SUCK IT!

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World's LARGEST Lego Tower!

Seriously, this story kinda brings a warm and fuzzy to this guy's heart. See, Vienna recently broke the world record for the tallest tower built with LEGO® pieces, coming in at 29.48 metres. The previous record being 29.3 metres.

But what is totally going to put a smile on your face, this thing was built entirely by kids! I mean, how fun is that! It just seems really appropriate. And remembering how much fun I had with LEGOS® as a kid, building robots, spaceships, creating adventures, this story TOTALLY made me want to be a kid again... in Vienna.

Anyway, you can check out a short video on Gizmodo and see this thing get built.

Be prepared to maybe smile a little bit.

um, amazing.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

You know you love it, don't even try and deny it.

*note (10/10/08): So I've been asked since posting this video why it's funny. And I have to say, makes me feel old. Anyway, if you're like me who grew up in the 80's, I know you know the song this is spoofing, Aha's "Take on Me".

And if you didn't grow up in the 80's or have an appreciation of things awesome, well, go Google Aha, and come back to this blog and laugh.

Do you know Jonah Hill?

Okay, so PSA's are really annoying to me. I mean, I appreciate the good intention, but really, the force feeding, really annoying. What I really put in this category, PSA's by celebs. I can't explain why, but every time I see one, I want to punch each and every one in the face.

Again, appreciate the good intention, but there are less annoying ways to utilize your fame then, well, annoy me. Take this VOTE PSA, trying to play on the whole people don't vote, so they're saying it's okay. Obviously being sarcastic, to me just annoying.

But why do I share it with you? Jonah Hill, Jonah "Superbad" Hill. He's hilarious, and if I didn't already register, I'd register because he's hilarious.

Superficial reason? Sure. But whatever. Anyway, watch and be annoyed or entertained.



PS

Vote please. Every state has a deadline, if you're with me in Kansas City, it's October 8th. Okay, the end.

Whoa.

Bricked Mac - Time-Lapse from RP Cuenco on Vimeo.

Awesome.

What's in a age...

So I stopped by the liquor store to pick up soda and smokes.

And I got carded.

"Can I see you're ID?", he asked. "You don't need to be 21 to smoke, but you need to be 21 to be in the store."

In case you're wondering dear reader, I'm 30.

New Shirt on Threadless...

So I entered a Threadless Love Challenge, and if you like it, could use your votes!

You can vote by heading over to: http://www.threadless.com/submission/178760/title_goes_here

Thanks for your time!

I Love the Dialogue...

So the thing I love about art is that once you make it, and release it to the public, it no longer becomes yours. Whatever you intended, it becomes the users interpretation. And that dialogue is something I really enjoy, watching and hearing what others get from a piece of work.

Take the illustration above for instance. A friend recently told me she thought I had problems when she saw it. Why? Well this is how she interpreted it:

"the obvious force fed zombification of todays youth thru television"
"the slow conversion into robots as dictated by robots"
"or the slow culmination of selves being compacted into inanimate objects."

Truth be told, I just wanted to make a fun and engaging image.

I guess I don't have a lot of depth. :-)

Love it.

Vacations...

So I've been on a little stay-cation from work. After what feels like months of 80 work weeks, I needed some time off.

So what have I been doing?

Well, getting my personal life back in order. Doing A LOT of sleeping (hey, I like my sleep), and, well, making art. Which is something I hadn't gotten to do for myself in a while.

Anyway, here's the latest bit from yours truly:



And before you ask, yes, this was done for Threadless.

I know, I'm such a little whore.

Anyway, wanted to share.

The end of the world?

Well, the multi-billion dollar particle smashing experiment, the Large Hadron Collider, goes online today. Some say it maybe the end of the world.

Whether it be black holes are created that suck up the world, or we open up a wormhole into another dimension and lobster monsters come out ala The Mist, should the world end, know I love you all.

And if you don't know what I am talking about. Go Google it.

Huh?

So like the title of the next Bond movie, The Quantum of Solace, I so do not get the new commercial for Microsoft.

Apple had done such a great and amusing job of repositioning their competitor as a convoluted, unstable and unreliable OS, Microsoft definitely has had problems keeping up. So they hire Crispin Porter + Bogusky, an agency with the reputation of "cool", a company who uses Macs, to make Microsoft "cool" again.

What happens?

Well, we get the above commercial.

A commercial that really doesn't talk about the product.

Yea, just don't get it.

Really? Part 2.

Diddy, my heart bleeds for you...

Not really.

Really?

So I don't know if it's a zit or a bug bite. But I have one on my left cheek.. and really, it kinda hurts.

The End.

Thinking too much...

I know I do this. You know, thinking too much. And let me tell you, shit's unhealthy.

So the thing of it was there was some back and forth on a project at work today over e-mail and IM. Some things were thrown out at me, gave my opinion, and I tried to keep everyone in the loop as far as how things were progressing. But you get a IM comment here, an email comment there. And sometimes you can't help but wonder in what context those comments were intended.

