Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day 2010
Arrived early for lunch at the Hyatt to meet a buddy visiting from New Mexico. Labor Day lunch traffic non existent.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
SIV
As a Maker's Mark Ambassador, I was delighted to receive an email this morning from an acquaintance bringing my attention to new product the folks at Maker's Mark will be distributing in July.
I was also alerted to the existence of the bourbon blog web site. As you can imagine, this was added to my RSS feed list.
I have posted a short video of a tour of the Maker's Mark distillery. I recommend this for everyone, not just whisky aficionados.
New Maker’s Mark Bourbon from Bourbon Blog on Vimeo.
I was also alerted to the existence of the bourbon blog web site. As you can imagine, this was added to my RSS feed list.
I have posted a short video of a tour of the Maker's Mark distillery. I recommend this for everyone, not just whisky aficionados.
New Maker’s Mark Bourbon from Bourbon Blog on Vimeo.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
New Site.
I have decided to re-purpose my Badger Town site and use it for posting amusing images, videos and links I encounter in my daily travails on the computer. The link it on the right at the top. Or click here.
I will use this Northwest site for actually writing something of interest to me. It remains to be seen how effective this turns out.
I will use this Northwest site for actually writing something of interest to me. It remains to be seen how effective this turns out.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Remembering Lynn
Lynn Redgrave passed yesterday. She was born in Marylebone, London. Since the late 60's, I have always wished I had been born in Marylebone. Paul McCartney lived there and was married at a magistrates office in Marylebone. I got to visit Marylebone in 1998 while walking around London looking at points of interests that many Beatle fans would enjoy. I actually ended up visiting several liquor stores inquiring about Absinthe (legal in the UK), but came up empty.
This is a typical view (as I remember it) from that area. Click to enlarge (highly suggested.)
View Larger Map
I usually think of the movie Georgy Girl (which I actually saw for the first time three years ago) when I think of Lynn Redgrave, even though she starred in The Happy Hooker. That song was a hit in the U.S. when I was in first grade and I have vivid memories of listening to that song on the radio in my bedroom on many a morning as I readied myself for school.
The Seekers performed the song and I can't recall anything else they did.
Here's a treat...
This is a typical view (as I remember it) from that area. Click to enlarge (highly suggested.)
View Larger Map
I usually think of the movie Georgy Girl (which I actually saw for the first time three years ago) when I think of Lynn Redgrave, even though she starred in The Happy Hooker. That song was a hit in the U.S. when I was in first grade and I have vivid memories of listening to that song on the radio in my bedroom on many a morning as I readied myself for school.
The Seekers performed the song and I can't recall anything else they did.
Here's a treat...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Neighborhood
I had quite the night last night. Details will be omitted, but I will address some highlights.
First off, I walked into a liquor store last night without any money, and walked out with a bottle of whiskey. I left my credit card at a bar (which I retrieved since) and had no cash on me. The clerk knows me and told me to come back later and pay it. That was a first for me.
I started the evening out prior to that, over at the Pour House celebrating a good check up at the doctor's office from that morning. What better way to celebrate good health than pouring toxins into your body?
I rode over on my bike and hung out for awhile. I was there for a couple of hours and about ready to leave when I encountered a woman named Laura and ended up drinking with her for another hour or so.
I finally broke away to hit Sun's Liquors before they closed only to realize I didn't have my credit card or money to pay for my purchase and not enough time to go get more.
As I mentioned the guy gave me the bottle (though I was pretty drunk at the time already) and went home.
I woke up this morning with a massive hangover. I am not a hangover guy. I had a minor one a week ago, but this morning was something else.
I suppose the reason is I haven't drank much all week (did have three beers and a whiskey at ZZ Top on Sunday, but as I said, that wasn't much.)
Now I have to go back to the liquor store and pay the bill. Paying the tab with a hangover ain't no fun!
First off, I walked into a liquor store last night without any money, and walked out with a bottle of whiskey. I left my credit card at a bar (which I retrieved since) and had no cash on me. The clerk knows me and told me to come back later and pay it. That was a first for me.
