DISNEY!

So we made it back...sadly. Disney was, in fact, the shiz. I strongly recommend going at some point in your life. It's amazing to see the infrastructure that this billion dollar company can employ and yet, some how, our trillion dollar government can't seem to implement the same efficiency. Anyway, we stayed at the Coronado Springs for two nights and we had a great time. Courtesy of a friend who works at one of the resorts, we pretty much got 40% off just about everything. Also, we got free park hopper tickets for Sunday. We visited: Downtown Disney - Saturday Night MGM (Disney's Hollywood Studios) - Sunday AM Magic Kingdom - Sunday Early PM Animal Kingdom - Sunday Afternoon Epcot - Sunday Night What a day...we did everything from the Aerosmith ride and Tower of Terror to Everest and the Dino Ride to Mission Space. Lt. Dan says hi. Back to the grind and real world. My classes this semester are going to kill me. Reality is hitting me that I can't just waltz through these things anymore. Studying? Homework? what?

New Specs

We're in the market for new specs. We're getting a decent tax return and both definitely need new glasses: Hers are out of style and prescription and mine have been recently stepped on...in addition to being completely too small for my large head.

So we're looking all around for specials and ads. I'm thinking about shopping around, as usual, and then checking out an online merchant for the actual purchase. Now more than ever, this is the perfect way to go. You can try a product out and then get the discount of an online store.

I found this so far:

Zenni Optical: Sell Rx Glasses $8 with case!

WoW Wednesday.

Alright nerds, here it is. grab this code and keep up to date on this server. It's a free WoW server that allows for custom quests, cross classifications, etc. x2 the gold and items, x6 the professions. If you're looking for a good time, there's a group of people that play on Wednesday nights 9pm EST.

Choking back the skepticism

This is not an ad...in fact this ad made me laugh/cry so much, I decided not to take the opportunity (from time to time, I blog about subjects that I receive financial compensation for).

http://www.christianfaithfinancial.com/ is a company that "helps you the "christian" way.

wow, sounds good to me....

"Helping families with Christian financial assistance"

How can you be against helping families?

"Get money for anything: paying bills, emergencies, rent or even taking vacations"

Wait a second...taking vacations?

Nothing says "Christianity" like a high interest debt to take your kids to Disney. In fact, Disney will actually give you something like 3 months of interest free financing to pay for a vacation, so Disney has better understanding of grace than the "Christian" loan company.

who's a corporate sell out?

A Confession

I have not had my heart broken for the people around me. I have not prayed for even my closest friends. I have been self-centered in most of my interactions. I am sorry to those who have been affected by that.

Turbotax

I've blogged about this before and I've had some good remarks. I think online coupon codes are a great way to save money. I just used one for Turbotax and saved big time on doing my taxes.

Old Navy has some good offers too. From everything like free shipping to money off orders, online coupons save $.

Enjoy guys!

Musak never ceases to amaze me

I just heard "Walking After You" by the Foo Fighters. Seriously, why? I never cease to be amazed at the depth of songs that people are willing to put on these stations.

Think about it: someone had to organize and orchestrate the music, get people to learn the parts, and then record it. someone also had to engineer and master this. Not to mention the guy who made the decision..."oh yeah, we've gotta have some Foo Fighters..."

amazing.

Wedding Bells...

Next week we're leaving for Florida to be a part of a wedding. The event bookends our month of weddings. Before we know it, February 14th will be here.

Men, make sure you secure a valentines day delivery for some nice roses. Procrastinators think about the bonus points you will get with you "hunnies"...and then you can thank me for the February lovin' that you get.

Question: Does anyone not do the whole thing? Ladies, are you just not impressed with the whole thing? Men, what are your thoughts?

Me: I'm a fan, in general. I will have class, but plan on doing something nice for the wife that day.

WoW

Ok, so uber-nerd alert...

go to avalon.tomthefool.com to play world of warcraft for free. It's a private server that has a lot of custom content, custom game play and new cross-classifications.

Every Wednesday night there is a group of people playing custom scenarios...including assaults on castles and uber-npc bosses.

