brent evans

morning babble / Saturday 08-14-21

Got some records yesterday! Midday drop-off of the little girl for a playdate and on our way back home, the boy and I hit two of Newark’s record stores – Rainbow Records and Long Play Cafe. I got the INXS Kick album. Love this album. 1987. I’m old. Got that Michael Hutchence – sexy tough, I call him. Anyway, I got a couple others, because the gift cards allowed it. BUT – I also got one in particular that I never would have gotten if it wasn’t for my son. Daft Punk – Random Access Memories. Award winning album from 2013. It has the “Got Lucky” song with Pharrell Williams. But – my son at no other time has asked for a record and he rattled off some knowledge of the duo . . . so, I bought it. Books and Music – I’m all in for the kids. He’s already sat in our house library listening to the record like I do.

I ran – #226 of 5K runs!

I didn’t write much. Countdown to 15,000 is looking rough right now. My tally increased only to 2,511 words. Not quite halfway through the month and I do have today and tomorrow to do some wordage . . . maybe not that one. See – this is holding me accountable! I’m pushing.

Two upcoming races that I’ll be doing this year:

I’ll start with the one that’s farther off: I’ll be doing the Turkey Trot in Newark, DE on Saturday, November 20, 2021. Not sure yet about a charity tie-in there. I’m working on something behind the scenes with that. BUT – all in for that one. I did the 10K there back in 2019. Looking forward to being back at it again this year. Waiting for registration details

The other race I’m doing is next month and I’m all signed up. I’ll be doing the 5K run for the St. Jude Walk/Run in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 25th. I’m excited to join Charlie Maxx’s team of 92.5 WXTU. Her team is officially called – XTU to the Maxx. I used to work with Charlie back in the day and I’m excited to catch up with her again. We’re also trying to rally up some troops that we used to hang with back in the day. And yes – there’s a donation page for my run: click here – anything you can donate will be greatly appreciated for this great cause . . . and you can help me get a free t-shirt. Their phrase – “St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer” – I’m all in.

AMA Saturday:

• Question #1 – Is that Gumby? Yes. A baseball Gumby, but Gumby.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Life’s too short to sit through songs you don’t love.” – by Mark Hoppus – keep fighting the C

morning babble / Friday 08-13-21

Happy Friday!

3 Day Fast wrapped up last night shortly past the 6:21pm time needed to hit the 72 hour mark. Red wine – boxed red wine. I’m classy. Also had our pasta, sauce, and sausage meal – fresh bread. I got filled up and full. Still had some peanut butter fudge brownies for a dessert. I was so hungry though at the end of this fast – it didn’t help that I got home from work early and set up shop at the dinner table to do some paperwork. Food was right there. Chocolate Chip Muffins were less than 10 feet away. New Skippy Peanut Butter jars had just been bought and were still sitting on the counter. I told my wife that I could probably heat up a jar of that Skippy and drink it. So, I was hungry, but made it through my 3 day fast – 8th one of the year.

As for the PB and CC Muffin – I got it for breakfast.

I mentioned yesterday that I would have the Jeep and that I would probably listen to the full albums of Run the Jewels. I did listened to 3 & 4. Bits of 2. I actually love the Zach de la Rocha song “Close Your Eyes”. Also, a fun, but very naughty song is “Love Again.” Listen to it with nobody around unless they have your same twisted sexual humor.

I ran – #225 of the 5K runs

Countdown to 15,000 words – ugh – I forgot to count them up. I’ll have that ready tomorrow. Gives me time today to make it look better.

New Music Friday:

• New Run the Jewels – sort of. It’s a remix of JU$T which features Pharrell Williams and Zack de la Rocha. This redo sounded like they took the horns from Phil Collins’ Sussudio, but it’s nice. I still think that the actual song directly off the RTJ 4 Album is great. Listen to those lyrics – powerful.

• Ludacris and his wife announced their new addition to the family, baby girl – Chance Oyali. That’s Luda’s 4th daughter. My brother had to put up with that. Tolerated? Enjoyed. Anyway – new Ludacris song dropped last night “butter.atl”. No news on a full album drop yet though.

• Robert Plant and Alison Krauss announced their joint album Raise the Roof with the release of the cover: ‘Can’t Let Go’. Back in 2007, they did another beautiful album together called Rising Sand. This new album is set for release on Nov. 19, and the duo plans to tour in 2022

• New Lizzo song AND it’s with Cardi B – called “Rumors” – they’re busting on all the haters. Colorful song. Even more colorful video – I got a link. Lizzo confirms in the song that she hasn’t hooked up with Drake yet . . . not yet. No news on a full album drop here either.