I started the evening out prior to that, over at the Pour House celebrating a good check up at the doctor's office from that morning. What better way to celebrate good health than pouring toxins into your body?
I rode over on my bike and hung out for awhile. I was there for a couple of hours and about ready to leave when I encountered a woman named Laura and ended up drinking with her for another hour or so.
I finally broke away to hit Sun's Liquors before they closed only to realize I didn't have my credit card or money to pay for my purchase and not enough time to go get more.
As I mentioned the guy gave me the bottle (though I was pretty drunk at the time already) and went home.
I woke up this morning with a massive hangover. I am not a hangover guy. I had a minor one a week ago, but this morning was something else.
I suppose the reason is I haven't drank much all week (did have three beers and a whiskey at ZZ Top on Sunday, but as I said, that wasn't much.)
Now I have to go back to the liquor store and pay the bill. Paying the tab with a hangover ain't no fun!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Way Back Machine
I received a phone call yesterday with the caller inviting me to the inaugural concert at "The New Backyard" tonight. ZZ Top is playing and we have VIP seats.
What does that mean?
Here are photos of VIP seating:
I saw ZZ Top in December of 1977 at the Mabee Center (must have been torn down or renamed since it no longer exists) in Tulsa Oklahoma. Pete Tickle was there. I haven't seen them since.
I take that back, I did see Billy Gibbons in 1989. He walked in front of the bus I was driving (UT Shuttle) and I nearly hit him.
At least I think it was him. Now that I think about it, it could have been a bum.
What does that mean?
Here are photos of VIP seating:
I saw ZZ Top in December of 1977 at the Mabee Center (must have been torn down or renamed since it no longer exists) in Tulsa Oklahoma. Pete Tickle was there. I haven't seen them since.
I take that back, I did see Billy Gibbons in 1989. He walked in front of the bus I was driving (UT Shuttle) and I nearly hit him.
At least I think it was him. Now that I think about it, it could have been a bum.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wild Encounter
I am lying in bed in one of my parent's guests room in Houston, typing in the dark on my multifunctional iPad, unable to sleep. The reason? Taz is laying next to me.
Taz was sprayed by a skunk this past evening while he was minding his own buisiness in my parent's backyard.
I saw the skunk while looking out the patio window and rushed outside to bring him in, but he saw the skunk too and trotted over (thinking it was a cat, I'm sure) and got hit.
He was sprayed on the left ear and left side of his face. It could have been worse. Much worse.
We cleaned and scrubbed him using conventional Internet wisdom and it helped, but he still smells.
I am letting him sleep up here because I feel bad for him and my parents don't care.
But man, this is hard to take.
Taz was sprayed by a skunk this past evening while he was minding his own buisiness in my parent's backyard.
I saw the skunk while looking out the patio window and rushed outside to bring him in, but he saw the skunk too and trotted over (thinking it was a cat, I'm sure) and got hit.
He was sprayed on the left ear and left side of his face. It could have been worse. Much worse.
We cleaned and scrubbed him using conventional Internet wisdom and it helped, but he still smells.
I am letting him sleep up here because I feel bad for him and my parents don't care.
But man, this is hard to take.
Friday, April 16, 2010
My autograph
Most people know I am not a fan of celebrity. Consequently, I am not much of an autograph collector. However, I do have Kim Deal's autograph, which, I came across this morning in the midst of Spring cleaning. As you can see, the parchment has faded and I doubt I could get more than $60 for it on ebay or an auction.
I had Jim Backus' autograph when I was younger, but that is long gone (friend of my father's sat next to him on a flight).
The story behind the Kim Deal autograph is as follows:
I was drinking beer with an ex-girlfriend (she was an ex at the time and we were in our friends with benefits stagee) at the Gingerman during SxSW some years ago. The actual date was March 17th 1997 and Kim and the drummer from the Pixies were sitting next to us at the bar.
