Hanan

On January 31, 2012 Hanan wrote: Great times

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:03:45 -0700

It was so beautiful out today, we decided to ditch the studio and hit the park.

Just me and my two bros, Joel and Free.

Put on some sweat pants, some sneakers, and went out to play some hand ball.

Just like in high school :)

It was one of the best afternoons I had in years.

So looking forward to summer!

On January 30, 2012 Hanan wrote: Huffin and puffin

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:58:42 -0700

Had my first Wii experience today.

A little late, but awesome nonetheless.

All I know is the days of sitting on your couch and playing Super Nintendo are over. . .

This thing requires real energy!

Played the Wii Sports boxing game and I thought I was gonna faint after 3 rounds.

Literally had to sit down and take a layer off. . . lol

If I can't make it to the gym, I'm going upstairs to my neighbors and playing me some Wii boxing!

On January 29, 2012 Hanan wrote: Gotta prepare.

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:52:54 -0700

Really wanted to go get some soul food today.

There's this one spot in Harlem I've been craving for years!

But you know what?

Candied yams

Frid chicken

Hash puppies

Collard greens

Black eyed peas

It's all so tasty, but health wise, not the best.

Gonna spend the next few weeks eating super healthy, so that I can go hit the Soul food spot with a clean conscience in about a month. . .

On January 28, 2012 Hanan wrote: Just admit you made a mistake!

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:34:54 -0700

They have these little short busses in NY, that cross the George Washington Bridge.

Instead of paying $10 and driving across, you can just park your car and take the bus for $2.

It's a great service.

Anyway, I was on my way back to Jersey when all of a sudden, this lady in the back of the bus started screaming at the driver.

Turns out she thought the bus was going downtown, but freaked out when she saw him turning towards the bridge.

She could have just informed the driver that she made a mistake, and stepped off.

But no.

She insisted on yelling at the poor guy because he "was supposed to let [her] know where the bus was going!!!!"

Um. . . actually, no, it just says the destination on top.

This annoying lady just wouldn't get off, and kept on spazzing out at the driver - until certain passengers, including yours truly, started yelling back at her!

Man, New York can sure be a zoo sometimes. . . hahahahaha. . . but you gotta LOVE IT!!!!

On January 27, 2012 Hanan wrote: Guilty!

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:14:49 -0700

Rain is Teething.

And she's nibbling on everything in sight.

Today I caught her chewing up my favorite guitar stand.

After I yelled at her, she gave me such an apologetic look. . . I just didn't have the heart to discipline her.

What a manipulator! She knows I'm weak to her cuteness.

What would you have done?

On January 26, 2012 Hanan wrote: Woof?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:33:21 -0700

I have a friend in Nashville who raised a bunch of dogs.

He also raised one deer - together with the dogs.

The story gets real interesting when the deer started thinking it was one of the bunch, and began picking up on their canine behavior.

When people would come over, it would run all up on them, excited like a puppy.

It would have been funny, other than that by this time, this deer was the size of a mid size cow.

Imagine a deer that size running up towards you, trying to sniff your clothes and jump on you when you get home.

It also started jumping up on cars.

That's when they had to release the him into the wild. . .

On January 25, 2012 Hanan wrote: Katz's Deli

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:14:12 -0700

Downtown on a Tuesday night, we were starving.

There was only one option that everyone agreed on.

Katz's Deli.

Hands down.

Katz's is New York at its purest form.

There is no better Potato Knish in the world.

"It would not have been possible for Katz’s Delicatessen to survive three depressions, numerous recessions and two World Wars if Katz’s wasn’t the best deli in NYC".

On January 24, 2012 Hanan wrote: "Tears in Heaven".

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:04:00 -0700

"Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you feel the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong and carry on
'Cause I know I don't belong here in heaven. . . "

Eric Clapton wrote "Tears in Heaven" (together with Will Jennings) about his 4-year-old son Conor, who died after he fell out of a 53rd floor window in a New York City apartment.

To be able to transform such a tragic loss into such a profound piece of music is nothing short of amazing. Not to mention, being able to perform it.

I would have not been able to get through a single verse, had I gone through such an thing. that's for sure.

Eric Clapton is simply inspirational.

On January 23, 2012 Hanan wrote: Nachoooooooo!

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:38:45 -0700

Heard they're thinking of making a sequel to Nacho Libre.

That would be incredible.

Nacho goes to Japan.

To whom it may concern:

Please, please, please make this happen!!!

On January 22, 2012 Hanan wrote: Wooooooooooooooo!!!!!

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:48:28 -0700

Once in a while, we hear a crazy loud boat horn.

Like, stupid loud.

