A wise friend from work recommended seeing the movie "Zorba the Greek". It's been on my list for some time but in the back...not at the end but not near the middle either.
My friend asked me to rent it for someone and loan it...so I did. I saw it ...and here is my new favorite saying about living and being alive...
Zorba...
04 September 2008
10 August 2008
fucking people...
I hate people. Well, the average american anyway.
I was at the dodger game last night. I got a great seat. Four rows back, 3rd base side. Right where I wanted to be.
Next to me, two slightly above average chicks. Things are looking good, but when the game starts they start talking. And talking, and talking. They talked for 4 innings straight, about nothing. Not Seinfeld amusing nothing. Clothes, phones, who broke up with who, hair highlights. Holy fuck, the caveman head bashing instict was kicking in hard.
There was an older couple in front of me and the wife kept shooting looks back as if to say "SHUT THE FUCK UP!" in a more polite manner actually, more like, "would you please shut the fuck up, we're watching the game."
I'm getting better seats lately as my circumstances have improved, so the problems have evolved. In the cheap seats I would contend with drunk guy, likes to fight guy and I have to scream at how lousy every player is no matter what, guy.
I thought when I migrated the experience would be better. The sights are better but now I'm contending with kids and others who got their tickets from someone and have to call everyone they know to tell them they are at the game, or calling people at the game to see if their friends can see them, or like the game I was at, chicks that use the game ...to catch up...
People! Save your money! Go to a bar, chat, get drunk! Whatever! Don't do it at the game! I'M WATCHING THE GAME!
And I would make this same post had the dodgers won. Honestly, people suck.
I was at the dodger game last night. I got a great seat. Four rows back, 3rd base side. Right where I wanted to be.
Next to me, two slightly above average chicks. Things are looking good, but when the game starts they start talking. And talking, and talking. They talked for 4 innings straight, about nothing. Not Seinfeld amusing nothing. Clothes, phones, who broke up with who, hair highlights. Holy fuck, the caveman head bashing instict was kicking in hard.
There was an older couple in front of me and the wife kept shooting looks back as if to say "SHUT THE FUCK UP!" in a more polite manner actually, more like, "would you please shut the fuck up, we're watching the game."
I'm getting better seats lately as my circumstances have improved, so the problems have evolved. In the cheap seats I would contend with drunk guy, likes to fight guy and I have to scream at how lousy every player is no matter what, guy.
I thought when I migrated the experience would be better. The sights are better but now I'm contending with kids and others who got their tickets from someone and have to call everyone they know to tell them they are at the game, or calling people at the game to see if their friends can see them, or like the game I was at, chicks that use the game ...to catch up...
People! Save your money! Go to a bar, chat, get drunk! Whatever! Don't do it at the game! I'M WATCHING THE GAME!
And I would make this same post had the dodgers won. Honestly, people suck.
19 July 2008
minor issues of life and death
My car is a piece of crap. I know it. I've lived with it for years. I've been holding on and holding on because I just hate the idea of spending a lot of cash on a car I'm just going to drive on the weekends.
However, I realized that my car is a symbol of some of the worn out, torn up things I have in my life that I need to upgrade.
Last week, I started to smell oil...burning...when I was driving. Now I made this mistake with the first car I owned. I drove it until it died an undeservedly shabby death, stranding me on the freeway, once, twice, three...possibly more times.
I've been looking at a few cars. Upscale and not. Wednesday I decided I need to get this done, So I made some calls. I ended up at the Scion dealer near my house. I want to keep the local economy going and dealt with a car salesman.
My opinion car salesmen are all the same guy. Half human half....something. The something varies but it's not good.
The new car part was straight forward. The basic car has everything I want and it's an easy deal. I wanted to drive down the price and was prepared for war but first we had to deal with the trade in. Which, in hindsight was a mistake. Deal with the hard work on the new car price, get it as low as you can and then deal with the trade in and get as much as you can. Next time my plan will be better.
Anyway, the piece of crap was on the lot. The used car guy went out and looked at it. 1993 honda with 180K + miles. Bruised, dirty, smelled like oil, french fries and a few old girlfriends. hehehehehehe
anyway...used car guy comes back and in a sympathetic voice, "we can't do anything with that car, I don't want to insult you by making an offer" So I told him, OK. And got up to leave. I learned a while back in any negotiation you have to be ready to pick up and walk out so the boundaries are set.
