Brentology.com

Busy week this week. Not had too much time to sit and spread my brilliance on my little online home here. Dinners out, some x-mas shopping, cocktails a-plenty, and some general socializing seem to have taken up much time this week. Finny Finn Finn has been a bit neglected in the evenings so he got some special treats upon my arrival home tonight. I had a TNL board meeting tonight which was held at Bossa Nova, a jazzy upscale bar/lounge downtown. The agenda consisted of new ideas for networking and socializing, updating the website more regularly and adding features, and my report on the x-mas brunch I organized for the group at The Grand Concourse this Sunday.

Work has been great. It's been really busy and I'm constantly on the go. Unlike my old office, everything in this much larger branch is far away from my office. I think I walk about 143.5 miles in a day, give or take.

Tomorrow I have to get my car into the shop for it's annual state inspection. It's actually a day late, since my last inspection expired today, but like I said, it's been a busy week.

The challenges of my new office, new responsibilities, and the season have prompted me to work on my organizational skills. I think a little more attention to my routine and time management is on order.

Posted by Brent at 10:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

So did Brittany Spears just trade one STD for another?

Posted by Brent at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Hung out with a new friend tonight.
Starbucks
Bite to eat at Gullifty's
Banana ice cream from Cold Stone while walking the hood
Browsing and shopping at Barnes & Noble

Current mood : Happy

Posted by Brent at 11:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Saying on my new coffee mug:

"Do one thing everyday that scares you."

I like it. I often talk myself out of doing things, taking risks etc. So I will take the advice of the mighty and wise scholars who communicate their wisdom through gift shop trinkets.

Seriously though, good advice. I'm gonna try.

Posted by Brent at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Click It.....

Posted by Brent at 10:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I got a long email today from an old friend from back in the day that I have not talked to in years. It's funny because I was recently thinking about a couple long lost friends I should reconnect with and this was one of them. I can't wait to write back, but I will wait till tomorrow because it will be long and I really need to get some sleep. Plus I can do it at work and I will look really busy typing away.

Posted by Brent at 11:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

The drive home went well. Finnigan slept most of the way and has been asleep since shortly after arriving home. He had so much stimulation this weekend. A car ride, a big house to explore and two cats living in that big house. He had a good time.

And so did I. It was great spending time with family and relaxing at Grace and Jerry's house. It is truely a home away from home for me.

Why is it that when you go away for a few days, you have what seems like three weeks worth of laundry to do after you unpack?

Posted by Brent at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

There are companies that are more friendly to the gay community than others. For instance, Best Buy is good, Radio Shack is bad. HRC.org has a guide that rates companies. Random qucik snapshot for example:

Good:
Target / Sears / Macy's / Gap / Staples / Hall Mark / Rite Aid / Home Depot / Costco /
Borders / Walgreens / BP gas
Nike / Levi Strauss / Liz Claiborne / Apple / Kodak / HP / Mattel
** Wal Mart is being boycotted by some christain groups for their inclusion policies so they make the good list.

Bad:
Mens Wearhouse / Little Tikes / Toys R Us / Meijer / Kroger / Avon / Exxon

It's hard to always be a consciencious consumer but please try to keep in mind those companies that value all people. Heck don't be afraid to ask a store manager if you want to find out.

Posted by Brent at 12:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

I hope everyone had a nice thanksgiving. Mine was great. Quick trip back to Michigan for some turkey. Finnigan came along for the ride from Pittsburgh and was such a good boy in the car. We talked a lot and he charmed a toll booth attendant on the turnpike. He is also enjoying his stay at Grace and Jerry's house. So I'm having fun and hope to be able to stay a bit longer at x-mas.
Quick factoids....
Current mood: Tired and Full
Location: Basement in Dexter, MI
Watching: Comedy Central
Computer: Borrowed from Grace
Cat purring?: Yes
Shopping at 5 am Friday?: Hell no, that is for crazy people

Posted by Brent at 12:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Borat. How can such an awful movie also be a good movie?

