My VOCAB : Haitian Hotel

Hyde Park

If you've ever been in and around Hyde Park, Ma you've passed by numerous Haitian Hotels. Although some Haitian Hotels house Haitians, not all Haitian Hotels have to house Haitians to be considered Haitian Hotels. The Hatian Hotel is usually just a single apartment in a building or complex that houses a shit ton of people. In Hyde Park this is typical of three family homes having 1 unit of the triple decker housing anywhere from six (6) to thirty-five (35) Haitians. Hyde Park has a high concentration of Haitians immigrants in the community. The 32 unlimited bus on the T runs from the streets of Port-au-Prince to Forest Hills via Hyde Park Ave. Most Haitian Hotels can be spotted by hand fulls of Haitians hanging around a front yard, yards that have not been maintained, numerous hackney licensed vehicles/taxis in the driveway. Haitian men with blue tooth headsets (formerly just headsets) roaming the yard in button up shirts jeans and big brown Jesus sandles, yelling at their children and wives. On Sundays families dressed as if they were attending a wedding, and only going to mass. Other parts of Boston have Hatian Hotels where habitants are horded in like sardines. College area apartments, China town, South Boston etc etc. A hotel in Haiti... but not a Haitian Hotel

Music Review: NOW! by "The Civix"

I got an advance copy of the 10 track European debut album "NOW!" by electropop punksters The Civix featuring ex-members of "Greta and her Jetta" and "The Saab Mob". A brief history of the band: After spending a couple years on the underground European scene, some where between punk and electronica "Greta and her Jetta" and the "Saab Mob" starting playing more shows together and drawing more crowds as a team, rather than competing for the same audience. "Greta" front man Alejandro Schuster has been quoted as saying "...we all started going in the same direction, and our fan base grew. Both bands started playing out together and eventually we all started creating together." After a few singles and hidden tracks on each bands respective albums featuring the other bands members the line up was set swapping some of the members around. Schuster remained on vocals, occasionally backed up by guitarist Yves Ruggiero("Mob") , Pieter Del Mar("Mob") would drive the beat as the drummer, Frederick Rasmussen("Greta") took on the duties of synthesizers, sequencers and drum machines, Arturo Venman("Mob") holds down the low end on bass, and Reid Von Kohler("Greta") shreds and keeps the crowd's attention with brilliant riffs, articulate picking, and high octane stage presence as lead guitarist.
Now after I heard about the super group forming and touring through out Europe, I got excited as a fan of both bands, hoping they would release something more than a one off song on a compilation, or a few downloads on my space. After signing to Broken Water records in early 2008 they went into production on "Now!" in May. October 14 is the date for the slated official debut release across Europe for "The Civix"

The journey through "Now!" starts with a 2 minute long intro. The intro is a mash up of "Greta and her Jetta" and "Saab Mob" songs, in a way signifying the unification of the two. The mash up was a collaboration between Rasmussen and the albums producer Gar Von Neuss. After the short intro the album goes right into "Home is where you are" Right away Von Kohler shines with a buzz saw riff coming through your stereo. As the song builds Schuster goes from telling a story right into screaming with his unique vocal style and incredible range. The full song is an excellent start, although the synth is a tad over produced. The song winds down with an unforgettable bass line as the rest of the instruments and vocals drop out. The bass line picks up speed a bit then changes to the bass line of the next track titled "Running lines, doing circles" Venman's bass plays beautifully off of Rasmussen's synth work. The synth and drums start to sync up. As the guitars come in with an intense biting sound Schuster puts everything at peace with a harmony over the instruments and his range is really displayed as he sings lyrics about recreational drug use, turning into abuse and spilling over into work and losing everything with out realizing it. The song powers through 4 minutes and ends as your radio starts shaking prior to exploding.

Track seven seems to be the masterpiece of the record. It has a softer start than the previous songs. "Nobodies & nothings, know things" Kohler and Ruggiero come in with dueling acoustic guitars as a soft drum beat comes in. Venman starts in with a droning bass line that entrances as the guitars seem to fade into the background of the prominent bass. Electronic drums and synth come in. Rasmussen really gets to show his talent in this track as the music starts an odyssey which comes back around after 4 minutes to Kohler and Ruggiero's guitar playing. The same opening riff is now with electric guitars with plenty of crunchy distortion. Schuster has some vocal work on this and it fits in, and seems more like an instrument than vocals and lyrics. The high light of the album in my opinion.

