Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
HST pic
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming– “Wow! What a Ride!”
— Hunter S. Thompson
— Hunter S. Thompson
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Vegas Trip Report (DEC 2009)
I returned yesterday from my trip to Las Vegas, a day later than planned. Christopher was my traveling companion and neither one of us were in any shape to travel at the originally scheduled return departure time. We slept in that day, not rising until 4:00 PM (6:00 Austin time) and I posit that we could have benefitted from even one more day of rest past that to return home.
I received numerous texts and emails asking for trip details and it is here that I shall provide them, but the night that caused the trip extension, shall not be chronicled here.
I have received several inquiries over the past year or two about taking trips to Las Vegas but have yet to make actual plans until Christopher's offer. With an offer of free air and hotel (Bellagio, no less), I couldn't refuse.
Monday was our first day, though we didn't arrive at the hotel until almost 7:00 PM. It was raining in Las Vegas and their airport could only handle one runway, so our flight was delayed. Chrisopher, who has made more trips to Vegas than anyone I know (I have gone there 4 times with him myself), remarked in all the years since he's been going to Vegas, he's never seen it rain. This year marks the 25th anniversary of his first trip.
We decided to take it easy that night and had dinner at Cafe Bellagio and just wondered around afterwards, rather aimlessly. I don't even recall gambling that night.
We awoke Tuesday morning with no discernible plans for the day. After a light breakfast at Palio at Bellagio, I wandered over to Caesar's Palace to check out the action in the poker room.
They only had 3 games running, though one of them was a $1/3 NL Hold'em game that I normally feel comfortable playing, I just wasn't ready to begin at that moment. I hung out at the sports book for awhile, but again, didn't feel like gambling.
I headed back to Bellagio and met Christopher at one of the bars near the poker room and we finally started gambling on Video Poker. Video Poker is a good game to play because if played correctly, it offers the lowest house advantage (outside of a couple of scenario's playing craps.)
We played for an hour or so drinking first gin and then some whiskey. I was down $20 and Christopher was up $80 and we decided to play roulette (a game with a decidedly higher house advantage.)
Nonetheless, we both went on a tear and won a few hundred. By this time, we were feeling good and playing a bit recklessly, but obviously got lucky.
Joe, our new favorite bartender at the bar by the Bellagio poker room, told us we could buy liquor at wholesale prices at a package store inside the Orleans, so we hopped in the rental car and drove over there, intending to play more video poker and buy a bottle of Makers.
The line for the player's cards was ridiculous, so we ate lunch and had a few whiskey's and beers before buying the Maker's and heading back to the hotel to drop off the bottle in the room.
We headed down to Bellagio's Sports Book and sat in the adjacent bar playing video poker and drinking free beer. I won $55 (don't remember what Christopher did) and we then walked over to Bill's (formerly Barbary Coast) to play $5 black jack. I bought in for $100 and was doing very well, doubling my money in 20 minutes when a guy from Virginia sits down to my right and proceeds to fuck the table up by playing incorrect black jack. His bad play took cards away from me that costs me $85 (yeah, I know, not that much.)
The whiskey anger was beginning to rise and Christopher (who had been sitting at an adjacent table that had just broken up) spirited me away from the casino. I was ranting and raving and generally acting inappropriately all the way back to the Bellagio. It is a rare occasion for Christopher to walk 10 paces away from me whilst in public. If anything, its the other way around. Anyway, I was obviously on tilt, but cooled off after half an hour.
We then ate dinner back at Cafe Bellagio and then played more roulette, where I won $100, I knew when to quit and went upstairs to bed.
Next day, Wednesday, back to Palio's for latte and breakfast. We awoke later than usual and decided to head over to The Venetian for a $150 buyin NL Hold'em Tournament that began at noon. There were 114 players and they paid first 12 players
By the first break, I had half the chips I started out (7500) with while Christopher had doubled up. This was a 'deep stack' tournament and you could afford to play along time and I tried to make a play at a couple of pots but was re-raised and had to lay down my semi-bluffs.
One notable hand had me raising 3x from the cut off with A-9 and I got one caller. Flop hits A-K-9 and I bet the pot. Other player just calls. Turn sees a 2 hit and I bet the pot again. Again, the guy just calls. When a K hits the river, I bet half the pot and my opponent pushes.
The only other hand this guy had shown before this was a full house he used to knock out the first guy at the table who had a nut flush. I had to lay down.
I fought back a little after that and at one point even nearly doubled up my starting chips, but by the third break, I was half the average stack size and had 7 big blinds left.
I finally pushed with A-10 and the guy to my left called with A-K. I did not improve and finished 9 away the money. Ten minutes later, Christopher finished 8 away from the money.
We didn't feel bad. We had fun and it was the best run tournament I've ever played in. I will play there again on my next trip.
We return to the Bellagio and head back to the bar by the poker room (on the way, passing Erik Seidel) and Joe is working again, so we sit and have a beer and play more video poker. After being down just $5.00, I cash out and walk a few feet away to play more roulette and won $50 and decide that's enough and cash out there and return to the bar where Christopher and Joe are still talking. I decide not to sit down and just stood behind Christopher while we chatted with Joe some more.
