Brentology.com

So congress has voted to put an end to a seemingly endless war. Bush will veto and give another middle finger to the nation. This war and his administration is such a diaster that IMHO , there has to be some kind of deadline set so there is accountibility for ending this. This was a country with no significant technological weapons or abilities and how any years have we been there? How much better has it gotten? How many lives have been lost and for what? There has to be a point that it ends and someone or some congress has to try to do it.

Posted by Brent at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Had the day off today. It felt good to not go into work. I needed a day off since work has been pretty hectic lately. I still got up kind of early with the intention of working out before going to the coffee shop to lounge in a comfy leather chair while sipping caffeine goodness and munching on a cheddar bagel with cream cheese. But thanks to a power outage at the JCC, the gym was closed so I was able to head staright to Caribou. I did manage to workout later when power was restored as well as take a nice long walk in the hood on this bright sunny day.

Later after hanging out at home and playing with The Finnmesiter who was ever so happy to be chased around, I headed to the monthly board meeting of my networking group which was held at a German tavern/restaurant on the North Side. It was kind of a neat place. No lederhausen was seen. I had the traditional German Club Sandwichhausen washed down with Crown and Cokehausen. I said nein to dessert.

I am now watching The Office mini marathon and it is the one where Oscar is outed by Michael and Dwight shops for a gaydar detector at Sharper Image. Classic.

I should be in bed.

Posted by Brent at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Idiocy
It still amazes me, even after all these painful years, this administrations complete lack of respect for government process. Only a dictator would completely dismiss a congressional resolution brought by people who are representing the people. How insulting.

Boobs
So we now have official word on the cause of Anna Nicole Smiths death. Can anything and everything about her just stop now?

Kitty
Finnigan is relaxing (chillaxing?).

Pet Food Poisoner and Office Space
I hope that they track down whoever is responsible for the recent poisoning of pet food and he gets serious jail time. And not a slap on the wrist in minimum security type place but rather a federal maximum security pound him in the ass prison. Killing peoples loving pets (it may well number in the hundreds before it's over with over 400 sickened already and over 100 dead) is sickening and deserves harsh punishent.

Good Dog
CALVERT Md. (AP) -- Toby, a 2-year-old golden retriever, saw his owner choking on a piece of fruit and began jumping up and down on the woman's chest. The dog's owner believes the dog was trying to perform the Heimlich maneuver and saved her life...

Bad Dog
Snoop Dogg Cancels British tour..

Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut
I love Costco. I am however a bit upset, well insanely pissed off really, that this new store near me does not have the already shelled pistaschio nuts in the ginormous bag. The Costco in Mich does, but evidently here in Pittsburgh it is ok to shell the little buggers yourself?? WTF?? Someone's getting an email about this.

Posted by Brent at 05:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2640)

I joined a softball team yesterday. Besides it being recommended to me by a couple people I know that play in it, the league had their orientation/sign-up night at a bar last night so I figure that is a good sign. I played in a league for a few years back in the day and I am hoping its like riding a bike and the skills come back. But just in case, I think I will check out the batting cages.

So last night was a late bar night getting the low down on the league and meeting the people who run it and some of the other players. It was actually a good way to end a hectic week and kind of blow off some steam. Beer also helps in getting a good nights sleep even if it makes for a slow start to the next day. Have I ever mentioned how much I love having a Starbucks so close to my place? I also did well with my workouts this week and got some quality sleep thanks to taking Tylenol PM all week starting last Sunday night. I'm not sure if that is too much, but I wanted to have some good continuous sleep nights because Garfield says:

Greg is in town today and at Alison and Paul's house so I am heading over there a little later. From there we will have big fun tonight. Not sure what, but big fun of some kind. Adios.

Posted by Brent at 02:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I was told to "chillax" today. I can only assume this is asshat for chill out and relax?

In what is a tradition in my neighborhood, Ritas Ice opened on this first day of spring and gave away free Italian Ice all day. People stood in lines that stretched almost the entire block. Why would people stand in way long lines to get something for free that only costs like $1.50 anyway? Silly italian ice loving people.

New employee started today. Now I only have to do one job instead of two. Well, if you count doing everything and making everyone else look good one job -- I'm just sayin.

