To Whom It May Concern

The Get Up Kids

2012-01-14T18:37:00.003-06:00

Show print by Micah Smith.
3 colors on silkscreen
#189/200

Pink Floyd Box Set

2012-01-11T20:53:00.001-06:00

The Wall of Stuff

2011-12-31T20:37:00.001-06:00

SS

2011-12-28T22:14:00.003-06:00

Nick looking at my Secret Santa gifts from Dead Format. Kind of disappointing this year.

Got This Today...

2011-12-13T17:48:00.000-06:00

My Little Nicholas

2011-11-20T11:27:00.002-06:00

Recent Record Purchase

2011-11-11T10:54:00.001-06:00

The Faith/Void [Split] LP
Dischord Records (Dischord no. 8)
1982 - First Pressing

Thou, Pianos Become The Teeth, Touche' Amore', & Circle Takes The Square (Dragon's Den - New Orleans)

2011-11-04T14:54:00.004-05:00

I had a chance to catch a few bands last night (11-3-11), here at the Dragon's Den.

I had heard of but hadn't heard any of these band live until last night. I have a few Thou EPs and LPs and already a fan. The show was early, so I could go to work afterward and was only $5. The show was Thou, Pianos Become The Teeth, Touche Amore and Circle Takes The Square. My thoughts you ask...

Thou is amazing. Feel lame for living in New Orleans for 6 years and only begin to listen to them a year ago. I've known Brian (vocalist) for a couple years and it took me some time to connect that he was in the band. Well, I got to say, these guys are great live. They set up facing one another, played on the floor versus the stage, and just played song after song for 45 minutes. Loud, tight, ferocious sound.

Pianos Become The Teeth were great. Yeah, it sounds basically like screamo or whatever, but very good. The songs are well structured and they sounded really good live. Actually, my second favorite band of the night behind. The rhythm guitarist played a Beatles-esque Rickenbacker, too.

Touche Amore were next. I've always heard people jokingly call this band 'Douche Amore'. There's a reason. The frontman has a face of a tool. His swagger is such that he looks douchey. But everything he said was gracious and he complimented the other bands a lot. The douche moniker could perhaps be in relation to the band's fans. Lots of tough guy hardcore dudes come in and start slamming into the 60 or so people there. Some guys try crowd surfing amongst the 15 people trying to dance. A dick-y dude comes out of the crowd and says, "They're all pussies," as he struts back to the bar. At that point, I just sat down and kind of ignored them.

The closer was Circle Takes The Square and they were very good. Technically-sound metalcore. Brilliant music but their performance was limited. Perhaps if you play really intricate music one must need to concentrate, so it's tough to bang your head, thus their need to not move. Three different people in the band sang/scream. The drummer played some incredible fills. Very good stuff to listen to.

It was a good night.

...

Pianos Become The Teeth pictured above.

The Appleseed Cast - "Two Conversations" LP (Graveface Records)

2011-10-16T18:09:00.002-05:00

If you haven't heard this album "Two Conversations" on vinyl or CD, you should be smacking yourself in the face because it is amazing. Their most accessible album to date.

Ponderosa Stomp: Record Show

2011-09-19T17:32:00.001-05:00

Took my loot to the Ponderosa Stomp Record Show this past Friday. This is what my table looked like a majority of the day. Made a little cash but it was a slow day.

My Records

2011-08-29T13:31:00.002-05:00

Besides being a boyfriend and a dad, I don't have much energy to focus on anything else. I do have records though and it has been my obsession for quite some time. I'm pretty proud of them. In 2004, I cataloged my records on this blog. Now I have them properly cataloged and hopefully the collection is a lot more impressive (I know they are).

My crappy list of records from 2004

...

My much more awesome list of records currently (except for new things I haven't listened to yet)

You may notice that 25 or so are the same. That's because I realized buying shitty dollar records from the thrift store isn't as gratifying when they're scratched or things like Barry Manilow.

Flaming Lips/Lightning Bolt 12" Vinyl LP

2011-08-27T19:49:00.002-05:00

Side 1:

Side 2:

Funny Wiki Entry

2011-08-15T21:45:00.003-05:00

I was watching wrestling tonight and Kevin Nash appeared. Now if you've watched wrestling at all, you know this guy is on his way to approaching legendary status. Maybe he's already there? Since I don't get WWE PPVs, I didn't know he showed up at Summer Slam last night. But according to the Wikipedia article, WWE has signed him. So, I was perusing the article and came across a spiteful fan's user entry (it was gone within fifteen minutes of appearing:

NERD

2011-08-14T12:45:00.001-05:00

.vacant.

2011-08-01T11:46:00.003-05:00

"I'm proud of my life and the things I have done.
Proud of myself and the loner I've become."

I realized a few years ago that most of the bad things that happen in my life are a result of my actions. I hurt I, type-of-thing. So I've since spent those years wasting and worrying, never taking charge of my life. Here goes nothing...

Taco Bell

2011-07-18T17:43:00.001-05:00

The people before me had like $24 worth.

Why Is This Me?

2011-06-25T13:44:00.002-05:00

"Don't Change"
by David Bazan
from Strange Negotiations

then when i wake up in the morning
i tell myself today i’ll make a change
but falling into my bed at night
i think man it was a beautiful day
to stay the same

David Bazan

2011-05-24T22:53:00.002-05:00

"STRANGE NEGOTIATIONS"

Nick and Me at a Record Fair

2011-05-22T22:14:00.000-05:00

A little bit about Mardi Graas

2011-03-01T00:57:00.000-06:00

Dead Format Mix Trading Society

2011-02-16T18:46:00.003-06:00

I made a mix for Dead Format. Here's the pics:

A Mix CD I Got From DF.net

2011-02-09T22:58:00.003-06:00

For Dinner...

2011-01-18T10:31:00.001-06:00

...last night I had gumbo. I do not want to live in a place where we don't have gumbo for dinner.

Duality

2011-01-05T22:20:00.002-06:00

Why is this not an issue anymore? Nobody's talking about duality. How come?

Will I...

2011-01-02T21:44:00.001-06:00

Ever grow the hell up?

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T18:44:00.003-06:00

Here's the records I got from Dead Format Secret Santa. The Appleseed Cast - "End Of The Ring Wars" and Johnny Cash - "American IV", two things I've wanted for a while. Thanks Steve!

Relienk K - "I Celebrate This Day"

2010-12-22T12:20:00.000-06:00

Dead Format Christmas

2010-12-14T11:23:00.004-06:00

I participate in this message board called Dead Format. It's a place for punk rock record collectors to buy/sell/trade and talk about the newest variants. We did a Secret Santa this year. We all got different users from all over the world. My dude was in Arizona, and I just shipped his stuff off with very little time to spare. But I got this box of records from my Secret Santa. A baby and big box of records, this Christmas has been good.

Me and my son

2010-11-29T22:49:00.000-06:00

Nicholas

2010-11-24T19:12:00.004-06:00

Today, Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 1:27PM Nicholas was born into the world. He weighed in at 7 pound and 15 ounces and was 20.5 inches in length.

Baby!?!?

2010-11-13T15:28:00.002-06:00

So, it's been a while. Life has a funny way of taking over and not letting you decide what you're going to do. Rather, life dictates the choices you will inevitably have to choose. Of course we all have some control but this past years has felt controlled for me.

Andrea (my girlfriend of two years off and on) is pregnant with my child. Yay. So, we're at 38 weeks tomorrow. It's exciting and scary. She's full term and this baby could come at any moment. I still got stuff I want to sell, baby stuff to put together, mental statuses to prepare for, et al. If that rugrat stays in her uterus until 42 weeks, I'll be happy (she of course will probably be writhe with misery.

I want to write about all my emotions but I fear my child will somehow read my crazy thoughts and resent me for it in the future. Lord knows if my father had written down his fears and I found it ten years postpartum, I probably would have been sad to read his fears.

This is to say, basically, that I want to be a good dad. I can be a good dad. I will be a good day. I'm just scared as hell about it.

There's my ninth month journal entry.

Five Years Ago, Today....

2010-08-29T18:09:00.002-05:00

I posted this on a message board I frequent and thought it was necessary to have anyone who still reads my blog to see it.

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina came onshore just near the Mississippi and Louisiana border. More than 1,800 people were killed & it cost more than $81 billion in damages. It was what we call a "100-year storm". Yes, it was a disaster, both man-made and natural.

I lived in New Orleans then and do so now. It's my home. And, it's a much different place than before the storm. Some things are better, some things are just as bad. But we need people outside of the region to not forgot what transpired on that late August day. While I know many things went wrong and many of the lives lost were taken unnecessarily, it still was a natural disaster. It showed no discrimination, even if local, state, and federal government officials did.

People here perceive that most of America has forgotten about Mississippi and Louisiana, or that we should all be rebuild and restored by now. But that's not the case, and there are many different factors for why that hasn't happened. I cannot explain it all in a thread; all I can ask is for you to not forget.

