It's Movember. Time to Grow the 'Stache, Fellas!

Yes, it's that time again.

Time for gentlemen to start growing the 'stache to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancers.
And time for you ladies to encourage this behavior and discussion of Movember's purpose.

So if you've always wanted to look like Tom Selleck, Hulk Hogan, Groucho Marx, Mike Ditka, Salvador Dali, Ned Flanders, Rollie Fingers, Yosemite Sam, or another of the countless famous mustached men, now's your chance. And it'll be for a good cause, too.

The Harvard Sailing Team, one of my favorite comedy troupes, said it this way.

Here's a somewhat less-entertaining, yet very informative, video about Movember.

How to participate:

1. Shave tonight (October 31st) or tomorrow morning, and start growing the facial hair.
2. When people ask about your facial hair, tell them you're raising awareness for prostate and testicular cancer, and encourage them to spread the word.
3. Ladies, give a mustached man a smooch, or at least a compliment for his mustache-growing efforts.
4. If you'd like, give a donation or attend a Gala event if there's one happening near you.

I'm shooting for something in this range, if not even better.

PS: I may throw a Movember party on November 18th. Location and time TBD.

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Halloween Weekend

Halloween math: 3 parties, 2 costumes, 1 great weekend.

"Samhain" Running Group Party
My friend Anand hosted this shindig. Lots of fun costumes of all different types and genres. While there were a ton of great ones, here are some of my favorites.

Flo from Progressive & Eagle Scout

Calvin & Hobbes

All great, but especially loving the Nyan Cat & Barney Stinson on the far right

Celebrity Island Party
We all know Elvis and Tupac aren't dead. They and all their celebrity friends just leave public life to spend the remainder of their days on Celebrity Island. Check out how good they all look:

Bonnie & Clyde

Amber as Amelia Earhart

Allstate Mayhem Jogger

Such a great Lucille Ball impersonation

Crikey! It's the Crocodile Hunter!

Audrey's Birthday
This one wasn't a costume party. In fact, I went straight there from the Celebrity Island party, and I was the only person in costume. No worries. Sharing props and using camera effects gets everybody in on the act.

With the birthday girl

Kind of a gumshoe look, eh?

Showing Audrey some roomie love

These roomies are a hoot

 And that's why I love Halloween. 'Nuff said.

PS: I first shared the zombie love video for Valentines Day this year, but it seems appropriate for Halloween, too. My favorite lyrics? "I wanna steal your heart... and eat your brains." haha

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The Most Amazing Shoes You've Ever Seen [Gun Hoofs]

Not since the Air Jordan 1's have I seen amazing shoes like the ones I saw today. Full credit goes to my friend Sarah B for bringing these to my attention [her tumblr is fantastic].

Do you ever need to climb a mountainside and then shoot a wild animal?
Then these are the shoes for you (and for Bear Grylls, too)!

They are called Gun Hoofs, and they're made by Iris Schieferstein. Amazing, aren't they?

Not satisfied with a goat hoof and golden pistols? Try on some snake heels with black pistols.

I really hope Sarah B gets a pair, because I'd love to see them in real life.

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The ABC (Anything But Clothes) Run

My running group can be pretty wacky, and we love our theme runs.

For the second year in a row, we had the ABC (Anything But Clothes) run.
Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like.

Find a trash bag, make a dress out of coffee filters or playing cards, whatever.

This year I cut head and arm holes in couch cushion covers for my friend Adam and me.

Yes, we get lots of funny looks from the Muggles when we run like this.

One big advantage that I hadn't planned on was the open airyness of the bottom with the heat-capturing of the top. Perfect for those chilly DC nights, plus you can bring the arms in and look like a potato!

Any suggestions for what I should wear / not wear for next year's ABC run?

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Star Wars Pumpkins

Two things I love, combined into one: Star Wars and pumpkin-carving.

Sadly, I can't claim any of these as my own... yet.

"It was as if a million pumpkin seeds cried out and were suddenly silenced..."
HT: Jared Gillins

Boba Fett

The Emperor

R2-D2

Talent + way too much time = show-off over-achiever

If those weren't enough to blow your mind, check out these 7 Star Wars pumpkins!
Do you have a favorite genre or maybe a specific jack o'lantern pattern?