And enter the over-thinking.

In this particular instance, was there some sort of bad-boogie tone in the comments? Were my communications taken with a "fuck you" tone? Should I try and mediate the precieved bad boogie? Like I said, this thinking too much, shit's unhealthy.

Sometimes I feel like I just need to not care. I don't know if that means if I am too sensitive, too paranoid, or all of the above. Sometimes I feel like I should disregard it all. To be fair, there was an incident during my career that has left me a little paranoid. Something that can be summed up as the "two-face business man", a person in which is pleasant to your face, but stabs you in the back.

Think of it like a childhood trauma, like getting dunk by a ocean wave, so you don't visit the ocean for another 25 years (that happened too, but not the reason why I hadn't been back to the beach in so long.).

But situations like this, I have to say, glad for friends. One friend essentially grab me, slapped me around, and basically told me, "Pull it together man! Fuck it all!".

And he's right, trying to make sure everything is copacetic, well, it's a little exhausting. And sometimes, is it really worth it?

Anyway, rather then give in to the impulse to be over bearing, mediate a situation you think is there, and be all, "Hey, so what's up guys???" Thought I'd just work it out here, in a blog. More for me then you. But if you took something away from this to be helpful? Well that's just a bonus.

Anyway Internet, that was it, I hope you're all having a good one on this Thursday.

Bucket List...

So I watched The Bucket List a little while back, which was really moving by the way.

Those of you who are unaware of what a "bucket list" is. Well, just like it sounds, it's a list of things you want to do before you die. And as I am watching these characters go on their journey, completing their bucket list. I wonder what shape my list would take. How what I chose to write down be a reflection of my life as I have lived it thus far.

So with that notion, I'm going to write my own Bucket List. Stay tuned for the actual list.

Coming soon!

Goodbye RENT...

You know, I think we all internalize something when we see that certain movie, hear that certain song, and in this case, that special musical.

Make whatever quips you'd like that I enjoy musicals. But, as far as the stage productions I've had the good fortune to see, RENT has always been a favorite of mine. I don't know what Jonathan Larson intended to make people feel, but the way it made me feel about life, love, family, and my friends... well, it was very special to me, and very moving. I was also very grateful that I got to share that experience with someone very special to me.

And now it's all coming to an end.

Yes ladies and gentlemen, it's making it's final run in the place where it all started, in New York City. Probably won't be able to make it to see it off. But I will definitely miss it when it goes. But if you're a wealthier person then I am, really, go check it out. It's definitely one to raise your spirits, and make you hold on to those things that are the most important to you.

Anyway. That's it. Goodbye RENT, and thank you Jonathan Larson.

I Don't Know How Else to Say This...

But there is a certain breed of "drunk woman" that annoys the hell out of me.

And to the stuck-up bitch that scratched my car, I told you this to your inebriated face, but fuck you.

Annoyed.

So I'm Doing it Again...

Shaving my head that is.

This time, not for charity. Just cause. Why? Well. It's been about a year since I've had a haircut. I started growing it out for a fundraiser for charity, a fundraiser at the end of which my head was shaved. Then I had to grow my hair back out.

Anyway. Went to get a haircut today. Kinda excited, cause, well, I like going to get my haircut. But OMG, the woman butchered my hair. And I'm sure I am partly to blame, as I guess I was not accurately telling her what I wanted, "#2 guard, short on the sides and back. On the top, short in the rear and a little longer in the front."

Anyway. She went a #1 guard on the sides. And basically took nothing off the top. I asked to blend more, cut more. But basically I ended up with some heinous 80's du, that screams Robert Downey Jr. in Tuff Turf. Look it up, you'll see what I mean.

Safe to say, this guy is shaving tonight.

I mean, seriously, WHAT THE FUCK!??!!

So you all know about Spain's Olympic Basketball team making a "slanty-eyed" gesture in a team photo. I guess, their tennis team didn't want to be left out of the fun.

Seriously, WHAT THE FUCK!

In what world would you think taking a photo like this is at all appropriate on an International Stage. Not that it's appropriate at any level. But on an International Stage, where you're representing your country??!! Are you fucking kidding me?!

Being Asian myself... I am both offended and mystified by this sheer stupidity.

But safe to say this will not help Spain's chances of mounting a successful bid to hold the 2016 games in Madrid.

I mean, really.

As offended as I am. And just flabbergasted by such a lack of... well, tact. I have to say, if you're going to be racist. And let's be honest, this photo really cannot be interpreted any other way (admittingly I am biased), at least get rid of the girl in the middle. I mean, if you're going be racist, put your attractive people on the starting lineup. Bench the uggos.

ugh.

Kinda want to scream right now. Scream or cry... one or the other... maybe both.

My Domain...

