Back to Basics (and the AK Rowdy)

So i'm fighting sickness right now, and i'm writing crazy because i'm half hopped up on cold medicine, so pardon my craziness. Crazy.

So yeah, i haven't been blogging on here lately, but whatever, i'm busy, work is crazy and i'm constantly traveling around going on random fun trips and enjoying my youth in the city. Even if it does take a toll on the old body.

But when I get back, it's time to purchase a laptop so i don't have to sit downstairs on my prehistoric desktop hammering out notes. And posts. That will help me blog more. And i'm also thinking about drafting a book in the future (i've been kicking around a few ideas).

Oh yeah, going back to the AK Rowdy and C-Town this weekend for the first time since Feb. Since then, i've been to Vegas, NYC (thrice), Ft. Lauderdale, San Francisco, Sonoma (crossed the Golden Gate), Boise, Milwaukee, suburbs of Chi, St. Joe (MI) and Elkhart Lake (thrice). I've also taken sailing lessons, purchased a bike (logged three 25+ mile rides), dominated Lolla and the Lolla Lounge gifting suite, and started Second City courses in those months. In addition, socially, I have been to multiple new restaurant openings, excellent dinners, superb wine tastings, engaging plays and mind blowing concerts.

I'll get better. I'll get quicker. I'll be back. I've got a lot to do. I've got a lot to talk about. Life is short. Dominate it.

Crossroads,
-Shriner

Archie

Alright, alright. Say no more...it's been a good two weeks since your affable host here has posted. Poor management on my part. Anyways, I thought I would squeeze in a quick post as I wait for my roommate to get out of the shower.

I was up extremely early today helping a colleague execute a series of radio interviews with a client spokesperson - Archie Griffin. Those of you in the sports world know this is a huge honor to sit in and listen to this legend talk, even if you despise the Buckeyes. For those of you who don't know who Archie is, well...you should be ashamed of yourself, sports fan or not.

Without bias, it's been a pleasure working with Archie and listening to him talk about some of the wisdom he's gained throughout the years.

Indiana...or Chernobyl?

After a nice long weekend voyage to St. Joseph, MI, the last stop on the trip was to the Lighthouse Premium Outlets in Michigan City, IN. Not a bad little outlet mall, and they do an EXCELLENT job of advertising along the highway, but once you get into the town it's a little suspect. Somewhat like the Eye of Sauron on that huge mountain, the first noticable sight in the sky is a cloud of white smokey pollution billowing out of a nuclear reactor (the outlet's Lighthouse, I suspect).

The first is a picture from the mall's Web site:

The second is a pic found online that I did not take, though I kind of wish that guy in the purple could have been a relative:

And once you start driving miles away from 94 towards the outlets, out of sheer principle its nearly impossible to to turn around and head back to the highway before making the final destination. It must be a male thing.

I'm sorry, but I can't stop looking at the above picture.

Welcome to Kanye West's Fatburger, may I take your order?

Strategery, Mr. West. Smart business venture in my mind - bringing a West Coast enterprise slash commodity slash late night gastronomic staple to a city that thrives on beef creations and caloric intake.

Too bad these are all on the west and south side, so the chances of me trying anytime soon is slim considering I live up north.

Now...if we could only get Lupe Fiasco to start a chain of In-and-Out Burger franchises in the Chi. Someone, please send this to Lupe.

Extstay Ad Spot

Wow. WOW.

Here is a new viral ad for the hotel chain, Extended Stay America, which has to be the best slash worst (by worst I mean amazingly awful) spots i've seen in awhile. You'll see why.

Just wait until about 35 seconds into the clip. It was as horrifying as it was exciting, but nonetheless the spot is shot in such a fashion that it will leave a lasting impression with everyone - good or bad.

If you're as intrigued as I am, also check out the hotel's main Web site, which offers a full online tutorial of all available amenities - and in the same visual fashion.

Well, if i'm ever looking for an economy hotel on the go, I've just found my new haven. I'm hoping they loop this spot as their screensaver in the rooms.

Lolla Survival Part I

Okay, and i'm being completely honest here, but I just drafted about a four paragraph "quick" recap, and then I clicked preview and all the text went away.

Autosave didn't even pull it up.

I'm pissed now.

Going to bed.

More to come later, including pics and even video if worthwhile.

Disgusted; I can only shake my head.

Lolla Preview

The time is nigh. No need for a background explanation - Lollapalooza has arrived. I'll hopefully be able to capture some key pics throughout the weekend, so stay tuned ladies and gents. I would send some tweets on Twitter, however my Razr mobile is a real piece, and therefore capabilities are limited.

Back to the Rawk. While i'll check out a few artists i'm not familiar with, here's my wish list of acts I plan to see throughout the festival weekend:

Friday

-The Black Keys (Akron, represent!)

-Your Vegas

-Bloc Party

-Radiohead

Saturday

-MGMT

-Lupe Fiasco

-Toadies

-Rage

Sunday

-John Butler Trio

-Flogging Molly

-Gnarls Barkley

-NIN

First stop: VIP Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel (compliments of the special lady friend)