Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Greatest Song Lyrics Ever: Agree or Disagree?


Lord Jazz cuts and scratches 'Chief Rocka'*


Verse One:


Mr. Funke Boom shaka laka yo here comes the Chief Rocka Rock it down so jump up off the tip you're not my nucca For sharper type to battle make the people say ooh ahh Think I won't curse I'll break down and say puta ?Hey madrigon sesa me bichafi mi chocha? Say what I want because I'm that type of guy Now fam a lam I'll be damned, slam jams the weak Could it be the skunk weed that makes us oh so funky? Now hold it let me choose, couldn't be the booze No it's the shoes (the shoes?) It's gotta be the shoes! Cause girlies, they clock, they stand around and jock so I say boom shaka lak, grab the microphone then rock ?To think I'm the troop, when on the mic? ?I'll say it, it ain't the shows kid? ?Like drunk and a grump and sound over some uhhhh!? The Cat in the Hat and the mouse ran up the stairs "That doesn't make no sense!" C'mon who cares? See even without the gift there's yours so don't be tryin to knock me I say what I want to say, as long it sounds funk Some MC's wanted to buy me, so they try to take stands But they don't understand, I'm the motherfuckin man I amaze and astound, rhythm up and down Smack a group of them around, let them know who wears the crown Who's-the-tip-of-the-top, the-cream-of-the-crop, the-best-under-the-sun? I'm the Lord Chief Rocka, number one, Mr. Funke, uhh


*Lord Jazz cuts 'The Lord Chief Rocka, number one, Chief Rocka' 8X*


Verse Two:


DoItAll Well umm, boom, shak-a-lak, I got the flavors, the funk Whew! And it's smellin up the hip-hop A little bit of this, a little bit of that Mixed a, little of this, and now I gotta rap I'm the, Chief Rocka, so I guess I am in charge I freak it with a twist so you'll boom it in your cars I'm the, one with the flow and the grip like G.I. Joe I snatch, I grab, and then I grab the dough, see if I was an Indian I'd still be the Chief The only other difference I'd smoke weed in a leaf To the hip, the hop, to the hibby to the hibbidy hip-hop, oh no, I don't wanna go pop! I got, too much soul, rhythm and blues R&B ya see, all that's cool, but hip-hop and rap yeah that's where my heart's at Even back when I used to break on a box Backspins for backspin, even while I'm rappin Before I had a record, I always kept em clappin Freestylin on the block, now I Chief Rock I always entertain, by diggin in my crux My brain, so if it's gonna rain let it rain I spook you with the hit, make you jump like House of Pain Boogaloo boogaloo, shake and jump And remember, remember, Chief Rocka won't front


*Lord Jazz cuts 'The Lord Chief Rocka, number one Chief Rocka' 4X*


Verse Three:


DoItAll, Mr. Funke [DIA] Ay Mr. Funke [MrF] Whassup? [DIA] Can I get assistance? [MrF] For what? [DIA] For what? Yo Jazz, flex a cut Well back is the backer, I'm chillin with my knocker And if ya got beef, then you can live with Jimmy Hoffa like [duo] what goes up, must come down [DIA] But not me clown I cut em, crack a speaker when I'm pumpin So jump in, and watch your earrrs start hummin through the block, and don't forget to boom shak shak-a-lak [MrF] Well damn DoItAll can I rock? I hear a beat I grab the mic, and then I start this workin The kids around the way used to think that I was buggin But they don't understand how I feel about the funk I walk with the funk, I talk with the funk I eat with the funk, I sleep
with the funk I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk So now what do they say, when I'm walkin up the block? Boom shaka laka there goes the Chief Rocka *Lord Jazz does his thing again until fade
This was the first song on side B of the greatest mixtape I ever made.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Random Facts and Mysteries of Substance

Here are ten random facts and mysteries from my journal, or as the Pilgrims like to call it, "book to write inside of when not sober."


  1. I would like to see 2 teams of homeless people play flag football against each other using 2 dollar bills as the flags.
  2. I feel that the other planets in our solar system are under-represented in the Miss Universe pageant. Why doesn't Mars host it for once?
  3. Broccoli is environmentally-conscious cauliflower.
  4. If you're going to paint a portrait of your life, paint it in whiteout so you can do it all over again.
  5. I only wear my board shorts when I'm on the boardwalk, my trunks when I climb a tree, my bathing suit when I'm in the tub, and my speedos when I'm in a rush.
  6. Never put a 2 and an 8 together...they're wild and crazy.
  7. Our arteries communicate with each other using bloodcell phones.
  8. The man who invented the walkie talkie was sued by a 2 year old. The toddler claimed the inventor stole his his entire vocabulary to name his invention.
  9. A frog's favorite day is February 29th.
  10. How would you be able to tell if a hyena thought you were funny?