Posted by Brent at 12:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

In yesterdays post I made note of no drama at work anymore since I am at my new office. Well, Crazy had to toss some in one last time. She quit today and tried to throw a few people under the bus, including yours truely, as she turned sideways and tried to squeeze her ginormous ass out the door for the last time. I carried her and our branch the last 11 months and that's the thanks I get. Luckily she has zero credibility so no worries. I am glad she waited until I transferred because if I was still in the branch I probably would have had to stay.

Posted by Brent at 10:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

You know you have gone too long between washes when you spend $7 in quarters and it still is not quite clean. My hands were too frozen to wash further.

Posted by Brent at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Did your brain turn off?

From TMZ.com, behind the cut -- no "n word out front here.

Richards, who played the wacky Cosmo Kramer on the hit TV show "Seinfeld," appeared onstage at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood. Kyle Doss, an African-American, told TMZ he and some friends were in the cheap seats and he was playfully heckling Richards when suddenly, the comedian lost it.

The camera started rolling just as Richards began his attack, screaming at one of the men, "Fifty years ago we'd have you upside down with a f****ng fork up your ass."

Richards continued, "You can talk, you can talk, you're brave now motherf**ker. Throw his ass out. He's a nigger!He's a nigger! He's a nigger! A nigger, look, there's a nigger!"

The crowd is visibly and audibly confused and upset. Richards responds by saying, "They're going to arrest me for calling a black man a nigger."

Posted by Brent at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Leave and turn right: Starbucks
Leave and turn left: Cold Stone Creamery and banana ice cream
NO COWORKER DRAMA
I walk to work
I'm busy, the day goes fast

And I can blog about work without bitching. How long has it been since that happened?

Posted by Brent at 11:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Henry Kissinger, advisor to The Great Decider and former advisor on the Vietnam war, says military victory in Iraq is no longer possible. But, we cannot pull out. What the hell kind of thing is that to publicly say? It may have been the feeling of many on capital hill, aka heads up their ass university but to so publicly declare it and broadcast it to the world?? WTF? So we tell our soldiers who are risking their lives that we know you can't win but you have to stay because we can't lose face. Jeez this just pisses me off. Maybe it will spur the government to start working with Iraq's neighbors, who by virtue of having shared borders, have a stake in the stability of the region. They are not our friends, so its not a perfect situation but just like in life, you gotta do what you gotta do. What a cluster fuck.

Posted by Brent at 09:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Good flick. Go see it.

Posted by Brent at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

My first week at my new office was great. The people are fun, no drama, and there is lots to do. Not having to go to the gas station was a plus too.

Laurie was in town this weekend before heading back this morning. Friday night she cooked a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner for Paul, Alison, and me. Turkey and all the fixings along with pumpkin and apple pie were all on hand for me to stuff myself. Last night we all went to an Opera. It was neat, I have never been to an Opera before. But before we headed out for the evening, we watched Michigan lose to Ohio State. That was a tough game to watch. Michigan started off so well, as they usually do, but then couldn't seem to hold the advantage when they got it. U of M also lost a legend this past Friday, Bo Schembelcher died. What a presence he was over the football program and I'm sure still will be.

For today, I am off to meet some people for brunch and then hope to get some x-mas shopping done today before having dinner with Alison and Paul tonight.

Posted by Brent at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Home from work -- Power outage -- Candles lit -- Finnigan's nose -- Owie

Click to read the saga...

Walking home from work, I look a couple blocks ahead and notice that my building is so dark it blends in with the dark rainy night sky. The only illumination on my block is that of the amber strobes of the utility trucks parked nearby. Inside the only lights are those from the elevators being powered by generator. I head into my dark apartment and scramble around for some candles to light.

Finnigan, being the curious little seven month old fluff ball of cutness that he is, sees fire for the first time and decides to investigate. Next thing I hear is a little "pssst" as his cute little wet nose makes contact with a candle flame. He runs, I jump up, and the chase is on. I'm trying to get him to stop so I can check him out and my mind is racing. Is he just scared? Is he on fire? Is he singed beyond belief? Will Cher be called upon to make "elephant kitty?" So I'm just frantic.