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Todd Rundgren's OccupyWallSt Rallying Cry

Is it just me, or did the OccupyWallSt (and OccupyDC, OccupyAmerica, etc.) folks maybe listen to this old Todd Rundgren tune way too many times?

Best of luck, and I hope you're only banging on those drums during regular work hours. Non-protesters and their families need sleep, too.

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A Great Pre-Halloween Fall Weekend [Haunted Forest, Pumpkin Party, Caramel Apples]

The weekend prior to Halloween was excellent this year. I was able to participate in several Fall/Halloween activities, which set the stage beautifully for the impending Halloween party blitzkrieg.

Markoff's Haunted Forest
I'm not usually a horror guy. In fact, I still hate clowns because of the nightmares that Stephen King's "It" gave me for several nights in a row when I was 12 years-old. But Markoff's Haunted Forest was a lot of fun. If you didn't make it this year, go next year. It's worth it. Even just for the carnival-type atmosphere and getting a cup of hot chocolate and standing by the bonfire.

Staying warm, prior to getting scared out of our wits

C1 Pumpkin Party
While not exactly a Halloween costume party, this shindig came close. The main focus was on pumpkin-carving, which was fine by me. Having pumpkin in most of the food was a delicious theme. Since I'm fairly new back in the Colonial 1st Ward, this was a great chance to re-connect with old friends and meet new folks. And what better way to break the ice than with a compliment about somebody's costume?

Great Civil War costumes, and Abe's beard is actually her hair. Isn't that hilarious/genius?!?

Caramel Apples
Mmm, just remembering this event makes me hungry. My friends Rachel and Devon put this together, and we all had a fun time. I could only handle one caramel apple, but spending the evening with great people and satisfying that sweet tooth at the same time is a deal I'll take any night.

Oh, and one question. Both are probably okay, but how do you pronounce the word "caramel"?

• Care-a-mel
• Car-mel

This is often a humorous and oddly-heated debate, and I'd love to hear what you think.

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Curly Fries and Cavities

Curly Fries
French fries are good. Curly fries are even better.

This was part of my lunch the other day.

Yes, they were as delicious as they look.

Each time I eat curly fries, I'm reminded of the Hardee's restaurant that used to be next to my dad's pediatric dentist office. I remember my mom taking us to eat there before our check-ups and sometimes when we were just stopping by the office to say hi or drop Costco/Sam's Club supplies off.
Am I remembering that accurately, mom?

Cavities
Speaking of dentist visits, most of my check-ups ended with all smiles. That's what you'd expect of a dentist's kid, right? Well, not all of my visits were clean. In fact, I'd venture to say I am the sibling that had the most cavities.

Darn (and beloved) sweet tooth. Still afflicts (and overjoys) me. Luckily I've learned to floss and brush better, so haven't had a cavity in years--knock on wood.

So I always loved going to the dentist, because I was happy to see my dad. What do you guys think of dental check-ups? Are they better or worse for you as an adult than they were as a kid?

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Getting the "411" on "211" from the United Way

When you live in an apartment building, like I used to in Courthouse, Arlington, VA, you meet some rather interesting characters in the elevator.

For example:

• Fellow runners, cyclists, and golfers
• A heavy-set, balding, clearly-closeted fellow and his "girlfriend"
• Most of a men's volleyball/basketball team (based on their height and physique)
• Young women trying not to be noticed on their walk-of-shame to the metro

One day I stepped into the elevator and noticed a lady, maybe 50 years-old or so, and she was wearing a "211" pin. Too often, on elevators and the metro, everyone rides in silence.

I don't like silence.

I'd rather meet people.
It's fun and interesting and each person has a story to tell or something of value to share.
Yes, I'm that "weird" guy that talks to strangers anywhere I go.

So I said hello and asked what the "211" meant. She explained that it's a phone service similar to dialing "411" or "911", but specifically to get information on food, housing, healthcare, and counseling.

"211" is run by the Department of Social Services, in conjunction with the United Way. If you're curious about all the services they provide, you can learn more at http://www.211.org/

Neato, huh? While I don't necessarily need "211" right now, I'm glad I didn't just stay quiet on that elevator ride, because now I know something I hadn't known before, and maybe it'll come in handy sometime.

Have you ever met someone interesting in an elevator? I'd love for you to either share your story here in the comments, or blog about it (and then make sure to share the URL in the comments here, of course).

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Big Belly Dreamin'

Whilst I slumbered, my brain decided to send me a message.