About a minute later, Richard MacDonald walks up and takes the seat I had vacated minutes earlier to play roulette. Christopher recognized him immediately. He's a famous sculptor and has studio's in London (2) and Monterey as well as Vegas. He is good friends with Guy Laliberté founder of Cirque du Soleil and has a business relationship with them.
We then wandered over to his exhibit which was just around the corner and took a tour.
We had reservations at Del Frisco, so we headed upstairs to wash up and find some nice clothes. We arrived at Del Frisco half an hour ahead of our reservations so we might enjoy some professionally made cocktails at an upscale Vegas steak house.
We were not disappointed. Chase was our bartender and he took to us immediately. I had a Knob Creek Manhattan while Christopher ordered some Champagne. The bar and restaurant were packed, but the service was outstanding.
Chase also gave us free shots of a honey and cinnamon infused Woodford. They dropped an actual honey comb and cinnamon into a big jar of Woodford, just as they might with a vodka, and let it sit for a few days. The result is out of this world delicious.
While we were enjoying our cocktails, a couple of guys sat next to us and the one next to me ordered a Manhattan, as I did. A natural segway for a conversation and we all be came fast friends.
We then head to dinner and had a lovely 2006 Caymus with our rib eye and lobster. After dinner, we go back to the bar for one more cocktail and our buddies are still there. These two guys live in Vegas and are in business together. After several minutes of talking to me they ask me what I do. I tell them I am under-employed and they offer me a job at their company. I would have to move to Vegas though. I said I would think about it and took their card.
I had attempted to pay for drinks and my share of the meal, but Christopher told me no, he would take care of this. This was very generous considering he funded the air and hotel. That bill was nearly $650!
Christopher and I head back to Bellagio and I stay in the lobby and check emails (free wifi there) while Christopher goes up to the room for something (don't remember what.) I told him I would meet him in the lobby upon his return, but I forgot I told him that (we were well into our cups) and I wandered off and played more roulette and video poker. I didn't remember much of that, but when Christopher found me 3 hours later, I had the print outs you redeem for cash and I was up $140. What luck! He won $300 himself, playing craps.
We then go play more craps (and win). We cashed out and (trip info for rest of night omitted).
Thursday we woke up at 4:00PM and got ready for dinner and went downstairs, had a couple of beers, some Keno, played video poker, roulette and after going up $65, I call it a night and go back to the room.
We end up watching The Hangover in the room which was appropriate. Plus, many of the scenes from the movie were the same ones we could see from our hotel room.
Trip observation:
The National Finals Rodeo was going on the whole time we were there. I don't have much in common with cowboys, but they were all very nice and friendly. There were also a lot of Euro's in Vegas this past week, easily 50% of the people we encountered in Bellagio were from Europe. They were actually pretty cool, too. Latin America and Asia were represented in the Vegas diversity pool, though not to the extent I recall on previous trips.
All was cool and fun until Thursday afternoon, when a certain demographic began showing up in numbers not known earlier in the week: The Affliction wearing douchebag. For no other reason than this is justification to avoid Vegas on the weekends.
I received numerous texts and emails asking for trip details and it is here that I shall provide them, but the night that caused the trip extension, shall not be chronicled here.
I have received several inquiries over the past year or two about taking trips to Las Vegas but have yet to make actual plans until Christopher's offer. With an offer of free air and hotel (Bellagio, no less), I couldn't refuse.
Monday was our first day, though we didn't arrive at the hotel until almost 7:00 PM. It was raining in Las Vegas and their airport could only handle one runway, so our flight was delayed. Chrisopher, who has made more trips to Vegas than anyone I know (I have gone there 4 times with him myself), remarked in all the years since he's been going to Vegas, he's never seen it rain. This year marks the 25th anniversary of his first trip.
We decided to take it easy that night and had dinner at Cafe Bellagio and just wondered around afterwards, rather aimlessly. I don't even recall gambling that night.
We awoke Tuesday morning with no discernible plans for the day. After a light breakfast at Palio at Bellagio, I wandered over to Caesar's Palace to check out the action in the poker room.
They only had 3 games running, though one of them was a $1/3 NL Hold'em game that I normally feel comfortable playing, I just wasn't ready to begin at that moment. I hung out at the sports book for awhile, but again, didn't feel like gambling.
I headed back to Bellagio and met Christopher at one of the bars near the poker room and we finally started gambling on Video Poker. Video Poker is a good game to play because if played correctly, it offers the lowest house advantage (outside of a couple of scenario's playing craps.)
We played for an hour or so drinking first gin and then some whiskey. I was down $20 and Christopher was up $80 and we decided to play roulette (a game with a decidedly higher house advantage.)
Nonetheless, we both went on a tear and won a few hundred. By this time, we were feeling good and playing a bit recklessly, but obviously got lucky.
Joe, our new favorite bartender at the bar by the Bellagio poker room, told us we could buy liquor at wholesale prices at a package store inside the Orleans, so we hopped in the rental car and drove over there, intending to play more video poker and buy a bottle of Makers.
The line for the player's cards was ridiculous, so we ate lunch and had a few whiskey's and beers before buying the Maker's and heading back to the hotel to drop off the bottle in the room.