If you wouldn't mind, read the semi-unbiased account on Wikipedia and help to keep us in your thoughts and [if so inclined] prayers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Katrina

Thanks,

Jeff Watkins
Gentilly Terrace, New Orleans, LA

Beard Facts

2010-08-04T09:52:00.001-05:00

Via: Online Schools

Summer

2010-07-28T15:02:00.003-05:00

Summer in the south can be tragic. It's so hot and muggy that you will literally sweat and lose your breath just by walking out the front door.

Today, to enjoy the summer's heat, I sat outside on my porch, smoked two cigarettes and ate a frozen Diet Coke.

Summer days, uncomfortably warm nights.

I think Arts St. is hotter than Bienville Ave.

Gentilly Terrace is hooooooooooottttt!

I Have Moved, Again

2010-07-05T13:10:00.003-05:00

Well, it's been a year. I guess it's time for a move. My girlfriend and I got a place and I'm now back in Gentilly Terrace (near the seminary). If you'd like my address, send me a message.

Jeff on Dr. King

2010-06-07T16:29:00.002-05:00

Recently, Cornel West posed the following query on his website, in a section called 'Stand Up, Speak Out,' asking for the general public's response. He asked, "Do you think Dr. King's dream has been fulfilled by President Obama?"

I said the following:

No, Dr. Martin Luther King's dream was not fulfilled by the election of President Obama. Martin Luther King was about total equality for all people, regardless of race, gender, creed, or nationality. Having an African American man inaugurated as president doesn't qualify as the answer to the "I have a dream" speech. Dr. King wasn't hoping for political position; rather, he was hoping for racial equality. Dr. King wouldn't have cared that a black man got elected when racism still exists in America. Consequently, when President Obama was elected, racism didn't cease to exist. The freedom MLK sought will only be realized when there is no more racism! Dr. King spoke for black, white, red, purple, green...all colors and races, not just the race he was assigned to by the Almighty. Even though Dr. King was a human being, who was just as finite and frail as all humans, he spoke like a prophet. His words rang true then, much as they do now. Dr. King's dream will only be fulfilled when we stop hating people for what they look like and only hate the actions of evildoers.

My New Orleans Musical Hero

2010-05-27T14:23:00.001-05:00

This is Professor Longhair. Listen to "Tipatina" and "Go to Mardi Gras".

"She's enjoying penis a little bit more?"

2010-05-27T10:39:00.002-05:00

ABC26 New Orleans reports on a shot that enlarges the "g-spot" on a woman. And an unintentional flub that lets the rest of the country know why we are so backwoods:

Childlike or Childish?

2010-05-19T17:43:00.004-05:00

It's often said by those who say things that folk listen to that being childlike is a compliment. The Bible says that faith like a child is what God considers Christ-honoring. But when someone calls another person childish, fists fly. Why? I have been called many things in my life but childish is one that is not too often taken graciously. Matter of fact, I act out negatively toward it. Why?

The crux of the issue is that when I'm called childish, it makes me feel like I'm being a child. There is more going on within me though. Let's take a trip down memory lane.

When I was a kid, I got in trouble all the time for running my mouth. Even if I wasn't saying something bad or telling a lie, I just always talked. It was tough for me, it really was. I got N's in conduct grades in grammar school because I always ran my trap. As I grew up, I never got a hold on it. I learned to just shut up, but I never figured out how to disconnect the hose that runs from my brain to my mouth. I think, pun possibly intended, that I think more thoughts than the general public. Perhaps this isn't the case. I have no real way of knowing. I'm too lazy to do the research and see if brain activity is dependent on psycho-social contingencies or if it's a matter of personal body chemistry. I don't know, but I do know that I think a lot of thoughts at any given second. And I'm not trying to tout my own thoughts as unique, intelligent, or important; I just think a lot.

It does, however, typically get me in trouble. And it's seemingly all the time. Whether I come off like a know-it-all, a dick, a jerk, a child, whatever, I get in trouble. I alienate friends. Coworkers develop a disdain for me. Hell, even total strangers are apparently put off by the fact that my shoes have holes in them.

I digress. My mouth is what gets me in trouble. I suppose my actions do it more, but my mouth is what makes the trouble arise. Even if I wrong someone, telling them that it's there fault or they made me do it causes the matter at hand to become more of an issue. If I would just accept what I did, apologize, and say that I'll work on not doing it again, then it might not even really matter that I did something deplorable in the first place. But I don't. I do some sketchy thing then I use my mouth to defend it (as if I had any real defense to stand on). I'm 29 and still I must confess that I get into trouble. Nobody else gets into trouble unless they get a DUI or get fired for looking at porn at work. I don't know anyone else.

Won't something just click within me that allows me to function on the level that my age dictates I should be at. I act childish because in many ways I'm a child still. I buy records over shoes. I work a job that is somewhat below me given that I have felt a calling to a path that required me to seek higher education. I blame everyone but myself for the choices I make. Christ help me!

Then even as I know the right way or thing to do, I still operate on the wrong frequency. I always choose the bad. Not always. I make the right choices some days. Is everyday a day that goes by that I, Jeff, can actually not sin? For me, I don't think I'm capable.

So, as I stated, when someone calls me childish, I feel like I haven't experienced maturation beyond the age of 15. Thus, I act like that. I kick or throw things. I act like a child. I'm sorry for acting like a child, friends.

I'm working on it.

Twitter

2010-04-22T00:57:00.003-05:00

It's very difficult to find the time to blog. So, I wanted to let you know that I'm on Twitter. You can follow on me at www.twitter.com/jefferygwatkins

You mean, JET BRONX

2010-04-16T15:11:00.002-05:00

You mean Jet Bronx

And The Winner Is...

2010-03-17T17:21:00.002-05:00

ME!

So, I bought 80 records or so from a guy here in New Orleans for $161.25 (nevermind the odd amount) a couple months ago. I listed about 40 of them on eBay (a few were things I bought and tried to resell), and had great success. They mostly all sold and I still have half to get rid of I sold 35 of 40 things, and the five were all my junk not this dude's records. I chose to keep a few gems, obviously. And remember, if you're counting, I paid less than $3 for each of them:

Yes, I'm bragging. Here are the hits. Click the link to see what the record sold for. Everything started for $4.99:

At The Drive In - "Vaya" on White vinyl

Bright Eyes - There Is No Beginning To The Story LP - 1st Pressing

The Get Up Kids - "Two EP's" LP - Rare Import

Hey Mercedes - "Everything Fireworks" - First Pressing

Joy Division - "Still" LP - Original 1981

Kid Dynamite - "Kid Dynamite" - First Pressing x/500

Lifetime - "Hello Bastards" - First Pressing on Purple Vinyl x/500

Owls - "Owls" LP - Rare Blue Wax

Piebald - "We Are The Only Friends We Have" - First Pressing on Green Vinyl

Pedro the Lion - "Control" LP - Clear vinyl

These Arms Are Snakes - "This Is Meant To Hurt You" LP - x/300

The Shining: Recut

2010-03-15T01:19:00.000-05:00

I found this via Chase. This horror film turns feel good. Hilarious.

SNL Last SNL

2010-03-10T14:20:00.000-06:00

I didn't get a chance to watch it, but this is so flippin' funny.

What I Did Last Week

2010-03-07T15:56:00.002-06:00

So, you don't know this, but the street I live on is very narrow down both sides of the four-lane thoroughfare. As I was driving last week, I needed to get into the left-hand lane to make the U-turn to get to my house. An older lady driving adjacent to me suddenly came very close to my car. I don't think she was over the line, but it was close, and I was yelling explicatives at her. Paying attention to her rather than my position on the road, I heard a loud bang.

I hit my side mirror against a side mirror of a stationary car on the side of the road. And, I completely took it off.

I hesitated for a moment, thinking it might be better to not go back. But my conscience compelled me. I'm glad I did. The people were so nice. I hit a pest control's company vehicle and we both have State Farm, so it might have alleviated some of the technical issues in resolving this mess.

While I completely removed that car's side mirror, mine was still intact. I was missing the mirror itself, but it didn't shatter. I think I can just put it back on. The motor still works on the side-mirror, so I will need to get the front piece of the mirror that matches the gray paint of my car.

It is annoying. I wish it could have been avoided. But I'm glad it's not severe.

A Week After Mardi Gras, I'm Still Purging

2010-03-02T12:54:00.000-06:00

Beads, beads, beads.

Beads, beads, beads.

Beads, beads, beads.

Help get "The Heart Is A Two-Headed Sperm" Pressed on Vinyl

2010-02-28T15:01:00.001-06:00

The Catholic Church Wants YOU!

2010-02-15T15:22:00.001-06:00

Why I Wanted The Saint's To Win...

