For the longest time, my favorite book has been Michael Chabon's "Mysteries of Pittsburgh". I really get swept up in the whole "last summer before you have to grown up" storyline and I enjoy the characters that Chabon creates within the books chapters. It was safe to say that I was very excited when I heard they were going to adapt the novel into a movie. Sunday night I finally saw the movie. Where excitement once rested, has now been replaced by disappointment.

After reading the preliminary movie reviews, my expectations were low. But I did not expect the movie to be as bad as what I saw on screen. I mean there was a great story and some quality actors to work with.

Overall the movie was more of a comedy that you watch on cinemax at 2 a.m.

Don't get me wrong the movie did have some bright spots. There was some great original music and the Director really got some great shots of Pittsburgh. There was also a nice scene reminiscent of the Garden State pool scene and the ending was pretty true to form.

I have never walked out of a movie, but throughout the mysteries i fought the urge to leave numerous times. I feel that I have to reread the novel asap to get the bad taste out of my mouth. I do not know if this is good or bad news but the movie now has a distributor and will be showing on movie screens across the States soon.

If there is a god, he is laughing at us
JK

Before the Penn State game yesterday I went to McBroom's to pick up some beer for the game, and its a good thing that I did. While looking through their selection I saw Harpoon's 'Wintry Mix' variety which contained one of my favorite beer's. Winter Warmer is here!!! I am a firm believer that it isn't the holiday season until Harpoon releases their winter beer. So now the holiday season can begin.

Currently McBrooms only had Winter Warmer in the variety pack but hopefully that will change the next time I need beer. On a side note, the variety pack also has a limited edition chocolate stout, which tastes like a melted chocolate bar...



Just a few honest words is all I need
JK

You know its election season because all the crazies are coming out and making outrageous comments. Here is an example, Dennis Prager, a right-wing radio host speaking before an audience of 3,oo0 in Minneapolis said this "Equality, which is the primary value of the left, is a European value, not an American value".

I do not know what Mr. Prager was thinking because it clearly states in the Constitution, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. I do not know what bothers me more, the fact that Mr. Prager said what he did or the applause he got from the crowd. You can check out a post on you tube below and let me know what you think



On a lighter note, I scheduled my classes for the spring. I will be taking two classes (Algebra and Intro to Information Systems and Science) and will be in class Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. The times will be varying and I am looking forward to the challenge.

Yes We Can!
JK

Here is a picture of some Jack-o-Lanterns that Lynn and I carved. Mine is on the left and Lynns is on the right

JK

I just wanted to comment on the sheer stupidity of the human race. A story broke this morning detailing a McCain supporter who was apparently mugged while at an ATM. The mugger supposedly beat her unconscious and then carved a B on her face. When brought in for more question, the McCain campaign volunteer confessed that she made everything up and inflicted the wounds herself.

This just baffles me! What was this person trying to prove, that if Barack Obama was elected, everyone would have to have a B etched into her face? When I read about stuff of this nature, it saddens me that people do not have the mental aptitude to make proper decisions.

everybody’s sick for something that they can find fascinating
JK

Jesse Dylan created this video on Creative Commons



JK

There are many reasons why I love the fall. Here is one of them...PUMPKINS!!



JK

Its October and we have been living in Pittsburgh for a little over 7 months. In that time I have become a full time employee with the University of Pittsburgh and Lynn found a job working for Dicks Sporting Goods at their corporate head quarters. All in all everything has worked out well for us. We have been working on paying off our bills and spending what money we have left over on fun stuff for our apt. We also have met some really great people and found a bunch of awesome places to eat.

This coming January, I will be going back to school to complete some courses in hopes to earn another Masters degree. I am looking forward for the opportunity of attending the University of Pitt and furthering my education but I am also a little nervous about working and taking classes at the same time. I feel that my wii time will take a significant hit.