We headed down to Bellagio's Sports Book and sat in the adjacent bar playing video poker and drinking free beer. I won $55 (don't remember what Christopher did) and we then walked over to Bill's (formerly Barbary Coast) to play $5 black jack. I bought in for $100 and was doing very well, doubling my money in 20 minutes when a guy from Virginia sits down to my right and proceeds to fuck the table up by playing incorrect black jack. His bad play took cards away from me that costs me $85 (yeah, I know, not that much.)
The whiskey anger was beginning to rise and Christopher (who had been sitting at an adjacent table that had just broken up) spirited me away from the casino. I was ranting and raving and generally acting inappropriately all the way back to the Bellagio. It is a rare occasion for Christopher to walk 10 paces away from me whilst in public. If anything, its the other way around. Anyway, I was obviously on tilt, but cooled off after half an hour.
We then ate dinner back at Cafe Bellagio and then played more roulette, where I won $100, I knew when to quit and went upstairs to bed.
Next day, Wednesday, back to Palio's for latte and breakfast. We awoke later than usual and decided to head over to The Venetian for a $150 buyin NL Hold'em Tournament that began at noon. There were 114 players and they paid first 12 players
By the first break, I had half the chips I started out (7500) with while Christopher had doubled up. This was a 'deep stack' tournament and you could afford to play along time and I tried to make a play at a couple of pots but was re-raised and had to lay down my semi-bluffs.
One notable hand had me raising 3x from the cut off with A-9 and I got one caller. Flop hits A-K-9 and I bet the pot. Other player just calls. Turn sees a 2 hit and I bet the pot again. Again, the guy just calls. When a K hits the river, I bet half the pot and my opponent pushes.
The only other hand this guy had shown before this was a full house he used to knock out the first guy at the table who had a nut flush. I had to lay down.
I fought back a little after that and at one point even nearly doubled up my starting chips, but by the third break, I was half the average stack size and had 7 big blinds left.
I finally pushed with A-10 and the guy to my left called with A-K. I did not improve and finished 9 away the money. Ten minutes later, Christopher finished 8 away from the money.
We didn't feel bad. We had fun and it was the best run tournament I've ever played in. I will play there again on my next trip.
We return to the Bellagio and head back to the bar by the poker room (on the way, passing Erik Seidel) and Joe is working again, so we sit and have a beer and play more video poker. After being down just $5.00, I cash out and walk a few feet away to play more roulette and won $50 and decide that's enough and cash out there and return to the bar where Christopher and Joe are still talking. I decide not to sit down and just stood behind Christopher while we chatted with Joe some more.
About a minute later, Richard MacDonald walks up and takes the seat I had vacated minutes earlier to play roulette. Christopher recognized him immediately. He's a famous sculptor and has studio's in London (2) and Monterey as well as Vegas. He is good friends with Guy Laliberté founder of Cirque du Soleil and has a business relationship with them.
We then wandered over to his exhibit which was just around the corner and took a tour.
We had reservations at Del Frisco, so we headed upstairs to wash up and find some nice clothes. We arrived at Del Frisco half an hour ahead of our reservations so we might enjoy some professionally made cocktails at an upscale Vegas steak house.
We were not disappointed. Chase was our bartender and he took to us immediately. I had a Knob Creek Manhattan while Christopher ordered some Champagne. The bar and restaurant were packed, but the service was outstanding.
Chase also gave us free shots of a honey and cinnamon infused Woodford. They dropped an actual honey comb and cinnamon into a big jar of Woodford, just as they might with a vodka, and let it sit for a few days. The result is out of this world delicious.
While we were enjoying our cocktails, a couple of guys sat next to us and the one next to me ordered a Manhattan, as I did. A natural segway for a conversation and we all be came fast friends.
We then head to dinner and had a lovely 2006 Caymus with our rib eye and lobster. After dinner, we go back to the bar for one more cocktail and our buddies are still there. These two guys live in Vegas and are in business together. After several minutes of talking to me they ask me what I do. I tell them I am under-employed and they offer me a job at their company. I would have to move to Vegas though. I said I would think about it and took their card.
I had attempted to pay for drinks and my share of the meal, but Christopher told me no, he would take care of this. This was very generous considering he funded the air and hotel. That bill was nearly $650!
Christopher and I head back to Bellagio and I stay in the lobby and check emails (free wifi there) while Christopher goes up to the room for something (don't remember what.) I told him I would meet him in the lobby upon his return, but I forgot I told him that (we were well into our cups) and I wandered off and played more roulette and video poker. I didn't remember much of that, but when Christopher found me 3 hours later, I had the print outs you redeem for cash and I was up $140. What luck! He won $300 himself, playing craps.
We then go play more craps (and win). We cashed out and (trip info for rest of night omitted).
Thursday we woke up at 4:00PM and got ready for dinner and went downstairs, had a couple of beers, some Keno, played video poker, roulette and after going up $65, I call it a night and go back to the room.
We end up watching The Hangover in the room which was appropriate. Plus, many of the scenes from the movie were the same ones we could see from our hotel room.
Trip observation:
The National Finals Rodeo was going on the whole time we were there. I don't have much in common with cowboys, but they were all very nice and friendly. There were also a lot of Euro's in Vegas this past week, easily 50% of the people we encountered in Bellagio were from Europe. They were actually pretty cool, too. Latin America and Asia were represented in the Vegas diversity pool, though not to the extent I recall on previous trips.