Much Love,
John

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Pickups of the Week

This is a new installment I like to call "Pickups of the Week." Every week I will be sending all you kids out there new and interesting things to buy, listen to, read, play with, poop on, eat, etc...

If you're like me, you don't like having other people tell you what to do or "what's cool." However, I assure you, pickups of the week are designed to instigate pleasure for all types of people. Use at your own discretion.
Pickups of the Week, December 10th, 2008

  1. Men's Neutrogena "Invigorating" Face Wash. This swagger soap will surely get your day started the right way. Leaves the face smooth, clean, and scented nicely. There's some kind of agent in it that makes your face tingle/burn for 20 seconds after use. They call this invigorating... I call this, "get your ass to work!"
  2. Ice Skates. Last night I went skating at Rockefeller Center with a holiday party. I was a little skeptical about hitting the ice at first because of the amount of booze that was in my blood and I had my favorite work pants on, however, after a really cute girl named Nikki from Delaware called me a wussy... I decided to give it a shot. I lasted 15 minutes, no falls, and it was actually a lot of fun!
  3. The Phone! Pick it up! Call somebody... anybody. Researchers have concluded that social interaction between friends or family is essential for a healthy lifestyle. I always call my mom on her day off during the week and it's always music to my ears and it reminds me where I come from. Girls, you might not have a problem with this because phones are attached to your ears, but guys... I'm only asking for 5 minutes!
  4. Fleet Foxes. This 5 piece band from Seattle is starting to make some waves in some very calm waters. Melodic and breezy, the Fleet Foxes will give you hope and assure you that there's still talented musicians out there. They describe their songs as, ""baroque harmonic pop jams." Listen and enjoy.
  5. Salmon. I know, we are reminded every day how good salmon is for you. The Omega 3 fatty acids and all that jazz. However, salmon is one of the best things you can put in your body, as the fatty acids from this pink fish elevate brain function, help clear out your bloodstream of toxins, reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, assist in the formation of new DNA, and has been known to reduce depression. Try this: a little salt and pepper on both sides, lemon juice, white wine, and butter... throw her in the oven for about 10 minutes or so (depending on how you like your fish cooked and your done. Serve with some sauteed escarole and pour the sauce over everything... you'll be swimming upstream for days! If you hate fish... get the Omega 3 pills.
  6. Flameless Candles. Holidays are coming around and this would be a great gift for anyone (guys, it's ok to have candles in your room... the ladies will be impressed that you have a softer side). These candles have a little switch that when you turn on, mimics the flame of a real candle. They are battery-powered and reasonably priced. Some even come scented! Wooooooohoooo! Turn these on at night and never worry about burning to death!

Don't worry, the week's almost over. Be good.

~John

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The Gym: An Adult Playground



I recently joined a gym near my apartment and realized why I am a quasi-gym goer. You know what I mean... I am the type that joins a gym, works out steadily for a month or so and then reverts back to my usual ways of eating as much cookie dough as I can while watching full seasons of TV shows on DVD within a 24 hour time frame.


I realized this when I looked around the gym last night and noticed the strangeness of human beings in pure fitness mode. I am not cut out for it because I think I am a logical person. Too much testosterone takes away from rational thought. In addition, I think it is a falsehood that people go to the gym to actually partake in "fitness." I believe the gym acts more as a watering hole for people who normally don't think highly of themselves to feel like they are A Number 1, top of the list, king of the hill... A Number 1. I must say, not all people at the gym are there for vanity purposes. Like myself, there are a handful of people you barely notice that are actually doing proper physical fitness exercises that benefit the body internally. If you are unsure which category you fit into, I have created a list that classifies whether or not you are a gym tourist (one who is there for the sights and sounds and cares more about the "meat" than the "head").


You might be a gym tourist if...


1) When you fart, a small dust cloud of protein powder shoots from your butt.


2) You wear bright pink tank tops with the "Body Glove" logo on the front.


3) At any point you look in the mirror, you smile at yourself.


4) You legally change your name to "Ice."


5) You use the water fountain more than 10 times in one workout.


6) You wear a grey Everlast sweatshirt that hangs past your shoulders.

7) You are wearing diamond stud earrings.


8) Your hair does not move while you are working out.



9) You use the word, "bro" when talking to either sex.



10) You make it a point to yell loudly at the end of each set.



11) At any point, you ask if there is a tanning salon on the premises.



12) You throw weights in the air after a set and let them drop violently to the ground so everyone has to look.



13) You have noticeable veins in your face.