Credit Crunch

The number of bad credit loans and bad credit lenders out there have risen drastically. Predatory lenders have find new lows to sink people in mortgages and loans that they simply cannot afford. Before you make a next purchase, whether you have good, bad, or no credit, it's always a good idea to educate yourself on your options.

Where do you start?

Get a free credit report here.

Fateful May

Here's a song I wrote back in June 2002. I'd love to see what you think.

Stop me for a moment, Before my fateful crash Stop me for a moment, Knowing it’ll never last.

I will never know If fate will ever show The timing of it all The crash, the cry, the fall

Stop me for a moment, Before my fateful crash Stop me for a moment, Knowing it’ll never last.

I will live by hope I will go on stronger I’ll never be alone Someone’s love lasts longer

This will never go away… It never came too fast

SEO, So?

SEO. what's that? well, it stands for Search Engine Optimisation.

Basically everyone in the world has a blog, website, myspace, etc. If you're a shameless self-promoter and corporate sell-out like me, you want people to read, see, and interact. This process, believe it or not, results in things like "page rank", etc.

So what's the big deal about SEO? well, when you put a keyword into Google and it comes back with answers, a good SEO will move you to the top of those lists.

First Rate is a company that helps you achieve that. Pretty fascinating what people can make their money on.

Updates at Foxsnooze.com and Fivecritics.com

want to keep up on ALL my writing? check out the latest at Foxsnooze.com and Fivecritics.com.

Over the weekend we partied at a friend's house for Jim's 30th. Great time. I made a video of his life using MS Movie Maker. Who knew a MS product would pull through with little or no problems.

We also watched us some football and a movie, but you'll have to check out those blogs to read my thoughts.

be well.

ab.

For Nathanael

The housing market is in shambles. My wife and I will be looking into making a purchase in a year to a year and a half. I'm pretty confident that that will put us in a great place to buy some one's home at a discounted price.

We'd like a 2 BR, 1-2 BA place with room to breathe, meaning, not in a condensed neighborhood. I've been checking out some of the big name real estate companies, with no luck. We are thinking of going independent. There is a couple at our church that does this sort of thing. We'll probably try them.

If you're in Arizona and looking for a good Real Estate company, check out Phoenix real estate. From their website, they seem like a knowledgeable, independent company

A Cause for Celebration

This blog recently achieved a google page rank of 1... thanks to everyone that frequents this site and link to me. Your hard work and time has paid off.....well, me. so, thanks!

wait, what does that mean? well, it just means that the more people that visit this site, the more I can reach the world...and make a few $$.

remember the mic I just got? it was financed through the money I made on this blog.

so....REALLY THANKS.

have a good one.

ab.

Random Internet Question

Does any use those singles sites? You know the ones where you're supposed to meet your soul mate? I'm married, so it's not for me, but it's certainly not out of the question for people to meet this way. I mean, you meet people through social interactions, right? so why not via the net?

Why does Internet dating have a stigma and going to the bar to meet someone doesn't? maybe it does, I'm not one to know or ask....that's why I asked it.

Anyway, so it's just a question because I had an opportunity to write about primedatingsites.com. They write reviews about places like eHarmony and Matchmaker.com. It's all very interesting on an intellectual curiosity level. That's the wannabe social scientist in me.

If you have any experience let me know, I'd like to hear.

be well.

ab.

Fantasy Basketball Update

To maybe 2 people this will matter, but:

The two trades I pulled off this week:

(Me) Andrew Bynum and Nate Robinson for Jason Richardson and Corey Maggette (dude #1)

and

(Me) Eddy Curry and Mike Dunleavy for David West and Emeke Okefor

What's funny about this is that Bynum, Robinson and Curry I picked out of the FA pool...vs. all the guys I traded for are draft picks.

awesome.

And Exhale...

Last weekend was the big wedding, this weekend is another fun event, and in two weeks we'll be in Disney for another weekend wedding. School starts up next week...AH! And work has been an adventure.

all I want is a chance to exhale... or at least a set of Massage Chairs for the two of us. Seriously, I would love one of those Human Touch chairs...they look amazing.

