauteed yellow squash, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, red onions, sliced granny smith apples, raisins and a touch of honey, lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar and dill.

Quinoa and black beans with aromatic vegetables (garlic, red onions and peppers) a little sea salt and adobo seasoning

2 slices of wheat bread and a tall glass of water chef Dave then prepared himself a tall espresso in my Montezuma cup. He seemed quite pleased. "Next time let's invite some girls over." I hope they dig martial arts flicks!

Dave pouring his espresso from his beat up espresso pot. "nectar of the Gods" he calls it. Coffee makes me a mite nervous! (I only drink water.)

Shopping List

2010-07-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

I just did a compra. that's grocery shopping for those of you that weren't brought up Hispanic. All the stuff that I usually buy is right here. On the left is Dr. Bronners Peppermint Castille soap good for people and vegetables, A new toothbrush, dental floss and toothpaste. A pack of kumato tomatoes (delicious) 4 colored peppers, a jar of capers, Granny Smith apples, a container of alfalfa sprouts, unripe bananas. a half gallon and carton (you can store it unrefrigerated for a year!) of Silk unsweetened soymilk (sorry to tell you if you like the plain one: cane juice = sugar), Traditional and Inca Red quinoa (I just couldn't choose so I got both) Yams and a bag of Bob's organic milled flaxseeds.

Things that I'm missing from this picture: Original (red box) Post spoon sized shredded wheat, Sun Maid Raisins, beans of all types, Lettuces of all types, Wheat bread made without high fructose corn syrup, tofu, seasonings like extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, Goya Adobo, sea salt, Tabasco sauce, Bragg liquid aminos and a bunch of vegetables that I add to salads or steam like spinach, mushrooms, Kale, radishes, and many many more. I also take a daily multivitamin.

That is pretty much all I eat. As for drinking I only drink water. no bubbles, no flavors or vitamins just water. sometimes I go nuts and have some ice with it but that's as far as I go.

It's a very simple structure that works for me. Personally, I can complicate a glass of water if you let me. My ultimate choice is no choice.

Independence Day 2010

2010-07-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

Did you know I used to totally rock a beard? Yep it's true. here is a shot from Thanksgiving 2006, contrasted with a May 2010 pic. As it stands today july 2010 I am now 159.4 lbs, I was a 300+ pound hot mess. Though I am still a work in progress. I can tell you physically I feel much better. My snoring is gone. Knees feel much better and my doctors couldn't be happier. The best result i've experienced is, I'm genuinely happier. I post this as a reminder. Memo to myself: Don't you give me any more sass when i ask you to do something like do your exercises, I'm trying to prolong your life! A fellow public access producer told me a contemporary of ours passed away from heart failure. I scoured his blog for any indication he was ill. a year back there was one simple entry that just had some sterile information about heart failure. No personal insight.

Let me be real with you. On the off chance that I die sooner than later, I want you to know that this has been the best life ever. Everything happened as it was supposed to and despite various luxury problems I have, It's been terrific and I will agree with what my Grandfather told me before he passed off this plane of existence "it's all good."

I'm going to enjoy this Independence Day, not with the traditional eating grilled meats in sugary BBQ sauce, grazing salted finger foods while pounding brewskis 'till I'm spewing the technicolor yawn into the porcelain altar. I'm going to honor myself. engage in some quiet meditation, exercise without sassiness, eat right. Tell my family I love them.

Here is a great song by Comsat Angels from 1983. i used to listen to this on WLIR when I was a kid. Enjoy. Be good to yourself and others. Live.

Phil's Home Journal

2010-06-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to do more writing now that summer is upon us so here's a little excerpt from my War Journal er Food Journal same thing as far as I'm concerned.

Friday: I didn't have time to prepare a salad for school so I went to Organic Forever (2053 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, NYC) and had a little of the sprouted brown rice, chick pea salad (w potato and spinach) and steamed veggies with a veggies black bean chipotle burger on sprouted wheat bread w/ sprouts and lettuce and tomato.

there was a baby shower for the Assistant Principal of the school and I contributed to her gift but originally didn't want to go to the party because "there's gonna be a lot of food there so I should avoid it" luckily I thought better of it and came in and hung out. It was completely decorated in a checkerboard motif, flags and tablecloths (that's always an indication to me something is approved by the universe) I had fun, spoke to people. I felt a part of. We shouted "surprise!" I had some water with ice and when the food started getting doled out it was time for me to cover a class. so I bid the guest of honor a hearty farewell and was out. and I felt good.

I was at MNN working behind the scenes on "Something To Offer" i did my best. I did audio, character generation and some camerawork. I felt good about it. Reminder to take that final cut class this summer!

Her first guests were Jeremy Taylor (Step Up!) and Richard Speziale (DVTV) who were the Director and Editor of Burma: An indictment I highly encourage everybody to check the documentary and go to the website: FreeBurmaAlliance.org

In contrast to the starving in Burma, the hallway s of MNN had every single tempting food laid out for me in mass quantities, junk food, munchies, candies I liked, even bunches of apples and bananas, grapes. The second show had as guest, Joyce White made a great salad but with big healthy slabs of chicken. I had to calm down and relax I was scheduled to eat later and i gotta stick to the plan. never deviate from the plan.

For dinner I went to my absolute favorite restaurant Empire Schezuan Kyoto, I had my normal design your own dish: steamed vegetables (broccoli, spinach and green beans) with tofu, cashews and brown rice with black bean sauce on the side. I had a nice conversation with two eighth grade boys who engaged me in conversation during dinner over the book I was reading (Napoleon Hills Laws of Success) over 1000 pages! We discussed literature summer reading plans and artistic pursuits. they were sharp and will go far in life. it gave me optimism for the future of youth.

Saturdays food:
Breakfast: 1oz shredded wheat, 1oz raisins, .5oz milled flaxseeds, 1 banana, 8oz unsweetened soymilk

Snax: Granny smith apples

Lunch: steamed vegetables and tofu with cashew nuts, brown rice and black bean sauce on the side.

Dinnr: if I go to a diner I will have a veggie burger on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomato, pickle and baked potato (if they offer a salad or steamed vegetable, that too.) If not I will go home and have my regular home meal of salad with cucumber, 4 color peppers, tomatoes, radish, alfalfa sprouts, capers, balsamic and olive oil. Perhaps some quinoa with beans and tofu, 1 baked yam, 2 slices of wheat bread and if I'm feeling crazy a lil steamed kale.

Mercury Rising

2010-06-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

Safe among the vegetation: Jason Trachtenburg from the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players and the Pendulum Swings strikes a pose with me and my Mercury t-shirt at the 4th street Food Co op.

For the past couple of years I had cut out all meat except for fish. this was going well i was feeling healthy (with the exception of a strange lung thing that wasn't going away and and an itchy feeling all over that my doctors could not find the origins of or proof I was even feeling this.) was I going nuts? then it dawned on me puritis is a symptom of mercury poisoning so is insane thinking. so I got tested. I got a phone call from my doctor while i was on my way to buy more white albacore tuna in water for i only had 7 cans left an was in constant fear of running out (insane thinking) He asked how much fish do you eat. I said 7-12 servings a week over about a year. He asked if I could pare it down to 2 times a week and not eat tuna. (I was still trying to figure out ways I could sneak in some tuna into my diet until I realized that was insane thinking) .5 nanoliters of mercury in your blood is ok I had a whopping 29nl in my blood I received a letter from the Department of Health and spoke to the person in charge of Mercury. They also have one for Lead and other elements he informed me. He said when I got tested, anybody who hits over a 25nl of mercury on their blood sets off a red flag and he interviewed me to see if I had been exposed to anything like neon lights and other things. i told him how much fish I ate and he ran down a list of what I was not to eat

HIGH MERCURY Eat three servings or less per month:
Bluefish, Grouper, Mackerel (Spanish, Gulf), Sea Bass (Chilean) Ive had it, Tuna (Canned Albacore) a staple to my eating, Tuna (Yellowfin) no more sushi!,

HIGHEST MERCURY Avoid eating:
Mackerel (King) holy mackerel!, Marlin, Orange Roughy, Shark (I had it in Hawaii), Swordfish (I had it twice), Tilefish, Tuna (constantly)

this list can be found http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/guide.asp plus a list of fish you can eat (Wild caught salmon is ok farm ones has PCBs) but considering the current oil situation maybe I will stick to advice from Jason Trachtenburg of the 4th street food co op. (open to the public) and roll cruelty free. Here is a list of top 10 vegetarian protein sources. http://www.womenfitness.net/protien-option.htm

Personally, I enjoy quinoa (Inca red or plain) with beans is considered a complete protein.

Incidentally when I stopped messing with the mercury laden items, the itching and lung thing both went away. the insane thinking is still up for debate.

What exactly do I eat anyhoo?

