Back in Dallas

Back in Dallas
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

I have arrived safe and sound from NYC. The flights were too bad and I
got through it without a major freakout. Gone are the hot guys I met
during stay. If you could have seen the Puerto Rican Bellman at our
hotel .......... sorry , I lost my train of thought there. I got more
pictures and stories to share which I will do over the next few days.

Oh, my iPhone would not work properly in NYC. I would get 5 bars on
both the Edge and 3G networks yet I couldn't connect to data network
or the connection would be extremely slow. I works great in dallas.

Another good reason to be home.

Visting the Apple Mothership

Visting the Apple Mothership
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

Yesterdy while roaming the city with my friend from UB, we decided to
head to 53rd and 5th to visit "the cube." There was a line of people
trying to enter, but the line went quickly. We took the glass elevator
down to sales floor and the store lost some its magic. It was a basic
Apple store with nothing fancy inside. Later yesterday evening after
dinner we visited the other Apple stores in Chelsea and SoHo. We
walked around the city for about 8 hours yesterday, cupcakes were
needed to refuel.

Hard To Say Goodbye

Hard To Say Goodbye
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

Had to say goodbye to my buddy from UB not too long ago. Wasn't easy.
Now my eyes are blood red from crying and I have to hide them. This is
why I don't like to share hotel rooms.

Magnolia Bakery in Chelsea

Magnolia Bakery in Chelsea
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

Yummy and delicious.

No US Open Today

No US Open Today
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

The tickets were sold out for this weekend so I won't me going to the
US Open today. Today I am going to hang out with my friends who are in
the city. There is a chance I will going to the Open tomorrow before
heading back to Dallas.

My Meeting With Venus. - part 1

My Meeting With Venus. - part 1
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

I was my was to Flushing Meadows when I got a text saying that Venus
was sign her new photo book for USTA Appreciation Day. I rushed to the
area bought the book (I was going to buybit anyway) and waited in
line. The mc states that she will be arriving shortly ... 45 minutes
later, she did. The went fast and this pic was snapped when I was
fourth in line. A couple mintues later ... we met.

More to come...

In The Heights

In The Heights
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

Just got back from seeing In The Heights and it was amazing. The music
and the dancing was superb.

At the US Open

At the US Open
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

Currently at Arthur Ashe stadium watching the Dinars Safina match.
Venus is up next and I think I will upgrade my seat to get closer to
the action.

I Have Arrived

I Have Arrived
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

Today has been a fun day. The flight went well, the hotel Bell Boy is
HOT (!!), got to hang out and have dinner with my buddy from UB, and
just got back from seeing Xanadu (which as excellent). Back at the
hotel and about to crash. Tomorrow I get to see Venus play!

Almost Ready To Go

I just got back from a birthday dinner at The Porch and I am going though my packing checklist for all the items I need. The weather may be iffy while I am there so I need to bring some cold/wet weather clothing. Everything is laid out and ready to be stuffed in the luggage I just bought. It's got wheels, y'all! I never owned proper luggage and I got a start 7-piece set from Target that's pretty sturdy. I have to start somewhere.

I am loading up my iPhone my stuff to keep my occupied during my flight.


I just got the new Solange album, which is surprising good, so ripping my copy of the CD that arrived (just in time) from Amazon.com. I also have some videos that I want to watch so they are being loaded as well.

Not sure if I am going to bring my laptop because I will be tempted to do work, and that's not a good thing. So I think I am going to leave it at home ... but how will I upload my pictures? Hmmm....

I will be blogging here and using Twitter while in NYC.

Still nervous about the flight, but I am heading east no matter what.

Looking For ... Friendship???

You know what I find funny? I find it funny when you go to online chat sites (such as Gay.com) and you see user's profiles with a picture of them in their underwear from the neck down, or a full on naked (frontal or rear) picture under the heading: looking for friendship.

Really?!?

I think these site should two option categories for these people. For example:

1. looking for friendship
2. looking for "friendship".

