Well Hello There, 2009...
Sunday, January 4, 2009
It appears we have a new year. Twenty-oh-eight is over, although I'm convinced it wasn't a full 12 months. Didn't feel like it, anyway. Yet here we are. January 2009. What will it bring? Who can know.
But I have goals. Not resolutions, which almost never work. But goals.
Like, I will become more skilled in the studio. I'm getting better toys, and I'm getting better at using them. But I have a long way to go. So that's a goal.
And, I'm going to rock at work. The last few years have been exciting and challenging. This year will be the best yet. That's a goal.
I'm going to make more time for my friends. All too often, we get into a routine and don't venture out to see the people that matter to us as much as we ought to. I'm not saying I'll venture into midtown every night, but more than I have been. That's a goal.
I'm not going to quit school. Ugh. Even though the life of a professional adult student can get a little overwhelming, it's worth it. I'm not in any hurry to knock out this degree, but I'm going to continue to cut away at it one or two classes at a time. And I will maintain my rockin' GPA. That's a goal.
Finally, I'm going to get into shape. Not that I would consider myself fat, per se. But extensive business travel with little discipline has definitely taken it's toll. Tomorrow (quite literally) will bring 1200-1400 calorie days and regular trips to the gym (fortunately located just up the stairs, thanks to the Bowflex and recumbent bike, or just down the elevator in hotels). Gotta get my groove back before boating season starts up again. That's a goal.
That's about it, I suppose. I'll try not to suck at most everything I do, and will love those I love and be loved by those who love me. Everything else is icing on the cake, so to speak.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself
Labels: General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 7:44 PM,
Christmas, She is a-Comin'...
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Not sure how, but it appears we managed to finish 2008, more or less...I'm not heading to Spokane for Christmas. I've been traveling pretty heavily this year, and the next couple of weeks seem to be my chance to effectively recharge the ole batteries before things get cracking again in January. So, it's off to the lake place to vegetate and accomplish very little (as well as a day at the farm for the holiday).
Aside from that, just keeping busy and makin' stuff happen.
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 1:49 PM,
Happy November.
Monday, November 24, 2008
So, I'm back from my most recent trip to India. I think I'm done with that for a bit. About to spend a week in Portland, Oregon followed by a week in sunny Joplin, Missouri. Then I'm taking the last half of December off. Much needed.
I'm curious how many folks have checked out my newest method for keeping people up to date (see previous posting). Do you like it? Should I stick with it, or come back to this? Opinions, por favor...
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Guns n' Roses - Chinese Democrace
Labels: All Posts
posted by Dustin @ 9:15 AM,
Trying something new...again...
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
It's become apparent that I don't have the attention span and/or time to properly manage a regular blog on a daily (or even weekly, sometimes) basis. By the end of a full day of looking at computers, just about the last thing I want to do is spend what remaining energy I have crafting some witty thing to post. Furthermore, I'm a sucker for new trends, and regular blogs are becoming a bit passé.
With that in mind, I'm trying something new.
DustinCann.com is formatted to show bits and bytes of my travels and goings-on in whatever format I have the time and energy to knock out. Sometimes, that will mean tweets, other times that will mean vlogs, and still others, full-on text blogs. We'll give this a go for a bit and see how she flies.
Labels: All Posts
posted by Dustin @ 3:20 PM,
A Foggy Day in London Town
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
More to come when I have time, but here's a few quick clips from my insanely-dorky day of hardcore tourist activity, for anyone who cares enough to click on them:
Currently in London, England
Currently listening to Imogen Heap - Headlock
posted by Dustin @ 11:18 AM,
Because it's Friday, and this chick is funny....
Friday, October 10, 2008
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Politics
posted by Dustin @ 12:57 PM,
Too Lazy to Type...
Thursday, October 9, 2008
This feels marginally douche-baggy, and presumes any of you care enough about the most mundane things in my day...but since you're at my blog, you either care a wee bit, or you're that bored. Either way, I'm trying something new with this...
Currently in Detroit, Michigan
Currently listening to Owsley - The Sky is Falling
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Travel
posted by Dustin @ 1:05 PM,
Don't Vote.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
posted by Dustin @ 3:25 PM,
For those about to rock...
Friday, September 26, 2008
Since it's been quite a while since I posted anything that supports my claim to former near-rockstardom, and thanks to a suggestion from a good buddy on a new record to pick up, it is with pleasure that I give you my musings on the newest effort by the one and only, Metallica.
Before I get started, it should be known that I was hesitant to actually pay money for this album. First, because Lars Ulrich is a prick and a douchebag for reasons that will go unspoken in this blog. Second, and more importantly, because the last four Metallica studio albums have essentially blown goats. But I have enormous respect for Reverend Humpy's musical taste and overall judgement, so I dropped my ten bucks on iTunes and gave Death Magnetic a digital spin.
Alright, the happy stuff:
Now, for the not-so-happy stuff:
In choosing Rick Rubin to produce the record, Metallica has fallen victim to the biggest trend (and many would say biggest tragedy) in major label production, overmastering. This record has had every last bit of dynamic color squeezed out of it in an effort to make it the loudest goddamned record in your playlist. While being loud wouldn't traditionally be a bad thing in metal, the net result of the hot-master-squeeze is an almost complete loss of dynamic nuance and a steady (loud ass) volume that eventually leads to ear fatigue and a record that can only be rocked to for four or five songs in any given setting. Need proof? Mosey on over here and look at the difference between the dynamic range of a typical "...Justice..." song and a typical "Death..." song. It's sad to see. It hurts my heart. And I'm hoping Metallica will grow a pair and release a remastered version of the album at some point. At least digitally.