I am starting to realize how much I took for granted having my family and friends so close. It has definitely been an adjustment not seeing them as often. It will be nice when Lynn and I head back to Eastern PA in a few weeks.

They say everything can be replaced, yet every distance is not near.
JK

One of the biggest topics of conversation around the city has been the recently administered Drink Tax. Allegheny County has instituted to the chagrin of its residents a 10% tax on all alcoholic beverages sold in bars and restaurants. Pittsburgh bars are up in arms because the tax throws off all their daily drink specials. The taxes purpose is to help pay some of the county's overdue public transportation bills. What it really has done is anger the cities people and proves to be a topic of interest in future election. Personally, it has not been too much of an inconvenience to myself, mainly because I do not spend as much time in bars as I use to. It just shows something else that I have to get use to in my life.

In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.
JK

I am definitely not the same person that I was a few years ago. The most recent example of this was a recent gift from my parents. For Easter, my parents gave Lynn and I a gift card to Pier 1. The old Jason would have scoffed at such a gesture, but the new and improved Jason was absolutely ecstatic.

With our gift card Lynn and I were able to purchase:

1. Wine Rack
2. Serving Bowl
3. Serving Platter Dish
4. Coffee Creamer/Sugar set
5. Canister set for flour and sugar

Oh well, I guess I'm something of a ne'er-do-well-who fell asleep at the pealing of the steeple bell
JK

I am starting to think the grocery store is my favorite place in the whole wide world. On average Lynn and I spend about an hour per visit and usually are there at least twice a week. We usually go at it with a list or on the more daring moods do it on the fly. In Pittsburgh, we are conveniently situated right smack dab in the middle of numerous stores including Giant Eagle, Trader Joes, Whole Foods and many more.

I am starting to notice somethings about the shopping in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh citizens like to stock on their would-be essentials. I am learning that essentials for Pittsburghers are bananas, cereal, bread and eggs. It is not out of the ordinary for people to leave the store with three or four of each of those items.

Another thing that I have noticed about food shopping in Pittsburgh is that the name of one of the supermarket chains is called Giant Eagle. A city that is dominated by sports, most importantly football would have a store name after two of their tri-state rivals the giants and the eagles. These are just two of the things that I have noticed in my short sting in the city.

www.lynnreichard.com
JK

Hey everyone!! Here are some pictures of Lynn and I in Pittsburgh. Enjoy

PICTURES

Go DUKE!!
JK

Well I have started my new job and I have a few days under my belt. I really like what I will be doing and I also really like the people that I am working with. So far I have not been working on too much besides getting acquainted with the new surroundings and completing compliance modules. Tomorrow I will be getting my feet wet in the companies many servers.

I have compiled a short list of three areas that my new job is far better than my last: 1) I have a increasingly better computer with administrator status. 2) Today I mentioned that I did not have macromedia flash on my computer and instead of being told to find an alternative or download a trial, my supervisor Tim reached into his desk and gave me a copy of the program. 3) Last but not least I have been my very own office. This office is just temporary until the department increases its office space. Those are just three of the perks.

With any new job comes new responsibilities. I spent this evening enrolling in my benefits. I had to pick my health, dental and vision plans. I also had to choose my primary dental and health physicians. After that I picked my life insurance plans and then I had to name my beneficiaries. It was just two weeks ago when I had no insurance at all and now I have the best insurance the University of Pittsburgh can offer. This brings a smile to my face because I am much needing some check ups.

I got it all here in my head, there's nothing more needs to be said
JK

Well since the last time I blogged a lot has happened. I will be started my new job tomorrow at 830 in the morning. I have to report to Craig Hall for Orientation and then on Tuesday I need to report to my office for my official first day. The last two weeks off from work have been very nice, but I am definitely ready to start my new job and to make some money.

Money has become increasingly tight lately. This is because both Lynn and I failed to receive our last pay checks. I have heard most people say "well thats just bad timing" and my answer to that is, yes it was. My old company and Lynn's current did not pay us for work we did. The timing could not have been worse. There is not much we can do about it now, except wait until Monday and call so we can get to the bottom of it.

