I don't understand...

I read in the paper the other day that the Greek island of Crete is suffering from a severe drought.

I don't understand how an island -- a (small) landmass surrounded on ALL sides by water -- can suffer from a drought. I just feel that with today's technology and civic engineering setting up a water facility should be pretty easy/expected. Maybe that's just me and my not-so-commonsense working on this one.


Note all the blue around the white parts...that's water.

What's your song?

I have a question that I like to ask people: If there was a song that best described you as a person, what would it be???

Of course, since I'm asking the question I have to have an answer. And here it is...



If I had a $1,000,000 by Barenaked Ladies

A few things to note... Yes it's about having lots of money. No, it is not that money will bring you happiness. What I think the song is about and how it relates to me is that with all that money, the greatest happiness comes from spending on fun and silly things with your friends and loved ones. Does money buy love? No. Does it allow for you to do things to create memories that last and look back and smile on? Yes. In a nut shell, that's me and my thoughts on my song...

Also, with $1,000,000 I think I could do something pretty amazing...

A few things...

A few things that are worth the time doing the right way to bring about some good times...
1) Passing notes... Is there ever a bad time to pass a quick note to someone. It can be anything personalized to the recipient and delivered under the right conditions and tact can bring about a great smile.
2) Coupons... Okay, I'll admit this one can be a bit hit-or-miss. But a coupon for something really good is hard to come by sometimes. When you do come across said great coupon the question comes up: Do I use it now...or later???
3) Eating fortune cookies the "right way"... Apparently there's a right way AND a wrong way. I personally think that my way is correct, but am open to other suggestions. Regardless, I had chinese the other night and received a great fortune: "You make good descision. Today's are the best." Given the company, conversation, and general management of the evening I would agree...except the Mongolian Beef -- maybe not the best decision I could've made.

Letter to Myself

Dear Chris,

It's me. Well, it's you, but it's me, too...only older and in the future. Don't ask me how this works, just go with it. I'm (you're) 27 at the time this letter was written. I want to take a moment to look back and dispense some advice, give you a heads up, and generally prepare you for this, that or the other.

Pay attention in high school. History and English will be fine (you have Ms. Gude and Mr. Honick to thank for that), but you need to get your head out of your butt for Science, Math, and Language. Use Mr. McGeehe, he'll help you with Biology. The languages offered at Branson are Spanish, French, German, Latin, and Japanese. I took Spanish and did ok. I think you should take Japanese...it'll make you kind of a nerd for now, but in the long run, totally pays off! If you decide to stick with Spanish, definitely do the study abroad in Oaxaca and Spain your Sophomore and Junior years. As far as high school goes, don't worry so much about people liking you; you'll be fine. Oh, don't date Lindsay*, she'll only break your heart and you'll end up doing something stupid. Oh, and don't break up with Lindsay via e-mail...that was just immature and weak. I don't care how "new' the internet was at that point. Don't do it!

College. You'll have fun. Three Important Things: 1) Major in a language (Chinese, Japanese, or Italian) 2) Dual-Major in Political Science. 3) Study abroad!!! Other than that, everything played out pretty well. Lindsay will be your best friend that you never date. The other Lindsay will be your best friend that you do date...and you'll fall head over heels for her. You'll break up, but it's okay, this one turns out really great. There's another Lindsay that is neither your best friend or worth dating, but you date her anyways and it sucks the life out of your for many years. You'll know her when you see her. Run - don't walk - away from her!

If you've followed the basics of what's in my letter, post-college will be awesome. Listen to our parents. They know what's up and will help you in more ways than you can ever imagine. Dad is going to put you through this program called Eagle U. Don't fight it, just go and open your ears, mind, and heart. Through this program you'll meet some amazing people, including Lindsay. This Lindsay is pretty awesome and will give you one of the best gifts in the world -- Truth. I won't say more than that, but it's a great surprise.

Um, what else?? I think that's it for now. Oh right, one more thing. Look, Chris, I know you're a bit of a romantic and take things to heart pretty easily. Don't change that. I think it's pretty great. But just be ready for the fact that there will be people that will break your heart, and there will be those that put it back together again. Just keep in mind, for as many times your heart gets broken, you might be breaking someone else's, okay? Not that you can do anything about it, I'm just saying. Sometimes, you can get a little only-child-center-of-the-universe-type-of-thing going. That, you can do without. Don't worry though, your friend Lindsay will call you out on it more often than not.

Otherwise, have a great life! See you soon.
Love,
Chris

*Chris has never dated a Lindsay, this is a catch-all name to protect the identities of those girls he has dated whether it worked out or not.

Blinding Whiteness and Lipstick Lesbians

It's amazing how some of the simplest things can make for a great evening. Sure, toss in dessert, good conversation, and a drive-to-a-place-where-they-won't-find-your-body all help too.

After thought: The aforementioned body was found in the aforementioned place and still very much a live...I think we're okay! ;)

For those that work the late shift...

or any shift for that matter...



Shiftwork by Kenny Chesney

Another Summer Concert

I'm not gonna lie, up until the last couple years my concert-going experiences have been few.  Not that I don't like going to concerts, I had just never really been in the loop as to who was playing where and when.  But that's a-changing, my friends!  Last Friday I found myself sitting "on the green" at Shoreline Ampitheater enjoying yet another concert headlined by one of Country Music's greats...

The show kicked off with Julliane Hough.  She's a cute new-comer with a great voice and good presence.  It's hard being the opener. People are rolling in, getting food, buying the shirt of the guy they're going to see later, what have you...not much attention to be had.   Still, I can see she's got potential to go someplace.

Following her was a surprise hit for me, Chuck Wicks.  Just on looks alone, the girls loved him.  I'll concur in a heterosexual way.  He's good looking.  Even better, he's got some great songs.  I

 don't know if he'll blow up, but he'll definitely sell CDs.  

Chuck Wicks definitely started to amp up the energy...only to be sucked out by the vacuum that is Jewel.  I love Jewel.  I know the words to her songs.  I'll sing them in the car if no one's around.  One thing Jewel is not, is a country singer.  She's folk.  She's jazzy with a touch of blues.  Jewel is a great musician, but grossly inappropriate for this concert.

Then the real 

show.  Brad Paisley.  How can you not like the guy?  He's not bad looking.  Great musician.  Hilarious, deep, insightful, meaningful, romantic lyrics...sometimes all at once, usually on a per song basis.  And you have to respect the custom guitars with the paisley printing.   Fun fact:  He's married to the daughter from the movie Father of the Bride.