Like, shake-all-the-windows-in-the-house loud.

I know this sounds crazy, but I think one of our neighbors installed one on his car.

Not sure who it is though.

If I do find out, I'm so gonna ask him (or her - but I'm assuming its a guy) to borrow it. . .

On January 21, 2012 Hanan wrote: Happy New Year!

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:39:24 -0700

Is there an expiration date to "Happy New Year" greetings?

When is it no longer appropriate to say?

1 week into January?

2 weeks?

3 weeks?

Someone greeted me with "Happy New Year" today.

Not like I took offense or anything, lol, but it was surprising.

It is technically the Chinese New Year this weekend. . . but neither one of us is Chinese. . .

What do you think?

On January 20, 2012 Hanan wrote: Socks to be me right now!

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:27:28 -0700

Is it really necessary to fold your socks?

I mean, they don't really need to look good. . .

Sure, if you have a bunch of different, unmatched pairs, it's understandable.

But I don't

Most of my socks are exactly the same.

Think I'm done folding socks.

Let it be known.

Super psyched!

On January 19, 2012 Hanan wrote: Ormie the pig.

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:06:39 -0700

My new favorite!

'Nuff said.

On January 18, 2012 Hanan wrote: You wanna pi'tcha ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:53:44 -0700

Walking through Washington Square park, on my way to Bleeker St., I witnessed something extremely blog worthy!

A group of tourists were taking pictures.

They noticed a homeless guy sleeping, which apparently made them feel artistic.

So they started taking pictures of him with different angles of the city behind him.

After about a minute or so, they guy wakes up and sees all these people standing around him, snapping their cameras and cell phones away.

So he did the most logical thing.

He whipped out his penis and started teetering towards the group.

"You wanna pi'tcha?!?! - here's a pi'tcha for ya's!!!!!!!!!!!

They all ran out the park sooooo fast. . . .

I had to sit down for about 10 minutes and just laugh that sh*t off.

On January 16, 2012 Hanan wrote: Don't you love me?

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:40:53 -0700

Never realized how difficult it is to concentrate on work when facing a cute puppy who wants to play.

I spent all day at the studio, mixing from morning till night time in my pajamas.

But Rain had other plans.

All she wanted to do was go outside and jump around.

I let her out on her own, but apparently my attendance was required.

So we played once, we played twice, three times, four. . . but it's never enough!

Each time I sat down to mix, she rested her head on my lap and gave me the most miserable look she could manage to pull off.

You would think no one ever played with her. . .

And as if that didn't work, she began to sadly drag doggie toys onto my feet, in hopes of reaching a guilt level high enough to make me leave the studio.

And it worked.

I was defeated by the manipulative puppy.

But then again, how can you say no to this face?

On January 15, 2012 Hanan wrote: Can you hear me now?

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:11:41 -0700

In the studio, when someone is recording in the live room, you can communicate with them via a microphone that is located in the control room.

That microphone is usually on the recording desk, and you need to press a button to activate it.

Most pro studios have a remote control for this feature.

It's always so funny when people press the talk back remote and then speak directly into it.

As if the microphone was in the remote.

That will never get old!

On January 14, 2012 Hanan wrote: Wake up!

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:42:53 -0700

If you can't get out of bed in the mornings, I saw the product you need!

It's an alarm clock on wheels, called "Clocky".

If you want to turn it off, you literally have to get your behind out of bed and chase it.

Hahahahahaha!!!!!

What a great idea!!!!

On January 13, 2012 Hanan wrote: NYC cops

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:37:19 -0700

As a general rule, NYC cops are pretty damn cool.

At least when compared to out of town cops.

For the most part, they really don't bother you with petty things.

They have actual crimes to worry about. . .

The cops where I grew up are different.

Their highpoints are fire drills and kittens in trees, and so they tend to be real quick to pull you over.

Even if you didn't do anything, and they simply think you should be questioned.

But then again, I guess it's better to have annoying cops than violent crimes. . .

On January 12, 2012 Hanan wrote: Plan ahead!

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:40:39 -0700

One friday evening, a cop was staking out a rather rowdy bar for possible DUI violations.

After last call, he sees some dude stumble out of the front door, trip on the curb, and proceeding to try his keys on five different cars before finding his.

The guy sits in the front seat and fumbles around with his keys for several minutes.

After everyone else leaves the bar and drives away, he finally succeeds in starting his engine and begins to pull away.

The police officer, who was waiting for him, turns on his siren and pulls the driver over.

After reading him his rights, he administers a Breathalyzer test, but the results show a reading of 0.0.

"How that is that possible?!" asks the baffled officer.

"Tonight," replies the driver, "I'm the Designated Decoy."

