Andy Locke Likes

Jim Johnson

2009-07-29T07:43:00.004-04:00

I like Jim Johnson. The former Defensive Coordinator for the Eagles the past 10 years passed away yesterday from cancer. One of the best in the league, no doubt, he helped form one of the finest and most ferocious defenses. There is no way the Eagles make it to as many NFC Championship games, let along the Super Bowl, without this man.

Here's hoping the Birds can win it all this year. The new guy at the helm of the defense learned from Johnson and is poised for great things as well. For more information on Johnson's career and life, here is a story from Philly.com.

Jim Johnson
1941 - 2009

Alice in Wonderland

2009-07-24T13:03:00.006-04:00

I like Alice in Wonderland. Well, I like the trailer for the new Tim Burton film adaptation. I like the original story, too. And the Disney animated movie. I mean, really, who doesn't like Alice in Wonderland?

Check out the trailer for the new move coming out in the spring of 2010 (starring Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter). Thanks Pop Candy.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

And while you're at it, enjoy a very happy un-birthday to you (to me) to you!

Raining in Baltimore

2009-07-23T09:28:00.003-04:00

I like Raining in Baltimore. Only appropriate for today. This a very good song from the Counting Crows' August and Everything After album.

Enjoy! Hopefully a little more sunshine where you are...

Discount Electronics Websites

2009-07-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

I like Discount Electronics Websites. Kind off a mouthful, but totally worth it when you check out what I mean. There are some really great outlets on the Internet that offer name-brand electronics and accessories for low, almost insane prices. It seems that the trend is for companies to buy the name, rights and brand of an out-of-business electronic superstore and move it strictly online. The two that I follow almost daily are CompUSA.com and CircuitCity.com.

If you're in the market for a new LCD or Plasma TV (like I am) this is the place to shop. Not to mention the crazy deals on laptops, blu-ray players, accessories, sound systems, etc. So check them out and make sure you join their E-Newsletters so you can get first dibs on all the deals. You can also check out TigerDirect.com, Woot.com, and even Amazon.com for more great deals. I guess we've come a long way as a society from selling TVs out the trunk of a hooptie.

Four-Day Work Weeks

2009-07-02T06:50:00.001-04:00

I like Four-Day Work Weeks. Sometimes you need a little extra boost to get you out of bed in the morning. For me this whole week, it's the wonderful fact that it is only a Four-Day Work Week. Thanks to some gents signing the Declaration of Independence 233 years ago, we get Friday off. Oh, we also got freedom, democracy, and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But I mean, come on, how sweet will it be to have off on Friday, right?

Have a great Fourth of July Weekend and Happy Birthday USA!!!

Slowing Down

2009-07-01T08:45:00.005-04:00

I like Slowing Down. So who knew writing a blog post everyday would be so tedious? I am going to be slowing down the number of posts I write here--from every day to a couple times a week. What does this mean for you, the reader? Well, it means you should keep checking to see if a new post popped up OR subscribe to the RSS feed and you'll be alerted every time there's a new post. It also means that I may post something on the weekend, or even have multiple posts in a day. Some may be longer and some shorter. Who knows?!?!

But please keep coming back and leaving your comments. I have some new ideas for this blog that I am hoping to develop over the next few months. Thanks to all who are reading this!

Also, be sure to check out a new special guest blogger during the week of July 13-17. That guest blogger is none other than Mr. Tim. You'll either want to hug him or punch him the face. He looks angry, but he's actually as friendly as a puppy humping your leg.

Billy Mays

2009-06-29T06:03:00.003-04:00

I like Billy Mays. Is it me or was his death the most shocking of the week? Ed was old, Farrah was sick, and Michael Jackson was Michael Jackson. Billy Mays was this second-tier pseudo celebrity. He was kind of annoying, but you totally bought into whatever he was selling. You genuinely liked him. And the spots he did recently for ESPN360.com were great.

Yesterday morning I had caught his new show "Pitchmen" on Discovery Channel and loved it. It seemed like this show was a platform that could elevate Billy's celebrity to a whole new level. And then mere minutes later, I heard the news of his death. A shock. Out of all of the celebrities who passed away in the recent week, he had the most upside at the here-and-now for a promising career. The others had had their time to shine like a countertop cleaned with Orange Glo.

RIP Billy Mays, we hardly knew thee.

The King of Pop

2009-06-26T05:01:00.001-04:00

I like The King of Pop. Let's for the moment set aside the Michael Jackson of the past 15 or so years, and remember the influential artist of music and dance. There were few others who even came close to being as popular on a global level as The King of Pop. In my mind, he was long gone before last night. The musician we all knew disappeared behind a veil of weirdness and scandal many years ago, but his music continued to live on.

There's no better way to wrap up Top 5 Week here than with my Top 5 Favorite Michael Jackson Songs--and it's tough to only pick 5, but I'll do my best. Share your favorites in the comment section. Have a great weekend!

Top 5 Favorite Michael Jackson Songs
(In no particular order)

Thriller

Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough

Man In The Mirror

Beat It

Billie Jean

So You Think You Can Dance

2009-06-25T06:05:00.000-04:00

I like So You Think You Can Dance. It's June and on a whole, TV sucks. The great shows that keep us glued to the tube on a habitually in the Fall, Winter and Spring are on hiatus. Plus, we're outside more, hitting the bars, the park and other outdoorsy type activities. So needless to say, when Wednesday and Thursday evenings come about, I have nothing to watch. Or should I say, I HAD nothing to watch. Because now I'm hooked on So You Think You Can Dance.

You might think that this is just another lame reality competition show on Fox. And, in some ways it is, but overall its much more. In my opinion, and even though the ratings don't back it up, So You Think You Can Dance is a better show than American Idol. It comes down to singing vs. dancing and the popularity of singing styles vs. dancing styles.

As part off Top 5 Week, here are my Top 5 Reasons So You Think Can Dance is Better Than American Idol. And really, there were no witty remarks yesterday about Organization, so step up to the plate and make a comment.

Top 5 Reasons So You Think Can Dance is Better Than American Idol

The HOT ladies -- American Idol's singers don't have the sculpted, toned, amazingly hot bods of the girls on So You Think You Can Dance. PLUS--they dance around in next to nothing.
The Judges -- No condescending, snarkiness with the So You Think You Can Dance judges. Nygel Lithgoe and Mary Murphy, two well-decorated dancers in their own right, provide helpful, courteous, fair and honest feedback to al lthe dancers. At no point are they ever making fun of the contestants--something that seems to happen on American Idol anytime Randy Jackson opens his mouth. Th only downfall is Mary Murphy kind of loud and obnoxious, but at least you can understand what she is saying, unlike her counterpart on Idol.
Voting -- While fans choose which couples are in the bottom three, it is the judges who ultimately decide who is going home. Not only that, but the dancers must perform a solo routine for the judges as a last ditch effort to stay. This process gives the viewers some control, but keeps the judging in the hands of the professionals.
Music -- Yes, yes, So You Think You Can Dance is not a music show, that's American Idol. Well, you're wrong. The music makes the performances, sometimes. From Pop to Indie Rock, Rap, Country, Classical, Hip Hop, Bollywood, whatever. The tracks are the originals and almost always addd to the emotions being exerted by the dancers.
Talent -- Only a handful of the Idol finalists can actually sing well. ALL of these finalists can dance well, in my opinion. Of course, that's not saying much if you've ever actually seen me dance.

Organization

2009-06-24T06:48:00.004-04:00

I like Organization. Growing up, I was the kid with the messy room, the doodled notebook, the paper-filled locker, and the wrinkly clothes. No where did I have any context of organization in my life. I had hints of it when applying to colleges, a little more when I was actually in college (especially when applying for internships and jobs) and really fell into a great organized lifestyle in my post-college years. Nowadays I keep my finances in order with a nice Google Doc, and on the job I am in love with To Do lists and Excel. It's actually a rather unhealthy relationship with Excel.

As we continue the Top 5 Week, I shall list my Top 5 methods for organization. Feel free to list your thoughts in the comment section, or just use the space to make fun of me with a witty joke. But it better be witty, or so help me...

Top 5 Methods for Organization

Excel -- love it or hate it, you know it's great. And if you're like me, you haven't even scratched the surface of what it is capable of doing.
To Do List -- I recommend a legal pad. The larger format and flip-over pages allows for not only enough space to chronicle notes for each item, but a history of your past days as well (great for when it's time to enter time sheets). And who doesn't love crossing off tasks with a big red pen?
Post-It Notes -- You laugh and scoff, and call it a mess, but you know what? It's my mess and there's a method to the madness. Post-it notes are the best for taking quick notes and organizing them later. Especially when your thoughts are in sequential order to start.
Manila Folders -- Yes, there are still those of us who print out papers. It's not often at my interactive shop that we print out items, but when you do, having a folder (typically per Client) is the best way to go.
Binders -- I once quipped that I had a Minor from Penn State in Binder making. I gave my old boss so much crap for all the Binders I had to make (sorry Dina). But, it wasn't long before I found the value in perfectly organized three-ring slice of heaven.