As I got up the guy asked if that would kill the deal and I told him yes. His eyes shifted and he took a couple of short hard breaths. "Hold on" he said. He disappeared and resurfaced and told me the dealership wouldn't make any money on my car and in fact they would lose money by taking it but they would ....give me.....$500 just to make the deal go. " Now imagine his voice trying to make me feel sympathy for a car dealer. It really made me feel a sick sort of pride to see him squirm this way. I'm sick in the head but...it's true.
I told him I need $1200 for my car or I wouldn't make the deal. I wasn't a dick. I just told him the truth. Friendly and matter of fact. It's not my style to pound the table and make demands. The gentlemanly approach is more my style. I wonder why?
Used car guy seemed a little off. He came back with $850. The best he could do.
I told him no.
"but..." he added "$850 is so close, it's such a small difference between $850 and $1200"
I smiled and agreed. "You're right. So ....give me $1200 and it's a deal."
Now this part pissed me off. He looked at me. Dead in the eye. We locked in and I could tell he was looking for weakness. His little black moustache pinched up just below his nose but his eyes stayed on mine. I could feel the tension on his side of the table but I was relaxed. I knew the one thing that was key. He had a car. Cars are everywhere. I could go across the street and get another car, but I had money. And everyone, EVERYONE likes money.
"OK, $1200 but promise to give us a good survey"
I smiled, "Sure" and shook his hand.
For other reasons I didn't pick up the car that night I came and got it today and my mistake I was tired and really just wanted to get the thing done so rather than go three rounds with this guy over the price I moved some things around and bought it cash.
I've had the car for about 2 hours now and it's nice.
BUT, the highlight of my day, year....
My phone rang about 40 minutes ago.
My salesman called.
"Paul, how do you this $1200 car started?"
The saying goes timing is everything and it has never been truer than that today because as I was backing my brand new car in to my driveway my old Honda was gasping and gurgling it's last breath. I can imagine if it had a hand it would be out stretched with middle finger extended screaming "I'll see you in HELL!" as it drew it's final breaths and the dealer and sales people stood around slowly shaking their heads.
Timing=everything.
However, I realized that my car is a symbol of some of the worn out, torn up things I have in my life that I need to upgrade.
Last week, I started to smell oil...burning...when I was driving. Now I made this mistake with the first car I owned. I drove it until it died an undeservedly shabby death, stranding me on the freeway, once, twice, three...possibly more times.
I've been looking at a few cars. Upscale and not. Wednesday I decided I need to get this done, So I made some calls. I ended up at the Scion dealer near my house. I want to keep the local economy going and dealt with a car salesman.
My opinion car salesmen are all the same guy. Half human half....something. The something varies but it's not good.
The new car part was straight forward. The basic car has everything I want and it's an easy deal. I wanted to drive down the price and was prepared for war but first we had to deal with the trade in. Which, in hindsight was a mistake. Deal with the hard work on the new car price, get it as low as you can and then deal with the trade in and get as much as you can. Next time my plan will be better.
Anyway, the piece of crap was on the lot. The used car guy went out and looked at it. 1993 honda with 180K + miles. Bruised, dirty, smelled like oil, french fries and a few old girlfriends. hehehehehehe
anyway...used car guy comes back and in a sympathetic voice, "we can't do anything with that car, I don't want to insult you by making an offer" So I told him, OK. And got up to leave. I learned a while back in any negotiation you have to be ready to pick up and walk out so the boundaries are set.
As I got up the guy asked if that would kill the deal and I told him yes. His eyes shifted and he took a couple of short hard breaths. "Hold on" he said. He disappeared and resurfaced and told me the dealership wouldn't make any money on my car and in fact they would lose money by taking it but they would ....give me.....$500 just to make the deal go. " Now imagine his voice trying to make me feel sympathy for a car dealer. It really made me feel a sick sort of pride to see him squirm this way. I'm sick in the head but...it's true.
I told him I need $1200 for my car or I wouldn't make the deal. I wasn't a dick. I just told him the truth. Friendly and matter of fact. It's not my style to pound the table and make demands. The gentlemanly approach is more my style. I wonder why?
Used car guy seemed a little off. He came back with $850. The best he could do.
I told him no.