2010-02-10T17:55:00.001-06:00

I live in New Orleans, but I'm from Florida. Florida has enough football for me to have my favorites. As a kid, I didn't connect with any particular team. Actually, I did. My Dad went to Florida State University for one year. Thus he was a Seminoles fan. I don't know why, though, because as a child he lived in closer proximity to Gainsville (where the University of Florida is located). My Dad didn't receive either his Bachelors or Masters degrees from FSU, but he raised my brother and I to pull for them. As I got older and rebellion set in, I found myself going for any other team (UF, University of Miami, even the University of Central Florida) just to oppose him. As far as supporting a team in the NFL, I just flipped back between the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I don't even remember when the Jacksonville Jaguars became a franchise because I wasn't interested.

January 2005. I moved to New Orleans, LA for grad school. I didn't quite fall in love with the Saints then because it was the off-season and Katrina gave me the chance to be an adult and get to live with my parents again for another year because my new home was uninhabitable.

August 2006. It wasn't hard to fall in love with the way the boys in Black and Gold played that year. They made it to their first playoff game in some time. Although they lost, I was pulling for them all the way.

The next few years were not so good for the Saints. But since that 2006 season, the Saints have been supported (selling out the Superdome every season since and having a wait list for season tickets that rivals any other NFL team (you wait for years on the waiting list). After Katrina, the Saints have meant more to this city than anyone can imagine. They're a beacon of hope; a light of possibility in a very dark place. Jesus is the light of the world, yes, but the Saints have never shone brighter.

When the Saints beat the better-record Colts, it was a pivotal moment in the city's history. No more were we the Aint's. The Saints, after 43 years as a franchise, became world champs. That's incredible. The city has been nuts ever since the NFC Championship game when we beat the Vikings two and a half weeks ago. It's a historic time to live here. I'm glad I was here. I had nothing to do with the Saints' wins but I get to say, "Yeah, I was there the night they beat a seemingly unbeatable team."

Tuesday there was a giant victory parade. New Orleans does parades a little differently though. It was basically like Mardi Gras with floats and beads-a-flying. It was great. Andrea and I were down on Poydras and S. Peters, next to Harrah's Casino. The clip below is a friend of Andrea who got to high-five Drew Brees.

Sunday night the entire city was in their cars and bikes just honking and waving at everyone passing because the Saints won. Monday a ton of people met the Saints at the airport to welcome the champs home. Tuesday night there was a parade where many hundreds of thousands of people came to see their heroes. Wednesday through next Tuesday we run two or three krewes each night and have parades all the way to Mardi Gras.

Why you wouldn't want to live here is beyond me.

Peyton Manning on SNL (thanks Hulu)

2010-02-04T11:40:00.001-06:00

New Orleans is Filling up Again!

2010-02-03T11:14:00.004-06:00

But, not with water! Thankfully, in the wake of Katrina, save for some bad thunder storms in December of 2009, we haven't experienced any real flooding events like the kind we had in August 2005. And, if you've been watching the NFL at all, you will have seen that Black and Gold from New Orleans are in the Superbowl. I will attempt to put into words what this means to me in a few days, but I found this article on our local Fox affiliate and I thought it was interesting.

"The city of the Saints is filling up with ex-New Orleanians and others ahead of the Super Bowl, many looking to cast off a legacy of football futility and natural disaster — others just looking to party down in one of the world's greatest party towns."

"'We're gearing up for Sunday just like Mardi Gras day," said Earl Bernhardt, a bar owner in the French Quarter. "We're staffing just like we do for Mardi Gras, and if the Saints win, we won't close at all. We'll stay open as long as people are standing.'"

Apparently, everyone wants to party in New Orleans for the Superbowl. I bet locals think this is good for both the city's pulse and our economy; and since I actually live in Mid-City, I suppose that I think this is a good thing too. That is, until I drive somewhere. The city is filling up, yes, so much so that I can tell when getting down to the store or the post office is taking longer because that much more traffic is on the road. How absurd is that? When festivals happen throughout the year (Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, French Quarter Fest, Voodoo Fest, just to name the big ones), you know which parts of town to avoid simply because the sheer volume of people has expanded many folds. But people are coming to New Orleans just to watch a game that's taking place a thousand miles away?

Apparently, this isn't the case in Indianapolis, where the dreaded (and favored to win) Colts hail from:

"Kimberly Harms, a spokeswoman for the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association, said there was no noticeable jump in hotel occupancy there for the weekend. She noted, however that one hotel had set aside 44 rooms at the special rate of $144 in honor of the forty-fourth Super Bowl. If Indianapolis wins, she said, the rooms will be free for those staying in them."

All in all, this proves to be a good game, even if it makes my errand-running take slightly longer. Peyton Manning seems like a nice person. When he hosted SNL, some of his sketches were hilarious (the one where he's a mentor to children and then cusses at the kids when they mess up). His father played for the Saints and both Peyton and Eli Manning attended school here in the city. With the fact that this is the Saints first Superbowl, though, and as it's said around these parts, all I can say is "Who Dat!"

*You can find the article I cited on Fox 8's website*

Sunday, again.

2010-01-31T16:03:00.003-06:00

Is it the Lord's day, really?

I have an incredibly hard time getting up to do anything on Sundays (yes, even garage sales). I sleep in Wednesday morning (because I don't work Tuesday nights). Similarly, since I don't work Saturday nights, I don't have to get up Sunday morning. I don't like getting up going to church. It isn't because I hate God or have developed an attraction to Atheism, I'm just a lazy ass, period. I dislike most of the Christians I meet (not the ones I know, there is a difference). I dislike churches typically.

I know what you're thinking, so stop. I don't dislike hearing that I'm a sinner. Actually, I like that part. It needs to be said more. The problem with a lot of modern churches is that they don't say it enough. That's why a lost world cannot understand how Christ benefits them. Because he SAVES us from our sin.

Hanging with Jesus doesn't do anything for me socially. Most of the time, unsaved women don't want to hear about it. Talking to drunk people about God in a bar is as effective as talking to mute people about the benefits of vocal/ear training. Being a follower of Christ doesn't do much for me. It just saved me from my sin.

Don't take that to mean that it only accomplished that one task. We can theologically debate how efficacious Christ's death was to the entirety of the world. I simply mean, Jesus' death gave me life, not another activity to add to my Day Planner.

Besides, I don't even have a day planner.

Please tell my parents that I'm not a Satanist because I like going gambling, to bars, drinking, smoking, and sleeping in on Sundays.

God save me.

Louis Armstrong's New Orleans

2010-01-24T13:02:00.001-06:00

Louis Armstrong's New Orleans

My Open Letter To NBC: Why Conan O'Brien Should Stay

2010-01-20T12:27:00.003-06:00

Dear NBC,

I have watched Conan O'Brien off and on for 15 years. I first discovered him staying up late at my Grandmother's house when I should have in bed. In high school I typically caught Conan on Friday nights when I could stay up late without fear of getting in trouble. Onward through college and then in grad school, my night wouldn't be complete without tuning into Late Night to hear Conan's monologue. The cycle remains today. I work nights and get to hear Conan's witty and wise words each evening. Please don't take this away from me.

I'll have you know, however, it isn't just me. Many different millions of people from all walks of life love Conan. As evidenced by his ratings this week, nobody wants him to go this way. He hasn't even had a year as the host of the Tonight Show.

I don't watch The Office or 30 Rock, which I assume are your highest rated shows. The last show I watched on NBC was Scrubs, and now I watch it on ABC. I never miss Conan and there are millions who are like me. I didn't mind Leno and would occasionally view his program, but for you to take Conan out like this, rest assured, I will never watch Leno or NBC again.

Sincerely,

Jeff Watkins
New Orleans, LA

"Adam's Song" by Blink 182

2010-01-18T12:48:00.001-06:00

blink-182 - New Music - More Music Videos

I Wonder...

2010-01-13T16:58:00.002-06:00

Has Pat Robertson ever said anything valuable or beneficial?

Even Best Buy is Politically Correct

2009-12-29T11:31:00.002-06:00

*This was issued in their weekly sales ad on Sunday.

Why Lennon Was Right About X-mas

2009-12-25T22:56:00.004-06:00

X is not an 'x' in Greek, but the letter 'chi,' producing the sound "Ch". X is the first letter in Christ (Greek = Χριστός [Khristós] meaning "the anointed one"). Finally, somebody got the information right (Thanks for the link, Andrea).

Christmas Eve 2009 (The email You didn't get because I don't have your email)

2009-12-24T23:16:00.002-06:00

Hello friends and family.

Last year was a crossroads for me. Not the kind that Robert Johnson sang about, but one that would help me decide whether to continue to write all those on my email list the annual Christmas Eve email. I decided, hopefully with your welcoming reception, to continue.

I compose this note to you from the nearly-debilitating heat of Melbourne, FL, where the high was 80 degrees today. I have not spent a Christmas anywhere else in the world other than where I grew up and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Christmas here reminds me of holidays past, and the many memories of family I have to cherish with them. Each year I get older, my heart grows a little colder and it becomes more challenging to feel the way I felt as a child, teenager or even young adult. And, in the last year of my roaring twenties, I predict this phenomenon of aging will ever increase my inability to feel carefree with indescribable amazement around Santa, the Christmas tree, and all that it represents. Nonetheless, I hold steadfast to the promise that, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14, KJV). It’s the only peace I can truly have, that somebody greater than myself will have a way to save me from my sin and selfishness. That verse in the book of Isaiah is foretelling of Jesus and subsequently his plan for salvation.

