Saturday, December 31, 2005

2006

My first NYE on the West Coast. I'm about to head out to a party, but I've already been celebrating for a couple of hours with friends and family across the time zones. Phone calls, text messages, e-mails. With each one, I feel more and more like I'm missing out on something. Some party somewhere else that I should be attending. From drunk friends in Indianapolis, to my grandmother ringing the bell in St. Petersburg, to my brother on the road to Orlando... I wish each and every one of them the best for the New Year.

Same for you, whoever and wherever you are.

Happy New Year!

It's been a hectic week since I got back from Christmas in Florida. It was great to spend time with my family. In fact, my Christmas present from my parents was just delivered today...



Isn't she beautiful? I will call her Lita. Because I can.

It never rains in Southern California. Today in L.A., it is raining ass. So much for my planned day hike. So here I sit, reflecting on the year that was. Odd, considering that last year I was watching the snow fall from my 3rd floor apartment in Indianapolis. This year: rain, Los Angeles.

There is a lot I could do today. I could start reading Dean Koontz's Frankenstein: Book Two which I picked up yesterday. I could play with Lita. I could polish off my list of 101 Things in 1001 Days that I plan to accomplish. I could go to the gym. I could shower. But, then, why end 2005 any different than how it began?

Thursday, December 22, 2005

For you, Coach



Tonight you are in our thoughts and prayers. There is no greater tragedy in life than to lose a child. Although you may never find answers as to why, know that you will find peace. Because today, your family is many, and we all share the burden of this loss.

------

James Dungy, the 18-year-old son of Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, was found dead in a Tampa-area apartment on Thursday:

St. Petersburg Times

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

4 days 'til the fat man


Christmas is coming, and I have yet to buy one present. If I finished my shopping tomorrow, it would still be a record.

I'm sitting here listening to Father Christmas by the Kinks. It doesn't get me in the Christmas mood. It doesn't make me want to run out and play in the fake California snow. It makes me want to kick back a few peppermint martinis and call East Coast friends at random.. late.

Here's a weird question: at what point do you start saying to everyone "well, if I don't talk to you before then, have a Merry Christmas.."??? Does this go into effect a week prior? 12 days? What's the rule on that? Why don't we do that for other holidays? "Hey, Fritz, if I don't talk to you before then, have a Great Cinco de Mayo, and a Happy Arbor Day!"

Hmm.

Now that I think about it, those peppermint martinis do sound pretty tasty.

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Hi, W.

Just thought I'd say hello before I turn in for the night. I know you're pretty busy, being the President and all. But I wanted to throw in my 2 cents anyway.

I think it's pretty crummy that you're spying on us while ignoring our civil liberties as Americans. But, if you think it keeps us safer from outside threats, go right ahead.

You no doubt heard my conversation with T-Mobile earlier. I meant to pay my bill on time, but you how it is. I spaced. As you could tell from listening, I was still very polite to the nice lady on the phone, and I hope that keeps me in good standing with the government.

You probably also know that I am currently playing Five For Fighting on iTunes. Do you like them? What are some of your favorite bands?

You can probably see me too, can't you? I know I'm bumming around... I promise I'll try to get a haircut sometime this week. I want to look my very best so that I won't be suspected of terrorism. Don't let the T-shirt and jeans fool you - it's actually pretty cold outside. But I have my space heater set on 3. That's right... you probably knew that, too.

Please say hi to Dick and Rummy for me. Merry Christmas! Oops... I mean, "Happy Holidays!"


Your faithful servant,

Jason


P.S. - Whatever happened with all that Katrina business? That was crazy!

Just listening...

I can't get James Blunt's You're Beautiful out of my head, so I'm playing it. Over and over.


Lyrics:

My life is brilliant.
My love is pure.
I saw an angel.
Of that I'm sure.
She smiled at me on the subway.
She was with another man.
But I won't lose no sleep on that,
'Cause I've got a plan.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.

Yeah, she caught my eye,
As we walked on by.
She could see from my face that I was,
Flying high,
And I don't think that I'll see her again,
But we shared a moment that will last till the end.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you.
But it's time to face the truth,
I will never be with you.