Track 8 is a song a little out of the usual style of the band. It is a catchy up beat pop punk song derivative of some of the more popular bands of the moment, Fall out boy, Panic at the disco and My Chemical Romance. Schuster over sings, the song is over produced, minimal electronic influence, more emphasis on harmonics and guitar work and Venman's bass almost disappears shadowing Ruggiero's chords. Possibly an attempt to show their range for any prospective record execs in America , or maybe a poor attempt to try their hand at pop punk.

Tracks 9 and 10 are each a live performance of "the Civix" line up doing a new interpretation of a"Greta and her Jetta" and a"Saab Mob" song respectively. The same two songs featured in the opening mash up to bring everything full circle.

I left a few tracks out of the review because I felt they were songs that met the baseline expectations of this band. The songs were basically filler. I'm hoping for the album to find enough success here in the states for a tour so I could see the live show. So keep an eye out for a Oct 14 European release. Try to track down an online order, or the import bin at the local music store (possibly Newbury Comics) and give this new and exciting band a listen.

my chipotle experience

Working in the greater metro west rt 9 area I have a large assortment of eateries. Sushi, burgers, pizza,chain restaurants, expensive steak houses,fast food so on so forth.I work in a large shopping plaza and have 45 minutes for break every day. That limits me to ordering ahead and fighting weekend mall traffic, or eating in a Taco Bell. I was excited months ago when I saw a Chipotle Mexican burrito bar was coming soon on the opposite side of the parking lot. Having enjoyed Chipotle once or twice before, I was excited knowing it was the shit and coming. I've experienced a lions share of Mexican style food and burritos. Taco Bell, Qdoba, mom and pop burrito joints in downtown Boston,Acapulco's,stands, Tina's microwave burritos,Anna's taqueria, Sunset Cantina ,a small taqueria in Waltham, Carl's and the list could go on for decades. I took my first journey to Chipotle Thursday at approximately 2pm.I was excited, the smell of burrito and burrito components filled my nostrils. My pupils dilated. I was ready, I get to the front door and there was some fucking heifer with a clip board and coupons talking to some one blocking the door way. I figured OK..it was grand opening day, maybe some promotion for filling out a survey. I had no interest in waiting so I tried to sneak around her. The cow opened her mouth, her utters swayed as she mooed out " do you have an invitation?" In the back of my mind I thought this was some sort of exclusive burrito club and felt rejected. In a half joking way I reached into my pocket and pulled out a $10 and said "yea...isn't this what people need to get in?" Har har Unamused, Bessie huffed a huge sigh through her snout that was missing the cliche gold ring and said " Today is an invitation only opening. Tomorrow is the grand opening to the public." What the fuck? The customer is always right, I had $ and a desire to check their place out. I went to Brueggers next door and got a Herby Turkey sandwich and went back to work somewhat fuming. When I got to my place of work one of the employees made it know to me that on Wednesday, my day off the lovely people at Chipotle came by and gave out 50 free burrito/private opening invitations for the employees and that they had set 4 aside for me. A crushing blow to my nuts. As I ate my Herby Turkey on a bagel softwich.

Friday:

At approximate 230pm I went on break. Arrived at Chipotle 5 minutes later for attempt #2. This time went a little better, I was not greeted by an over zealous bovine bouncer at the door. The line was reasonably short, however most people were new to the world of burrito construction,ordering and consumption. A 10 minute lecture on the difference between roasted chili corn salsa vs medium tomatillo green salsa (which is not very green) vs guacamole which is green but not a salsa. And black vs pinto beans was over heard between a Chipotle shredded beef slinger and some old geezer.