I read an article today that said how bad Chinese food really is. But what isn't bad for you these days? They signaled out one of my favorites, General Tso's Chicken. I don't care if it is like slurping down a gallon of lard, I likes me Chinese food. Tonight I had simple chicken and green beans and an order of crab rangoon. yummy. And I ate it at 6:00 which leads me into the next mini rant...

...Is 6:00 too early to eat? I eat not necessarily by the clock, but rather when I get home from work. Others who shall remain nameless in print but if you were saying their names out loud you would say "Alison, Paul, Grace..." Anyway, I get viciously taunted and teased to within tears and feeling like my guts are being ripped out by never ending verbal assaults while being accused of being an early bird special loving old man on the way to Old Country Buffet. Besides, unless I am eating out with others, I kind of see dinner as a necessary chore and want to get it over with so I can do other things. But still, 6:00 is not early, and I'm not all full when I go to bed. When I go out or have something to do after work that inclines me to eat later, I'm fine with that. I won't go on a hunger induced killing spree running amok with a machine gun or anything by eating at 7:00 or 8:00. So there, I have bared my sole and opened up my dinner habit for the world to see. Please be kind, I'm a human being not an animal to be laughed at.

I wonder what I have here for dessert? It's after 8:00 and for some reason I'm hungry.

Posted by Brent at 07:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (744)

Posted by Brent at 07:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

I helped perform an audit on one of our banking centers as part of some new responsibilities I have been given. Audits can be a bit nerve racking for those in the branch but they generally are helpful to find areas that need attention. With so many things having to be done exactly to policy with no room for error, audits are good for keeping people in line even if it is from fear. Not that I like being the one who is feared….well maybe a little bit.

I was lazy this morning and re-set the alarm when it started going off and told Finny Finn Finn it was a flase alarm and to come back later. Being the good boy that he is, he meowed, jumped down, and was off to be amused by some string or something equally exciting. So instead of getting up at 6:00 and hitting the gym, I moved it up over two hours since I didn't have to leave today until 8:45 to get out to the branch. You have no idea how nice those couple extra hours were. With the help of Tylenol PM the night before, I got a good nine hours of sleep. I will try to do the same tonight but will actually get my ass out of bed at 6:00. Then for work it is back to home base and I have a new employee starting. So I guess I have to be all professional and positive and all that hooey so he doesn't get a bad impression, that will come in time and he can get it on his own.

So that was my day. I hope I will be able to top all that (yawn) excitement tomorrow.

Posted by Brent at 07:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I like Dancing With The Stars and I don't care who knows it.

Posted by Brent at 09:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Posted by Brent at 08:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The weekend is coming to an end much too fast. Do I really have only ten hours before I have to get up and start the work week all over again? Oh well, whatcha gonna do? whatcha gona do when they come for you, bad boys bad boys… Whoops, sorry got off track there a bit. While the weekend did go fast, it was fun while it lasted.

On Friday, Grace and Jerry came into town on Friday evening. Along with Alison and Paul, we all went for dinner to Claddagh Irish in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day and certain people wanted corned beef and cabbage (gag).

Saturday was an art auction at Alison's gallery. I did not buy anything myself, as per usual, the items I was interested in were way out of my price range or quickly skyrocketed out of it in the bidding process. But I was surprised with an early b-day present by Grace and Jerry with an awesome picture that I had admired while previewing the art before the auction started. It is a print by Pamela Bryan. She is a photographer best known for her images of the disappearing industrial landscape of Western Pennsylvania. It is a great print in a really nice frame and should be a nice conversation piece. I also was given another picture that was part of a lot of two pics that Grace bought. She really liked one of the pics but for some reason she did not want the second pic of a kind of abstract rooster. So now I have this um "interesting" picture of a reddish orange abstract rooster in my kitchen. This is also a conversation piece and while I can't put my finger on why, it somehow someway looks at home in my kitchen. Go Figure. Anyway it was a nice surprise to get some art this weekend and as a bonus, Jerry hung the pics that I bought a couple auctions ago. I mean they looked good on the floor leaning up against the wall, but they definetly look better hung. Perhaps I will take some pictures of the pictures and post soon.

