Random Top Ten Pictures

I've been a little busy with school as of late, and trying to find an hour or so to make a top ten list becomes more and more a difficult chore. But at last, some late night inspiration strikes and so here are the "Top Ten Late Night Photoshoot Pictures"!

10.

So that's what I look like when I don't shave for a month.

9.

Alright, so that's techincally a mullet I've got back there. You know what they say, "Business in the front, party in the back!"

8.

My roommate and I with our classic poses. I'm a little salt, he's a little pepper; I'm a little sugar, he's a little spice; I'm a little teapot, he's short and stout.

7.

He puts the 'uper' in "Action Super Stud!"

6.

"Crikey! It's a can of chili! Oh, she's a beaut, ain't she?"

5.

Tough stuff, with enough buff to fluff a puff.

4.

"Breaker, breaker. Calling in a 10-40: I need a good hug."

3.

I just discovered this new creation called fire.

2.

They don't call me Hobo Chris for nothing! I'm starting my own bottle collection.

1.

My roommate contemplating on whether he should go with the 1999 Syrah or the 1998 Pinot Noir. Both very good years.

I'll be back later with some actual top ten lists later....

Top Ten Nicknames

As I let my mind wander one day, I realized that I have amassed quite a few nicknames in my time, so I decided to add them to my top ten series. Mind you, trying to recall ten nicknames about yourself is quite difficult, but I managed to find some suitable ones to complement the definites found towards the top of the list. Leading off is....

10. Harpo
A nickname my mother referred to me by when I was a baby, because I had strawberry-blond curly hair that was reminiscent of Harpo Marx. Unfortunately, my hair straightened and changed color, and so the nickname died to make way for nickname #5. Nowadays, I think Patrick is more of a Harpo and I'm more of Groucho.

9. Christophe
This was less of a nickname than it was just a lack of complete information. All of the high school rosters had this as my name because it was too long to fit the last ‘r’ on it. Some teachers, such as Senor Krog, preferred to call me by this name, which I didn’t mind. It has a nice ring to it: Christophe Burzlaff.

8. Lycos
I spent a week or two in Washington DC during 11th grade to participate in a National Leadership forum. Though I tried to get the nickname ‘Canadian Chris’ going, I rather garnered this nickname from the ‘president’ of our mock national crisis. The fact that I knew how to acquire things and get things done quickly earned me the name of an internet search engine.

7. crisbcreme
My ever popular AIM screenname, which people have used to identify me both at my computer and away from my computer. I can’t tell you how many times people have walked up to me and refer to me by this name. And the truth of it all is I didn’t even come up with the name!

6. Charlie Brown/Chuck/CB
The strange coincidences between me and Charlie Brown have done more than just drawn comparison. The fact that I am an optimistic loser who played the optimistic loser in the musical “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” is the birthplace of this name. It doesn’t take people too long to realize that my name and his name have the same initials. Coincidence? I think not.

5. Spike
The first nickname I remember having, that was given to me by my grandfather. For those who may not know, from 2nd-12th grade, I had a flattop. Hence the creation of the name Spike, which was complemented by my brother’s nickname, Spook, of whose origin is still a mystery.

4. Tonic Farrell(aka CBuz/Spike LA/Taragon?)
On a random Cuatro de Mayo spent in Pasedena with Rachel, amongst our various mischievous acts we stumbled upon some book that told us how to come up with several names for ourselves. The book had four types of names (rock star, actor, etc…) and we each chose our favorites of the four to be referred by. I chose Tonic, she chose Basil and ever since, when we’ve gone on a random excursion we dub it as another “Basil & Tonic Adventure”.

3. Captain Wacky
A self-ascribed moniker I stole from a Simpson’s episode for an English assignment signup, that just seemed to stick. Not only did this nickname catch on with several people, I assigned other people similar officer nicknames such as ‘General Lee Bananas’ and ‘Lieutenant Loony’. What’s really odd is that despite making this nickname up on a larf 5 years ago, people still refer to me by it today.

2. Christobahn
This has been Amanda’s nickname for me for awhile now. Its origin arises from a combination of inserting Amanda’s friend, Siobhan’s, name into Ricky Martin’s “Shake Your Bon-Bon”. She just replaced Siobhan’s name (which doesn’t even rhyme with bon-bon) with Christobahn, and it just stuck. She’s the only one who calls me by this name and will do it nonchalantly in front of anyone present, regardless if they know why or not.

1. Christe
Probably the nickname I’ve been referred by the most, and its popularity still spreads. This name started my freshman year of college in choir because we were singing Verdi’s Requiem and continuously were singing “Christe Eleison.” It didn’t take long for my choir friends to draw a comparison between Christe and Chris and it took off from there. Not only do they still call me by this name, but they refer to me by it when talking to their friends about me and they introduce me to people by it. I was introduced to my friend Jen’s parents as Christe, which they called me by for the rest of the night. Most of these people won’t recognize me as Chris but as soon as I say Christe, they know exactly who I am. And so I am the infamous Christe.