All was cool and fun until Thursday afternoon, when a certain demographic began showing up in numbers not known earlier in the week: The Affliction wearing douchebag. For no other reason than this is justification to avoid Vegas on the weekends.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Questionable decision
By now, most everyone is aware of the Tiger Woods situation. A London newspaper site has this story about Tiger’s alleged mistress. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2753973/Waitress-Jaimee-Grubbs-claims-affair-with-Tiger-Woods.html Hideous. Just hideous. Tranny, perhaps? 
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Another Neighborly Encounter
I just returned from a mid day walk with Luke and Taz. The weather has cooled off substantially enough to afford such a mid day excursion.
I typically take my iPod with me and listen to podcasts as we walk. Colin Cowherd provides plenty of entertainment to parry any tedium I may otherwise endure while walking on routes I've trod down innumerable times.
Towards the end of today's walk, I noticed a woman walking down her driveway on the other side of the street trying to signal me and shouting to get my attention.
I have never seen this woman in the years I have walked the dogs by her house, but I know one thing about her, she has 7 cats and the area around her house smells like a litter box.
I removed my earplugs and asked her to repeat herself as I crossed the street to confront her. She said, "I just love your dogs, they are so beautiful!"
Her voice was a dead ringer for Carol Channings'. This woman was in her early 50's, I'd say, and had bright red/orange hair with red lipstick applied with a caulking gun.
She was wearing house shoes and a house coat that wasn't securely tied at the top.
She told me that though she had cats, it was dogs that she loved as she leaned over to pet Luke and Taz. Her loose fitting house coat sagged down revealing not only was she not wearing a bra, she wasn't wearing panties. I quickly averted my eyes and brought our conversation to a close telling her that over time, she could change the cat to dog ratio in her house, as I retreated down the street.
Thus was the beginning of squirrel season.
I typically take my iPod with me and listen to podcasts as we walk. Colin Cowherd provides plenty of entertainment to parry any tedium I may otherwise endure while walking on routes I've trod down innumerable times.
Towards the end of today's walk, I noticed a woman walking down her driveway on the other side of the street trying to signal me and shouting to get my attention.
I have never seen this woman in the years I have walked the dogs by her house, but I know one thing about her, she has 7 cats and the area around her house smells like a litter box.
I removed my earplugs and asked her to repeat herself as I crossed the street to confront her. She said, "I just love your dogs, they are so beautiful!"
Her voice was a dead ringer for Carol Channings'. This woman was in her early 50's, I'd say, and had bright red/orange hair with red lipstick applied with a caulking gun.
She was wearing house shoes and a house coat that wasn't securely tied at the top.
She told me that though she had cats, it was dogs that she loved as she leaned over to pet Luke and Taz. Her loose fitting house coat sagged down revealing not only was she not wearing a bra, she wasn't wearing panties. I quickly averted my eyes and brought our conversation to a close telling her that over time, she could change the cat to dog ratio in her house, as I retreated down the street.
Thus was the beginning of squirrel season.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Check This Out
I attended another estate sale last weekend and uncovered more gems. I am in the process of sifting through some of the more interesting photos for publication later. I also found some old canceled checks.
Note the penmanship. Amazing...
Click to Enlarge
Note the penmanship. Amazing...
Click to Enlarge
Friday, August 14, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
What's for dinner?
I just performed an inexplicable action that has me baffled.
Five minutes ago, I am sitting on the couch with Luke and Taz at my feet (scared by the rolling thunderstorms) watching Breaking Bad.
For some reason, I reach behind my ear and feel a small little bit of matter that I, in my infinite wisdom, thought was one of the crumbs from the slice of pizza I was eating. I grabbed the spec and put it in my mouth.
I felt a stinging sensation. I took it out of my mouth and ran to the kitchen to discover it was an ant (now dead after squeezing it out of my mouth.)
That's fucked up. I have had 5 ounces of wine all day, so being drunk is not the reasaon. Has anyone else done something like that?
Five minutes ago, I am sitting on the couch with Luke and Taz at my feet (scared by the rolling thunderstorms) watching Breaking Bad.
For some reason, I reach behind my ear and feel a small little bit of matter that I, in my infinite wisdom, thought was one of the crumbs from the slice of pizza I was eating. I grabbed the spec and put it in my mouth.
I felt a stinging sensation. I took it out of my mouth and ran to the kitchen to discover it was an ant (now dead after squeezing it out of my mouth.)
That's fucked up. I have had 5 ounces of wine all day, so being drunk is not the reasaon. Has anyone else done something like that?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Nick P.
Nick's funeral is today at 4:00 PM. I will be attending and also join the funeral party at Katz's immediately following. Nick worked there in some capacity and Marc Katz liked him and has agreed to turn the bar over to the funeral party. (Is funeral party correct?)
Many of you are aware that I am in the midst of a prop bet that imposes an alcohol free lifestyle until June 1st. Due to the nature of the circumstances, I am invoking force majeure and will indulge in drink this evening. This has already been agreed upon by all concerned parties.
I don't have too much to say about Nick, but I will say this. He was an incredibly intelligent person (had a Physics and Law degree) but he lived in a tent on the Green Belt. Over the years, alienated nearly everyone he was ever close to. I expect that the funeral will be very well attended, however. That speaks volumes, though, I am not sure about what.