So my personal website is yellowrant.com right? Well I remember when I wanted to do a personal website, obviously, benlee.com would be the way to go. Sadly, you want to know who had it, and STILL has benlee.com? Go type it in, and be amazed! Here's a hint, it's not Australian rocker Ben Lee.

Oh well.

Breaks my heart...

So JCPenney has been running these ads for the Fall season that... well, some may say pays "homage" to the Breakfast Club. Mimicking a lot of the moments you remember from the movie, right down to Judd Nelson's fist toss.

Perhaps you've seen it?

But you know, really, just breaks my heart to see this commercial bite on John Hughes, especially when it features a bunch of kids who weren't even born when the movie was out. Kinda like when I see a tween where a Ramones t-shirt. And I wonder if they even know who the Ramones are?

Oh to top it all off, the commercial had this REALLY LAME cover of Simple Minds', "Don't You"... Why would you cover that? Why? It's a classic!

Basically, every time I see this commercial, my heart breaks a little more.

An interesting way to start the day to be sure.

A little bit of randomness...

This maybe SO wrong, but it just makes me smile.

Whoa.

Just visited my portfolio site, and there was 31 people on.

That shit freaked me out.

Awesome.

OMG

It is HOT AS BALLS in KC right now.

Suck.

The end.

P.S.
I never understood the comment, "hot as balls".

Nick and Norah

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist in HD


This looks cute as hell, and I can't wait.

In theatres Oct. 3rd.

So perhaps I should start...

There has been one area of my life that has become my life of late.

Devoting all my time and effort to this endeavor has been my mission. Out of obligation, duty, or affection for those in my life. I have given all I am to this, forsaking almost all other aspects of my life: social assembly, friends, love, simple pleasures, all.

This mission has become my sole focus, a focus that borders on obsession.

But to succeed at this, this mission. I am quickly discovering, or perhaps have always known, there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish the task at hand. So what recourse is left to me, to my function.

Well, to push forward into the night and the morning, my health has been fed a steady diet of soda, candy and tobacco. The hope being to fool my body to be conscience enough to press on. And I fear to say, the effects of such a diet has begun to take a toll upon my body.

So where am I leading you dear reader with this plight that I am currently ridden with?

Well, I fear at the completion of my mission, with the effects of the diet has had on my person... well, I fear I may have to join...

...a gym.

Oh the misery of it all.

-B

So how about that...

I totally thought I was going to bed early tonight... WHY am I still up?

Fuck it, this kid is going to bed.

1AM is still earlier then when I've been hitting the sack lately.

Smiles

This makes the geek in me smile.

need to mix it up

So I've kinda been burnt out creatively lately. Those of you who know me can probably guess why. But the last year, and more intensely these past few months, there has been one project that I have been focused on. Taking up my days, nights and weekends. And living and breathing that has been taking it's toll.

So I need a little something different.

So what have I decided? Well, I'm going to mod some items. In this case a XBOX 360 faceplate and a DIY soft vinyl toy, Munny.

Kinda looking forward to this. Check out www.yellowrant.com for progress, and I'll try and remember to post progress here too!

Not gonna lie, LOVE this!

Facebook getting a Face-lift...

That's right boys and girls, Facebook is getting a redesign. Well, that is to say, it's already happened. Released Sunday to a small number of users, and a complete rollout to all users in the next few days.

The new design has an enhanced "wall" action and is meant to better accommodate growing trends in micro-blogging, which Facebook wants to embrace to stay on top of competitors Friendster and MySpace.

So keep an eye out next time you login. You might have a new way to micro-blog to the world.

Enjoy!

New Discoveries...

So what did I learn last night?

Girl Scout® Thing Mint cookies go GREAT with a glass of white wine.

Amazing.

It maybe cryptic...

...but there's a lot of pastel color in my life right now... and I don't know how I feel about it.

So if you will let me geek out for a moment...

That's right boys and girls, Joss Whedon's Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog starts today! Head over to drhorrible.com, and, well, watch it!

You can also get Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog at the iTunes Store. Just click on the link below:

It's the little things...

... cause I am totally excited that West Elm opened a store in Leawood, KS... um, AWESOME.

New Threadless shirt!

Hey guys,

Got another shirt up for voting on Threadless. Help a guy with a vote?



vote here! Pass this along to friends, LET'S GET VIRAL PEOPLE! ;-)

a little freaked out.

So, I'm going on a blind date tomorrow. Well, it's half blind, as the appearently the other person has already seen me.

Haven't dated in a while... kinda freaked out.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Yes you too can make a 17' Ghandi for the home...

Want to know more?

Click here.

Happy Birthday America

My Desk.

So I sent a OT friend of mine a picture of my desk at work. Mainly cause her capstone in school was about ergonomics and your desk. So I recently got a new computer at work, and trying to situate the whole thing... well, it's probably not the best ergonomic solution. Anyway, thought of her when I was realizing this, thought you kids would enjoy the pic too!

Me Likey.

Yea, I'm not ashamed to admit I want this.