I only remember one thing from my dreams last night. My measurements were being taken for some reason, and the seamstress told her assistant that I had a size 45 waist.

Message received, brain. I will be going for a run after work and resume push-ups, ab-work, etc.

Time to get back a little closer to this kind of shape.

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Does Your Halloween Self = Your Inner Self?

As a kid, Halloween was all about candy. You know that, and I know that.*     [* = note at end of post]
Our parents helped us pick out our costume (read: they led us to believe we were picking, when they made the real decisions), and then we went in search of the best houses to fill our pillowcase with candy.

But with the years, our focus changes.

We all still like a little candy, but now Halloween is fun because of the costumes.

Witty, macho, punny, gruesome, retro, and/or possibly even a bit risque.

My friend Marcus offered this gem of a quote on his blog:

"My cousin always told me that the way people dress on Halloween is the way they wish they could dress everyday of their lives.  Think about it, it's kinda true."

Any arguments on that? Though it maybe isn't true in all cases, I can see some truth to it.

So let's see how I want to dress every day, based on my past Halloween costumes.

ca 1992 - Indiana Jones

2004 - Andrei Kirilenko (NBA player)

2005 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle

2006 - 1950's Greaser

2006 - Robin Hood

2006 - Sherlock Holmes

2007 - James Bond

2007 - Newsie

2008 - Cowboy

2008 - Homestar Runner

2009 - Kermit the Frog

2010 - Mobster

Wow, I've been some awesome characters for Halloween over the years! Not sure exactly what they mean in terms of how I want to dress everyday... Any trends you noticed?

Besides the reappearance of the green spandex 4 years later? Yikes.

How do you want to dress everyday? Or rather, what are you going to be for Halloween this year?
I'm working on a couple ideas for various parties, and I'll share pics afterwards.

*Note: This comment reminded me of the hilarious stand-up comedy routine by Jerry Seinfeld. So funny!

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I've Got the Need-New-Shoes Blues

One of my pairs of black work/church shoes have reached their demise.

Sad, because I've had them for years. In fact, I think I bought them when I moved to DC four years ago.

Wow, has it already been four years?!?

Anyway...
I could put up with the heels being worn down, even past the rubber part.

The one on the right is trying to speak

But it's mid-October; winter is right around the corner.
And tonight rain was drizzling down.
Which is fine... except I could feel my right foot getting wet.

This picture shows why, and it's pretty much unacceptable for DC winter footwear.

Worn right through the ball of the foot.

At a minimum, my shoes need to keep my socks dry.

Where do you think I should go to get a new pair or two of work/church shoes?

I'm thinking I might have a quick date with DSW or Nordstrom Rack in the near future...

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'One in a Million' Optimism

Eternal optimism.

Does it exist? Though sadly rare these days, I think it does. And it has to be cultivated daily.
Sometimes I think that quoting optimistic lines from movies helps me look on the bright side.
So that's what I do.

Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) in Dumb & Dumber said one of my favorite quotes for long-odds situations.

I love it. Beyond the humor, I'm struck by how Lloyd is focusing on the one part, instead of the million.

Sounds hard to do, but I imagine it's ultimately and infinitely easier to do than the alternative.
Negativity is heavy, isn't it? That's why burdens are lifted and we feel weight off our shoulders when positive changes and results come about.

So we have to focus on the positive part of the phrase. The one.
Sometimes that's what we have to do. Maybe that's what we should always do.
Even and especially when it's the hardest and we don't want to.
Whether it's in making a great golf shot, or getting a college degree, or getting that promotion you want, or starting your own business, or being able to have children someday when doctors say you won't, or finding your other half in the dating world, or whatever, we're looking for that one in a million.

Just remember, whatever one we want is out there and we can't stop looking every day!

Update: I just thought of another cool thing, regarding optimism in dating. YOU are somebody's one.

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Dear Fashion Models, Please Smile

On my friend Milan's blog today, she shared some pictures and a video (below) from some Louis Vuitton fashion show. The whole event looks beautiful, but what really caught my attention was at the 0:57 mark.

Did you see it?

The model smiled!
And that made her even prettier than she already was!

It got me thinking about how fashion models rarely smile in their shows. Why is that?

Smiling is beautiful.

I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who'd disagree with me on that point, because pretty much everyone, from models to everyday Joes and Janes, is more attractive when smiling.
Social scientists have probably even done experiments proving it [unsubstantiated assumption].

