postscript...

Time - 38:13

Pace - 9:33

Doing it again!


Frank

T Minus 9 Hours

to Life Goal.

So in just about 9 hours I will be stepping up to the starting line to run a 4 mile race. I've always wanted to do one of these, however my dislike of running has kept me away from it. So tomorrow I cross another Life Goal off the list when I cross the finish line. Ok - well "IF" I cross the line. I have little doubt I will finish and I'll have some support from a friend whom has been key in getting my running game up. Nothing like some friendly competition.

So in other good news - I'll be going back to school in the Fall on a scholarship to get my MSW from Hunter College. I'm one of 25 people to be selected for it, so I'm pretty happy about it. Although the idea of entering a classroom again, is a bit overwhelming. I'm also getting a promotion at work, to a position that is being created for me. So chalk that up to the good things category as well.

I've also been spending more quality time on the guitar, but away from the DJ decks. Which has some amazing pluses and minuses. The idea will eventually be an EP or possibly a full album of original tracks. Not to sell or promote, since it won't be making it to anywhere except the ears of a few great, supportive, tolerant and tone deaf friends.

I realized this blog has become all but dead. Obviously my own fault. Chalk it up to time and effort. I mean even my regular website hasn't been updated in years, and that can actually make me money. So as things come and go here - I will leave you with the fact that this blog will have an end. For many reasons. Lack of motivation, confidentiality and overall inability to keep this together. Those of you that care about this - will get to know what happens next. Those that don't, and find this through a Google search - will be left behind.

Essential New Music for 2008 - Vampire Weekend, Schocholautte, Nine Inch Nails, Goldfrapp, Counting Crows. All bands that I have, will and plan on seeing in 2008.

and on and on

Typically I have avoided long diatribes about random topics here. It has all been loosely based around music, if nothing more than the title of the post. So I've promised many times to give a round up of music that I've liked over the past year. Now I'm not going to go nuts about each one. But here's the short and the long of it all. In no order - all about the album released in 2007.

Scouting For Girls
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
KT Tunstall
Alicia Keys
Nine Inch Nails
Eddie Vedder
Kanye West
Timbaland
Blake Lewis
Klaxons
Radiohead
Mark Ronson
Fountains of Wayne


Biggest Let Down:
Smashing Pumpkins

Biggest Expectation of Crap:
Britney Spears


So sorry there is not more detail. Just don't have the time to go album by album and give you the run down. There are many albums I discovered in 2007 and/or became popular in 2007 that are not eligible for the list - as they were not released in 2007 (Sorry - Lily Allen) but thats the way it goes down here at the Blogtower.

Yes - some of my pics are rather odd and some are fully expected. NIN - of course! Blake Lewis (from American Idol) Really? and I say yes! So I highly recommend getting the albums from that list of artists and let me know what you think about it. Till next time....

Frank

NSDPS

Ah, make the most of what we yet may spend,
Before we too into Dust descend;
Dust into Dust, and under Dust to lie,
Sans Wine, sans Song, sans Singer, and--sans End!
-Edward Fitzgerald

This was read before these regular poetry readings back in Wroxton. We would go out behind the abbey and read either things either we liked or we wrote. It was a fun time that I will always remember. We called it the "Not So Dead Poets Society."
Writing songs has been a great way for me to take these things and put them out again. I've thought of putting things up here - but just never felt like the right place or time. I continue to write, some of them will see light in song and many will never even be read out loud.

I have been home sick for the past 2 days. And I assure you this has given a new definition to this old post. Not the way I wanted to spend Christmas and the last days of the year but sometimes...(wait for it...yeap)...shit happens. (Oh why am I not a comedian?)

In any case, I will post my top albums and songs for the year. However, I can barely remember what I bought or downloaded this year. I will say the new Alicia Keys album, is phenomenal. And a new British band called "Scouting For Girls" brings cheeky lyrics to a great pop song. So we'll see where the rest of everyone stands up. You'll have to wait and see. Enjoy the new year!

Frank

A long long time ago - I can still remember...

I realize its been over 3 years that I've had this blog going. And WOW - what a difference a day makes. I was talking about starting my new job, getting engaged, spinning in Philly and the BoSox winning the series. So we're obviously in a different place now. With myself and the world. Very interesting to see how much of a change can happen when its actually documented. I have books that I write in, some of you may have seen them, but these books have been documenting things for me for over 10 years now. Which really feels insane in some ways.

So a few weeks back - I achieved another life goal. This one was standing in front of a crowd and playing songs. Both that I wrote and covered. Thanks to Kris for being an amazing friend and musician. Karen and Kris have provided me with what I think is the best gift I've ever received from someone I wasn't related to or sleeping with - an acoustic guitar. I haven't put it down for more than a few days in the past year. I've wrote 3 songs (4th on the way) and learned how to play a bunch more. I don't have that mac account anymore or else I would post some of them. Mainly the great cover of Soul Asylum's "Somebody To Shove." That was just amazing.