2010-02-19T18:48:00.000-08:00

Salutations all. It's been a hot minute since my last post. As of 3/1/10 I weighed in at 169.2 lbs, which begs the question: What the heck am I eating? I'm posting this now so I will never have to answer this question ever again. I can simply refer any curious person to this blog entry and their questions will be answered and the world spins.

Keep in mind I am a little ocd. Even as a child I categorized and stacked items like baseball cards and comic books in many different configurations. I do the same with food. I don't have to understand 'em, just rope 'em, throw em, brand 'em.

Breakfast: I eat the same thing 99% of the time 1 ounce of spoon sized shredded wheat (usually around 27 squares) 1 ounce sun maid raisins (approximately 63 raisins) .5 ounces milled flaxseed. 8 ounces (one cup) of unsweetened "Silk" soymilk (the green container, the regular has cane juice!) 1 banana and one centrum multivitamin. I use a polder travel scale to precisely weigh everything. I make at least 7 to 9 breakfasts at a clip so I dont have to do this every day like I did when I started this routine.

A friend told me there was a sale on shredded wheat so you can guess what I did: (My roomate walked in and said "Um.. What's this cereal display doing in the house?")

Dude! it was a dollar a box at Wallgreens! You woulda done it too except I cleaned em out!

Snacks: between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner I have one handheld fruit. I can have an orange, apple or pear. at this moment I prefer apples. I enjoy, honey crisps, cameo, pinova, galas, and golden delicious. I hate mealy apples like mackintosh and jonagold. Waxy apples like the incorrectly monikered red "delicious" super sweet ambrosia and winesaps. I am currently into Granny Smiths. The Iron Gym handbook extols the virtues of this apple so I'm holding that down. (Note all apples are face up, face down, face up...)

Lunch will be a salad of lettuce (I dig romaine, red, green, curly leaf and boston. I hate frisée and iceberg lettuce) Tomatoes (Vine ripened usually, heirloom when available) and 4 different peppers, cucumbers and alfalfa sprouts if use dressing it's balsamic and extra virgin olive oil, a lil' adobo or some sea salt. I mustn't forget the capers

!

I always like a baked potato. sometimes a yam or sweet potato. Tho I find yams sweeter than sweet potatoes, can you belive it?

the golden sweet potato is in the center then the yam.

Next I make a yum yum bumble bee salmon sandwich (in water) and I use veganaise. just read the ingredients and you'll never return to mayo again.

Dinner: actually I'll finish this later because this blog has reminded me it's time to eat! More later!

9.1.09: #198.2

2009-09-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

1) #198: 9.08.1988

2) #296: 11.01.08

3) 11.01.2008 - 09.01.2009

*
4) 09.01.2009: #198

(*08.21.2009)

...

WHAT THE ...?

2009-08-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

I guess I better just accept dimensional space as it is. Trying to figure out a way bend reality to hop between dimensions it just too dang hard. If you want to peep a good show about it I recommend Charlie Jade.

Canadian Trip - Day 7

2009-08-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

My last night in Canada. perfect breakfast. I went to visit my Aunts grave today. Tio Tony's name is also on there. It kind of freaked me out at first but that's life. We are finite temporary beings with a beginning middle and end. Only children and fools in denial think otherwise. None of us escape it or should avoid the inevitable. Acceptance is the key. Once you do, life is easy to live. It's like me and food. Once I used to agonise every second of the day about what and when I was going to eat. Now I know what, when and how much I will eat and I'm happy. All choice has been eliminated now I can continue living my life.

At Titi Suzanne's grave I prayed, watered her flowers and had a good talk with her. It was very emotional. I gave my uncle some privacy and looked around and gravely read the stones. I saw the Hells Angel's grave. Large, very impressive. We drove home and the radio was playing American Top 40 with Casey Kasem from 1981. From the hints Casey gave I was able to discern that that the number 2 song was The theme from Greatest American Hero and Endless Love was number one knocking down Jessie Girl from the top spot. Man, I loved AT40. I would listen to that and Dr Demento religiously. I always wanted to be like Casey Kasem, DJing and doing cartoon voices that had to be the life. It was cool to go back to that time. Xmen were in the John Byrne, Terry Austin, Tom Orchezowski, Glynis Wein and Claremont phase. It was a good time to be alive. Correct that. Life is a good time to be alive. Every day above ground is a good day. Even if things are crappy. life will get better and worse. this is the nature of existence. My goal is to milk this life for all its worth. Better myself, help others. love God. Live. Love and one day die. affect positive change, create things I'm proud of. Even if I die tomorrow I can honestly say that I did my best. I put my head on my pillow and know I'm happy. I like myself. I have good people around me that love and care about me. Every day I wake up alive I have another day to do it all over again until I'm done, whenever that is.

When we got home I made Uncle Tony and I Salad and Salmon with Miracle whip, lettuce with whole wheat bread. Arlene came over and it was time to move into the final phase of the painting. Karine , Phil and Roselynn were coming for dinner and I wanted it done. Arelene DJed playing a combo of System of a Down, Tragically Hip and She Wants Revenge.

Aunt Sue's Sister came over and brought me a blessed Virgin Mary medallion from this old church in Montreal that you have to walk up the stairs on your knees while doing a succession of Hail Marys. She also requested I draw a cartoon of her grandchild, Frederique. No problem. I'm honored. I drew a picture of her daughter Olympic basketball player Patricia Mandeville 9 years ago.

Everybody came over right in time. Arlene and I put the finishing touches on Roselynns portrait and we had a fine unveiling. Everyone though the painting was groovy. Dinner was salad, tomatoes, red peppers, mushrooms, capers with homegrown cucumbers. Speckled trout, onions, steamed zucchini and mushrooms with garden grown string beans. After fine conversation and hanging out everyone went home and I said my goodbyes to my cousins. Uncle and I put up the painting. I believe this to be the finest painting I ever did.

Memo to myself: is "6Teen" just a french cartoon? I like the art style. clean.

hmn it's late I have to pack and make breakfast and lunch for tomorrow. I have a long trip back home. Bonne Nuite.

Canadian Trip - Day 5 and 6

2009-08-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Friday: I woke up prayed, meditated had a perfect breakfast sat on the swing and chatted with my Uncle then got straight to painting. Arlene assisted she also shares my moms ability to draw and is methodical and a bit of a perfectionist. A good quality especially because time is not on our side. Teamwork made the the dream work. We painted until it was time to make dinner. Pink Salmon w/ miracle whip on toasted Belgian whole wheat. Our Salad was romaine, red and orange peppers, cucumbers and capers, cherry tomatoes from my uncles garden with balsamic and extra virgin olive oil. A baked yam. Steamed mushrooms, zucchini and spinach. I saw an episode of 2 and a half men. That show makes my uncle laugh so much. I love to hear him laugh. Afterwards we did dishes. Next we set up for Karaoke night. Roselynn, Karine and her boyfriend Phil came over and we rocked out. I learned something important about Karaoke. You don't do songs obscure tunes you're into. That's only fun for you. You need to do songs people know. Also the doing the Smiths were bringing folks down. Things started getting fun with tunes that everyone can get into like Funkytown and Fame (Irene Cara not Bowie). My Uncle and cousin are wedding singers so they had a ton of karaoke versions of songs. I really hearing them sing. It was like a an all request concert just for me. I loved hearing Mercury Blues, Delilah and my cousin Arlene and Karine sang Dancing Queen by Abba and Spiderwebs by No Doubt (I forgot that was such a great song.) My cousin kept pointing out I do a shtick when I sing. A kind of mocking parody of singing. I'm no singer although I have been recently dreaming of songs that don't exist and I call my phone and record it on my computer. It's gotta be for some reason. Time will tell.

Me on the ferry wearing a Wolverine tshirt. He's Canadian eh?

Saturday 10:12am I am in a car on a ferry crossing the St Lawrence river to Berthier (berty-eh?) I'm staring at Gods face moving along the water. we are on our way to My cousin Marjorie's pad and swimming. It's 31 degrees with a humidity index of 40. That's multiply by 2 add 30 to switch Celsius to Fahrenheit. Sorel is a town that has a lot of bikers. The Hells Angels have a lot of homes here. This means a lot of cool custom motorcycles that would make Johnny Blaze jealous. On the ferry a guy gave a peek at his custom bike. Wen we came off the ferry we saw a whole bunch of custom cars. A ford cobra gt, a few Ferrari's and more motorcycles. Wow.

Noon time writing a friend: I am sitting in a comfy chair in the shade of a tree overlooking a swimming pool. A warm breeze rustles through the tree and fans me while I sniff at the freshly cut grass and write this. I am having a perfect moment constantly. Each moment gets better. I have so much love for God and my family and friends and my life I am so grateful for it. I've done a lot of thinking and speaking about life and death here. It truly is all good. It's all God.