With the exception of the above complaint, this record rocks. It's the best thing Metallica has done since 1999's S&M (which, for the record, rocked my pants off...a few times), and the best studio record in twenty years. Sadly, that above complaint is a REALLY BIG fuck up of an otherwise wicked album. Is it a masterpiece? No. Could it have been? Hell yes.
Remaster, gentlemen, remaster.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Metallica - Death Magnetic
posted by Dustin @ 11:37 AM,
Copping Out
Thursday, September 25, 2008
So, I must say that John McCain's most recent attempt to puss out has frustrated me. For whatever reason, be it that he's not ready to debate Obama or that he's trying to move the debate to when the veeps are scheduled to meet (because if Sarah isn't ready to handle Katie Couric, she sure as shit can't handle Biden, and Katie skewered her yesterday), McCain's decision to hide behind the wall street bailout effort and skip tomorrow's debate is anything but straight talk.
With 39 days left till America chooses her next president, Johnny boy needs to show us he can multitask. If I were one of his supporters I'd be furious.
Ok, rant over...for now...
Posted with LifeCast
posted by Dustin @ 5:42 PM,
I Love My iPhone.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I'm blogging from an application on my iPhone, and that makes me happy. I still need to figure out how to incorporate images, but baby steps, right?
Anyway, back at work. I've got 3:00am conference calls with a client in India all this week and next. I'm not a fan of that program. No, not so much.
In other news, it's Tim's birthday. Give him a holler if you know him.
L8tr T8trs.
Posted with LifeCast
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 10:11 AM,
It's Always Sunny...
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Well then, I spent most of this last week in Boston at a conference. I love Boston. The smell of the harbor, the way it feels like a big city without feeling like a big city, the way nobody around me says "R" when they're supposed to. The conference was good, and it's great to spend time with colleagues. Over the last several years, I've become accustomed to seeing my actual coworkers infrequently, what with working from home or from client sites. Good times.
In other news, Fall TV is starting up. This last week, that meant It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Supernatural. The former is the single smartest and most amusing thing on television (albeit not safe for children under 17 OR friends and family that may be offended by, well, almost anything), while the latter is full of eye candy. Heroes and Chuck get cracking this week. I'm really okay with being a whore for Fall TV.
Finally, I woke up at 2:30am this morning with a brainstorm. Stay tuned to see if it becomes my ticket to independent wealth before 30, or just another one of my brainstorms. Either is a strong possibility.
Currently in Heber Springs, Arkansas
Currently listening to Imogen Heap - Speak for Yourself
Labels: All Posts, Entertainment, Travel, Work
posted by Dustin @ 3:48 PM,
RIP
Monday, September 15, 2008
Farewell, Richard Wright...Sad to lose you...
Currently in Boston, Massachusetts
Labels: All Posts, Culture, Entertainment
posted by Dustin @ 1:32 PM,
Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name...
Hello from Boston, Massachusetts. More on that to come.
posted by Dustin @ 7:10 AM,
And now for something completely different...
Friday, September 5, 2008
Yes, I can write about things that aren't related to politics or business travel. Watch.
I'm a whore for Battlestar Gallactica (henceforth "BSG"). Like, big time. That, of course, referring to the reimagining on SciFi as opposed to the "cheese factor #9" original 1978 version. I didn't get on the bandwagon until about two months ago, when a good friend of mine (and the producer/engineer who's studio I'm about to go into) paid it forward. And now I'm a whore for it.
Some reasons, in no particular order:
1. The show added the word "frak" to my lexicon. It means exactly what you think it means. Now I can drop eff bombs in front of my 3 year old niece. Frakking rad.
2. I'd frak 77% of the characters in that picture. I'll let you decide for yourself which ones wouldn't get any action.
3. The writing is impeccable. Unlike most network shows, I honestly have no frakking idea what will happen next. That's unique.
4. Art mirrors life, and the story lines, SciFi'd up as they are, are relevant to some of today's most important frakking issues.
5. The special effects are more realistic than the most recent Star Wars movies. Frakking serious.
There are more. And yes, I said "frak" or "frakking" in each. And that doesn't bug me.
If you are at all curious, I strongly recommend picking up season one and giving it a shot. The first "episode" was actually a miniseries, so get ready for about 2.5 hours in one sitting. Quite a lot is covered in the miniseries, so watch another episode or two before deciding if you're into it (and you'll be into it). And most importantly, AVOID SPOILERS LIKE THE PLAGUE. Don't read forums, don't watch videos of panels at Comicon, don't even read the full wikipedia entry. A big part of what makes it frakking ridiculous is the element of surprise. Trust me, and have patience. You shall be rewarded.
That's all for now. Peace, out.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself
Labels: All Posts, Entertainment, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 5:55 PM,
I could....
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Kiss John Stewart with tongue for this segment...
posted by Dustin @ 8:47 PM,
Frakking September.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Anyone know how three quarters of this year blew by? Was I sleeping? Drunk? Just ridiculously distracted? Whatever the reason, here we are, in September of 2008. Summer is flirting itself away, we can't wear white anymore, and the 2008 Presidential Election is right around the corner. I know it's cliche, but the older I get, the more clearly I understand what I've been told all my life: as you age, a year becomes a shorter and shorter period of time.
Well, it's been an eventful Summer. I traveled quite a bit for work and play, including another jump to India, and a quick trip to Washington for my grandfather's 80th birthday. More recently, we thought about moving downtown, until we realized that the housing downfall has caused our home value to fall pretty dramatically, making it foolish to think about selling right "just 'cause". So here we'll sit for a while - marginally disappointed, but more or less over it.