I wish he were still here.
Many of you are aware that I am in the midst of a prop bet that imposes an alcohol free lifestyle until June 1st. Due to the nature of the circumstances, I am invoking force majeure and will indulge in drink this evening. This has already been agreed upon by all concerned parties.
I don't have too much to say about Nick, but I will say this. He was an incredibly intelligent person (had a Physics and Law degree) but he lived in a tent on the Green Belt. Over the years, alienated nearly everyone he was ever close to. I expect that the funeral will be very well attended, however. That speaks volumes, though, I am not sure about what.
I wish he were still here.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
the cheese is always free in the middle of the mousetrap
I have been remiss with my entries on this site. Apathy and indolence are strong part of my make up, sadly.
So, in chronological order, I shall attempt to get you, dear reader, up to date on the past couple of months.
First was the secret girlfriend. Well, girlfriend is a little strong here. I have not mentioned this woman to anyone thus far and am only now for the first time, stating that I did indeed engage in a relationship. I am not exactly sure why I am revealing this now.
We met in late March at Baby Blue bar. I was at Baby Blue with 2 coworkers right after work on a Wednesday night. We all had two or three drinks, gossiped about work related issues and other coworkers and then left to go home. I was sitting in the parking lot and before I started my car, I decided to go back in for one more drink.
The bar soon became fraught with patrons and the banter among the regulars was restricted to Final Four bracket pairings. I had limited interest in that.
I had planned on leaving after that first drink but an attractive woman sat down next to me and I was feeling chatty (thank you, Makers Mark.)
A lone, attractive woman in a place like that is not common. I let the bourbon do the talking and she was receptive. I like to quit when I am ahead, so I paid out and started to head home. She stopped me before I left and gave me her business card (mortgage broker.)
I wasn't expecting that, and in a way, wan't even wanting that. However, I did call her two days later and arranged a date for more drinks. Well, we hit it off pretty well and I saw her on several occassions after that initial date.
However, we lasted slightly less than five weeks. It ended in late April. And now you know.
She wasn't married, so that's not the reason I was quiet about us. As I said, she wasn't unattractive. In fact, she was a sonsy lass, easy on the eyes.
She wasn't a financial drain. She had money and a six figure income (or so she says.)
I guess it came down to the fact that I don't like the idea that other people think I have a partner. I'll leave that to a shrink to sort out.
We saw each other twice a week and spent most our time together at her place (she came over to my house once), but I never spent the night. That wasn't well received after a couple of weeks.
Our union dissolved before it had a chance to sissilate. Her requests to meet my friends and her scabrous demeanor when rebuffed were the ultimate reasons for the dissolution of our relationship. We were physically compatible, but from a personality viewpoint, it wasn't going to work.
I won't be fielding questions on this.
Secondly, I am in the middle of a prop bet that has me going 5 weeks without drinking alcohol of any kind. I am on day 16 and haven't once been tempted. In some ways, this alarms me. My Mint.com account is very clear on how much money I have saved as a result. This isn't news to me, but damn, its a lot.
Thirdly, I was in the hospital about 10 days ago due to vertigo. Very scary. It came upon me in the middle of a poker game at my house. I had already started the no alcohol bet, so that wasn't a factor. The room was spinning and I couldn't even walk. I had to crawl to get around. I also threw up for the first time in several years (I was going for Seinfeld's record, but it wasn't to be.)
So, in chronological order, I shall attempt to get you, dear reader, up to date on the past couple of months.
First was the secret girlfriend. Well, girlfriend is a little strong here. I have not mentioned this woman to anyone thus far and am only now for the first time, stating that I did indeed engage in a relationship. I am not exactly sure why I am revealing this now.
We met in late March at Baby Blue bar. I was at Baby Blue with 2 coworkers right after work on a Wednesday night. We all had two or three drinks, gossiped about work related issues and other coworkers and then left to go home. I was sitting in the parking lot and before I started my car, I decided to go back in for one more drink.
The bar soon became fraught with patrons and the banter among the regulars was restricted to Final Four bracket pairings. I had limited interest in that.
I had planned on leaving after that first drink but an attractive woman sat down next to me and I was feeling chatty (thank you, Makers Mark.)
A lone, attractive woman in a place like that is not common. I let the bourbon do the talking and she was receptive. I like to quit when I am ahead, so I paid out and started to head home. She stopped me before I left and gave me her business card (mortgage broker.)
I wasn't expecting that, and in a way, wan't even wanting that. However, I did call her two days later and arranged a date for more drinks. Well, we hit it off pretty well and I saw her on several occassions after that initial date.
However, we lasted slightly less than five weeks. It ended in late April. And now you know.
She wasn't married, so that's not the reason I was quiet about us. As I said, she wasn't unattractive. In fact, she was a sonsy lass, easy on the eyes.
She wasn't a financial drain. She had money and a six figure income (or so she says.)
I guess it came down to the fact that I don't like the idea that other people think I have a partner. I'll leave that to a shrink to sort out.
We saw each other twice a week and spent most our time together at her place (she came over to my house once), but I never spent the night. That wasn't well received after a couple of weeks.