14) You walk around breathing heavily wiping fake sweat off your face and look puzzled about which machine you should use next.



15) You have a second job at GNC.



16) You carry around a binder to document your workout routine.



17) You bring a lufa into the shower.



18) You are wearing spandex, leg warmers, and 1982 high top Reebok sneakers, and/or any combination of the three.



19) You bring your own boom box to workout to, rather than investing in an iPod.



20) You are training for an audition for the next season of American Gladiators.



21) After a workout, you immediately light up a cigarette as you leave.


This list does not necessarily classify those who fit the gym tourist description, however, this list does document those we love to hate. Please be conscious if you are doing one or more of the above. Guys, I hope you understand... some muscles (body parts) don't get any bigger by working out regularly.... in fact, they actually look smaller the bigger your body gets (wink wink). The gym is like a playground... establish yourself as the strongest, not the prettiest, and you will cut the line for the slide every time.

Monday, December 8, 2008

The Life of a Goldfish


I recently thought about how exciting it would be to get a pet. The last pet I had was a bitch. The krazy little K-9 I speak of... well, her name was Nikki. She was a little white fluffy mess. Her father's name was Snowball and her mother's name was Gloria. What these two fur balls produced was really a work of art. What other animal on this earth would eat used tissues like it was candy and poop behind the TV where no one could reach? Nikki lived an astounding 13 years. By that point she was blind, diabetic, and constantly had headaches from bumping into walls and legs of chairs with the front of her head. To conclude her fantastic little life, she ended up committing suicide on Christmas Eve. She decided to eat an entire box of chocolates which instantly put her into a diabetic shock and minutes later... killed her. Some people joke around and say it was, "death by chocolate." How long did it take you to figure out your sooo clever, huh? Others say and I agree, that she knew her time was up and wanted one last great meal before heading off to doggie heaven.

Whenever the holidays come around, we remember Nikki and her chocolate suicide. I tend to think about getting another pet. What I thought about recently was the childhood favorite: The Goldfish. If you think about it, goldfish must be the lamest, most morose pet one could own. If you are feeling depressed and want to die but do not think you can go through with it, get a goldfish... this will surely make you pull the trigger... or jump depending on your beliefs on splattering. I will now break down the life of a goldfish for you.

  • Day One: Goldfish seems content in new environment and likes resting near fake coral. Goldfish is mostly pleased that it is not swimming around in a plastic bag any longer.

  • Day Two: Goldfish is now extremely desperate and has insane tendencies. This is a surprise to you because you have been feeding it properly, however, Goldfish looks like he hates you as you try to feed him. As you watch it growing tired, the only movements it is making now is to eat it's own feces.

  • Day Three: Goldfish has died from exhaustion and lay floating at the surface.

If you want an easy pet, try sea monkeys... at least you will not be able to see it when they die.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

To Each Its Own.


To those who have been patiently awaiting this blog...I commend you. I, on the one hand, lack patience most of the time so screw virtues.... I need answers now man! Anyway, as the kids at work like to say, "it's really rampin' up at the office," so my time has been spent either morphing into a corporate transformer, getting too drunk to type, or sleeping and dreaming about peanut-butter covered kittens. However, today, I took advice from the Beastie Boys and fought for my right to paaarty, and decided to leave work at a reasonable time to come home and enjoy one of the things I love most...having a nice cold beer, watching politicians try to persuade the crap out of other human beings, and stare into my computer screen and talk about my day.


One of the best places to get material, whether a blog or a half-hour comedy routine, is undoubtedly the New Jersey Path trains. I ride this delightful, over-sized, electric sardine-tin every day- Monday through Friday and I must say, I love it. On occasion, I am being either anally abused by a leather bag or nasally abused by an unshowered anti-hygenist, however I usually find a middle ground in between staring into my newspaper and listening to my iPod and trying to figure out the best way to keep my balance without grabbing a diseased-ridden pole.

Some days, it's magical. Today, for instance, was a day I felt like a really cool dude when I went to work because of someone on the Path train. As I stepped on the train this morning at 8:15 as I usually do, I found the best spot where I could simultaneously hold on to a pole with my left hand and not have to let go to turn the page of my newspaper (this is very successful for me). As I put my bag down to enjoy the 20 minutes of the day I get to listen to Hendrix become a sonic gust of wind and to find out why the Yankees lost the night before, I look down and see a very colorful magazine. Oh wait..it's not a magazine. Wow, it's a...a...uhh...comic book. My eyes gravitate to the reader and all I see is the top of his head. A clean bald spot makes it's home on the man's crown and it gets me thinkin'. What kind of 7 year old child is balding! I pretend like the movement of the tracks makes me stumble a little and I step on the 7 year old's foot to get a response. At that moment I realize that this is no 7 year old, but in fact, it is a grown man in his 30s. At this moment, I feel 2 emotions. One: Has humanity lost their god damn mind and two: I feel like a really cool dude now.