I pointed out to my ex that Kim was sitting right next to her. She didn't know who Kim was (number one reason we broke up) so she asks Kim and the drummer if they wanted to play pool. Yes they did (they had been playing before we got there, it turns out.)
So we play a couple of games before Kim and the drummer had to leave. As they were leaving my ex asked Kim if she would sign an autograph for me. The image you see here is the result of that request.
Pretty good story, huh?
I had Jim Backus' autograph when I was younger, but that is long gone (friend of my father's sat next to him on a flight).
The story behind the Kim Deal autograph is as follows:
I was drinking beer with an ex-girlfriend (she was an ex at the time and we were in our friends with benefits stagee) at the Gingerman during SxSW some years ago. The actual date was March 17th 1997 and Kim and the drummer from the Pixies were sitting next to us at the bar.
I pointed out to my ex that Kim was sitting right next to her. She didn't know who Kim was (number one reason we broke up) so she asks Kim and the drummer if they wanted to play pool. Yes they did (they had been playing before we got there, it turns out.)
So we play a couple of games before Kim and the drummer had to leave. As they were leaving my ex asked Kim if she would sign an autograph for me. The image you see here is the result of that request.
Pretty good story, huh?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Atlantic City Shame
The dastardly treatment inflicted on the regal equine at the 1:15 mark is too much to bear. (Nice soundtrack, though.)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Another Troy Story (short)
Bill Curra is over right now and I am in the middle of grilling skirt steak in the backyard.
Troy's best friend is over (forgot his name) at Troy's house and I am eavesdropping on their conversation. Sort of. Its not easy understanding all of their words.
Anyway, Troy's buddy was heard to say "I can't wait until my court date. I need to get this bracelet off."
Gotta get back to the grill....
Troy's best friend is over (forgot his name) at Troy's house and I am eavesdropping on their conversation. Sort of. Its not easy understanding all of their words.
Anyway, Troy's buddy was heard to say "I can't wait until my court date. I need to get this bracelet off."
Gotta get back to the grill....
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
First Spirits Review
Mary Ellen is in town for SxSW and she called me yesterday. She had the whole day open, so I agreed to swing by and pick her up for some old fashioned drinking.
First stop was the liquor store, however. We ended up at Wiggy's on Lamar. Mary Ellen needed to buy vodka and I was along for the ride. Wiggy's is a tiny store. I remarked how one would never mistake the store for a Spec's. No one seemed to like that remark.
While there, I noticed a bottle of Texas Bourbon. I had read about this in the paper and was under the impression that the product was sold out until 2011.
I expressed a keen interest in the bourbon and engaged the clerk in conversation regarding the use of the word bourbon for a liquor not actually distilled in Bourbon county Kentucky. He assured me that this was the proper use of the term and I later ascertained that he was right.
My exuberance for the bourbon prompted Mary Ellen to buy the bottle as a gift for me. We left the store and I stowed the bottles she purchased in the back of my Element and we headed off to Gueros for margaritas prior to a stop at High Ball for dinner.
After much fun, I dropped Mary Ellen off and headed home (sadly with her vodka). I opted for a tasting of the Texas Bourbon and took some notes. It is now the next day and my handwriting is difficult to read now, but I am able to make sense of it, nonetheless.
Here are my three comments about the bourbon:
Well, there you go. My amateurish review of the first Texas Bourbon (Balcones Baby Blue.) I am not sure I would buy this again, but I do think there are a lot of people out there who would really enjoy this. It is lighter and smoother than Maker's Mark, even though has a slightly higher proof (46% to 45% for Makers.)
Note the difference in colors between the two. (That is Maker's Mark in the second bottle.)
I am eager to try out the batch they are releasing next year to see what changes have been made.
First stop was the liquor store, however. We ended up at Wiggy's on Lamar. Mary Ellen needed to buy vodka and I was along for the ride. Wiggy's is a tiny store. I remarked how one would never mistake the store for a Spec's. No one seemed to like that remark.