3pm chilling poolside. Swam. Floated. Mmm. Nothing wrong with cruditiés. (San dip) Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, mushrooms, yellow and orange peppers. Writing to capture moment is a little ridiculous especially because I am always trying to be present. 2 small pickles. Salad: curly leaf lettuce, yellow pepper, tomato and celery, a side of Marjorie's famous chickpea salad with cucumbers, onion, tomatoes parsley and love. The fish of the day was Pangasius with onion, steamed broccoli.

I spent the rest of the day being present , conversing listening to tunes. It was fun to see my cousins interacting with each other, quibbling and egging each other on with affection as only siblings can. It made me appreciate the relationship i have with my own sisters. I'm glad I had time this trip to spend with each of them one on one as well as together. We had a whole span of time to make up for.

Cosmo Girls:
Karine, Marjorie and Arlene

Canadian Trip - day 3 and 4

2009-08-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

Marjorie Montreal

Wednesday: Made breakfast. Today my Uncle and I meet my cousin Marjorie, a business woman in Montréal. We took the train which was pretty fun and we birdwatched for a bit before connecting with Marj. We have planned to go to her house Saturday and swim at her house Saturday. We saw a nice church with a violinist and ate at a swanky restaurant, people watched and saw some sites from Montreal including the Old Port, the artist area and their Chinatown. We returned home and I had dinner with my cousin Arlene and hung out with my cousin Karine and her boyfriend Phil. We had Tuna fish on wheat, and salad. My uncle has asked me to do a painting for a wall in his house and during my meditation I was inspired to do a portrait of Roselynn my niece, Karine's daughter, whom was born a year after my last Canadian visit.

Uncle Tony, Karine and I

Thursday: it is now 1am and I am staring at a penciled version of the portrait. I have to be up in a couple of hours so I'll make it brief. Today was our slow day. I had a perfect breakfast. I was preparing some breakfasts for the future. And my aunts brother said in French I think you may have miscounted (I count everything in my breakfast) its funny to me because I was thinking the exact thing. Was that 26 or 27 squares of spoon sized shredded wheat? Argh. We left to buy art supplies, stuff for the sound system and vegetables, capers and bananas. We saw orange and green genetically modified cauliflower. We got the green one which was crossed with broccoli and it was true it tasted just like broccoli. Maybe there's something to this frankenfoods. Must they be our enemies? We returned and met with Arlene and made dinner. Uncle Tony prepared fresh Salmon. Arlene steamed veggies and I prepared the salad. Karine and Phil came over and I met Roselynn who was a very well behaved child. Bobby came over and helped with the final adjustments of the sound system for Karaoke night which is a big tradition. My Uncle, Karine and Bobby are wedding singers. My other cousins all sing too. Its a lot of fun. While I was setting up the prelims for the painting my Uncle started playing a cassette of Celine Dion that made my cousins wince. I was amused because I was thinking how Canadian was this? All I need is a tuque and some earmuffs and I can take off to the "great white north". Oh I am here. Beauty, eh?

Roselynn and Karines foot.

Canadian Trip Day 2

2009-08-12T05:48:00.000-07:00

Chillaxing on the porch swing

Are we having fun yet, eh? Today was a good day in the most Ice Cube sense. I had an almost perfect breakfast, I counted out 27 squares of spoon sized shredded wheat (one ounce) 63 raisins (one ounce) a banana and one cup of Soy Milk (8 ounces) all I needed was milled Flaxseeds which in french are called Graines de Lin Moulues. We looked for it in the supermarket for a half an hour. It was worth it so i can have a perfect breakfast tomorrow. my uncle took me to the local Kmart ish store Zellers and bought me a proper fitting pair of blue jeans. (size 36) the ones I was wearing were size 42. then we had a Mr. Rogers moment we walked past a little miniature neighborhood. then soft dissolve to us walking to a house with a shingle of with a needle and thread that read "coutrureire" (seamstress) on it and we walked in and visited his sister in law, Maryse who is a costume maker and saw all her cool costumes! She hemmed my pants even though she had guests over. she was super cool. from there we returned home and prepared salad and Arlene forked the yams and uncle Tony prepared speckled trout he caught himself and seasoned wrapped in tin foil with sliced potatoes, mushrooms, white onions and salt, red pepper, adobo (of course) and cooked it on a barbecue grill. I also learned how to eat fish properly. After that we relaxed on the porch swing and chatted before going to bed. I didn't even have to use my AK. Today was a good day.

My Cousin Arlene and I relaxing on the porch swing.

Canadian Trip Day 1

2009-08-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

I got to the Port Authority early. I had my papers in order. The 8 hour bus ride was pleasant enough. the woman in front of me kept going overboard with tilting her chair back. it only makes me laugh. A Friend hooked me up with this fascinatingly thorough book about the Beatles which I'm in the process of devouring voraciously. Speaking of which I ate my lunch in an away station in Albany: I made: tuna on 15 grain whole wheat bread. lettuce, green and red peppers and grape tomatoes. Also a baked yam and an apple game me the sustenance i needed on the road. I was only had one bar on my phone but I was able to reroute power through my laptop which conked out on the last last lap of the tour. I was pleased to check my facebook and play games against some pals on itsyourturn.com (if you wanna challenge me my username is checkerphil.) i met my uncle at Montreal and we took the Metro to Longueuil where we drove to the lovely hamlet of Sorel-Tracy (2 towns so small they put them together) I hung out with my cousin Arlene and she helped me fork yams and chop peppers and I was able to make a great dinner for my uncle and I. We had Sockeye & Pink Salmon on wheat bread. Salad: Boston and Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, red orange and red peppers and capers. Baked Yams and steamed carrots with red onions. We talked all night about relatives, comparing genetic traits and plans for the week. More adventures tomorrow!

Escarioka Rocks!

2009-04-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Escarioka will be on the NYC based Checkerboard Kids Program, eastern standard time, Tues midnight/ Weds morning 4/15/09 on Manhattan Neighborhood Network channel 34 time warner cable/ 82 rcn cable in Manhattan. You can watch the broadcast LIVE streaming online at MNN.ORG, you can also see exclusive clips from the episode including a team up with Argentina's Bajo Puente on the checkerphil youtube channel. Please free to rate it up and leave comments to let the world know how much you enjoy the music of Escarioka!

Checkerphil in compramising position with man of the cloth!

2009-04-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

I was just reading about Rev Billiy's triumph over NYC and I walked into MNN and there hewas with his choir for the Church of Life After Shopping and everything so I just had to say what's up and he of course was mpre than gracious!
You can see what he was doing at his blog: here

Watchmen Cartoon

2009-03-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

This is some wild funny stuff!

Phil as Musky D

2009-03-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

Peter from the 209 show and I have been working on this fun lil' project with me as Rapping Muskrat. Here is the opening. Please enjoy!

(Theme from) Hook My Hooptie
Lyrics by Checker Phil
Beats by DJ Mark Flo*
(*Courtesy of Latino Life Entertainment)

(Yeah)
Hey!
Hook my, (Ha hah)
Hook my hooptie!
(Ya gotta hook my Hooptie)
Hey
Hook my,
Hook my hooptie!
(Ya gotta hook my Hooptie)

Hey everybody its Musky D!
Chilling hardcore in the place to be!
Feeling all bad cuz your car is wack?
Say it got stolen and they brought it back?
Girls dont like it if you aint got rims,
or the fresh whip to put da cuties in!
Well I got the power thats gonna rock your world!
Make a grown man scream like a girl (Wow!)
When they sayin

Hey! (Uh huh?)
Hook my,
(Oh yeah!)
Hook my hooptie!
(Ya gotta hook my Hooptie)
(Cmon! yeah - yeah - yeah - yeah - yeah!)

YA GOTTA HOOK MY HOOPTIE!

Rapping: Musky D

Music & Amping: DJ Mark Flo

Vocals: Lil’ Krissy

Eagle in a Piano

2009-02-16T06:05:00.000-08:00

There was this junked piano in the hall on the way up to the dojo. The interior was so fascinating I had to snap a picture of it.

Survey Says!?