"but..." he added "$850 is so close, it's such a small difference between $850 and $1200"
I smiled and agreed. "You're right. So ....give me $1200 and it's a deal."
Now this part pissed me off. He looked at me. Dead in the eye. We locked in and I could tell he was looking for weakness. His little black moustache pinched up just below his nose but his eyes stayed on mine. I could feel the tension on his side of the table but I was relaxed. I knew the one thing that was key. He had a car. Cars are everywhere. I could go across the street and get another car, but I had money. And everyone, EVERYONE likes money.
"OK, $1200 but promise to give us a good survey"
I smiled, "Sure" and shook his hand.
For other reasons I didn't pick up the car that night I came and got it today and my mistake I was tired and really just wanted to get the thing done so rather than go three rounds with this guy over the price I moved some things around and bought it cash.
I've had the car for about 2 hours now and it's nice.
BUT, the highlight of my day, year....
My phone rang about 40 minutes ago.
My salesman called.
"Paul, how do you this $1200 car started?"
The saying goes timing is everything and it has never been truer than that today because as I was backing my brand new car in to my driveway my old Honda was gasping and gurgling it's last breath. I can imagine if it had a hand it would be out stretched with middle finger extended screaming "I'll see you in HELL!" as it drew it's final breaths and the dealer and sales people stood around slowly shaking their heads.
Timing=everything.
19 March 2008
ugh...home
I spent about 24 hour total in transit since I left my hotel in sao paulo and put the key in my own lock at home.
I'm spent, but I can't sleep. I don't know what clock my body is on buy I'm exhausted but I can't go to sleep. I'm sure I'll pass out eventually.
I wasn't really into this trip for the first few days but getting into the colonial towns brought me around. The slower pace and tremendous artwork got to me.
One thing that caught me by surprise on this trip, was something the brazilians did. Subtle but really charming.
I got stuck short of cash at the post office. I thought I would just go to the ATM and pull some cash but it turned out to be more exhaustive, but anyway, I told the lady behind the counter I was short and I would go, get cash and come back. Rather than roll her eyes or have security throw me out, she looked me dead in the face gave me the slightest nod and gave me the thumbs up. Not a dufus, grinning thumbs up you get in the states but her fist was firmly clenched, thumb tight against the index finger and with that look and the gesture I felt connected. She was telling me, "don't worry, we'll make this work."
I thought this might be just a moment with a lady who had some kind of character, but this gesture and attitude was everywhere in Brazil. A bum was hassling me at lunch and the cook came by and got rid of the guy. I told him thank you in portuguese and he gave me the dead eye stare and the thumbs up. The same one.
It's a very unique kind of dynamic I wish I found more on this side.
Anyway, that's one of the best things I got from this trip.
I"m home so no posts for a while unless some weird shit happens or a wild hair grows.
later all
Your humble narrator,
P
I'm spent, but I can't sleep. I don't know what clock my body is on buy I'm exhausted but I can't go to sleep. I'm sure I'll pass out eventually.
I wasn't really into this trip for the first few days but getting into the colonial towns brought me around. The slower pace and tremendous artwork got to me.
One thing that caught me by surprise on this trip, was something the brazilians did. Subtle but really charming.
I got stuck short of cash at the post office. I thought I would just go to the ATM and pull some cash but it turned out to be more exhaustive, but anyway, I told the lady behind the counter I was short and I would go, get cash and come back. Rather than roll her eyes or have security throw me out, she looked me dead in the face gave me the slightest nod and gave me the thumbs up. Not a dufus, grinning thumbs up you get in the states but her fist was firmly clenched, thumb tight against the index finger and with that look and the gesture I felt connected. She was telling me, "don't worry, we'll make this work."
I thought this might be just a moment with a lady who had some kind of character, but this gesture and attitude was everywhere in Brazil. A bum was hassling me at lunch and the cook came by and got rid of the guy. I told him thank you in portuguese and he gave me the dead eye stare and the thumbs up. The same one.
It's a very unique kind of dynamic I wish I found more on this side.
Anyway, that's one of the best things I got from this trip.
I"m home so no posts for a while unless some weird shit happens or a wild hair grows.
later all
Your humble narrator,
P
18 March 2008
Se
The sun is back. It rained a little last night and when I got up this morning it was hot. Brazil hot! So hot after walking two blocks I had to buy another shirt hot.