While there, I noticed a bottle of Texas Bourbon. I had read about this in the paper and was under the impression that the product was sold out until 2011.
I expressed a keen interest in the bourbon and engaged the clerk in conversation regarding the use of the word bourbon for a liquor not actually distilled in Bourbon county Kentucky. He assured me that this was the proper use of the term and I later ascertained that he was right.
My exuberance for the bourbon prompted Mary Ellen to buy the bottle as a gift for me. We left the store and I stowed the bottles she purchased in the back of my Element and we headed off to Gueros for margaritas prior to a stop at High Ball for dinner.
After much fun, I dropped Mary Ellen off and headed home (sadly with her vodka). I opted for a tasting of the Texas Bourbon and took some notes. It is now the next day and my handwriting is difficult to read now, but I am able to make sense of it, nonetheless.
Here are my three comments about the bourbon:
- "Nose reminds me of tequila, not bourbon"
- "Whiskey tastes hot. Seems high in alcohol, obscuring some of the more delicate notes one might fine in a finely crafted bourbon."
- "Distinctive corn taste". Makes sense as it is corn whisky.
Well, there you go. My amateurish review of the first Texas Bourbon (Balcones Baby Blue.) I am not sure I would buy this again, but I do think there are a lot of people out there who would really enjoy this. It is lighter and smoother than Maker's Mark, even though has a slightly higher proof (46% to 45% for Makers.)
Note the difference in colors between the two. (That is Maker's Mark in the second bottle.)I am eager to try out the batch they are releasing next year to see what changes have been made.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Check out my fastest connection speed
Download speed: 11675.8 Kbits/s (Max: 11675.8 Kbits/s)
Upload speed: 321.7 Kbits/s (Max: 345.3 Kbits/s)
Network: Wi-Fi - Private
Sent from my iPod
Upload speed: 321.7 Kbits/s (Max: 345.3 Kbits/s)
Network: Wi-Fi - Private
Sent from my iPod
Friday, March 5, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Journaling my weekend
I had a fun and interesting weekend, though I am unsure that I will be able to convey that on these pages.
Saturday afternoon, I received a phone call from Bill Curra as he is pedaling his bike on his way over to Billy's. He is with a mutual friend of ours and he beckons me to join him for a beer or two. He suggested I ride my bike over as well, but I opted to drive (listened to The Carpenters on the way over, as an aside.)
Upon my arrival, I approached Bill's table (this would be around 2:05 PM) on the deck outside and surmised they were half way through their first beer. Also seated was a woman named Brandy whom I have known for 15 years or so and she was there to meet two of her girlfriends.
After exchanging pleasantries, I excused myself to go inside an buy a pint at the counter. I truly hate that way of doing business, by the way. I prefer table service, as opposed to queuing up.
Soon, Brandy's friends (Heather and Jasmine) joined us and more beers were ordered and laughter filled the air.
For some unfathomable reason, Bill invited his sister to come over for a business meeting. Our picnic table was full and Bill and Phil had to join her at a smaller nearby table. They chatted quietly about some perceived concerns as I entertained the girls with some anecdotes and a few off color remarks. Brandy, too, had some stories to tell about her trip to Seattle and reminded me that girls are indeed, filthier than boys.
After my third beer, I got up to buy another and offered to buy theirs. They eagerly acquiesced and I went inside to pay for the beers. I also decided to buy some chili cheese fries for us all to split.
I brought the beers back to the table and waited for the food order. After calling my name, I ducked back inside and returned with a big plate of chili drenched fries and 4 forks. I told the girls that they give these away if you order 4 pints. I don't know why I lied or why they believed it.
We finished the fries and Jasmine said she would buy the next round. By this time, Bill had taken off on his bike. Jasmine returned with our beers and was laughing. She said some guy was at the counter complaining that his order of chili cheese fries still weren't ready and he ordered them half an hour ago.
So now those girls think I stole his fries to feed us. I decided not to correct them and that didn't bother them very much. They actually liked it and that incident was the catalyst for the rest of the day which took us to Lala's and then The Pour House.