Top Ten Simpson's Episodes

The past couple of times I tried to post, I lost everything midway through, and when you lose a long top ten list, you probably don’t want to spend any more time trying to make it up. So I’m taking extra precaution today to bring you the “Top Ten Simpson’s Episodes Ever!” Just sit back, relax and enjoy the magic.

10. Boy Scouts N the Hood
Many classic scenes and memorable lines in this episode, such as Bart & Milhouse on a Squishee bender, Homer and Flanders out to sea, and the guest appearance of Ernest Borgnine (which is more enjoyable if you’ve seen “From Here To Eternity”)
Memorable Line: “Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It’s what separates us from the animals… except the weasel.” – Homer’s advice.

9. Homer the Vigilante
The ineptness of the residents of Springfield shows as they are all had by an elderly cat burglar. For some reason Homer is elected the leader of a mob squad and chaotic hilarity ensues, ending in a wonderful “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” parody (music, visuals and all).
Memorable Line: “Whatsa matter with you kid! You told me this stream was shallow! Why you… (grumble, grumble)” – Phil Silvers type character drowning.

8. I Love Lisa
The greatest episode to feature beloved Ralph, in which he transforms from a mild mannered boy to the greatest actor ever all because of Lisa. Delightful episode with as much sincerity as humor (and with a great song about the mediocre Presidents).
Memorable Line: “Six simple words: I’m not gay, but I’ll learn” – Homer’s advice to Lisa.

7. Flaming Moe’s
This Cheer’s-esque parody in which Homer accidentally creates the greatest alcoholic beverage ever made, which Moe steals as his own. Arrowsmith makes an appearance as well as Hugh Jass to make this a memorable favorite.
Memorable Line: “Oh look at me! I’m making people happy! I’m the magical man from Happyland in a gumdrop house on Lollipop Laaane!” – Homer

6. Deep Space Homer
There’s nothing like sending the Simpson’s to space via spoofs on “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “The Right Stuff”. There are so many good elements to this episode: Blue Danube Waltz, Modern Major General, James Taylor, inanimate carbon rods, conquering ants, etc.
Memorable Line: “The only danger is if they send us to that terrible Planet of the Apes…. Wait a minute, Statue of Liberty–that was our planet! You maniacs! You blew it up! Damn you! Damn you all to hell!” - Homer at NASA.

5. Last Exit to Springfield
Rated by some people as the best episode out there, it comes in as number five. This episode contains several parodies to the Godfather movies, references to “Batman”, Dr. Seuss’s Grinch, and “Yellow Submarine”, just to name a few. There are so many great lines that really require you to see the episode.
Memorable Line: “Lisa needs braces. Dental Plan! Lisa needs braces. Dental Plan! Lisa needs braces. Dental Plan! Lisa needs braces. Dental Plan! ….etc. –Homer’s head.

4. Lisa the Vegetarian
An awesome episode where Lisa believes it’s wrong to partake of the heavy meat-driven society we live in. At the same time Homer throws the biggest BBQ ever and the conflicting interests lead to a flying pig (among other things). It truly has the best Troy Maclure appearance ever.
Memorable Line: “Ms. Hoover? My worm went in my mouth and then I ate it, can I have a new one?” – Ralph in class.

3. Duffless
Homer gives up drinking for a month while Bart and Lisa compete in the Science Fair. My favorite part of the episode is the “A Clockwork Orange” spoof with Bart and the cupcakes. The “Very Good Beer” song and the “Butch Cassidy…” ending were delightful too. All in all, very complete and very funny.
Memorable Line: “Every good scientist is half B.F. Skinner and half P.T. Barnum” – Principle Skinner.

2. Rosebud
Mr. Burns has a birthday and all he wants is his childhood teddy-bear, Bobo. This is a complete rip-off of “Citizen Kane”, even from the first shot, and because they pull if off wonderfully, it ranks high in my book. Watch “Citizen Kane” then watch this episode and let it all set in.
Memorable Line: “Mmmm…. 64 slices of American cheese. 64… 63…” - Homer

1. Cape Feare
The absolute greatest ever made. Not only is it an excellent and complete parody of “Cape Fear” (Scorcesse’s remake version), but it contains so many elements that I love every time I watch it. Homer wanting to be John Elway, Homer as ‘Homer Thompson’, and Sideshow Bob with the rakes are just a few things that make this episode wonderful. Plus it ends with a montage of songs from the “H.M.S. Pinafore” that cinches the episode. These elements all combined into one episode gives birth to the greatest Simpson’s show ever created! (or so says I)
Memorable Line: “Now when I say ‘Hello Mr. Thompson’ and press down on your foot, you smile and nod.” “No problem.” “Hello Mr. Thompson!” “I think he’s talking to you.” - Witness Relocation guy and Homer.