CBS Shows

2009-06-23T06:30:00.001-04:00

I like CBS Shows. There was a time in the not too far off past that CBS had some of the crappiest shows on television. ABC dominated Fridays, NBC Thursdays and Fox was just Fox. For the past 10 years or so, however, CBS sitcoms and dramas have been nothing but stellar. They basically raised from the dead the traditional sitcom, removing the schlockiness of the 80s and 90s, and creating sitcoms made for Generations X and Y. Not to mention how shows like JAG and CSI took the crime-drama to new heights.

Continuing Top 5 week, I am going to list my Top 5 favorite CBS Shows. Feel free to list your fav's in the comments below.

Top 5 Favorite CBS Shows

How I Met Your Mother

Numb3rs (thanks Kim)

Two and a Half Men

NCIS (looking forward to the LA version in the fall)

The Big Bang Theory (best show on TV right now)

Amusement Parks

2009-06-22T06:42:00.010-04:00

I like Amusement Parks. Recently, news broke that Six Flags was filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. They aren't closing, just re-organizing their books. Perhaps they finally succumb to their incredibly outrageous ticket prices. What is up to now? $40? $60 per ticket? It's just way too much for the everyday family to include in their annual vacation budgets in 2009. And they're not the only ones. Almost all amusement and theme parks are expensive.

But you know what? No matter what the future may hold for these types of parks, and I am sure they will be fine post-recession, my personal past and memories of times at amusement parks will always be joyful. I love roller-coasters and spending all day riding them. I love walking around the park, with family or friends, on a beautiful summer day--catching a show, getting soaked on the log flume, relaxing on the ferris wheel--I love it all.

All this week I am taking a page out of High Fidelity, and will give you a Top 5 List related to what I like. For today, here are my Top 5 Memories At Amusement Parks.

Top 5 Memories at Amusement Parks

During a trip to Dorney Park, an old co-worker of mine from my job at Wood River Village retirement home found a doppleganger for multiple colleagues and residents from the home. It was outrageous. At one point, we even found my look-a-like standing in line for a ride. Of course, I had to kill him. There can be only one.

At Epcot Center one night on my Senior Class Trip, we were enjoying ourselves somewhere halfway around the world. Well, the final bus of the evening as leaving in the next five minutes and we had to run around the world to catch it. Well, that's what we did. I think we may have even lost one in China.

While on a ferris wheel at Dorney Park with my family, we noticed that we could see our car in the parking lot from the very top. Testing out the range of his remote key device, my dad hit the lock button twice to see if it would make the car beep. It did. So what did we do? That's right, we waited for some poor schmuck to walk by it and made them jump by hitting the button. High-class hilarity.

In high school, we spent a day, also at Great Adventure, for "Physics Day". Let's just say I did what I had to do and had a very astute group member who excelled at all things science and math. So during one of the moments of down time, my buddies and I recorded a song at one of those Karaoke shops. Five of us banded together to sing one of time's most classic hit singles, a song that will certainly live on for generations to come and will be revered by the scholars of the future. We sang, "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys. And yes, I still have the tape.

The Dumbo Ride at Magic Kingdom when I was four-years-old. 'Nuff said.

What are some of you favorite Amusement Park memories? Leave them in the comment section!

Joseph Thomas Meginley

2009-06-19T06:20:00.004-04:00

I ~~like~~ love Joseph Thomas Meginley. That's the name of my new nephew! He was born yesterday morning weighing in at 8 lbs. 2 oz. and a long 20.5 inches. Congratulations to my sister, brother-in-law and the new big sister, my niece. A very happy day for my family! Have a great weekend!

JOSEPH THOMAS MEGINLEY
Born June 18, 2009

Thunderstorms

2009-06-18T06:42:00.005-04:00

I like Thunderstorms. The summer brings with it many things: Beach trips, BBQs, Warm weather, Popsicles, Bee stings, humidity, etc. But one of my favorite summertime traditions is the Thunderstorm.

The eerie calm that fills the air before the action begins. There's that smell in the air of rain, stuffing your nostrils as the humidity swelters to capacity. The drip, drip of the first drops, getting larger and larger with each splash against your naked arm. The flash on the horizon, followed by a low-rumble of the oncoming deluge. Then suddenly--BAM! © Emeril Lagasse

And much differently then the misty rain that we all hate, the Thunderstorm is welcomed with open arms. You tend not to run for shelter, but accept the refreshing solution to summer's hottest afternoons. You embrace the Thunderstorm. All around you are rain drops exploding like water balloons throw with giddiness from the heavens. Rivers of water appear out of nowhere on the street. Lightning pops from the sky in all directions, met almost instantaneously with the crack of thunder, no longer just an afterthought miles away. Swirling winds surround you, swallow you up and create a chaotic symphony conducted by Mother Nature. And then--as quickly as it had begun, it is over.

The calm returns, but its no longer eerie, but serene. The remnants of the Thunderstorm and all the moving parts are everywhere, lit by the peeking sunlight. A sign of the chaos being over rises in the sky as a rainbow, met with a grumbling reminder of the storm in the distance that was there only minutes before. Ahh, Thunderstorms are great.

Mouse Traps

2009-06-17T06:02:00.003-04:00

I like Mouse Traps. Attention all animal lovers, members of PETA, and those who have an unhealthy love of mice--DO NOT READ THIS POST.

So I came home Tuesday night and found not one, but two, little critters dead in two Mouse Traps. After multiple attempts to capture these little guys, I finally got them. And look, I don't necessarily feel good about killing mice by having a metal wire snap on their cranium. But, when I come home and find little surprises on my counter and stove, that's when I turn lethal. Not to mention that I am moving in a week and a half and don't want the new tenant to have to deal with the mice. See! I'm caring!

My history of mouse catching and using Mouse Traps goes back to my days in Narberth. The Spar and I had a little mouse problem at our apartment and these little buggers were brazen. There were times I was in the kitchen and they'd poke their little heads out just to stare at me. So one day I bought a pack of four sticky traps and laid the first one down under the stove. In less than an hour I heard the squeak of a mouse. When I checked the trap I had not one, but TWO mice on one trap. I set another and caught another. A third trap down and the next day I caught a fourth mouse. (NOTE: We weren't really that dirty, it was an old house in a heavily tree-filled area.) Finally, I placed the fourth trap down, but no dice. It wasn't until I was doing the dishes one night that I saw a little mouse peeking at me from behind the microwave. I pulled out the trap from under the stove and cornered the mouse between the microwave, which he ran under, and the stove. Forcing him out from his hiding spot he ran straight onto the trap. It was then that I felt horrible. He was squirming and stuck. So, to put him out of his misery I broke its neck with a spatula. And he was dead. Mouse number five.

And now, as I have decided that I can't stomach the sticky traps, I went for a regular spring-loaded trap and with one snap, these guys were met with a quick, swift (hopefully painless) death.

Sleep

2009-06-16T07:44:00.003-04:00

I like Sleep. And after a weekend of Yuengling-filled Bubba Kegs, camp fires, great friends and late, late nights...I needed Sleep. So I went to sleep early and woke up late, thus a short post. But don't think I shall leave you unfulfilled. To make your visit to Andy Locke Likes worth your while, here is a favorite video of mine to keep you entertained:

Sunny Mondays

2009-06-15T07:06:00.005-04:00

I like Sunny Mondays. It's hard to wake up on Monday mornings and think anything positive or pleasant. Not impossible, but somewhat difficult. But sometimes there are little things that can help make that transition from a Weekend of great friends and memorable experiences to the start of the weekly grind of commutes, Clients and time sheets. Sunny Monday mornings can be just the ticket.

When the work week is kicked off with dark clouds and rain drops, you feel as though your head is suddenly Velcroed to your pillow. You need to literally rip one from the other just to get up. And even then the weight of a crappy morning weighs you down, forcing your body back to the bed and your head to the Velcro pillow.

However, when the Sun peeks through the shades and tickles your face, all that weight and Velcro seem to disappear. Your body rises with ease and feels refreshed for the start of a new day, a new week. At least that's how I feel on a day like today. It is beautiful and sunny and even though I'd rather be waking up to the smell of beer, bacon and (Buddha?) the fresh air of the middle of nowhere with some of my favorite people, I'll take a Sunny Monday in Baltimore.

Camp Fires

2009-06-05T06:00:00.001-04:00

I like Camp Fires. The sun sets on a hot and humid afternoon, giving way to the crisp coolness of the summer night. Friends gather round, congregating in a circle of tree stumps, camping chairs and cooler lids, to share stories of times gone by and times to come. The faint strum of a guitar string slowly crescendos to a chorus of 80s power ballads. With beers held high and arms wrapped around their neighbor, everybody stands and sings. Smiling and laughing and forgetting the lyrics, the circle in the woods is alive with life even in the dead of night. And as the song winds down, it hits its final note and silence falls among the orange, glowing faces. Silence challenged only by the pop, crack, pop of the Camp Fire.

Touching all five senses, a Camp Fire is in and of itself a living memory. The smell of burning wood, the taste of smokey goodness, the sight of pulsating embers, the feeling of warmth, and the sound of crackling twigs--Camp Fires can take me back to any summer of any year of my life. Whether a family trip, summer camp, vacations, or on annual excursions to the woods for a Weekend, the Camp Fire is the constant connection that binds these different experiences into one, unified happy memory.