In other news, I've just sent off for my absentee ballot to vote in the election. I get the joy of voting anytime I choose between about two weeks from now and mid-October, due to yet another trip to India in early November that will keep me from hitting the polls. While I'm relatively certain my mind is made up (like, approximately 190% made up), I'll probably hold off till October to "pull the lever", as it were. I'm both addicted and more than a little bit worn out by the election at this point. The nomination of Sarah Palin adds for some drama to keep things interesting, but I'm convinced most people know what they're going to do. Part of me wishes we could just get it over with. Oh wait, I'm going to.
And finally, for this post, I've finally taken a step and begun the process of scheduling studio time. Actual studio time. Not, fucking around in my home "studio" studio time. Nah, working with a producer/engineer, session musicians, tens of thousands of dollars of gear, etc. I'm not sure where it will go, but the new stuff I've been writing is stronger than anything I've ever done. And I've got the connections to do something with it, if it turns out good enough. I've said before that I don't have the gumption (see a good definition of gumption here) to spend a few years playing at shitty clubs for the door. But if someone heard some of my stuff and thought they could make me an overnight success, I'd be in. If not, c'est la vie. Same thing goes, except I think I could be persuaded to put in some effort this go around. Maybe that means building an online following. Maybe that means some selected shows. Dunno. But I'm itching to lay down some tracks, and ready to do it right. We'll see how this goes.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to The Republican National Convention, ugh...
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Politics
posted by Dustin @ 7:30 PM,
Because I haven't posted in a few days and this shit is funny...
Friday, August 22, 2008
posted by Dustin @ 9:24 AM,
Friday Funny
Friday, August 8, 2008
A text message conversation between John McCain and Paris Hilton...
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Queen - A Night at the Opera
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Politics
posted by Dustin @ 9:33 AM,
On Road Warfare, Gray Hair, and Rainy Weather...
Thursday, August 7, 2008
As you may be able to tell by my Dopplr badge (see the left hand column), it doesn't appear that my business travel is going to be slowing down anytime soon. What the badge DOESN'T show are the three or four trips in October that aren't 100% confirmed yet. If the economy is having a negative imapct on business, I sure as hell can't tell. I'm not complaining, mind you. I love my job and enjoy seeing new (and often repeat) cities around the country and the world. And the only way to maintain preferred status with airlines and hotels is to continue using them like crazy, so I can't stay still for too long. But I believe the travel is aging me.
Speaking of aging, I have a confession to make....
I have a gray hair. One dadgum gray hair that, no matter how hard I yank it out of my head, seems to always be there every morning when I wake up. This week I've decided to say fuck it, I have a gray hair. On the bright side, men with gray hair are debonaire silver foxes - it's women who have to cover it up. And I'd MUCH rather be a silver fox than bald, so I'll be glad to embrace it if it means dodging the baldness bullet. I just didn't think they gray would come so soon. Anyway, that's all I have to say about that for now.In other news, it's raining today. I've always liked gray, rainy days. Those who know me can attest that I generally have a pretty positive outlook on life (hopelessly optimistic, in some cases). My creative side, however, is often drawn to darker poetry, art, music, etc. Rainy days are inspirational, from that perspective. I suppose rain also represents cleansing and rebirth. Maybe it's natural of an Aquarian, but rain makes me feel at once at peace and whole. That looks a little new agey in writing, but whatever.
That's all for now, chicanos.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Pegasus Actual - The Age of Zero
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 1:24 PM,
Thinking About a Change
Monday, August 4, 2008
So we're considering a bit of a change. Well, not so much a BIT of a change as a relatively massive change.
Since 2005, we've lived in what our friends refer to as "West Nashville", meaning basically as far from downtown Memphis as you can get without leaving Shelby County. Arlington is one of the furthest-out suburbs in the metro area. We love our home, and have been ridiculously fortunate with the neighbors we have here, and the friends we've made will always have a place in our hearts. While the building process was a bitch, we've come to be very comfortable here, and have enjoyed the space. Here's a picture of the house from a few days after we moved in:
That said, we're thinking about a change. Whereas families often spend early years living in town, experiencing city life in all its glory (as well as some of its less desirable parts) and ultimately move to the 'burbs to "settle down", we're thinking the city is looking mighty sexy. "What reasons?" you may ask. And I'm glad you did.
1. Living downtown, at the river and near the interstate would essentially cut an hour off our trip to Heber Springs. Since we go almost every weekend during the spring, summer, and fall, this is kind of a big deal.
2. We could sell our house, buy a place downtown, and probably have a few bucks left over to put a down payment on a cabin in Heber.
3. 90% of our friends live in midtown, downtown, or north Mississippi. We're pretty isolated in Arlington and would have more opportunities to socialize if we lived in the city.
4. We're season ticket holders at The Orpheum, which would be a short trolley ride from home. Beat that. This is bigger than the Orpheum, really. There's so much to do downtown, not to mention how easy it would be to show people from out of town a good time if I could get them plastered on Beale Street then WALK back home.
5. 80% of my travel could be done on the trolley or on foot. As much time as I spend on a plane, I need to take as many opportunities as possible to reduce my carbon footprint.
6. This kitchen.
Okay, so it's more than the kitchen. But seriously, some of the converted warehouses in the South Main Arts District have SO much character, while maintaining the level of comfort and style we're looking for. 14 foot ceilings with original wood beams, brick walls, wood floors, and exposed duct work - how insanely bohemian.
Nothing is set yet, and we've got lots to do in the coming weeks before we even decide for sure, but we've started looking and have a realtor that's showing us some places. Tim is in Buffalo this week, so my task is to start deep cleaning this sucker in the event that we want to look at listing it in the near future. I'll keep you posted.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Spymob - Sitting Around Keeping Score
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 9:23 AM,
Ass and Masala Tea.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
So I'm in the Delhi airport in the business class lounge, waiting for my midnight flight. And someone nearby keeps farting. I hate typing that word, it feels so crass. But that's what's happening. And it smells like ass and masala...hence the title. Nasty.
