Podcast Obsessed

I work at a job that requires me to sit at a desk.  It stinks!  Sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day can (sometimes) make the day drag!  About 3-1/2 years ago I stumbles upon something called a Podcast.  iTunes features them right along with music, movies and TV shows.  I started out by listening to the few (free) Ricky Gervais Show podcast episodes that were available.  Unfortunately for me, I was joining up with his show WAY too late (it had ended maybe a year before I started listening) so I only had a few archived episodes to listen to.  What I did gather from listening to Ricky's show was that I was not opposed to listening to people talk while I worked!  In order to quench my thirst for more podcasts to listen to, I started browsing iTunes for ideas.  On the side of every genre page (music, TV, movies) you'll see a top 10.  I took a look at the top 10 podcasts and realized I had to narrow down the genre I wanted to listen to.  I decided to go with the comedy genre since I enjoyed it so much with Ricky Gervais' show.


I found several shows that peaked my interest (including Doug Loves Movies and Comedy Bang Bang (formerly Death Ray)) but one in particular I've listened to religously since I first came upon it -- it's called 'Never Not Funny' (NNF website) and it is hosted by Jimmy Pardo.  He is a comedian out of LA and his style/take on things is so honest and hilarious it's hard not to smile the ENTIRE time you listen to his show.  He's joined by a producer/co-host Matt Bellknap and a rotating 3rd guest (usually an LA based comedian) each episode.  There is also an "intern" Dan Katz and videographer Elliot Hochberg (position originally held by Andrew "AK47" Keonig, RIP).  


This show is just some people sitting around a table talking about whatever comes into their heads.  There's no formula, no predictable segments, or stupid drop-ins.  It's simply, just perfect.  Since season #3 the fist 20 minutes are available for free through iTunes with the entire episode/season being available through a paid subscription.  I've been paying since season 3 and there was absolutely no hesitation on my part to do so.  This show is priceless to me and I gladly pay two times each year when a new season comes out (the seasons are 26 episodes long).


If you happen to stumble upon this post and are willing to give it a try, you won't be disappointed.  Jimmy is an amazing comedian who just talks and "finds the funny" in any situation.  Check it out!


Other mentionable podcasts:

• "Who Charted?" with Howard Kremer and Kulap Vilaysack 
• "Doug Loves Movies" hosted by Doug Benson
• "Rock Solid" hosted by Pat Francis and Gary Lucy (and Matt Bellknap)
• "Comedy Film Nerds" hosted by Graham Elwood and Chris Mancini

4th of July Fun

4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays (there is, without a doubt, a strong correlation between the 4th of July and the fact that my birthday is on the 7th but I digress...)  I love the BBQs, parades and most importantly the fireworks!


This year the 4th fell on a Wednesday.  Pretty much the worst day of the week for a holiday to fall on because most people had to go to work the next day (me included...)  So I decided to get my partying in as early as possible.  What's the best way to do that?  Why, by having a brunch at my house, of course!

Rudy Girl being all patriotic.  So regal, that one.

So I invited over some of our closest friends as well as our immediate families to come have some breakfast cocktails, some light brunch fare and to watch the (weak) parade that passes the bottom of our street.

 Getting the drink station ready.  This is a photo before I put out the Bloody Marys (yum)

 I bought some buntings from the Christmas Tree Shop (only for them to be way too big for our windows) so I put them on the mantle!

 My brother keeping an eye on Rudy for us.

 Cute parade idea..

JKFM

After we had our parade fill (it lasted MAYBE 15 minutes total?) we headed back inside for a visit with our friends and had a couple more cocktails before proclaiming the brunch a success.

Our next stop was my Uncle Bill and Aunt Chris' house for a Pool Party/Birthday Party for my Grandpop.  We have one every year around this time for his birthday (late June) and this year they decided to hold it on the 4th.  It was a blast hanging out with my family in the pool (very hot day).  We laughed, drank, ate and took fun photos with each other.

A great time was had by all!  I did keep reminding my dear husband that I HAD to see fireworks before the night was through.  Luckily I married the best guy ever who threw caution to the wind and SPED home in order to catch our neighboring town's fireworks display.  We missed probably about 10 minutes of the 40 minute display but it was great!  We pulled over and parked the car and then laid a towel down on the grass and watched the fireworks together.  Quite magical if you ask me.  After the fireworks were over, we headed home and went to bed after a busy but very fun day!

Didn't get very many photos of the fireworks -- but they were gorgeous!