Clear The Table

'Cause I'm about to serve you up some knowledge Brah!
And be careful, 'cause the plate's fucking hot...

Sometimes I have these fun little conversations with friends wherein I disperse subtle amounts of my knowledge regarding the workings of life, love and certain liberties. I always forget them because I don't write them down, but not this time.

Here's my take on The Lunch Date:

David: what're you up to?
Friend: getting ready to go on a lunch date
David: aww lunch dates are no good
David: if it's a guy, you're setting him up for failure
Friend: why?
David: guys take most of the day to get into their groove...by lunch, we're only half capable of keeping up with a girl
Friend: I am particularly fond of this guy
Friend: hah
David: plus, lunch dates are super innocent and most girls use them to keep guys at bay
Friend: Oh. Mine isnt
Friend: I want to get to know him better
David: I guess it's fine considering you can't have a dinner date tonight
David: but most guys know that a lunch date usually amounts to nothing. Lunch is where people take business partners or their kids to get them out of school for a little bit.
David: dinner is where the magic happens
Friend: True
Friend: but magic cant happen tonight or tomorrow night
Friend: AND I really really want to see this guy
David: fair enough
David: lunch will have to do
David: good luck!
Friend: I like your way of thinking though
David: thanks

I left that last part in there just because it made me feel awesome...anyway, ladies, unless you've been with a guy for quite some time and are in a committed relationship, The Lunch Date is the least romantic date you can go on with a guy short of actively trying to repulse them.

If you really like the guy, you're going to have to work extra hard to send those signals at lunch, when we're only half awake. True story. We do dinner, because it gives us more time to plan out how we're going to talk to you and what we're going to talk about. And if a guy isn't ready by the evening, then either you're so hott that he's nervous, or he's just not as into it as you are.

As I said before, there's nothing wrong with a lunch date, but like brunch or a B&B, romantic lunches are typically reserved for couples that have been doing the relationship thing for a while. On the other hand, Dinner Dates are better for courting because of a few key components:

• Food usually takes longer to prepare, giving more time for conversation. This allows people to test their compatibility in a one-on-one environment.
• It is closer to sunset and the evening, both naturally more romantic times of day.
• Social stigmas for any drinking (alcoholic beverages) generally infer that it should be after 6 p.m. - also, most restaurants don't open their whole bar until then either. This means dinner is the only time you can literally "wine and dine" someone, classic wooing material.
• Lastly, the transition from romantic date to physical contact is generally catered to by the fact that it's evening (i.e. a walk home with hand holding, a goodnight kiss, or any third date scenarios).

In a pinch, lunch can make for a decent first date, BUT if you do dinner for the first date and lunch for the second, the natural regression makes men think they're headed into the Friend Zone. Keep this in mind, and make sure if lunch goes well not to delay a second date...and make it dinner this time.



ORDER UP,

David Lucio

Just to try it

Last day before classes start up again, and I decided to bust out "The Kid" again. That's right...two exams this week, and I'm going 'em blind! Not the wisest decision...but my last one ended up a B+, so I think I'm doing well.

The day started with lunch with Arlinda and Taylor at Outback. Pretty lax. Oddly enough, Arlinda said she was awoken by heavy breathing in the middle of the night, and asked me straight out, "Were you masturbating last night?" Taylor and I immediately busted out laughing, and he had to tell her, "That's just something you don't ask dudes."

Turns out she was hearing Taylor breathing heavy because his sinuses are clogged due to allergies. I answered her question anyway because she was genuinely curious...but you don't need to know more than that.

Anyway, I went on an adventure around Denton with Caroline later that day. We walked around in the park, and she taught me how to whistle with a blade of grass! I thought it was awesome because I've always wondered how. We hung out for a bit longer and I got to get a little zen for the day...it was nice.

I ended the day on two relatively high notes:

1) Taylor, Arlinda and I went to go see "I Love You, Man" and I laughed so hard I cried. The whole tie-in with Lou Ferrigno was hilarious, and just made me realize even more...

...why I should never call him Hulk in public should I ever meet him. Seriously, he could kill me. But anyway, it was nice to see a funny movie early in the year that didn't involve any frontal nudity. If 2009 is going to be anything like last year (i.e. "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall") then there's going to be a lot of sausage in the laugh bank...

2) Was this surprise from Jessica for all of her friends / (soon to be) adoring fans. Turns out she kissed a girl, and everyone liked it:



I'm going to have that stuck in my head for a while, but I figure I could give her a shameless plug while I had the chance, so here goes: Jessica Harp. Give her a listen if you haven't already. She could be LEGEN - wait for it...