Friday night, we had our first date night in Pittsburgh. We started by going to Mr. Smalls (amongst many things, it is a concert venue) to purchase tickets to see Grace Potter and the Nocturnals with the Duo tonight. It becomes quite obvious whose idea this was. Afterwards we traveled to a Ethiopian restaurant called Abay. I definitely recommend Ethiopian cuisine, it was a very delicious and modestly priced meal. After that we wanted to go up the incline and get some pictures of the city, but since it was raining we had to settle for our second choice....the Warhol Museum!!! I was not upset about that. I like a lot of Andy Warhol's art and from walking through the museum I got to see a lot more. It also gave Lynn the chance to shine and wow me with her knowledge of art. All and all it was a fantastic evening and we hope for many more.

All I have left to look forward to is some Sunday afternoon cleaning, the concert tonight and my first day of work tomorrow. I will be trying to post pictures sometime this week. So check back often and maybe you can see some of them

You give me something to remember, each time you look into my eyes
JK

Hello everyone! This is sure to be a long blog since it is my first since moving to Pittsburgh and there is a lot to mention. First off, the move went very well. We had some traffic and some periodic snow, but nothing that derailed us from getting to our destination. We also have a fantastic crew of helpers that made unpacking much more pleasant than normal.

The main reason that I have not blogged until now, has been because of how busy Lynn and I have been. We have spent a majority of our time either, unpacking, shopping (bought a new couch, its arriving this Wednesday), assembling stuff ( I am never putting a desk together again!!) and last but not least getting acquainted with our new home. As you can see, there hasnt been much free time and also we did not have internet until Wednesday.

Since we have been hear, we have not done too much exploring outside of the grocery store and malls. We have visited some of my friends out here and hope to visit Lynn's friend Kasi this week. We did find time to catch the Bodies exhibit at the carnegie science center. The exhibit was extremely fascinating and I recommend it for anyone who isn't faint-of-heart.

On the downside, I was suppose to start my new job tomorrow morning, but because of unforeseen problems and bad timing, I wont be starting until hopefully next week but at the latest the following week. This is good news and bad news. It is good because now I can have some extra time to get myself more organized and I can take some time to refresh myself with some css and databasing.

I can only speak for myself, but I am very excited and please with the recent move to Pittsburgh. There have been many times where I felt that nothing will ever go right but after all is said and done it has been totally worth it.

Tired of tired of running town to town, tired of my heart turned upside down, now my lifes a smile not a frown
JK

After what seems like the longest week ever, everything is starting to finally fall into place. Lynn and I are just about completely packed and our list of things to do is getting shorter by the moments. Like the rest of the week tonight will be an early night because the train is getting ready to leave at 7am. Tomorrow at this time we should be on our way to Pittsburgh.

Come with me my love to the sea, the sea of love
JK

Well now that we are moving, the fun starts and by fun I mean packing and the actually move. I wish I could invent a time machine so I could fast forward to my first day with UPMC. The good thing is that we have a lot of distractions over the next couple weeks before the move. These distractions will be a nice break from all the work that we have been doing.

Our first distraction is tomorrow night, a couples massage package at Venus in Bloomsburg. Then Friday, the room mates are all going to see Jim Gaffigan in Wilkes-Barre. We also have a bon voyage party on Saturday. With so little time until we move and so much to do, its going to be interesting to see what I forget.

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be!
JK

It seems like I have told everyone except the blogging world, but it is official, I am moving to Pittsburgh. I got a new and better job and will be starting March 10th. I am very exciting about this new opportunity and I am very excited about moving to a new city. Lynn and I found a nice 2 bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh and are looking forward to moving in and getting situated. If anyone is ever in the greater Pittsburgh area, dont be afraid to look me up.

