Scan it up, scanny

Went to get the PET scan the other day and the insurance turned it down. D'oh. Wasn't super stoked to hear that, but I'm getting a CT scan in the AM instead now. Guess the insurance people thought the PET was excessive. Oh, well, guess the oncologists did, too, in the end- as they seemed fine with the CT scan. I'll interpret that as good news.

Get to find out the results Thursday. Will keep you posted. Here's to good news always.

Funniest Monk-e mail

I know I've posted about GA football a lot lately, but just one more: this is the funniest monk-email I've seen yet. Sounds like some clip from a radio show that allows cursing. Real funny stuff.

1 yr ago

To comment on Mere's post below: last night was our 3rd anniversary. While 3 years has flown by, the passing of the last year is what we were really celebrating last night. One year ago, last night, I was in the ER getting a CT scan in a whole lot of pain. To me, that was the beginning of the life long battle with cancer that I have been forced to enlist in. That was when they realized something was obstructing my intestines. Being the naive boy that I am, when they said they didn't think it was cancer, or even anything that serious, I believed them. Silly Andy.

Anyway, here we are one year later. A little more scarred, a little wiser, and a lot more gracious to be alive and married to each other. Life throws things at you and you either duck and weave or you get hit with them and they take you out. Because I have such a wonderfully supportive and loving teammate in Mere, I'm able to escape the perils of tragedy. I am a lucky guy. Here's to making it this last year, beating the odds and making it many many more and to being healthy and happy the whole damn time.

HAPPY 3RD ANNIVERSARY ANDY!

Funeral, huh?

Apparently assistant coach for the Tahd (that's how Alabama people say "Tide"), Kirby Smart, thinks UGA is wearing black this weekend because they're "going to a fu*#king funeral". Hmmmmm. All I know is the matchup is the premier game for the weekend (both being in the top 10) and I cannot wait to watch. I desperately hope we absolutely flog them senseless, but they look good. If we can handle these guys, then I'll feel like we've really got a fighting chance in making this thing really happen. Watch this vid and listen carefully around the 1 min mark. He says it when he quiets down a bit.

New Rubiks cube

Dang. The old one was hard enuf.

Maze of Munson's mug

We all knew Larry Munson was bound to be fully recovered soon. It was a sad reality, and everyone can respect the beauty of retiring from work, no matter how sad it makes us all. Anyway, a farm in Henry county GA has dedicated a corn field maze to Sir Munson himself. Apparently you can see it from the sky. Sweet. Read the story here on the AJC site. (thanks for the link Chris and Templeman)

Dawgs thump Devils

What a good (and hot) time that was! Had a blast in Phoenix/Tempe and loved watching the Dawgs win one. Living out west has made it difficult to get to many games, so it's been quite a while since I've gotten to hang with old friends and bark as loud as I can.

I only managed to take about 3 more pictures than this the whole weekend, and they were, for some strange reason, blurry. I'm sure it had nothing to do with me. The stadium was sweet, with small rock mountains protruding on either side, as you can see in the one shot. What you can also see is that we were up at the very top of the Georgia section. It was actually a really sweet spot- you turned around and looked out and saw that bottom picture. It was the prettiest view I've ever had at a football game, and actually created a breeze which was real nice- it was around 100 degrees at gametime. All in all, it was a really great spot to sit and Chad and I got to sit with the Ramseys and Levys. And, to top off, the Dawgs stomped the Sun Devils and finally shut up their mouthy fan base. On the way in, they were very rowdy (as were UGA fans) and on the way out it was only the Dawgs contingency raising a ruckus. It was so sweet. Very loud chants of "S-E-C" ewrupted as we passed by Kirk Herbstriet on the way out (he was loving the attention). The atmosphere was electric.

Got to spend some good time with old school mugs and also some good pals from CO, so it was a great time all around. Lump and I had a hotel room just up from Mill street (aka Ariz State entertainment epicenter) and we explored the area a good bit at night. It was fun seeing all the GA fans and visitors mingling with college kids.

All in all, a fantastic weekend, and an event to remind me how much fun college football games are. I am super fired up to see the game this weekend against Bama, only wish I would actually be at the game.Gonna be a toughie but I'm psyched the dawgs are busting a blackout. Bound to be exciting.

PC uses Mac

For some reason, this cracks me up. I was parusing some articles in my google reader, and came across this on ISO50's site. Its the guy who plays PC using an iphone. One of the authors of the blog (obviously lives in Cali) saw this on some public transportation. Read his blog entry here.

on my way

headin' Tempe to see the Dawgs tomorrow. Cannot wait. Pics to come soon.

cool posters

I like cool screenprinted concert posters. Apparently so does this guy.. here's his collection of 50 he likes. They're very good.