As the summer ramps up over the next few weeks, go out and start a fire. You heard me, start a fire. A controlled one, of course. Gather some logs, some twigs and branches, too. Find a pit, a match, some beer and good friends and family. And just let the Camp Fire guide you through the night. It may be a memorable night or it may be a blip in your life, regardless, for those few hours of night, you'll experience the only fire and flame that can be called heaven. Have a great weekend and I hope you enjoy H.T. Adjemian's posts while I am away!

STARTING MONDAY
Andy Locke Likes what H.T. Adjemian Likes

Special guest blogger, H.T. Adjemian, will be filling in for me while I am away on vacation. He's a swell guy and I think you'll like him.

Bacon

2009-06-04T06:46:00.007-04:00

I like Bacon. Scratch that--I love Bacon. Bacon is glorious. Bacon makes the world go round. Bacon is the food of the gods. If I were on death row and had to choose my final meal, it would certainly include a heaping (yes, heaping) amount of bacon. Bacon is the way, the truth and the li--oh wait, that's Jesus. Ok, Bacon is awesome. Can I get an AMEN?!?

And these days Bacon is everywhere--we have Bacon-flavored ice cream, Bacon vodka, Bacon sex dreams, Bacon hangover remedies, Vegetarians who love Bacon, Bacon lube, Bacon as a condiment, the Bacon Brothers, and on and on. (Thanks to all the friends who have sent these links around in the past few weeks/months). There hasn't been a product with so many uses since George Washington Carver revolutionized the peanut. UPDATE The Baconator has asked that I post this video of Jim Gaffigan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaK9bjLy3v4

Next week I will be seeing some great old friends, some who I see but once a year at this time. We'll catch up, tell stories, and recount past times, all while sitting drinking from our beer-filled Bubba Kegs and devouring endless amounts of Bacon. It's truly what binds our friendship all together. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

COMING NEXT WEEK:
Andy Locke Likes what H.T. Adjemian Likes

Special guest blogger, H.T. Adjemian, will be filling in for me while I am away on vacation. He once wore a fedora made of Bacon--and ate it.

Bubba Keg

2009-06-03T06:33:00.002-04:00

I like Bubba Keg. Do you enjoy beer in the summertime? Does your beer get warm in the summer sun? Yes and yes? Okay, good. Before you continue reading, please take a moment to purchase a Bubba Keg. All summer beer should be drank out of a 52 oz. Bubba Keg. Go ahead, I'll wait. Trust me, this blog will be here when you get back. And to make the time away a little more grand, here is some background music for you while you make your purchase. Sing along if you'd like. *UPDATE* The original Biz Markie video was taken off YouTube. But I found another version of the song (just ignore the video).

Done? Good. In about 5-7 business days, you're Big Ass Mug will arrive. When it does, the first thing you'll want to do is put Beer Inside. After that, just drink. And please, I urge you to go and sit out in the sweltering summer heat with your ice cold beer in your Bubba Keg. It's going to stay cold. And it is GLORIOUS! (Sure beats a plastic measuring cup)

COMING NEXT WEEK:
Andy Locke Likes what H.T. Adjemian Likes

Special guest blogger, H.T. Adjemian, will be filling in for me while I am away on vacation. And for those scoring at home, H.T. Adjemian just grounded into a 6-4-3 double play.

Labyrinth

2009-06-02T06:13:00.002-04:00

I like Labyrinth. Not because it is an Oscar-worthy film from 1986, but because it begs the obvious question, "What was Jim Henson smoking in 1986?" He was probably hanging with his buddies one night, passing 'round the happy pipe, having a conversation kind of like this:

JIM HENSON

Dude, I am Jim "fucking" Henson.  I created the Muppets, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock--HELLO!! I am the real Master of Puppets.  I can come up with any ca ca story and some Hollywood nutbag will make it into a movie.

STONER BUDDY #1

Duuuude, you should make a movie with Bowie.

JIM HENSON

Oh, God no.  Ziggy Stardust?  Really?

STONER BUDDY #2

Hehehe, and make him King of the Midgets.  No wait, King of the Goblins!

STONER BUDDY #1

Yeah!  King of the Goblins.

JIM HENSON

Hmm.  That's an awful idea.  I like it!  Let's have Ziggy look like a strung out Jamie Lee Curtis in a leotard.  And he can--he can---Oh!  He can kidnap a baby and threaten to turn it into a goblin, while simultaneously hitting on the baby's teenage sister.

STONER BUDDY #1

You are a genius.

STONER BUDDY #2

What about a swamp that farts?

JIM HENSON

Oh my god, that's gold.  Yes!  What should we call it?

STONER BUDDY #2

Swamp Fart and the Goblin King!

JIM HENSON

Eh.  Too literal.  We need something more...puzzling...

STONER BUDDY #1

Labyrinth?  It sounds like labia.  Hehehe.

STONER BUDDY #2

Anything having to do with the female anatomy is puzzling to you.

JIM HENSON

Labyrinth!  It's perfect!  Now pass me the Cheetohs! Daddy got the munchies!

END SCENE

Do yourself a favor and rent Labyrinth from Netflix so you, too, can be amazed at how f'ed up cult classics are supposed to be made. Enough of this Napoleon Dynamite crap. The kids today need more farting swamps, grizzly goblins, and David Bowie in leotards. God bless you Jim Henson!

P.S. Labyrinth also stars a young Jennifer Connolly.
P.P.S. She calls her goblin friend, Hoggle, the wrong name at the beginning of the film. What does she call him, you ask? Hogwarts. Interesting...

COMING NEXT WEEK:
Andy Locke Likes what H.T. Adjemian Likes

Special guest blogger, H.T. Adjemian, will be filling in for me while I am away on vacation. He's kind of like P.T. Barnum, minus the stench of elephant dung. You'll dig his posts.

BlackBerry

2009-06-01T06:05:00.000-04:00

I like BlackBerry. Recently, I was given a great, great new contraption--a BlackBerry--by my work. Now you may say, "New? Andy, get with the times, yo! That ain't new." Besides needing to work on your grammar, you need to understand that I am not behind the times, and yes I realize that just about every business person and their grandmothers have a BlackBerry or similar PDA device. It's just that--this is my first!

I came from the realm of thinking that phones are meant to merely call people. Texting I felt was okay, too. Photographs was pushing it, and anything else was just plain silly. Well, now that my skinny fingers have caressed the teeny, plastic keys, jumped at the ding of a new email, and perused the Internet from the john--all of that is out the window.

Let me just say, however, that I will not be one of those people who constantly check their BlackBerry every second of the day and night. At least after the honeymoon. I apologize in advance to anyone who I interrupt in order to view a message, text my Mom, respond to a Client, or quickly search IMDB to win a bet. I promise it won't always be like this. Just let me play with my shiny, new toy until I get tired of it. Thank you.

Cleaning

2009-05-29T06:40:00.000-04:00

I like Cleaning. Call me Danny Tanner, I don't care. I like to clean. Whether its the living room, my bedroom, the bathroom, dishes in the sink--in my ripe young age of 26, I find that a messy apartment is not conducive to a good day. That includes waking up to a mess and coming home to a mess. Both are deflating to the start or end of my day.

Growing up I was a slob. My room was never clean, and if I was forced by my mom to do so, I basically did what any other 11-year-old did--shoved everything in my closet and under my bed. Once you closed the closet door or pulled a blanket low over the bed, the room was magically clean. I was also known for having a messy apartment in college. But I chalk that up to the fact that we were four guys sharing one bathroom. Considering those parameters, our bathroom looked pristine.

Even back in college, but more so now, I have trouble thinking or reaching my full potential when there is a mess to be cleaned up. It's a great way to "clean the mind" if you will. Even at work, I'll spend 15 minutes cleaning up my desk or filing away papers, just to clear my thought process and break a writer's block. It works for me, who knows, it may work for you too. Get clean and have a great weekend!

National Spelling Bee

2009-05-28T06:47:00.004-04:00

I like the National Spelling Bee. Going on right now in our nation's capital is the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the largest and longest-running educational promotion, administered on a not-for-profit basis. Spellers from all over the country and the world, ranging in age from 8-14, compete for the title of Spelling Champion.

Since 1994, the Entertainment Sports Network (aka ESPN) has been covering the annual convention of vowels and consonants. (NOTE: I just misspelled "consonants"--meaning I couldn't hold a candle to these kids). And while some may ask, "Where is the sport in this?" I say watch this video and tell me that the Srcipps Spelling Bee is not high-intensity drama, that which rivals any Game 7.

The kid fainted, then got back up and spelled the word CORRECTLY! Is that the equivalent of getting a puck to the face in Hockey, stitching up the gash in the locker room, and coming back out to score the winning goal in overtime? I say yes.

In a society where we rely so heavily on spell check, it is even more impressive that these kids can spell as well as they do. If you are looking for some riveting television, the 2009 Scripps Spelling Bee will air live tonight at 8PM on ABC.

Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King

2009-05-27T07:04:00.004-04:00

I like Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. The upcoming album from the Dave Matthews Band is being touted as one of their most anticipated albums yet. In a behind-the-scenes video from the studio, Dave himself hopes that if this is the last album he ever makes, that it be the one people listen to. And people, you should listen. The album is great.