• Some Brent music: They Might Be Giants have dropped “I Can’t Remember the Dream,” off their upcoming album Book, which is due to be released on October 29th. I liked this song – it toed the line of “Birdhouse in your Soul” and “The Statue Got Me Hight” – two of the more popular songs from They Might Be Giants. I can’t wait for 10/29. AND another one that I like: Canada’s Arkells have just announced their sixth studio album Blink Once will be released on September 30th. Today, you can hear their song, “Swing Swing Swing”. These guys are sneaky good and I feel bad that I forget about them at times. But then, a song like this comes out and I go back listening to all their other albums and hit songs and kick myself for forgetting.

• And finally, no album yet from Kanye West. We still wait.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“The way you start to break down systemic racism is to start building individual relationships with people who are not like you.” by Killer Mike

morning babble / Thursday 08-12-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

Happy Friday Eve!

I ran – #224 of 5K runs. I had trouble getting into the mood because (3 Day Fast). I started out with a couple different podcast, but then bailed and went to my Morning Babble – Let’s Run playlist – if you have Spotify, click here. Run the Jewels / Korn / Godsmack – pulled me along. I do have some fun sounding songs in there. One in particular always picks me up and makes me smile – “Good Feeling” by 311. They came out with an album 2 years ago and that song was part of my playlist while running in California for a week. Ran down a street heading to Huntington Beach – looked at the waves crashing in – turned around and ran back. Beautiful time. Very good song – I like it better than the other favorites “All Mixed Up” / “Beautiful Disaster” / their Cure cover of “Lovesong”.

Today, I just might be crank up some Run the Jewels albums. I’ll be in my Jeep heading to some client homes. Why? Because of the company vehicles lost it’s AC! Was it mine? No. I’m giving my company vehicle to the guy with no AC. Don’t want him to melt. Hot day around here – feeling like Arizona. Or – thanks to global warming . . . I can say Seattle as well.

The Zero App shows that the 3 day fast (72 hours) ends at 6:21pm – get here!

Mind is really clearing up. 24 hours – autophagy starts to kick in. After 48, brain autophagy – clearing out / no fog.

Countdown to 15000 words continues. I did write, but got deterred again by the 5 year old snuggle monster. Not going to pass that up.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“To lengthen thy Life, lessen thy Meals.” by Benjamin Franklin

morning babble / Wednesday 08-11-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

Coffee always tastes better on Day 2. Yesterday, good coffee. Today, damn that’s good coffee. Clear up the confusion with afternoon coffee – I can’t have it on Day 2 of the fast.

So, one full day down which means autophagy is underway. What’s that? The purpose of autophagy is to recycle damaged or non-functioning elements of a cell to optimize its function. Think of it as a necessary cleaning and recycling process of the structure and composition of your cells (via this website).

I was listen to a Dave Asprey podcast – Bulletproof Radio – and learned that in order to activate skin autophagy, you should have 200 orgasms a year.

I ran #223 of the 5K runs. Also, I believe I have two runs (races) that I’ll be doing – one in September – a 5K and one in November – a 10K. I’m confirming but will let it be known this weekend.

Yesterday, I had a very blah ending to my day. Allowed myself to wallow in my work sorrows too much. Can’t do that. Favorite parts of my day yesterday – my little girl getting home from the pool and telling me that she did a flip underwater all by herself – big stuff. The other favorite – reading in the library with my E-man reading in the chair next to me.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“When you are full of food and drink, an ugly metal statue sits where your spirit should. When you fast, good habits gather like friends who want to help.” by Rumi

morning babble / Tuesday 08-10-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much. When all else fails – go watch the video!

I ran! #222 of the 5K runs.

Countdown to 15,000 words . . . well, I had it opened on my laptop. Instead, my son and I dug into the opener for the video of the 31 Days of July Cold Showers. I’m very excited about that

1st day of the 3 day fast. As I always state, this is the easiest day because the body doesn’t know yet what’s about to happen. With past fasts, I begin my day with a big glass of water and a small slice of lemon and a pinch of salt. Rest of the day. Water. Slice of cucumber is tossed into each water bottle to give it “life.” That’s it. Today, I can normally still get an afternoon coffee (black) from somewhere. Typically, I hit Starbucks in the afternoon and ask for a Dark Roast. They are normally out and will have to do a pour-over and it’s wonderful that way. Tomorrow – afternoon coffee begins to get a bit too jittery.