This hauntingly beautiful piece of creepiness was crafted by Bob Basset, and more photos can be seen on his Live Journal page here.

My Lesson for the Day...

Don't order a pizza t 8:30PM, not so much because you're getting the pie at a late hour, because you're gonna get the soda at a late hour. 2-liter bottle of whatever caffeinated goodness you love is gonna destroy your sleep, and by that I mean rob you of it.

The result, you're running on empty the next day at work, having interns catch you dozing off in fishbowls (they're like mini conference rooms). Like me, right now. ugh.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog!

Teaser from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog on Vimeo.

Now, if you'll permit me a moment to geek out...

So some of you may not know, but during the Writer's Strike, fan-favorite Joss Whedon (Firefly, Serenity, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel) wrote a musical with his brothers Zack and Jed, and Jed's fiance Maurissa.

As for the story and cast well, “It’s the story of a low-rent super-villain, the hero who keeps beating him up, and the cute girl from the laundromat he’s too shy to talk to.” says Whedon.

Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog will star Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible, Nathan Fillion as Captain Hammer, Felicia Day as Penny and a cast of dozens.”

The intent was to always have this as a web musical, and finally dates have been announced. Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog will air in three 10-minute segments on drhorrible.com on the following dates:

1st Episode 15 July
2nd Episode 17 July
3rd Episode 19 July

After that kids, gotta pay to see the goods. But you know it's going to be worth it! Anyway, check out the teaser above, and click the link below! Enjoy!

Enjoy.

I love the Japanese... don't tell my mother.

took a hit

So, I enjoy cooking. Those of you who know me know that's no big secret. But what you may not know, couple weeks back I cut myself with my chef's knife. Yeah, that sucked big time.

Anyway, I'm all healed now. And I was prepping food for a thing tonight, and I noticed I'm all nervous with a knife now. My knife skills are not what they used to be, not that I was anything to brag about before...

...but I've definitely taken a hit.

A Love Letter to Newly Wedded Friends

You know, there are few things I consider truly “good” in my life, and for people, that list becomes much shorter. But this weekend, I shared in a very special moment for two people, two people to whom I feel very lucky to call friend, and for both, I look at being the complete idea of what “good” is and could ever be.

This weekend, I shared in the moment of their wedding.

Yea, I don’t know what your favorite part of a wedding is. But for me, it’s the moment when the Bride enters, but it’s not so much the Bride that I look at, I like to look at the Groom. I’m always interested in their expression they’ll have when they looked upon their Bride for the first time, for the first time of their new life together. I’m always intrigued to see how that “love” would be defined.

And of all the weddings I been to, even the ones I officiated, this had been the first when I saw nothing but pure, unbridled happiness and love on the Groom’s face. There was no front, no ego, no effort to hide his feelings. There was no reason to. He seemed to just let go. For me, nothing could describe the idea of “love” more than what the Groom’s expression was, so clear and pure. Regardless of who you are, you could not help but get a little choked up at the way he looked at his intended at that moment.

It’s not to say all the others didn’t love their Brides. But there was no question where his heart was, and will always be.

And for the evening to follow, well it was filled with such happiness, love and friendship. It was wonderful to be a part of, and I was very grateful to be. I am so happy for my friends, that they found one another. I am so happy they have that love in their life. I cannot think of two kinder, more genuine, good-hearted people who are deserving of the happiness that the evening had shown.

And to the wedded couple,

Thank you for inviting me, and letting me share in your day.

I love you both, and I wish you both all the best.

And poop on you for making me cry on Saturday. I mean, yes, it was a happy cry, but still… poop.

Waiting...

...it fucking kills me. That statement is part of a larger issue. But I'm just saying, "waiting", right now is a big pain in my ass. Definitely makes my butt itch, and feet sweat.

Suck.

This makes me smile...

Chalk and Walk

so I think it was maybe last weekend? Me and a co-worker participated in something called the Kansas City Chalk and Walk Festival. Basically it's a fundraiser for art programs in Kansas City. The event itself had artists of all shapes and sizes jamming on corporate sponsored squares of pavement to rock some sidewalk art. And I have to say in the days leading up to the event, I was really dreading. Almost regretting I signed up. And my co-worker, my friend I was doing it with was, well, kinda feeling the same way.

But whatever, we were both locked in. But much to my surprise, once I got there, feeling the weather, and feeling the vibe I was really into it. Never mind I haven't picked up chalk in like 10 years. But it was really cool, and our piece came out pretty awesome. Anyway, check out the pics.

um, AWESOME!

Seriously...

...I think a robot cupcake would rock my world in so many different ways right now.

Hmph.

Yea, I have to say things of late have been a little frustrating to say the least.

