I'm An Old Man

Last night I was hanging out with some friends and I decided to head home early.  I jokingly told them that I was an "old man", they agreed, but assured me that I was their "favorite old man".  I left the get together feeling good about myself, I figured that our little joke about me being an old man was nothing to think about.  Then today, two things happened that made me feel like maybe it wasn't much of a joke.

First of all I was ridding a subway when I saw a guy that to me looked really old and feeble.  The thing is I looked at him, then I looked at his clothes and I thought to myself, man that guy is dressed exactly like I would dress.  I thought about it for a minute, and then I figured it was just a fluke and went on with my day.  The final straw came when I was walking through a subway station and a girl came up to me with balloons celebrating Google's new metro coverage on Google Maps.  She approached me as asked if I knew about the new feature on Google Maps, she then sized me up, and instead of giving me a fun balloon, she pulled this very dull button out of her pocket and gave it to me.  I guess she figured I was too old for a balloon.  The worst part of this whole situation is how happy I was about getting the button over the balloon.

Later

Signs I Like

 Smurf head scares me.

 Another awesome soccer sign update.

This train car is not just "heavy", it's "Super Heavy".

Later

Chris's Etiquette Tips

Eat food at receptions.  You would think that this goes without saying, but many feel uncomfortable eating food at receptions, trust me I did.  Soon I realized that people really like it when you eat their food, even hors d'oeuvre.  People put a lot of work into the planning of food, and seeing people eat it is gratifying. I  also realized that gaining a reputation as being the guy who loves food at receptions has its benefits, including being directed to the buffet before everyone else.  The only downfall to this plan is the fact that you will be served food that will frighten you.  Suck it up, the good stuff will be great, and the bad stuff will be a good story for a future reception.

I'll be back, with more etiquette tips.

Later

Don't Buy a Lifetime Supply of Anything

A few years back I was at Costco and I noticed that they had q-tips on sale.  If you bought two boxes you go a third for free.  I like to use three q-tips every time I take a shower.  I won't go into detail about what I use them for because frankly people will either be grossed out or tell me how wrong I am.  So when I saw this sale on q-tips I thought I would stock up.  In fact I did a little math in my head and estimated how many q-tips I would need for the rest of my life.  I figured that they don't go bad, and chances are with the way regular economic inflation works, I'd never see them that cheap again.  So I bought the appropriate number of boxes that I estimated I would need for the rest of my life.  It sounds like a good idea, but there is one very depressing thing I had never thought of.  Every time I finish one of the boxes of q-tips I can see how much closer I am to death.  As the pile of boxes shrinks, I get a little nervous and sad.  I think when I hit the halfway point in my collection of q-tips I will sit in a chair and freak out for a few weeks.  So, no matter how good the deal, never buy a life time supply of anything.

Later

Lemon Sketch

I did a sketch to plan a photo and as it turns out I like the sketch more than the photo.

Later

The 48 Hour Strike That Ended on Day 3

 So the smoke burned during the sunset on the 48th hour.  The protests, the strikes, and the chaos was supposed to calm down.

 There was some damage, one death, and a lot of uncertainty.

 So on day 3 the strikes continued (in a lesser form), buildings remained occupied, and protests continued to fill the streets.

Wonder what's going to happen next week.

Later

Signs I Like

 Look out!... It's a screaming cat!

 Does the guy who drew this picture even know what poop looks like?

I love cola, I love retro looking signs, win!

Later

48 Hour Strike Day 2

So I had some friends over that live in the neighborhood to watch any of the strike stuff.  Apparently lots happened but nothing that produces enough smoke or noise to be seen from my place.

That was until everyone left.

Then the smoke started to rise... Figures.

Later

Chris's Etiquette Tips

This one is for the fellas... If you happen to be going to an event for your wife's work, when possible, don't wear a tie.  If you dress just a little more casual than your wife people will not mistake you for a person that has some kind of education/general idea of smart topics.  If you look like you belong in the high end job market with knowledge of economies and such, you will be asked questions.  Instead, make sure the smarter of the two of you looks the part.