Tour de Fat

First off, I am totally lamenting not being a part of this. I completely thought this event was Sunday. I went running in the park Saturday and ran up on all the bikes entering the final roundabout and them riding around and around just screaming and whooping and hollering- SO COOL. I quickly went home and we got on our bikes and biked back up to the park to at least hang out at the after party. Boo for missing the ride, tho- it looked so fun. So many people in costumes with really strange bikes.

Tour de Fat is a group bike ride for charity, sponsored by New Belgium beer (yes, they make fat tire). Everyone rides thru the town, this time Denver, and end up somewhere to 'after party' (read: drink much NB beer and watch circuses, music, performers, hang out in the park, etc). Man, you should SEE the people it attracts. Lots of people here are really into bikes (ME included! I LOVE this about Colorado), so there's all kinds of freaky bikes people build to ride on these group rides. Some of the bikes are just crazy. I took a few weak photos, so I completely poached those images above. You HAVE to check out this persons images on their blog. DO IT. they are really entertaining. Some crazy people and bikes.

Finally something to do with the netflix paper

Yes. I always hate that extra piece of paper on the Netflix envelope. What a waste. Now, you can make origami with it. God, I love the Internet.

Touching movie about cancer:

This short film is a real testament to what it's like to get cancer or to know and love someone who gets it. It was done by Errol Morris. It's a pretty interesting piece, and def really impactful for me. Watching it kinda reminds me of all those feelings I went thru when I found out (still remember almost every moment from about 30 minutes beforehand right thru about an hour or two after getting home from the docs). To be honest, watching this it was hard for me not to cry, because cancer is scary stuff.

Pardon my language, but fuck cancer.

Artists+Chucks=cool

Converse got 100 artists together to design custom Chucks, and some of 'em are pretty interesting. They don't quite have all 100 up there, so it may be worth cheking back as they add artists.
This was a part of project(red), a global campaign to fight AIDS in Africa. It's a great thing, as a lot of people are involved and pitching in. I'm sure you've seen the stuff, it's all over and usually pretty cool. This is the 1hund(red) initiative by Converse.

Funniest Apt ad ever:

Found this ad here.

new york craigslist > manhattan > rooms & shares

$1 Room for ONE DOLLAR in bright, clean apartment (Upper West Side)
Reply to: hous-834022781@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-09-09, 1:44PM EDT

I am looking for someone to rent the spare bedroom in my spacious 2-bedroom apartment on the picturesque and desirable Upper West Side. You must read carefully, however, as this situation is not suitable for all.

The rent is $1 per month, utilities included, as long as you bake me fifty (50) tasty cookies every day by 6 p.m. If you have not completed this task by 6 p.m., I will pour vinegar on all your belongings, throw them into the street, and have the locks changed. No exceptions and no excuses. Hell or high water, those cookies better be done and yummy.

Cookies are always cookies and never biscuits. I do not eat “biscuits”.

I will decide the specific type of cookie the day before and will submit my preference in writing by 9 p.m. of that day. You are responsible for the recipe and ALL the ingredients (at your expense, of course). The kitchen is large and well equipped with cookie sheets, rolling pins, mixing bowls, etc. You may NOT hum or sing as you prepare the cookies. You may, however, recite song lyrics in a normal speaking voice.

Forbidden ingredients include anise, marjoram, allspice, caraway, and oats. I will nevertheless request oatmeal cookies from time to time and you must find a way to make them without oats. Good luck with that. The worst ingredient of all, though, is NUTMEG. If even one speck of nutmeg, even the tracest amount of the stuff, is discovered in my home, I will pour vinegar on your belongings and chuck them in the street. You may assume the locks will be changed. You may use cinnamon, cloves, and raisins, though I am rather indifferent to these and will likely not be impressed. Chocolate is encouraged, as is vanilla bean extract.

You will be given three cookie cutters: a crescent moon, a star, and a doggie in profile. All cookies must be in one of those three shapes. The doggies must be given names and all the names must be different and cute. Cuteness is my call, not yours. For example, “Smuggins” is cute but “Lionel” is not.

The cookies must be artfully arranged on a lace cloth on a silver platter and garnished. Permissible garnishes include jellied fruits and candied flowers. Sugared figs are under review, but don’t get your hopes up.

Your room contains a twin bed, a dresser, a desk w/chair, and a TV with cable access. The TV is tuned permanently to the Food Network. You may watch only shows featuring cookies and cookie by-products.

If you are interested in this arrangement, please submit the following:

1) Your favorite cookie recipe
2) A picture of tasty cookies
3) A short original poem about cookies

Thank you.

86 at B’way

If you don't support the war, this'll aggrivate you.

Funny, everything he says has actually happened. Maybe he has ESP? Watch the vid (from '94) and it'll creep you out.

He's baaaaack.

I've always heard things like "Lance is a cocky jerk" or "he was a dick to Sheryl Crow" (he's an idiot if so). You know what? I really don't care if that stuff is true. I'm sure the guy is cocky, I mean, hell, the guy won SEVEN tours. No one has ever come close. And, to top it off, he did it AFTER he fought a serious cancer fight. He had tumors in his brain, his lung, his testicle, his liver. The docs gave him a 4% chance of living. 4%. I think most people would immediately lay down and wait for the inevitable. Not this guy. You wanna talk about tough, well this guy's tough.