I got up and moved. The smell returned. I began wondering if perhaps I'm tearing ass and not noticing, but alas, I am not. I assure you, 'tis the truth.
So here I sit, in an unescapable cloud of ass and masala. For another hour and a half or so. Then it's off to Memphis, where I shall post in more detail, including videos of camels, pictures of colleagues, and details of an impending return trip. Oy veh.
Danyavaad.
Currently in Delhi
Currently listening to Alanis Morissette - Tapes
posted by Dustin @ 11:47 AM,
Breaking Silence
Saturday, July 19, 2008
It appears I've done a piss-poor job of updating my
In what will surely go down as one of the sweatiest, most humid, and ultimately exhausting touristy things I've ever done, I went with a few of my clients to visit Akshardham, a newish temple just outside of Delhi that is a bit of a revival of traditional methods of Indian/Mughal architecture methods. In spite of creating an immediate need to launder every bit of fabric on my body, and the fact that the audio for a, yes, three hour tour of the grounds was exclusively in Hindi, it was a wonderful experience. We even made it just in time to participate in an evening prayer. It was a very cool evening.
That's really the only touristy thing I've done this trip, what with work and my general trend toward being lazy on the weekends and in the evenings and all. Furthermore, and not to sound unappreciative of my surroundings, I've spent quite a bit of time in this city over the last 15 months and have really seen most of the cooler sights. I DID, however, go see Hancock last weekend with my good friend Vikrant and his beautiful wife. Last year, Vik and I traveled all around India together, and managed to (mostly) stay out of trouble...here's a picture of us in Bangalore for proof:
Anyway, I'm coming home on Thursday, about two weeks earlier than expected. I adore this country, but can't say I'm too disappointed about heading back early. The lake beckons me.
Currently in Gurgaon, India
Currently listening to The Howard Stern Show
posted by Dustin @ 8:56 AM,
Ah, The Joys of Travel...
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
That would be a picture of mom and I sometime around hour 8 at the Memphis airport.
The day started out innocently enough. The plan was to take mom to the airport around 8am for her 10am flight to Spokane, then drive back to the house to pick up Tim and Honey. Then we'd head to The Petshotel to get Honey checked in, and off to the airport in time for Tim's 1pm flight to Buffalo. I would hang out till my 4pm flight to Chicago then off to New Delhi.
At 7am, I got a call from Delta, informing me that mom's flight had been cancelled. Thus unfolds the following scenario:
08:00 - Leave for airport with Mom, her luggage, and my luggage.
08:45 - Check-in for flight to DEL. Luggage checked.
09:40 - Mom gets through a ridiculous line to ultimately check in for a 6pm flight out of Memphis. Luggage checked.
10:30 - Pick up Tim and Honey and Tim's luggage.
11:00 - Check Honey into The Petshotel and head to the airport.
11:30 - Arrive at the airport. Tim checks in for his flight. He gets upgraded. Bastard. Luggage checked.
12:00 - Make it through security and have a quick lunch before Tim boards his flight.
15:00 - After a leisurely beer or two with mom, head to the gate to see how close to boarding I am.
15:05 - Flight to Chicago delayed. Connection to Delhi will be missed. Damn. Damn, damn.
16:00 - Airlines typically only fly once to Delhi per day. Booked onto Tuesday's flight. The client kickoff will have to be pushed back a day.
17:30 - Fly to Chicago. I'll not be missing any more connections.
At any rate, I'm in Chicago till around 7pm tonight. Fortunately, being a Gold Marriott Rewards Member means they'll let me stay in the room till 3pm, so I won't have to spend six or seven hours at the airport. I may even meet up with an old Hewitt pal for lunch, since I'm stuck here anyway.
In other news, Tim made it to Buffalo and Mom made it to Spokane. And I'm heading to India tonight.
Woot.
Currently in Chicago, Illinois
Currently watching MSNBC
posted by Dustin @ 7:57 AM,
RIP, Mr. Carlin.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Labels: All Posts
posted by Dustin @ 7:32 AM,
Cats, Cars, and All Things Curry
Friday, June 20, 2008
Tonight, we're going to Cats. As familiar with the music as I am, I've never seen the show live, so I'm entirely excited. And up until meeting me, Tim had never been to a show in his life. He's like a Broadway sponge. It's entertaining.
Next week I'm headed to Detroit. While the real purpose of the trip is to spend three days in Ann Arbor (lovingly referred to by locals and UMich fans as A2) for one client, I'm flying in a few hours early for a lunch meeting with my GM client. Being a fan of hybrid cars, new technology, and not-so-much of gas-guzzling Suburbans, Tahoes, and *barf* Hummers, it feels a bit like walking into the lair of the beast. I suppose I can soothe my conscience by the fact that we work with GM to help them hire the best employees, hopefully some of whom are scientists and engineers that will be tasked with making cars that run on water, compressed air, sunlight, and other such fantastical ideas. We shall see.
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Speaking of GM, as many times as I've suggested over the last few months that another trip to India was likely, I will be boarding a plane for Delhi on July 7th. I love India and value every moment spent working with a diverse group of international professionals, but this will be the first trip that crosses the one month mark. About a week and a half too long for my taste. Certainly, my last trip was about three and a half weeks, so this is hardly longer. It's just the mental jump from counting a trip in weeks to counting it in months. All the same, it should be a great trip. I'll be in Gurgaon, a place where I've got friends and colleagues from previous projects, so it will be good to catch up with them. The only bummer is that I'll be missing our annual company meeting in Monterey, something I didn't want to do. Timing is everything. That's as close to bitching about that as I'll get here :-). I'm actually quite excited for the trip and ready to get this project a-moving. Besides, the food there is ridiculous. I plan on eating far too much next month.
