31-Oct-01

Turns out my page doesn't pass  XHTML verification, but that's ok, I don't think anyone will care.

Happy Halloween.  Why couldn't the witch get pregnant?  Because the warlock had a Halloweenie!  Ha ha!

We didn't have a Halloween party, since many others were having a party.  We are giving out candy tonight, though.

I got my subwoofer, a JL Audio Powerwedge 10W3.  This thing is sweet.  It gets low and loud, and it's small. I got some Techmaster PEB and DJ Magic Mike songs, and this thing JAMS!  I brought it inside and hooked it up to a subwoofer amp I had, and it does wonders with movies, too.

My dad and sister come into town this weekend.  We are probably going to the coast, since the ocean is a far and few sight for them.

I am jamming to "Nickleback - How you remind me".  That song rocks, and sounds good to boot.  I also like the new Ozzy song, "Get me through".

We rented a Rug Doctor this past weekend.  What a difference in our carpets!  They look band new again!  I recommend doing this to anyone's carpet.  Super-duper clean!

I made some homemade pasta sauce using tomatoes from out garden.  My best effort yet.  My trick was to  almost caramelize the onions, and brown the tomatoes paste before adding anything else.  Next time I would like to add carrots.

22-Oct-01

Ouch, it's been a long time.  A lot has happened since I wrote last.  First, why I haven't updated much lately.  The IT dorks with nothing better to do have decided that I was using the internet more than anybody in our office.  Now I couldn't get an answer if it was because I was visiting www.SquareD.com a lot that week or what.  So I cut back and laid low for a while.  Hence the long time before an update.

Went to St. Louis last weekend, for a surprise birthday party for my friend Tad.  He was quite surprised.  We had a good time, and good food.  I found out that Tad's wedding will not be in Hawaii anymore, something to do with Lynn's mom not being able to afford it.  I think it's BS, but let's keep that between me and you.  Since I won't be taking off a week for Hawaii now, I can go to Mardi Gras from Friday till Wednesday!  I told Tad he needed to go with me, and he offered the feeble excuse that there isn't a place to pee.  Lame, Tad.  Anytime you buy a beer in a saloon, that gets you a bathroom ticket.  There actually a song about peeing and Mardi Gras, it called "There ain't no place to pee on Mardi Gras Day", by Benny Grunch and the Bunch.  It is cute.  Ahh, Mardi Gras in New Orleans.  I think I will make it Tad's bachelor party.  Yeah, that's it.  

I also was able to give my dad his birthday present finally - a fiber optic Christmas tree.   He liked it.

This past Sunday I went with Brian to the Wings over Houston air show.  That was cool.  Not at all what I expected.  I have a new respect for WWII aircraft, and their beauty.  I was expecting more military aircraft, but there was only the F-16.  The Confederate Air Force put on an excellent re-enactment of the Battle of Pear Harbor, Midway, and the bombing of Hiroshima.    I even saw a flying lawnmower.  The cutting deck was the airfoil, and the handle bar was the stabilizers/rudders.  Kind of funny!    Afterwards, we went to the old Chinatown in Houston.  I didn't know that there is a old one, just south of downtown, and a new one, at Beltway 8 and Bellaire.  I got Spicy Mussels in Basil Sauce, and Brian got Coconut and Curry Beef.  It was good, and I hate coconut!  The place was named "Kim Son".  They were crowded, but that could be because no one else around was open on Sunday.  Before that, we went to a Asian grocery store.  I bought a few things there, two noodle packages, some Kikkoman noodle dipping sauce, and some "Eel in dressing sauce".  This eel came in a sardine like can, and cost $1.00.  I tried it today for lunch.  Good thing I didn't spend much on it.  It was sub-par.  I ate one and a half pieces, and set it down.  The cats seemed to feel differently about it.  Bud, who NEVER climbs into my lap to smell what I am having for lunch (unlike Fiesta, who is interested in everything), repeatedly tried to get a good sniff.  And when I set it on the coffee table, he proceeded to eat the stuff.  Fiesta, seeing (or smelling) this, does the same thing.  I figure any food the cats actually crave is more like good cat food or bad human food.  So in the can it went...I can still taste it hours later...

I have to make this comment.  I have been listening to KTAW, 1620, a talk radio show.  They play Neil Boortz, Rush Limbaugh, and Dr. Laurer.  I started listening to this station looking for news about 9/11.  Turns out Rush is deaf.  I guess the human body can only hear much of that bumbling hog-jowled fool before it shuts down!!!  Ha ha :).

