"Have you ever noticed? Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac."
George Carlin.
Whaddup from da Kat unda da Kangol cap; and what a week it's been. I've been trying to get a freelance going for days now, and nothing seems to be coming my way. However, a lot of action had passed since this rain came back to visit us over the weekend...
Costco trip turns Crazy as Cops Capture Cab Con...
On a usual Saturday trip to Costco, my brother and I grab our usual goods to take our usual train ride home. When we got inside the store however, not only does it start to rain, but minutes later, it pours. Looking at our usual items (large Wisk, some juice, eggs, cheese, etc...), we decide to get a cab home. We get out of the usually long ride, and pack our stuff inside our usual Pathmark bags, and prepare to fetch a cab.
Next thing we know, a guy approaches us, asking us if we need a lift. To our house from Costco is usually $15, and this guy proved to be no exception to the rule. So we put our belongings in his van, and sat in the front, ready for what turned out to be a rather unusual ride. Before we hit 5th Avenue, the TLC (Taxi & Limousine Commission) pulled him over on 4th Avenue and 36th Street. The guy, who looked very apprehensive with the cops approaching, attempted to reason with them, saying that he'll pull over at the curb. Next thing you know, the pedal was on the medal, and the knucklehead was doing 75 mph, trying to outrun the TLC. For a good two minutes, my brother and I felt like we were in a video game; zig zagging across streets, crossing red lights, and all for some $300 summons. Two minutes later, we found ourselves on 25th Street, with the driver telling us to get out the van. We all escape in one peace, luckily, and the dude managed to run and escape from the TLC, who arrived at the scene a short time later. After questioning us on what happened, the police attempted to open the doors so we can get our belongings.
As the policeman described it, the guy has been ripping Costco customers off for weeks now; charging them a normal fare at the store, then making them pay a higher price when they arrived at their respective homes, denying them access to their purchased items without paying his outrageous fees. What I realized then was exactly what the guy planned to do in the event TLC caught up with him; he was to run and hide for a few minutes. After attempting to open the van doors with no success, TLC would give up and leave; and if we aren't there when it all ends, the dude goes away scot-free with the van and the groceries. And as I suspected, he passed by the vicinity a few minutes later to see if they left; only to be greeted by another cop from behind. The dude was arrested; we got our groceries back and hailed a cab to go home. It was supposed to be at max, a 25 minute ride; and it became a 45 minute rollercoaster. The fact we or no one else was hurt is either an act of God, a miracle, or a coincidence.
While I wasn't worse for wear, my brother has not stopped talking to me about the incident ever since. And while I learned that if it ain't my usual guy Philip, wait 20 minutes for a TLC cab, there is one silver lining to the cloud: at least no one else will ever have to deal with this Costco-Con; we may have helped nabbed this kat and put him away for good! So in everything, I give thanks. I just wish my brother would register that right about now...
Ok. On to some techno-babble. I've been converting some of my greatest hits CDs into AAC format, and I happened to notice something that may only be apparent on my computer: a 128 kbps AAC file is about .1MB bigger than a 128 kbps MP3 file. And that .1MB difference does not include the artwork which I have to acquire from Amazon.com, not even from iTunes. I mean, if I'm gonna get the CD cover, I might as well be able to gather the artwork from Apple's CDDB...
In any event, 36 albums on AAC format so far have taken up 1.67GB of space. And what Apple has failed to alert my brother to is the fact that AAC won't play on OS 9. How about that...
iPod update: So far, my 6 month (technically several weeks old) iPod had one dent on the side, and about two scratches on the screen. Other than that, it works like a charm; unlike the holder Apple provided, whose clip broke off a few minutes before I got here. At press time, the second-generation, 10GB model has 1900 songs and 1 full gigabyte left. Whoa; one full gigabyte. It took me 6 months, 1 week, and 5 days to get this far. I always assumed it would take me longer. And have I put all my music on the iPod? Nope...
All right. Enough techno-babble for now.