I went to the sao paulo art museum. Saw some interesting artwork hada little lunch . A little coffee...a little dessert. NIce little afternoon trip before I catch my plane.
I shot this video before I went to the museum. Se park is pretty cool.
I~m pretty comfortable here . I like sao paulo. this city has a lot of character.
I^m off to shower and catch some bbc before the airport.
See you on the other side.
P
17 March 2008
sao paulo rain
So the first half of this trip was HOT! Hot, muggy and sticky. Last few days it's been raining.
I wanted to go out today. Tomorrow I catch my plane in the evening so I wanted to wander a bit more an see more of the public art. There are sculptures in the parks and the subway stations have local art.
I bought a $4 umbrella and walked around. This city has some great looking buildings and in the 30's it must have been amazing. Alot like Egypt. Now the buildings are dark, dirty and patched up to function. A little sad but what can you do. it~s expensive to maintain infrastructure.
I stopped off at mcdonalds so see if the coffee tastes the same here as in the states. They have apple AND bananna pies here. Fried, but no coffee at this mcdonalds. NO COFFEE! WTF!
OK, not a big deal. I stopped by bakery around corner from my hotel and got a coffee to go and watched BCC and ate my pies. Very nice.
The bananna was basically a bananna and cinnamon filling in a crust. My first hotel in rio had sliced bananas with cinnamon served as part of breakfast. It~s simple and tastes great! How did I never think of that at home?
I~m still out wandering. The pies will not last in my system long and I'll need to find real food sooner or later. I'll check my book and see what they recommend.
I'll see what's around tonight. I'll see if there are any music clubs open during the week
later
I wanted to go out today. Tomorrow I catch my plane in the evening so I wanted to wander a bit more an see more of the public art. There are sculptures in the parks and the subway stations have local art.
I bought a $4 umbrella and walked around. This city has some great looking buildings and in the 30's it must have been amazing. Alot like Egypt. Now the buildings are dark, dirty and patched up to function. A little sad but what can you do. it~s expensive to maintain infrastructure.
I stopped off at mcdonalds so see if the coffee tastes the same here as in the states. They have apple AND bananna pies here. Fried, but no coffee at this mcdonalds. NO COFFEE! WTF!
OK, not a big deal. I stopped by bakery around corner from my hotel and got a coffee to go and watched BCC and ate my pies. Very nice.
The bananna was basically a bananna and cinnamon filling in a crust. My first hotel in rio had sliced bananas with cinnamon served as part of breakfast. It~s simple and tastes great! How did I never think of that at home?
I~m still out wandering. The pies will not last in my system long and I'll need to find real food sooner or later. I'll check my book and see what they recommend.
I'll see what's around tonight. I'll see if there are any music clubs open during the week
later
16 March 2008
iguazu
I wasn~t too sure about this spot for my birthday as the day approached but Ive had good instincts about these things in the past so I went with it.
Flying in getting a hotel, then booking everything was a hassle but only moderately so.
The day started with a bus ride which almost took me to argentina but turned around and got to the brazilian side of iguazu. I got in the park and the first stop was a boat ride into the falls. IT WAS AMAZING! We were in the falls! Unbelievable! the boat ride was fun too....
After the boat I went repelling and walked the trail to the observation point at the devil's throat.
The trip was totally worth it!
I flew in to sao paolo last night and will be here for a couple of days before I go home.
Í'm wiped out and I have no clean clothes left.
Brazil has been nice, but hot!
The brazilains I've met have been pretty friendly and the food is pretty good. I've been sticking to simple stuff and walking alot. I^m trying to keep my weight in check so I have to be mindful of what I'm eating. This portuguese keyboard takes some getting used to. My powers of punctuation have not failed me, things are different here.
One thing I have learned about brazil. They use very little material in making their toilet seats. Everwhere I~ve gone, top to bottom the toilet seats have been the absolute structual minimum in material. They must replace these things with regularity or our building standards in north america are radically overcompensating for something.
Anyway, I walked about sao paolo today. Saw the musueum of modern art and wasn~t really impressed. Ate some good feojada and walked all day.
My hotel has a good view of the city but only gets bbc in english. I killed two mosquitos watching tv this afternoon. I hope I got them all.
I~ll write more tomorrow.
later....
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