So why don't these glamorous women that are supposedly the height of beauty not utilize such a simple way to add to their attractiveness? Can anyone explain this to me?

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Criminal Minds: Penguin Edition

This is definitely the cutest video I've ever seen of penguins stealing from each other.

And is it just me, or can you even read the body language of these little guys (especially the thief)?

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Meandering in Obama's Backyard [White House Fall Garden Tours]

On Sunday, my old roommate JJ hooked me up with a few tickets to the White House Fall Garden Tours.

My friend Shandi accompanied me, and we saw the White House up close and personal. Well, the outside, anyway. Since we were in church clothes still, some people were looking at us funny. Maybe they thought we were official or something, since it was maybe hotter than a full suit and tie was right for. Dang, we probably could have played that up and tried for special treatment! Oh well.

In addition to seeing the building from about 10 feet away, we saw the rose garden, the little girls' playground set (which was apparently constructed on top of the horseshoes area of previous presidents), the basketball court, and the vegetable garden (which the First Lady actually picks from about once a week, and is tended by professional gardeners most of the time).

Did you know there is a putting green on the White House grounds? I didn't before, but it makes sense, given how much the presidents usually like to golf (including President Obama).

My offer to golf with the President still stands

Here's a picture with the White House from a little farther back. We went on an abnormally warm Sunday, so the jacket had to be ditched. The pics with Shandi are on her camera, so if I get them, I'll update this post. For now, all I've got is what was taken with my phone.

Sadly, neither President Obama nor his wife or children made an appearance, though I believe they were in town. Maybe next time he'll come out and we can have a putting contest or pick some basil together...

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A $2.50 Breakfast: Work Cafeteria vs. Grocery Store

Some workplaces have a cafeteria, which makes meals very convenient, especially when waking up late or just not feeling like making breakfast and/or lunch. But you definitely pay extra for that convenience.

This is what I was able to get for $2.50.

Work cafeteria

Grocery store

Yeah. That difference would add up pretty quickly over breakfast and lunch every day, so I'm gonna be brown-bagging it more often, even if it means 5 minutes less sleep in the morning.

Are you a brown-bagger, or do you prefer to eat out for lunch?

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Say It Ain't So! [Will It Blend? + iPhone 4S]

Apple released the iPhone 4S yesterday, and I know several people who stood in line to get one (you can read my friend Domineau's experience). These phones are hot commodities, and they are expensive.

Which is why I was shocked to see the "Blendtec: Will It Blend?" guy toss a brand new iPhone 4S into his blender and grind it into tiny bits. Oh the horror! The horror!

I suppose Blendtec is going for shock factor, since it's an ad. Well it worked, because I'm shocked.

Couldn't you have given me the iPhone 4S and blended my Android phone instead?

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The Chat Laugh Hierarchy

Chatting over the internet is a mainstream form of communication now.
While I miss phone calls and face-to-face visits, I've accepted reality I've embraced chatting.
Note: A video chat is preferred, but sometimes that's not possible (dang you, work).

Now I just have one question:
Does anyone know the hierarchy of the various chat laughs?

I mean, some are pretty clear. We can figure that

• ha < haha < hahaha (multiplication rule)
• lol < LOL (bigger-is-better rule)
• haha < bwahaha (exclamatory addition rule)
• and LMAO < ROFLMAO (loss of body control rule).

Those are obvious.

Others aren't so easy to determine. For example, I figure that

• haha < harhar
• Why? Because "harhar" first reminds me of an old man or a pirate laughing in his armchair. Hmm, but I suppose it could just be someone with asthma, and thus wouldn't be as hearty a laugh as "haha". I'm torn on this one, but I think I'll go with my first instinct.

Cap'n Happy agrees that haha < harhar

• haha < lol
• Why? Because I figure that "haha" has been around for a long time, and "lol" just popped into existence with the dawning of internet chat. So it stands to reason that newer would be better/bigger than older, right? Saying that haha < lol raises other issues, like what happens when other rules (such the multiplication or bigger-is-better rules mentioned above) are included?
• Would hahaha still be < lol?
• Is lol < bwahaha?

Nelson might dispute my haha < lol ranking

So what do you think? Are there any others I should be aware of for regular chat laughing, and that need to be included in this hierarchy of chat laughs?

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