My turn is up. Having an infinite amount of time to study,memorize and become quite versed with the menu, I stepped up and spit out my order with exact order and precision. Chicken burrito, black beans,chili corn salsa little bit of sour cream and cheese. I was greeted by a red haired round red faced rotund Irish woman with a southern accent. while I was rattling my order off she interrupted me at every syllable asking me if I was sure , and told me my other options. I was trying to keep things moving smoothly and she bogged me down. I was annoyed.she could tell after she told me that the hot salsa was hot and mild was a little bit and medium was in between. As I approached the point of sale I noticed a small printed out sign that says " starting at 3:00pm ,the first 300 customers will receive a free shirt, drink and a coupon for a free burrito on their next visit". I looked at my cell phone clock. 2:48. I asked if I could get that stuff 12 minutes early...the supervisor running the register area said sorry. 3:00pm means 3:00 pm. I was not happy, I asked for my soda cup and went to the soda fountain. I inspected the choices. Typical Coke, Diet Coke, Lemonade, Root Beer, Sprite and water. I filled up on Diet Coke, then saw they had a variety of Tabasco brand hot sauces, that served some relief. I took my burrito in the plastic basket and soda and sat in a corner on a fairly comfortable chair. On top of a marble table w/ stainless steel trim. Looking at the menu and checking out the front line.lo and behold the same red haired round red faced rotund Irish woman with a southern accent.was not interrupting any one else who was ordering their burrito. And it was getting close to 3:00 pm. Shirts started appearing. Coupons were being handed back with change and cups were stacked up and handed out to all who came. Sitting with my burrito in defeat I figured that the heifer from Thursday pointed me out for being a dick with a lame joke trying to get in. A wanted poster or "bust this guys balls bulletin" was handed out with my picture. Saturday: I went back again. With back up. A co-worker of mine. He isn't a big burrito guy but I sold the burrito at the place being top shelf. I explained that the Taco Bell burritos or the 50 cent burritos from 7-11 freezer were nothing compared to Chipotle's. This shit was the real deal. So on the walk over he asks what they had for meat and I gave him a run down of the menu. I got my order in my head. Shredded beef, rice black beans, grilled vegs cheese and guac. He took some time and decided on chicken and such. As we approach the outdoor patio I see the red haired round red faced rotund Irish woman with a southern accent. grilling me. I figured since she was inhaling her burrito I'd have no problem in line ordering. I see the staff....no one I had seen the previous day. The people running the show looked of questionable citizenship and legal work age. I had to explain my order three times and point to each ingredient due to a possible hearing problem on their behalf or a language barrier. My burrito came out up to snuff, and I sat on a stool at a table with Dave as two C.A.Cowboys scratched scratch tickets next to us uncomfortably close and taking up as much room as possible. Tuesday: Trip #3 went worlds better.I walked in, made small talk about weather and local restaurants as my order was put together and I peppered in chicken, black beans, grilled vegs and green salsa. There was no line, no issues regarding me getting my order. I got iced tea which was phenomenal. The burrito was on point. Maybe the grand opening weekend kinks were worked out.

Ill be going back again.

My VOCAB : C.A. Cowboy..

If you have been to the south side of Waltham, or Allston Food and Spirits , odds are you have seen a proud C.A. Cowboy.

A Central American Cowboy,is probably Central American. They congregate in groups of 3-5 usually. Enjoy , almost exclusively Corona. By the case. Or 30s of Bud which any C.A. Cowboy could carry 2 at a time. At any time they can be seen in a front yard, or sitting on the lowered gate of a pick up, or on a stoop embibing a finely crafted Mexican beer. In the Allston wine and spirits area, most C.A. Cowboys also buy numerous scratch tickets at one time, and proceed to walk incredibly slowly out of the exit while closely inspecting their ticket as they scratch every so gently. Taking as much time as as they can and as much room as they can which seems to be a trend in other areas such as super markets and department stores.

Most C.A. Cowboy men wear trucker hats, flannel coats ,t shirts and jeans, tight fitting polo shirts with soccer shorts and a hat, or a shirt with no sleeves, and straight legged jeans.Most men have shaved heads, bowl cuts , or boys regular

The misses of the family, if in tow, usually is too large for the clothes she is wearing. She demonstrates a F.U.P.A. and is 2 to 3 times the age of the target demographic for the fashion she sports. (Usually Tello's) Her hair is fashioned in a way that is pulled back tight in a pony tail, bleached to an unnatural shade of white or dyed to an absurd shade of red.