What scares me though is that I have been saying that a lot lately. A person can't help but analyze things with a realization like that. But I won't get too analytical here. But I can definitely say as I sit in my frustration, I think about an old college professor, Ellenor Limmideit. She was my Asian-American Literature Professor (ha, didn't know I read things did ya!) in my... I think it was sophomore year in college. Anyway, I sit in my frustration and I can't help but think about a day in class when she started talking about the concept of a "Model Minority". How it is typical of Asian-Americans, or perhaps Asians in general, but how Asian-Americans avoid conflict, and sort of keep their head down. Essentially to be a little passive aggressive.

And I sit here tonight, I wonder if that is a symptom of my current place in life? Have I fallen into that category? Wondering if I do it to myself over and over again?

Not a pleasant thought to be sure.

Anyway, that's my thought for the evening.

ROBOT CUPCAKES!

UM, ROBOT CUPCAKES! Seriously, this on has be grinning from ear to ear it's so unbelievably, um, AWESOME!

Cupcake Artist Hello Naomi made some sweet ass Robot Cupcakes whose body parts can be interchanged with one another. This is so unbelievably cute and clever, I just can't help but smile.

Check out the Flixr page here.

One of many things I have become enarmored with...

At a glance it looks like a hyper drive from Star Wars, but nay, it opens up into what appears to be 2 spacious desks. This workspace comes from Mubai based, Planet 3 Studios, and is still in development. But I don't know if it's the Star Wars reference, or the elegant product design, but me likey... me likey A LOT.

That's it.

Source: Gizmodo

well how about that.

So I cut my finger with a chef's knife... that kinda sucked. At least it wasn't my drawing hand.

I NEED TO SEE THIS.

You know you need to see it too now.

The Little Things...

Yea, this makes me smile.

Feel like a laugh?

Click on this and prepare to smile.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjWcPobav3U&feature=related

Sometimes the "Little Things" = "ButtItch"

Yeah, those of you who know me, know me to be a pretty happy guy. A guy who doesn't do "angry" well, even when I actually am. Well, this morning, I was irritable, really irritable. And every step of the day just worsened that disposition. And all I could think of was when the day was going to end.

And it ended, I was SO happy to get home. Away from the events of the day.

Ready to take a nice evening, and forget the irritablness of the day. Then I get one simple call, one "little" call, and it brought all the bad boogie back.

Oh how I hate you "little thing", how you are the Butt Itch I just can't reach.

Damn you.

Why Can't All Food Be this Pretty?

Seriously, why can't all ballpark food be as pretty as you'd find in the bento meals you'd get at a Tokyo Giants' ballgame.


Just beautiful.

Yes, I am geeking out... again.

No, your eyes do not deceive you. That video features a fully functioning GIANT-SIZE NES coffee table controller. The original Nintendo maybe out of date, but OMG, I'm geeking out over this thing.

So yea, I want this thing, and it hurts me to know it won't happen.

Sigh.

SHAVE DAY

Okay, not a lot of time right now to write. But today is the big Shave Day! In a few hours I will be getting my hair shaved off for cancer. I just wanted to say to all of you who graciously donated to this cause, thank you. Thank you so very much. It's such an excellent charity, and it means the world that you gave to help. But those of you who kept meaning to donate, but hadn't got around to it (I'm like that), it's not too late!

Head over to:

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/benlee

The site will be up until August 1st.

But yea, I just wanted to say thank you. And don't worry, I'll throw up some shaved pics here soon!

Thanks again blogosphere!

Ben

It Came!

You know, the TV... man, I don't want to go back to the office...

So I feel like I am having a baby...

So I ordered my first HDTV lat week, and it comes TODAY! I am really excited, I don't think I have ever been more excited about an inanimate object. Went out this past weekend, got a new TV Stand... Kinda feel like I had a baby, and it's coming home from the hospital today and I need to get the nursery ready...

Definitely excited to pop in a movie on the TV.

But yea, I'll definitely have the friends over. Can you say "Wii Party"? I think you can!

Anyway, my new baby, in all it's 46 inch goodness, is below.

Rainbow Connection...

So yea, Shave to Save, the date is looming upon me. You know, where I get my jam shaved off for charity. Anyway, we had a little fundraiser last Friday, some beer, music, and friends. But at the said event, my buddy Chris played some sweet jams. The last of which was Rainbow Connection. You know, Muppets, Kermit. Safe to say it was pretty awesome, and I'd thought you'd enjoy it!



But yea, please support me in my fundraising efforts and visit: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/benlee

Geek-Gasm

So BoingBoing.net posted a video of New York Comic-Con goodness. All I have to say is that this video makes me smile in it's celebration of all things geek. It's such a beautiful thing.

enjoy!

FONTBOT

So I'm geeking out. So there's this guy, Jonathan Yule, and he's been taking popular typefaces and making robot illustration out of them. Being a art director by day, all I can say is AWESOME!

Source: INVDR

RSVP

Is a nice courtesy to extend.

He was injured bad...

Mother Effin' Cheesecake...

Seriously, I love cheesecake, and I hate cheesecake.