Stay tuned for more etiquette tips.

Later

48 Hour Strike Day 1

This morning I knew it was going to be one of those fun Greek days.  Lots of Police lined up and ready, lots of street closures as well.

There's also the strikes, the part that drives me most nuts.  Garbage pick up hasn't happened in more than a week.  Today the transit is limited, no taxis, no stores open, no banks, hospitals are running minimally, air traffic controllers are on strike, lawyers and pharmacists are on strike, and customs officials are on strike.  Fortunately we knew this was coming so food wise we're OK.  I find it amazing how busy (both car and people traffic) it is considering the only thing open is restaurants.

There was also the standard protest at Syntagma square with flash bombs, stun grenades, Molotov cocktails, and tear gas.  I did notice however that the news about this has calmed down a lot.  I think the poignancy of these protests has started to wear off for international news stations.  Will there be more tomorrow?

Later

It's Going To Get Interesting

Over the next few days, Athens Greece is going to be a hotbed for protests and strikes.  I know the US is starting to act up, and I respect the fact that it's a new thing for you, so these actions seem humongous.  However I have to say that over the next two days in Greece, things are going to get very heavy indeed.  While I don't suspect that I will be in danger at any time (I'm not going to run out into the protest hot spots), I do imagine that I'll have quite the show to watch.  Or at least this is what the media is telling me, they could be lying though, after all, they're going on strike too.

I guess I'll post what I see.

Later

I've Mopped Myself Into a Corner...

Thank god for wireless internet and Gatorade.  Without those two things I think I'd probably be dead, or at the very least extremely bored.

P.S. please do not call me for the next 20 minutes... if you need me urgently please e-mail, since I can't get to my phone right now.

Later

Signs I Like

 This might be the worst drawing of the Pink Panther ever.

 I love how someone graciously fixed the Photoshop error.

What the heck is a "Pizza Kebab"?

Later

This Week In Athens

This week was week full of many a strike,
The garbage piled up all day and all night.
No buses, taxis, trolleys or trains,
And in the squares many did complain.

And then today some jets flew by,

Very close to the city they did fly.

I thought the enemy they were trying to bash,

Or maybe they came to pick up my trash.

Later

This Weekend In Cypruss

This weekend in Cyprus my photograph "Gourds" will be up at the "Marchés en plein air" Art Show in Nicosia.  If you happen to be in the area check it out.  Also, make sure to check out my friend Jane's photo at the same show.

Later

Click here to buy a copy of this print.

Chris's Etiquette Tips

When you're at a large party always make sure you have a drink that it almost empty.  It will benefit you in many ways:

First of all, if a sudden toast happens to come up, you'll have something to drink.

Secondly, hosts will feel more comfortable if they see you have something in your hands.

Finally, and this is why it should be almost empty, if you get into a conversation that you want to leave, you can chug the last sip, and tell the person you're going for a refill.  Go to the bar/refill station, refill, and promptly get dragged into another (hopefully more interesting) conversation.

Stay tuned for more rather inappropriate etiquette tips.

Later

Working On a New Idea

I'm just perfecting this new idea I have for an art piece.  Allison has graciously helped me test my prototype.  She did a great job building it, I hope to make a few more improvements and have it done soon.

Later

Signs I Like

 Wall Panda loves us all.

 Good advice if you ask me.

I have a new obsession, signs modified to look like people playing soccer.

Later

A Dark Bathroom

Sometimes the lighting in bathrooms isn't really great for photogrpahy, but I'm thinking that's a good thing most of the time.

Click here to check out the latest addition to the "Bathrooms I've Been To" map.

Later

New Piece Of Art

You really can't go wrong with gummy bears, and you can guarantee success if you make sure free gummy bears are available to all those checking out your art.

P.S. I will be showing this piece, as well as others from the "Senses" at a show on December 7th in Athens Greece.  Click here for a few more details and stay tuned for more updates.

Later

Sesame Street Does Other Shows

I love "The Office" sketch in this video.

On another Sesame Street note, check out this movie coming out, it looks great.

Later