Top Tens

I'm back from a rather enjoyable weekend at the coast where I spent my time on the beach, going wine tasting, and spending quality time with the family. Now I'd like to change it up a bit and throw on some top ten lists I made up at work over the summer. The whole idea behind this is to reveal some lesser known facts about myself, share some likes and dislikes, and allow people to get to know me a little bit better. Besides, it kills time.

So to kick off the top ten lists I have my "10 Most Danceable Swing Songs". Since I'm a big swing dancer, I decided to compile a list of the top songs I wouldn't pass up to dance during. The resulting list are those songs I love to dance to:

10. Indigo Swing - Regular Joe
One of the few Indigo Swing song that hasn't driven me crazy over the years. Probably what makes this song more enjoyable has been seeing it performed live by the Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra, and when they do anything it's gold!

9. Queen - Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Who would have thought that swing dancing to Queen would work so well? Not only is it a good song, but it's got the perfect groove to dance to with several well-timed stops for those well-placed hits.

8. The Stray Cats - Stray Cat Strut
Good song for all us stray cats to strut our stuff to. So many of my friends like this song which makes it very easy to get out on the dance floor and dance to it.

7. Glenn Miller - I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo
Not only is it a song about Kalamazoo, which for the record is an awesome name for a town, but they go as far as to spell it out during the song, twice. There's just nothing like a little geography and spelling lesson while dancing.

6. Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
Do you remember when we used to sing sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-ti-da? This is just another fun song out there that most people wouldn't associate with swing dancing, but is such a fun song to dance to. As long as they keep on doubting, we'll keep on proving them wrong.

5. Frank Sinatra - Fly My to the Moon
The best of the Frank songs to dance to. The fact that it is a Frank Sinatra song places it in the upper tier and because it's very danceable, it earns a top 10 ranking. It's difficult to explain why it's so great to dance to, but believe me when I say it is.

4. The Monkees - I'm a Believer
I had a really good dance to this song just last week, which probably helped its stock, but it's one of those overall fun songs to dance to. Plus it's got lots of stops to perfectly time that quick-stop to.

3. Louis Jordan - Is You Is Or Is You Ain't (My Baby?)
This is Natalie's and my song, which elevates it to number three. We've been dancing to it since the beginning, and we'll keep dancing to it til the end.

2. Bobby Darin - Beyond the Sea
This is a close second but in reality it's really 1b. No matter how many times I hear this song, or whatever version it is, I still love to get out and dance to it. Don't know what it is about this song, but I just love it!

1. Van Morrison - Moondance
The best of the best, this song is four and a half minutes of bliss. Those who know me won't be surprised by this pick. It's got a nice groove, a great jazzy feel, with good syncopation, which allows for more style points. I love everything about this song, from the music, to the lyrics, to the vocals. Just wonderful! Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?

That's all for today's list, check in tomorrow for another list.

Pre-Labor Day Post

For it being only the second week of school, I've been rather busy with school work. Granted I procrastinated on most of my assignments so I had to catch-up on them, but I've been trying to enjoy myself when I can. Sunday my brother came down and we went and saw Garden State, which was definately a great movie about that early adult angst. Good visuals, good music, good story, good actors/acting, just a very good movie. Definately go see it if you have the chance. I might have to get my hands on the soundtrack as well as the Shins CD's.

Wednesday night I went out with my roommate to meet up with one of his friends at a jazz club which was very awesome. The jazz was outside in a small patio that could hold probably 30 people or so, with most of the people there being jazz regulars (believe me, we could tell). The jazz was amazing, even when they forgot how to play "April in Paris" they just kind of made it up. We had a bottle of wine, a giant cookie desert thingy, and listened to jazz until about 1:30, when the soothing effects of all these elements took effect.

And of course I just got back from a late night of swing dancing. I gotta enjoy it when I can, before I bend over and get kicked in the ass by my semester. It was a very fun night though, especially when they played "I'm a Believer" (Monkees version) and "Somewhere Beyond the Sea" back-to-back. I realized that I really get into and enjoy dancing even more when I'm dancing to songs I really love. They were by far the best dances of the night for me and so much fun.

Tomorrow/Today I get to wake up early, go to class then leave for Bakersfield to meet with someone for my Senior Design Project, then head to the beach. In honor of Labor Day, I will be in Cambria with my family (those who are still around) for the weekend. I'm looking forward to some relaxation before classes kick it into high gear.

I'm going to head to bed, but I have finished compiling top 10 lists and am planning to release them after Labor Day, to officially kick-off the semester. Also, I probably have other posts I should write, including what my younger brother is up to (Mr. Norse Guy). So until next week, have a Happy Labor Day everybody!