I use the Zero App – 6:21pm last night it started – they then track me all day.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“When you don’t have food in your life, just for a day, it makes you realize you’re lucky to have it the next day. So the day after fasting, the music that comes out will be very joyous.” – by Chris Martin (that Coldplay dude)

morning babble / Monday 08-09-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much.

It’s Monday – back home. Got my MUD\WTR going on again, too. If you want to purchase some . . . click here.

I ran – back on the mill again. #221 of 5K runs.

Countdown to 15,000 words – I crossed over 2,000 words. 2,098 to be exact. Snuggle time with my 5 year old brought an end to the writing for the night.

Hoping for some time away from the paperwork today. Spoke with Elliott the other day about the video opener for my 31 Days of Cold Showers Video. I had something all laid out and partially scripted, but then I saw one section and said – Yes! That’s what I want! So, progress is being made.

3 Day Fast begins tonight! Dinner should be early too. My wife works late, so it’s just the kids and me. I’ll nugget and mac & cheese the place up early and then I’ll be able to eat earlier on Thursday. 3 Days. Water fast. Well, black coffee and plain tea, too.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Don’t be overheard complaining – not even to yourself.” – by Marcus Aurelius

morning babble / Sunday 08-08-21

So, it’s raining here at the shore house. Like hard. With a whole lotta wind. So, I haven’t ran yet. #220 of the 5K runs will occur soon, but I’ve got time before it all settles down out there. I’ll get it in. It is #220 of the babbles.

Typically, on a Sunday, I talk about books. I anticipated discussing a bookstore that we would be visiting today on the island here at LBI. Not sure if that’s going to happen at this point. But – I always enjoy the small little bookstores. I love to see what books are put out and displayed. Yes, I realize that there are some behind- the-scenes marketing deals for a good many of the books, but each little store still has there on “favorites.” Recently, during the pandemic, Ryan Holiday opened his own book store – The Painted Porch Bookshop. Immediately, that was added to my list of what to visit if I ever hit the Austin area of Texas.

I didn’t write. The countdown to 15,000 is off to a slow start, but I do have some upcoming times and windows to write. I’m trying to enjoy the “now” with my family but I’ll get to work!

Yes . . . I was having “breakfast” cookies aka biscotti along with my cup of java.

Books mentioned:

1. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
2. Eat A Peach – A Memoir by David Chang
3. The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
4. The Daily Stoic Journal by Ryan Holiday
5. Goldfish by Brian Michael Bendis

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Let’s be reasonable and add an eighth day to the week that is devoted exclusively to reading.” – by Lena Dunham

morning babble / Saturday 08-07-21

This is the scribble that helps with the babble . . . might not be the best “writing” but it helps me talk “real good.”

Outside run today because there isn’t a treadmill at the shore. There are no-see-ums and green heads though – they are my enemies. #219 of 5K runs.

Brought the kids this time to the shore – got the place to ourselves. Heading to the actual beach today. Touch water and sand. Back some beverage for sanity. Got keep looking for shells with the 5 year old little girl. Meanwhile, the boy wants me to get pummeled along with him in the waves. Can’t wait.

Countdown to 15,000 – I did write some last night. But – it was mainly editing. So, I actually think I’m in the negative now of progress.

AMA Saturday:

Question #1 – Did you really buy pants for a Dunkin’ Donuts employee? Yes.

I briefly mentioned it the other day when talking about Dunkin. So, just to recap. I visit the Dunkin on Lancaster Pike a lot but not as much as I have in the past. But – they know me. The older gentleman in the afternoon always looked relieved to see my visit – probably because of all the other fun visitors he has at that time. Gotta know the area. Anyway, one particular day, I got my java, was out of the store, and already climbing back into the company vehicle when he came hustling out. Initially, I thought I had done something wrong or my credit card didn’t go through and I just walked out?

Nope – he stopped me before closing my door and pointed to my pants . . . well, shorts. In particular – cargo shorts and told me that he really liked them. He then asked me if I could get him a pair. I quickly explained that he could get them himself at Old Navy. He shook his head that he didn’t drive and that his son dropped him off to work and picked him up – that was it. I then added about going online to purchase. I saw the blank look on his face and that answered that question. Finally, I simply asked him what size. Later that night, I placed the order online.