2009-02-15T09:05:00.000-08:00

I hate surveys. I think the process of sending them to everyone and anticipating their answers are too much pressure! Plus I feel the government or some Illuminati type group is compiling the information so they can use the information to educate some agent that will will appear as a new Friend that will coincidentally have so much in common with me, get me to lower my defenses then boom! Frame me for a crime I didn't commit. I know this is all groundless... Right? heh - heh... in any case in a feeble attempt to allay my paranoia, I finally filled out one and present it here.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I got weepy a couple of days ago because I was so happy. Tears of gratitude.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? My cursive penmanship has much to be desired
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I cannot roll with meat
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? one day.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes. I try to be what I want in a friend so it would stand to reason
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? I try to avoid it. It's mean
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS Tonsils yes, uvula no.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No way. there are so many better reasons to challenge death.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Spoon Sized Shredded Wheat (NO FROSTING!)
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? I kick em off.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Sometimes I smell strong
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? I desire vanilla
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? shoes. omg shoes.
15. RED OR PINK? Magenta
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? bad eyesight
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Mother
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? No That's why I'm posting it
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black pants with white racing stripes
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE ? steamed spinach, broccoli and string beans, with brown rice and tofu
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Morrissey
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Periwinkle
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? rain.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Vinny Vella had a question.
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes, theyre mah fwend.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Is chess a sport?
27. HAIR COLOR? black with strands of silver
28. EYE COLOR? its dark brown when I look at it with a flashlight
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? not in a hot minute
30. FAVORITE FOOD? I think I would like a baked yam. I haven’t had one in a month or so.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Who wouldn’t enjoy a happy ending?
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? the Wrestler
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Black Tri State Conspiracy shirt
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? winter
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Both
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? A honey crisp or cameo apple would be nice
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Not necessary
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Not necessary
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? The Artists Way
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Mr T.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? Hustle, episode 1 season 4
42. FAVORITE SOUND? rain
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? BEATLES
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Hawaii
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? The jury is still out on that one.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Brooklyn
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Not necessary

Back to the Rubber Room!

2009-02-10T20:58:00.000-08:00

I ran into a concerned citizen who knew of my interest in the Teacher Reassignment Center. They had just returned from Speaking to the Mayor at the Manhattan Public Hearing on Mayoral School Control. Their speech is on record but they gave me permission to print it here if I encourage other like minded folk that are interested in speaking out to do so at one of these venues:

HEARINGS ON MAYORAL SCHOOL CONTROL

February 12 at the Williamson Theater, College of Staten lsland 10:30 A.M.

March 13 at the Lovinger Theater, Lehman College, The Bronx 10:00 A.M.

March 20 at Klitgord Auditorium, New York City Technical College, Brooklyn 10:00 A.M.

ln order to speak, you must go to the web site http:/www.assembly.stateny.us/comm./Ed/20090l/form.html

Notice of Public Hearing Governance of New York City School District.

You download the form Public Hearing Reply Form, fill out the form, and fax to Albany with any documents you wish to have on the record. You cannot speak without sending the form to Albany. All this must be done a day before the hearing. Good luck!

Here is the speech as it was read. I hope it motivates you as it did me when I first heard it!

I would like to discuss mayoral control as it pertains to the teachers who are currently in the reassignment centers. Currently, 1.000 teachers throughout the city are being removed from their positions. Over 5,000 teacher over the past four years.

Mayor Bloomberg would have the public believe that by removing teachers, who are designated "ineffective" the students will benefit. The Mayor believes that the students reading and math scores will improve if the teachers are removed.

Let me give you the fiscal costs. Mayor Bloomberg has set up a unit at the Board of Education called "The Teachers Performance Unit. A euphuism for removing teachers. The cost of this unit, approximately one million dollars. After the principal sends a form to the unit targeting a teacher, the teacher is then sent to the reassignment center. The tenured teacher is paid their salary, a substitute teacher replaces the teacher; The

teachers are housed at various sites; Security guards are employed. Approximately 4 security guards per unit. The is cost over 200 million dollars.

The teachers careers are basically over. They are given a hearing. If found guilty they can either be terminated or given heavy fines. The fines range from 2,500 to 20,000. They are sent back to a school as ATR which is

basically a substitute teacher. Can you imagine if you did this to other municipal employees.

Let me share some of the charges the teachers are accused of:

A teacher was holding a diet coke while waiting for students to come to class.
The teacher sent a student to the nurse. The principal said the teacher did not follow the protocol of sending the student to the health aide first.
A teacher was accused of holding a magazine while in the hall
A teacher did not put the heading on the chalkboard.

The teachers of New York City do not deserve this disrespect. At this time, approximately 3,000 teachers are litigating in the Supreme Court. This is costing the city additional money in legal fees. This seems to be the

Mayors pet project. I am asking that you consider not authorizing Mayoral control of the Board of Education. Mayor Bloomberg has abused the power; I think the original system of Independent Board Members with community board members to represent the parents is far more equitable. The children’s math and reading scores do not justify Mayor Bloomberg’s attack on teachers. According to Assemblyman Brenen’s report, there was only 9% increase in the reading and math scores since 2004.

Despite the fiscal crisis in the city, Mayor Bloomberg is still sending teachers to the reassignment center. If in fact there is a vote to reauthorize Mayor Bloomberg, I ask that there be some controls on his power. The teachers should not be under attack by the mayor. l ask you to consider that the teachers should not be made scapegoats for the educational system that still produces over fifty percent of students who are unable to graduate. The present system that is in place is the problem and not the teachers. Mayor Bloomberg is concerned with the business of politics. Instead of the business of producing a quality of education for our children.

NYC Teachers in the Rubber Room

2009-02-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

If you don't know about it I'll put it into nutshell. In NYC teachers are getting placed in these limbo like facilities while waiting for their court cases.

In New York City a growing number of teachers are being removed from schools and being reassigned to detainment centers. Nicknamed "the rubber room" these delapidated, makeshift prisons are meant to house them while they await their impending trials. While still on the payroll the innocent, guilty and just plain insane are thrown together to fend for themselves for sometimes several years before they see a trial or even receive their charges.

Theres a documentary on the subject as well as countless news articles and a episode of this American Life on the subject. If you want the latest scoop on the goings on check out Betsy Combiers Rubber Room Reporter blog. Betsy one day returned home to find her site suddenly linked to a dead page and she had to rebuild her site from scratch article by article. A oversight or sabotage! You decide. There are lots of higher ups that want this story buried but there are some justice loving folks that won't let it die! More info to come! Betsy also does an informative website for public school parents called parentadvocates.org

So you might wonder what exactly do people do while they're in the Rubber Room? Some get office work, and menial tasks. Some do obvious stuff like play cards, chess or try to avoid getting stabbed or choked over sitting in someones seat. I personally took full advantage of my time and wrote a book about my experiences. I'm in the process of creating a screenplay version of it. No, seriously. I think Michael Winslow would be perfect to play me. I'm sure he would chubby up for the role...

RUBBER ROOM ROCK

Within These Walls Cirano Z shares his experiences in music form.

on the Rubber Room Song Jason Trachtenburg from the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow players co pens and pulls double duty on this ode to NYC Rubber Room Teachers trapped in the system. Catherine Dudley on Violin.

Wintertime Aglow

2009-02-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

A cold winter night is so dark. Lucky I was rolling through Central Park during the afternoon. it was so bright and everything was bright and white. the ponds were frozen over though I did see birds and squirrels and people photographing the birds on trees. I had to get a couple of shots meself. I tell you in the stillness, beauty and quiet you really feel the presence of God. No seriously. I cant front on this one. In any case It made me think of "Wintertime Aglow" a pretty little ditty that we used to practice in 7th grade Chorus until I wimped out of the big Christmas concert because they wanted us to wear neckerchiefs and prance around like reindeer. I was more into drawing anyhoo.

Kofre

2009-01-31T20:29:00.001-08:00

International ska in espanol skank meisters. Kofre did the TV show they were really great! Special shout out to my homegirl Lauren who showed up and represented. Thanx! Here is the extended episode with extra songs you wont see on the air!

Trying 2 Get A Nut

2009-01-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

Today I was dashing through the streets of NYC and on 74th and the east side I saw this Metal squirrel and it gave me pause. It made me laugh out loud! So I took a picture if it

Comic Books and Alan Alda vs Burgess Meredeth on Naked City

2009-01-24T20:04:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been on this Naked City kick, renting them from the library and such. The latest episode, the opening episode of its fourth and final season, "Hold For Gloria Christmas" had a fantastic story with Burgess Meredeth as this alcoholic, beat poet in the village (filmed on location) with this cool poetry showdown with a very hip Alan Alda going toe to toe with Meredeth.

My favorite fanboy moments from this great episode are incidental. Two times the visit the newstand on Christopher St. and the first time theres a new copy of Amazing Fantasy #15 (the first appearance of Spider Man)

This all must have been filmed August 1962 because later on Adam Flint (Paul Burke) returns to grill the blind newstand owner and whats there but "Journey into Mystery" #83 (first appearance by Thor)

Do you desire to see this fine episode? if you are into downloading torrents the episode is available on mininova!

They call him Bruce (Pandolfini)

2009-01-16T22:22:00.000-08:00

Photo by Stormy Sloane

I was pleased as punch to do the latest episode of Chess Now with Chess Master, Bruce Pandolfini who trained Fabiano Caruana, the youngest Grandmaster in American history as well as subject of "Searching For Bobby Fischer", International Chess Master, JoshWaitzkin. Bruce was a cool and laid back guy. Behind the scenes we spoke about Howards Sterns Chess rating (1,600) and the wherabouts of Chess wunderkind K. K. Karanja (Where is he?) I also mentioned that he was on the box for Mattel Computer Chess . So what are we waiting for? Let's go to the videotape!