The band seemed to have pulled from their past as inspiration for these songs. Many tracks feel as though they could have been an additional track on a previous DMB album. Songs like "Shake Me Like a Monkey" and "Why I Am" provide a loud, jovial collaboration of horns and percussion that make them fun, cool, and party-like all at once. They could have easily been added to Under the Table and Dreaming or Crash. The album even begins in a similar fashion as 1998's Before These Crowded Streets. On that album the instrumental "Pantala Naga Pampa" led into the rocking "Rapunzel". On Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King it is "Grux" leading into the aforementioned "Shake Me Like a Monkey".

Of course, it with a heavy heart that this album came to be. In August 2008, founding member Leroi Moore passed away from injuries sustained in an ATV accident two months earlier. While many of these tracks were laid down or created with the help of Leroi, the heavy heart of a band who missed their friend comes through on the single "Funny The Way It Is" and on the darker "Squirm". A line from "Funny The Way It Is" sums up said feelings with the line, "Funny the way it is/Somebody's heart is broken/And it becomes your favorite song".

Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King, however, is truly a celebration of life, not a mourning of death. Take a listen for yourself by going to a special DMB Pandora page where you can listen to all the songs on the album, set to go on sale Tuesday, June 2nd. Let me know what you think.

Maps

2009-05-26T07:56:00.000-04:00

I like Maps. If you're anything like me, you could spend hours just staring at maps. I like to know where I am, where I am going, and where I have never been. Of course, some of you who know me may be wondering, "So why are you always getting lost?"

Truth is, I like to get lost sometimes. I am never really lost, just misplaced on the globe. Usually, once I get my bearings, I can find my way out of anywhere. And then there are the times I go to the map. Sure, there are the GPSs out there, making the paper map almost obsolete. But that is just no fun. Do students even learn how to read a real map anymore? Like the newspaper, the folded map is a dying breed.

But you know, I am not a total luddite with maps. Where I used to spend hours on road trips reading the folded map of various states, I now spend hours zooming in and out of Google Maps on my computer. I mean, come on, the Google Street View is pretty damn cool. Just ask these folks in Pittsburgh.

Our Troops

2009-05-25T01:24:00.003-04:00

I like Our Troops.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Phoenix

2009-05-22T06:02:00.001-04:00

I like Phoenix. Not the city, my friends, but the band. Back at my old job a co-worker suggested I check out some songs from this band unknown to me. He is known for having a good handle on decent music, so I figured why not. Well, I was hooked. This French quartet has a sound unlike I'd heard before.

My favorite song from Phoenix is "Long Distance Call". Check out the YouTube video below to hear the track. On May 26th their new album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix will be released. Go here to hear a few tracks from that album, as well as a few older ones too (thanks PopCandy). Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Farts

2009-05-21T06:44:00.004-04:00

I like Farts. And admit it, you do too. You laugh when a baby breaks wind. You chuckled when a kid in class sat on a duck. You feel relieved when the room clears and you can finally rip one. As Shrek says, "Better out than in!" So don't act all high and mighty, as if you are grossed out. You like farts, too.

Alavert

2009-05-20T07:42:00.001-04:00

I like Alavert. My saving grace in this retched allergy season, Alavert Allergy and Sinus is an over the counter drug that makes me feel good. No, I'm not an addict. We're not talking about crack or cocaine, even though Alavert contains pseudophedrine, a common ingredient in meth, making it a task to purchase at the local Rite Aid or Target. It is easier to buy alcohol than it is to buy allergy medicine.

If you know me, you know that I swear by this stuff. After a bad sinus infection in college, a doctor basically told me never to stop taking the medication and I haven't. About 2 or 3 years ago they put the Alavert Allergy and Sinus behind the pharmacy counter due to the aforementioned meth connection. You can buy the allergy-only version without going to the pharmacy, but then you lose the sinus-opening pseudophedrine. While the anti-histamine is the allergy fighter, I think it's the pseudophedrine that really helps me.

Not all stores carry the Alavert Allergy and Sinus. Your best bet is Target, where you can get a 24-pack, otherwise Rite Aid has the 12-pack. Some other stores may carry it, possibly Walgreens, but CVS stopped carrying it, as did many supermarkets.

Pork Roll

2009-05-19T07:32:00.004-04:00

I like Pork Roll. The delicious breakfast meat is one of my favorite sides with any order of eggs, french toast or pancakes, or on a sandwich with eggs, cheese and ketchup. Some call it Canadian Bacon, some call it Taylor Ham. I call it heaven--er, Pork Roll.

Quite frankly, I don't want to know where it comes from--the part of the pig they cut the greazy (the 'z' is for the extra greasiness) Pork Roll. Some things are best left unknown. And while Bacon reigns supreme, and will certainly get its own post in the future, today it is Pork Roll that wears the crown.

And yes, I just finished a lovely breakfast of eggs and Pork Roll. Mmmm.

Woot.com

2009-05-18T06:54:00.000-04:00

I like Woot.com. Who doesn't like great deals on random products and electronics? I know I do. And while there are many outlets on the web and in the trunks of Monte Carlos, a great source for some of the Internet's best deals are at Woot.com. Only there's a catch-- only one product is for sale per day and once its gone, its gone.

Woot.com started as, "...an employee-store slash market-testing type of place for an electronics distributor, but it's taken on a life of its own." At 12 AM central time, a new product is posted. Sometimes there is a "Woot-Off" where a new product is posted right when the first sells out, and on Tuesday's, you usually get two-for-one deals. They also have days where they just offer a bag of crap. Products range from laptops to action figures and everything in between. And if cool gadgets aren't your thing, there is also wine.woot and shirt.woot.

I have made it part of my daily routine to check Woot.com. You never know when the product posted is the one thing you've been thinking about purchasing for months--or a great spur of the moment impulse buy. (Hey, those ear muffs made great Christmas gifts!)

DC 101 Chili Cookoff

2009-05-15T06:06:00.000-04:00

I like DC 101 Chili Cookoff. For those who don't know, this is more than just a get-together of tex-mex chefs. While chili will be readily available, Chili Cookoff is actually an all-day music fest taking place tomorrow outside RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. The great music and food aside, DC101 Chili Cookoff also benefits the National Kidney Foundation--in fact they raised over $1 million in 2008. Pretty sweet deal for a pretty awesome cause.

For those who are going, let's hope for good times and sunny skies. For those who aren't going, here are the bands you'll be missing--sucks to be you. Rock on and have a great weekend! (Yes, I'll be there!)

The Offpring

Third Eye Blind

Shinedown

Papa Roach

Puddle of Mudd

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Nikki Barr Band

(NOTE: People who disable the embedding of videos from YouTube are giant tools. I'm looking your way Universal Music Group.)

Pennsylvania

2009-05-14T06:07:00.001-04:00

I like Pennsylvania. I know, big shocker. Maryland is great, and is probably my new home for a long time, but it's always going to be #2 to good old PA. If you think about it, Pennsylvania is about as widespread, diverse, and renowned as any other state in the United States. Like many other Pennsylvanians, I have had chance to travel across the state and back again many times over in my life. And from those travels, I have many great stories and memories, some of which include:

My first step on the Penn State campus, knowing it was the place I'd spend the next four years of my life

Running from the cops in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh after they broke up a house party I was at with high school friends attending Pitt

Getting lost at Dorney Park while there with my family, only to be found by my Dad who then took me on the Balloon ride--I was 23 (kidding, I was 6)

Sledding at Slippery Rock University the night before a THON Canning trip in Grove City

Late night drives all around Philly and its burbs for no reason at all, except to drink exorbitant amounts of Wawa coffee, smoke cigarettes, and talk about life with good friends

Seeing my beloved Phillies win the World Series--priceless!

And this is just the teeny, tiny tip of the iceberg of my stories. I bet you have tons of stories, too, whether you grew up there, visited friends or family, or just got lost on the way to New York City. (Share in the comments section!)

In an effort to boost tourism to Pennsylvania, VisitPA.com has created a little movie about one guy's PA story called Peter Arthur Stories, a short film that sort of embodies Pennsylvania. Check out the trailer below and then head on over to PAStories.com to watch the full-length feature, premiering today. They're even giving away a free PA Getaway (which is probably a day razing a barn with the Amish, then sleeping in it) if you can answer a few questions about the film. Enjoy!

Pepsi

2009-05-13T06:27:00.000-04:00

I like Pepsi. Some people are Coke people, others are Pepsi people. I am the latter. Is anyone a Mr. Pibb person? Probably not. Whether in a two-liter bottle, an aluminum can, or fresh out a fountain with crushed ice, my favorite soda (that's right you "pop" folks, it's soda) is Pepsi.

Growing up, my family was split--at my Aunt and Uncle's house there was only Coke, and at my Grandparent's house it was Pepsi. Had I spent more time at my Aunt and Uncle's, perhaps this post would be Andy Locke Likes Coke. But, as it was, I lived two streets away from Grandmom and Grandpop and they always had a fridge full of Pepsi. My Grandpop loved Pepsi so much himself, that when he passed away we placed a can Pepsi with him to enjoy for eternity.

Go ahead Coke, take your polar bears, Santa ads and nostalgia. I am putting my support behind Cindy Crawford, the King of Pop, and the next generation. If you'll excuse me, I am going to grab myself a can of Pepsi, and bag of potato chips and kick back in the Cat Napper.