I start thinking about the concept of the comic book and it makes -10 sense to me (yes, that's less than zero). The comic book this gentlemen (possibly some sort of superhero) was reading was Superman. The only way I can give credit to a comic book reader is if they in fact cannot read and have to attain enjoyment through pictures. Did this gentlemen not know the story of Superman? Isn't Superman the easiest thing to grasp? Nerd by day, awesome by night, emotionally depressed because he cant reveal his true identity to the woman he loves? Hasn't this story been around for decades? What has changed? Is Superman doing something these days I don't know about? Is he inventing new dance moves?

I put on my kryptonite eyeglasses to try to rile the guy up, but he was too involved in his children's book. I'm going to stop here and say if anyone reading this also reads comic books... I applaude you for getting this far down without opening up a new website related to magic or Wicca. Moving forward, I realized that this man probably has not seen a naked woman since an 80's horror movie, so I had to be gentle. I thought about a guy at work who, on his lunch break, takes an hour and reads his comic book also. When I pass him, I don't know whether to say, "hey dude what's happenin'?" or, "hey dude, can I see that?" and start ripping out the pages and crumpling them up and continue to say, "you'll thank me later."

I just don't get it. I remember in 3rd grade EVERY kid my age was collecting marvel comic cards, so of course I went out and got the entire set. After I completed the set with Dr. Octopus (this is extremely hypocritical, I know) I never touched it again... I moved on to POGS. But there's something to be said about grown men who still are fascinated with the idea of men wearing all leather who can fly and shoot lasers out of their eyes. Even the word "Comic Book," makes no sense. Their not funny at all. They are actually in every sense of the word...evil.

Kohn, if you are reading this, you are in a different category. My friend Mike "Kohn" has this type of comic fetish I speak of. However, he has some of the most rarest comics on the planet which he could probably put his kids through college with. He also has a movie theater in his basement and owns "real" light- sabers and sometimes admits he is a "geek." But this geek happens to be a pretty cool dude because he has a kegeratore and gets to see naked women on a regular basis, so as I said before, Kohn, you are in a different category.

As I go back to spellcheck this blurb, I kind of feel bad now. Who am I to judge right? I mean, I like women, hanging out at cool bars, playing music, snowboarding, smelling good, feeling good, living fast and dying young. I bet the guy on the train probably thinks I am a complete moron. I bet the guy at work who spends his break buried in a cartoonish fantasy world wants to slice my throat with a samurai sword. I guess there's a viable reason there are actual stores you can purchase these flimsy, exaggerated books of unrealistic fiction. It's because people ENJOOOY them. If you enjoy something, fight for it. If some jerk like me comes up to you and slaps your comic book out of your hand and laughs, stand up for superheroes everywhere and use your powers to shoot lasers out of your eyes or turn into a 8 foot tall green asshole on steroids and smash him into the ground! Because, no matter how silly, or how sarcastic I get about topics like this, or how awfully moronic comic books (or Jimi Hendrix and Hugo Boss sports jackets) may be.... to each his f-in own. Talk to you soon fellow villains.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

The Montauk Monster


Ok, so without further adieu, I bring you my first posting. I'm just going to get right into it and discuss my favorite topic of last week... The Montauk Monster. This picture magically circulated through my office at work and made me the happiest man in the world. I mean, how can you not love something as ugly as this. Many people have put up arguments on what this creature could possibly be. Some say it's a turtle without a shell. Some experts are sure that it's a raccoon. Others tend to believe it's a dog and the wear and tear of the ocean currents have eroded it's face off. Face.... off.

It gets me excited to know how this creature was discovered. Apparently, three young innocent girls were taking a stroll down the shore when the "Gatekeeper of Gozer the Destructor," washed up and lay there lifeless and gruesome. I can imagine it now... the three girls strolling in the sand, talking about how they had their first french kiss a couple weeks ago, how much money each of their parents spent on a new car, and how they will be trying out for "High School Musical" next year... and suddenly, a deformed and decaying mutant lies wet and unmoving right at their feet. I highly doubt these girls will grow up to be successful now. They will be lucky if they can even lead a normal life with the hours upon hours of sleep they are going to lose over this.

