Joshua B

Two great things, snow and pinball

Joshua B — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:14:59 +0000

Over the weekend, most of New England got hammered with snow. My town probably received 15 - 18 inches. I spent most of the weekend inside. I had my camera & tripod set up looking out my livingroom window onto my deck, and every so often, I’d stop by and see if any interesting bird activity was going on. Here’s one of the many juncos that have been around.

Early last week, I took my girlfriend out for her birthday. Our first stop was Monster Golf. Much to my amazement, they had a new Simpsons Pinball Party machine and it was working perfectly. This is one of the best of the modern machines.

A photo opportunity with Louden Noxious

Joshua B — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:59:54 +0000

From Saturday night at the Chikara show in Framingham, this is the ring announcer, Louden Noxious. I was like, “Oh so we’re doing a serious pose? Ok.”

Joshua B — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:03:00 +0000

Last night, I watched the Forgetting Sarah Marshall DVD. Very funny, off-beat, and warm. My best friend George Wong has been raving about it so we actually spoke to each other frequently while I was watching it.

As you can see, I haven’t updated since September. And I’ll tell you why. I’ve been focused on transitioning into a new job and a new career. As of three weeks ago, I’m working for an e-commerce site, doing creative projects like writing, interviewing people, and producing videos. My new job is much closer to my place. In fact, I save 35 minutes each way of my commute. After the initial stress of the first week, and as my role is slowly but surely becoming more defined, things have gotten a lot better as I’ve settled in. I work with nice, smart people and we have great communication.

I hope that this blog post is a sign that I’m going to be able to resume some of my hobbies. I’m looking forward to getting behind the mic at the Golden Touch studio and recording another episode of Reggae Rhythm Update. Maybe early next week.

Tonight, I’m going to see Chikara in Framingham. I’ve decided not to show up early and stand in line for an hour to get a front row seat. I’ll show up just before bell time and sit wherever. I can always stand if I can’t see something in the ring. Maybe I’ll try to catch up with Chikara’s Director of Fun, Leonard Chikarason and remind him that I’m the one who asked him to facilitate an interview with Amasis. And maybe, he can introduce me to Amasis so I can ask him myself. The camera and flash batteries are charging, so maybe later this weekend, I’ll post a photo.

Opening night of the Bolton Fair

Joshua B — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:06:14 +0000

Freak Out Strobe, originally uploaded by Joshua B.

With some exciting weather coming in this weekend, I decided to go to the Bolton Fair’s opening night and take some photos. I might not get another chance. Here’s one with Freak Out’s strobes turned on.

A day at Nantasket beach, and a surfing lesson

Joshua B — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:45:56 +0000

Yesterday, Misha and I took advantage of 80 degree weather and drove down to Nantasket Beach in Hull. When we arrived and I saw the waves, I called up my high school friend Chris and surprisingly, he was already thinking of coming down. He didn’t end up arriving until a couple hours later. I took advantage of the waves and got in a lot of bodysurfing and Misha got on the boogie board. We also played the ball and paddle game and threw the frisbee.

When Chris arrived, he and I went out and I got to see him surf live for the first time. He’s good! Very solid and stable on his board. I did my bodysurfing thing while he surfed. Then I asked him if I could try his board. To my surprise, he gave me a full lesson and I even managed to get up a couple times after the small waves had broken and I had time to get my balance. Surfing is harder than I would have thought, and the board is much harder than a cushy boogie board or just the water around me when I’m bodysurfing.

Misha and I ended up staying at the beach past six. We finished up the day wish soft serve ice cream cones. I got a crunch coat on mine and she got a chocolate shell on hers.

After I drove Misha home, I called up my great friend since second grade, George, who lives in California. We talked about surfing vs boogie boarding or bodysurfing and we both agree, we like the feel of the water all around us when we’re riding a wave. I’m going to stick with bodysurfing and boogie boarding because I love them and I’m good at them.

