Pandora

I like Pandora. If you haven't discovered Pandora yet, then this can be your introduction. Pandora is an Internet radio station that basically chooses songs based on the type of artist, song or genre that you choose. It's all part of what they call the Music Genome Project. Essentially, they've dissected songs down to their very essence, or "genes" and grouped them together accordingly. For Pandora, "...these genes capture the unique and magical musical identity of a song - everything from melody, harmony and rhythm, to instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics, and of course the rich world of singing and vocal harmony."

What results is a mix of songs to fit the mood you're in at the moment. We all have our different iTune or iPod mixes. The "Rainy Day" mix, the "Party" mix, the "Pump Up" mix. These are the mixes of like-songs we create to fit how we feel, or how we want to feel. For example, right now I am listening to my "Rolling Stones" mix. Along with hits by the Stones, Pandora plays the best from Jimi Hendrix, Tom Petty, CCR, The Doors, The Band, The Beatles, and Neil Young to name a few. You can also pick stations by song and genre, too. Other stations I have include Kings of Leon, The Temptations (for my Motown fix), Ryan Adams, Explosions in the Sky (instrumental rock that is great background music when you need to focus), Pearl Jam, Shinedown, Let it Snow (just for the holidays), and many others.

Since the music is streaming, you'll want a decent Internet connection to keep from having songs continually buffer. And hopefully you don't work at a place that blocks this sort of site. If you do--well, that sucks. Pandora has helped me through many a long days/nights at work. Hopefully it can do the same for you.

The National Mall

I like The National Mall. A great way to spend a 70 degree, Sunday afternoon is to walk (or run) around the National Mall in Washington, DC. No matter how many times I step onto the Mall I am still in awe of the great buildings and monuments--the Captiol, the Washington Monument, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial. The Vietnam Memorial is emotionally moving; the new World War II Memorial is amazing; plus the Korean War Memorial, the FDR Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. Then there are the museums. If you're a nerd like me, you love museums. You have the Smithsonians, the Holocaust Museum, and the Newseum (there are so many others I am forgetting). And finally, you have the Cherry Blossoms, the multitudes of people from many different parts of the world, and the natural expanse of the walking paths of the Mall itself.

In the past I have gone bike riding around the Mall and monuments, I've played football in the shadow of the Washington Monument, and, along with my girlfriend, have been the only people in the entire world on the National Mall at a given time (for real). Yesterday was another first--seeing the Cherry Blossoms in bloom. Sounds corny, but the blooming trees are an amazing sight (and as I've learned, an annual tradition in DC). And as an amateur photographer (read: takes a lot of pictures hoping at least one or two will make a cool desktop wallpaper) the combination of flowers, monuments, blue sky and puffy clouds provided many opportunities for some great shots.

Tourney Update: The bracket has been busted. With Oklahoma's loss I am O-U-T...OUT! And since I have zero chance of winning any moolah, I revert back to cheering for the hometown team--Let's Go 'Nova!

Tea

I like tea. Hot tea. Iced tea. Tea in the morning, afternoon and night. If you got tea, you got me! (HA--how about those rhyming skills?) Truth is, I am a coffee junkie. That will certainly be an Andy Locke Likes post one day, for sure. But after a cup or two of coffee, I'm done. Unless I pop a Tums with every other sip, I can't handle anymore coffee than that. However, in the winter, or these chilly days of late March, I still would like a hot beverage when my coffee mug runs dry. Enter tea.

My favorite flavor of tea has to be mint. If you find yourself dragging in the late afternoon, say 3:30 or 4:00 PM, and you know the last thing your stomach wants is acidic coffee, try mint tea. Whether it's caffeinated or caffeine free, the mint aroma can awaken you from any post-lunch drag you find yourself in. And if mint isn't your style, try green tea with its anti-oxidants or the trusty old stand-by--black tea with lemon (well-known cure for sore throats, too). And if you're feeling extra brave, try some Mr. T.

On the flip side, iced tea may be the best beverage to accompany any Sunday dinner. The greatest iced tea mixture while growing up was at my grandparent's house (everything is better at grandmom and grandpop's, am I right?) Even to this day, my grandmom has the best iced tea and I won't have anything else when having dinner at her house.