Christmas means many things to many people. This type of relativism is crippling when one attempts to examine the true meaning of a pagan holiday that the Romans converted for the purposes establishing church-state relations. Even with its potentially questionable roots, Christmas was thus taken from the pagans in order to create a day of celebration and remembrance for the birth of Jesus.

Without decry, however, I think most will be comfortable with the assumption that Christmas, perhaps more than any other holiday, is a time for sharing and thankfulness. “No no, Jeff,” says you. “Giving thanks is already taken by a holiday known as Thanksgiving.” I disagree. It is my opinion that Christmas represents the spirit of both giving to those who ask of you and being thankful for what one receives. I often think about what that means when I see those less fortunate than myself. Much of my year is consumed with what I want and what pleases me. It is not often I take the time to think about how lucky I am. And, I am. I really am blessed beyond belief. I shouldn’t have it this good; I’m just not that deserving. Thankfully, though, I have received an abundance of love and support. This is why I write to you.

Some of you have known me my entire life, whilst others have only known me a short while. Without hesitation or ulterior motivation, I just want to say thanks. Thank you for all that you do. This year I am thankful for my Dad’s recovery from health problems last year; for my Grandmother about to celebrate her 87th birthday; I'm thankful that both my Aunt Shirley and Aunt Linda have gone on to be with the Lord. I’m hopeful that Dennis Russell is also in a better place. These things remind me to be thankful.

As I close, I want to leave you with some thoughts better written than my own. The American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, penned what would be become one of my favorite carols to be sung this time of year, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” I think it is relevant everyday but particularly has more sentiment when we think about what this time of year represents:

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, goodwill to men!"

With well-wishes of Christmas and a better New Year, I love you.

Jeffery G. Watkins

Wham - "Last Christmas"

2009-12-15T11:48:00.001-06:00

It’s Like Probability

2009-11-28T14:43:00.000-06:00

Friars take cups for communion
Liars spew stories for deception
One is the result of sin and the other is worse
Which do I partake in most?

When words mean little
And nothing can help the cause we're gathering donations for
Intersections of life bleed over
Nowhere is there a sign for you and I to follow

Deemed too loud by you
And just too selfish to plea my innocence
You were no better but that's not how you remember
The sun of our path is too bright to stare at

With all lost today, I lose a little more tomorrow
Even my own parents have divorced me
Resume where we left off
Turned away when left emptied and broken

Sleeping in bed with a stranger
I lay awake longer to make sure I make it out without sleeping through life
I have to take steps back to meet you halfway
All I've learned is how to masquerade

And swiftly cover my tracks
Don’t diddle with the facts
Nor did I ever attack you
I just let you go so you could go

I pushed you down so you would see that I was your enemy
Playing war with girls with pigtails on monkey bars
Now you've got me frequenting too many bars
And you never let me buy your drink

I long to answer one of your questions right
Merely allowing a trivia host to control our fate
You go ahead and call me to tell me about your wedding date
I hope the sky is bright that day and your soon-to-be is better sooner than later

You deserve the best
I'll take the leftovers
Good luck with God's speed
You’ll need more than an admittance of guilt from me

Stretch Arm Strong - "A Time For Peace"

2009-11-24T22:48:00.002-06:00

My Life (In 200 Words)

2009-11-18T09:18:00.003-06:00

Today, I woke up to look for tickets to a WWE event coming here to New Orleans via Ticketmaster.com. Why? Because I enjoy wrestling. Do I watch it every week? No, matter of fact, it usually seems boring (it's not like I can't watch nearly everyday if I really wanted to see it). Wrestling is as popular today as it ever has been, and yet, I long for the wrestling of the 1980's. Not because it was better per say, actually, it was a little cheesier. I just miss it. I was a child then and now I'm almost old. I rented old wrestling tapes just to get the feeling I felt then. It didn't work. I loved watching my hero, Hulk Hogan, rule the ring and always win against the bad guy. I can even still watch him (he just inked a deal with the wrestling organization Total Nonstop Action); but at 56, Terry Bollea wrestling just makes me feel bad for him. I don't care, he can do what he wants. I just don't feel certain things that I felt like I kid. Some days, feeling like a kid again would be the greatest thing I could feel.

C28?

2009-11-12T12:27:00.000-06:00

Has anyone heard of this Hot Topic rip off? If it weren't for Christ, I would hate Christians.

No Freaking Way!

2009-10-31T21:33:00.001-05:00

The greater New Orleans area gets sublime shopping events periodically. None of which is greater than the Friends of Jefferson Parrish Public Library semi-annual book sale.

I was quite fortunate to be able to purchase the greatest selling album of all time on vinyl for a mere two American dollars. Michael Jackson - "Thriller"

It's a great record, no doubt. But the more I hear it, there is no way any other pop record beats what Rolling Stone Magazine called the "Greatest Album of All-Time": The Beatles - "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Sorry Michael.

I Found This via Scott and It's Great!

2009-10-29T15:21:00.000-05:00

David Bazan and the Quest for Truth

2009-10-20T13:39:00.003-05:00

As much as I'd like to write a biting piece about the brilliance with which David Bazan writes and performs his songs, I do not have the time to do so. I do, however, recommend anyone wanting to know more about the song-stylist to read this article about his new album (Curse Your Branches) and why he is no longer into Theism:

Bazan (cont'd): I left church with the question in my mind — "Does God pursue us?" This was in like 2002. I thought, "OK, I understand the Gospel, but I want to find out if God pursues us." It's a very Calvinistic, God-sovereign idea. And I thought, "If this is real, if Christianity is real, I need to feel some kind of intrinsic motivation." There's this bullshit parable about a pastor who goes to a guy's house who's stopped attending church. The guy has a fire going, and so the pastor picks up with the little tongs a lump of coal, and puts it on the end of the hearth. And so they're talking and the pastor asks "Why aren't you going to church?" The guy says, "Oh, I'm just reading the Bible on my own." And so the pastor refers back to the coal that has since burned out, because it wasn’t close to the fire. And I just thought, "If there's a real mystical energy that’s coming from this being, from this belief, then the coal just has to keep burning regardless. The surrounding coals can't be the driving force keeping it alive." And when I realized that, I thought "My gosh, I've been making profound assumptions my entire life that need to be examined before I move forward." And that was basically it.

I mean, for me, I just want to get some distance. I mean, is it OK for a guy just to get some real distance? It takes years to do this. And in Christianity, the answer is, "No, because if you die tonight …" Even in C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, he talks about how timeline-obsessed Christians are. Christianity builds in all these motivators — you've got to figure it out now, you don't have the time. And that was one of the first things that I rejected.
[*Link to the full article by clicking the quote.]

Q: Why Does LSU Suck?

2009-10-11T13:38:00.000-05:00

A: The University of Florida Gators beat you again this year!

And I think, could I do this?

2009-10-01T14:50:00.000-05:00

http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2008/04/01/6-Ways-to-Sell-Your-Baby.aspx

Why Kanye West Is a D-bag

2009-09-15T11:26:00.004-05:00

I hate to write about this, but apparently the entire world is stunned at Kanye West's comments to Taylor Swift after she won the ever-so relevant MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video this past Sunday evening. Why? He constantly talks out of his ass. He is an ass! West proceeded to get on stage, grab the microphone from Swift and interrupted her acceptance speech with, "I'm sorry, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time."

Really, did Kanye even watch that crap? She's shaking her ass in leotard for that stupid "if you liked it you should've put a ring on it" song. I suppose if it was a better or perhaps more innovative video, his insertion might have been valid. Yet, that video seems like it would cost no more money to make than any other video being played today. There is not anything original about it. Trust me, I've seen it. Don't get me wrong, I get why he likes it. Beyoncé is hot; the video is hot. Perhaps she even has some musical ability, but for Kanye West to say that video is one of the best of all time is just asinine. And what's worse is he had to say it during Taylor Swift's speech! That is why Kanye West is a d-bag.

Even on his blog, although he apologized which garners him a little redemption, he still spewed his crap to his musically clueless fans (yeah, that's right, if you buy his records, you have been duped):

"Beyoncé's video was the best of this decade!!!! I'm sorry to my fans if I let you guys down!!!! I'm sorry to my friends at MTV. I will apologize to Taylor 2mrw," West continued on his blog. "Welcome to the real world!!!! Everybody wanna booooo me but I'm a fan of real pop culture!!! No disrespect but we watchin' the show at the crib right now cause...well you know!!!! I'm still happy for Taylor!!!! Boooyaaawwww!!!! You are very very talented!!! I gave my awards to Outkast when they deserved it over me...That's what it is!!!!!!! I'm not crazy y'all, i'm just real. Sorry for that!!! I really feel bad for Taylor and I'm sincerely sorry!!! Much respect!!!!!"