The best explanation I heard so far is that, "it is obviously a griffin." For those who are are wondering what a griffin is, it can best be described as having the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. Often a mythical creature, now making it's home on the shores of Long Island. Whatever it is, it's definitely ugly, but strangely compelling at the same time. I'm sure it would make excellent dinner conversation and the kids could definitely have fun tossing it around in the backyard. But how do we attract the Montauk Monster?

A co-worker of mine and I discussed possible ways to attract such a beautiful beast into your surroundings. All you will need is some honey and phlegm. According to a legend that is only 3 days old, the Montauk Monster, like bears, really really enjoy honey. I suggest all natural Glorybee Honey... that should do the trick. Set up designated areas around the backyard where you can place honey-soaked nerf footballs around. Next, is the waiting game. It may take a while, depending on the time of the day, but the "MM" will soon make it's way towards these honey footballs. I forgot to mention earlier that it is imperative that you use nerf footballs, because the MM's teeth are very weak due to erosion. Moving forward, while you are waiting, find someone who either smokes or has a cold. You will need them when the Montuak Monster arrives. Now, within one hour of placing the honey-soaked nerf footballs around the house, you should start to smell something horrific. This is the Montauk monster. You will know it when you smell it, it smells worse than anything you can ever imagine. Now, once you get the slightest hint of his scent, quietly gesture over your friend or family member who smokes (or has a cold). Because the monster's mating call is the sound of somebody coughing up phlegm, you will need them to do so, directly after you think it's close by. Try not to let your phlegmish friend spit anything out, because you will be left with no phlegm and it could take a long time, depending on the MM's mood... you will need as much loog as you can muster up. As the Montauk Monster hears the coughing, it will come closer... close enough to realize there are honey-soaked nerf footballs around (it's favorite!). Once the Montauk Monster starts chewing on the footballs, they become extremely overjoyed and friendly and do not mind if you put a leash on them. Also, it has been dead and lifeless for weeks, so there is little chance it will actually attack you.

There you have it, your guide to capturing your very own Montauk Monster! Trust me, they are a billion times more fulfilling than sea monkeys or chia-pets. To extend the lifetime of your Montauk Monster, place them in a large bucket of solution: 50% honey, 20% vinegar, 20% saline solution, and 10% Vick's vapor rub. Good luck!

Introducing the Modern Man


The time it takes for one to realize who he or she really "is" can take anywhere from one second to one lifetime. Sometimes this realization never occurs at all. However, it seems to be evident in our modern world today, that we all strive for a certain understanding of who and what we are, and why we were put here. To find comfort in a chosen identity means a number of things. Sometimes (most of the times) people go through many identity changes until they find that perfect role and they can finally say "I'm happy about who I am." This happens in high school a lot. I'll never forget it. High school was the only setting where I can remember seeing a white dude wearing Timberlands and baggy jeans, talking about the latest Wu-Tang album, "Wu-Tang Forever," and using words like, " whaddup son," and "that shit is dope kid." The very next day, the same guy would be wearing over-sized Jnco jeans, a chain wallet, and a Marilyn Manson T-shirt swearing his parents are going to be getting separated soon, so total anarchy is the only safe bet.

High school was amazing for this. Even I fell powerless to the gods of popular culture and I made it a point to do whatever it took to fit in. The amount of Abercrombie T-shirts and J-Crew sweaters that were given away to Goodwill makes me want to vomit. However, there is something to be said about what high school taught us. That is, no one finds their true identity in times of utter disaster. Only when you are free from judgment, can you find that sense of cohesiveness you always looked for growing up. This usually occurs after college... when you have no time to think about anything and you work a lot, play a little, and for the first time in your life actually have some rational thoughts. This may not apply to everyone, but for most of us out there who are always searching for something more... I'll give you some advice. There is nothing more. What you search for lies in this moment right now. If you are reading this right now, it is possible your life is changing for the better. On the flipside, this blog may make you dumber than you were before. Either way, my intentions are to make you laugh, cry, love, and hate. I want to stir up emotions you thought you never had, so you don't have to be afraid of change.

I seem to change every 3 years or so. I change my thoughts on life, my thoughts on love, and my thoughts on fashion. More importantly, I have not lived in the same location either for more than 3 years. I get bored easily and the unknown makes me smile. I will let you into my head based on one condition: THAT YOU MAKE YOURSELF A BETTER PERSON AFTER READING MY BLOGS. That's it... very simple, I think.

This will give insight into the mind of the modern man. I will write about different things, including reviews on the best male body wash or how to spend your money foolishly (both of which I know very well). I will argue and sometimes agree with decision makers. I will talk about back pain and why penguins are awesome. Essentially, these are essays on the absurdity of reality. Don't fasten your seat-belt... a fine red wine will come in handy now and then. Now introducing... The Mind of The Modern Man.