Tourney Update: So I went 3 for 4 with my picks yesterday (Pitt is lucky to have won). Of course, the only game I have my eyes intently on is Oklahoma-Syracuse Go Sooners!.

T-Shirt Sheets

I like T-Shirt Sheets. Long before the Snuggie made a shirt out of blankets, the T-Shirt was made into sheets. All the benefits of jersey-knit cotton--the softness, the breathing, the comfort--enveloping your sleeping body. They're like a cruise ship to dream island and you're the captain. T-Shirt Sheets keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and perfectly so-so in the fall and spring. What more could you want? Keep your 1,000 thread counts and your sateen. Give me a Hanes under shirt and stretch it across my mattress. Good night, sleep tight.

Tourney Update: Get out your red pens and highlighters, baby, it's Sweet Sixteen time. In the games today, I have Pitt, UConn, 'Nova and Memphis. The make-it/break-it game for my bracket, though, will be Oklahoma-Syracuse tomorrow.

Stewart & Colbert

I like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Last week Jon Stewart gave CNBC a deserved slap in the face. He gave one to all of us as well--a wake up slap. Probably one of the few people on TV who has zeroed in on one of the many irresponsible parties in this financial crisis--the financial advice TV programs--and not letting up. The brunt of his slam was felt by Mr. Jim Cramer. Not only was Stewart harsh on Cramer--he was entertaining, clear in his argument, and right. And all week, folks across the country followed his every word.

Meanwhile, it was announced yesterday that a new room to be added to the international space station will be named, "Colbert". Thanks to the Colbert Nation (and the gentle prodding of their leader Stephen Colbert) "Colbert" edged out "Serenity" in an online vote for naming Node-3. NASA is saying that they won't make a final decision on the name until 2010, but if they back out of following through on these results they may force me to start a new blog called Andy Locke Does Not Like.

Anyone who can have the command of his or her audience, use that power in a non-harmful manner to prove a point or have some fun, is someone who is very, very good at what they do. Even superstars with much larger followings couldn't influence their fans the way Stewart and Colbert can.

To say these two are just funny is a complete understatement. A clown is funny. A kid farting in math class is funny. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are educationally hilarious. You hang on to every word they say and laugh out loud, but in the process, you're actually learning. They're like a cross between your favorite college professor, George Carlin and Edward R. Murrow.

I was even lucky to see a taping of "The Colbert Report" last spring when it made a stop in Philly during the Democratic primary. Would you believe that Colbert is a Sunday School teacher in real life? Neither did I. He can sing too, as seen in this clip with him, John Legend and Ben Franklin from that taping.

C-SPAN Radio

I like C-SPAN Radio. The political world is full of talking heads today. Make that screaming heads. Right wing this, extremist left that. It's hard to watch TV or listen to the radio and just get straight political news. No opinion, no fluff, no yelling. Just an unbiased relay of what is actually going on in Washington. Well, who would have thought I would find my answer in the radio cousin of the most boring television station on cable--C-SPAN.

What makes for lousy TV watching makes for great radio listening on evening car rides. I never thought I'd want to listen in on Senate or Congressional hearings, but apparently I do. Truth is, I am getting the news of what is going on as it happened, not in the form of some squawker's opinion or bottom line crawl on CNN. Regardless of a Senator's personal agenda or what is being said by the people they are questioning, I can form my own thoughts and opinions about issues discussed.

I've listened to snippets of hearings on the peanut/salmonella outbreak crisis, an energy round table with top oil company execs, a speech by the FBI director, and more. Plus, when the news of the day is given or political pundits duke it out, it is (for the most part) as balanced as you're going to get in a public forum. If you're in the Baltimore/DC area, check out C-SPAN Radio on 90.1 FM. Otherwise you can listen on XM Radio or online.

Kenny Rogers Potato

I like Kenny Rogers Potato. The other night while making dinner, I noticed something very interesting about my baked potato--the image of The Gambler himself graced it's skin--Kenny Rogers was staring back at me. Now, you may not agree. You may see the Virgin Mary, Grizzly Adams, or an old lady and a young woman. Or you may see nothing at all. I, however, saw Kenny Rogers (Note: I am referring to the pre-plastic surgery Kenny Rogers).