 Halloween is coming up, and I have no idea what to dress up as.

10-Oct-01

I think the Taliban have picked the wrong enemy.  You mess with us, you will lose.  If the military needed me, I think I would go without hesitation.  Ok, a little, but I would welcome the opportunity to defend this nation.  Put me in communications where I could seek out and intercept enemy radio transmissions (something geeky I would be good at).  Or give me my rifle, who I think I would name Mary, and let me shoot those brain warped bastards.  And when I get one, his towel will become my gun rest for when I shoot his buddy.  Can you tell I'm pi$$ed?

When I dropped Zac off at the airport Saturday morning, I saw something that shocked me, even though I knew it would be there.  It was a moment that I lost rational thought for a split second, and I struggled to get regain reality.  Weird, I know.  Anyway, it was the sight of a national guardsman walking around the airport, with his automatic weapon strapped to his back.   Wow.  It was kind of funny, the guy looked bored out of his gourd, in his military issued spectacles.

8-Oct-01

Don't try to vacuum your cat.

Have you ever done something you thought would work, but in your mind you knew it would probably end in disaster?  Well, this was one of those times.  The house seems to be inundated with cat hair, so at lunch time I decided to vacuum the family room.  Budweiser was in the room still, not having been scared of the noise.  So I decided to pick up Bud and bring him over to the running vacuum (with the upholstery attachment attached).  That is when my well laid plan went awry.  He didn't want to go, and in trying to keep him from bolting, I held on to him.  Bad idea.  My left arm is now covered with five scratches, two severe, and three less shallow.  I cleaned it with alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, and now hoping I don't get bacillary angiomatosis, better know as cat scratch fever.

Why in the world would I think to vacuum the cats?  I used to do it to our dog, Susie.  She didn't care.  In fact, she almost looked relaxed.  Brushing those fur balls is a mess, usually requiring a shower afterwards.  That isn't feasible at lunch time.  So, the plan was born.

Went to the Renaissance festival Saturday.  It was quite the fun time.  Drank a lot.  

Sunday was spent recovering.  Normally we would of been bowling at Wolf Pen Family Recreation complex.  They have free bowling from 1-2 PM every Sunday.  You have to rent shoes if you don't own them.  But $2.25 for an hour of bowling is a good deal.  The last time we went there were six of us, so we got three lanes, and bowled on all of them.  Talk about never sitting down!

The retaliation has begun.  I hope the Taliban realize that if they f^ck with us, they will suffer long and deep.  I still think we should capture that snake-in-the-grass Osma, and let the American people have him.  Slow torture, like pulling out fingernails one at a time.  Parade him through the streets, and stone him.  Primitive, I know.  And definitely not civilized.  But it sure would make me feel better.

3-Oct-01

Every time I go to write here, I can't think of what I was going say.  I think of things throughout the day, but I don't write time down.

Friday night we went to an American Chemical Society dinner, where we listened to a speaker talk about food chemistry.  It was quite interesting.  We even learned about "asparagus pee", and that only some people can smell it.  I can, but Zac can't.  And let me tell you, it stinks.  Also, alcohol brings out the flavor of acidic foods like tomatoes - leading us to the reason bloody Mary's taste so good!

Going to the Texas Renaissance Festival this year (finally).  That should be a good time.

1-Oct-01

While looking up nurseries (plant, not baby) in the yellow pages, I found this.  Crazy, huh?

26-Sept-01

Here is a cool site.  Lots of satellite and spy photos. 

Here is another cool site about CPU's overheating instantly upon removing the heat sinks...

Got a call from the Brazos animal shelter yesterday.  Seems they don't have Budweiser's neutering on record. I had bud fixed ASAP.  I didn't want him marking the house (my territory, not his :) ) After I told a friend of mine at work about it, he also got a call about his dog, who is still, ahem, with sack.

21-Sept-01

Talked to my friend Tad yesterday.  He is good shape, along with his fiancée, Lynn.  They are still trying to plan their wedding in Hawaii, but so far only have done the honeymoon, which he wouldn't reveal to me.  Weird, because what could be a better honeymoon than Hawaii?  