That video is so basic, there isn't any basis for his comments. He is obviously biased toward his friend. And he claims to be real? What the hell does that have to do with anything? What's good is good. I don't recall if Kanye won any awards last night, but I'm glad he did not. Perhaps he might deserve one for a video he did this year. But because he is suck a dick, I wish him very little success.

I sound bitter, I know. I'm just annoyed that people revere a guy who seems like such a prick.

The story and picture can be found at Billboard.com

It's Raining Men, Hallelujah

2009-08-21T13:00:00.002-05:00

I am currently at the library where I have come to escape the pouring rain outside. Actually, it just let up a little, but prior to glancing out the window beside me, it was storming. Louisiana is a lot like Florida in the summer. Scattered showers happen frequently throughout the day. The only problem for residents here is if the rain comes down hard for an extended amount of time. That is when the streets begin to fill up and we have standing water everywhere. Not a good situation when the city's pumps can only pump out a foot an hour or something ridiculous like that.

Well, it is official: I am living in New Orleans for another year. I actually anticipate it to be a longer stay than that, but I am obligated for at least one year. I finally found a place to live. With the help of the potentially creepy Craig's List, I met two other heterosexual males who share my love of responsibility and drinking. One is a Christian, one is not. One looks homeless, the other attends Tulane grad school. It'll be interesting. I call one "Homeless Jim" and the other "The Kid". Our house is on Bienville Avenue. It's a three-bedroom, 1,500 square feet double and our landlady lives above us. I signed my lease a week ago and have not slept there one night. I need a bed. Hopefully, that will get taken care of later today or tomorrow.

As I mentioned, I'm at the library and a woman just walked out a side door near me to, presumably, stare at the rain. The thing is, it's a glass door with several windows beside it that literally allow a viewer to see the same images from inside. A novel notion, I am aware, but apparently this woman wasn't convinced that the green was the same inside as outside. She opened the door, verbalized a "Hmm" sound, and then proceeded to leave. Marvelous.

My current vocational situation just erupted this week. I cannot go into details but it is something crazy. I am finding out all kinds of things about my boss that I did not know. For starters, she was fired, not let go, as she indicated to me. This is going to greatly effect how I do my job. But, my other supervisor assures me that things will change for the better. I hope so.

Weather update, it's back to raining men. There was a lightning strike and I just lost my droors. I'm going out to my car, lay in the backseat, and try to take a nap if the rain lets up.

It never stops raining.

This Song Really Captures Me Right Now

2009-08-12T10:50:00.000-05:00

i miss you

2009-08-10T15:38:00.001-05:00

I could recite lyrics that convey the words I feel but that is partly futile. That's the old way. I just miss you. If you think this may apply to you, rest assured, you should know that I do miss you and I am sorry.

William Jefferson and Jeffery Watkins

2009-08-06T21:43:00.004-05:00

Do you see the correlation between the two names at the top of this post? Perhaps there is no real relationship. But, if you're not knowledgeable of Louisiana politics, William Jefferson was found convicted on 11 of 16 counts against him; not limited to bribery, racketeering, and using his office to broker deals in Africa. (I previously wrote about this a couple years ago.) Like the former Congressman, I was found guilty of being deceitful and unfaithful to a friend. William Jefferson will go to jail for more than ten years and have to give back half a million dollars he acquired from his dealings. I was sentenced to not being able to know someone I care dearly about.

I wonder which will be worse? His jail time or mine?

A Place To LIve

2009-07-29T11:18:00.000-05:00

I found this ad on Craig's List and I responded because I love this part of town. Hilairity insues:

Original Ad

My current roommate will be moving out on the 15th of August. This house is right behind Dibert Elementary and down the street from Parkview Tavern, Delgado , Bud's Broiler and City Park. I am currently seeking a clean, quiet, and amicable female roommate. The apartment is completely furnished (besides your room, of course) so, someone with minimal furniture is ideal. the photos attached do not show the furnishings (sorry!).The bedrooms are separate, and I pretty much keep to myself, so you wont see me very often. I am not home during the day, so the place is pretty much yours from 7am to 5pm. Water and electric are included, $40 for wifi and directv. If you have a wifi card its only $20 to split the directv bill. as you can see, washer and dryer are provided, and the backyard is a great spot for coffee in the morning. The security deposit can be made in 2 payments.

I am:
26 yr old professional
clean, quiet, and love to cook
outside smoker

You are:
female
whatever age but responsible
clean, quiet, pay your bills on time

My First Response

Hello,

Are you strictly looking for a female roommate? I'm 29, responsible, not creepy, and I have a full time job, to boot. I love that part of town and not a lot is available. I had some friends that swore they were ready to get a place but not they cannot make rent. I live on campus and cannot stay any longer due to that I graduated (Masters Degree) and am no longer affiliated with the school in any way.

Let me know if you're open to options. I'd be able to pay rent and deposit and I will not ask you to sign a courier check.

Her Reply

Hi Jeff! you sound like quite a guy! unfortunately I can only have either gay males or straight females. my boyfriend is a little nervous about straight men and straight women staying together.

*Quick post script sent immediately

unless you're a gay. because if you are, we can totally do this.

My Quip

What if I said that I was a non-practicing gay male with reoccurring heterosexual tendencies?

Haha. I understand. Thanks anyway.

Her Reply

ahah! i like your personality! too bad. can you pretend to be gay?

Realism is setting in

How much is the rent again? I could pretend but the rent is probably high to fake it every time your boyfriend is around.

Well, now, we've talked a little more. And I am meeting her and I might have a place to live.

The New Reformation

2009-07-27T10:08:00.000-05:00

Sometime back, a friend showed me a potential position that she found online and thought I'd be ideal for. Turns out, she was wrong. Oh yeah, it was for an education job at a Catholic church.

My email:

Hello,
My name is Jeff Watkins. I saw a vocational position open on the Archdiocese of New Orleans' website that I was interested in learning more about. I do feel, however, that I am not necessarily qualified. You see, I am not Catholic, but Protestant (and a Baptist, to boot). But, I do possess an MA in Christian Education from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and this position interests me greatly. Please let me know if the differences in where we sit on the Reformation hinders me from applying for this position.

Thank you.

Jeff Watkins

His Reply

Some months ago I listed a Director of Religious Education position for Our Lady of Prompt Succor Parish in Westwego. The position has been filled since SEPT 08.

By the way- for future reference- any position in the Catholic Church that deals with teaching or organizing the religious education programs of the Catholic Church at any level would require a fully qualified Catholic with credentials and experience in Catholic Religious Education.

May God continue to inspire you to the fullness of light and truth!

Father Ed

Rev. Edward M. Grice
Pastor
OLPS Parish

How I Spent My Summer

2009-07-24T10:36:00.002-05:00

With the end of July looming and summer's end in sight, I figured I would update this blog of mine.

End of May started well. I don't know what happened. Oh yeah, I saw Death Cab For Cutie at the CAC in New Orleans. Awesome.

In early June, I got to experience a WWE pay-per-view for the first time in real life! WWE Extreme Rules! Originally purchased a ticket for a floor seat ($75) then found a friend who wanted to go, bought a cheaper seat ($35), and then went to the event and scalped my ticket ($100). I'm the worst ticket scalper. I need to keep my capitalism online. I cannot see the faces of the folk I rip off. It haunts me.

My aunt died a few days before my birthday. Even though that sucked, I got to see my parents (whom I haven't seen since Christmas 08) and the rest of my family I have not seen in a while. All they could do was talk about was my hair. Pssshh... The amazing thing was I left New Orleans on a Sunday at 3 PM. I got to Ocala, FL at midnight. Got up, drove to Bartow. Went to two funerals (another pseudo relative died the day after my aunt). Left Bartow around 3 PM for NOLA. Made it back by 3 AM the next morning. It was 1400 miles in 36 hours. Pretty damn impressive, no?

Had one of the crappiest birthdays of my life. And, yes, it was mostly my fault. Got to see Drea, Amanda and Chrissy and go gambling.

July was mostly a month of working. Andrea and I went to Fort Walton Beach, FL, Dothan, AL, and Tallahassee, FL for the 4th of July. It was a blast. We had a lot of fun and I got to show her where I spent half of my twenties.

The rest of July has been a bore. I just work. I need to get a new job. But first I have to move off campus. If you live in New Orleans (or the surrounding area) and can swing $350 a month, you can live with me and Jason in Lakeview.

Until another three months go by...

i AM new orleans

2009-05-04T13:25:00.000-05:00

and so is your mom.

Elite

2009-04-19T16:52:00.002-05:00

So, just to inform those of you who do not communicate with me verbally or textually, I did not gain acceptance to either Rice University or the University of Louisville. This means that the crossroads I am at is bigger than I imagined.