'Site unseen shot through with meaning
You ran to the door
I fell to the ground
You had a view and the ballroom was down there'
JK

Quick update: I am quite ill and I have not been at work for a few days because of my illness. Good news is that I am getting better.

With that said I just watched the documentary "Sicko", and I recommend everyone watching this film. It chronicles how absurd American health care is and takes a look at how many countries have free National health care. It really brings to light how our insurance companies are more interested with increasing their profit margin than actually helping someone.

I cant say I know a whole lot about the issues surrounding health care, but the movie does raise one valid question. Why, like many other countries such as England, Canada, France and even Cuba, can we not have free health care?

That deaf, dumb and blind kid sure plays a mean pinball.
JK

Since it is a new year, I have decided to incorporate a new look to my blog. I think the previous one was getting a little old. I hope everyone enjoys it.

If anyone is interested I have a second interview with the University of Pittsburgh in the coming weeks. So keep your fingers crossed!

When the power runs out, we will just hum
JK

For Christmas, Lynn got me a sushi making kit. I know what your thinking, what a great gift. I love sushi and I am beginning to burgeon my culinary skills. Tonight was the night that we finally christened the set. Making sushi is a whole lot of fun.

We decided to keep it simple with our ingredients, so we did not use any fish, except imitation crab meat. Along with the crab meat, we used avocado, shredded carrots and tofu. We experimented with different combinations of all these ingredients.

At first I thought the hardest part would be the rolling of seaweed (nori). This actually proved to be quite simple, except that the packaged nori that came with the kit was pretty dried and cracked. No need to fear we just made smaller rolls. The hardest part actually was the preparing of the rice. It was very time consuming and require a lot of attention. Overall the preparation took well over 2 hours. All in all it was a blast and I cant wait to try more ingredients and actually use real fish.

Here are some pictures of the escapades, sushi pictures.

Ketchup is for winners, Ted!!
JK

As most of you are aware it is no longer 2007. With the birth of the new year I want to reassess what I am doing, in a way of speaking. The point of this post is for me to set realistic 2007 goals and then at the end of the year I can see what I accomplishing.

One of my biggest concerns about myself, is an inability to accomplish life-changing goals. For the past few months I have been reading a personal development blog and it outlined ways to help make change in your life. Two of ways it mentioned were to write your goals down and to also make them realistic. So here goes!!

In the early part of 2007, I saw my habit for blogging hit an all time high, but after about 6 months of consistent blogging I dwindled down to the occasional post. Numerous excuses come to mind such as, apathy, lethargy, changes in my social life, lack of a consistent internet connection and employment. I would like to try and find a happy medium this year. I hope to try and blog at least once or twice a week. It is easy to just give up on writing, but I really enjoy rambling on about anything. Personally, it is a great medium for me to be creative.

Meaningful employment has been increasingly difficult to obtain. Yes, I am currently employed but I am a deep end job, where I do not feel like I am getting any better at my profession. I also have no benefits or health insurance. I think the biggest goal that I can accomplish this year would be to get myself a better job. I am not looking for my dream job. I am just looking for something that can provide me stability to settle down, save some money and not worry about getting sick. I still plan on moving to Pittsburgh, hopefully as soon as we have money or one of us has a job.

I also want to start going to a gym, and stick with it. I think every year I say this and for a short time I actually go to the gym. I do not want to lose much weight. I am actually quite satisfied with the way I look. I mostly want to hit the gym just to tone my body and to use up all the extra energy I have at the end of the day.

Lastly, I want to adopt some new hobbies. Since I have been dating Lynn, I have been cooking and baking more than I would have imagined and I really am developing a passion for the culinary arts. I also am starting to share in some of Lynn's craftiness, and I think I want to expound on that. I bought her some looms for Christmas and I have a feeling I will be using them more than her. If anyone has any hobbies I should look into, let me know

Both at a loss for words to say, who knew we'd never be younger than today?
JK