He also sent me this link on a statement from former Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu .  The most moving line to me was :  There is no international terrorism without the support of sovereign states.  Wow.  I wonder who is behind our terrorism?  I think we all know.  Should of killed Saddam when we had the chance.

My sister said she had Imo's Pizza last night, Bacon/Sausage.  Canceling cholesterols.  I want some.  All in due time.  I do have a free Southwest Airlines round trip ticket...

My brother just finished paying off a MB QUART reference series 10" subwoofer, and an Orion amp.  Damn, that kid has better stuff than I do!  I am jealous.  I want a subwoofer again.  Only catch is $$$.  I want a JL Audio 12w3, and they cost $$$, even on eBay.

20-Sept-01

Talked to three people I haven't talked to in a while, Wes and Mike/Denise Mueller.  Quite pleasant.  I think I will get to see them, too, within the next month.  Denise and Mike have two sons, Mark, 5, and Drew who is, ummm, younger...Anyway, Mike works for America West airlines as a corporate manager of some sort, involving maintenance and parts.  Denise said that Mark mentioned "I want daddy to come home so the bad guys don't get him".  Wow. 

Ever watch CNN in the morning?  I do.  And every day there is this one commercial that drives me up the wall.  It's the Verisign's Network Solutions commercial, with the idiot trying to figure out what the f^ck his bug company web address name should be. I refuse to ever patronize them because of it.  (I am starting to sound like Chim-chim).  It is SO annoying.  Every morning, the same lame ass commercial.  UGGGG!!!  And to make it worse, I turn the TV up 3/4 of full to listen to it in the shower.  Well, that commercial it louder than anything else on that channel, and my Magnaovox "smart sound" feature can't compress it enough, it's that loud....

Another annoying commercial, same channel, but not as frequent, is the Nortel Network commercial where the extremely unattractive, trying to be cool with my un-hip glasses, overpaid (I assume), idiotic speaker who didn't bring his speech with him gets up and starts repeating a speech that his "assistant" is reading over a streaming video "palm device" of some sort.  Could they pick anyone more annoying?  

Have you heard the new name for the retaliatory strikes?  It's called "Operation Infinite Justice"  Cool name.  

19-Sept-01

Quote of the day:

I must be getting old.  I am listening to AM news radio instead of rock and roll.  

Went to Mr. G's pizza last night.  It was good!  I was feeling sorry for Mr. G, since both times I have been there the place is empty.  But when I walked outside, I saw his huge Mercedes Benz (personalized plate gave it away), I didn't feel sorry for him,  I feel like I might of paid too much for my pizza...

After dinner, I went to Ninfa's for $1 drafts.  Cold Bud light, and fun too.  I learned a lot about feminine wash to boot.

I have taken quite a liking to Crystal Method, a "big beat" music group.

My computer was slightly affected by the new virus, nimda.  It showed up in my Mp3's, strangely enough.  Reason being was because I shared that folder with anyone on the network.  After running my virus scan and cleaning the directory, I changed the access to read only.  Did you notice the name is "admin" spelled backwards?

14-Sept-01

Scary stuff.  My feelings of deep sorrow and sadness are turning to anger.  I am starting to feel the way most of the country is now.  The news web sites have been doing a good job of posting stories, audio, video, and interactive popups.

On a less serious note, I had a wisdom tooth removed today.  An "extraction" as it's called.  I am very little pain, even though I am not on any pain pills right now, and the local anesthesia has worn off.  

Now that there is a flag shortage, I had to make my own.  I drew it in AutoCAD, to the exact ratios the flag should be.  Here is the AutoCAD 2000 file, if anybody wants it.  Free of charge. Just don't charge anyone for it!  I plotted it on a HP 750C Plus color 36" plotter.   Here is a .jpg file of the same drawing.

God Bless America and all of you!  I feel like having a 4th of July Celebration.  But to celebrate this great country.  If only I could eat more than soup and drink more that water or juice...

12-Sept-01

No rips on Bush today.  I have prayed that he has the strength and intelligence to lead this country, something everyone in this country needs right now. If Congress can absolve it's bi-partisain differences right now, so can I.

This picture is from USA Today.  I think it is one of the better ones.

The statute of liberty standing tall and strong over this great nation.  

I have been praying, quite often in fact, for the dead, the survivors, the families, and for our government.  I hope you do, too.