Birthday Crumble

2008-12-22T10:24:00.000-08:00

What a great Birthday! it was tons of fun! I got lots of sweet messages via facebook, emails and my cellphone runneth over with well wishers. I really feel loved this year. Most importantly, I feel happy about myself. I spent some quality time with my friend Zack Brown who shadowed my whole day from early morning to late evening. We hung as I went on with my days errands. I also called my friend Judy who it was her birthday too (YEAH!) Zack and I laughed and played chess and ran around all over NYC.

Zack in addition to creating Kernel Traffic and working for Google has also also invented a fun new game called Crumble (Patent pending) It's a strategy game along the lines of Chess and Go it starts with a checkerboard pattern so you know I like it! I invited him to come onto the Checkerboard Kids Program and talk about it! I think it would be a perfect candidate for The International Abstract Games Organization (IAGO) I highly encourage everyone to take a look and give it a try!
http://sites.google.com/site/crumblegame and don't forget his Crumble blog! http://crumblegame.blogspot.com Go cop that!

Zack playing Crumble in Sony Plaza, NYC

Wild in the Snowy Streets!

2008-12-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was so much fun! I went to therapy and was so pleased to see it was snowing. it didn't stick to the street but it accumulated on car hoods and windows I spent the night making snowballs and throwing them at various buildings. It was night and there wasn't anybody on the street. It was fun just playing and laughing like a looney. On Sunday, I turn 41 years old. Is this my second childhood? This has been the best year ever. Of course there were mad ups and down but this is life! Like they say in RENT "No day but today"

Chess Now:Juliana vs. The Bishop

2008-12-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

Heres a couple of candid behind the shots of Chess Now featuring Juliana a lovely girl from Brazil and Peter from zERO gRAVITY. It was a fun episode!

The shoes on the desk are a tribute to tragic Chess superstar from New Orleans, Paul Morphy (1837-1884) who had an arrangement of womens shoes near his bed.

There But For Fortune

2008-12-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

I was walking to a friends house this past Tuesday in the village and on the side of the NYU dorms there was a large representation of a Chinese Fortune Cookie fastened to the side of the building. As I drew closer I saw you can actually pull out your own fortune. So I did!

Lol! Are you trying to tell me something giant cookie?

My Favorite Ukes

2008-11-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

I love Ukulele Music! Here are my personal faves. Don't hate.

1)King Benny Nawahi he was mad old school. I think he died in a car crash when he went blind as a result of drinking too much bathtub gin. That might just be a rumor. Please don't take my word for it, I'm a jackass.

2)Israel Kamakawiwo'ole aka Iz. This gentle giant iz a legend. Rest in peace brudda!

3)The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain http://www.ukuleleorchestra.com
They are a a pretty tight outfit who do cool covers of Smells Like Teen Spirit and Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights. Here they are covering Bowies "Life On Mars" with a couple of other stuck in for fun! Enjoy!

4) Sonic Uke http://ukuleledisco.com Jason Tagg and the Ukulele Disco bunch are long time freinds of the show! Look up their movie online Ukulele Freaks

5) Julia Nunes http://www.junumusic.com Original tunes and covers, a great voice, cute and a overwhelming enthusiasm for all things uke! Subscribe to here youtube channel.

6) Hi'ilawe Ohta-San is the Django Reinhardt of Classical Uke. He is indisputably a master. When I went to Hawaii I bought a cool how to play uke book by him!

7) Rachel Trachtenburg http://lookattfsp.blogspot.com Whether Rachel is fighting City Hall or playing drums with her Family Band the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players I was pleased to see she was rocking out on the uke for her new show Rachel Trachtenburgs Homemade World what is with this Family and the OD long titles?

8) I met Tiny Tim at a Beyond Vaudeville Live show he was very gracious and friendly. We spoke mostly about cleaning products. He was a very charming, polite friendly and clean person.
He did a lot of cool uke tunes my favorite being "She left Me With The Herpes"

9) Beatle George Harrison after years of Guitar towards his demise he switched to ukulele.

10) Stubborn Records head and Ska musician King Django brought ukulele to the ska music scene.

Craziness With the Bishop

2008-11-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

When I say the Bishop I'm actually referring to the host from the public access show zERO gRAVITY. He is also on Saturday Night Live from time to time. Lester Vecsey from Chess Now aka the Vex and I teamed up to help him film this little skit behind the scenes. This dude is nuts! N-V-T-S, NUTS! Heh-heh.. a little History of the World humor for ye. In all cases take a look at this.

John Lennon Suggests Join the Human Race

2008-11-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

As I am a little bit OCD I listen to one or two songs over and over again for days on end. Since Saturday (Today is Weds) I've been listening to Instant Karma which I feel is one of Lennons best songs ever.

" You better recognize your brother is everyone you meet!
Why in the world are we here? Surely not to live in pain and fear."
All the lyrics totally doth rule. I once met Yoko Ono at the old Lispenard St. book store Printed Matter ( Yes, Laurie Anderson was also there!) I asked her for some words of wisdom she paused thoughtfully and jotted in my book: "Always know what it is before you ~ Okoy Ono"

Spanish Posters: Taking Yourself WAY Too Seriously

2008-11-11T07:02:00.000-08:00

Whoever puts these posters out better keep em coming because they rule!

Heres a couple of characters that make me laugh:

Attempting to "raise the roof"! Ya better lower it before you get a hernia!

Is he a singer, Pro Wrestler or Michael Jackson impersonator?

I will refrain from comment. Suffice it to say Joe is holding himself down.

Spanish Posters: The Saga of El Cata

2008-11-10T20:45:00.000-08:00

My job has been relocated to Washington Heights. What do people do for entertainment out there you might ask? Well it seems from the street posters they go to clubs and see live music and comedy. What do I do for entertainment up there? I take pictures of them. They are so amusing to me. I don't think its on purpose. my favorite thing they do is put a blurry a low res picture with crisp lettering and background art. I understand the guys who make these posters are obviously talented but it's funny too. I'll try to share the silliness as I see them.

I stated seeing these posters in March 2007 but after this particular poster I started seriously photographing them. This one is Called "El Debate" Where these particular performers Sujeto and El Cata will be squaring off against each other at The Jet Set Club. The candidates have taken their positions on the issues concerning the party people of 'da Heights. Sujeto seeks to take the position of showing off his bling bling to bring the votes in while El Cata contends that he will be "holding things down" as noted by his outstretched hand."

El Cata must have won the debate because here is a victory poster with all sorts of champagne bottles in the background that I'm sure will be popping at his behest. As you can see by his photo he will also be keeping his campaign promise of "holding it down" (whatever "it" is.)

Heavy hangs the crown of the top gun in the Heights. El Cata has to defend his crown vs Shino in this one called "the batalla" Dont pay attention to the glove with the backwards Everlast logo . Foget Details! Don't Panic! El Cata is on the job! I can sleep a lil bit safer tonight!

The Cat is the Hat

2008-11-09T20:31:00.000-08:00

This just in: This evening in Lincoln Center an unidentified man with a cat on his head hit me up for spare change. I laughed to see such sport, so circle gets the square! How can I resist?

Phil's Journal Entry 11/3/08

2008-11-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

I woke a touch late today so after meditation I had to jet the pad. I totally forgot my book so not to miss out on the process I yam hereby writing. I am by no means an OD political or religious person but Samaria Graham came up with this really great Idea about doing a fast and a prayer thing for Obama, his safety and stuff. So I showed up here at work was going to buy breakfast but left my money in my bookbag upstairs. So I went back upstairs and instead of getting the money to eat, remembered my promise to skip one meal and pray. So I hit the bathroom and hit my knees. I felt much better. Also big shout outs to Rachel Trachtenburg who will be at City Hall today so I’m putting positive energy towards her and her family who have been steadfast staples of my increasing network of positive people who help inspire me and keep me sane throughout this tumultuous period in my life.

Mami Luz aka my Grand Aunt Illuminada is being buried in a big military cemetery today with her husband Papi Joe who was a veteran. She was ninety-four years old. No drinking or drugs. Belief in God and love of her family. Outspoken and active. This is was the road she tread. Truly inspirational. I remember spending time with her in the hospital when you can tell things were serious. I was really there. When my mom was dying I was a mess on many levels. I was sad and upset because I was too greedy to understand that my sadness was all about me and what I wanted. I wanted my mom to stay alive and take care of me, give me security. I have since learned life isn’t about what I want and can get from others. It is about how can I best serve others. In helping others I help myself. I’ve been really working hard to do this especially this past year and I find this practice to be quite spectacular. I’m happier than I have ever been. This is a stark contrast to how miserable I was for a good chunk of my life. I think this mental shift started when I visited my Grandfather, Papa Roro in the hospital. He was a long time meditation practitioner. He was very wise. Through my cousin Ralph who translated he imparted the knowledge he had acquired during his life. Seek a simplified spiritual life.