The Philadelphia Union

2009-05-12T07:20:00.002-04:00

I like the Philadelphia Union. The newest addition to Major League Soccer has officially been announced--the Philadelphia Union will take the field in a brand new, 18,500-seat stadium along the Delaware River in 2010. Now just so we are all clear, as of this moment, I really don't like soccer. But, I have a great respect for anything that is so wildly popular in every country but ours. And it is because of this that I am willing to give the sport of soccer a chance. Wow me with your league. And it goes without saying, but as a Philly homer, I am rooting for the Union do the wowing.

The new logo of the Philadelphia Union may be one of my favorite team logos ever. The blue and gold are taken from Philadelphia's official colors, a nod to the swedes who first settled here. The thirteen stars, representing the thirteen colonies adorn the seal, along with a rattlesnake made famous by Philly's favorite son Benjamin Franklin in his 1750s Pennsylvania Gazette political cartoons. The final detail is on the shield, where the Latin phrase "JUNGITE aut PERITE"--Join or die--appears. I love it.

So as we approach next spring, there will certainly be much buzz in the City of Brotherly Love about, what will hopefully be, their new favorite sons. I for one look forward to picking up some Union schwag and watching me some "futbol".

Star Trek

2009-05-11T06:22:00.006-04:00

I like Star Trek. I never thought I would write those words, but let me tell you, the latest addition to this storied franchise, isn't your daddy's Star Trek of years gone by. The new movie from J.J. Abrams impressed me on all levels. The writing was solid--funny, too. The actors, while not exactly Oscar-worthy, were cast extremely well and played their roles near flawlessly. And most of all, the action-packed explosions, graphics and sound made Star Trek a great movie to not just watch, but experience--especially in IMAX.

I can remember hearing through the grapevine many months ago that Abrams was planning a new Star Trek movie, but with a fresh, updated look and feel. Even though I was not a Star Trek fan growing up, I still have great respect for its impact on pop culture, so I was intrigued as to how he might do so. His casting of Zachary Quinto, fresh off his break-out role in Heroes, and funny-men John Cho and Simon Pegg, really got me excited. And when the reviews came back positive after early screenings--from Trekkies and non-Trekkies alike--my interest was at its peak.

I'm no Siskel or Ebert, so I have no rubric for rating movies involving appendages. But if I did, it would be elbows. Star Trek gets two elbows up. It entertained me and I think it will entertain you, too. Do yourself a favor and pony up the $10 or $12 for a ticket, another $12 for popcorn and a soda, and go see Star Trek in the theater. I'll be shocked if you are disappointed.

Explosions in the Sky

2009-05-08T06:35:00.004-04:00

I like Explosions in the Sky. That's a band, by the way. And if you have read my blog before, you know I am a big fan. You might now these guys from the soundtrack to Friday Night Lights, both the movie and the TV show. I have been a fan for some years now and find them to be the best band for awesome background tunes.

Explosions in the Sky is an instrumental rock band that has found a way to own any moment in life. I can listen to them when writing a marketing plan or when I am just just hanging out at home. Whether happy or sad, mad or crazy, their sound has such great range for any situation.

Here are a couple of their tracks that I really dig. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Spinach

2009-05-07T06:00:00.002-04:00

I like Spinach. Popeye definitely knew what he was doing when he consumed can after can of spinach. The vegetable has slowly crept into the number one spot on my favorite vegetable list, edging out asparagus and cauliflower. Of course, if it were "Andy the Sailor Man", my spinach would be fresh or frozen, and steamed to perfection.

This delicious side dish has always had the stigma of YUCK (at least it did for me growing up). I was probably in college when I first tried spinach--and I was hooked. Despite looking like freshly mowed grass clippings, I have found that I can eat spinach with the same excitement and enjoyment as I would potato chips or cookies. Crazy, right?

If you're wondering, and I know all 20 of you reading this are, here are some of the benefits of adding spinach to your diet (courtesy of WebMD):

Help fight off osteoporosis, heart disease, arthritis, and several types of cancer

Loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, heart-friendly A and C vitamins, folate, and magnesium

Low in calories

So the next time you need a quick side dish or vegetable to go along with your meal, pick up some fresh or frozen spinach. And before you know it, your forearms will be abnormally large as well!

Hulu.com

2009-05-06T07:02:00.004-04:00

I like Hulu.com. If you haven't discovered Hulu.com yet, you are missing out. From your favorite TV shows and movies to behind the scene features and clips, Hulu.com has it all. Missed last week's episode of 24? No problem, just go here. What's that, you say? You really want to watch the documentary movie Super Size Me? Done.

Hulu.com is the joint venture of NBC and Fox to offer exclusive, minimally-interrupted content online. And on April 30, 2009, ABC/Disney joined the fun as well. While they don't have EVERYTHING, their selection is pretty wide. And with the addition of Disney, they will certainly grow. Plus, the quality of the video streams are great, and as long as your Internet connection isn't too bad, there shouldn't be much buffering, either.

So when it's a random Wednesday night and all your favorite shows are on hiatus, log on to Hulu.com, create a free account, and see what all the fuss is about. And for those of you with half an hour to kill, here's the pilot episode of Doogie Howser--wait for it--MD. Enjoy!

Tums

2009-05-05T07:00:00.002-04:00

I like Tums. Is it bad that I am 26 and have heartburn? Probably. Well, thank God for Tums. Yesterday was terrible and I have no idea why (well, yeah I do). Following a weekend filled with beer, junk food, movie theater popcorn, a bucket of soda, and a Pat's Cheesesteak, I had a bagel, coffee, leftover ziti and a few glasses of tea throughout the day. Okay, I know exactly why I had heartburn.

And of course, when the burning hit its highest point, there were no Tums to be found. We ran out. Sometimes you truly don't realize how much you like something until it's gone. (Kind of like Parking) I'm used to always having a bottle on hand. Even my girlfriend knows to carry them in her purse when we have a day of beer consumption ahead of us. But yesterday I was left with no relief and even tried to take an Altoid to help. No dice.

Finally, I made it home and threw back about 4 or 5 of those chalky gifts from heaven. Even the fact that my power was out couldn't dampen my euphoria from the relief. If anyone has any suggestions for helping me curb the heartburn, aside from stronger Tums, I'm all ears. The only answer I won't accept is, "Drink less beer."

Facebook Scrabble

2009-05-04T07:50:00.001-04:00

I like Facebook Scrabble. Since its rebirth on Facebook, Scrabble has become more than just a nerdy board game for family night. Triple word scores are now part of the numerous ways in which relatives, friends and colleagues can keep in touch from miles away (or the next cubicle over). The games can last for days or hours--depending on how much time you have to kill hanging around on the Book of Faces.

The kick-start to the Facebook Scrabble craze began with a knockoff version of the game created by a couple of rouge developers. Their game's popularity ended up being what did them in, as the real Scrabble moved in and put an end to the application. Months prior to that lawsuit being official in courts, the game was back, was flashier, and had a branded Scrabble skin.

Facebook Scrabble turns out to be more education than one would think, as well. Where else could you learn that poyou is a South American armadillo? That nugget of knowledge came from Spar, who is trying desperately to beat me. Because he had junk letters and randomly tried various combinations, he ended up with poyou. Ridiculous. Of course, I scored 82 points with Prez.

So anyone who wants a game, just challenge me on Facebook and prepare to be defeated.

Stadium Arcadium

2009-05-01T07:28:00.002-04:00

I like Stadium Arcadium. This double-album from the Red Hot Chili Peppers has been the unofficial sound of my past three summers, since it was released in 2006. With the recent wave of eighty and ninety degree days, its been difficult to NOT think about all the beauties of summertime. When the weather reverted back to sixty five and rainy on Wednesday, I wanted to keep my mind in the summertime, so I cranked up Stadium Arcadium in my iTunes and rocked out.

The two discs, titled "Mars" and "Jupiter", each hold the distinct honor of being complete albums, meaning I can listen to each from beginning to end without skipping a song. Most people know the singles from the radio like, "Dani California", "Tell Me Baby", and "Snow (Hey Oh)". And while I like those songs, it is the lesser-known tracks that really make Stadium Arcadium the award-winning rock album it is.

Below are a few of my favorites for you to enjoy as you kick-start your weekend. Here's hoping for more summer-like weather in the coming days!

"Wet Sand"

"Readymade"

"Animal Bar"

Yuengling

2009-04-30T07:47:00.001-04:00

I like Yuengling. "I'll have a Lager," is all you need to say at the bar to be served Yuengling. It makes no difference that lager is actually a style of beer. There are many lagers, but only one Lager--Yuengling. And now comes word that Yuengling is about to become the largest American-owned brewery.

At my old agency, we had the opportunity to compete for the Yuengling advertising business. We did not end up winning, but it did afford me the chance to learn a lot about the history and legacy of the Pottsville, PA brewery, as well as the beer industry as a whole. Without going into all the details, all you need to know about Yuengling beer is that the quality of the beer is the number one priority of Dick Yuengling and his team. While other brewers spread their wings, criss-crossed the country and made their beers a household name, Yuengling slowly crept up and down the east coast under the radar to most. Today, though, I know people in California who would die to have a Yuengling Lager or Black and Tan. Unfortunately, West Virginia is about as far west as Yuengling will be going for a while. The philosophy of Dick Yuengling is to not compromise quality for quantity. It's a philosophy that makes Yuengling one of the best beers available.