Monday, December 19, 2005

Beer and Loathing in Las Vegas


Just got back from the Radio Music Awards, or rather, the Lovefest leading up to tonight's show. It's a chance for musicians, actors, record reps, and radio personalities to get together and show each other how cool they think they are. It was also a chance for me to catch up with one of my favorite peeps, Mysti, have a lot of alcohol, and make fun of all the aforementioned "individuals."

It's pretty amusing, really. Especially our radio brethren. You could pick them out of a crowd - wearing the hip, trendy clothes of yesteryear and posturing themselves among the artists with that quasi-celebrity swagger. It's fun to watch some kid from Kalamazoo or Poughkeepsie fall all over himself to impress some other kid from some other station in some other market. I drove to Vegas for this? I could have easily found people suffering from Lookatme Syndrome right here in Hollywood.

Still... free drinks and hanging out with an old friend? More than worth the drive.

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Get off the phone

"To tell the truth, whenever I'm here, I can't wait to leave. Too sprawled-out. Disconnected... 17 million people.. this was a country, it would be the fifth biggest economy in the world. But nobody knows each other. Too impersonal."

- Collateral (2004)



In Los Angeles, people are talking. Talking on their cell phones. Blackberry. Sidekick. In the parking lot. On the sidewalk. In the checkout line. In your way. Spanish. English. Russian. Godknowswhat. They're talking, and not looking. Texting, and not caring. They are in your way, slowing you down. And they never even know it. You hate them, and want to run. Far from this place. Far from the noise.

Ring.

Ring.

Ring.

Wait... that's mine.

Shit.

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Go, little space heater


How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

1. You keep me warm at night, without making a sound
2. You never steal the covers
3. You're feet aren't cold
4. I don't have to talk to you if I'm not in the mood
5. You never yell at me when I hit "snooze"


Now, if only I could make out with you without getting electrocuted.......


Thursday's forecast:

Indianapolis.....38
Los Angeles......69

New blog

Came across this minutes ago, as I wind down from a very long day at work: Badminton Cheese.

I like her style of writing, and I think it's one of those rare blogs where there is some actual genuine thought going on. Yes, the rumors are true... sincere bloggers do exist. This might be one of them. She's entertaining, and makes me want to read. A little. Funny how she felt like a cabbage patch doll. This is how I felt today:

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Early

I got up early today, to see what it's like for those who work out in the morning. I found out that it does take about 45-60 minutes to really wake up.... and I'm drinking a gallon of coffee. What's that? Oh, did I actually work out? Ha ha ha ha ha... don't be silly. I was just seeing what it might be like. But I did get some new music. Hit The Floor by Twista.... now THAT'S the jam. As for the morning workout, that's coming. Soon. For now, I'm just practing. Going through the motions. Tomorrow I will practice getting dressed for it. Maybe. I don't want to push it.

Happy Tuesday.

Sunday, December 11, 2005

I moved


I got off the couch today. That's hard to do during football season. Went to Griffith Park and up to Mt. Hollywood to catch the sunset. I guess I'm a romantic, which feels pretty pathetic when you're single. Lots of couples holding hands and smiling. I made sure to spit on one.

Random 5 conversations overheard while hiking:

1. The difference between the old Star Wars and the new Star Wars
2. Are you sure you're taking the right dosage?
3. The benefits of being a parent
4. Something in Spanish
5. Where did we park?

L.A. Riot Watch 2005

Just sitting here in my jammies, laughing at the fact that CBS cut away to the Bengals game because the Colts have pretty much thumped Jacksonville (sorry, Lexi). The Bucs win a big one at Carolina, too. Great day for football! I can now go hiking with my mind at ease that all is right in the world of sports.

I feel uneasy though, with this whole Tookie Williams mess. He's the co-founder of the infamous Crips gang here in Los Angeles, and he's about to be executed for murder. I haven't really been following the case until CNN reported that L.A. officials were worried about possible riots reminiscent of 1992. Great. As if enough doesn't go on in this city already. But, the more I find out about Tookie Williams, the more I hope they grant him clemency. I don't believe in the death penalty. Crime demands punishment, and no crime is worse than taking life. But, the death penalty is no different. If Tookie Williams is indeed guilty of the crimes for which he has been convicted, he will have his judgment.

There is also the other half of the story. Tookie has been making it his purpose to convince kids not to join gangs in the first place. Isn't the justice system meant to make an example of those who break the law? The best example we could make to today's youth is to spare Williams' life, and allow him to continue with his message. Kids will see that crime comes with a price, and that it is always better to take the high road.