I love eating cheesecake, I hate baking cheesecake... for some reason I can't seem to get it right. I have chef friends, I have recipes from the Food Network, and none of them seem to hit the mark of making a beautiful cheesecake. What I mean by that, you can't line your springform pan, dump in your batter, and trust the bake time a recipe gives you.

More and more I am realizing that you have to constantly watch the cake. Maybe that's common sense for others, but fuck it, I'm no pastry chef.

Before tonight, I've attempted to make cheesecake twice in my life. The first was a frozen cheesecake recipe, basically I didn't let it set it in the freezer long enough... safe to say it turned into a gloppy, blobby mess. The second was a recipe from a chef client of mine, he must've been thinking about another recipe when he wrote the cook time down, cause 3 hours? Yea, I got a clay pigeon.

Which brings us to tonight.

I mentioned I'm doing the whole Shave to Save thing. Well, as part of the fundraising efforts at work we're having a "Breakfast for Lunch" (Yes, I know you'd probably call that brunch, but I didn't name it). Anyway, the Shavees are having a pastry table, and I opted to go for a cheesecake, for the third time.

Man, I just don't know what I am doing wrong.

Safe to say, they don't look like they came from the Cheesecake Factory. They kinda looked like a collapsed Soufflet? They look edible, unlike my previous cheesecake attempts... but they are by no means pretty cakes. So I sit and wonder if I should serve them tomorrow... Maybe I can add a topping to hide the ugliness... I'm just concerned on the taste... wondering if it tastes like ass. I know the meat of the cake is the right color, but I just don't know...

Well, if you work with me and are reading this. I hope you're feeling brave, cause my cheesecakes will be interesting to say the least.

Realizations...

So a friend of mine recently adopted a dog. And I have to admit, that's been something I have been wanting to do. Either a Welsh Corgi, or a Pug. But here's the thing, my fish just died... now seeing as I can't seem to keep a fish alive, heh, I probably shouldn't get a dog.

Sigh.

Enjoy.

Monkeys Riding Tiny Motorcycles...

...can there be any question why I am so happy?

Beer Friday.

So we all have dreams. They could be completely lofty, or dangerously attainable, but none the less, we all have dreams. Want to know one of mine?

Owning a restrurant.

I don't know if I would be any good at it. But I know I enjoy cooking, and things that I cook seem to go over well when I cook for others. I enjoy the challenge of plating a dish, and enjoy seeing others being surprised of the presentation. But more then anything, I think that gesture of cooking for another, that exchange between people, is a very loving thing. And, well, I enjoy those moments.

Now I don't know if I would be able to handle the face pace of a kitchen. But this past Friday, that was put to the test. At work we had something called International Beer Friday, where some of us would break into teams and present international beers paired with a side dish.

My team had Asia. What did I decide to do for a side?

Pan fried dumplings.

I had some techinical difficulties with the equipment I had. But I have to say, I really enjoyed the moment, cooking, presenting something delicious to people I know. It was really fun. And if my dream of a resturant should ever come to pass, I think I would really enjoy rising to the challenge of making it a success.

Anyway, enjoy the picture of the cooking fun.

Best Friends Ever!

So can I just say I have the most wonderful friends ever! The thing of it is, I turned 30 last week, and I have to say, it was one of the best birthdays... actually, one of the best days of my life. Never before had I felt like I belonged, or felt so much love as I did on March 26th. Family, friends, even people to whom I would not have expected happy wishes from... all made the day truly wonderful.

But you know, at the day end of the day, it was my friends that made the day just perfect. I have to say I truly feel blessed to have such loving people in my life.

The End.

You learn something new everyday...

...today I learned my birthday was on Easter Sunday. True story, March 26, 1978... yup, Easter Sunday. Which is weird for me, Easter Sunday just having passed.

Who knew.

Shave to Save: Latest hair growth update...

So you kids know I'm helping to raise money for cancer by participating in a event called Shave to Save, at the end of which I will get my head shaved. For the event I thought I'd grow the locs out as part of the fundraising efforts, thought you enjoy seeing where I'm at:



Help me raise money for cancer patients by donating at: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/benlee

Thanks for your support!

My Latest Obsession? Realization?

So let's be honest, us guys, we buy clothes for comfort. At least I do... or did. You know if a pair of jeans is comfortable on the waist, so what if it's a little long on the inseam, I'll just roll it, right?

You know, little elements like that, really make for a sloppy appearance, no? I mean, it's fine if I was still in college. But as I enter my third decade, it occurs to me that maybe, just maybe, I should be thinking about my clothes.

In what respect you ask?

Well, my latest obsession, dressing my body to fit my proportions. Making sure that things fit like they should, rather then dressing because it's comfortable. That said, you don't have to sacrifice comfort for being fitted. But, I don't know, I think I should grow up a little bit, no?

So enter GQ.