If you haven't had chance to sample all the brews in the Yuengling portfolio, then do yourself a favor and do so. Aside from Lager, my favorite has to be the Chesterfield Ale. It is delicious. While other brewers have more choices of beer to choose from, and beers that are very good I might add, nothing will ever compare with Yuengling.

The Biggest Loser

2009-04-29T07:34:00.005-04:00

I like The Biggest Loser. By no means am I a candidate for The Biggest Loser. However, this show has been an inspiration to me, as it has to millions across the country, to live a healthier life. You don't have to be morbidly obese to be unhealthy and at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other life-threatening ailments. You could be skinny as a rail and still be affected by these things.

Watching The Biggest Loser for the first time this season (thanks to my girlfriend, who in turn can thank her parents) has been an interesting experience. I honestly thought I wouldn't really care about the contestants or about their weight-loss because, well, how could I relate to someone who weighs three times as much as me? Well, I could. Throughout each two-hour episode you begin to pick up on training techniques, diet routines, and the inspiration that with the right amount of focus, determination and effort you can do anything--not just losing weight. How refreshing it is to have a reality show that is not only real, but also beneficial to the audience watching. Thousands, if not millions, of people around the country are now participating in their own Biggest Loser challenges, and it's all thanks to this show.

As for the actual entertainment value, all the staples are there for reeling you in each week, eagerly anticipating the next episode. The only thing that would make me look more forward to The Biggest Loser is if Jack Bauer were fighting terrorists while sprinting on a treadmill. There's laughing, crying (bit much), anger, alliances and game-play. But at the end of the day, the contestants on the show pull together as one and encourage each other to succeed. Their experiences on The Biggest Loser are truly life-altering. It's an inspiration to watch and I encourage you to check out the final two episodes 8PM Tuesday nights. When you see where these people were when they started, and how they look now--you too will be joining me and the millions of others in counting the days to the new season.

IMDB.com

2009-04-28T07:09:00.001-04:00

I like IMDB.com. If you're anything like me, you don't watch a movie without heading to IMDB.com before the credits start rolling to find out all you can about the film--especially the trivia. Not sure why, but I like to know what actors were originally considered for certain parts or who had a cameo in what movie.

IMDB.com is also great for finding out the names of well-known actors in obscure roles--the kind of information that winning bets are made of. And it's a huge help in confirming your six degrees from Kevin Bacon.

There's a lot of ~~useful~~ useless knowledge in my brain from years of watching Saved by the Bell, The Simpsons, Full House and many other shows of the 80s/90s. And thanks to IMDB.com, this exorbitant amount of information has been compounded exponentially in recent years. Don't tell my parents, but I think I forget college because I needed to make room in my brain for all the anachronisms and continuity goofs in Braveheart.

Photoshop

2009-04-27T07:05:00.000-04:00

I like Photoshop. As a professional tool, Photoshop is one of the best. Photographers use it to touch up images; designers use it for ads, collateral, websites and other printed and interactive pieces; Playboy uses it to make their models look blemish-free; and so many other people have found multiple uses for the Adobe program. Me? I use it to put friend's heads on other bodies to make funny pictures.

With no formal training in Photoshop, I have been tinkering with it for years--since my early college years. I would pick up a few tricks here and there to go along with the basics, and used this knowledge to design t-shirts for club activities and fliers and brochures for events. When college was complete, I still used my Photoshop chops to do these same things--but found it much more useful to make fun of friends and have a good laugh. And in turn, they would do the same to me. Some of the best Photoshop battles took place at my previous job. We would end up tacking up pictures all over the office or leave them perfectly placed on one's monitor, greeting that person in the morning. One of my favorites is to the left. My friend Tom was displaying an unusual amount of sass and needed to be told so. Yep, I like Photoshop.

Pharaoh Rat

2009-04-24T07:59:00.002-04:00

I like Pharaoh Rat. I guarantee you've never heard of this band. How do I know this? Because they formed like a month ago. Pharaoh Rat happens to be the band of a my co-worker, Eric. They're so new the only web page they have is a MySpace listing. MySpace, people! It's them, about 15,000 13-year-olds and 30,000 indecent middle-aged men. But you know what, it's pretty cool that there are outlets, like the MySpaces of the world, for up and coming artists to showcase their work, whether it be music, paintings or macaroni sculptures.

Pharaoh Rat is not a band for everyone. What I like about the sound is the mix of jazz and instrumental rock with a jam band vibe. When Eric sent the link, I knew the music was good because I put it on, went back to work, and within a few minutes I found myself bobbing my head along with the beat and rhythm. Similar to waking up from a dream and not knowing where you are, I had a moment of confusion, trying to remember what band I was listening to. I like listening to Explosions in the Sky, who I mentioned before in this post, for the same reasons. The music becomes a soundtrack to whatever it is you're doing at the moment.

My recommendation is to let the music of Pharaoh Rat play in the background of whatever it is you are doing at the moment and before you know it, you'll be restarting the tracks over again. Give me a shout if you want more info on the band and I'll pass word onto Eric. Have a great weekend and to those in the Northeast, enjoy the beautiful weather--I know I will!

Baseball Tonight

2009-04-23T08:00:00.002-04:00

I like Baseball Tonight. I am not a huge fan of the NBA. And ever since ESPN stopped its NHL programming, the days between the Super Bowl and March Madness are an over-saturated hodge podge of NBA-related shows, coverage and stories (read: too much Stephen A. Smith ranting). It's so bad that I can't even watch SportsCenter on a regular basis. Sure, they show highlights from hockey and have the regular off-season NFL and MLB storylines, but its just not entertaining to me. I just don't care about the Mavs-Timberwolves match up. So when baseball finally kicks into high gear at the end of March, ESPN perennially brings back one of their best shows, hands down--Baseball Tonight.

Call me a baseball junkie, but I could sit and listen to Peter Gammons or Buster Olney talk baseball all day long. And ever since John Kruk joined the team, adding some of the 1993 Phillies attitude, its even more fun to watch. Everything from in-game updates, in-depth analysis, and every little stat you could possibly want to know about baseball. Karl Ravech is a great moderator and the various guest perspectives are usually top notch.

So as the NBA Playoffs get rolling, and SportsCenter is taken over by the same boring dunking highlights of Kobe and Lebron, I am happy that I get my hour of baseball coverage every evening.

UPDATE: Stephen A. Smith will not be having his contract renewed by ESPN. Maybe it's time to start watching the NBA coverage again? ...Nah. Thank you Brett for the update.

Tweenbots

2009-04-22T07:54:00.001-04:00

I like Tweenbots. Thanks to a link found in a friend's Twitter feed (@LaurenHumann) I came across a very interesting experiment called Tweenbots. Kacie Kinzer, a student in the ITP Program at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, when thinking one day about how pre-occupied people are in New York City with getting from point A to point B, wondered, "...could a human-like object traverse sidewalks and streets along with us, and in so doing, create a narrative about our relationship to space and our willingness to interact with what we find in it? More importantly, how could our actions be seen within a larger context of human connection that emerges from the complexity of the city itself?" To find her answers, she created Tweenbots--little cardboard robots that only move in a straight, continuous line, with a destination written on a flag attached to its body--and unleashed them in the City.

The experiment literally consisted of dropping the Tweenbot at the Northeast corner of Washington Square Park with instructions that it is to end up at the Southwest corner. Using a hidden camera in her purse, Kacie followed the robot as it traversed the rough terrain of pot holes, curbs and benches in the park, held at the mercy of the passerby. The results are pretty entertaining.

The first Tweenbot mission garnered much attention from pedestrians, 29 to be exact, and took just 42 minutes to complete. Most everyone complied with the instructions on the Tweenbot's flag, save the few who pointed it in the opposite direction to keep the little guy out of harms way. Since then, there have been numerous missions, according to Kacie, and each time the Tweenbot reached its destination with only the help of complete strangers. Most interesting to her (and to me), "...was the fact that this ad-hoc crowdsourcing was driven primarily by human empathy for an anthropomorphized object. The journey the Tweenbots take each time they are released in the city becomes a story of people's willingness to engage with a creature that mirrors human characteristics of vulnerability, of being lost, and of having intention without the means of achieving its goal alone."

I am impressed at the generosity of New Yorkers to the cardboard robot. My question, though, is whether people would act the same if it were a human being that moved in a straight, continuous line with their destination written on a flag attached to their body? Now THAT would be an entertaining video (and maybe a true measurement of human empathy towards a vulnerable, lost creature). Regardless, Kacie has done a great job with this unique project and I look forward to keeping tabs on future Tweenbot missions. Feel free to discuss your thoughts in the comments section.

Parking

2009-04-21T07:04:00.000-04:00

I like Parking. Honestly, you don't realize how much you like having readily available parking until you don't have readily available parking. Currently, I do not have readily available parking.

Living in Baltimore City hasn't been bad at all, really. I live on decent street and the blocks surrounding me are made up of tree-lined sidewalks and renovated row homes. The people are friendly and I live close by bars, restaurants, the Safeway and work. The only drawback of living in the City is the parking.