On January 11, 2012 Hanan wrote: What?!

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:58:53 -0700

Check out two of my all time favorite drummers: Roy Haynes & Jack DeJohnette.

Not drumming, but tap dancing!

Talk about being well rounded. . . whew!

On January 10, 2012 Hanan wrote: Delivery !

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:52:50 -0700

A handful of restaurants in Berlin deliver, but it certainly isn't the norm.

Back in good old NYC, I can't really think of anyone who doesn't.

It's so great!

Forgot how nice it is to be able to eat whatever you want without having to calculate travel time.

If you're really lazy, or really busy, delivery is the way to go.

I'm a little bit of both. . . :)

On January 9, 2012 Hanan wrote: Waves Tune is the bomb!

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:49:08 -0700

Here's one for the studio geeks. . .

Everybody does some form of vocal pitch correction.

Everybody.

You hear people talk about "Autotune".

You hear people talk about "Melodyne".

But you don't really hear anyone talk much about "Waves Tune".

Used it for the first time this week, and I have to say it's the most intuitive, transparent, natural vocal pitch correction software I've used to date.

Waves, you totally nailed it!

On January 8, 2012 Hanan wrote: Hood spots!

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 02:40:08 -0700

I've been really fortunate to eat in some amazing Chinese restaurants.

Even been to some O.G. places in actual China.

It was all awesome, but somehow, I still like hood chinese spots the best.

Hood - as in bulletproof glass between you and the cashier - hood.

I'm so not kidding.

Hood spots have a vibe that I can't put my finger on.

It's probably something really disgusting and unhealthy, but it's distinctive nonetheless.

And I like it.

There it is.

On January 7, 2012 Hanan wrote: Full circle!

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:35:41 -0700

Met a really amazing songwriter tonight.

Her talent and accomplishments aside, I was most impressed with her attitude towards the music game.

Had an extremely inspiring conversation with her and two other mutual friends till around 4:30 in the morning.

Rolled back into the Bronx past 5 A.M.

Gonna pay for that tomorrow. . . lol

And the funniest thing is: her and her husband live and work one town over from the place I grew up in.

Had to travel all around the world just to get right back to where it all started!

Never know where you're going to bump into greatness :)

On January 6, 2012 Hanan wrote: Words with friends.

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:28:07 -0700

This game is so crazy.

How can a simple Scrabble type game become so addictive?

Is anyone in the U.S. not playing "Words with Friends"?!

At any given moment there are at least 100 people on my Facebook friend list playing.

Strict rules have been made by myself for myself, but its becoming harder and harder to adhere to them.

I might have to delete this thing off my phone.

For real.

On January 4, 2012 Hanan wrote: Start spreading the news. . .

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:47:40 -0700

I'm slowly internalizing the fact that I don't have to leave New York and go back to Europe for months on end.

This is home again.

One of the hardest parts of living in Berlin was coming back here for a week or two, reconnecting with everyone, and then flying away again.

A part of me always stayed behind.

As much as I really do love Europe, there is just no other place in the world with as much energy as New York City!

Each day that passes reaffirms my decision more and more.

On January 3, 2012 Hanan wrote: Bon Appétit

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:24:03 -0700

Went back home to Jersey, to visit my parents.

My dad was making dinner, but when I tried to taste it he said I shouldn't. . .

"Huh?"

"Dinner tastes horrible today", he said, "I messed it up royally".

For those of you who don't know, my dad can cook his behind off!

I don't ever remember him making anything short of delicious.

Naturally, I was surprised.

"How bad could it be?" I mumbled while spooning up a nice mouthful.

It was terrible!!!!

What happened was: he tried adding a little salt, but the bottle cap was loose and about three spoonfuls fell in.

He just chuckled upon seeing my reaction and said: "I told you".

On January 2, 2012 Hanan wrote: A.K.A.

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:43:45 -0700

On the train today, on my way to the Bronx, a sassy, older Puerto Rican lady wanted to get passed me.

She said: "Ecu-me Papi" and squeezed by.

It was terrific.

Haven't been called "Papi" in a very long time.

I hereby give everyone permission to refer to me as "Papi".

On January 1, 2012 Hanan wrote: Party!!!

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:13:54 -0700

Had a really wild New Year's eve.

Went to a friend's apartment, ordered sushi and played scrabble.

It was crazy, man.

At midnight, we went out on the balcony and watched the fireworks over Times Square.

Then we went right back in to finish the scrabble game.

I came in last, but it was still one of the best NYE ever.

On December 31, 2011 Hanan wrote: Clean slate

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:08:21 -0700

Here it is.

The end of 2011.