On Friday and Saturday nights... especially on Moody Street, and around the Allston Food and Spirits area, C.A. Cowboys strut their stuff with full on Cowboy hats, Big Belt buckles cowboy boots,and jean jackets with wool lining.

BIG NEWS!!!!

I'm getting married.... Some may say my love life is pretty uneventful,boring, or at a dead end. I have my problems,bad habits,bad attitude,I'm allergic to eggs,I got a 6 dollar haircut,a lousy outside hookshot and am generally miserable.But my luck has changed. A co-worker of mine,a Vietnamese customer service associate has found something in me. She has seen past all my quirks;My junior high senses of style and humor. My hobbies including but not limited to:video games,comic books,drinking until I pass out,head butting things that don't move and waffle consumption. She sees my potential. The capability of me being a provider,a leader, a loving,caring husband and potentially a father. She sees the hope and determination in my eyes to make something of myself in this world. This woman realizes I'm at my best right now. All of that had slapped me in the face one day a few weeks ago. I was on my way from my office to the bathroom and I walked by her. She stopped me and wanted to ask me a few questions. Being the professional employee I figured it was work related,even if it was not work related I'm still polite and believe in building team cohesion in the work place. So she asked me in her own broken english "You marry,you have wife?". "No I don't.." I replied courteously She had a follow up question for me,"You have girlfriend at home?" Uncomfortable and nervous,especially around a new person asking me about my personal life,yet flattered she was asking I answered "Not really" Then my co-worker,equally as uncomfortable and nervous, asked me "You even like girl?" in a way to ease tension yet find out my preferance "Yes I do....why do you ask?" The moment of truth. I stared at the Vietnamese woman interested in me. She was smiling and her blueish tooth was sparkling. Her potato shaped head had a nervous tilt and awkward sway like a 8th grade girl at a dance talking to a crush. I was prepared for this. She started explaining in her own broken English "I have daughter in Vietnam. She live with my brother and family..." I listened intently. "She want to come to America,meet boy. What American boy like in girl?" I had a blank look on my face,she continued, "You nice man...you can call her, I won't mind. I show you picture Friday,you see her,think her beautiful,fall love,get marry." I continued to look and listen. "She 16 in school,she nice,you nice". I stopped the train "Nah Nah Nah too young...I'm an old man.Too young" she continued to tell me I'll see her and think she's beautiful and want to marry her.I then carried on my way trying to figure out what had happened. I thought of the possibility that this woman wanted me to marry her daughter to make her a U.S. Citizen. I then threw that idea right in the trash and said maybe this is it. Maybe this is true love. Maybe the one for me found me,she's just over seas. Well Friday came and went.I saw no picture,did not think any one was beautiful,nor did I fall in love and get married.I sat in my office,I was stood up,heartbroken,and defeated. I replayed the events in my head. Did I come on too strong? Did I make a bad first impression? Did she find some one else? Was I not wearing deoderant? Any situation,any scenario that could have happened for me to end up where I was,I thought out and tried to find out where I went wrong. Later in the day,I was walking around the store and ran into my Vietnamese friend again.A very awkward encounter.Nervous and fumbling greetings were exchanged. I couldn't make eye contact. I stared at the floor,or her blueish tooth, or her once pink,but now some odd hue between pink and black pair of open toe sandals. She spoke in her own broken english,"I no see you Friday...I bring picture,you no where,what happen?" I told her I was at work, Friday was busy,I got tied up with paper work in the office,she was out on the floor,I didn't see her,we were both busy. She gave me an unapproving grin and said in her own broken English,"Ok I bring picture for you this Friday..you think her beautiful,fall in love,get married...you call her Friday..but you exercise first...you're handsome,but fat" And to this day...I have yet to exercise,call her,see her picture,think shes beautiful,fall in love and get married. She'll love me no matter what. We were meant for each other.

&

Think about it....