So, Cats tonight, then off to the lake at the crack of dawn tomorrow, followed by Detroit, Mom in town for the 4th, and India. Looks like I may end up with actual reasons to blog!
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Katy Perry - I Kissed a Girl
Labels: All Posts, Culture, Travel
posted by Dustin @ 10:07 AM,
Why I'm Voting Republican.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Politics
posted by Dustin @ 11:34 AM,
Citizen of the Planet.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Alanis Morissette - Citizen of the Planet
posted by Dustin @ 2:52 PM,
The Pink Carpet
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Last night, we had the pleasure of accompanying our friends Wade and Warren to a live performance of "My Trip Down the Pink Carpet", a memoir/monologue by Mr. Leslie Jordan. For those of you unfamiliar with him (although I can't imagine any of my friends or family NOT knowing who he is), he's a 4'11" actor best known as Beverly Leslie (Will & Grace) or Brother Boy (Sordid Lives). And he's funny as shit. I quite nearly lost it several dozen times over the two hour show. Now I'm going to have to buy the book it's based on. And so should you.
Before the show we went to a newish wine bar and bistro in Midtown Memphis to partake of a few adult libations and gab. It was a wonderful evening - many thanks to W&W for thinking of us. We don't see you nearly often enough.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Gavin Rossdale - Wanderlust
Labels: All Posts, Culture, Friends and Family
posted by Dustin @ 11:06 AM,
A Real Live Post.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Well, I've managed to make it most of the way through May without a proper post on the ole blog. Reasons include: lack of inspiration, lack of motivation, lack of information. Mostly, I am boring (although not bored) and had nothing of interest to report. So I posted a goofy video or two and another round of "Shit I've Been Reading on Planes". And there you have it.
Gurgaon, Haryana at night. I dig that picture. Gurgaon is a nifty little burgeoning city on the outskirts of New Delhi. Many major American and European corporations have towers there, and real estate is as expensive as Manhattan. There are lots of great dining options, a few large shopping mall complexes, and several five star, world class hotels. Which is good. Since I'm going back on or around June 14 for my third trip in 15 months. This will be my longest trip to India, lasting till July 11 or 12. It's a drag, because that's a long time to be away from home. But it's also cool, for two very compelling reasons. 1) It's a wicked cool client opportunity that may result in trips to China and/or Russia before the end of the year, and 2) because at least it's Gurgaon, where I have friends from previous trips. I'm sure I'll share details and photos galore leading up to, during, and after the trip. So that's all I'll say about that for now.
The water levels at the lake are slowly receding, although I only have marginal faith that I'll be able to get the boat out before heading to India. I'm doing my damnedest to exercise patience, although I'm sure most of you know that's not my best quality. At any rate, I look here every hour or so to see where the lake level is. The first chart needs to be around 478ft before things are good to go. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
On the TV front, Mom and Dave have gotten us into The West Wing, and gotten into it we have. If you didn't see it when it was on, I highly recommend heading to Best Buy and picking up the first two seasons, pronto. They're only like $20 each, and you really do want to have the second season ready when the season one finale credits roll. You'll want to watch it immediately. As in, immediately immediately. Trust me. I didn't take heed of that same advice, and suffered the consequences. Alas.
And with David Cook winning American Idol last night, I'm giddy as a schoolgirl that So you Think You Can Dance is back tonight. Woot.
That's all for now. L8tr Sk8trs.
Currently in Heber Springs, Arkansas
Currently listening to MSNBC News Live (in the background)
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Travel
posted by Dustin @ 12:00 PM,
You haven't seen this version...
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 7:42 PM,
(Still More) Shit I've Been Reading on Planes
Friday, May 9, 2008
Welcome to the third installment of "Shit I've Been Reading on Planes". For whatever reason, y'all seem to enjoy hearing about what I've been grabbing from airport bookstores and Amazon.com. Enjoy, or something.
Death To All Sacred Cows, by a few of the guys over at The Gate Worldwide manages to do something that few other business books can claim: not take itself too seriously. The concept is clear enough. In short, anything that is done in business simply because "it's always been done that way" stands a good chance of being worthy of a bullet in the face. The best line of the book, IMHO, goes something like "Anytime anyone tells you that something is always one way or another, that person is wrong-not always wrong, of course, but usually wrong about always being right...". Nevermind the fact that that statement itself starts with the absolute "anytime". The book had me laughing. Like, on multiple occasions. I can count the number of business books that can claim that on one finger.
It seems that I'm unable to post one of these without including one or more books by Augusten Burroughs. I assure you, this is a matter of timing as much as anything. But it's true that he's one of my favorite authors. His recently released memoir, A Wolf at the Table, is no exception in quality, morbidity, and intrigue. It is, however, a very serious departure from his previous work. There was not one single happy, goofy, amusing, or otherwise positive-vibed moment in the book's 242 pages. I highly recommend being in a good mood when you start this, and start it you should, else the darkness and tragedy turn an otherwise melancholy mood into a wrist-slitting-pill-popping-hang-yourself-in-the-closet mood. Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic (natch), but don't be surprised at how different from Running and Sellevision this one is.
Speaking of dark books, I've recently reread Anne Rice's Interview With The Vampire. Why? Because good shit doesn't stop being good. If your only Interview experience includes wacky-ass Tom Cruise, I recommend seeing just how good the source is. Not that the movie was bad. It was actually pretty stellar. But the book is at once tangibly creepy and undeniably romantic. If sex could, in its entirety, be translated into a single sentence, that sentence would surely come out of Lestat's mouth.