And when I shared this picture with friends this weekend I was mocked, laughed at and ridiculed. Some agreed it was Kenny Rogers, too but not many. One in particular, though, suggested I post on eBay and sell this super spud. He asked, "You kept it, right?" "No," I replied. "I ate it." He shook his head and stared at me in shock. What can I say? I was hungry.

Could I have posted this Kenny Rogers Potato on eBay? Do you see Kenny Rogers? Am I nuts? Either way, I like it today. And for your viewing pleasure, I present "Lady" performed live by Kenny Rogers. Happy Monday!



Tourney Update: I have 11 of the Sweet Sixteen teams. Not bad. Like most others, the Midwest region hurt me. I only care about Oklahoma, though. I live and die by the Sooner.

Half Days

I like Half Days. That's right--half day for Mr. Locke today. Going to go watch some basketball, throw back a few, and have a good time with some good people. It's actually the annual March Madness Friday here at the new job. We close shop early, head to a local bar and watch the games. Not too shabby, huh?

To everyone reading this--whether you're watching the tournament, going on a post-St. Patty's bar tour (my Saturday), traveling out of town, or just kicking back and enjoying the first day of Spring--have a great weekend!


Tourney Update: 13-3 on Day 1. (Full Round 1 and Round 2 update coming Monday.)

Brackets

I like Brackets. I'm not a huge basketball fan, and hardly watch many games during the regular season, but I love March Madness. I'll sit at my desk, highlighter in hand, and refresh scores online all day. I'd love to say that I've won at least a few pools in the past 15 years I have been filling out a bracket. But I haven't. I suck. Big time. At least one of my Final Four teams bows out in the first or second round every year, thus destroying any chance I have of winning.

Regardless, it's fun to pick the winners, losers, and Cinderella teams. It's fun to watch the people watching the games when their bracket is busted. It's even fun to watch the daughter of the co-worker who picked the team with the best colors win the entire pot of money. (I lied about that last one--it blows)

And since you are probably wondering who NOT to pick, here are my 2009 winners. Apologies if your Bracket mirrors mine in any way. Good luck!


1st Round Winners
MIDWEST: Louisville, Ohio State, Arizona*, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Kansas, Boston College, Michigan State
WEST: UConn, Texas A&M, Purdue, Mississippi State*, Marquette, Missouri, Maryland*, Memphis
EAST: Pitt, Tennessee*, Florida State, Xavier, VCU*, Villanova, Texas, Duke
SOUTH: North Carolina, LSU, Western Kentucky*, Gonzaga, Arizona State, Syracuse, Clemson, Oklahoma

*Upset Special

2nd Round Winners
MIDWEST: Louisville, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Boston College
WEST: UConn, Purdue, Missouri, Memphis
EAST: Pitt, Florida State, Villanova, Duke
SOUTH: North Carolina, Western Kentucky, Syracuse, Oklahoma

Sweet Sixteen Winners
MIDWEST: Louisville, Boston College
WEST: UConn, Memphis
EAST: Pitt, Villanova
SOUTH: North Carolina, Oklahoma

FINAL FOUR
Louisville vs. Memphis
Villanova vs. Oklahoma

CHAMPIONSHIP
Louisville vs. Oklahoma

WINNER
Oklahoma

Google Docs

I like Google Docs. What is it about watered down versions of Word and Excel that I like so much? Accessibility, baby. I can get to my Docs anytime, anywhere. There are three aspects of my life that have benefited from Google Docs. One is my personal budget. I can be home, at work, or at a friends, and be on any computer and access my budget. This may sound trivial to those that are uber-personal finance organized. But for me, to have instant access to check, re-check, adjust and do whatever I need to do with my budget is CLUTCH for me in effectively managing my monies. (Yes, I used the word "monies")

Second, my password sanity. I keep all my major passwords in a Google Doc. I've since learned of the program KeePass, which I rely on religiously at work for the many, many passwords I need for Clients. But for my personal use, I still utilize my Google Doc. It was a major step up from the scrap paper with the coffee stain that I carried around with me like a security blanket for a solid two years.

Lastly, my relationship with my girlfriend. We share the amazing "List of Things To Do" where we list all the things we want to do together--from trips to Greece or Hawaii, to visiting local museums, to even riding the dragon boats at the Inner Harbor. We never have to say, "Oh, what were we talking about the other day that we really want to do? Man, I just can't remember. Eh, let's just stare at this wall instead." The downfall of relationships--wall staring.