Too bad it’s Monday now. :-/

Closing out the summer with two evenings at Good Harbor

Joshua B — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:28:05 +0000

As you probably know, Labor Day weekend just happened. People with kids generally consider this their final weekend of the summer. I’m not on that kind of schedule so to me it was just a weekend with amazing weather–perfect for the beach. As you also might know, I like to roll into Good Harbor in Gloucester after 5 to take advantage of free parking and to avoid the sun’s most damaging mid-day rays.

On Sunday, Misha and I got to Stoneham early to play a round of mini golf at Hago Harrington’s. It was a family favorite spot when we lived in Reading, and I probably first played there when I was 10. I love going back and enjoying the same holes all over again. We timed it perfectly so that we rolled by Good Harbor’s parking fee booth just before five, and just as the old-timers were packing things up for the day. The waves were small to medium sized, and Misha and I did some boogie boarding. I also bodysurfed and skimboarded. We talked to John, Amy, and their dog Smokey. Then we played some frisbee and a guy our age asked to join us. He was a great thrower and catcher. Then a little boy (turns out he was 11) joined us. When we were leaving, I talked to his parents for a little while. They were really glad he and his little female friend had a chance to play with us, and they asked if we’d be there the next day. I told them Misha wouldn’t, but I just might come solo. We ended the evening with a stop at the Salem Willows Arcade and some pinball playing and a pizza at Papa Gino’s. What a depressing restaurant.

Yesterday, I did the solo beach trip and it turned out to be a great move. I stayed in the water most of the time, as the waves were a bit better. It was actually less crowded. Surprising to me, since it was Labor Day. I guess the after 5 beach evening isn’t as popular with families since the dads work the next day. I also did plenty of skimboarding and my leg and foot muscles are feeling it today. The 11 year old boy, Lucas, and his friend were there again, and we did indeed throw the frisbee. I let them use it while I enjoyed the water as much as possible. The water temperature was mild and I wanted to play in the waves since it wasn’t the end of my summer, but it’s still traditionally the end and I might not have many more great weather days to enjoy the beach. I left at 7:45 and had a nice drive home, listening to Leo Leporte’s The Tech Guy podcasts.

Barack Obama and I have the same technique

Joshua B — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:12:53 +0000

Good Harbor Beach on Sunday

Joshua B — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:23:09 +0000

On Sunday, I was feeling a little lonely and bored, so at 4 PM, I made a last-minute decision to go to the beach on my own. I took the 495 to the Mass Pike to 128. When I reached 128, it started to rain, and rained all the way up until I got past Beverly. Then the rain stopped. I rolled into the Good Harbor lot at about 5:30. Of course it was after 5 so I didn’t have to pay the $25 parking fee. There were ominous clouds behind the beach but still no rain. I walked in with all my stuff (blanket, skimboard, boogie board) and then I noticed my beach friends John, Amy, and their dog Smokey setting down their stuff. I run into these folks a lot. We both follow the wise pattern of visiting Good Harbor after 5. So it was good to be able to talk to them, play with Smokey and Smokey’s friend (a black Lab), and bodysurf with John. The water temperature was great. I didn’t even think about it, it was that good. The waves were choppy because of wind, but there were some great waves to ride. After all my skimboarding, body surfing and boogie boarding, we ended up back at the blankets and enjoyed some good conversation. I was really happy they were there, otherwise I might have continued to be lonely that night. My main goal was to get to a beautiful location and get in some good exercise. That was achieved and the companionship was a bonus. Those ominous clouds stuck around all night but never directly over the beach so we never got rain. After 8, the wind died down and the flies came out, so we made an exit. There was lightning in the distance and I got to enjoy it in front of me on my drive home.

Here’s a blurry cell phone pic.

Terry Kitchen at the Harvest Cafe

Joshua B — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:49:38 +0000

After the Hot Air Balloon Festival, I walked down to the Harvest Cafe and saw my friend Terry Kitchen perform. Alongside him was his vocalist, Dede. After their set, I enjoyed a performance from Chris Elliott and Lisa Austin.

Hot Air Balloon Festival in town

Joshua B — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:36:56 +0000

Yes, in town and right over my parking lot! It’s amazing how quiet these balloons are. I could hear the men in the basket talking.