Talk about a turbulent year. . .

But 2012 is a few hours away, and it's got a great feeling to it!

2012 is going to be all about creating.

2012 is going to be all about true friendships.

2012 is going to be about being happy.

On December 30, 2011 Hanan wrote: Keep it in the past?

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:59:06 -0700

Been seeing many old friends in the last few days.

For the most part it's been great.

A few people, however, I wish I had just kept the memory of.

Meeting up with an old pal and realizing how far apart you grew can be a real disappointing experience.

It's sad to see people you care about let themselves go.

But I guess that's a risk we all take when reconnecting, in hopes that our old friends are doing even better than we remember.

On December 28, 2011 Hanan wrote: In the nick of time!

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:10:05 -0700

Went out to jam with one of my favorite bass players tonight, Nate Jones On Bass .

Two minutes past 1AM, Nate stopped in the middle of the song and announced:

"Sorry to interrupt, but they're towing every car that's parked on this street".

Never seen a club empty out so quick in my life!

I ran out too, and guess what: My car was next in line to get get towed.

So, here is a public "Thank You" to my main man, Nate Jones, for saving me over $300.

Top man!

On December 27, 2011 Hanan wrote: Garlic / Lemon chicken.

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:41:32 -0700

Went to an amazing Dominican restaurants today.

My man Legz ordered the garlic chicken, with rice and beans.

I ordered the lemon chicken, with rice and beans.

Since both dishes looked and smelled incredible, I suggested we split them.

But Legz had a better idea: Mix the two.

So we just rocked one huge chicken plate.

It was amazing!

On December 26, 2011 Hanan wrote: First night out.

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:24:04 -0700

FInally feeling healthy again!

Decided to spend the day taking in New York City.

Had an opportunity to check out the new and improved Cutting Room Studios on 4th street.

They really stepped it up! What a great new spot!

Then, some of my friends were playing downtown, so I went and sat in first at "Club Groove", and then at "Cafe Wha?". Had a blast!

It was so great to walk around the village and see old friends.

The kid is back!

To properly end the night in a NYC fashion, I took a funky, 3AM subway ride back up to the Bronx.

That sure was a different vibe from the Berlin U-Bahn. . . .

On December 25, 2011 Hanan wrote: Merry Christmas!

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:07:02 -0700

Wishing everybody a very merry Christmas!

Hope you're having a great time with your families.

It's the most wonderful time of the year :)

On December 24, 2011 Hanan wrote: Only in America!

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:05:45 -0700

Its awesome how intense christmas decorations can get for some people.

This morning, I saw a car that was totally disguised as a rain deer.

Fur and everything.

Sort of like the dog van from "Dumb and Dumber" - with a red nose and antlers.

Now that's some Christmas spirit for you.

Rock on with your bad self!

On December 22, 2011 Hanan wrote: Dangerous hobby

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:49:55 -0700

Spent all day in bed with a fever yesterday.

Not much to report there. . .

Today, things are finally looking better.

Not 100% yet, but borderline functional.

In the spirit of reaching 100% ASAP, I decided to play phone games in bed all day long.

Man, there are SOOoo many of them out there.

I had no idea.

And they're all so friggin addictive!

All these games must be removed from my phone immediately once I'm up and running again.

Last thing I need is a video game addiction. . . lol

On December 20, 2011 Hanan wrote: Note to self.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:33:43 -0700

Don't go to hospitals while jet lagged/ directly after a plane ride.

My throat feels like sand paper.

Swollen sand paper.

Not a good sensation.

Gonna try and get some melatonin assisted rest tonight.

That should help.

On a good note, my friend is going to be OK.

It was a scary one, but after a very long surgery, she's going to live.

Best birthday gift ever!

On December 19, 2011 Hanan wrote: Best gift there is.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:25:56 -0700

It's my 29th birthday today!

Next one is the big 3-0.

A close friend of mine is having surgery today, and I'm going to spend the evening in the hospital.

Party? definitely not.

But if I could only ask for one gift, my wish is for her to get better.

There aren't many more rewarding things than seeing a loved one recover from a serious illness.

I'll take that over a birthday soirée any time!

Fingers crossed.

On December 18, 2011 Hanan wrote: As we lifted through the clouds. . .

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 04:58:50 -0700

The grey colors of Berlin disappeared behind, along with the rain.

Only gentle signs of dawn on the horizon.

Pure blends of blue and pink began to form.

The unblemished colors of a new beginning.

And it was exactly what I needed to see.

On December 17, 2011 Hanan wrote: Last day in Berlin.

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:28:39 -0700

I'm flying back to New York City tomorrow.

One way ticket.