That's all for now. More trips (and books) coming up shortly.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Madonna - Dance 2night
Labels: All Posts, Literature, Travel
posted by Dustin @ 3:47 PM,
Here's to hoping the dems can get it together...
posted by Dustin @ 1:35 PM,
Floods, Rock and Roll, and Uncertain Itineraries...
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
As previously mentioned, much of the state of Arkansas is currently underwater. While we knew this to be the case, we've now taken two trips to the lake only to discover that said lake is essentially unrecognizable. I tried to find some before/after pictures to show those of you unfamiliar with the lake what I'm talking about, but failed miserably. So instead, the picture shown above is of a shed that sits about fifteen feet above normal lake level right at our marina. Yes, that would be the lake that rises almost six feet into said shed (wow, poetry). Alas, the Army Corps of Engineers estimates the lake will hopefully be back to manageable levels by the Fourth of July weekend. And the shoreline will be a mess long after that. But a drop of five feet should be enough to turn power back on at the dock, at which point we're able to get the boat down from the lift and cruise about a bit.
In other news, I’ve got some friends in Toronto that have a wicked little thing going on called Die Mannequin. Its a three piece with a chick lead singer/guitarist and she’s a force to be reckoned with (I normally don’t dig chick rock bands). I highly suggest picking up their new album, Unicorn Steak, on iTunes, Amazon, or whatever. It's both cheap and badass. And click the link at the bottom to see their video that's not done too poorly on MTV Canada. Sweet.
Finally, it's looking more and more likely that I'm heading back to India in the extremely near future. Its one of those clients with the money and the motivation, but the calendar and the balance sheet determine exactly when a project gets funded. If our suspicions are correct, which they will be, funds will be released and it will hit hard and fast. Kind of like "Hi Dustin, happy Thursday. We need you in Bangalore on Monday." Hopefully not quite THAT dramatic, but not too far off. S'pose I should go ahead and start my visa renewal paperwork, eh?
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Die Mannequin - Unicorn Steak
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Music, Travel
posted by Dustin @ 9:26 AM,
Fore...
Thursday, April 24, 2008
So, I haven't played golf in ten years. My grandpa used to take me for lessons and a round every Saturday from the time I was 13 till about 15. As I recall, I didn't suck too terribly hard and enjoyed every minute of it.
Fast forward to 2008. I've been saying for about a year or so that I should get back into it. The reasons are many. First, its a very healthy hobby, what with the cardio aspects and all (not to mention actually being outside breathing fresh air instead of glued to the Tivo). Second, its really quite fun. Third, and most convincingly, its a seriously useful tool in the world of corporate business. To date, I've managed to progress relatively rapidly in my career without needing to "shoot a round with the boss". But as I get more and more engaged with clients at higher levels within their organizations, its inevitable that I'm going to end up on a course with a Director, VP, or even C-Suite executive of some multinational corporation.
And I need to not suck.
The last thing one wants in a situation like that is to blow a round in a major way in front of ones colleagues and clients. I don't need to be ready for the PGA or anything, I just need to not slow down the rest of the crew and make a jackass out of myself (any more than normal, of course).
So, I've purchased a set of clubs and all of the necessary accoutrements. And yesterday, for the first time in ten years, I went to the driving range and hit a bucket of balls. Rather, hit about 2/3 of the bucket of balls and completely whiffed the others. Alas. I need practice. And I've only got till mid-July, when I'll be joining a group of colleagues in Monterey, California, the home of Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, and a slew of other world-class, championship quality courses. I need to not completely blow by then.
Any of my Memphis crew up for a round?
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Michael McDonald - Soul Speak
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 8:52 AM,
A buddy of mine from high school...
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tim Astor, a buddy of mine from high school, is a working actor in LA. One of the things he's working on is a website called BrevityTV.com. It's basically full of humorous sketches, spoofs, and general bullshit (something I'm clearly a fan of). Check out one of his first videos below. It amused me.
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 1:36 PM,
Spring is Upon Us, Dammit.
Monday, April 14, 2008
In spite of the fact that Memphis weather has spent the better part of two months playing ping-pong between 30 and 90 degrees...
In spite of the fact that over the last month the trees in our yard have blossomed, lost their leaves, blossomed again, and are about to lose their leaves when it hits the low 30's tonight...
In spite of the fact that much of eastern Arkansas is currently under water...
I'm going to the lake this weekend, dammit, and I'm going to usher in Springtime whether it's ready or not!
And we're bringing Wanda Jean and the New Boy with us. Friday can't come quick enough.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Darren Hayes - This Delicate Thing We've Made
Labels: All Posts, Relaxation
posted by Dustin @ 7:01 PM,
Happy Weekend.
Friday, April 11, 2008
For my 100th post to this blog (which is a record, btw...normally I switch blogs after about 35...), I thought I'd leave you with a little Friday evening humor. Enjoy.
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Relaxation
posted by Dustin @ 8:07 PM,
Honey Wanted To Jam...
I told her we have work to do still, and she'll have to wait for the weekend to get her rawk on.
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 1:38 PM,
So Much For Weekend Plans...
Well, all of my hopes for christening the boating season this weekend seem to have been washed away by the deluge that's currently in its 14th hour of kicking our ass. If we did make it to the lake, the water is so high we probably wouldn't be able to get the boat out from the dock, as our dock is positioned off a jetty that is almost certainly under water right now.
That, and taking the dog out would mean muddy, messy, ickyness. And while it's just as wet and nasty in Memphis, at least all of her bathtime supplies are here. So it appears we'll be sticking around for the weekend.
No worries, though. I'm always a fan of lazy stormy weekends and movie marathons. Sounds like a prime possibility.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Jellyfish - Spilt Milk
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Relaxation
posted by Dustin @ 8:02 AM,
Even at my most frustrated...