There are a lot of people out there that I get inspired from. Parents, siblings, family, friends, musicians, artists, athletes, etc. I woulda been inspired by Lance even if he just won 7 tours. That alone is a huge feat, as they say it's the most grueling sports events there is to compete in, and to win it that many times is superhuman (plus I love bikes!). But to look a most probable death in the eye, stare it down, trump the fear and then to rally yourself to win such a trying fight first is truly inspirational to me. I will forever look to him when I get scared about cancer, when I think I can't do something, when I think maybe my goals or dreams or hopes or aspirations might just be too lofty.

Well, yesterday our boy Lance decided to come back to professional cycling. He's been retired for around 2 years now, and he just can't stay away. He's run marathons (with his celeb buddies like McConahey), biked with stars, etc, etc, and it obviously wasn't enuf. He just got 2nd in the Leadville 100 a few weeks ago and it musta relit the fuse, because that was the impetus to get him back into it. By the way, the Leadville 100 is a 1oo mile mountain bike ride thru the Rockies...SUPER TOUGH. This guy is 36 and still competeing. Amazing. If he wins, he'll be the oldest ever. And, he's gonna post all doping results to show he's clean. Man, it's gonna be a fun tour to watch!

Anyway the best part is he's riding for free. No salary, no bonuses. He's only doing it to heighten the worlds awareness of this global burden we all shoulder called cancer. Once again, he's proven to be an inspiration. Makes me want to do more to help, too. Funny how one guy can do so much. I am an awe of Lance Armstrong. He is def one of my heroes.

10 houses that defy gravity

Huh. Some people have a lot of free cash to build interesting homes, apparently. Check out these 10 gravity defying designs. If nothing else, they're real interesting. Some of 'em would even be real cool to live in.

Muppet show cake set

I mean, I used to LOVE the Muppets. I think everyone used to love to see what would come out of Gonzo's horn at the end of the song, right? Oh, you knows you did. I also loved those crotchety old guys up in the balcony. Great stuff. Anyway, here's some pretty amazing Muppet Cakes.

I can't believe this has never been around before.

Kudos to those who created the Levitron AC3W-20. Not sure why all outlets don't have 3 sockets.

movie box office figures

this site is cool. It shows movie box office figures for this year in a really great design. Great colors and really fun to check out. The worst part, tho, is that I have seen maybe 1% of these movies. I need to get out more.

Holy crap

I can't believe it, but someone actually drew all over a Lamborghini with a sharpie. Nuts. I have to admit, the thought of drawing on a Lambo is kinda fun. I have always thought them to be over the top autos, but this just takes the cake. More photos here.

Buy art, cure cancer

I made this print to attempt and give something back. Throughout my whole bout with cancer, I had so much support from friends, family and people I didn't even know. I felt loved, supported and encouraged by all the help, and have been feeling like I should do something. Anyway, this is what I came up with. My buddy Matt from Sukle helped me print it, and we did it in affiliation with Table2Press. We printed a run of 48 of them, and they're signed and #'d.

I am still researching the charity we'll send the donations to (we're planning on giving 25% of the proceeds, more once we get our investment of materials and such back), but at this point the American Cancer Society sounds like a decent stand in if nothing better turns up.

So, if you're interested, email me at adutlinger@gmail.com and for $25 (+shipping) you can have a hand made piece of art. Great to send to anyone you know who has had or been affected by cancer, and/or likes cool screenprinted posters. (can click image for bigger image)

Obey

Shepard Fairey and his Obey crew rolled into town and wheatpasted posters all over the place. I notice more and more as I bike around. I love all the new art. The art show the young Democrat fans had was cool, too, with this bottom image a cool piece by Shepard. It was about 8 feet tall and up close a collage of all kinds of posters and parephenalia. Cool stuff.

Cool mural

This was painted on a wall at an art show I went to. It's a full size wall (12 ft tall approx) and looked really cool in person. More influx of DNC art to come.

Banksy graces the Big Easy

Apparently the most Googled street artist ever, Banksy has graced New Orleans for a three year post-Katrina memorial. If you've never seen his art, it's really cool social commentary stencilesque street art that is mimicked by many. He's a real famous force in the underground art world. And, most all of his famous art is in the UK. So, it's very cool he's doing some stuff in the US. His tribute was to commemorate Katrina and to make a statement about the state of cleanup. Ironically, his art slows the process. Ha.

Anyway, he has painted over "no loitering" tags and the x's the rescuers painted on the buildings three years ago. He's also done some pieces that reference the "gray ghost", someone who methodically has been painting over street art with the same shade of gray for years...essentially blanding the cities culture.

Check the article, more art shots and some N.O destruction shots here.