Jager bombs and whiskey rounded out our evening at the Pour House. I haven't had Jagermeister in 23 years, but there I was drinking it last night. Finally, after 8 hours of this nonsense, I returned home to feed my hungry dogs.
I felt pretty good when I awoke this morning (all things considered.) So good, I decided to go kite flying.
I should back up some. I was nursing a hangover with a cup of coffee when I heard Troy drive up on his bicycle with a 49cc engined built into it. He was yelling at his dogs and practicing horseshoes (clang, clang) and that was working my fragile nerves.
I walked out to ask him to tone it down. I walked across the street and saw he was now making a kite out of HEB bags with his buddy Steve. It was pretty windy today, so I hung out to watch his experiment.
They taped three bags together to some wooden dowels Troy brought home from the Vacuum Repair shop he works at. This did not work well because the winds were fairly strong and the kite was too light and was whipping around out of control. They decided to tie a huge fence bolt with washers to it as a tail for added control.
I was surprised, but they got that to fly. All was well for 5 minutes and then the kite string broke sending the kite spiraling down with the bolt and washers cracking the wind screen of one of our neighbors cars.
I freaked and ran inside like I was 8 years old, locking all the doors.
At least my coffee was waiting for me.
Saturday afternoon, I received a phone call from Bill Curra as he is pedaling his bike on his way over to Billy's. He is with a mutual friend of ours and he beckons me to join him for a beer or two. He suggested I ride my bike over as well, but I opted to drive (listened to The Carpenters on the way over, as an aside.)
Upon my arrival, I approached Bill's table (this would be around 2:05 PM) on the deck outside and surmised they were half way through their first beer. Also seated was a woman named Brandy whom I have known for 15 years or so and she was there to meet two of her girlfriends.
After exchanging pleasantries, I excused myself to go inside an buy a pint at the counter.
Soon, Brandy's friends (Heather and Jasmine) joined us and more beers were ordered and laughter filled the air.
For some unfathomable reason, Bill invited his sister to come over for a business meeting. Our picnic table was full and Bill and Phil had to join her at a smaller nearby table. They chatted quietly about some perceived concerns as I entertained the girls with some anecdotes and a few off color remarks. Brandy, too, had some stories to tell about her trip to Seattle and reminded me that girls are indeed, filthier than boys.
After my third beer, I got up to buy another and offered to buy theirs. They eagerly acquiesced and I went inside to pay for the beers. I also decided to buy some chili cheese fries for us all to split.
I brought the beers back to the table and waited for the food order. After calling my name, I ducked back inside and returned with a big plate of chili drenched fries and 4 forks. I told the girls that they give these away if you order 4 pints. I don't know why I lied or why they believed it.
We finished the fries and Jasmine said she would buy the next round. By this time, Bill had taken off on his bike. Jasmine returned with our beers and was laughing. She said some guy was at the counter complaining that his order of chili cheese fries still weren't ready and he ordered them half an hour ago.
So now those girls think I stole his fries to feed us. I decided not to correct them and that didn't bother them very much. They actually liked it and that incident was the catalyst for the rest of the day which took us to Lala's and then The Pour House.
Jager bombs and whiskey rounded out our evening at the Pour House. I haven't had Jagermeister in 23 years, but there I was drinking it last night. Finally, after 8 hours of this nonsense, I returned home to feed my hungry dogs.
I felt pretty good when I awoke this morning (all things considered.) So good, I decided to go kite flying.
I should back up some. I was nursing a hangover with a cup of coffee when I heard Troy drive up on his bicycle with a 49cc engined built into it. He was yelling at his dogs and practicing horseshoes (clang, clang) and that was working my fragile nerves.
I walked out to ask him to tone it down. I walked across the street and saw he was now making a kite out of HEB bags with his buddy Steve. It was pretty windy today, so I hung out to watch his experiment.