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Even when I'm furious at the injustices and stupidity for which our government is sometimes responsible, I'm glad to live in a nation that, while not anywhere near we need to be on issues of sexuality and sexual orientation, at least we don't have to deal with this kind of insanity:
By MAGGIE MICHAEL, Associated Press Writer
Wed Apr 9, 4:37 PM ET
CAIRO, Egypt - An Egyptian court convicted five men Wednesday on charges of homosexual behavior and sentenced them to three years in prison, officials said.
Defense lawyer, Adel Ramadan, said the judge found the men guilty of the "habitual practice of debauchery" — a term used in the Egyptian legal system to denote consensual homosexual acts.
The convictions were confirmed by a judicial official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to journalists.
Homosexuality is not explicitly referred to in Egypt's legal code, but a wide range of laws covering obscenity, prostitution and debauchery are applied to homosexuals in this conservative country.
The five men were arrested in what human rights groups describe as a crackdown on people with the AIDS virus, using the debauchery charges as a means to prosecute them.
Four of the five men tested HIV-positive after all were forced to undergo blood tests in custody, Human Rights Watch says. The New York-based rights group issued a statement Tuesday signed by more than 100 other organizations around the world condemning the prosecutions.
Ramadan, a lawyer with the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, said the five men were abused and tortured over the past several months to "extract confessions" from them.
In addition to their prison time, the men were sentenced to an additional three years of police supervision, meaning they will have to spend every night at a police station, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., the lawyer said.
Ramadan said the four HIV-positive defendants were shocked by their convictions.
"Two of them cried, screamed and shrieked," he said. "The other two, they remained silent, but I saw anger in their eyes for the injustice they have been exposed to."
Ramadan said he appealed the verdict to Egypt's Court of Cassation, the country's highest appellate court.
Dozens of human rights groups have criticized this trial and other similar ones as being driven by ignorance and fear of AIDS. They have warned that the convictions could undermine AIDS prevention in Egypt.
The five convicted Wednesday were among 12 people arrested in a sweep that began in October, when police arrested a man during an altercation with another man on a Cairo street, Human Rights Watch said.
After one of the men said he was HIV-positive, authorities opened investigations into other men whose names or contact information were uncovered in interrogations of the first group of men, Human Rights Watch said.
Egyptian police have denied making any arrests because of a person's HIV condition.
In mid-January, four other HIV-positive men from the group of 12 were sentenced to one-year prison terms on similar charges of debauchery. Three others from the 12 were not prosecuted, Human Rights Watch said.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Angels & Airwaves
posted by Dustin @ 8:40 AM,
Oh Dear.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 5:17 PM,
Ghosts.
I just got the new NIN release, entitled Ghosts I-IV. I would like to point out three important facts before encouraging you to check it out.
1) Ghosts I-IV is NIN's first entirely instrumental project. It is 36 tracks of perfectly-crafted Reznor-esque "music".
2) Ghosts I-IV is not an industrial rock album. If you're familiar with other NIN work, this is more like the intros and outros and transitions you find between the tracks on a typical NIN record. Only more badass and definitely more strange.
3) Ghosts I-IV is NIN's first release post-Interscope split. They have gone the way of Radiohead and released it independently, and in part free. So even if you don't want to shell out a couple of bucks, you can get the first nine tracks for nothing or the full 36 in digital form for $5.
Okay, that said, this is cool stuff. It's the kind of stuff you have to be in the mood for (kinda like She Wants Revenge, but that's another story for another time), but when you're in the mood, nothing else will fill the need.
Go. Get it free or cheap. What have you got to lose?
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to NIN - Ghosts I-IV, natch.
posted by Dustin @ 2:30 PM,
Back from San Fran...
I'm home. Things went well in San Francisco. That's a cell phone picture of the badass bar we went to Monday night. Any bar that has enough alcohol to require a rolling library ladder is cool by me.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to a marginally useful HCI webcast
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Travel
posted by Dustin @ 11:20 AM,
Hola de Colorado...
Sunday, April 6, 2008
That's my view from a bistro table at Lefty's Mile High Grille in the
In an effort to bring myself an added dose of good karma, you'll note that I removed all negative verbiage from the previous paragraph, as it is not the Denver airport's fault that it causes me such grief. It is, after all, the dharma of an American airport to make my travel as challenging as possible. So here I sit for the next four hours.
And I'm content enough, I suppose. At least my AT&T wireless card is happily trucking along. And I have a steady supply of Diet Coke. And hopefully something on the menu will offer sustenance with something less than a full week's worth of recommended calorie intake.
Happy Sunday. I'll hit ya back from San Fran.
Currently in Denver, Colorado
Currently listening to alot of background noise.
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Travel
posted by Dustin @ 11:26 AM,
Damn that pesky Constitution...
Friday, April 4, 2008
I'm clearly feeling a little political today. This is about a year and a half old now, but I'd wager things haven't gotten any better. Feel free to draw your own conclusions.
posted by Dustin @ 8:09 PM,
From a side email discussion...
The now-infamous John Yoo torture memo, which states that torture isn’t really torture unless it kills the suspect, and that President Bush’s wartime authority trumps torture law, is creating quite a firestorm. Constitutional professor Jonathan Turley joined Keith Olbermann on Thursday’s Countdown where he once again repeats his claim that President Bush broke the law and that the Democrats were afraid to pursue charges because they know it would trigger impeachment hearings and that scares them to death.
Turley:”…It’s really amazing, Congress, including the Democrats, have avoided any type of investigation into torture because they do not want to deal with the fact that the president ordered war crimes. But, evidence keeps on coming out. The only thing we don’t have is a group picture with a detainee attached to electrical wires.”