I think the quotes speak volumes to their intent and it helps make their point clear. Unless ... these people are actually looking make friends by appearing (half-)naked? Which begs the question:

What's her problem?

America's Next Vice President (ANVP)

It has been reported that Barack Obama will select his Vice-Presidential running mate this Saturday. The question is: who will he choose?

This could be a great reality show starring Barack Obama. Like Tyra, host of America' Next Top Model (ANTM), instead of handing out photos to the girls who make to the next round, Obama can hand out keys to White House. The person who doesn't get a key can be dismissed with this:

"It's time for change. I am sorry but you have been eliminated as my VP nominee. Please leave your key in the Oval office on your way out."

Can't you see it? You know Hillary would be the one screamed at by Obama, like Tyra did to Tiffany.

For me, he must choose Hilary Clinton has his running mate in order to be president. Choosing anyone else would make me nervous that the Democrats will not win this November. There are roughly 13% of undecided voters and the roughly half of those people are Hilary supporters. Why risk throwing away these potential votes? I don't think Hillary is out on the campaign trail for Obama if there wasn't a VP quid pro quo agreement. They are the two strongest Democrats running and it would be unwise for them not to run together.

John Edwards at one was being consider, but after he admitted and extramarital affair (and possibly fathered a child) he is no longer being considered. Bill Richardson (D-NM) could be considered, and would be interesting to see two non-white males on the same ticket, but it could make them less popular in the "red" states.

We'll see what happens on Saturday.

edited: He has chosen Joe Biden.


He is experienced but the maybe a bit out of touch with the computer geeks ... like myself. I am a bit concerned with this ticket. I just hope he doesn't have any skeletons in his closet.

NYC Trip: Broadway Shows

My trip is next week and I am increasingly becoming nervous/excited as my departure date draws nears. Other then the US Open, I am going to see a couple of shows on Broadway. I currently have tickets so see Xanadu and In The Heights, but I might see one more show but I am not sure. The group I am going with are going to see August: Osage County, but I won't be going with them because I plan on meeting with some some friends. I wouldn't mind seeing Wicked, Spring Awakening or South Pacific ... but I will see what my schedule allows.

I Won ... Nothing

Angry Puppy, one of my favorite vlogs from afterelton.com, mention me in the begin of their video. It is a vlog dedicated for a gay geeks. Enjoy!


I am sure my buddy Paul can appreciate the question I answered correctly. I trust his perspicacity wholeheartedly.

Movies: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

I really enjoyed this movie. To me, the movie is about "love" and how the character's perception of "love" are different, yet they are all looking for the same thing ... a connection with someone. The connection can be physical, mental or emotional -- it has the same effect. Just when you think you found what you are looking for, you realize that you may have made mistake ... but making that mistake helps you realize what you are actually looking for.

Fancy Meeting You Here: Michael Urie

I was out last night playing pool and after we finished we decided to do a lap before committing to a location. We found a spot and met up with some other people we know. I shifted my location, and who did I see ...


... Ugly Betty's Michael Urie. He was just standing around chatting with a few people while having a beer. He wasn't being approached by a lot of people but he seemed just to be relaxing. I saw him and I was like, "oh, there's that guy from Ugly Betty. You know ... what's his name?" I eventually had to look up his name on my iPhone to remember, but then I lost interest. He seemed nice, though.

Edited (8/21/08) - he is from Dallas, TX so that would explain why he would be in town.

NOOOOOOOOO ...

... OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOO!

more on this later today!

edit

source: AP Sports
I think I have recovered from the upsets of Venus Williams, Serena Williams, and Roger Federer in Olympic tennis quarterfinals. They all looked like they were playing so well up until they were defeated. I was really rooting for Venus to take home the gold in women's singles, but hopefully Venus and Serena can get it together and win the women's doubles gold medal.

I am really feeling bad for Federer because this hasn't been his year. When you are the best, it is only a matter of time before people start to figure you out and start pushing you. It all started with Janko Tipsarivic at the Australian Open, then Andy Roddick in Dubai, and most recently Gilles Simon at the Rogers Cup last month. My hopes for him at this year's US Open are really low. He needs to really set up his game if he wants to win this major.