About a week later, they arrived. I went in that day and ordered my afternoon drink and paid. I then surprised him with the shorts. He wanted to pay and I waved it off because I just felt really good about helping him. In a follow up visit, he pleaded to give me a coffee for free as well as the snackin’ bacon, so I did accept for those, but then I stressed to him that he didn’t need to keep doing that because I didn’t get him the shorts for free Dunkin’. We’re back to normal now with my visits, but I do wonder if he needs another pair.

Also, the other day, I did get Dunkin’ for some morning breakfast. Waiting for my order, I then saw smoked vanilla flavored drinks. I was so intrigued that I had an afternoon Dunkin’ run too. I got an Iced Smoked Vanilla Latte. Now, the pumpkin spice flavor is a swirl, which is sweetened. The swirls are good. The smoked vanilla is a syrup with no sweetener. Those taste a little too fake for me at times.

One last thing – have you tried those Strawberry munchkins? Taste like strawberry Quik – they got me.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Planning and preparation are useful until they become a form of procrastination. Is this task enhancing my actions or substituting for them?” – by James Clear

morning babble / Friday 08-06-21

I have to correct something I said yesterday. I mentioned a Dunkin Donuts in Wilmington on Lancaster Avenue, but there is no such thing. It’s Lancaster Pike. BUT – at least I pronounce “Lancaster” correctly, right?

I ran – it was #218 of the 5K runs.

Countdown to 15,000 words – It was a busy week. Only went from 1566 to 1928. Yeah, only 362 new words. I’ve got some work ahead.

New Music Friday:

• Another listening party last night in Atlanta, GA with Mr. Kanye West. Another version of the song “Donda” was played. As for the whole album dropping yet – nope . . . not yet. Rumor has it that Kanye is living in the basement of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium working on the album. I know – genius – weird, too though.

• As promised, Nas delivered King’s Disease II, a “sequel” album to his Grammy-winning LP King’s Disease. The single that is being pushed is called “Rare”. In it, he sings about having his Mets cap on backwards. You know the Mets are in Philly this weekend. Phillies are a 1/2 game behind the Mets. Game on!

• Weezer is next up for playing a Metallica song for the upcoming Metallica Blacklist album due out on September 10th. Weezer covered “Enter Sandman” and did a kickass job. Rivers sings it well, but I liked the teases of Weezer guitars throughout the song, too.

• What happens when you get Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, and Bruce Springsteen’s The Boss playing together? You get a cover song of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell”. They actually performed the song together several times in 2014 during Springsteen’s Australian tour. The single comes from Morello’s upcoming Atlas Underground album called The Atlas Underground Fire.

• The Weeknd released his new single and has a video for it as well – called “Take My Breath”. Disco sound to it. It’s the Weeknd. How did Daniel Craig do it?

• Couple random ones – Black Eyed Peas’ “Hit It” – hitting it once, twice, 4x – all until you’re satisfied. Nelly sings “High Horse” – there’s something about that one. Gets into your ears. It’s not like the “Hot in Herre” song, but there’s something there.

• Lastly, Ariana Grande will be doing the Fortnite Rift Tour show – actually several all weekend. 5 to be exact. I learned this from my 12 year old son who has stated that he needed to bring his X-Box with him in order to see the show tonight – we’re going somewhere. 6pm tonight – EST. Click here for further info and times. Arianna will be looking to break the record set by Travis Scott, whose event last year attracted an audience of 12.3m concurrent players, breaking the game’s record at the time (Marshmello).

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“It’s not the time in your life, it’s the life in your time.” – by Bruce Springsteen

morning babble / Thursday 08-05-21

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes it gets tidied up, but sometimes . . . not so much.

Power Outage! My friend, Joe, was here from Vermont along with his kids last night – we s’mored by the fire pit. Yes – we got Reese’s for the chocolate part but Butterfinger Cups couldn’t be found and Amazon couldn’t deliver in time. Anyway – back to Joe – he asked “Do you write all that in the morning or the night before?” A good amount – yes, but when there’s a power outage . . . you tangent.

I ran – #217 of 5K runs.

Dunkin’ issues

1. Ordering
2. Too much pumpkin coffee
3. Cargo shorts

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Success is when the problems in my life are the problems I am happy to have.” – via the Instagram of Mark Manson