Personally, I'm offended by the fact that we can impeach a president for a blowie on the side, yet the top two politicians in our country are guilty of virtually every war crime in the book and stay in office and out of prison. It’s probably the single most embarrassing thing about being American in 2008. And I choose the word "embarrassing" very much on purpose, because while I'm proud to be an American, I am not proud of the last seven and a half years of governing and foreign relations. Not in the slightest.
Thoughts?
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Alice In Chains - Angry Chair
posted by Dustin @ 8:44 AM,
Reunions, Classic Tunes, and San Francisco...
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
I'm totally psyched. Tonight we're all heading over to The Pink Lady's house for a much needed get together. And the absolute best part is that our friend Sheridan is in town. Sheridan used to live here in Memphis and work with The Pink Lady (Amy, for those of you not in the know) at St. Jude as child life specialists. Almost exactly two years ago, Sheridan was unable to shake a bout with pneumonia which ultimately turned into some pretty serious medical issues. Serious enough that she ended up going to the Mayo Clinic and immediately thereafter moving home to Maine to be closer to her family as she fought to get well. She's a tough cookie and is still fighting, but our little group of friends never got a chance to so much as give her a hug before she left.
Anywho, it will be really, really good to see her tonight and give her that big hug that's been a long time waiting. Love her like crazy. And I guess it'll be okay to see the rest of "them bitches" too *rotfl*...
And I've been listening to alot of Elton John lately. Forget not that this is the man who gave us "Bennie and the Jets", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", and "Your Song"...This is one badass motherf*cker. If you've never had the privilege of exposure to his old stuff, get thee to iTunes and pick up "Rocket Man - Number Ones" and get educated. You'll not be sorry.
Finally, I'm back off to the Bay Area on Sunday for a Monday meeting. I'd love to get home Monday night but Tuesday is likely. I'm hoping to fit in another sushi run, as the last one was the best sushi experience of my life. We shall see. I'll bring my camera this time and get some pictures if I see anything interesting.
Cheers.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Elton John - Sacrifice
Labels: All Posts, Friends and Family, Music, Travel
posted by Dustin @ 10:14 AM,
Weekend Creativity...
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Howdy. I was feeling a bit creative this weekend after returning from Portland. So there's a new demo track on myspace over at www.myspace.com/dustincann called "What's it Gonna Take". As per usual, it is a demo, so no talking shit about the recording quality. Enjoy. Or don't. Whatever.
Cheers.
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Music
posted by Dustin @ 9:02 PM,
Jealousy and Fear of the Dark.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Reverend Humpy just scored tickets to Iron Maiden. I'm jealous. Indescribably so.
On a side note, read his list of 25 of his favorite artists of all time. With the possible exception of Fear Factory, I agree on all accounts. Not that Fear Factory is "heinoo" or anything. Just not to be grouped with the others, IMHO. I would quickly and succinctly replace them with Jellyfish.
Rock'n'Roll.
Labels: All Posts, Culture, Music
posted by Dustin @ 4:14 PM,
Apparently it's National Baby Travel Day...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Yeah, the NINE children - and while I'm generally prone to exaggeration, I assure you I am not stretching any truth this time - count them 9 children surrounding me were not nearly so peaceful as the little one in the above picture on my five hour flight from Memphis to Seattle.
And while the aisle seat is usually quite my favorite due to the added ability to throw my long-ass legs into the aisle, the seemingly ONLY other adults on the plane were sitting in the window and center seat and were apparently pregnant, or so their requirement to go to the lav four times each on the flight (and never coordinated, natch) would suggest.
Anyway, bitch bitch bitch. I'm in Seattle waiting for my flight to Portland, which promises to be mercifully short yet surprisingly loud (it'll be on a tiny little prop, no doubt). And contrary to my incessant bitching, I'm in quite a good mood. Woot.
Currently in Seattle, Washington
Currently listening to Jamie Cullum - Twentysomething
posted by Dustin @ 3:20 PM,
Sirius deal wins Justice backing
Monday, March 24, 2008
Woot! I should've bought more stock.
Labels: All Posts, Culture, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 2:36 PM,
More Shit I've Been Reading on Planes...
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
When last I wrote about Shit I've Been Reading on Planes, I was told by more than a few people that it should become a frequent visitor in my little corner of the blogiverse. And so once again, without further adieu, I give to you:
More Shit I've Been Reading On Planes
It's become quite apparent that Augusten Burroughs can't write anything that I'm not dispositioned to bloody well love. Magical Thinking is no exception. This time it's a collection of short stories and essays that had me at once giggly, weepy, and generally horrified. Gotta love it.
The Bhagavad Gita is taken from the Sanskrit Mahabharata, and can be considered one of Hinduism's most important pieces of guiding literature. It's full of good philosophy, but I'd urge any of my Western friends to pick up a copy with a good preface that will give you a quick crash course in the basic concepts and verbiage of Hinduism, as they're referenced throughout "the Gita" with an expectation that the reader is somewhat aware. Once you educate yourself about dharma and karma, Brahman, and "the Self", you're ready to rock on some really vivid imagery and philosophy. Snoogens.
Though I've been aware of it for years, it was one of my long-time best friends, the most pious Reverend Humpy, who finally urged me to sit down and read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. It offers an extremely practical explanation of some of the easier to digest principles of Zen Buddhism from the perspective of a dude and his son on a cross-country motorcycle trip. Pretty damned good indeed.
Finally, The No Asshole Rule. To be fair, I haven't yet read this. In fact, it's in the mail and should be arriving for my plane reading pleasure this Friday. I'll be flying to Portland next week, so I'll give you an update then. But the gist is that corporate leaders should not employ assholes, and that we as employees should not be assholes. How can you argue with that? More to come.
Labels: All Posts, Literature, Travel
posted by Dustin @ 9:30 PM,
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