It's a sad say for tennis. On the bright side, U.S. player James Blake beat Federer is now in the semi-finals. I guess it is nice to have an American player still in it consider the decline in American tennis.

Heading to NYC

It has been confirmed.

I will heading to NYC for the US Open the last week in August. I wasn't sure about going but I found a cheap ticket and a friend of mine had a free hotel room that I was invited to stay in ... so I would be stupid not to go. In order to thank him, I will buy him a couple of dinners while we are in the city.

While there, I will take in a Broadway show or two and, most importantly, to see a couple of friend who live in NYC who I haven't see in ages (you know who you are).

I am excited and a bit nervous, but in two weeks I will be back in my home state after three years. My mom will not be happy that I will be 6 hours away and won't be able to go back home to Syracuse. But I will be back for Thanksgiving in November, so hopefully she won't be too upset. I think I might make a trip to Poughkeepsie, NY since it is only an hour from the city to visit my best friend since I was 12 years-old. He and his wife had a baby last year and I haven't had a chance to she the baby yet. I may wait until Thanksgiving so I can have more time to hang out with them.

So I am getting ready for my trip and looking over the TSA's list of items you can bring on the plane. Man .. they are strict!

Movies: Boy A

Boy A is a UK film about a young man trying to rebuild his life after some terrible events in his youth. In secrecy, he had relocated and is now living under an assumed name in order to be given a second chance at life. This is pretty much all I can say about the film without giving too much away. It is limited release and you should see it if it is playing in your area. It's kind of a downer movie, but it well made and very interesting.

Tennis Tournament - Dallas, TX (8/8 - 8/10)

First Match - Main Draw

Won: 6-3, 6-4

I played well, but my serve has been erratic the past week or so. Luckily my forehand and backhand were more consistent and I was able to pull out the win.

Second Match - Main Draw

Won - Opponent withdrew due to injury

Third Match - Main Draw

Lost: 0-6, 4-6

I was not in this match mentally. The guy I played used the "server and volley" technique on every single point and I rarely play people who do this. I was unprepared. The first set I was just trying to figure out how to play him and I was annoyed that he took way too long in between points. The second set tried different tactics and I was able to stay in the game. I was serving at 4-5 and my serve let me down and I was broken.

I played well, but there is still room for improvement. My next tournaments won't be until September so I will be working on serve and taking a couple of tennis drills to help improve. My fitness has been great and I was not affect by the heat, which is good.

Things Said To Me: Hot Shy Guy Edition

INT. Location - Round-up - Night

While shooting pool with friends, HOT SHY GUY* wearing a black wifebeater came over and started chatting with my friend J. Everyone, including myself, was checking him out but he seemed interested in J. I asked J who the guy was and J answered HOT SHY GUY was just looking to challenged the table. The game ended and I was elected to play to keep our table. HOT SHY GUY seemed really timid, but nice. I won the first game and went over to shake his hand and he decided that he wanted to play another round. He complimented me on my shot-making, jokingly calling me the Tiger Woods of pool. I eventually won the match and went to him to chat a bit.

HOT SHY GUY
(after pulling me close to him for an embrace and a bit of chatting)
So does beating guys in pool get your d**k hard?

KILLERVIRGO
(trying to be funny and to do a bit of flirting)
No .. not really ... well, maybe a little.

HOT SHY GUY
Are you gay?

KILLERVIRGO
(answered hesitantly because it not a question I am asked often)
Yes.

HOT SHY GUY
(Seeming please with my answer)
Do you have a boyfriend?

KILLERVIRGO
(with some hesitation and an awkward pause ... for reasons unknown)
No, I don't.

HOT SHY GUY
Are you into white guys?

KILLERVIRGO
(taken aback a little because I thought he was Latino ... but it didn't matter)
I am into all people.

HOT SHY GUY
Cool. Let me get you number.