I won't tell you how I came across this microsite, but GQ has a site where for a month they will give you a new style tip everyday. Now, not surprisingly, there are days where it's, "every man should have a proper shoulder bag, so why not try this Louis Voutton bag that's a gazillion dollars..." BUT there is a lot of great information there for guys. Like what one should look for when buying a suit, how it should fit, and all the variations of a suit. Or how you can mix business wear with casual where. And when it's good wear certain things with others.

But most importantly, proportions. If something is long, hem it. Buying a dress shirt, make sure the sleeve stops at the hinge of your wrist. Really stressing fitting your proportions.

It may sound like a trivial thing. Like if you're comfortable, what's the big deal? Well, simply, as I enter my third decade of life, I'm wondering, nay, feeling like I can't live like I'm in college anymore. I should start thinking about not only how to dress myself, but also my home. Basically, though for the most part I feel I am mature, but have all aspects of my life reflect that.

Now I'm not going to go out and buy a Pottery Barn living room set, or that $900 dresser from West Elm. But, that coffee table handout that I nailed a leg back on to and is riddled with X-ACTO blade cuts from college... well that has to go.

If you know me, don't expect a overnight change. Because, well, I just can't afford that. But it's something that's been on my mind, and hopefully be considerate of moving forward.

But where am I going with this huge lead up?

Well at work, we filmed this video for a corporate event. Of which I was to be running around and doing all sorts of stupid exercise crap. In preparation, I bought a track jacket and matching shorts. And I have this say as I picked up my default "L" off the rack and went in the dressing room. I stood, looked in the mirror, and spent a good 30 minutes analyzing and thinking, "Does this fit me properly?"

You think that would be a easy thing to determine, yea not so much. I started looking at how they dressed their manniquins, asked a store clerk for her opinion, grabbed a smaller size, and did some more looking in a mirror. Put the large back on... seriously this was a back and forth that lasted probably another good 30 minutes.

For a track jacket.

Who knew shopping could be so problematic.

But GQ worked knew their stuff, put the knowledge to work, and got a jacket that fits well, I'm not swimming in it... just the selection process was so stressful...

...I think adulthood is going to be a little exhuasting.

And Yet Another Ambiguous Blog...

Really kids, in the hectic lives we all lead, prioritizing our responsibilities, being slaves to our routines... take time to smell the roses when the opportunity arises. Slowing down and appreciating the moment, can make all the difference in your life.

Well, at least it does in mine.

That's it, and goodnight.

Words Escape Me...

I believe the word you're looking for is, "Yoooooo".

word of the day

"frustration"

Discuss.

Darkness...

So the power is out in my building. How am I blogging now? Well, a laptop battery is a beautiful thing. What gets me though is my router and modem are still working... riddle me that Batman, riddle me that.

But yea, I get home today, and my power is out. They tell me KCPL discovered a bad transformer and is in the process to replace it. The management lady that met me at the door told me it will be 12-16 hours to replace. I don't know what goes into a transformer replacement, but that's a hella long time. I sit, and wish that they discovered the problem earlier in the day so we could have cut that time in half... but wishing does me no good.

So I sit in the dark. Well, I have a trusty flashlight, but I'll save the power, as I will my laptop here shortly. But I feel scared a little bit, I don't know why.

Maybe not scared, but definitely helpless. Darkness is a scary thing.

But I sit. Hoping the light will come on, though I know it won't. Finding myself wanting to ask for help, but can't. So I sit, in the dark, thinking I'll go to bed early, or maybe, I'll read a book by the flashlight.


This is really weird, I don't like feeling like this.

I Don't Claim to be...

...the most tech-savvy person around. But you know, I get by.

Anyway, so I have videos I like to put on my iPod, whether they be from my camcorder, video files I get from friends, whatever. But if I don't get them from the iTunes Store, well, I have to convert them into a mpeg-4 format right. Well, that process has been fine until just recently. See when I drag a mpeg-4 to a device it transferred just fine, only now I get a error message saying the device won't play it.

So NOW, I have to convert to mpeg-4, so iTunes will play it, THEN I guess there's a new option to convert video to play on a Apple device whether it be iPod, iPhone, or Apple TV...

Now that wouldn't be so bad, if Apple's conversion process didn't take forever! Seriously, I mean the process to convert to mpeg-4 for me is annoying, but it's like the 1/8 of the time for Apple's conversion. And what I don't get, okay, so previous mp4 videos I have on my iPod, well, I deleted and put the videos back on, no problem. But any new videos that are mp4, I have to convert... I don't understand it.

I mean if this is a 'patch' or something in the last update, it's made this process so long and annoying... I don't know, there has to be a simpler way to do this. Like I'm missing something all the Smart Kids are seeing...

Seriously, it almost makes me not to want to use my iPod.

I realize there are probably worse things that are happening, and there are worse things I could be complaining about. This is just the one thing that is seriously annoying me for the moment, and I needed to vent.

Anyway, that's it. Enjoy, and goodnight.

Vow of Silence...