Saturday night after the auction was Mexican food and movies. Grace and Alison went and saw some chick-flick while Me, Paul, and Jerry went to see Zodiac. I really liked it. Since it the story of a serial killer, I thought they may be kind of a slasher type movie, but there was really only one scene where it was kind of graphic. But the whole movie keeps you thinking and guessing while putting together the clues. Good cast and acting in this true life story.

Sunday we all had a wonderful brunch before Grace and Jerry had to hit the road. The rest of the day for me was rest and making a headache go away. Although I did have to take a trip back to the Mexican restaurant from the night before. I had loaned a coat to Grace because she did not bring one to Pittsburgh with its 20 degree weather. (must be a Michigan thing) Anyway, my checkbook was in the inside pocket and we discovered today that it was no longer there. So after calling a few of the places we had been, I found that it had fallen out at the restaurant. So that's retrieved and now I have settled in for the night. The plan is watch The Simpsons and go to bed early, but probably not till after Family Guy. What can I say, I'm easily amused.

Posted by Brent at 08:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (475)

I get home tonight, mouth watering for the sausage chili and crackers I got on my way home. I did not have time for lunch today so I was crazy hungry and my stomach growling. Now it was hard enough to get in from the garage and up through the stairwell with out sampling but I made it. Upon entering the apartment, I scratch a Finnigan's belly and ears as he stretches out in a purring fit on the rug. I try not to let the saliva gooeyness forming in my mouth drip out or my extreme hunger pains stop me from performing my walking through the door duty. I did hurry through it a bit figuring I would make it up with a spirited game of hide and seek later on. I mean come on, it has been since breakfast and I'm wasting away here.

So forgoing the dining room table, which is really more of a place to set my mail anyway, I plop down on the couch and dig in. Yet there is something wrong. It feels like I am being watched. Yes, I am definetly being stared at. And I know why. Pulling the newspaper up directly in front of my face does not help. I can feel the gaze practically burning a hole through the paper. I slowly pull it down and there he is, just looking at me like "What The Fuck?" I try to ignore the quizzical look a little longer but it just gets worse, not the look but my guilt. You see, he's waiting and wondering where his nightly treat is. His cute little face tilted sideways and his ears pointed in the most adorable position possible, yet his glare still says WTF?.

It's a ritual, every time I get home at night, whether it's right after work or late night if I am out and about, he gets some turkey. But I ran out and I thought surly he would understand and perch himself atop his kitty tree where he waits for me to finish my dinner and just understand that life isn't always fair. He'll be a good kitty witty and wait until tomorrow right? But no. There he was, big eyes and tilted head. Do you think animals know how cute the tilted head is and use it against us? Anyway, in the fridge went the chili and out the door went me to the local deli. How could I not do that for the one who is always so happy to see me when I come home and when I wake up in the morning. Besides, just look at that face.

Posted by Brent at 07:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

It's 9:52, I'm tired as hell so why don't I just go to bed. I always complain how tired I am yet I can't seem to go to bed at a decent hour. *sigh*

Posted by Brent at 09:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The president of the leading Southern Baptist seminary has incurred sharp attacks from both the left and right by suggesting that a biological basis for homosexuality may be proven...

But then went down hill from there:

..."and that prenatal treatment to reverse gay orientation would be biblically justified."

The Rev. R. Albert Mohler Jr., one of the country's pre-eminent evangelical leaders, acknowledged that he irked many fellow conservatives with an article earlier this month saying scientific research "points to some level of biological causation" for homosexuality.

Proof of a biological basis would challenge the belief of many conservative Christians that homosexuality - which they view as sinful - is a matter of choice that can be overcome through prayer and counseling.

So even if it's biologically based its still a sin???? But not to worry, we will alter babies in the womb because we can play god. So it could go like -- Theres nothing wrong with this baby except that it does not live up to our moral code so let's turn this sinner into one of us. Where throughout history have we seen this before?

Posted by Brent at 08:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

...And in coming generations, his kind of thinking will be in the minority because everyone evolves, some just faster than others. I was going to go off on a rant/tangent of my own but Andy does a good job of it here in his March 13 post. Good read and the point made in the last paragraph is right on the money. And then you can scroll down for cute kitty pics!