Reggae Gold 2003,
Various Artists
Get Busy by Sean Paul was guaranteed to be there. But when you add Pon De River, Pon De Bank by Elephant Man, Thank You Mamma by Sizzla, and the No Letting Go remix by Wayne Wonder, you're guaranteed a great compilation. The Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Morgan Heritage, and Beres Hammond tracks were great additions, and the DJ Black Chiney mix CD is actually worth a listen. But when you take into account that one can acquire almost half the music through conventional means, you have to ask yourself: is it still worth it? Well, if you ask da Kat, who spent $12 for it at J & R Music World, it is well worth it.
Next time, I'll review Soca Gold 2003...
After exactly two weeks of being rain-free, I had to trade in a Totes Windmaster umbrella for a normal Totes automatic, plain-jane, much smaller, full size umbrella. On a Saturday 2 weeks ago, I went to Macy's for a good umbrella, and walk away with this huge, extra-large cane stick of an umbrella, known as the Totes Windmaster. And for two weeks, it kept me (and any nice female trying to hide) sheltered from the rain. On a Saturday not too long ago (in fact, just last Saturday, when we helped nabbed the "Costco Con"), I got to use it at the time when I really needed it. And lo and behold: one of the hinges broke off; it looked like I had it for two months. I did not wait for sunshine to take it back to Macy's for an exchange, and I was too disappointed to get an exact replacement; I walked away with a much smaller umbrella. Even though it suits me fine, I still miss walking around like Ronald Isley...
I'm trying to get the freelance going. So bear with dis Caribbean New Yorker, meanwhile enjoy yourselves!
Wanted Riddim,
Massive B's Riddim Collection
So you can't say I'm not fair...
Today, or technically, six hours ago,
I remain six months away from my birthday.
I don't ask for much; don't ask for anything.
Just remember...
Whoa. Mr. Wheaton sure got a great view. I wish I could've been there instead of here in this rain...
Why am I here? I'm looking for influence for my freelance...
"Love is the answer -
but while you're waiting for the answer sex raises some pretty good questions."
--Woody Allen
Greetings from da Kat unda da Kangol Cap! I enjoyed a nice sunny weekend, and I can only hope it lasts. Haven't been doing much, since there isn't much to do. But what's new, otherwise?? Hmm...
Dance With My Father,
Luther Vandross
To any Luther fan, or any music appreciator in general, get this track as soon as possible...
For my iPod's 1st bi-annual presence in my life, which was five days ago, I begun transferring some albums that I have stored from MP3 to AAC files. After reading about the many comparisons between the music formats, and doing some experimenting with my Sony DJ headphones, I've realised that my ears are in fact trained to decipher which format produces the better bass, treble and liveliness of the music. Forget Miles Davis for testing; I've taken my 3 top favorite songs:
Careless Whisper, George Michael
Rock With You, Michael Jackson
Holding Back The Years, Simply Red
My conclusion: Nothing truly beats the CD format.
Well, my next option: learning the other higher-level AAC/MP3 formats and upgrades that will make my music sound better. Meanwhile, 50 Cent's Get Rich Or Die Tryin' is heading to the AAC...
You know, something I just found out about my blogspot: its ads are quite smart and adaptive! I always come at you the reader as da Kat unda da Kangol Cap; and recently, the blogspot ads are advertising Kangol Caps!! When Apple released the 3rd generation iPods weekes ago, and everything in my posts were iPod, iPod, iPod, the ads advertised iPod accesories from Everything iPod. When I speak of music, the ads advertise their 12 CDs for a penny deals. Now, not only does it offer me the chance to check out other smooth jazz artists (through my mentioning of The Rippingtons), but it's even advertising New Jersey Nets gear!! Though they might be a tad annoying at times, at least they make sense...
The Nets lost!!
Talk about Friday the "bad luck" 13th!? It just so happens on Friday the 13th, we learn Kenyon Martin has flu-like symptoms, and is not playing at par (like this team, or both teams, ever had played at par). And if you don't believe me, ask Chris Rock, who was at courtside to witness the horrific 10-point game 5 loss.