I believe I will check off more life goals as the next year goes by. Had a few this year already done - and maybe December - we check off one more. I'll let you know if that happens. Thanks for everyone that came out that night!

So Christmas is here. What? Yeap. Thanks Black Friday and bad radio stations. It's not even December and I'm already waiting impatiently to turn to the station when that damn Christmas Shoes song comes on. Now, yes - I admit being a hypocrite. I did buy the KT Tunstall Christmas CD from Target, but I haven't listened to it yet. BECAUSE ITS NOVEMBER! So step away from the garland and put down your red Starbucks cup and go on your MERRY way, as you would in June. Until Saturday, then GO, roast your chestnuts on an open fire and get sucked into every sale. Is 24 days really just not enough time to buy gifts for people? This year - I got it easy. The family is getting a collective gift. Either tickets to something (regardless of the strike), or a device that you probably are using at the current time.

I will say - I'm back in Philly next Saturday, Dec 8. and I love that city during the holidays. It should be fun!

It's not like he was Anne Frank or something...

Ok - I'm sorry - and this will probably help my slide to hell. But I do find this very bizarre. Check out here and here to see what I'm talking about.

Frank

Up Above...

Next Friday I will be playing in my first real show. Kris (Mr. 4Square himself) and I will be playing a 30- 45 minute set at The Cup. Here's the minimal details as of now:

2 Guitars
2 Original Songs Each
3 Cover Songs

I'll be sure to keep you all updated. Till then hope you can make it.

Frank

She blinded me with Science!

Science! Ok yes a music reference - (Thomas Dolby) - however this article is very interesting. I mean what an idea for a study, and who approves this shit? I'm banking on grad students who got to spend a LOT of time talking to strippers and hanging out at strip clubs. Does this mean that women are better in bed during certain times of the month? Actually, I would say yes. I'm also sure both men and women would agree with me regarding that.

And now the next study should be what happens when the women start to get their cycle at the same time? Couldn't you see that on the billboard.

End of the Month Special
30 Girls! - Live and Ovulating
Cum get it! Before the next cycle!

That's all for now. Remember - it's nice to be important but its more important to know when your favorite stripper ovulates.

Frank

It's so sexy up here...

Wow - its 12:50am. I'm not really looking forward to work tomorrow, but responsibility is necessary. It allows me to make money - spend it on myself and share it with my friends. I've had 4 days off in a row thanks to the jewish holidays. And i will say, I'm feeling fantastic. I don't think I've felt this good in a very long time. Probably several years. If you were seen or talked to this weekend - I just want to say thanks for making it a great few days.

These days included a few amazing highlights.
1 - Having work people over, sucking down a good amount of good beer and watching a NIN live DVD.
2 - Seeing Billy for the first time in months. Hanging out, talking, listening to music - going home with a tub of sausage and peppers.
3 - Friday night was my first official "Frank Rooftop Party." Yes - you should expect more. It was sort of a milestone for me. The first real party I've thrown outside of my parents house and probably the first one I fully did myself without the help of anyone. The roof looked AMAZING! and my own quote of the night at about 8pm - before anyone had arrived. "It's so sexy up here - I want to fuck myself." I was shocked at how great it looked and how much of a different type of event it was. I have a TON of extra beer and chocolate left over. So if you want to come and help me have some, just let me know. It was really indescribable at how awesome it made me feel.
4 - I woke to Laurita making me pancakes and talking about how great the party was. As I sat eating and listening to music, I was thinking about how great I felt. How much throwing the party meant to me. How happy I am with myself at the current time. I then spent part of the day cleaning and then getting all dressed up for a quintessential Manhattan wedding. It was a beautiful event.
5 - Today, I chilled out, went for a run and then spend the evening with Karen, Kris and Tommy. No not a blogger party - but a trip to the NY Philharmonic. Tonight was John Williams conducting the orchestra and it was amazing, as it always has been. We also had the best guacamole at Rosa Mexicano, and I even got to eat there during their chocolate festival. Dinner was on me, which was a big thank you to all of them for - well, everything. I am forever indebted to all of my friends for everything they've done for me - especially over the past year and a half.

So I'm hitting the bed. Gonna listen to the "Jurassic Park" soundtrack and sleep well. Thanks again to everyone.

Frank

PS - Pure in Philly on September 29

Around The World

This clip might not hold you over till I get back from Sicily. But it'll make you chuckle and in case Daft Punk doesn't make you think of me already, you may now.

Random FM3 Fact: Daft Punk's "Da Funk" was the first dance CD single I ever bought and opened my eyes (and ears) to electronic music. Therefore being the song that really began my career (loosely used) as a club DJ. It also has an amazing video by one of my favorite directors, Spike Jonze.

BTW - Daft Punk ROCKED Coney Island last week. Despite the fact that they could have been doing absolutely nothing, it was an amazing show. Truly a spectacle. The Rapture was great as well. If you happened to make the show, you know that the Rapture song "whoo alright yeah uh huh" didn't apply to the thousands of dancing maniacs on infield of Keyspan Park. See you soon!

Frank