I find it scary that flights will be resuming so quickly.  Airport security and practices are the reason this happened in the first place, and yet the FAA will be allowing planes to fly, even though the attacks were only possible by using commercial planes.

    "Serious vulnerabilities in our aviation security system exist and must be adequately addressed," the GAO  warned in April 2000.

  I just hope the attacks are over.  I understand that people want to get home.  That should happen.  But the "I have to get to Seattle for a sales meeting" flyers can just sit tight for a while.  You meeting isn't THAT important...

Hello to everyone I know.  I say that because I can.  Because you aren't a casualty or trapped in rubble.  If you read this, you are most probably someone I know.  And I wouldn't want anything to happen to any of you.  

New font, BTW.  I hope you like it.  I do :)

11-Sept-01

This past weekend was spent in Fort Worth, TX, visiting Zac's parents while they worked an antique show.  While there, we visited the JFK museum.  That is something to see.  Very informative and objective.  $7 to get in, unless you grab a coupon from a hotel brochure rack or have a student ID, then it's only $6.  They even have a webcam.

I think buying infant formula is as silly as buying cigarettes.  Call me old fashioned.  Speaking of old fashioned, I made on the other night.  It was good, once I added the right amount of sugar.  

I worked out to Tae Bo this morning for the second time, this time after walking a mile. My legs feel like painful jelly.

I made a new purchase on eBay.  Some Bose outdoor speakers. Normally, I wouldn't buy Bose, because they are VERY overpriced.  But I think I got a great deal on them.  I am going to mount them on my back porch, and possibly use them in the garage.

We started price comparing @ Sam's Club, now that I am a member again.  Some stuff is cheaper, some is not.  Some good bargains at Sam's are: Red Bell Peppers, $0.58 each for four, fresh boneless, skinless chicken breast, $2.57 a pound, eggs for $.72 a dozen (must buy 18), sirloin for $2.99/pound, and salmon for $3.99/pound, Tropicana Orange Juice w/ Calcium for$4.58/gallon, Bounty paper towels, and Charmin Ultra toilet paper.  I can't remember the prices on the paper goods.  Other bargains we found, but didn't buy were Riunite Lambrusco wine.

Just heard of two planes crashing into the World trade center.  Wow.  That sucks.  This is such a breaking story, none of the news web pages have articles on it yet, so I can't link them...Now everyone and their mother is trying to access all the web sites, so I can't tell you more about it...Now they say TWO planes have crashed, one into each tower.  I wonder if the "Missile defense plan" would of worked here.  Don't think so...

Seems the local TKE chapter at TAMU is under investigation for discrimination against a gay pledge.  I don't think homosexuals should be allowed into social fraternities and sororities.  It would be NO DIFFERENT than me living in a sorority house.  And nobody would stand for that, would they...

4-Sept-01

Zac has started a web site, PTTS SUCKS, in reaction to the terrible traffic handling they are doing near Wellborn and the Rec. center.  Seems she is not the only one who thinks that way.  A store in Post Oak Mall, Inspirations, sells a shirt that says "PTTS SUCKS" in white letters on a dark blue shirt.  

Watched A&M beat McNeese in football this weekend.  The seats were good because our eyes were shielded from the sun.  Only downfall to that was no breeze in the very hot evening.

Drove to Austin to get some Lamme's Candies to get Zac's mom some candy for her birthday, and stopped off at Southwest Market company and bought 3 pounds of Hot Sausage to smoke.  While in Austin, we ate at Stubb's BBQ.  It was good.  I got the Stubb's Major (brisket, sausage &  pork ribs), and Zac got the Stubb's Minor (turkey & sausage). For sides I got the Serrano Pepper Cheese Spinach, Stewed Squash and Zucchini with Tomatoes and a Caesars salad.  The Spinach and Stewed veggies were awesome!!!  I washed it all down with a Lone Star long neck.

Quote of the weekend "Homer, it's not your cholesterol I am worried about, it's your gravy level" - In reference to my possibly high triglyceride level.  No, I don't drink 8 glasses of gravy a day...

29-August-01

The Onion has a cute graphic on St. Louis.  I like the "Not Catholic" one...

Going to the TAMU football game this weekend.  I hope it is a good one.  We got terrific seats, right on the 50 yard line, second tier.  I will probably rain.  That would make it crappy and cool at the same time.