I don’t know how long I have on this plane of existence and the truth is I can’t take anything with me so how much happiness can I get from all my obsessive creature comforts? How secure can I be really? Personally I feel if I am standing in the past I live in a morass of regret and shame reliving sections of my life desperately wishing I had made different decisions. Eventually I become so filled with disgust I self-destruct. On the flip side of the coin, If I am standing in the future I live in an anxiety-ridden universe of fear where I replay these fantasies of how things should turn out and how I could troubleshoot the situation if certain situations arise. There are so many tangents and alternate realities to keep thinking about my brain overloads and I self-destruct. Focusing on bouncing between these two extremes I failed to realize there was a third option that doesn’t end in me self-destructing. All I’ve got to do is be here now. I can simply exist and handle business, love others and love myself.

LOL! I look at my self now and say this is SO not me. Ah but it is! It is not the angry, jealous, hateful, spiteful, lustful, mendacious me of the past. Not that I don’t have my moments. I’m no monk by any means. I still freak out from time to time but now I just get quiet, don’t front then take action. Note to myself: I have to clean my room but no biggie. I’ll do laundry tonight but I won’t stress that till then.

Crunk The Vote

2008-11-02T21:04:00.000-08:00

I'm no politico but this amused me. Someone gotta explain what program they did this with:

I can't wait till this is over.

Born To Be Alive

2008-10-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

I was walking in Central Park tonight through the lower loop and it was all done up for the marathon. Whilst running "Born to be Alive" by Patrick Hernandez was playing on my mp3 player. I was feeling the chilly crisp air and staring at the stars. I thought of my friend Alma who I just learned passed away but I wasn't sad because she was reunited with her daughter Polly. I truly do believe Death is a door to the next level. Like the song says "it's good to be alive" but I am under no misconceptions about the fact that we are temporary beings. At least these bodies are. Like the marathon it's a race, but the goal is not the finish line but the journey to said finish line. Godspeed Alma! Best to you, Polly and all my friends and loved ones who have passed from this mortal plane.

Polly and I in 1987: Note my Rorschach (Watchmen) Pin, Cure T-shirt and David Byrne "Stop Making Sense" Jacket.

Let's Hear It for the Girls

2008-10-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

Here are two girls who singing I dig.

Lili Roquelin performed on Checkerboard kids and really touched me with this sensitive little ditty.

Lisa Peters put this song back up online!

You Better Lose Yourself

2008-10-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

"This opportunity comes once in a lifetime" -- Eminem

Answering Your Mail

2008-10-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

On Oct 17th Lauren O writes in:

"Phil, what gives? you never write in your blog. i'm subscribed to it in google reader, y'know. i demand content!"

Phil Responds: You are right Lauren. I'll try to respond more often. I oft come up with ideas for a blog but I lose it in the shuffle of life. Thanks for reminding me not to front like the great pumpkin

I just got back from the studio. Totally dog tired Today's band rushed down here from Montreal, Canada. A fun little group called One Night Band, here are some pictures from the production, the video is below.

I'm So Silly!

2008-09-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

I picked out my clothes for the event so specially. I groomed and tried to look nice. I went around and tried to be as engaging and charming as I could be. People were nice and smiled at me. I had a pleasent time. At the end of the event, a freind says." The label on the back of your shirt is on the outside. You do realize you have been wearing your shirt inside out all night. Rim shot! Ah well only human!

Rhyming Word Association Game

2008-08-31T23:00:00.000-07:00

I was doing a little writing this morning and this silly thing is what came out.

That furry pink pelt.
Goji berries and spelt.
Watching ice cream melt.
Buying a brand new belt.
Thinking about how I felt.
Playing the cards I'm dealt.

Translation: Oh God! I have to eat healthier things! One too many vanilla shakes have made my belt buckle pop, but i'm not bummed because this is how I yam rolling at this moment in time. The only thing constant in this universe is change. As go I.

Behind the Scenes with the Trachtenburg Family

2008-08-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

The past couple of days I had been working with h the Trachtenburg Family on the new Rachel project! I don't want to spill any the beans of the coolness that is going down but I guarentee it will be fun for every girl and boy! The stalwart crew is headed up by Franklin who built the set and the guys have been top notch. The behind the scenes antics is like a show within itself! I'm not going to give away the cool guests and what happens on the show but I will show a couple of shots of the set and behind the scenes fun! I cant wait to see it when it's completed!

I Don't Know A Thing About Love

2008-08-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Reflection of myself in my Mothers headstone

What a difference a year makes. Today I went to visit my Mother's grave. Last time I visited her I was a hot mess. This time around a combo of therapy, spirituality, Tai Chi and meditation has really led me to a better existance. So although I was still sad and missed her, I wasn't a basket case crying more out of self pity than actual sorrow. There has been a shift in my attitude. I really like myself better. Every day I try to remind myself put the focus on others and away from me. By being constantly mindfull of others I can better "do the right thing". Today I had a real example that I have begun to grow up. When I returned from the graveyard I was sitting at a bus stop and I saw an old ex-girlfreind of mine walk by. My initial instinct was to jump up and say "Hi!" But a lightning fast diagnostic evaluation of the situation reminded me during the span of our relationship I'd done this girl so wrong on so many levels. Saying "Hi!" Forcing an unwelcome, awkward confrontation would be a totally self serving, egotistical move on my part. Once that initial thought passed, I thought what would be best for her? So I prayed for her. I wished her health, happiness, love and a knowledge of self. Making this decision filled me with satisfaction and peace. As Major Garland Briggs said in Twin Peaks: "A job well done is it's own reward." True that. When I got home I picked up a book this ex in question gave me and she inscribed on the title page part of a poem that said "I Don't Know A Thing About Love" Perhaps I'm finally learning a thing about that. If I can paraphrase Depeche Mode for a sec here: If I surrender heart and soul, Sacrifice to a higher goal I'll be moved by a higher love.

Me and My Tai Chi

2008-08-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

Photo: A Yin and Yang on the Dojo Door with double dragons that I like.

I've been studying Tai Chi since March 2008. I have this teacher Roldan that is cool and funny and makes it fun to learn. He also acts and sings and does many things in addition to his keeping up his martial arts skills. I just wanted to shout out the Dojo website: Nisei Goju and Roldan's Blog

Here's a clip of Grand Master Roldan. Normally I'd ask "Hey! Wheres the Furious Five?" but after seeing this clip I dare not.

Angering My Roomate

2008-08-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

Totally got in trouble for playing Tenacious D's "City Hall" like 20 times in a row. He started banging on my wall. "The first couple of times it was interesting but can you stop it now?" I said "of course after I play it 2 more times." One more time would not be an even number. The song rules, judge for yourself! While youre on Youtube peep out Karate, Kyle Took A Bullet For Me and Tribute.

Lili Roquelin on Chess Now

2008-07-31T21:08:00.000-07:00

Me, Lili and Chess Now producer Lester Vecsey aka The Vex, behind the scenes at Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Check out French songstress, Lili Roquelin performing live on NYCs ONLY chess show "Chess Now"! Feel free to subscribe, comment and rate stuff up!

Laurie Anderson is all right with me.

2008-07-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

On the 25th I got to see one of my favorite artists ever, Laurie Anderson perform at the Rose Hall of Lincoln Center.

I was really psyched to see the show and got to sit next to the wife of the awesome in his own right Viola player, Eyvind Kang who was friendly and equally effusive as I was . I sat directly behind Lou Reed and was really pleased to see him get up there and perform "The Lost Art of Conversation." While I was there enjoying the show. One thing kept coming back to me. The song by Christopher X. Brodeur "Lou Reeds (Thing)" where he, a fellow Laurie Anderson enthusiast cautions Laurie against the Evils of Lou Reed.

Grrr! Way to monopolize my enjoyment CXB! All in a a splendid time was had by all.

Brave New Girl Returns

2008-07-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

I was pleased to have Brave New Girl perform on Checkerboard Kids. I don't have time for the jibber jabber heres the episode! Enjoy!

Respect Due: Lady Ann!

2008-07-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

Lady Ann and her children with me on the set of Checkerboard Kids.

Seriously an interview with Lady Ann, Kingston Jamaica's Old School Female Dancehall DJ representing on Checkerboard Kids! Check out her CD on Al Paragus! Produced by Mush One!

The Coolest Ska Blog ever!

2008-06-18T21:22:00.000-07:00

No! I didn't write it! it's by Marco from Bigger Thomas! He uses his Ska influence to procure the choicest interviews, pictures, whatever!Its the nuttiest Ska blog around! He even is running a little interview with moi! Do I dig saying "dig" that much? Crikey! In any case go to http://marcoonthebass.blogspot.com/2008/06/phil-esquire-nyc-ska-icon-cable-access.html It rules!