But this isn't a negative blog, and this post is about how I like Parking. And it's true, when there's a spot in front of my apartment, or even on the same street my day improves ten-fold and the next morning gets kick-started on a positive note. It's not that I don't think walking a block or two is bad--in fact it's good and healthy. But when my car is three steps from my apartment door, then I like Parking--a lot.

Rita's Water Ice

2009-04-20T07:12:00.001-04:00

I like Rita's Water Ice. Spring means more than just robins, flowers and seasonal allergies. It means more than baseball, playoff hockey and the NFL Draft. What Spring means most (at least for the purpose of this post) is the return of Rita's Water Ice.

I know--some of you who did not grow up in the Philly area want to call it "Italian" ice. And while that may be what it is, the company, and the dessert, will always be Rita's "Water" Ice. Headquartered in my hometown of Bensalem, PA, Rita's Water Ice is the quintessential harbinger of summer (and the most delicious, too). And since it has become such a popular franchise, the red and white awnings are just about everywhere up and down the east coast.

My buddy Brett used to work at a Rita's Water Ice in high school and that meant a steady supply of the night's leftovers holed up in his freezer. Whenever someone had a party with certain libations, the perfect frozen mango or cherry mixer were always close by. And these days, while living it up in Charm City, Rita's Water Ice is a nice reminder of good times and warm nights back home.

The Arcade Fire

2009-04-17T07:02:00.002-04:00

I like The Arcade Fire. I'm no expert on music, nor do I know much about the theory of what makes a song good. What I do know is what sounds good to me, and that's the only measuring stick by which I form any opinion on music. Since my post on Movie Trailers earlier this week, I have had The Arcade Fire's song "Wake Up" stuck in my head. It is the song featured in the trailer for Where the Wild Things Are and it has just consumed me. Like I said, I am no expert on music so I can't say what it is exactly about "Wake Up" that has me so into it, but I like it.

As for The Arcade Fire, I know very little about them. The basics are they they're a band of seven from Canada. They've released a few albums and appear to have a very strong fan base and core following. Another of their songs, "My Body is a Cage" was featured in a short trailer for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button late last year. So The Arcade Fire seem to have the movie trailer thing going for them--and that ain't bad. As I've been perusing through their catalog via iTunes, YouTube and Pandora a couple other songs have peaked my interest, including one titled, "A Crown of Love".

Definitely a unique sound, unlike a lot of what is out there now on the radio and the charts--and that's always refreshing. It's fun hearing a new sound for the first time, even if that band has been around for some time. Below is the video for "Wake Up"--perhaps you'll enjoy the song as much I have. And if not, have a great weekend anyway and come on back Monday!

Buffalo Wild Wings

2009-04-16T06:54:00.003-04:00

I like Buffalo Wild Wings. Last night I had the chance to finally get to a Buffalo Wild Wings. The commercials are hilarious and folks say the wings were great. Apparently they are all over the place, too, and have been for many years (though not in the Philadelphia area, where I grew up). So when I heard they had recently built one not too far from Baltimore, I wanted to check it out.

If you like wings and a variety of wings sauce, Buffalo Wild Wings is a place for you. My wing sauce choices were Honey BBQ and Asian Zing. I recommend both. If you want something hotter, they have plenty of those too. We were lucky to have gone on "Leg Day" where all legs were $0.50 each. Sweet! The drum sticks were the size of a large chicken and full of meat. I've never had wings this big for so little money.

The atmosphere is also great. TVs are EVERYWHERE and tuned to sports, sports and more sports. Last night we were there for some Flyers-Penguins playoff hockey. My girlfriend is a Penguins fan and I love the Flyers. She left Buffalo Wild Wings happier than I did--but it had nothing to do with the food.

Macaroni and Cheese

2009-04-15T06:30:00.001-04:00

I like Macaroni and Cheese. As it says in my profile, even on the worst of days, there's always SOMETHING I like; something that makes me feel good. I wouldn't classify yesterday as the worst day, in fact it wasn't even a bad day. But yesterday was filled with misty rain, cold wind, not so great news, and a long day on the job. And you know what I wanted to do when I got home? Make macaroni and cheese.

If I had to choose, Velveeta Shells and Cheese would be my preference, but the Safeway had Kraft Mac and Cheese for $0.89, so I made the executive decision to go for the deal (hey, I'm cheap). Even with a powder mix cheese, Kraft Mac and Cheese is still delicious. And best of all, it was one thing that was good for me yesterday, and helped end the day on a positive note. And yes, I'm 7 years old.

Movie Trailers

2009-04-14T06:30:00.002-04:00

I like Movie Trailers. Sometimes better than the movies themselves, are the trailers that promote them. Maybe because bad movies have only a few good lines, scenes or jokes, and those are replayed over and over again on the trailers on TV. Maybe its because we live in an instant society where telling a story in 2 1/2 minutes, as opposed to 2 1/2 hours, is preferable. I don't know for sure.

What I do know is that one of my favorite past times when bored is visiting Apple Movie Trailers to see what movies are coming out soon. Lame? Probably. Cool? Definitely. Either way, its a great method for weeding out what I don't need to spend $10.00 on a movie ticket to see. And once every so often I stumble upon a trailer that entices me enough to shell out the ticket cost, plus the movie theater staple of popcorn and a soda. Of course, I usually finish both while watching the even newer trailers at the theater.

Here are two recent movie trailers that I have found very entertaining (and possibly worth my $10). Enjoy!

The Hangover

Where the Wild Things Are

Pop Candy

2009-04-13T06:55:00.005-04:00

I like Pop Candy. No, I'm not talking about the candy Pop Rocks (though they are awesome). I like the USA Today blog, Pop Candy. Whitney Matheson is the scribe behind this running list of pop culture and entertainment. She is quirky, funny, and has her finger on the pulse of the latest in music, movies, tv and all-things cool.

Pop Candy, especially the Early Buzz, feeds my need for updates on 80s/90s sitcom stars or washed up rockers, and fills me in on the coolest new movies and music out there. Are comics your thing? Well, Pop Candy is all over the comic book and graphic novel scene. Like Star Wars or Lost? You'll find many like you there as well. While I may not be in to all of these topics myself, I always enjoy reading Whitney's witty take on things, plus the comments of her loyal fans.

The Pop Candy readers are the best mix of pop culture junkies like myself. Reading the comments on Whitney's posts reminds me of email threads or conversations with my friends (I'm looking your way Adjemian, Sutow, Londergan and Ogle)--nonsensical banter about random pop culture, chock full of obscure facts and quotes. The type of conversation that makes normal, everyday people think you're looney. (We once had an email thread containing all people/things named Lynn thanks to this video--and yes, Lynn Belvedere was included). So if you've got a sweet tooth for pop culture, than Whitney Matheson's Pop Candy is definitely for you. (It's also good if you have a border-line unhealthy infatuation of mustaches.)

The World Champs

2009-04-10T06:58:00.005-04:00

I like The World Champs. This concludes Andy Locke Likes: Phillies Week and there's no better way to end the week than to honor all of the 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies--every last one of them. I have tried to craft the right words to describe what these players, this team, and this World Series Championship means to me and to the city of Philadelphia, but I can't. So, I'm going to let the following pictures and videos do it for me. Thank you very much for reading and have a great weekend (and holiday)--see you Monday!

Andy Locke Likes: Phillies Week - Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

The Phillie Phanatic

2009-04-09T07:28:00.005-04:00

I like The Phillie Phanatic. While Harry may be the voice of the Phillies, the face--er, ah beak--of the team, and maybe the city, is The Phillie Phanatic. In fact, there may not be another mascot in all of sports that is more recognizable then this big hunk of green from the Gallapogos Islands.

Andy Locke Likes: Phillies Week - Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

The Phillie Phanatic made his debut for the Phillies in 1978. So while he may not be baseball's oldest mascot, he is still, "...the best mascot in the business," so says a quote from USAToday on the Phillies website. No matter what age you are, you can't help but be entertained by The Phillie Phanatic--whether he's taunting Tommy Lasorda or picking on a Mets fan in the stands. The best Phanatic antics, however, are when he messes with the opposing team or umpires, during the game. Check out these clips:

My favorite memory, though, of The Phillie Phanatic happened on a cold April night when I was about six or seven years old during a game against the Mets. My Dad somehow scored seats right on the field in the 100 level at the Vet, and since it was freezing, I had on a winter hat. Out of no where, the Phanatic showed up and began greeting everyone around our section. As I stood, watching in complete awe, he came right over to our row, placed his big, furry hands on my head, and pulled my winter hat down over my eyes. And then he was gone. Yup--greatest day of my life (up to that point, of course).

Here's another clip from YouTube where the Phanatic is showing off some sweet dance moves:

Harry Kalas

2009-04-08T07:15:00.011-04:00

I like Harry Kalas. The voice of my childhood wasn't Mr. Rogers or Captain Noah. It wasn't Bugs Bunny or Scooby Doo, either. Nope. None of those. The voice of my childhood was Harry Kalas.

Andy Locke Likes: Phillies Week - Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

At a very young age, I would sit with my great-grandmother in her room listening to the Phillies on her radio as Harry gave us the play-by-play. When the team was on the west coast and the games were on late, this 10-year-old would sneak little headphones into his bed and listen to Harry's signature home run calls. When I got a little older and would play baseball in the field with friends, every trot around the bases was accompanied by my best Harry Kalas impression.