I gave him my number, but HOT SHY GUY didn't put it in his phone correctly so I had to give it to him again. He successfully call me and I saved his number on my iPhone. We talked for a bit more before he decided to venture out of the game area.

HOT SHY GUY
I will talk to you later, Black Beauty!

*This is who he sort of resembles:
taken from Season 1 Episode 3 of Queer As Folk.

My iPhone 3G: 5 Weeks Later ...

It has been 5 weeks since I got my iPhone, and I am really enjoying it. At first I couldn't get used to the touch typing, even-though I used it last year. But after a day or so I was typing with very quick with one finger, and now I am typing with two thumbs with few errors. I thought I would just briefly give my thoughts on some of the features new iPhone 3G.

Battery Life

I find that I have to recharge my phone every two or so. I don't do a lot of talking on my phone because I mostly communicate via text messaging and email. When I do talk for long periods of time the battery lasts for about 6 hours. Even-though the phone uses at&t's 3G network, I still keep my phone on Edge network because the 3G drains too much battery life. I use 3G only when I catch get a wireless signal or when I get less than 3 bars the Edge network.

MobileMe

MobileMe has been a disaster since day one. I have no idea what Apple was thinking when decided to launch this service without fully testing it. In theory, the whole idea is great; but in practice it failed to live up to it's claim. The claim that all your devices would be synced up with "push" technology so when, for example, an email is received all you computers and iPhone connected to MobileMe would get the new message instantly. Yeah ... that didn't happen. Apple later admitted that this was true, and gave users a free month of service. They are still working the kinks out of the system, and hopefully things will be working as advertised in a month or so.

App Store

The App Store is pretty good. There are some good things you can, but right now it is mostly bad. I bought Sega's Super Monkey Ball, and got a couple App for free like Twinkle. I added a Twitter site to my blog and Twinkle allows me to update where ever I am. Like MobileMe, it still has to work out some of the bugs.

Email & Internet

It is very convenient that I can check my email accounts without being in front of a computer and have use of a full keyboard. Since most of my communication takes place via email, it really helps me stay in touch. The full Internet browser makes is easy to search websites. All this comes in handy when you need something right away.

I am glad I got my phone and I ended up getting one for my buddy SuperBlu superboy for his birthday because I liked it so much. I think he cried when I told him about his gift ... but I can't confirm that ... nor will he probably admit to it.

I just recently decided to update my phone to make it stand out more:


I got this M.C. Escher skin from a Canadian store called Gelaskin.com. It was easy to apply and it is removable with any damage to the phone in case I want to change it. I like it for now but eventually I will change for someone else.

My Blog's 200,000th Visitor

I have reached another milestone on my blog by reaching 200,000 visitors. I am still amazing that people even find my blog. The search was for the following image:

click picture for blog post
Thanks to all of those who came here to check out my little piece of the Interwebs!

Yet Another To Avoid Greyhound Buses

TORONTO - Greyhound has scrapped an ad campaign that extolled the relaxing upside of bus travel after one of its passengers was accused of beheading and cannibalizing another traveler. Read more.

The most that has ever happened to me on a Greyhound bus is that some woman sneezed on me and I got the flu. I think I should consider myself lucky.

Paris HIlton '08

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

Going To The 2008 US Open?

i am contemplating whether or not i should go to the 2008 US Open. A group of my tennis mates are going and I was asked if I wanted to come along. I am tentative on going, mostly due to my fear of flying, but other than that I don't see why I shouldn't go.

Pros:
- Haven't been to NYC since 2001.
- It would be my first time at a Grand Slam tournament.
- I would be able see a couple of my friends who live in NYC.
- I would be able to see a Broadway show (Xanadu, In The Heights, Gypsy, Wicked, and/or Chicago).
- Get a chance to meet some of my favorite tennis players (Venus! Roger Federer!).
- I have vacation days I have to use or else I will lose them.

Cons:
- Flying.

Hmmmm ... I will decide at the end of the week because I need to buy my plane ticket.