Unique Art Show

2008-06-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today Violet and I went to go look at the art of David Ferrando who had an art show up at the Inwood - Washington Heights YM-YWHA at 54 Nagel Avenue, Just off Broadway near 190th St. Violet described his acrilic Mixed Media works as Unique and colorful and noticed his works sometimes incorperated images from popular cartoons such as Olive Oyl (from Popeye) and Lazlow (from Camp Lazlow- even tho he didn't know the chraracter). We also met his daughter a young budding artist who shares my LaGuardia HS heritage. Woo Hoo! It was great to see Violet really speaking about what she really enjoyed about the art. Color use of different mediums etc. She says she even enjoyed his show more than the Metropolitan Museums Gustave Courbet exibit. "No nudes and yummy pastries!" So listen up you swanky museums the youth of the art world has spoken! I also wholeheartedly reccomend the show.

Checking Out the Museum!

2008-05-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Today was the last day of the Gustave Courbet exibit so I went down to go get some culture but I must confess I had ulterior motives! I really went to check out the exibit on Superhero fashions. Well how was it? Fanboyilly speaking it had some cool stuff like Christopher Reeves Superman outfit as well as a faded Lynda Carter, Wonder Woman outfit from 1976. Two spiderman outfits, Iron Man proto type outfit , Batman outfit, Catwoman outfit. Mystique from the X-Men movies and a bunch of corny fashion outfits that were supposedly inspired by superhero looks. as my dear comic coveting homeboy Delmo Walters Jr would would exclaim: TWY AGAIN! Dont even get me started! The coolest thing they had was premire issues encased of course but so close you could drool on it. Action Comics 1, Tales of Suspense ( first Iron man apperance) Marvel Spotlight first appearance of Ghost Rider, and a whole bunch of others! It totally won me over it was totally worth it being in the same room as those books!

Phil Goes On A Date

2008-05-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

Yep I went on a date with a pretty important person that I had been neglecting as of late. Myself! I had been so good lately so I think I really deserved a night out. So after work I went all out. The first day of Iron Man! Woo hoo how fanboy can ye get? So how was it? I'll say this I feel best Comic film since Superman 2, well at least Spiderman 1. Looking Forward to Hulk, Indiana Jones and a couple of others. $11.50 a movie ticket? Better movies better start coming out or the industry is totally screwed. Mark mah words! ' Nuff Said!

Meanwhile Back @ The Ranch (Sivananda That Is...)

2008-04-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

Looking up towards the sleeping quarters at Sivananda.

This weekend I went to Sivananda Yoga ranch. My main goal was to attend the Native American sweat lodge that was going on. It was very spiritually enlightening and I highly encourage it as a way to get closer to whatever deity you subscribe to. Note: I am not a religious person by any means but I have my own conception of God and respect others beliefs as long as you don't try to put them on me (or I will clobber you!) what else went on there? I did some yoga (it is official! Yoga isn't for wimps) I improved my meditation, helped in the garden, ate organic, vegetarian food. Howled in the woods, met some cool peeps and most importantly relaxed. It was a great experience.

Why Checkerboards and Chess?

2008-04-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

My homegirls checkered socks and laces. What is it about those things? I'm reffering to the checks, silly!

I was taking calls on the set of Chess Now and a caller asked what came first for me, ska music or chess? Wow. I hadn't thought of why I like what I like but let me reflect. As a child I was a little on the obsessive compulsive side. When I like something I get way overboard with it. From trading cards to comic books to music, movies, anything. It makes me feel safe in a life of chaos. When I was in high school I started going to Rocky Horror and listening to WLIR the big New Wave station. In College I liked Ska but I didnt get od into until this girl I fooled around with turned me onto this comic called Pirate Corp$ by Evan Dorkin a funny comic about some futuristic universe where people hung with aliens partied fought laughed and cried to a cool ska soundtrack. It made me get my player weight up in the ska world listening to more 2 Tone and even reaching back to the roots. Mad Planet was a cool Zine by Action Girl, Sarah Dyer that helped. I met Evan and Sarah several times at ska shows and some comic cons. They were always were mad cool. They went on to do several cool comics, tv shows, website and more recently created a child! Great for them. They rule and deserve mad success. In any case between them and Hewlett & Martins "Tank Girl" they always rocked a Checkered theme. I like patterns. Black and White work perfect for me. On or Off, Zero or One, Yin and Yang, Good and Evil. At this time I started begging my freind Zack to teach me Chess. He would play chess every day all day against his computer not a million quick games either, ONE LONG GAME. the Chess computer would sit there blinking and blinking for hours then make a decision then Zack would sit there pensive pondering all possible strategies. He showed me a little but I was very intimidated and scared to play. Sal Piro from the Rocky Horror Picture Show was another great chess player who would play people every weekend at the 8th Street Playhouse. His main Opponent was this guy Solomon who never seemed too interested in the movie but the games were big draws. Upstairs people crowded round gawking, trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Sal used to play me without a Queen and ask me what square do I wish to be mated on. I think he grew bored of chess and left it for tournament Scrabble of which he is totally gangster. As for me chesswise I took my lumps and learnt more in the process eventually marrying Cinnamon who was a pretty good chess player herself. Actress and Chess expert, Eva Veronika Klein took a liking to us and was at our wedding and even brought me an autographed copy of her husbands book (FIDE Master, Asa Hoffman) "Chess Gladiator" I was sad to learn Eva passed away on her birthday Dec 3rd 2007. She was cool people. We met on the set of MTV Oddville while I was taking care of Suzanne Muldowney who was performing as Vlad the Impaler. Eva liked my Checkerboard Creepers. The conversation quickly turned to Chess. Cinni said she liked Nimzowitsch or Capablanca whilst I liked Paul Morphy. After that she challenged me and I admit I was way too P word to play her. I was intimidated. Ah well coulda shoulda woulda. In any case (boy I say that a lot) here is the episode of Chess Now enjoy. Rate it up and subscribe!

Rings of Saturn

2008-04-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

"The future still looks good
And you've got time to rectify
All the things that you should.."
Think For Yourself ~The Beatles

Today was a beautiful day. I wore a suit all day because I had court so I missed Tai Chi but I'll be back with a vengeance tomorrow. After court I went to group which was fabulous as always afterward I felt happy and walked home along Central Park South as I was about to enter the part to take part of the downtown loop upward towards the pad I spied a man with a giant telescope. Being a big fan of astronomy I asked what he was doing and he was looking at Saturn my favorite planet. I have scoped Saturn with the naked eye but his telescope was pretty dang cool and i was able to see the rings of saturn which to me was so awesome. I was envigorated for the rest of the night. It is great to be alive tonight. This is a wonderful life.

That's How People Grow Up

2008-04-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

I was wasting my life,
Always thinking about myself
Someone on their deathbed said
there are other sorrows too...
I was driving my car,
I crashed and broke my spine
So yes there are things worse in life
than never being someone's sweetie.
"That's How People Grow Up"

Yep it's a song by Morrissey but also the mantra of my life. Things might outwardly look ugly right now with my situations but I assure you it is the chrysalis of my next evolutionary stage. The fleeting transitory state of my existance only makes me fully appreiciate what I have at this moment. I had an exceptional dream this morning about this song that haunted me. I also walked in the park an really enjoyed the sights and smells of the flora and fauna. We'll compare notes "In the Future When All's Well" (more Mozz) Big week coming will let you know as it procedes. Tired but happy.

To Have and to Hold

2008-03-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. My brother, Jerry got hitched with a sweet gal named Andrea (We went to the Morrissey last year and we both really love Depeche Mode) I love you guys, and the rest O my family. I really felt "a part of" for what feels like the first time. Life is good.

This Porcupine is Feeling Fine

2008-02-13T20:12:00.000-08:00

Here's the Shot of Lucy with Washer Womans Elbow:

incidentally I have a great Physical Therapist. I'm even getting some acupuncture. I was shocked that it doesn't hurt. I was literally shocked when after he put 4 pins in my arm then busted out with this big machine. I said whats that for doc? You gonna bust out with the jumper cables and shock me into spilling my guts? He laughed and said "You are very smart man" and proceded to attach electrodes to my pins and proceded to shock the living crap out of me. It didn't hurt. Dare I say it my arm is feeling great thank you.

Butt (head) in a Sling

2008-02-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

This is Madness! No this is Lateral Epicondylitis. Yep Tennis Elbow. There was an old Peanuts cartoon where Lucy Van Pelt gets it but they use it's old monicker "washer womans elbow". Rich people got angered so the changed it to "Tennis Elbow". Whatever it is it hurts like heck especially when shaking hands or attempting to pick things up. The way I got it is nuts! Putting pressure on my ebow while using the mouse stretched out on my bed. The correct way to use a computer is at a desk. I'm learning the hard way! best one ever I kept reinjuring and reinjuring myself using the mouse, writing, shaking hands etc. Now I'm in a sling to insure I wont keep up this buttheaded behavior. If I don't let it heal this will become a chronic ailment! And I'm not trying to hear that.

PS: This was typed at a desk with my left hand. I don't how you lefties can stand it!?