Our union dissolved before it had a chance to sissilate. Her requests to meet my friends and her scabrous demeanor when rebuffed were the ultimate reasons for the dissolution of our relationship. We were physically compatible, but from a personality viewpoint, it wasn't going to work.
I won't be fielding questions on this.
Secondly, I am in the middle of a prop bet that has me going 5 weeks without drinking alcohol of any kind. I am on day 16 and haven't once been tempted. In some ways, this alarms me. My Mint.com account is very clear on how much money I have saved as a result. This isn't news to me, but damn, its a lot.
Thirdly, I was in the hospital about 10 days ago due to vertigo. Very scary. It came upon me in the middle of a poker game at my house. I had already started the no alcohol bet, so that wasn't a factor. The room was spinning and I couldn't even walk. I had to crawl to get around. I also threw up for the first time in several years (I was going for Seinfeld's record, but it wasn't to be.)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Stunts on a Hot, Tin Roof
Yeah, yeah, another entry with a video. This is a compilation of a rider from the UK named Danny MacAskill. This is the sickest, most technical riding I have ever seen.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Twitter and Chemora Punch
I've had a Twitter account for 223 days now. I do follow several friends and coworkers with Twitter. What I find more interesting, however, are the people I don't know or have ever met whom I follow.
Officer Phil is a good example. (Bonus: He's a fan of Norm MacDonald.)
The use of Twitter over the past SxSW crippled the SMS feeds, also slowing texting. Twitter is everywhere and I am very concerned about Twitter abuse. Tread carefully.
Officer Phil is a good example. (Bonus: He's a fan of Norm MacDonald.)
The use of Twitter over the past SxSW crippled the SMS feeds, also slowing texting. Twitter is everywhere and I am very concerned about Twitter abuse. Tread carefully.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Accents
With a tip of the cap to Maribeth, I have begun a You Tube exhaustive search of videos demonstrating various accents. I am keenest on the accents of the UK, though I am from Texas, I still like those from all over.
I find this to be a BRILLIANT short video on this obsession of mine. Oddly, the last accent she does is my favorite.
I find this to be a BRILLIANT short video on this obsession of mine. Oddly, the last accent she does is my favorite.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Weekend Project
Even though I have had to work this weekend, I still found time to begin a project I have been thinking about for a few weeks now.
I spend too much money dining out, rather than eating at home. Convenience is the main reason for this and the fact that I HATE to go grocery shopping (or shopping of any kind for that matter.)
So in order to motivate me to shop for groceries more often (and theoretically dine at home saving money more often, as well), I am writing a program that will minimize my time in the grocery store.
The first thing I did, was map out the layout of the grocery store I use most often. In this case, it is the Randall's on Balcones Dr.
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE.
I took the key categories from the layout and added them to a database and using location based fields, created a program that allows you to upload your grocery list and have the program deliver a report that shows you the fastest way to shop for these items on you list by rearranging the list to be optimized for time.
I am still working on this as I want to create a mapping route that overlays the existing layout template. I am borrowing heavily from the same algorithm Google uses. I hope to have this completed in a few weeks.
I spend too much money dining out, rather than eating at home. Convenience is the main reason for this and the fact that I HATE to go grocery shopping (or shopping of any kind for that matter.)
So in order to motivate me to shop for groceries more often (and theoretically dine at home saving money more often, as well), I am writing a program that will minimize my time in the grocery store.
The first thing I did, was map out the layout of the grocery store I use most often. In this case, it is the Randall's on Balcones Dr.
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE.
I took the key categories from the layout and added them to a database and using location based fields, created a program that allows you to upload your grocery list and have the program deliver a report that shows you the fastest way to shop for these items on you list by rearranging the list to be optimized for time.
I am still working on this as I want to create a mapping route that overlays the existing layout template. I am borrowing heavily from the same algorithm Google uses. I hope to have this completed in a few weeks.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Awkward
Over the past 12 months (since my disbarment from Houston's), I have spent a fair amount of time at Pluckers. These are two very different restaurants, but Plucker's is cheaper and the regulars are rowdier than me (or Loren), so I doubt I will ever get banned.
Shortly after Thanksgiving, a new day shift waitress was hired on and I just happened to notice her. I haven't spoken much about her to my friends who meet me at Pluckers as they would no doubt have an embarrassing or incriminating comment to pass along to her should they know I thought "highly" of her.
She has been friendly with me since she started working there, but I am having trouble distinguishing between her demeanor as friendly banter with a "regular" customer, or something else.
And no, I won't mention her name.
So today, Loren calls me up and talks me into meeting him there for a late lunch. This has become typical for us. It is now quite common for he and I to spend a 2 hour lunch watching soccer and drinking a beer or two long after the lunch crowd has dissipated.
I arrived early and noticed the aforementioned waitress. She had already finished with her shift when I arrived and was sitting at a table in the main dining room with co-workers.
She saw me and came into the bar area and asked if I would like to meet her sister. Sure! Why not?!?!
Her sister comes over to where I am sitting at the bar and I am introduced. The sister is much smaller than the waitress of note, but I could tell they were related. I shook hands with her sister and held onto her hand while telling her she had very tiny, delicate hands. When I let go to look at them, I discovered she only had two fingers.
Now, I was trying to be suave, even if I was on my first beer. It turns out that this was a birth defect and not due to an accident (I was told), but I can tell the waitress was not happy with me. My previous stock piling of charm and wit with her was now depleted, and I fear I am in arrears.