So mustering a voice I thought only mothers and army drill instructoirs could do, I yell "FINN STOP!" And stop he did. I scooped him up as he was wildly trying to lick his nose, shone a flashlight in his face, and examined what I hope was still a cute little pink nose. It looked ok, but he was crazily licking and I was like "crap gotta do something." So I cupped some cold water in my hand and gently pushed it in his face.

Yes, there I was water-boarding my kitty. Dick Cheney would be proud. But that was over quite fast so thinking logically as I was, I grabbed a still-frozen bag of broccoli from the freezer and held it up to his nose.

Now I'm not sure if it actually felt good, he really likes broccoli, or he was just totally stunned to be snorting green veggies, but he actually held the position for a few seconds before he decided he had enough. Luckliy it was only a minute before he felt I had come to my senses and he was his playful self grabbing my shoelaces and purring away.

Posted by Brent at 11:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Once again, one of my coworkers sent an email to a group of about 20 people rather than the one person she intended it for. It was not work appropriate as it lacked political correctness. Is it so hard to check who it is going to before you hit send?

Posted by Brent at 10:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

from BeyondChron:
After a long string of defeats, Arizona became the first state in the nation on November 7th to defeat an anti-gay marriage initiative. In 2004, thirteen states passed a constitutional amendment against marriage equality, with an average passage rate of 71%. This year, marriage amendments were on the ballot in eight states - and seven approved them. But in four states the passage rate was less than 60%, and South Dakota barely approved its amendment by 12,000 votes. More South Dakotans voted against the marriage ban than voted for an abortion ban - in a state where the overwhelming majority of voters consider themselves "pro-life." And Arizona made history by saying "no" to bigotry as it rejected its amendment by a 48-52 margin.

Read the whole story as written at http://www.beyondchron.org/articles/How_Arizona_Beat_Anti_Gay_Bigotry_3908.html

Blue States, Rummy Fired, some progress in Arizona -- Not a bad couple weeks for political rants

Posted by Brent at 09:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I am your neighbor

Posted by Brent at 09:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was out for a walk tonight. It was dark. A car alarm goes off as a helicopter goes by and a few peeple start looking out their windows and doors. And there I am walking by in my hooded sweatshirt and black ski gloves near the car with its blaring noise and flashing lights. I'll just pick up the pace a bit while pretending to
talk on my cell phone and hope nobody releases the dogs to catch me..

Posted by Brent at 08:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I want to see this movie. I talked to three people who have watched it.
One said it was really stupid.
One said it was really funny but she was cringing in her seat most of the movie.
Another liked the movie but said this guy is an ass.

Wide appeal, sounds like a classic.

Posted by Brent at 08:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Not too inspired lately. So speak up if you have a topic you want my wonderful insight on. Anything you want to know? Want to make up an odd character no matter how silly and watch a creative brillaint story come about...or maybe something that would put you to sleep? Ask away....

Posted by Brent at 08:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

First day of work at new office went great. I had lots to do and everyone was welcoming. Nobody was waiting for me to bitch about this or that or tell me what someone else said or did etc. I'm glad to be there and they are happy to have me. The day went fast and it was nice not watching the clock and waiting for the end of the day. The walk home is a great way to unwind from the day too. So it's all good.

Posted by Brent at 07:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Finnigan and I played a few x-mas tunes while cleaning today. Too early? Bah!
Actually I cleaned, he pretty much lazed around and watched patiently waiting for some play time. But I could see him tapping his paw along to "run run rudolph."

Posted by Brent at 03:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The work week is finally over. My commute is finally over. The drama that oozed from every corner of my office is over. I cannot even describe how nice it was driving home Friday night knowing I was hitting all those red lights for the last time. Monday I start at the new office, leaving my car behind in the garage for I now can walk to work, or even take the bus up the hill if circumstances require. Take that oil companies !! Well, I like to think I have an impact on them -- gotta take the little victories even if they are only in my mind.