As I sit with a ton of books around me, I wonder, "Does philosophy dictate the style of architecture, or is it the other way around?"

My life is nothing but a gamble. And I usually win.

Perhaps this time is different.

Do I teach? Do another Masters? What if I am supposed to be nothing but just be?

"Wisest is she who knows she does not know..." -- Socrates

I Need Some Time

2009-03-30T14:47:00.006-05:00

Song lyrics, poems, and the sentiments written by others are the most useful things I possess. Matter of fact, I will make a career of it. By doing research and reading other people's words, I will somehow tell others what these men and women meant in their writings. Nuancing those thoughts in such a way to come up with a semi-new idea, I will publish it; for this is a doctoral dissertation. I am not there yet. I may never get there. But as the last several posts of songs have indicated, it's all I've got now. It's sort of ironic: I will write a lot in my life and now, when the written word matters most, I have very few thoughts to convey.

I need a break. A break from all the brokenness. Truth be told, all the disaster I experience in life comes from these two hands. Wiser men have said the things I echo. Here is where my heart is and here it shall stay. If you want to keep in touch with me, you know how. I suppose I already keep in touch with those who matter most anyway. Most of my words here have been written to showcase my so-called intellect or to boast about my ability to capitalize on people unaware of deals by selling them reduced cost items on the web. I cannot come up with anything original. I have failed my doctoral dissertation defense.

Of all the people no longer in my life, the ones that felt like they had to leave, I always viewed their actions as their own choosing of the consequent. Now, I know, I was the one who alienated them. Misfortune is not the enemy, nor is misused intention. The true killer of life and love is a lack of concern for somebody else. I have killed before and I may kill again.

Andrea once left a package of disposable douche on my car and laughed at the intended humor (because I often joked about being such a thing). She was right, though. I am a douche. That's it. I should not have taken offense at the time but merely laughed like she did at first. A leopard cannot change his spots now can he? Given a chance to prove I'm not a spotted-creature, what do I do? I do nothing. Or, rather, I do the exact same thing that one may predict for me to do. Chase told me being predictable isn’t a crime. So, I attest that a leopard cannot change his spots.

At the end of the day, I never profess to be perfect. Hell, I never really try to be perfect. But, therein lies the dilemma. As the old King James Bible says, "Be ye perfect, as I am perfect." Even though humanity fails, the measure of a person is in the attempt, not necessarily the victory. If I had shown one iota of compassion to the many people who chose to love me, I might still be able to rely on them. I have learned more about Christianity from people who really didn't claim to be Christians.

These are the words that currently resonate within my heart:

Death Cab For Cutie - "We're not the same, dear, as we used to be. The seasons have changed and so have we. There was little we could say and even less that we could do. To stop the ice from getting thinner under me and you." ("The Ice Is Getting Thinner")

Jeremiah 17:9 - "The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?" (Bible, American Standard Version)

Pedro The Lion - "My old man always swore that Hell would have no flames. Just a front row seat to watch your true love pack her things, and drive away." ("The Poison")

Postal Service - "You seem so out of context in this gaudy apartment complex. A stranger with your door key explaining that I am just visiting. And, I am finally seeing why I was the one worth leaving." ("The District Sleeps Alone Tonight")

The Juliana Theory - "Everything I have in mind, it begins to fade away. I searched for it and I longed for it and now I know it's gone. Everything has slipped away. And I'm so overwhelmed. Everything that rests upon my shoulders fell. I would like to tell anyone who has depended on me for themselves, I'm sorry. And everyone I've held in my arms, I believed I've pushed away. I would be there if I could be there.
But as it stands, I'm gone. Everyone has slipped away. Don't be overwhelmed. Everyone that loved me more than I could tell, I'm sorry. There's a private Hell for anyone who lives to only love themselves. Everyone has slipped away. Everyone has slipped away. Everyone has slipped away. Everything has slipped away. ("As It Stands")

Give up, Jeff.

"Sing Again"

2009-03-16T21:52:00.002-05:00

It was not tricky to enjoy
A cigarette in hand was the key to understanding
To seek out and to destroy
The mindless oversights
A string of faithless nights

We sing again
Sing together with quiet eyes
I'd lower my chin to my chest
I thought that would be best

Another pattern of the bricks
Bundles of cells dividing
And South Dakota driving
The very darkest, dirty tricks
If we still cared at all we'd send a battle call

We sing again
Sing together with firey eyes
A rangle alive in our chests
No this is not a test

Let's sing again
Sing together without disguise
Let's raise up a song in unrest
I think that would be best

Here's to poison
You will hear the noises
You will feel the breaking
It's all yours for the taking

A life packed full of mindless joy
It is not easy to enjoy

Chris Walla, from Field Manuel

"Lullaby"

2009-03-16T14:57:00.003-05:00

The sun shines and leaves blow
And my hope like autumn is turning brown
And I know it seems like I'm always falling down

But it does not matter to me
Although it seems like it should
It's because I know I'm understood when I hear Him say,
"Rest in me little ~~David~~ Jeffery
And dry all your tears
You can lay down your armor
And have no fear
Cause I'm always here
When you're tired of running
And I'm all the strength that you need"

It's uphill both ways
Tomorrow I swear I won't act this way
And I know it seems like that is what I always say

But it does not matter to me
Although it seems like it should
It's because I know I'm understood when I hear Him say,
"Rest in me little ~~David~~ Jeffery
And dry all your tears
You can lay down your armor
And have no fear
Cause I'm always here
When you're tired of running
And I'm all the strength that you need"

You know I want to be like Jesus
But it seems so very far away
When will I learn to obey

By Pedro The Lion, from Whole EP

"Kill"

2009-03-15T08:55:00.000-05:00

Well, you're just across the street
Looks a mile to my feet
I want to go to you
Funny how I'm nervous still
I've always been the easy kill
I guess I always will

Could it be that everything goes 'round by chance? (chance?)
Or only one way that it was always meant to be (be)
You kill me, you always know the perfect thing to say (hey hey, hey hey)
I know what I should do, but I just can't walk away

I can picture your face well
From the bar in my hotel
I wish I'd go to you
I pick up put down the phone
Like your favorite Heatmeiser song goes
It's just like being alone

Oh God, please don't tell me this has been in vain (vain)
I need answers for what all the waiting I've done means (means)
You kill me, you've got some nerve, but can't face your mistakes (hey hey, hey hey)
I know what I should do, but I just can't turn away

So go on love
Leave while there's still hope for escape
Got to take what you can these days
There's so much ahead
So much regret
I know what you want to say
(Know what you want to say)
I know it but can't help feeling differently
I loved you, and I should have said it
But tell me just what has it ever meant

I can't help it baby, this is who I am (am)
Sorry, but I can't just go turn off how I feel (feel)
You kill me, you build me up, but just to watch me break (hey hey, hey hey)
I know what I should do, but I just can't walk away

by Jimmy Eat World, from Futures

Ticket To Ride

2009-03-14T17:49:00.000-05:00

I think I'm gonna be sad,
I think it's today, yeah.
The girl that's driving me mad,
Is going away.

She's got a ticket to ride,
She's got a ticket to ride,
She's got a ticket to ride, but she don't care.

She said that living with me,
Is bringing her down, yeah.
For she would never be free when I was around.

She's got a ticket to ride,
She's got a ticket to ride,
She's got a ticket to ride, but she don't care.

I don't know why she's riding so high,
She ought to think twice,
She ought to do right by me.

I think I'm gonna be sad,
I think it's today, yeah.
The girl that's driving me mad,
Is going away.

She's got a ticket to ride,
She's got a ticket to ride,
She's got a ticket to ride, but she don't care.

I don't know why she's riding so high,
She ought to think twice,
She ought to do right by me.

Before she gets to saying goodbye,
She ought to think twice,
She ought to do right by me.

She said that living with me,
Is bringing her down, yeah.
For she would never be free when I was around.

The Beatles, from Help!

"When Sorrow Falls"

2009-03-13T14:33:00.002-05:00

It's okay for me to say I love you
And it's okay for you to cry
The sorrow that you are feeling you should not deny
So why is it so trying to express the way I feel?
Just one moment you steal
Just one moment
Just one
Just one moment
Just one
Just one moment you steal
I still care and I still feel
Time and again
It's all too real
Separate and detache myself
I was running from all the pain I felt
I wasquestioning the way I am and the things with which I've dealt
Somewhere in the foothills of my mind
I know my ways just aren't right
They're not right
So I'll shrug it off and wear a grin
I'll carry on and just pretend
I still care
I still feel
Time and again it's all too real

by Stretch Arm Strong, from Rituals of Life

Just In Case You're Not Affected By The Economic Crisis

2009-01-29T13:14:00.003-06:00

I never check the links I list on my blog. It has been so long since I've read any one's words. I did, however, recently realize that my own information was incorrect. I have been selling my stuff (and now mostly items I buy at reduced prices) on Amazon.com via the Marketplace for nearly six years. I sell books, DVDs, Cd's, etc. If you get a hankering for something and just want to spend some money, see if I have it. I'll even cut you a break if you're a friend. At some point, Amazon gave me my own store-personalized address. Perhaps everyone receives their own store now, but I know one used to be required to purchase a store. The link to my store was previously this long address convoluted with letters, numbers and a plethora of backslashes. Now, it is the very simple:

http://www.amazon.com/shops/punkboy11

Please stop by, I just may have what you always wanted. Or, just splurge and help me out.