They taped three bags together to some wooden dowels Troy brought home from the Vacuum Repair shop he works at. This did not work well because the winds were fairly strong and the kite was too light and was whipping around out of control. They decided to tie a huge fence bolt with washers to it as a tail for added control.
I was surprised, but they got that to fly. All was well for 5 minutes and then the kite string broke sending the kite spiraling down with the bolt and washers cracking the wind screen of one of our neighbors cars.
I freaked and ran inside like I was 8 years old, locking all the doors.
At least my coffee was waiting for me.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
TV News (A How-To instructional video)
If you are a regular reader of mine, then you know I post excellent entries.
This one, How to Be a News Reporter, is wonderful.
This one, How to Be a News Reporter, is wonderful.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Mr. Handsome
I am currently in Houston, visiting my parents. Work is slow and I am waiting on the green light to begin my next paying gig, so I have ducked out of town for a bit.
Yesterday, the morning of my departure, had me in Bird's Barbershop for a much needed haircut prior to my trip. Service at Bird's has eroded since they opened up right behind my house. The people who cut the hair at Bird's are pleasant, but affected, for the most part (with a couple of exceptions.) They all sport the uniform for cutting hair in Austin: black or purple hair, tattoos and piercings.
Anyway, the service was particularly dreadful and I couldn't bear to be in the building any longer so I left for Houston, apologizing on my arrival to my parents about my unkempt mop.
My dad told me about his barbershop, so I agreed to go with him and get my hair cut there.
Mr. Handsome Barber Shop does exists. I am not making that up. Save your emails. It is an old school style barbershop. Magazines like Outdoor Life, Hot Rod and other manly periodicals are spread throughout the shop.
At Bird's you find magazines like Mac World, Spin, Metrosexual Monthly and other 'hip' publications. Uggh!
Since it is unlikely that I will travel 140 miles to Mr. Handsome Barber Shop each time I want a haircut, I will have to locate a similar shop in Austin. You can bet I report on it then.
Yesterday, the morning of my departure, had me in Bird's Barbershop for a much needed haircut prior to my trip. Service at Bird's has eroded since they opened up right behind my house. The people who cut the hair at Bird's are pleasant, but affected, for the most part (with a couple of exceptions.) They all sport the uniform for cutting hair in Austin: black or purple hair, tattoos and piercings.
Anyway, the service was particularly dreadful and I couldn't bear to be in the building any longer so I left for Houston, apologizing on my arrival to my parents about my unkempt mop.
My dad told me about his barbershop, so I agreed to go with him and get my hair cut there.
Mr. Handsome Barber Shop does exists. I am not making that up. Save your emails. It is an old school style barbershop. Magazines like Outdoor Life, Hot Rod and other manly periodicals are spread throughout the shop.
At Bird's you find magazines like Mac World, Spin, Metrosexual Monthly and other 'hip' publications. Uggh!
Since it is unlikely that I will travel 140 miles to Mr. Handsome Barber Shop each time I want a haircut, I will have to locate a similar shop in Austin. You can bet I report on it then.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Pro Tip of the Day
If you wish to purchase spray paint at Lowes, it is best not to show up inebriated. They won't sell it to you.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Lazy Guy Movie Review
Up In The Air
with George Clooney.
"Go See It" raves Paul Mayes of the Northwest Elf Industry.
with George Clooney.
"Go See It" raves Paul Mayes of the Northwest Elf Industry.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Extract
I ran across this blog entry that catlogues the author's favorite scenes from movies in 2009. I saw most of the movies on his list, but noticed that he didn't have my favorite scene from a movie released in 2009 on that list.
For me, the funniest scene I've seen in a long time, not just 2009, was from Mike Judge's Extract. I present that scene here. If you haven't seen the movie and plan to, you might want to skip this. Otherwise, enjoy.
For me, the funniest scene I've seen in a long time, not just 2009, was from Mike Judge's Extract. I present that scene here. If you haven't seen the movie and plan to, you might want to skip this. Otherwise, enjoy.
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