I'm very excited, and definitely looking forward to all that's coming my way.

But I'm going to miss all of the wonderful people I met out here.

Spending the last day walking around town and eating my favorite German food :)

Can't go wrong there. . .

Thanks Berlin for a great 4 1/2 years!

On December 16, 2011 Hanan wrote: Plan ahead!

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:22:25 -0700

Was deep in work at the studio all day.

At around 10:30 P.M. I realized I'm starving.

Unfortunately, nothing around was open.

Had to take a 20 minute bike ride starving.

That wasn't the most fun thing.

Next time, I'm planning ahead.

Or maybe just work somewhere near an all night joint :)

On December 14, 2011 Hanan wrote: When the groove strikes

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:58:53 -0700

If you have a chance, check out your favorite records on top quality headphones.

You might discover things you didn't know were there, if you only know the music from listening to speakers.

Had one of those moments today.

Not sure how, but I pretty much missed one of the illest bass performances ever.

Song: "What's happenning brother"

Artist: Marvin Gaye

Bass player: James Jamerson

Somehow, it just doesn't sound as agressive on our speakers, but oh boy, on proper headphones, it was a different story altogether.

Had to stop in the middle of the street and just groove!

Mr. Jamerson was simply special.

On December 13, 2011 Hanan wrote: Goldfish memory

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:33:31 -0700

Was walking outside when my phone rang.

In order to touch the screen, I took one glove off, and then held it with the same hand.

About one minute into the conversation, I noticed that I'm only holding a single glove.

"Huh?"

Still wearing the other one, I started looking around for it on the ground.

Had a good chuckle once I finally saw it.

On December 12, 2011 Hanan wrote: So much for guessing

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:28:11 -0700

Went to eat Italian food with a friend.

The pasta was so delicious, I was absolutely convinced that it was home made at the restaurant.

My friend said "No way, you're crazy" and continued to eat her dish as I marvelled at mine with amazement.

I couldn't take any more mystery and had to ask the waiter.

"Actually," he said giggling, "the pasta in your dish, sir, is the only one that's not self made here in the restaurant. But her's is!"

On December 10, 2011 Hanan wrote: The "Tug boat"

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:14:19 -0700

Are there "standard behaviour guidelines" for standing in line?

I was waiting to order a sandwich today, and this old man kept touching me with his protruding belly.

As if that wasn't enough, he was wearing a thick, cheap winter coat which made a loud plastic sound.

It was disturbing to say the least.

After the second time, I gave him "the look".

The "dude, come on" look.

But he did it again after a minute regardless.

So I just moved aside.

If I ever have a big belly, and I don't want to wait in line, I know what to do!

On December 9, 2011 Hanan wrote: Couldn't put it any better myself. . .

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:59:38 -0700

My friend Al Carty posted this today:

A lady called the Los Angeles musicians union to inquire about the cost of booking a five piece band with a singer for a wedding.

The AFM rep says “Off the top of my head, roughly two thousand dollars”.

“WHAT?!" She says, "FOR MUSIC!?”.

“Ma’am…" The rep responded, "I’ll tell you what. Call the plumbers’ union and ask for six plumbers to work from six to twelve o’clock on a Saturday night. Whatever they charge you, I’ll work for half of that.”

She called back and said, “I get your point.”

On December 8, 2011 Hanan wrote: Yes boss.

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:48:51 -0700

I really love classic movies.

Decided to watch "Casablanca" last night, as it is arguably America's best loved classic film.

And though it is indeed a fantastic picture, I realized something:

There's a lot of seriously racist stuff going on in there!

For example, when Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) first arrives at Rick's and asks: "Who's the boy playing the piano?".

That's messed up.

Or how Sam is constantly ordered to play a song he doesn't want to play.

Or how Sam constantly refers to Rick as "Boss".

Pretty ugly stuff.

Can't say that I didn't enjoy the film, but I sure would have enjoyed it more if it wasn't for the bigotry.

On December 7, 2011 Hanan wrote: Crystal clear.

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:32:13 -0700

We all take things for granted sometimes.

But there's nothing like a health scare to make you realize how much you really care about somebody.

The idea of that person not being around anymore instantly puts everything into perspective.

All of a sudden, every phone call, every email, every moment means just that much more.

But in reality, this should have been the sentiment all along.

We shouldn't have to be scared in order to realize our true feelings.

Nothing lasts forever. One day, inevitably, we will all be gone.

And so, from now on, I'm going to make a serious effort to factor this fact into every action I take.

On December 6, 2011 Hanan wrote: Not so heavenly.

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:44:39 -0700

Saw this add today on the train.

Got the feeling this lotion might "burn" for some reason. . .