There may be better sharing programs out there, and I know there are. But Google Docs rocks and I like it.

Pierogies

I like Pierogies. Last night I got a hankering for some tasty fluffs of potato and onion wrapped in a delectable pasta shell. Thank you Mary Twardzik! There are some days when I know what I want for dinner and other days when I wind my way up and down the aisles of the grocery store until I get that hankering. Last night was the latter. Dangerous, I know. One must be careful trekking to the grocery store while hungry. But two things forced me to go:

1. The only food I consumed in Recession Vegas came from a buffet line or a box labeled "Ellio's"


2. I needed milk for my Golden Grahams in the morning

So I had to go, and am glad I did. I walked out with a quart of milk, a bag of broccoli and a box of Mrs. T's Potato and Onion Pierogies. Glorious.

Kings of Leon

I like Kings of Leon. This band is a new favorite of mine and their latest album, Only By The Night, has been put into heavy rotation on my car's cd player--right along with U2, Ryan Adams, and Spoon. It is one of those rare albums that I can listen to from beginning to end without skipping a single song. What makes Kings of Leon so enjoyable is most certainly the lead singer's voice. It's got a twangy or raspy drawl to it that makes the sound unique. My favorite tracks are the two singles "Use Somebody" and "Sex on Fire", as well as "Be Somebody" and the last track "Cold Desert". But as I said, every song is great.



These guys have been around for about 6 or 7 years, too, but seem to really be getting the main stream attention with this latest album. In fact, one of their older songs was used in a Ford Focus commercial last year; and it was a commercial I always found myself singing along to when it came on TV. Figures that I would dig the band that wrote and performed it. Good songs, unique sound, great band.

Atlantic City

I like Atlantic City. So I was supposed to be heading to Las Vegas this weekend...yeah, not so much. The "everyotheryearguystriptoVegas" has been re-routed to the slightly awkward step sibling of LV, AC. No, not Slater.

But, you know what. I do in fact like this trip to Atlantic City. As a matter of fact, I love the Jersey Shore. I grew up going to Wildwood, Sea Isle and Ocean City every summer. And now, I am heading to the Vegas of the east, the land of Trump, the city that never apologizes for its actions--Atlantic City. The last time I went to AC, I lost my money on the Trivial Pursuit slots. Yeah, I'm a schmuck.

My buddy Spar, however, won some moolah on roulette. If I only I can have that kind of luck this weekend. It might not be Vegas, but the guy's weekend in AC should definitely be a good time. What happens in Atlantic City, stays in Atlant---er, yeah I'll still tell my girlfriend all about it when I get home Sunday night.

UPDATE: Atlantic City shall now be referred to as "Recession Vegas".

Happy Hour

I like Happy Hour. Is there ever a more glorious hour (or hours)? The time at the end of a day in the middle of the week to hang out with co-workers, Clients or friends can be a cure-all for that which ails ya. Many great stories can stem from this post-work indulgence, good and bad. And usually, as long it wasn't one of those Client happy hours, even the bad stories are good. Some folks like to strike up conversations with random ladies or gents (read: gettin' digits, yo), while others choose to order round after round and sink their worries in a puddle of Yuengling and tears.

Personally, I prefer the corner booth at a city pub with good friends. I like to see the table, be in the middle of the conversation, share the good time with everyone. So take some time for yourself today, head out to your favorite drinking establishment and enjoy an hour of happiness.

Sushi

Welcome to the first post on Andy Locke Likes...

I like Sushi. Not a normal like for me, rather new actually. Truth is, I never had "real" Sushi until a few weeks ago. The only Sushi I'd eaten was the pre-packaged kind you find in supermarkets. Not good. However, my lovely girlfriend took me to a place in Annapolis called Joss Cafe and Sushi Bar and it was pretty awesome. Since I am a novice to the Sushi world, just about anything is a step up from the pre-packaged stuff, but I am told by the Sushi aficionados that Joss Cafe and Sushi Bar is indeed very good. I am, however, looking forward to checking out other Sushi Bars in the Baltimore area soon. And yes, I shall be enjoying some Sushi this evening, hence why I like it today.