New Year's Update

2006 is out 2007 is in. Lately I've been working. My job. On a movie, and on this blog. I've seen that in the past month or so I've had 200 visits from people locally,oregon,france, spain, and morocco. How I got that much press is beyond me. So to all you, thank you. Click my google powered ad. I get 10 cents a click. Koz and I worked on something the other night that will make its way up online in the next few weeks so keep your eyes peeled. Some other blog worthy notes of 2006 - I can drink more milk than Beavis. However, I can't puke as easily. (video on the way in the coming weeks) - I ate more sushi that Rory. It burned him, because the whole time he was saying "I can eat more than you, which means I'm better at life than you!" - Bill is "an artist on the bowl" - I have support from an accredited History teacher, and a Russian guy at work. Rocky IV ended the Cold war. weak post I know. I'm spent for 2006, more stuff on the way in 2007 stay tuned.

Truth Hurts

• http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=2714761
• (Regarding the above link)
• (the Names have been changed to protect the innocent/integrity)
• J^: sounds like the doll is broken
• Me: ya, i didnt understand wut it was sayin, i didnt hear slut though
• J^: no me neither. at some point it sounds like the batteries run out and it adds a syllable that could kinda sound like slut if you needed or wanted it to, but it sounded more like "uhhhhhckght" to me
• Me: ya
• Me: sounded like a mermaid chokin on a cack
• J^: yep, exactly what i was thinking
• J^: "get that penis out of your mouth so I can hear you say the word slut, miss"
• Me: A WHOLE NEW URRRRRRRRRRRRGH
• Me: YOU CAME IN MY MOUTH??!??
• J^: hahah "how can you fuck me, im a fish?"
• Me: in the mouth fish face
• J^: haha
• Me: BLOG!
• J^: oh god
• J^: hahah
• Me: ?
• J^: i'm just embarrassed to see my profanity on your blog
• Me: so
• Me: ill Put J^
• Me: so no one will know
• J^: "john koziol is embarrssed" nah do it
• thats it until I have some actual material.
• Back to watching Parenthood

Glen Vs. Spike's Round 1

First and formost..... A Prom Night Reenactment

While at work at Saturday Barry and I were talking about shooting a scene for our up coming movie Lawson:White Heat when Barry mentions he would also like to hit up Spike's for hot dogs. The idea was appealed to Glen. Glen found out that if you eat 6 hot dogs from Spike's you can have your picture posted on the wall and you get a T-shirt. As finishing 6 dogs in an hour an a half with out puking,leaving the store or drinking anything but water is no easy task. So after filming. I met up with Glen,Barry, and Koz went to Spikes. We all place orders except for Glen. Glen is reviewing the rules and heavily debating His move. While we were in there and Glen was questioning this idea some Northeastern Douche (see right) had just finished his T-shirt winning hot dog run and gave Glen words of encouragement. So with delight young Glen made the request to partake in the challenge. At about 938 the delivery of 6 hotdogs, and 1 bottle of water were delivered and time counted down. Here you see a picture of Glen about to endulge in his first all beef Spike's junkyard dog. Glen finished his first dog and was feeling good. He had a sense of accomplishment. 1 dog down, 5 to go.

#2 Glen started his second hot dog shortly after finishing the first one. At this point we hear that Tommy and Egan are coming. John, Barry and myself are talking about the movie and other stuff and having a ball. Barry keeps reminding Glen to pace himself. Two gone!

WAY TO GO Glen!

Hot Dog the 3rd

We are approaching the halfway point in Glen's quest for super-hero status. Egan shows up and starts to take Glen under his wing and coach him. He lays out a strategy and keeps the motivation up.

We see here the last of the 3rd hot dog.

And here is a successful Glen after 3. Half way to a free t-shirt and a polaroid picture on the wall of Spike's

#4

Hot Dog #4 started off strong, Then Glen started slowing down and taking his time. With 45 minutes left or so he wasn't taking his time. Under the advice of Coach Egan, and Barry, Glen got up and started to walk around trying to work out some room in his stomach. The rules state once he enters the competition he can not leave the store. So he saunters to the front window and back. Stopping along the way to draw inspiration from Uncle Sam and the Good Ol' Stars and Stripes.