After work, I went with Alison and Paul to see a dance performance entitled "The Kitchen Sink" at The Attack Theatre. It was pretty cool. I have never been to a production like this before and I really enjoyed it. The performance uses dance, video, and live music to tell different stories. You find yourself interpreting different scenes of comedy, love, wonderment, and other emotions and situations as the cast truely takes you on a journey. Very memorable show.

Today Pittsburgh is gray and the streets are filled with falling rain. After starting out the day with The Times and lots of caffiene while lounging at Caribou Coffee, I decided since I was starting at my new office Monday, I shold get some new work duds. I hit the President's Day sale and bought myslef a new suit along with a couple shirts and ties. The deals were pretty good, I wound up spending less than I thought I would.

Posted by Brent at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Brit and K-Fed Divorcing

So shocking

Posted by Brent at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

There was a nice blue tint surrounding everything today. It seemed to be hues of hope.

The Dems have been given a chance. They better run with it. No taking anything for granted (it loses you elections just ask some of those across the aisle). Stick to the messages and promisies that won them elections and work for the people and not self interests. Stick to the truth, use rational reasoning, decry hypocrisy, and then run the momentum into 2008 full steam ahead.

Posted by Brent at 09:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Posted by Brent at 11:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

RICK SANTORUM WAS FIRED TONIGHT.

Posted by Brent at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Bye bye $50

Posted by Brent at 06:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fingers Crossed

Posted by Brent at 06:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So I go to my mailbox and pull out the usual junk mail and bills and then there it is, practically jumping off the page and slapping me in the face, "FAILURE TO PAY WILL RESULT IN YOUR VEHICLE BEING BOOTED OR TOWED." If you read between the lines, it feels like it it's says " pay up you deadbeat, people like you who think you can park anywhere anytime should drop dead. You make us sick, go to hell." Yeah parkig is serious business here and I now have a letter from the Pittsburgh Parking Court.

The problem is I don't know if the ticket is legit. It is from a lot I park in from time to time, but I never saw a paper ticket. They are smaller than a typical ATM receipt so it's possible I did not notice it and it flew off. But if I am late getting back to a meter or perhaps if I park (momentarily) in a no parking zone, I make a point of looking for that evil little piece of paper upon returning to the car. Some prankster could have taken it off the windshield too I guess. And when I do get a ticket, I promptly pay the $11 fine.

But now, this alledged parking ticket, of which I am getting the first notice, has been declared delinquent and has ballooned to $50. My only recourse is to contest the ticket at a hearing. So, do I pay the ticket or take time off from work, go to court, and argue what is essentially my word against a meter reader in front of a judge who has heard my excuse from a million others?

Posted by Brent at 06:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

So I buy these energy saving light bulbs, seven of them in fact. They were labled something like "cool daylight." Ha, more like "cool cooler downright frigid light." `Here I am patting myslef on the back because even though they cost $7 each, I'm being earth friendly and using less energy and not having to replace light bulbs as often. So your thinking what's the problem, thank god there are people like you in the world making the planet a better place by making up for the rest of us ozone depleters, right? Well let me tell you the wrong way to go about it.

First, it would probably be a good idea to buy one and try it out. Because spending $50 buying one for most of your fixtures, putting them in your lamps and fixtures, and then discovering they suck all the warmth out of your living space conjurs up swear words I usually reserve for other drivers on the road. The blueish-white color of these particular lights reminds one of a hospital hallway. Even Finnigan squinted and had this look on his face like "what the fuck, am I at the vet?"

Second, do not -- I repeat -- do not change all your lights in the brightness of day light so you do not actually turn on any lights until after you have tossed all your regular bulbs into the trash while gleefully breaking each one in child-like excitement.

So, after going to the store and buying all new regular bulbs I now have several of these super fantastic energy savers if anyone uses them anywhere and would like to have them.

Posted by Brent at 03:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It's been one year since I moved to Pittsburgh. One year since I took a chance and left my comfort zone in Michigan to see what more life had to offer and what I could do to expand my own horizons. Only taking what I could fit in my car and my Grandpa's minivan, I set out with Grace and Jerry down the Ohio Turnpike headed to my new home in Pennsylvania. I would not be totally on my own in my new city, Paul and Alison were awaiting my arrival and we all quickly unloaded and I quickly discovered that what can fit into two vehicles did not even begin to fill up my living space.