She can't ban me though.
Shortly after Thanksgiving, a new day shift waitress was hired on and I just happened to notice her. I haven't spoken much about her to my friends who meet me at Pluckers as they would no doubt have an embarrassing or incriminating comment to pass along to her should they know I thought "highly" of her.
She has been friendly with me since she started working there, but I am having trouble distinguishing between her demeanor as friendly banter with a "regular" customer, or something else.
And no, I won't mention her name.
So today, Loren calls me up and talks me into meeting him there for a late lunch. This has become typical for us. It is now quite common for he and I to spend a 2 hour lunch watching soccer and drinking a beer or two long after the lunch crowd has dissipated.
I arrived early and noticed the aforementioned waitress. She had already finished with her shift when I arrived and was sitting at a table in the main dining room with co-workers.
She saw me and came into the bar area and asked if I would like to meet her sister. Sure! Why not?!?!
Her sister comes over to where I am sitting at the bar and I am introduced. The sister is much smaller than the waitress of note, but I could tell they were related. I shook hands with her sister and held onto her hand while telling her she had very tiny, delicate hands. When I let go to look at them, I discovered she only had two fingers.
Now, I was trying to be suave, even if I was on my first beer. It turns out that this was a birth defect and not due to an accident (I was told), but I can tell the waitress was not happy with me. My previous stock piling of charm and wit with her was now depleted, and I fear I am in arrears.
She can't ban me though.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Comics in Real Life
I've been too busy to with work contribute anything except this old pic that has been making the rounds over the past 3 years...
Friday, February 6, 2009
More Yesterday's Future is Here Today
This video from 1967 (not 1969) accurately predicts what we have today. I understand Wink Martindale is the narrator.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Peppermint Trap
About 6 weeks ago, I noticed a rodent had infilitrated my home and was getting into the dog food in the kitchen. The animal would appear two or three times per week. I had to put up all my food out of reach and that still did not curtail the visits.
New Scan: Peppermint Lounge, Dallas Texas
I bought an electronic mouse trap at Lowes out of desperation. I wasn't interested in killing the rodent, but couldn't abide having him inside the house. I soon found out the trap was meant for mice and what I have is a rat. The trap was too smaill and the rat ripped the top off the device and grabbed the bait (much like the Hulk ripping the roof off of a car and grabbing a miscreant.)
Sunday, before the Super Bowl, I stopped by Zingers and bought two rat traps. They are huge. I haven't yet set them up as they are intimidating. The young female clerk was sizing me up and down when I bought them. Buying rat traps in this day and age is like buying condoms at the drug store in the 50's. It's pretty embarassing.
New Scan: Peppermint Lounge, Dallas Texas
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Loving the Lord with Fresh Breath
I spent last Sunday afternoon with Chris. I configured her 9 year old Dell computer with a Linux distro that will enable her to torrent movies and music as well as enjoy them on the media center that accompanied the OS.
In return, she gave me some shirts and a pair of shorts (all new) as a gift. We then went out for drinks (whisky, vodka, wine... you know, the usual.)
Later that evening I picked up the bag she had wrapped the clothes in and noticed this:
I am not sure if that was an accident or not.
In return, she gave me some shirts and a pair of shorts (all new) as a gift. We then went out for drinks (whisky, vodka, wine... you know, the usual.)
Later that evening I picked up the bag she had wrapped the clothes in and noticed this:
I am not sure if that was an accident or not.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Mid Week Blues
I have been slammed at work with a massive project that I thought was going to take two days. It is now day 6 with no end in sight!
Having said that, I am going to be leaving here in less than two hours for a non work sponsored outing at Cover 3. Only the cool kids from work (the drinkers) will be there.
Trouble is, I only have $50 and Cover 3 ain't cheap. I am going to have to go into Grifter mode if I intend to survive this outing.
Here's a nice scan from this morning. Back of photo says "Jack - Elgin Texas". No date given.
Having said that, I am going to be leaving here in less than two hours for a non work sponsored outing at Cover 3. Only the cool kids from work (the drinkers) will be there.
Trouble is, I only have $50 and Cover 3 ain't cheap. I am going to have to go into Grifter mode if I intend to survive this outing.
Here's a nice scan from this morning. Back of photo says "Jack - Elgin Texas". No date given.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Cowboys Post
Sorry for such a myopic topic. I am on record as hating Jerry Jones passionately for what he has done to destroy the Cowboys.
Having said that, I suppose there is hope. Here is Babe Laufenberg's five-point plan for fixing the Cowboys...
Having said that, I suppose there is hope. Here is Babe Laufenberg's five-point plan for fixing the Cowboys...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Family Familiarity
I am not sure if the dad could get away with as much in today's protective climate...
No date or location given. Click to enlarge for full effect.
No date or location given. Click to enlarge for full effect.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Must Be 250...
I've watched a few torrented movies over the past three days. I found Gran Torino to my liking and will probably watch it again in a few years.
I also saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which is a bit long. I doubt I watch that movie again, but think it is worth a single viewing in one's lifetime.
Here's another scanned image from my collection. Back of the photo says "Susan and Pete, San Antonio -1968". I can't tell which one is Pete. I wish I had been there, though!