I plan on recording a new Podcast (Vlog) at some point this week, but I have to fiddle with some new software first! It'll be awesome, I promise. I also finished reading "The Bro Code" this break. Definately renewed my faith in a number of things, particularly

Article No. 1: Bros Before Hos.

It explains a lot of why I'm much happier lately, and why I started seeking to reconcile some issues I've been having lately. Because I should never let a woman come between me and my fellow bro. True Story.

Anyway, keep track of my Twitter this week. I'll be posting when I start broadcasting the podcast. If you want, you can join me and give me some talking ideas and add your own input. I might even give you a shout out or a plug...for now, I'mma go slap a little bass (no that's not a euphamism) and then go to sleep.



Over and Out,

David Lucio

"Wear my badge...

A vinyl sticker with big block letters
Adherent to my chest.
Tells your new friends,
"I am a visitor here,
I am not permanent."
And the only thing keeping me dry is
Where I am...

Things seem so out of context
In this gaudy apartment complex.
A stranger with your door key,
Explaining that I am just visiting...

D.C. sleeps alone tonight..."


- The Postal Service
The District Sleeps Alone Tonight



I have wanted an excuse to use this song, and I suppose leaving D.C. from a great calm vacation is the best I'm going to get. If you haven't been sick of hearing me say it yet, I love Washington D.C. It's a hub for power, history and beauty...someday, when I am the next Alexander the Great, I will erect a throne in the city's center.

Or maybe just visit my parents on holidays when I have a family of my own.
Either or.

At any rate, we got a later start than I wanted this morning. We made good time, but we're stopping for now outside of Nashville. My mom still hadn't familiarized herself with "How I Met Your Mother" so my dad and I felt obligated to school her...

...we turned on the DVD player, and she got hooked. Now we've gone through all of Season 1 and most of Season 2. I think she felt most in touch with Lily and Marshall - they're cutesy, inseparable, border-line obnoxious (etc.), just like my parents are. My mom's a stereotypical girly-woman, and both my parents are what NORMAL people would call "clingy". /sigh

Oh well. It explains a lot of why I used to strike out a lot before I figured out that normal women my age don't like nice guys. I had good role models (which is a bad thing IMO). It took me two great relationships with terrible endings to learn how to be a jerk. I'm only barely finding a nice balance. It works.

Anyway, when I get back into town, I have a lot of homework to do. I also need to see a tailor and get my new suit taken in. Should be fun. I'm also shit-broke...which makes the next few months kinda interesting. Maybe I'll take up hooking?



Over and out,

David Lucio

Nerdology of David 1 - Live From D.C.

First Vlog Recorded!

Live Streaming by Ustream.TV

[[EDIT]] UStream's embed function doesn't seem to be working, but you can find my video at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nerdology-of-david. [[/EDIT]

Special thanks to Kip Mooney for helping with some topics! Shameless plug for the North Texas Daily: http://ntdailyartsandlife.blogspot.com/. It was a solid broadcast, but I need to work on the on-air broadcasting of words and such. Apparently the ticker I have at the bottom doesn't go on the recorded version...

...Anyway, I have a long drive tomorrow, so I'm off.



Over and out,

David Lucio

NO TOMORROW!

Now that Saint Patrick's Day has come and gone here in Washington D.C., I can safely say that it was a success. Since last year, I have decided to treat this holiday with the utmost respect. Why, you may ask? Because of Barney Stinson...

"It's Saint Patrick's Day! It's the end of the world! Think about it: End of Days, Nostradamus, Notre Dame, Fighting Irish, Ireland, St. Patrick's Day! Get your head out of your ass..."

Yeah. I know. Weird. But fun as hell...
...and the perfect excuse to just have fun!

I went to some Irish Pubs in Georgetown (Washington D.C.) and Courthouse (Arlington, VA). It was all kinds of fun out here. The place we ended up hanging out and having dinner was called Clyde's, and it was awesome. They had a full Irish inspired menu, and Bagpipers outside playing for the crowd.



Yeah they did. I have another video on Youtube of them playing Amazing Grace, but for now you'll have to settle for that small taste (and poor quality).

I also did my first string of broadcasts today. They were all tests, just to get used to my new UStream Channel, but I have quite a few tricks up my sleeve now. I hope to get more people in on it soon enough, and turn it into a neat little hobby...

But for now, I have had my share of debauchery for the evening, and I'm headed to bed. I have a long day tomorrow, and hope to see some Japanese Cherry Blossoms in early bloom (if the cold hasn't killed them before next week's festival).


Over and out,

David Lucio

"Counting all different ideas...

...driftin’ away.
Past and present, they don't matter,
Not if you just sort it out.
Watch your moving in elliptical pattern;
Think it's not what you say.
What you say is way too complicated.
For a minute thought I couldn't tell how to fall out.