Another here at Matt's. So enjoy a couple links to some posts who say it better than I can in my tired state today. Not to worry, there will be something soon that pisses me off again, after all Bush is still in office.

Posted by Brent at 09:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The alarm went off this morning at 6:00 and shot through my head like a siren. I was not ready to face another week. Seriously, calling in sick crossed my mind as I quickly re-set it for 7:15 aboloshing any hope of going to the gym this morning. After hitting the snooze button until about 7:45, I got up and headed for the shower in a groggy haze and tripping over a playful Finnigan who has been wanting to play since the original alarm at 6:00. So I notice the shower head spraying a bit out the side after I trun the water on. So I grab it to try to adjust. That did not go too well as it quickly came off in my hand. The removal of this water saving head produced a solid stream of water that rivals the spray at the car wash. This blew out the shower curtain at the back of the tub and turned what was a little fluff ball of cuteness into a drenched and surprised kitty. So Finny takes off running through the place leaving a trail of water behind him as I run after trying to grab him in a towel to dry him off. By now I had to quickly shower under a single stream of water and drive to work since all hope of walking vanished while trying to tackle a wet and spry kitty. Did I mention he is a jumper too?

I then finally make it to work and fully realize it is indeed a Monday. It must have been a full moon too because the crazy and cranky people, both customer and fellow employee, were out in force. It was a day of issues and fires to put out. I hope it is not a harbinger for the rest of the week. I even left to get some air and walked down to the grocery store. That did not help my mood as I found myself in the self checkout behind two people who shouldn't be out among normal thinking people, much less trying to figure out how to scan and then bag. It is always people who try to tag-team on the self checkout that have all the trouble. It is not a two person job. Just scan and put in the bag, don't hand off, don't scan and hold, don't scan and talk because clearly multi tasking is not your thing. Just scan and put down on the bag scale area and move onto the next item. Duh. At this point, I just started to laugh at the day. Kind of in a 'put me in a straight jacket' kind of way, but still at least it was laughter and produce was not being hurled at someones head.

The bright spot besides 5:30 (going home time) was that Alison ventured out of the house after several days of extreme sickness. This is good because she stopped at the candy store and brought me some candy. But not just any candy. She brought Banana Truffels. Inexplicably, I had them all to myself too. They had the good yellow inside, you know the radioactive yellow gooey goodness. We're talking Simpsons yellow here. Soooo good.

Now I am home playing with a dry and happy kitty and getting reenergized for what hopefully will be a less hectic Tuesday.

Posted by Brent at 05:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

In an effort to enhance the benefits of my morning swims, I have been trying to read up on techniques for better swimming. First, I started wearing goggles in order to keep my head down and become aerodynamically one with the water. And it helps me not look like I am doing the dog paddle. Anyway, I need to work on my breathing pattern in order to swim longer without stopping to catch my breath and have been reading how the pros do it by actually exhaling into the water as the head goes side to side. So picture this. To practice, I can just stick my head in a bathtub full of water and perfect the technique without wasting pool time.

So, if I accidentally drown and my loved ones find me on my knees bent over the tub, it's not what it looks like, just swimming practice. And on that note, peace out y'all.

Posted by Brent at 12:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

WTF

(Washington) Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich acknowledged he was having an extramarital affair even as he led the charge against President Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky affair, he acknowledged in an interview with a conservative Christian group.

Sure he's a clueless bigot and hypocrite, who touts "family values," but I am just shocked. I also found out today that the sky is blue and water is wet. Has he heard about glass houses and stones?

(Istanbul) Turkey lifted its ban on YouTube Friday, an official for the country's largest telecommunications firm said, two days after a court ordered the Web site blocked because of videos that allegedly insulted the founder of modern Turkey.

Umm yeah, the name of your country is "Turkey." Nuff said.

GUATEMALA CITY Mar 9, 2007 (AP) -- Mayan priests will purify a sacred archaeological site to eliminate "bad spirits" after President Bush visits next week, an official with close ties to the group said Thursday.

You will need a lot of bleach.