It's been fun week though. I'm working on a project for a friend and feel closer to them than they could ever imagine. Can't wait to share it.

On the work front (since this is supposed to be a retelling of my daily adventures as a banker) I have seen many positives. In general, the minions seemed to be facing the right direction. The most important part is my consistency and constant pushing. If they can at least see the direction we need to go, maybe I can encourage, prod and push them towards some goals. In time we'll see.

I was picked to be a resource for some consulting going on. I hope that my input will be taken seriously and that things can be taken in account for the future. Wouldn't it be funny to have worked so hard for changes that don't get implemented until I leave? well, then for the future, it will be better. good on them.

and good on you for reading.

<>< ab.

Holler

My new (ok, used) Rode NT-1 came in the mail yesterday. A huge improvement over my audio-technica vocal mic. I already tracked a demo... and I can't believe the warmth.

The project is coming along nicely (for those of you that didn't know there was a "project"). I am basically working a Digi 001 and the NT-1 at this point.

The plan:

5 strangers (ok, independent friends of mine that dont know each other), picked to play in a band (to kind of mess around with about 15-20 songs I've written) see what happens when.............ok, I'm done.

The point:

I'm not going to pretend I'm some rock star waiting to happen. I'm more interested in seeing what a bunch of really talented schmos like myself could do over a 6-7 month period if they take my songs...dismantle them, make them their (our) own, and then use our various talents to document the process.

The gear: a couple taylor acoustic guitars my fender jazz bass Ange's amazing voice Nate's cool guitar playing Kyle's drum kit a baby grand piano Reason (sampling and drum program) our hands and feet probably a borrowed Telecaster (thanks in advance, Adam) and my sweet guitar rig financed by a "few" Ross King gigs. etc.

The end product:

I'm hoping that we can end up with 12 songs of mine and maybe 3-4 songs we do as a group. We also have two side projects: a worship ep and a wedding ep. The first being an expression of our love for God...the latter is a "gift" for a member of "the band" getting married next summer.

I'll keep you posted.

Deep in the Heart of Texas

I love Texas. I love anything that comes out of Texas...aside from all the murderers and cults and illegal aliens and ridiculous politicians. Well, believe it or not, being from Texas, I really do love Texas.

Since I love Texas so, I wanted to highlight a Texas based business for you.

Pragma Systems is a company that provides secure connections to the Internet for businesses. Whether it's you are a business needing a Secure Shell Server, a Hand Held Client, or needing a Telnet Server to do your business from network to network.

And since achieving Microsoft's esteemed Gold Certified Partner Status, Pragma Systems is your company to get the job done right. Check them out today.

My Music and Movies Reviews

over at Fivecritics.com, I have posted some recent movie and music reviews. Check them out. 2007 was an interesting year and I was able to hear and see some great stuff. enjoy!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope your New Year's Eve and New Year's Day was caserole free. Ours was cold and hot at times. We were in Bethlehem watching the fireworks and went out for Chinese to fuel us for a 3am night. I'm still recovering.

Sunday was the best, however. For my buddy's bachelor party, we went to a local High School Football stadium (turf not grass!) and played 9 on 9 flag football. I can only remember one other time that I felt this sore...but this time around surpassed that by a long shot. I literally had to lift my legs up with my hands to get my legs in the car.

...luckily NYE rolled around and a little bubbly and a hot tub soothed my ailments.

For some of you who know me, I am sometimes known as a contrarian (it takes one to know one, Ross). I intentionally set out to buy an mp3 player other than an iPod because the name was basically what I was paying for....and with my recent run in with iTunes...it was a good idea.

Anyway, since iTouch and iPhone have been huge hits, I have swung back the other way to enjoying Apple products. I recently found a product that seemed really interesting...it's called the "invisibleSHIELD". It protects your whole ipod with a protect plastic layer. Kind of cool, if you ask me. No more bulky carrying cases...you keep the tactile feel of your iPod..WITH the protection of a case.

check it out here:

ipod case