The Phillies broadcast team as a whole is great, but no one comes close to Harry. So many great memories of past Phillies games have a running soundtrack of classic Harry calls. And now that the Phillies have won the World Series, I can think of no better voice to have called the final out--take a listen (and check out the crazy Chris Wheeler dance)!

Citizens Bank Park

2009-04-07T07:00:00.011-04:00

I like Citizens Bank Park. Despite their loss on Opening Night, I have faith that the Phils can pull out their first win of the 2009 season tonight. In the meantime, let's talk about where the game will be played. Citizens Bank Park has been heralded as one of the best stadiums in baseball. It comes from the new crop of true "parks" that began with Camden Yards in Baltimore back in 1992. Real grass, open view of the city skyline, spacious concourse, and not a bad seat in the house.

Andy Locke Likes: Phillies Week - Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Prior to this masterpiece of baseball architecture, there was a multi-purpose juggernaut in South Philadelphia known as Veterans Stadium. A concrete jungle (with rats the size of tigers, and cats the size of elephants), the Vet was a horrible place to watch a game, and according to most players in baseball, a horrible place to play in too. But you know what, as a kid going to many games every year, there was something magical about that place. The smells, the sounds and the sights of a baseball game. My memories of seeing the turf as I emerged from the tunnel, cheering on my favorite players--these are the things I loved most about going to Phils games. And with Citizens Bank Park, that love of the game has been given new life, a new home to thrive and flourish for the great people of Philadelphia, no longer marred by an eyesore of a stadium.

Citizens Bank Park is a place where die hard fans, casual fans and families can go and enjoy a game all together. Ashburn Alley is full of Philly-flavored eateries, Bull's Bar-B-Q features Greg "The Bull" Luzinski himself working the grill, the bullpens allow any aged fan to hurl insults at the opposing team's pitchers, and McFaddens provides an escape from the rain or a place to watch a Flyers playoff win on TV mere minutes before watching the Phillies pull off a come-from-behind thriller live and in person. And best of all--Citizens Bank Park is home to the World Series Champions.

Charlie Manuel

2009-04-06T07:03:00.005-04:00

I like Charlie Manuel. Welcome to Andy Locke Likes: Phillies Week! All this week I will be chronicling the top five things I like about your World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies. To kick things off, I am starting with the man who is the glue that holds the Phillies together and who kept them grounded on their way to the championship. And that man is none other than Uncle Charlie.

Andy Locke Likes: Phillies Week - Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Damn near run out of town a few years back, Charlie Manuel has persevered through it all and come out as one of the most beloved skippers to ever don the red pinstripes. He may not be the most eloquent of speakers at press conferences or in interiews, but none of that matters. What matters is whether or not he has the ability to lead a squad of talented, young, hot shot ball players. Can he inspire them to perform beyond their best? Will he push them to the point of breaking, but support them along the way? Is he a champion? With Charlie Manuel you can answer yes to all of those questions.

In a city like Philadelphia, where sport teams are judged by a simple measuring stick--did you win a championship or not--Charlie Manuel has become an icon, achieving what few managers/head coaches in this city have before him. (It's Philly, afterall--we're not really known for our extensive trophy collection.) It's pretty safe to say this oft-bumbling Virginian will forever be revered as a favorite son of the City of Brotherly Love. And if winning the World Series wasn't enough, Charlie will have his very own bobble-head night in a few weeks.

Movin' On

2009-04-03T07:07:00.003-04:00

I like Movin' On. A special place in my heart is set aside for Movin' On--the FREE, outdoor, all-day, concert festival held at Penn State University on the HUB lawn every April. What started as a "hippie fest" known as Gentle Thursday back in the 70s, has become one of the largest student-run concerts in the country.

As a student at Penn State, I worked as a volunteer with Movin' On in a variety of roles--inflatable worker, hospitality committee (take care of the bands), head of security, and sponsorship director my senior year. Sitting in my top five, all-time college memories is standing on the HUB Lawn in 2005, up on the hill, looking down on a crowd of students rocking out to Rusted Root. Not in my top five, but damn near close, was the sweaty chest bump I received from Bubba Sparxxx backstage in 2003. Other Movin' On bands and artists through the years include Ben Folds, Run DMC, Jimmy Eat World, Fall Out Boy, Jewel, Wilco, Bowling for Soup, Pete Yorn, Talib Kwali, Our Lady Peace, and countless others.

Check out the 2009 Movin' On line-up at the official website. I don't know any of the bands, but then again, that's half the fun of going to the festival.

I am honored, not only to be a Penn State alumni (hell yeah, NIT Champs!), but also to call myself a Movin' On alum. There were many great students before me who gave up their time to plan this festival, and there are so many others who have come after. If you are in the Penn State/State College, PA area this weekend, stop by the HUB Lawn to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Movin' On. There will be non-stop music, good people, delicious food, and great times all around.

And to those looking for a good song to kick-start the weekend, here's a little something to remind us all of Movin' On 2005. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Don't forget! All next week is Andy Locke Likes: Phillies Week! The topic each day will center on my like--no wait, LOVE--of the World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies and the start of the 2009 baseball season! Check it out starting Monday.

Shinedown

2009-04-02T07:00:00.003-04:00

I like Shinedown. My taste in music has a wide range. Today, however, I'm all about good old hard rock--I'm heading over to Ram's Head Live here in Baltimore to see Shinedown. I can first remember hearing these guys back in 2005 when their songs "45" and "Save Me" were getting some solid radio play. It was those songs that led me to checking out their albums and discovering that they also do a kick ass version of "Simple Man".

The show tonight is sold out which means a packed house at this general admission venue. Typically, that would mean some very active mosh pits--and I doubt tonight will disappoint. I, however, will not be participating. That's the only part of a hard rock concert that I do not indulge. As a six-foot pole with no center of balance, I fall over easily and am not a very good moshing buddy.

Despite the lack of hurling my body into another's, Shinedown should be great tonight and I am expecting a lot of songs from their most recent album, The Sound of Madness, including "Second Chance" and "Devour" (check out the videos below). It's a great new album with a mix of radio-friendly hits (like the aforementioned) and some harder, heavier songs. No matter what, lead singer Brent Smith's vocals prove that you don't always have to scream into a microphone to make a song rock.

Don't forget! All next week is going to be Andy Locke Likes: Phillies Week! The topic each day will center on my like--no wait, LOVE--of the World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies and the start of the 2009 baseball season! Check it out starting Monday.

Practical Jokes

2009-04-01T07:25:00.003-04:00

I like Practical Jokes. On any given day in the workplace, you could be the butt of a joke. That's part of the fun of spending 40+ hours with the same people week in and week out. If you can't laugh at each other, and accept being laughed at too, then you should probably find a new job.

My previous place of employment was an advertising agency in Philly, and there was no shortage of practical jokes between us. It's seriously how we made it through some long, long days. In honor of April Fool's Day, below are three simple practical jokes from my time there that you can pull on your co-workers today. Just be sure to get them before they get you. Enjoy and share other practical jokes in the comments section!

The 'N' and 'M' Switch - Pop off the 'N' and 'M' keys from your co-worker's keyboard and switch them around. This joke was played on me once and I was damn near ready to call IT to figure out what was wrong with my computer.

The Print Screen Wallpaper - Take a "Print Screen" screen shot of the co-worker's desktop as it normally looks (with folders, files and all). Next, change the settings on their desktop to not show those folders and files, but to hide them. And finally, upload that "Print Screen" screen shot as their new wallpaper. It will freak them out when their mouse cursor moves fine, but nothing opens when they click.

The Talking Computer - This one is for the Mac users, as I am not sure Windows has the speech function (but I could be wrong). Within Preferences, go to Speech. Open the Universal Access and activate the VoiceOver utility, whereby the computer will speak any action that is made--minimizing a window, typing, moving the cursor, you name it. Meant for those who have trouble seeing, it's great for pissing off co-workers. Oh yeah, make sure their volume is turned way up, too.

Good luck with your practical jokes, and please don't blame me if you get beat up or fired. I cannot be held accountable for your breach of office policies or inability to keep a straight face.

Hey everyone! All next week is going to be Andy Locke Likes: Phillies Week! The topic each day will center on my like--no wait, LOVE--of the World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies and the start of the 2009 baseball season! Check it out starting Monday.

Pandora

2009-03-31T07:00:00.012-04:00

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

2009-03-30T06:47:00.003-04:00

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

2009-03-27T07:30:00.009-04:00

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

2009-03-26T07:15:00.006-04:00

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

2009-03-25T07:10:00.003-04:00

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

2009-03-24T07:15:00.005-04:00

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

2009-03-23T07:22:00.008-04:00

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

2009-03-20T07:00:00.006-04:00

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

2009-03-19T07:30:00.004-04:00

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

2009-03-18T08:00:00.002-04:00

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

2009-03-17T08:00:00.003-04:00

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:

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

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

2009-03-16T07:08:00.003-04:00

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

2009-03-13T10:04:00.002-04:00

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

2009-03-12T07:37:00.007-04:00

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

2009-03-11T11:01:00.012-04:00

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.