But to add insult to injury, those blasted Spurs came back from a 10 point deficit to take the damn thing in six!?? I was just so sure they'd force a game 7; and that maybe, just maybe, the East Side will see a NBA championship parade. But oh, there goes that one. But I will give the Spurs credit; they came back and played one helluva 4th quarter...
In keeping up with some new traditions I've seemingly started, last year, I remember posting a freelance describing one weekend where I banged up my left finger, leaving it black and blue; then the next day, I lose my costco card. Well, 365 days have not gone by since last summer, but not only did it happen to me again last Sunday (same door; but this time, my right middle finger), but a few hours later, I find that I lost $50 of my money. It's a test; there testing me. That's what it is...
I just got off from Mikey's last freelance, and I gotta say I was definitely feeling that one. So much so, that I'm gonna try to post a freelance this week. Keyword here is try...
Alright, y'all. Gotta get some driving lessons with the last bit o' cash that I've yet to lose properly. See you later...
Shizz' on, Nets!!
Shizz' on!!!
77-74.
Totally out of soda.
Totally out of tostitos.
Totally out of chicken.
Both teams weren't up to par.
Duncan was da man.
Poppovich had the plan.
Robinson holds da clan.
But I still hate the Spurs.
Kidd wasn't all there.
Martin wasn't all there.
But God bless Jefferson
who found his game; who found his game.
Totally out of voice.
Ginobli missed the three.
77-76.
My Wednesday went great; thanks.
Dancing In The Sun;
George Howard
If you are a smooth jazz aficianado at any level, find a mac, go to the iTunes music store, and acquire this song as soon as possible...
My father had a tape recording of this song from CD 101.9 for the last seven years, but had no idea of the track name or artist who did it. So as I finally got to remaster his tape collection onto MP3, I vowed that I would get the full version of the song. And away I looked, from CD1019.com, to certain music stores, to Tower Records; with no luck. Then came the iTunes Music Store, where any song is a $1, and any album is $10. I tried my luck there with the 30 second previews listening to every sax player I could think of; from Kenny G & Everette Harp, to Richard Elliot & David Sanborn, to Dave Koz & Kevin Garrett, to Gerald Albright & Kirk Whalum. Though I found some new and cool tunes along the way, not one of these artists comprised the track my pop loved so much. Three weeks later, at 2 in the morning, I sat frustrated at my iMac screen, and start playing some George Howard tracks; and by the way, I own his greatest hits. Then all of a sudden, I click the wrong album, check out the title track, and...
Voila! I found it!!
Someone's gonna get an awesome Father's Day gift!!
In any case, greetings from da Kat unda da Kangol cap! It's been raining like crazy this past week, and for the first time in a while, the sun is out. Interesting, I remember typing this on my last post. And there was nothing but rain ever since. First up, I wish all who celebrate a happy belated Puerto Rican Day. Second, iTunes Music Store is definitely gonna get a big-up from me, as I have bought 8 tracks, six of which are unavailable through conventional means, including Dancing in the Sun. The interface is easy, the prices are reasonable; and even though their jazz selection is not entirely big (I still await more Everette Harp and Dan Siegel songs), their library is large. They get a 10 out of 10; though any place which I can download pop's track would get a 10 out of 10 from me...
iPod update:
The six month celebration of no longer having to sport a walk/disc-man is in two days. And my new iPod has undergone even more condensing, with now 1776 songs and 1.5GB of space left, after having the same amount of space with only 1766 songs. As far as the unit itself, I scotch-taped the back part of the plastic slip cover, and managed to "erase" the multi-languaged "Don't Steal Music." reminder; and ended up with a decent protective cover to use while operating the iPod. The result: a week passing by without one scratch or dent on my iPod! A first of many firsts on da far side...
And on a side note, the Monday after my previous post, I went back to the Apple Store on SoHo to inquire about their earphones which literally died out on me due to too much bass, and do you know they gave me a replacement pair on the spot?!?! Now I have two working earphones, and my DJ headphones! But word to the wise: that was a one-time deal. I will not be able to get it replaced again after that; or so they say...