The Last Mistress (Une Vieille Maîtresse)

I saw the trailer for The Last Mistress when I was at the Angelika to see Tell No One. The film was interesting, although a little bizarre. The film is about the love affair of two characters Ryno and Vellini over the course of ten years. Ryno is set to be married to Hermangarde, who is a virginal member of the French aristocracy, who is the complete opposite of Vellini. Ryno marries Hermangarde, but he continues his liaisons with Vellini. The end of film makes you ponder the question: who exactly is the last mistress?

Things Said To Me: Drunk Girl Edition

INT. Location - Round-Up - NIGHT

DRUNK GIRL is invading my personal space by stand so close to me that my right arm is fully submerged in her ample cleavage.


DRUNK GIRL
(while staring intently into my eyes)
I didn't get all dress up NOT to make-out with someone!

KILLERVIRGO
(dumbfounded and a little frightened by the statement)
.....


KILLERVIRGO slithers away from DRUNK GIRL to be rescued by his friends. Meanwhile, DRUNK GIRL is literally falling out of her high-heeled shoes while walking no more than three feet to the next unsuspecting gay man.

Hitting the Gym: 7 Weeks Later ...

I started going back to the gym the week of June 16th, 2008 in order to regain my fitness after being ill. I changed my diet and started to lift weights, which is something I've done in about 5 years. I didn't have a goal in mind when I started, but here are results 7 weeks later:

Started: 214 lbs (23.3% body fat = 49.862 lbs of fat)
Today: 205 lbs (17.1% body fat = 35.005 lbs of fat )

So I lost 14.807 lbs of fat. And by the numbers I gain 5.193 lbs of muscle.

Huzzah!

How did I do it? Well, I am no longer eating whole pies ... so that may have something to do with it. I haven't touched McDonald's/Burger King/etc... in 7 weeks, and when I do go out I would forgo the fatty foods. I love my burgers and I had one last Sunday at Twist Root Burger Co. and I had a (delicious)Greek Burger made with ground lamb at Ziziki's about a month ago. I also need my chocolate so I swipe a couple of piece of dark chocolate from our receptionist's desk at work. It keeps me sane. I eat all day, and never skip a meal. My typical day of meals:

8:30am - Oatmeal with raisin
11:00ish - Almonds or mixed nuts
12:30ish - Turkey sandwich or chicken salad with chips and fruit
3:00ish - Granola bar or nuts
4:00ish - Yogurt
5:15 - Gym
7:00ish - protein shake
8:30ish - Fish, turkey or chick with veggies, brown rice or pasta w/ pesto.
10:00ish - Fruit or some other snack

So I am eating a lot and drink a lot of water and very little soda or sugary drinks. When I am at work I think drink about 5-7 16oz. cups of water (which is about a gallon) and I drink about gallon more of water when I play tennis. I am only in the gym 3 times a week for about an hour. My workouts:

Monday - 30 minutes on treadmill (varying speeds), chest/biceps workouts
Wednesday - 30 min. on treadmill (varying speeds), legs/shoulders workouts
Thursday - 30 min. on treadmill (varying speeds), back/triceps workouts

That's about it. On the treadmill: I start with an 4.0 inclined walk at 3.0 mph, then run at 5.0 mph for 10 min, then up to 6.0 mph for another 10 min and during the last 3 minutes I up the speed to 6.5 or 7.0 for a sprint.

I really see the difference in my body. I am not ripped, and that's not my goal, but I am definitely leaner than when I started. I don't want to get too muscular or lose too much body fat because makes me look gaunt.. As Rich from FourFour shows that having body fat can be a good thing. The positives are that my arms are more defined, my legs are much stronger and my tuchus has never looked better (round, yielding yet firm. lol). I got some v-neck shirts from the Gap last week in a size Large, and they are a bit too big on me. I would never thought I would say those words because I have been in XL territory for so long.

I am going to increase the intensity of my workouts and do another update in 7 weeks. My goal for the end of the year is to be about 190-195 lbs and 10-13% body fat. This is a lofty goal, but I am committed to becoming healthier.