Sausage Fest

If you're a single guy looking for better odds at a local bar, there is a new app that will help you avoid a sausage fest in exchange for a muffin bar.

It's by FourSquare, and it's called Assisted Serendipity. It gives you a ratio of guys-to-gals, so that your trip to the tap isn't wasted.

So, if you're that much into trolling for tang and don't have the cajones to compete with other kielbasas, grab this app and go for it.

Lofty goals

I started training for the Lewis & Clark on May 1st. Half-marathon. I will never do a full marathon - it's just not something I want to do. But a half - that's doable. I know my limits.

So I'm up to 3 miles per run. It's not a fast run, but it gets me there. I'm not hating it like I used to, so that's an unexpected joy. I haven't been running very much lately due to end-of-semester tasks and finals, but after this week I can ramp it up a bit.

I have 4 1/2 more months to train. Looking forward to those long, hot runs in FP this summer. No, really.

I'd like to do a tri this summer, but the only one close and open is in New Town in July - a little too soon for my taste. I haven't been swimming near enough to get that under my belt.

My other goal is to reward myself, post run, with a little trip. Well, a long trip. Destinations are being toyed with. Reservations will be made in the next couple months.

Okay, back to studying. Woo.

Hell Week (and I'm not even in a Sorority)

This week is going to be a doozy. And I still haven't gotten my sushi. Dammit.

A final Tuesday night, and one more assignement to finish before then. Studying and homework for this will take place tonight.

A retreat at work from 4-7 on Wednesday, at which I'm presenting. I'm looking forward to this, but wish it were scheduled for any other week but this one.

Another final on Thursday night, the tough one. I will be studying for this on Tuesday night after my first final, and Wednesday after work and before I pick up my family at the airport at 11 pm.

Friday I am shopping for a baby shower gift for my cousin Mandy with my mom. That might take all night, depending on what we can find and how tired we are.

Saturday is my cousin Allison's graduation from college (WTH...where does time go?), and then a ParTay at her sister Mandy's house.

Sunday is Mandy's baby shower, and then directly after that is Allison's big graduation party.

I might have to take Monday off, just to recuperate. We'll see.

So dear readers, if you're still with me after many missed days of posts, I will try to pop in sometime this week - but don't count on it.

Wish me well, and if you have my address, please feel free to send me caffeinated tea, sugarless gum or a sexy picture of Colin Ferrell to help see me through the next 7 days.

Upcoming Shows

Wednesday May 5th - 7 Shot Screamers @ Off Broadway, final show ever.

Friday May 7th - Frightened Rabbit @ Old Rock House

May 16th - The Knitters @ Old Rock House

June 10th - Black Keys @ The Pageant

June 11th - Brian Jonestown Massacre @ Off Broadway

June 15th - Mumform & Sons @ Off Broadway

June 28th - New Pornographers @ The Pageant

July 1 - Henry Rollins @ The Pageant

What I'm Listening To

Just a sample....

Movie Review

Greenberg

Hmph.

I was expecting another "The Squid And The Whale". What I got was a pissy, loser Ben Stiller and a decent supportive cast.

I strongly feel that the lead was miscast. It was difficult for me to watch someone who I love to laugh at be such a dick, and not even a watchable dick. I understand that his character was a dick. But I would have enjoyed watching anyone else besides Stiller. In some reviews, his character is described as a hero and a villian. Nothing heroic about this character - what little kindness he shows is lost on a confused and self-destructive girl.

Some actors that come to mind who might have done a better job...going way back here....Eric Stoltz. Lief Schreiber. Really, anyone.

Greta Gerwig, who was in the great flick "Baghead" (rent it now) and "House of the Devil" (small part) was very sweet and sad and confused and perfect. Rys Ifans plays a supportive role as Stiller's buddy, and he's earnest and steady and not a sidekick at all - holds his own.

And a very, very nice surprise - Mark Duplass, who I am TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH, had a very small but noticable role. He wrote, directed and acted in the fantastic film "The Puffy Chair" and "Baghead" and the overlooked "Scrapple".

Mark, much like Paul Schneider (who I also want to marry) from the most awesome "All The Real Girls", is that kind of actor who reminds you of a guy in high school that, were you to go back in time, you WOULD give the time of day to, might even date, and crush on hard. These actors are the real deal - I don't know if they're really acting. What I feel when I watch them is this - I think that they bring alot of their own qualities, characteristics, and mannerisms to their characters and play them by heart.

So, don't see "Greenberg" if you want to see a witty, quirky movie. Rent "The Puffy Chair" or "All The Real Girls".

Movie Review

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Was in the middle of reading this book when the movie came out. Since I can't seem to get through more than three pages without nodding off to sleep, I thought I'd skip ahead and check out the movie.

All in all, it was pretty good. Long - 2.5 hours. And as I continue to read the book, they had to leave a LOT out to get it down to a watchable time. However, they also took creative license, especially with the two rape scenes. The two rape scenes I hadn't yet read. Jeebus. Pretty graphic. Violent enough to make two middle-aged women get up and leave (they eventually came back, I think they stood outside the door and waited to hear when it was over).

The relationship between the Mikael and Erika was barely acknowledged, nor were the feelings Lisbeth had for Mikael towards the end. But again, it would have made it too long.

If you can put up with subtitles, it's a decent flick.