With 351 days until graduation, I am starting to enjoy my summer vacation. With nothing but real work to do, I can sit and relax for a while, something I've not had the opportunity to do in a long time.
Well, that's all I can comprise for now. Catch you later...
Da Kat gets a B+???
All my hard work, all my effort, and all my studying;
my two A's and all the homework I turn in...
And that stupid statistics professor gives me a B+???
Petty, right? Well, you put all your energy into a class and don't get what you think you deserve. Then you'll be singing my song. In any event, whaddup from da Kat unda da Kangol cap! It's been raining like crazy this past week, and for the first time in a while, the sun was out this evening. Perhaps a good sign of things to come. My vacation has just begun, and what more can dis Kat say? Well...
As pertaining to the NY, 10021 drama, Danilo got a B+, Hoodrat, Kirby, and Dwayans got a C, and Zang; I dunno what Zang got. In any event, as the boys said, Kirby did indeed use Danilo to get her C; because as soon as the finals were over, that was the last Danilo ever heard of her. All the plans, the breakfast meet, etc..., never materialized. Well, it could've been worse; she could've got a B. And all D could do was laugh...
iPod update: Well, after 5 months and change of pure musical bliss, the iPod had to undergo a replacement. It all happened over the weekend, when I noticed the audio port was breaking up, literally. With the way the port was assembled, it can easily chip; and once it breaks, you hear no music, rendering the iPod useless. In any case, Saturday morning, I noticed that the audio port started chipping, and started to panic. Could it've been my Sony DJ headphones? Or the constant changing between those headphones and my earphones? Or was it that remote?
In any case, I eventually calmed down and checked online to the Apple iPod discussions to find out whether it's a normal problem. And sure enough, it is a normal defect. Too bad they don't offer upgrades, right? Wrong; because people are experiencing different kinds of problems with the 3rd generation iPods that I don't experience with my second generation iPod. For example, 3rd gen iPods are known to reset themselves after 5 minutes; half a song plays sometimes; one even accused the iPod software (2.0, by the way) of being a beta, possessing several bugs. So I guess I can live with just the remote and audio port problems...
Sunday afternoon, I stopped at the SoHo Apple Store to see what they'd tell me. And guess what, I was able to get my iPod replaced in 15 minutes, with a brand new unit! Or maybe it's refurbished; but it looks to new to be refurbished. In any case, I still plan to go on celebrate the 1/2-anniversary on the 11th, but this iPod had to get a new name: Shy-Guy's iPod; Version 2.0. Looks like the Apple customer service wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be; though I waited some minutes, the guy who helped me, Christopher, was very helpful. There was even a girl who worked there who looked nice...
So did that woman who was eyeing me on the train...
So did the girl who I was talking to on the B45...
So did the girl who saw me venting out on the way home last night. Poor girl, she probably thinks I'm crazy...
With 360 days until my graduation, it looks like I may not go to summer school. Financial problems may not allow me to go BMCC from today until July 9th. But what might save me is late registration. Normally, you can register for a late fee after the first day of class. Since the permit which allows me to attend foreign school classes will still be on record, all I might have to do is go to the classes and wait until the aid pays for the permit, then register for the class. Otherwise, I have two options: sit through the ultra-hard Bio-102 class at my last semester at Hunter College, or take Geology, Astronomy and a P/D class within the next year. Let's see: One class medium rare, three classes over easy, or deal with one tough cookie. And no matter what, it will still be 360 days until graduation.
As to the last freelance, well guys, I can't help it. I must be suffering from the Charlie-Brown-syndrome. At least one good thing came out of this: I have recorded 27 freelances in these 13 months alone!! I soon will reach 30; and plan to stop, take a breather, and create a book of 50 freelances. Some recommend 30 or 40, but I know by the time I graduate, my graduating freelance will mark freelance #50.
That's really about it for the time being. Catch you later...
|