Oh It's 20 seconds 'til the last call
Going, "hey hey hey hey hey."
By now, you know its easy,
Like we did it all summer long.
And I'll be anything you ask and more,
Going, "hey hey hey hey hey."
It's not a miracle we needed.
And no I wouldn't let you think so.

Falling, falling, falling, falling..."

- Phoenix
1901


Mildly inspired to update thanks to Matt's music advice again. I know I've mentioned his taste being very specific before, no? Well, if nothing else, it's eclectic...which should not be translated as "bad". Between The Gaslight Anthem and Phoenix (both his recommendations) lately, I have had my hands full with good tunage to keep my head nodding.

For now, I am going to figure out something to watch on TV for a bit. I have one class tomorrow, and then am home free for spring break...even if home will no longer the Rio Grande Valley after May.

If I hadn't mentioned, my family is moving to Washington D.C. Yeah. Good times. I love that city so much, but it's quite a way away from Texas. I haven't decided which direction I am bound yet, however the East Coast doesn't seem too bad an idea.

I'll pack later. First I want to express a brief bout of happiness for tomorrow's release of Resident Evil 5. Gotta love some good ol' fashioned zombie slaying. Anyway, that's the ranting from the nerd in me! I'll see you kids later.



Over and out,

David Lucio

The times really are changing

So, seriously, go see the Watchmen. I'm still feeling tremors of aftershock since seeing the movie, and if you don't believe me that it's amazing, check out the opening sequence.



[NOTE] This video might be pulled at any time, but if it's working, give it a look.

This short bit alone (which was made public online by yU+Co, the company responsible for pulling the opening sequence together) was finished last for the movie. They took an already finished motion picture, and had to work backwards to capture brief background on each character.

It features recreations of handfuls of famous images throughout the generations, including the John F. Kennedy assassination and The Kiss in Times Square. It also keeps with the amazing soundtrack of the movie by using the musings of Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changing. Great song. Great Movie. Go see it!



Over and out,

David

This is only a test...

borrowing a "protected" video from YouTube...this is just a test to see if the syntax works like I think it does for their embedded files. If so, then I win and you should see Signals Over The Air by Thursday



[UPDATE] Damn, I ALMOST had it...but they are clever and have it blocked from the server distribution. Too bad, because it's a great video. Oh well. At least the syntax was correct. Back to my nerdy tidings...until then!


-David

"As we learn, as we age...

...Wait for nothing,
And my body still aches.
And you take, 'cause they give,
Though I love you.
And my body it leaks like a sieve..."

- Brand New
Jaws Theme Swimming


The perfect notes to end a wonderful day. Thus ends the celebration of the 23rd annual Awesome Day...otherwise referred to by some as "David's Birthday" Thanks so much to all for the birthday wishes. Special thanks to my two amazing roommates, the man who invented pinstripes ('cause DAMN I can pull them off), Ashley (the girl who cut my hair) and my friends Matt, Eli and Nikki for helping me out today.

Nothing but love for you all.

To all the well-wishers, I thank you. I am eternally grateful to you all for making me smile. The inside jokes made me laugh hysterically, and I smiled all day long. Family, new friends and old acquaintances all added to the overwhelming joy of the day...and the alcohol helped too. Haha.

For now, I'm headed to bed. I have to return to reality and midterms tomorrow, and wouldn't want to get caught below the curve this early in the semester. Goodnight everyone! And Happy Awesome Day to you all!


Over and Out,

David Lucio

This is the Sound of Settling

So let's say for a minute that in approximately 1 hour there is an international holiday. It has occurred every year since 1986, though I am primarily the only one involved in the festivities. Let's say, perchance, that it is called:
AWESOME DAY!!!

Yes, boys and girls, awesome day is upon us. I have a number of events planned for the week, and they have slowly begun to unravel and transpire. For now, I will say this much...if you have a chance to see me tomorrow, I think I will look more awesome than usual (if that's even possible).

Aside from that, I don't really have plans. Stake your claim now while you have the chance, but since it's in the middle of the week, I bet most people are busy...so I forgive you all. I'll be Twittering throughout the day too with my coordinates if you want to track me down.


Now, as for today: I found out some very disheartening rumors that have been circulating. They were something I was already aware of, but had never figured out quite where they originated until today. The worst part was that this shocking revelation that it was...

...Scarlet.

Yeah. I know. Right? Anyway, I had planned on talking with Scarlet earlier today, but got kind of tied up with some friends and a lot of homework. Ultimately, this news just reminded me on why I gave up on women in the first place.