I also saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which is a bit long. I doubt I watch that movie again, but think it is worth a single viewing in one's lifetime.
I was definitely disappointed with Quantum of Solace. It was markedly weaker than Casino Royale. I'm gonna try and squeeze The Wrestler into my TV viewing sometime this week. That one will surely not disappoint.
Since this is a random, rambling (and lame) entry, here is a joke (this is just a joke, so don't get offended if it hits too close to home...
Q: What’s the difference between a Harley Davidson and a Vacuum Cleaner?
A: There’s only room for one dirtbag on a vacuum cleaner.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Apple Innovation
This is already a couple of days old, but very good. Its fairly short. Watch all of it to the end.
Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard
Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Long Shot at a Ball Game
My sister recorded the Fiesta Bowl the other night and says she spotted us in the stands. I am not 100% sure about this. Click to enlarge.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
I consider everything...
I am back at work after a whirlwind trip to Arizona.
The Longhorns are an exciting team, but they still fall short, even after a bowl win.
Right now, this is how I see it:
1. USC
2. Florida
3. Utah
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
An now, another found pic...
The Longhorns are an exciting team, but they still fall short, even after a bowl win.
Right now, this is how I see it:
1. USC
2. Florida
3. Utah
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
An now, another found pic...
DRISKILL HOTEL (1954)
Friday, January 2, 2009
This, the new year....
Holy Jeez! I had a wonderful New Year's Eve. I attended a festive party in Tarrytown last night. The booze was plentiful and it flowed freely. I met 2 or 3 free spirited women that night. One even asked me for my phone number (out of earshot of her husband.)
The odd moment of the night occurred around 2:30 AM when a previous guest of the party phoned the host to state that his 15 year old daughter had been "sexed up" on the dance floor earlier in the evening. The party was mainly 40 somethings with children in tow and there was the odd older single gentleman in attendance without and escort and one of them was singled out for some sort of dance floor violation. I may or may not have future details.
I woke up late today and had coffee as the waves of alcohol poured over my body. I managed a 50 minute work out before calling in quits and meeting up with Mary Ellen for dinner, snacks and whiskey. Mary Ellen is my kind of girl, she loves Maker's Mark. We spent 7 hours living the good life, entertaining bartenders with ribald memoirs and lies.
In the midst of our merriment, however, I received a phone call from my mother. I knew looking at the caller ID in the bar it was not good news and I curtailed the conversation Mary Ellen and I were engaged in.
It turns out that my cousin (Jay Miller, who is less that 6 months older than me) died today.
Freak accident in the gym, as it turns out. I haven't seen Jay since the Summer of 1980. The picture I posted here was taken that summer. Jay was the oldest child of my Dad's youngest sister. I can't joke about his death, but I can relate a funny story (at least at the time) that I remember from the last time I saw him.
My girlfriend (in 1980), Jay and myself decided to go see a movie. Jay was visiting our neck of the woods for whatever reason and we decided to go see "Airplane" which was just released. We all three laughed very hard in the movie and went for a hamburger and soda afterwards (really.)
On the way back home, Jay fell asleep in the back seat of my 1975 lime green Volkswagen Rabbit. I nudged my girlfriend to look back and she knew what was next. We did a countdown from 3 and then I slammed on the brakes and we screamed very, very loud to make Jay think we were about to be in a wreck. He woke up in a panic not knowing what was happening or if he was to survive.
That was my last memory of my cousin.
The odd moment of the night occurred around 2:30 AM when a previous guest of the party phoned the host to state that his 15 year old daughter had been "sexed up" on the dance floor earlier in the evening. The party was mainly 40 somethings with children in tow and there was the odd older single gentleman in attendance without and escort and one of them was singled out for some sort of dance floor violation. I may or may not have future details.
I woke up late today and had coffee as the waves of alcohol poured over my body. I managed a 50 minute work out before calling in quits and meeting up with Mary Ellen for dinner, snacks and whiskey. Mary Ellen is my kind of girl, she loves Maker's Mark. We spent 7 hours living the good life, entertaining bartenders with ribald memoirs and lies.
In the midst of our merriment, however, I received a phone call from my mother. I knew looking at the caller ID in the bar it was not good news and I curtailed the conversation Mary Ellen and I were engaged in.
It turns out that my cousin (Jay Miller, who is less that 6 months older than me) died today.
Freak accident in the gym, as it turns out. I haven't seen Jay since the Summer of 1980. The picture I posted here was taken that summer. Jay was the oldest child of my Dad's youngest sister. I can't joke about his death, but I can relate a funny story (at least at the time) that I remember from the last time I saw him.My girlfriend (in 1980), Jay and myself decided to go see a movie. Jay was visiting our neck of the woods for whatever reason and we decided to go see "Airplane" which was just released. We all three laughed very hard in the movie and went for a hamburger and soda afterwards (really.)
On the way back home, Jay fell asleep in the back seat of my 1975 lime green Volkswagen Rabbit. I nudged my girlfriend to look back and she knew what was next. We did a countdown from 3 and then I slammed on the brakes and we screamed very, very loud to make Jay think we were about to be in a wreck. He woke up in a panic not knowing what was happening or if he was to survive.
That was my last memory of my cousin.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)