So I think the monks have ti right when it comes to the Vow of Silence. Because, seriously, even with the best intentions, I feel like I always say the wrong thing. Perception is the bane of my existence.

So I think about the Vow of Silence... ahhh.

The Whole Hair Growing Thing...

Seriously, growing the hair out since October... man, I shed more then a cat in heat... I don't know, do cats shed more in heat? Well, yea, I shed. What's up with that?

Shave to Save

Hey kids!

Those of you who know me know I am participating in a fundraising event called Shave to Save. Those of you who don't know what that is, well, Shave to Save is one of the American Cancer Society’s most exciting and unique fundraising events and the only special event that directly benefits the Hope Lodge which provides free, temporary housing to cancer patients and their caregivers during the duration of their treatment. To date the Hope Lodge has served over 4,000 individuals and their caregivers since its doors opened in 2000. It is an amazing facility and has assisted countless families during a very trying time.

For my part, along with 14 other Shavees in Kansas City, I'm helping to raise money for the Hope Lodge and on May 8th I will get my head shaved in honor of those fighting cancer and all those who have lost someone close to this disease.

And as a added bonus, I thought if I am going to get my head shaved, why not see if I can grow enough hair to donate to Locks of Love. Probably won't hit 10 inches by May, but shouldn't stop a person from trying, right? But you'll be able to see the progress at www.baldyellowlove.com, site is not live yet, but hopefully soon.

It is my hope that you'll join me in this journey and help me raise money for this cause. You can visit my Shave to Save page at: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/benlee, there you can learn more about the Hope Lodge and make a donation to help me reach my goal of $5000.

Thank you for your time and hopefully your support. I'll keep you all updated on how things are going.

Ben

thoughts of the day

1) sometimes I wonder if there are rumors about me.

2) throwing up Long Island Ice Teas is by far the worst, most painful, citrus-burning experience ever.

Donation...

So I'm participating in and donating artwork for a fundraiser for the Arts in Kansas City. And after much toil and sweat I give you my contribution to the silent auction.

Enjoy!

ashamed.

I don't know where to begin.

I guess I can leave it at in the last 48 hours I have been terribly irresponsible. And my shame is how it's effected my responsibilities in life, mainly because I know I am better then that.

I guess that's it. And I just wanted to say it. Now I just gotta pick myself back up.

Oh Wow, Part 2.

Just saw a commercial which stated, "Have a happy period".

All I have to say is "Whoa".

Oh wow.

Is it bad I want this?

Source: BoingBoing

My Brother and New Sister...

Been a little behind in blogging some photos. But I recently went to see family in Maryland. Why? Cause my brother is getting married. I know, AWESOME. Anyway, here's some photos. Enjoy!


Big brother and new sister.


Me and big brother.


More new sibs.


More fam. Old and new.

Have you ever noticed...

...there just [doesn't] seem to be enough time in the day?

My First List...

So I have people in my life who enjoy lists. I have one who always has a list of movies she wants to see with her. I have another friend who seems to have a list for just about every occaision, so I thought I would throw my hat in the ring and offer my first list, "Revelations So Far of 2008":

- "Crushes" are probably the most deceiving thing imaginable for the Crusher, not really the Crushee
- As much as I love cooking, I don't think I will ever be good enough to consider using Truffle Oil
- I think I am ready to start dating again
- Drama bugs the hell out of me
- Good people are hard to find
- Politics of any kind exhaust me mentally and emotionally
- I think I am realizing I am at the age that I need to put things into focus emotionally, personally, professional, all of it. Need to get my shit together.
- Honesty is probably the sexist thing in a person...
- ...that and knowing you can talk to someone without fear of it spreading...
- ...I guess they call that trust. So yes, trust is probably the sexist thing to find in a person.
- I'm really annoyed that every time I fly now there seems to be a delay
- I turn 30 next month, I'm told I need to get a prostate exam at 30...
- ...I'm not looking forward to my first prostate exam.

So I'm still stuck in the airport, but my plane just landed. Hopefully I will get back to KC soon. But yeah, that's it for the first list, until "Revelations So Far of 2008 part Deux", I remain your faithful blogger Ben.

Still waiting.

Still waiting to get home. Did I mention I am an impatient man?

Stuck.

The weekend is done. So incredibly happy for my brother (he's engaged you know). And I'm eager to get back home to Kansas City, get to the airport, ready to check my shit only to read:

YOUR FLIGHT HAS BEEN CANCELED!

And my heart drops. I guess it's snowing something fierce back in the Heartland. I don't know. I just want to get home, get back to my routine, and get things moving again.

Here's hoping they line me up on something soon.

ugh.

Kicking it with the Fam.

So I'm in Maryland right now. Why you ask? Well, my older brother proposed to his girl. That response you're looking for is awesome. And I'm in town for an engagement dinner.

That's pretty much it. Just wanted to share.

Everybody I know in KC going to the ADDYS, sorry I'm not gonna be there, have a awesome time, and kick everyone else's ass!