A short while back, I'd already given up on Scarlet as a romantic interest and just kept it professional. I didn't want things to get awkward, but then some people very close to me were dragged into it all inadvertently. Once word got back to me, I was livid.

So now, the plan is nothing. I plan to do nothing, but enjoy Awesome Day! I will also leave you with a song to mark the occasion...


"...Our youth is fleeting.
Old age is just around the bend.
And I can't wait to go grey.

And I'll sit and wonder
Of every love that could've been,
If I'd only thought of something charming to say..."

- Death Cab For Cutie
The Sound of Settling



Plans for the rest of the week include a couple of reports due, an essay to write, a quiz tomorrow morning (Japan didn't get the memo about the holiday) and an exam on Friday. Jessica is still sick, so workouts are on hold until she gets better or otherwise notified. Other than that, there are some friends of mine that want me to hit 6th Street with them in Austin, and some others that want to grab some sus

Also, I found this little tidbit laying around, and thought I'd share it. I don't quite remember how old I was, but I have been celebrating Awesome Day since I was a kid! Check It! No, but seriously, I look like a dork don't I? But at least my family could get me to stand still for more than five seconds when I was a child. It's still hard to do, but at least I have a lot more self-control...kinda.

Enjoy the holiday tomorrow, and come back for a new blog...maybe even a Vlog or two (if I can get my webcam working). Speaking of which, anyone know some inexpensive video-editing software? I kinda want to do this 110% so get back to me.




Over and Out,

David "The Kid" Lucio

"The memories fade...

...Like looking through a fogged mirror.
Decision to decisions are made and not bought,
But I thought this wouldn’t hurt a lot.
I guess not.

Control yourself.
Take only what you need from it..."

- MGMT
Kids


I follow a few nerd celebrities on twitter, and Sarah Lane posted a link to this video earlier. I loved what The Mentalists (an unsigned all-female group of of the UK) just kind of did on a whim with only their iPhones and iPods. Check it!



I wasn't ever big on MGMT, but my friend Matt put me onto giving them another shot last year...I suppose I just wasn't expecting to just suddenly like them. Kind of funny how we see ourselves change a little more every once in a while.

So, weekend recap: the party was great, but i'm pretty sure I either had a severe case of food poisoning or was drugged (mixed opinions on both sides) but what I am sure of now is that it wasn't the alcohol that made me sick.

I took care of myself, and got better slowly Sunday, which was good because Jessica wasn't feeling well so we had to put training on hold for a couple of days. We reconvene tomorrow, and hopefully she's back to 100% so we can get our fitness on.

Today is also March 2nd. A big day for my family. It is my parents' 25th anniversary.

I rant often about how I have such a skewed vision of what relationships should be like, but I started out believing I would have a high school sweetheart like they did, and make it even a decade with someone special...

...over the years I've reevaluated that little conundrum. I learned slowly that my failed relationships weren't ever all my fault, but I wasn't innocent in causality. I said to myself Sunday morning that I would let this week be a cleansing process for me...by the end of it I will try to decide a new direction for myself personally.

What turned out to be an odd start, was that in one day's time I was contacted by both of my major exes. Both conversations were very civil, very mature and grown up which I think surprised both of them as much as it did myself.

Angel is swamped with work, and she's all but forgotten what free time felt like. Her boyfriend will be graduating from UT Permian Basin in May, but then perhaps returning home to teach; she is about to finish her year-long hiatus from education (she finished her pre-med collegiate studies in three years) and start medical school. However, with recent turn of events, she is thinking of returning home to teach. This dilemma is making her rethink a lot of the direction in her life, which she had pretty much planned out to the t for as long as I've known her...this is only the second time I have ever heard a sliver of doubt in her voice.

Sky is also swamped, and wants to be restationed. She expressed this desire, along with the accompanying statement that she is lonely. We spoke through GoogleChat, and when she said those things I know her boyfriend was in the same room, she said "ignoring" her. She's taking classes again now that she is back from Iraq, but she's still insecure about her writing. She said that in the next month she will become armorer for her battalion (if I remember correctly) and as a result, she will have absolutely no free time - not for herself, her boyfriend or her friends. She's never thought once about quitting anything, but for the first time I heard her say that she was ready to be done with everything because she was tired of it all.

No, those aren't their real names. I like to get an ok-go from people before I use their names, images, etc in my blog. It's out of courtesy for them. Regardless, those nicknames are ones that they understand thoroughly; if they were so inclined they could find my blog, read this and then comment as they wish.

I have a big week coming up. Lots of changes to be made, and important cliffs to jump off of. More of that as it comes. For now, I implore you to enjoy your calm Monday night while you can. It only gets more exciting from here...



Over and out,

David