Posted by Brent at 11:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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

I was sitting here thinking about bills I have to pay in the coming weeks as this Friday is payday. Just thinking ahead and briefly thinking I had more money than I thought left over. HA, yeah right, how could I possibly think that since the world has it in for me and the Man is always keeping me down. You see, I soon I realized I have to pay that stupid speeding ticket from last week. CRAP. What is that flushing sound? Oh yes, it's my money being turned over to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Posted by Brent at 09:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Tampon Donation.

Don't ask.

Posted by Brent at 08:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

The caveman commercials are great advertising spots. Now they may get their own sitcom. Me like talking box, unga bunga bunga

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

Meme sent to me. BTW, I would like to be called by my gansta name from now on. It's all about respect, Yo.

YOUR REAL NAME: Brent

YOUR GANGSTA NAME (1st 4 letters plus izzle): Brenizzle

More on next page......

YOUR DETECTIVE NAME (fave color + fave animal): Blue Kitty, aka Sad Pussy

YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name + childhood street): William Main

YOUR STAR WARS NAME (last 3 letters of your last name + first 2 letters of your first name + first 3 letters of Mom's maiden name):Lerbrste

YOUR SUPER HERO NAME (2nd fave color + fave drink): Green Coffee

YOUR IRAQI NAME (2nd letter of your first name + 3rd letter of your last name + any letter of your middle name + 2nd letter of your Mom's maiden name + 3rd letter of your Dad's middle name + 1st letter of a sibling's first name + last letter of your Mom's middle name): Rlaenln

YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM NAME (Grandma/Grandpa's first name + Jones): Alton Jones

YOUR GOTH NAME (Black + name of one of your pets): Black Finnigan

YOUR AMERICAN IDOL NAME (fav car and sea food) Caddy Crab Cake

NAME OF YOUR DREAM BAND (name of computer + printer): Toshiba HP

YOUR ALTER EGO NAME (name of one your childhood pets + popular brand of clothes when you were young): Missy Ocean Pacific

YOUR LAWYER NAME (fav actor's last name + fav hard liquor): Cage Whiskey

YOUR HIP HOP NAME (fav candy + fruit): Twizzler Banana

Posted by Brent at 10:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (734)

I went to brunch with Alison and Paul this morning at Point Brugge Cafe and I can say that their Sunday brunch is as good as their fabulous dinners. I could not do justice to describing the food properly, the ingredients are brunch food, but the quality and preperation are not typical. So everyone just come to Pittsbugh and experience it for yourself.

After brunch we went to some open houses that Alison had found for me. It was interestng as I had never been house hunting before. We saw a few nice houses and a couple "interesting" houses. One house had mannequin heads in it, very Silence of the Lambs ("it rubs the lotion on the skin...."). I was surprised at how little some people do to get their house ready for viewing. Talking to realtors who are showing the properties can also be interesting. While very much in the beginning stages and today was just taking in a few prospects and getting the feel of a nieghborhood, I run through different emotions when thinking about buying a house, and I do think about it often. I go from optimistic to bummed. To wanting to get a second job (and we all know how much I like having just one) to wanting to have more patience. A higher paying job would be another option. Realistically, I just need to have more money each month and that comes from getting rid of my debt. All easier said than done, but not impossible. If anything, today made me want to keep my eyes open for possibilities.

Posted by Brent at 06:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (27)

...What I think of Ann Coulter -- She is an evil heartless shit-for-brains pompus head-up-her-ass horse-faced BITCH. That's B-I-T-C-H. Seriously (or Srsly), could someone just throw some water on this hag and let her melt away? Her latest rant came at the Conservative Political Action Conference sponsored by the American Conservative Union. She called presidential candidate John Edwards a faggot:

"I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, but it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word 'faggot,' so I - so kind of an impasse, can't really talk about Edwards."

Except for the hard core Rush Limbaugh fans out there, I'm sure most people no matter their party affiliation are at least a bit squeamish over this remark. Is it that she has to continue to say outrageous things to get any attention? I mean come on, how does this clueless person still get a platform to spew her vile from? Of course the usual demands to publicly condem the remarks has started and we will see who steps up to do so. Might I suggest a some poison in her daily bail of hay? There has got to be something that just makes her go away.

Posted by Brent at 03:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)