When I lived just a few blocks away, trips to the always freaky downtown Denver Walgreens were frequent.  Since moving, I visit a lot less often.  A conversation with a cashier there last night reminds me about all the free entertainment I’m missing out on:
Cashier lady: (under her breath, as I set down my package [...]

When traveling in in Argentina, I got mixed responses when I told people I was an American.  Some would express interest and some would express contempt.  It wasn’t till my fellow traveler offered me a piece of advice, that my responses were almost always positive. 

Walking into work this morning thru the blustery Colorado air, my iPod shuffle landed on Nine Inch Nail’s “Leaving Hope”, from the album “Still” (the limited edition companion disc to “And all that could have been”. 
Reflecting on how the same man responsible for the balls to the wall aggro-insanity of pieces like “Last”, “Starfuckers Inc.” [...]

I was 21 years old when I stole my dad’s copy of Andrew Weil’s holistic health book, 8 Weeks to Optimum Health.  Somewhere between spending time in parks and eating flax seeds, the book recommends buying fresh flowers on a weekly basis to brighten the home with this natural example of beauty.
This practice is not [...]

It’s no secret I love reading up on Nootropic, er, topics.  Lately, I’ve seen a new phrase popping up in many of the articles.  “Cosmetic Neurology” refers not only to the current trend of using certain medications (Adderall, Provigil for example) off label as work / study aids, but also the future of this practice.  [...]

Usually when I return from my departures from the city, I send out a blast text message to all my friends to let them know I’m back.  This last time though, I’m taking a more gradual approach. 

Just over a week until the big screen adaptation of Ben Mezrich’s awesome “Bringing Down The House” opens.  I’m more than a little excited.  Not only was the book instrumental in kick starting my own  card counting interest and subsequent obsession, but the movie’s being produced by, and stars, Kevin Spacey.  “21″ chronicles the mid [...]

The inbox here at Urban Monarch is often filled with interesting correspondence from our readers.  Occasionally though, gems like this find their way in.

In honor of the amateur-hour-suburban-drunken insanity that will surely define downtown Denver on this St Patty’s Day Night, this video.  Highlighting white trash idocy at its finest. 
Viva Jacksonville Florida for the providing the upstanding young lady in the clip. 

With just a few days left in New Orleans, my temporary land lord moved us out from one house to another just down the block.  The quick uprooting and added stress started me thinking on the basic human needs and the consequences of not maintaining them.  This then brought up memories of learning about Maslow’s [...]

It’s no secret I’ve taken a keen interest in neurotransmitters and their role in mood, outlook and overall well being.  Part of this research has resulted in the addition of 5-Htp to my daily vitamin regimine.  Researching dopamine specifically led me to a great piece about dietary impacts to dopamine and serotonin, with an emphasis [...]

Getting more excited by the day about my pending upgrade to a mac mini, I’ve been coming across all sorts of cool stuff online.
For instance, this steampunk mac mini mod that Dave Veloz made as a wedding gift for his bride to be.
It’s a jawdropping work of art that reminds me of one part Mirror [...]

As the wikization of the entire world continues; those techie gurus over @ Wired dish up one that actually matters:  The Wired How To Wiki.  Featuring articles ranging from “How To Cheat on the Need to Sleep” to Card Counting and beyond, Wired will learn you real good.

St Patrick’s Day is Monday and I’m sure the readership of Urban Monarch needs no reminders.  It is unfortunate though that most of us will be spending the earlier parts of the days working.  If you live in one of these countries though it might be a different story.

Not having cable / satellite service has its pros and cons.  Pros; not being able to spend all night watching mindless drivel on my TV.  Cons: not being able to spend all night watching mindless drivel on my TV.
Let’s face it; sometimes after a long day’s work there’s nothing more appealing than collapsing on the [...]

I’ve had a myriad of issues with my landlord here in New Orleans, but the funniest so far is that she doesn’t remember meeting me.  We had several interactions on the phone and over email while negotiating this temporary residence.  When I arrived in town, she met me at the house and offered me the [...]

Watch the YouTube demo. 
Download the app.
Watch weeks of your life disappear.
Phun 2d

I’ve been luxuriating in the idea of taking my 30th year of life off as a micro retirement.  One idea I have is to take a round the world flight.  The idea is that you buy a set fare from an airline alliance and get a set number of miles and trips to use up [...]

With summer fast approaching; MSNBC offers up 7 ways to boost your metabolism, and hopefully help you get into shape.
One tip I (and the Body for Life system) definitely approves of;
Speed play (aka Fartlek) — Fartlek, commonly known in the U.S. as interval training, is the Swedish word for “speed play.” Interval training or speed play [...]

I usually love the convenience of an ATM or credit card to pay for my purchases.  When I leave town though, it’s cash time.  I am quickly reminded of the advantages.

Everyone accepts it
Budgeting is simpler
Splitting checks is simpler
Have cash for those cash only transactions (certain restaurants, taxis, nightclubs)

Knowing that the majority of our readers pull paychecks from some sort of IT related work, I’m curious: are you primarily working from home / remote or at the office? 
The future of all tech work is so obviously in the comfort of a remote work arrangement.  The benefits on both sides (employee: comfort, no commute, [...]