My first week I started unpacking and getting settled in. Little by little over time, I began to fill up the apartment. Everything at first in Pittsburgh was a new experience. Coming from suburbia in Michigan, I had not even used public transportation. I got the hang of it, but not before having my own learning experience with city buses.

It has been a great year. I love the city, particularly downtown. I love the diversity, the culture, the pace of life here, and the unending list of things to do and see. Moving was not easy. I'm not one to make such a change in my life hastily. That's probably why I waited so long even though for a long time I had thought about moving somewhere. I don't see myself as a big risk taker so this was a big step. Luckily I had not only the support of family in Michigan whom it was very hard to move away from, but there was family waiting for me here in PA. Alison and Paul probably don't realize all that they did for me in the beginning because to them it probably did not seem like they were going out of their way, but for me I don't know what I would of done without them.

I've changed a lot since moving. I have become more political. I'm not sure if anyone has noticed that, it's kind of hard to tell from my blog :) My tendency towards introvertness has decreased as I have joined groups, attended gltb singles functions, sought out new experiences in my city, and just generally made a point of trying to get more out of life. Even work is better with more career options and challenges. In other words, I've grown as a person and honestly, I'm not sure I would be able to say that if I had not taken a chance.

So, one year later -- no regrets, just hope and anticipation for the future.

Posted by Brent at 03:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (444)

Had a most enjoyable evening last night. I went with Alison and Paul to Dinner at Lucca and had terrific Filet Mignon and Creme Brule for dessert. It was the first time I have had Creme Brule and this rich creamy concoction has made its way onto my list of favorite desserts.

After, we went to see a film hosted by The Pittsburgh Filmmakers called 49up. It was a documentary that took a very diverse group of seven year olds from England 42 years ago and interviewed them about their hopes and dreams and life in general. Every 7 years (they are currently 49) they re-visited and interviewed the individuals. It was interesting watching the life cycles, experiences, and sometimes changing views of the people as they age. It was part of The Three Rivers Film Festival and was quite interesting and a unique experience.

Posted by Brent at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The Rev Ted Haggard, leader of the 30 million-member National Association of Evangelicals, said he bought methamphetamine and received a massage from a male prostitute. But the influencial "Christian" evangelist insisted he threw the drugs away and never had sex with the man as claimed by the escort who says he was hired by Haggerd nearly every month for three years.

Yeeeeeeaaaaaahhhhh, okaaaaaay.

Posted by Brent at 03:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

So there I am trying to get home from work and sitting in a traffic jam while rains falls from the dark sky just heavily enough to turn the regular idiotic drivers I encounter into even more stupid and clueless crap-for-brains morons. As I go along inching forward at such a slow pace that I swear I am moving backward while dreaming that the ground will open up and swallow those few knuckle dragging poop flinging twits that are responsible for the back-up into a flamed filled pit, I find just a wee bit of comfort knowing that I will only have to endure a commute for another seven days.

I am now off to pour some Crown Royal Reserve and find my happy place.

Posted by Brent at 07:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

He has now apologized.
Clearly the statement was not meant the way it sounded, but he did need to apologize for saying it and the impression it gave. And now John Kerry just needs to keep a low profile for a couple weeks so as not to give ammo to the GOP blowhards who need to latch onto any little thing to spin as the election nears.

And Bush especially needs to stop trying to twist the words and actually realize that he of all people should not be screaming for an apology unless he wants to get the mea-culpas rolling by acknowledging his own missteps, lying, diaster in Iraq, and his failed policies that have hurt America in the international community.

And the big irony is that the decider-in-chief is quoted as saying "anyone who is in a position to serve his country ought (ought?) to understnd consequences of words..."
--- Yeah right, this coming from a man who cannot complete an entire sentence and has created his own language complete with mispronounced words and imcomplete sentences that are riddled with um's and uh's.

Posted by Brent at 06:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)