Make an example of Tookie Williams. Keep him alive, and keep him writing.

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

ACC... easy as 1-2-3


Spontaneous flight from Los Angeles to Jacksonville:

$285.79

Witnessing obnoxious Hokies lament the fall
of Virgina Tech at the hands of Florida State:

Priceless.





There are some things money can't buy.





GO 'NOLES!


...:::about

This is the true story of a radio personality who quit his job, packed up his things, and moved to L.A. to live his dream. Welcome to the official account of life on Earth, as seen through the eyes of Jason Burns... Actor, Writer, and Jackass.

profile

...:::gallery

...:::contact

...:::archive

...:::acting

...:::radio

...:::former stations

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Los Angeles

101 things in 1001 days

Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.*

I've got to:

    professional

  1. appear in a play/musical
  2. take voice lessons
  3. write 3 screenplays
  4. write an episodic
  5. get a poem published
  6. appear in a film
  7. take an improv class
  8. take a Meisner class
  9. write an e-book
  10. learn Flash or Dreamweaver
  11. design & build my professional web site
  12. get a commercial agent
  13. get a theatrical agent
  14. buy a laptop
  15. learn Final Cut
  16. get new headshots
  17. produce a new v/o demo
  18. make at least 10 new industry contacts
  19. prepare two monologues for audition
  20. watch all five Best Picture nominees prior to the Oscars
  21. collaborate on a musical

  22. cultural

  23. take a refresher course in Spanish
  24. read Shakespeare's complete works
  25. shoot pictures of L.A.
  26. go to a concert
  27. read the Bible
  28. stay at The Standard
  29. go to San Francisco
  30. learn to play guitar
  31. go to the L.A. Zoo
  32. go to Tijuana
  33. COMPLETED 01/22/06
  34. read the DaVinci Code
  35. hit a random bar on Sunset
  36. attend Comic-Con
  37. attend an outdoor music festival
  38. see live jazz/blues
  39. try caviar
  40. go to a beach volleyball tournament
  41. camp on the beach
  42. visit New York at Christmas
  43. attend a black-tie event
  44. explore downtown L.A.
  45. hike somewhere new
  46. visit Scotland
  47. see an old movie in the Broadway Theatre District
  48. attend at least one film festival
  49. visit a museum
  50. attend an art show
  51. read the Constitution

  52. fitness & leisure

  53. switch gyms
  54. cut BMI by at least 5
  55. go one month without fast food
  56. COMPLETED 01/31/06
  57. have at least one personal training session
  58. go jogging 3 times in a week
  59. do at least 50 pushups and 50 crunches 5 days straight
  60. learn to surf
  61. go skydiving
  62. go snowboarding
  63. go to a Laker game
  64. go skiing
  65. go whitewater rafting
  66. visit the new Phi Delt house at FSU
  67. ride my bike on the beach
  68. learn craps
  69. learn to golf
  70. learn Texas Hold 'Em
  71. play racquetball
  72. go horseback riding
  73. play a game of pool
  74. play a game of darts
  75. host a poker game
  76. go rollerblading

  77. random

  78. learn to cook 5 new dishes
  79. go to a movie by myself
  80. write my grandmother a real letter
  81. contact a friend from high school
  82. contact a friend from college
  83. pay back my parents for Japan
  84. attend Mass
  85. get involved in a charity
  86. learn a specialty drink
  87. rent a limo
  88. smoke a cigar
  89. have a glass of scotch
  90. make a new financial investment
  91. buy a new car
  92. buy a new mattress & box spring
  93. buy a digital SLR camera
  94. paint/landscape the Beer Garden
  95. get rid of all the clothes I haven't worn in 2 years
  96. COMPLETED 01/17/06
  97. make and wear my own Halloween costume
  98. go karaoke
  99. take piano lessons
  100. buy an X-Box
  101. throw an 80's party
  102. buy a new jacket
  103. BBQ at Griffith Park
  104. watch the sunset somewhere along PCH
  105. take a spontaneous road trip
  106. go back to the Indy 500
  107. attend an away FSU football game somewhere new

* Items on this list can change at any given moment. So what? It's my list.

Make your own.