It's all Good Good Good.

2008-02-05T23:24:00.000-08:00

News from the Super Super Super Obsessive Cumpulsive Department: I've noticed lately that when think I say the word "Good" I actually say "Good Good Good." Upon further inspection I've noticed many people share this phenomenon. So notice closely what people tell you when you ask "How are you doing?" I also notice I've taken to repeating orders to students in rows of three. For example: “I think you should get a better pencil sharpener, also I think you should get a better pencil sharpener and if you get a chance you should um.. I don't know perhaps get a better pencil sharpener?" If they question what I asked I'll ask three more times in a totally different order. Shout outs to Vex the only person who can appreciate my mania. (He likes to measure and remeasure distances.) He bought me a cool Palomino Super long point pencil sharpener. He actually went online to do research on what pencil sharpener is the best. Now I sit there sharpening and resharpening my pencils. I can’t wait to get my hands on some more Dixon Ticonderoga Pencils (my favorite non technical pencil) I’m gonna go sharpening crazy that day. In any case I gotta sleep. Doctors appointment in the morning. I hope it will turn out good good good.

Photo by Aung@

PS: The Papermate Mirado Black Warrior Pencil also gets a mad shout out too!

I bow to the wisdom of the pencilpages.com.
In case you're curious the Pencil Revolution has begun.

The Cure For Sadness is MORE CHESS NOW!

2008-02-02T22:55:00.000-08:00

Since I started this blog I've had these foster cats, Kat Kong and Pretty Pretty Princess On Thursday they finally returned to their rightful owners. I tell ya I really got attached to those guys. I guess I'll Cheer myself by watching Chess Now

Pilfers/ Bigger Thomas / Ghost Front @ Knitting Factory

2008-01-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the pleasure of MCeeing the Pilfers newest reunion at Knitting factory with a percentage going to National Hopeline Network There was such a positive vibration going on! So shout outs go to the entire Bigger Thomas Massive, Roy Radics, Shay, TC, Kevin Batchelor, Snow White, (Former Toasters Drummer) J-Mac who is in Ghost Front with this dude that sounds like Robert Smith from the Cure (with less whine) My homey Skarno and I agree awesome band! And he's a mad music snob yo! Also DC Ska Girl, Michelle from the NYC Ska myspace, anybody friendly that said "Hi!", the young ladies upstairs who love dancing and that security guy who shut that drunk girl down (It had to be done!) I'm listening to "Flicker" on Plifers MySpace page it's fantastic the live version yesterday really had me hyped!! Speaking o' Flikr I have mad pictures from last night up so peep it out! Right now I'm working on the logistics of getting Pilfers on the TV in February!

Sometimes Crazy is Right!

2008-01-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

Christopher X. Brodeur aka Touching You has went to jail for his beliefs. He wrote a couple songs about it HERE. Each song is funnier than the next probably because the things he says is completely true. He appeared on The Checkerboard Kids Program and he performed a song called "The Olympics are Retarded" originally I thought he was just being silly but he then drops all this knowledge in the middle of it! He won me over! Much like Van Gogh, CXB might be a nut but he's a friggin genius. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself then:

Checkerphil Returns to Chess Now

2008-01-20T20:47:00.000-08:00

Bobby Fischer is barely in the box but I'm sure he'll be turning in his grave after catching this crazy episode of Chess Now I was asked to fill in last minute. There are a lot of good points. It's funny, informative and the hostess, Agathe is more than pleasing on the eye. Bad point's crazy callers and the phone number keeps obscuring my quiff! Richard Hudnick from IAGO: (International Abstract Games Organization) (who really kept reminding me of Socrates Poole (Christian Clemenson) from the 1993 TV show, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.) In any case he says we are the only current Chess show on TV. If that's the case, Aye Caramba! Bah! mayhaps I'm too close to it since I'm on it. Judge for yourself and don't forget to rate it! What's chess without a rating?

The Art of Salad Tossing

2008-01-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

Kat Kong demonically glares (Left) whilst Violet demonstrates our salad shaking technique.

Lately I've been going through some really traumatic stuff. I can only it put on par with the death of my mother. And no I'm not speaking about the kidney stones either although they too are there. (YES they hurt and NO I haven't passed them yet! Thanks for asking.) As I was saying in these trifling times it's important for me to not forget to take my vitamins and most importantly eat right! My Godchild Xavier was over this weekend so it was important to prepare him a healthy meal (Note: he couldn't tear himself from Nickelodeon.com's "Kids pick the next President". It was so cute he was reading the facts about each candidate weighing all the pros and cons for each one. but I'm mad digressing. I want to speak about salad. Violet (Xavier's sister) and I pulled out all the stops on creating the worlds best salad! Rife with cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, a crisp red pepper, spinach and two lettuces (Romaine and Red leaf) we also had kidney (ouch!) beans and brown rice! It is a whole big to do. washing, cutting, drying (caramba, I need a salad spinner!), mixing and especially tossing. we don't willy nilly toss the salad like we would a twenty sider at dungeon crawl or like we'd casually toss smelly old socks into a hamper. When its time to toss the salad we do it with class! We take the salad and shake it firmly it over our heads!

WTF? I just reread this! I must be delirious! You want to hear something even crazier? to celebrate such a healthy meal we followed it up with cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery that just opened on 69th St. and Columbus Ave diagonal from Maya Schaper’s Cheese and Antiques (the shop was the location of Meg Ryan's children's book store in the 1998 Tom Hanks date movie "You've Got Mail") You know what? The cupcakes I tasted kicked major butt. I feel bad for all the similarly themed bakeries in the area. You're gonna have to get your player weight up. No, seriously. Magnolia is calling you out and y'all about to get served!

Tight A$

2008-01-18T16:51:00.000-08:00

G.E.D. (Get Every Dollar) and hopefully invest it in something that will uplift the community as well as self. Just a suggestion, Yo.

What's up with all these people wearing money symbols all over their clothing? The only place I saw that kind of ostentatious bullcrap was Richie Rich Comics. In real life anyone who has accumulated any sort of riches would never wear rock anything so gaudy. Jamaal Bowman speculates in low income communities people have low self esteem issues and have this competition over percieved wealth. (Example: Grills, Rims, OD rope chains and other bling bling.) Truly thou doth protest too much! Have you ever seen a person wear a shirt that says "Sexy" on it? I'll bet you Richie Riches weekly allowance (Pictured here) that the individual in question is NOT SEXY! Saying or wearing it does not make it so, being it does. Be intelligent! Be compassionate! Be educated. Be informed. Be aware, I wish people would be compete over how wise they can be! I cant wait to buy the T-shirt. Maybe NOT!

¿Quién es TigerWall Flip?

2008-01-09T23:24:00.000-08:00

To explain what TigerWall Flip is about would be OD just peep out this clip of this surf taxi garage rock n roll lucha libre style nastiness on the Checkerboard Kids Program! Enjoy!

Update: Watch the full Checkerboard Kids episode featuring TigerWall Flip HERE! Don't forget to rate it willya? Don't make me send Mitch after you!

This Stone Shall Pass

2008-01-07T00:13:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of me in the Emergency Room awaiting the results of my tests. I seems in agreement with my urologist, I will be giving birth to a 7 mm jagged grain of caliefied pebble called a kidney stone (which I have since named Oliver)

How I got here is a tale in itself so get ready for a flasback...

Simple Rules 4 Teachers

2008-01-05T06:01:00.000-08:00

In order to live a happier and healthier life in the education system I suggest these simple rules for living a simple existence

Never take a child's ipod or cell phone into the school for them.
Never let a student use YOUR cell phone.
Never EVER lend a student money.
Never buy a student food during school hours.

Students will get angry and other BS but repeat this simple but effective mantra "It's nothing personal, just business" as many times as it takes for it to sink into their heads, eventually they will stop asking and go away.

The sign that you're going to get hit up with one of these goofy request is a student that usually acts ambivalant or hostile toward you runs up all bright eyed and bushy tailed towards you. "Hey mista" (In my school mediocre students usually don't bother with trying to remember your name) At this point I simply say "Whatever it is NO!" this will be followed with "Aw mista why you gotta be like that?" or "You so wrong.." The most pathetic paaart is th same exact students try the same scheme over and over again like they're going to get different results? That's the epitome of insanity.

New Jeers Thought

2008-01-01T00:10:00.000-08:00

These explosions are scaring my cats!

Prudenia Shows Its True Colors

2007-12-31T08:52:00.000-08:00

THE COLORS PROJECT
(Me in Gray on the bottom trying to get my camera phone to work)

I worked on this really great show for the Colors Project
(If I must rep a color I consider myself gray, and like most grays we prefer to stay behind the scenes, like space aliens and cats) if you really want to see a fun example of what fantastic artistic things public access is capable of I highly recommend you watch the episode REKINDLE (with the Tisch choir an Harold Hudson Channer as the Narrator) on their website http://www.prudenia.net