* Note this wasn't taken from the Gwen Stefani "Harijuku Lover's" tour.

At this point in the night things slow down. More people start showing up. Including The Giggler(left of Glen, center 2nd picture) from Death Wish 3 came in and took a seat behind Glen. Glen worried the Giggle may steal his dogs starts to go into heavy thought. Glenn is now starting to slow down. His thought process is coming to a snail's pace. He isn't sure if he wants to continue. Cue Coach Egan.

Glen says "I'm getting full man, I can't do it. I can't"

Egan replies "Well, I've actually heard, that when you feel full, there is actually room for TWO more hot dogs."

A hearty laugh was had by all. We then start talking about a movie idea about a competitive eater and his coach, and various scenarios. After taking his time, and the notification he has 30 minutes to finish the last two dogs. Glen finishes #4. and contimplates his situation

Barry, On the phone...possibly with the media?

&

Glen remorseful for what he is putting his psyche, body and soul through during this Iron Man event. Moments before starting on .....

#5

With victory 2 hot dogs away Glen starts getting psyched out by... Glen. Staring deafeat in the eye, he is feeling full and doesn't know if he can continue to WILL himself to eat more hot dogs. He has half hour or so left and 2 hot dogs. He finished the other 4 in an hour. Thats 15 minutes per dog. He has no time to waste here. He is 30 minutes away from a T-shirt and a picture on the "TOP DOG" Wall

1 episode of The Cosby Show worth of time is between normal Glen, and triumphant Glen. A Glen not bogged down by the limits of conventional hot dog consumption, but a Glen who proved to the world a small kid, a teenager, of a slight 120 pounds can hang with the big fat dudes who eat 10+ dogs, men the size of bread trucks, and some skinny little bitch. And hippies and hipsters who go "veggie dog"

ENTER COACH EGAN, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER!

Egan starts to boost morale by talking to Glen, telling him he can do it. Egan tries to get inside what's psyching Glen out. I say something to the effect of "Mind over matter , Glen. No Guts. No Glory"

Glen retorts with "My body won't let me do it, man"

Egan then asks this epic question of the ages "Who's incontrol of your body, your mind or two hot dogs?"

Glen then takes a quick bite of a hot dog.The Giggler leaves.Glen then goes into a deep philisophical internal debate. "Who's incharge? Me or 2 Hot Dogs?"

As this is going on I get up and get myself a Chili Hot Dog and sit down and eat. In a way sympathizing with Glen. Riding along side him. Pushing him toward greatness. Tommy has arrived and sits down to enjoy the last leg of Glen's epic battle vs Spike's. Glen being the good sportsman and performer takes another few bites of the 5th dog to give Tommy something to hold on to for the rest of his days.

With Coach Egan watching his back. Glen stops. And with only a few minutes and about 1 whole hot dog and 5/8 of another remaining Glen throws in the towel. After putting his mind, body, and spirit to the test he gives up while the giving is good. He stops before he reviews the contents of his stomach all over the booth. A smart man he calls it quits after a solid performance.

Glen is overjoyed he can end this grueling test.He offers up the last full Dog to Tommy. Tommy eats the dog. then Glen covers up the remnants of a dog. He does this and calls out to the guys behind the counter to stop the clock and a roar of applause and praise overtake the small hot dog shop on Boylston Street.

As we were wrapping up the notion of me drinking a gallon of milk in an hour was brought to light. Beavis was phoned and things were set to go on shortly after departing Spike's. Thats another story for another time.....

Thoughts on Charlie Cards/MBTA

• Koz: what the hell, theres a thing on the mbta page that says six days till charlie arrives
• Koz: my uncle didnt kill them in the jungle so they could run our public transit system
• Me: i hope they have a guy dressed as "charlie" to promote it
• Me: and people will spit on him and say"you're too slow, you suck"
• Koz: hahahah
• Koz: maybe all the stations have it by the end of the week?
• Me: and he'll have a breakdown every hour
• Koz: HAhahah
• Koz: BRILLIANT
• *edited for errors