P.S. I just lowered the price on nearly everything I'm selling.

These Are Not The Basketball Diaries

2009-01-22T13:00:00.003-06:00

Oft I dream of grander times. I look at my accomplishments and realize I have not accomplished that much. I want to finish more than a pack of cigarettes. I want to be known... Not by the masses, but by the people who matter most to me. I want a lot. I probably want too much. Fame and fortune they are not. Time leaves me when I least expect it to. Rather, he isn't the one who stopped. I have quit. Given up. Finished. Something, sometimes, gets in my way. Memories are like obstacles. It's like a car trying to pass a parade. Even though city lights give way to country floods, I change the light bulbs anyway. Either way, I have another day. Another chance. A shot in the dark. Sparking. Restlessness is wrestled with by people who need help. I need it. Help. I need more than just a simple solution. No more restitution. Don't give me money because I took your place. Take what you want, but by legal means, please. Don't change your mind. Forget what you once thought was wise. I used to quote rappers as if they were Greek philosophers. I want to be Greek. But I got a D in the introductory course. Don't go to Greece. Don't play in the streets. Don't buy into this whole freedom scene. East goes east for the rest of the distance. Stars seem brighter when you are closer. Hollywood is just one place were movies are made. Virtuosity is far worse among those who practice a lot. Don't confuse this allotment for something more. A time or a spatial tenure, measured by means. Work. Live. Lye. Lay. Look. Don't back up. Tree trunks are in now. Forgive what you once thought. Lost little lessons. I don't know why. I just don't know. Why? Why what? Police truck. Don't get drunk. Don't sin. Be perfect. Never win. Exclaim the beauty. Repress the weak. Turn your last cheek. Deposit more money so you never run out. If money is worth having, don't waste it all. Collections rule. Depression, too. Laid down by the walls too heavy to hold above your head. Don't dread the dead. You know what? Dreamless nights are still a goodnight's sleep.

My Mind Says No, But My Body Says Yes

2009-01-14T10:40:00.002-06:00

I don't want to come here ever again. It is such a mind numbing chore to blog. Who blogs anymore? I hear about these so-called bloggers who shape news and inform the public. If you have a web log that has been around for as long as To Whom, then you can say something. I read so much crap on the internet. So much pretentious fluff about God knows what. Who cares, really?

An update on my life:
I want to start blogging more frequently again.

Realization:
What did I just say?

Confession:
I sort of miss having a place to air grievances and share my life. I think I need to just stop being pretentious and treat this thing like what it ought to be, not what it could be. I am not a reporter. I am Jeff and this is my life.

Currently:
I graduated in December. I am still working for the Magnolia School in old Jefferson, Louisiana and living in New Orleans. This May will mark two years of employment.

Also, I am applying to Ph.D. programs now. Right now, working on stuff for Rice University and University of Louisville (in the areas of Religious Studies and Humanities, respectively). I also have been corresponding with the chair of the Religious Studies department at Brown University. I have missed the deadline to apply, but they have some unique things there that might be worth the investment of five more years in school. Why do I do this to myself?

Love and death,

Jeff

Enough with the 'Happy New Years' Already!

2009-01-08T09:42:00.003-06:00

Okay, I know I'm too cynical at times. But it's the 8th of January. It has been the new year for like eight days now! I am tired of people wishing me a happy new year so far after the fact. If I wasn't fortunate enough to see you on the 31st, 1st, or 2nd, my apologies. If you want move beyond well-wishes and actually help me have a good 2009, just don't be a douche bag.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T00:46:00.001-06:00

Even though I don't say much nearly enough, I just wanted to wish everyone who comes by here a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

With Peace and Love,

Jeff Watkins

Ny New Car: 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S (Smoke Grey)

2008-12-01T17:38:00.006-06:00

I did it.

I finally bought a car. It was a long and difficult process. Finding the right car. Getting said car to the right price. All of my efforts feel necessary given the condition, mileage, and options of the car. It was not easy. There was a lot of frustration throughout the process. If you need any tips, I can help. I did a lot of research. I waited a month and a half, but it paid off. My new car is a 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S. I bought it with 29,200 miles on it. Just from my drive back from Florida to New Orleans and it now has 30,000.

Features:
175-hp 4-cylinder engine
4-speed automatic
4-wheel disc brakes
16-inch alloy wheels
8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and trip computer controls
Front anti-Lock brakes
Cruise Control
Driver and passenger air bags
Rear Window Defroster
Power door locks
Power mirrors
Power windows
Sunroof (with moonroof option)
Tinted windows
Periscope and tilted wheel
Keyless Entry
Anti-theft security System
Bose 6 speaker stereo system with 6 disc CD changer

I got it from a wholesale lot, but at a private seller price. Bill of sale price $12,949 ($13,761.94 with tax, tag, and title transfer).

I just wrote a blog

2008-11-28T11:21:00.001-06:00

And it is gone.

So.

Nothing.

Weird

2008-11-18T19:08:00.002-06:00

I graduate with my Masters Degree in 25 days...

It doesn't feel like that big of deal. I've graduated before. Kindergarten, High School, and College. What's one more garb rental fee?

I guess because I want to do a Ph.D., I know I'm not done. Perhaps I won't even get in. I still have to take the GRE. That alone may keep me from getting into a legitimate university.

I attend a seminary, as you may or may not know. And those in control wish for us to abstain from the drink. I do my best to abide by the rule. Yet, once I cross that stage, I will be hitting up the local drive-thru daiquiri establishments (oh yes, they do exist; search good for New Orleans Original Daiquiri).

I Guess 2Pac was Wrong -- ("Changes")

2008-11-15T10:32:00.003-06:00

"I see no changes,
all I see is racist faces.
Misplaced hate makes disgrace to races, we under.
I wonder what it takes to make this one better place,
let's erase the wasted.
Take the evil out the people they'll be acting right,
'cause both black and white is smokin' crack tonight.
And only time we chill is when we kill each other,
it takes skill to be real time to heal each other."

"And although it seems Heaven sent we ain't ready, to see a black President."

On Presidential Elections and Logic

2008-11-03T17:06:00.003-06:00

Voting is not only a responsibility, but also a privilege. I have been legally able to do so for a decade now. Yet, I have only voted once. Four years ago, because the election seemed to have a clear, superior candidate (and I stress seemed), I took up my civil liberty and rocked the vote.

This year, however, proves to be a much more difficult decision.

Does one wonder with whom I am lending my support for the presidency? If so, pause please, there's a story. I have been studying logic this semester in one of my philosophy classes. Even at my elementary level, I have quickly realized that very few people actually think 'logically'. On the surface, there are three laws of logic: the Law of Non-Contradiction, the Law of Excluded Middle, and the Law of Identity. I will focus on one particular element for this discourse.

The Law of Excluded Middle states that something either is or is not. Every proposition is either true or false; there is no gray area or in-between.

An example:

A or ~A

Aristotle said, "There is nothing between asserting and denying."

The main point to the Law of Excluded Middle is that any claim has to be either true or has to be false. Please keep this in mind, and again, follow a tangent.

I am still a registered voter in Florida, not Louisiana. This is problematic. I got an absentee ballot. Issue resolved! I looked at my choices. Complications revived.

I like Obama, but disagree with his ideas about health care and tax breaks. I am unmoved by McCain, but actually agree with his tax policies. I kept looking throughout my other choices. Would I go Libertarian with Bob Barr? What about Ralph Nader? Who is Chuck Baldwin? This is not going to be easy.

Because I felt my voice had not been heard in the primaries, and there was not a single candidate I could support, I put a stamp on my ballot, left it blank, and mailed it back. This would be my protest that, at least, the Supervisor of Elections in Jackson County would see. Since I had no choice, I would not choose the ‘lesser of the two evils,’ but I would choose to make no choice.

Remember the law of logic I introduced earlier? A or ~A. Something either is or is not. That’s the catch, and the reason I mention it. This story is true. But, I forgot to reveal an important facet of the story. While I did go to the post office, I only put the absentee ballot mailer and envelop on the scale to make sure it did not need any additional postage. I then accidentally and unconsciously dropped it in the outgoing mailbox, and it was mailed back to Florida. Because I mailed it, they could not send me another one (you know, because it would look like I was voting twice). Something is or is not. I did or did not vote.

I did not...

Yes, I wasted my vote. Am I mad? Yes and no. Do I care, not really. While one vote does not change much, we will see after tomorrow how close this election will be. I am annoyed I didn’t get to vote, but no matter what, we are stuck with whomever we get for the next four years. I think everyone should educate themselves by learning the platforms of the candidates, and then vote. Do not vote ignorantly! That is almost as bad as doing what I did.

This democratic republic we celebrate as the United States of America is built on the ideology that everyone should have a voice. Yet, if you forsake your chance to air your thoughts, you are not going to be heard. The process we call voting is more than simply punching a hole in an index card in a booth with a curtain. It’s showing the government who the people choose to speak for them in Washington D.C.

If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.

"Elections belong to the people. It is their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters." - Abraham Lincoln

Voodoo Music Festival

2008-10-28T20:46:00.001-05:00

This past weekend, my wonderful girlfriend Andrea and I attended two of three days of VooDoo Fest. Voodoo is an annual rock festival here in New Orleans that has grown largely over its ten-year history. It was great this year, despite Death Cab For Cutie bailing out on the event before it even happened, and N*E*R*D* canceling without any prior notice to expectant fans.

We got a couple weekend passes from Leo @ ANTIGRAVITY , which was really nice of him to do. This means the only money I spent was on a t-shirt, food, and drinks. Saturday night we caught part of local favorites Rotary Downs set, and the vaudevillian antics of the New Orleans Bingo! Show. Whilst the close of the evening brought the once-huge industrialists Nine Inch Nails to the stage. We watched most of their performance from afar on a screen. I did walk up toward the stage between masses of people to view NIN performing "Closer". Hearing 10,000 people sing aloud, "I want to F you like an animal" is awkward in any setting.

I did not expect to go to Voodoo on Sunday because I had to work. But, my boss texted and said I had the day off (and I would get paid since she took my shift!), so Andrea and I booked it down to City Park to catch 25 minutes of Dashboard Confessional. I saw Chris and crew back in 2002 when everyone still sang along. He performed "Vindicated," a cover of that new Pink song, and closed with "Hands Down". He sounded good. We headed over to see N*E*R*D* (before we knew they cancelled) and ended up seeing most of Lupe Fiasco's show, which was actually quite good with the live band. Next, we sat down, and again, watched a band (Panic At The Disco) play on a screen. Although I did stand up at some point, and was impressed by how tight their harmonies were live, these guys are overrated in my book. Finally, as the picture above denotes, we saw R.E.M. play a fantastic set to a very eager crowd. Stipe’s political views may not be mine, however, he can perform very well. Besides his blatant support for Obama, he spoke a lot about his love for our city, and I thought that was nice. They played some songs I knew, and some I had never heard of, but it was good nonetheless. We were eight rows back so it was a great experience, both visually and musically.

This weekend was a lot of fun. I cannot wait until I get to see live music again. I love music. I want to be in a band.

P.S. I got the picture of R.E.M. from Tamera, and you can see her photography here.

About A Car

2008-10-12T13:40:00.002-05:00

The Altima, just shy five miles of 229,000, is slowly dying. Rob said I have until the end of the month. I'm not driving it at all just so I can drive it to a dealer or a junk yard, and get the little cash they will inevitably give me. I rented a car for work this week. I'll do the same next week. Who knows about the week after that.

Anybody, anyone attention, please: If you know of a car for sale, tell me. I'm interested in another Nissan (Versa, Sentra, or Altima) or Honda (Civic or Accord). Probably less than 10K for a used vehicle. Any help will be appreciated.

Love...

I Spent $179.65 This Weekend...

2008-10-06T16:14:00.002-05:00

...but it was well worth it!

A local video store, Major Video (from whom I have rented hundreds of films), closed this weekend because the owners lost their lease. This ultimately saddens me because I love the stuff you can get there, and no other place else in town, especially Blockbuster and Hollywood, are as nice as the staff there. Major is also cheaper than it's competitors (everyday is rent two, get one free). I love it. There will still be one location open on the Eastbank that I will assuredly frequent.

This brings me to the closeout sale. As you know, I sell things online. I also like deals, personally. It's my thing (it's every one's thing hopefully). What happens when these two things mix? I make four trips to the video store (once, Friday and Saturday, and twice Sunday). All of the trips included an hour stay, with the first Friday totaling over two hours, which does include standing in line to check out.

What happens is that I own a lot of stuff now (all DVD's and games), some of which I have no use for other than to make money. The highlights:

Star Trek - The Next Generation: Season 6. Paid $13 for it used, hoping to get $40
Clerks. X (3 Disc special edition). Paid $5, hoping to get $10
Jane Eyre (BBC) - 2 volumes. Paid $8, hoping to get $20

I also bought several Xbox games at different times (Raw, Burnout Revenge, Mortal Kombat Armageddon). While I am only selling the latter, I got $12 for it. They only cost me $6 in all).

Also:

Pimp My Ride: Season 1. I paid $4
Miami Ink: Season 1. I paid $5
Wonderfalls: Complete Viewer Collection. I paid $5, will sell for $20

In a strictly capitalist move, I bought five HD DVD's in anticipation of selling them to someone who isn't ready to get rid of the now-defunct HD DVD library. I got five for $2 each (Ocean's Thirteen, Happy Feet, Babel, Feast, Talk To Me).

I got two documentaries tonight, Jesus Camp, and Street Fight, for $2 each, used, and have them selling for $12 or so each.

I paid $4 each for Starsky & Hutch and American Wedding new.

I picked up Friday and The Simpsons movie for $6 each new.

Jersey Girl was only $2 new.

I got The Darjeeling Limited for $2 tonight as well (new) and Grind for $4 new too.

The best deal is to buy cheap and sell in lots on eBay: Men In Black II, Against The Ropes, Stuck On You, Miracle, Blue Crush all for $1 each.

Finally, the deal to end all deals. As I was walking out, the guy working told another guy that Blu-Ray DVD's (which are $30 new) were just $4 each for used ones. I grabbed ten. I hope to sell them on eBay. I should get around $100 for the lot, of which, I only paid $40. Those were: King of California, The Other Boleyn Girl, Little Chenier: A Cajun Story, Hairspray, Witless Protection, In the Valley of Elah, The Brave One, Hostel, Part II, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, and Vantage Point.

I like finding deals and store closings. I hope to reimburse my expenses soon. Since Friday, I have sold six things and made a decent profit. There's no point in saying how much I paid for all of these. While they weren't the cheapest things or the best deals I found, the sale does deduct from what I spent, which is my goal.

American Hardcore: The History of American Punk Rock 1980-1986. $7.50
Jesus of Nazareth (new): 2 Disc. $16.58
Halo 3 Xbox 360 [paid $13]: $32.21
Babel HD DVD. $5.03
Jesus Camp. $11.30
Mortal Kombat. $12.04
Total = $84.66

Another Moment in the Life of the Aging

2008-09-28T15:03:00.002-05:00

I am plagued by the burning desire of cool. I know deep down I am cool. And yet, of the many activities and interests I have and am a participant, very few are actually constituted by the masses as hip. But coolness is relative, no? Isn't coolness something two people, with different likes and dislikes, can share, even if these two ventures are seemingly opposites? Perhaps they are, perhaps they are not. I, however, know that I am cool...mostly. Or am I? I'm not so confident anymore.

Today, I discovered that Best Buy now sells vinyl in store. What a great day for corporate electronic stores! I have a feeling this new addition to their inventory isn't to entice purists like myself to shop there (I was already in the store after all). Rather, I suspect the move is to capitalize on the growing indie craze that is hitting popular music. The only music for sale that would be deemed indie was The Shins album Oh Inverted World. Other than that, Best Buy just had a lot of Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, rap reissues. I did pick up (because of the $12 price tag) the reissue of the first Bad Brains record Bad Brains . Buying vinyl in the age of digital music has a hint of nostalgic-cool to it.

This diatribe does not serve as the purpose for my post, though. As I checked out, one young man and his coworker helped me complete the transaction. The one making the sale asked me the usual information, as I was paying for my debit card. But his pal, the younger of the two, inquired why I would buy a record. His first question befuddled me:

The Younger Best Buy Employee: "So you have a vinyl player?"
Older, Cynical Elitist-Type Customer: "Do you mean a turntable?"
The Younger Best Buy Employee: "Yeah."
Older, Cynical Elitist-Type Customer: "Yes, I do."
The Younger Best Buy Employee: "Cool."

[Silence]

The Younger Best Buy Employee: "My sister just buys records to use as decoration on her walls. It's pretty lame.
Older, Cynical Elitist-Type Customer: "Yeah. Well, if she collects the vinyl [for a hobby], then it's alright."
The Younger Best Buy Employee: "No, she just hangs them on her wall."
Older, Cynical Elitist-Type Customer: "Yep, that's pretty lame."

[End Scene]

Jeremiah the Prophet

2008-09-25T11:50:00.000-05:00

I went to chapel today. I heard a sermon, but probably didn't take from it what the speaker intended:

"Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me not be blessed! Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, who made him very glad, saying, 'A child is born to you--a son!'"

(Jeremiah 20:14-15)