Ate NY strip steaks last night.  They were good, but I still prefer sirloin, which is cheaper!  I made sautéed onions with them, and watched Erin Brockovich.  That is a neat movie.  I laughed more this viewing more than ever before.  Did you know that the waitress in that movie was the real Erin Brockovich?  

28-August-01

If you don't like me, you can just Go F^ck Yourself.  Caution, there is audio with this site, and it ain't gospel music....

FUNNY:  Hypocrite.  Thanks to Kerry Knott for that one.

27-August-01

Why there wasn't a baby boom in the 70's because of disco music, I don't know.  I just listened to Barry Manilow - "Copacabana", and Andy Gibb (of the Bee Gee's) sing "Love is Thicker Than Water".  Those songs just make me want to shake my hips and get funky...

Went fishing this weekend.  Caught a lot of fish, but nothing worth keeping. Few sharks, catfish, and a rat red for me.  Brian caught what was thought to be a stingray, but we will never know, because it got away.  He fought it for 3 hours straight.  Yes, that is three hours by the watch on his had.  Drew quite a crowd, too.  Using a 10' rod w/ 20# line, he had to go easy on this monster of the sea to avoid breaking the line.  I think the little kids that hung out next to him jinxed him.  All in all it was a nice time.  We fished at Surfside and Bryan beaches.  Surfside was infested with seaweed, making it very hard to keep a line in the water. Saturday night was packed up and moved to Bryan beach so we could build a fire (lots of drift wood from the mouth of the Brazos river litter the beach).  Sunday fishing was more productive.    

Quote of the weekend - "I don't want to be power washed" - Michelle Bracken, after Brian suggesting going to a car wash to get the sand off of all of us.

Ate at Olive Garden last night, and got water. :)   

23-August-01

A new radio station is on the airwaves in Bryan/College Station.  The FOX, 99.5 Classic rock.  Sounds cool so far.  No DJ or commercials yet, either.  This station used to be La Fabulosa, a Mexican station.  Clear Channel Communications bought it.  Here is the technical data for the station.  Thanks to Dave @ Action Sports for telling me about it.

Sent Zac off to Champagne/Urbana for the National Phi Lambda Upsilon congress.  She is the new chapter president for the TAMU chapter.  I am a bachelor for four days.  What to do....

Here is a neat picture that came from Ernie's House of Whoopass.  Quite funny.  I've drank many a beers on that front porch.  Cool bar.

Today's rant: Sam's Club.  I bought a battery there 22 months ago, and it died yesterday.  I went to get it replaced, and they wouldn't WARRANTY it because I wasn't a member anymore (I quit the company who I had it through).  I asked to see it in writing where it says I have to be a member for them to honor their warranty.  They couldn't produce it, saying it "was company policy".  I was pissed.  I lost though, and had to get a new membership before I could get a new battery (it was still within it's full replacement period).  I did get a good argument in, and told them it was poor customer service.  Their excuse was I was "returning the battery and buying a new one"  Then it shouldn't be called a WARRANTY.  I expect it to be covered under warranty repair, not return and repurchase.  Yes, I had my all my paper work.  It just pissed me off.  So, word to the wise:  ANYTHING you buy at Sam's Club looses it's warranty if the warranty is through Sam's and your membership expires.  Talk about hooking you.

21-August-01

As I jam to the sounds of Preservation Hall Jazz Band, I think of Mardi Gras, the grandest celebration of them all, Carnival, as they call it.  Here is a virtual tour about Mardi Gras.  One of the interesting pages on the tour was Carnival Ball Protocol.  You know, it's not to early to think about Mardi Gras, for as soon as Mardi Gras is over, I am thinking of the next one.  I say that, but this next years chances are looking slim.  Going to Hawaii next June, and a sh!itty vacation policy @ work (long story; still paying for my mom's death) doesn't give  me much of an opportunity to go.  I could take leave of absence...

Here is an interesting page about Olive Garden and Coke.  Coke does not increase my overall satisfaction at a restaurant.  Great food and good service do that.  Coke just adds $1.25 or more to my bill, and 300 calories to my diet.  Both of which I can do without.  I think I will order water from now on.  Not that I ever order soda at a restaurant.  Yes, soda, not pop.  Pop goes the weasel and pop & fresh dough, but not pop in reference to soda. Never, you communists.  Get over it.  Even Webster's dictionary doesn't recognize it. 

Don't know where that rant came from...Oh yeah, got to thinking about vacation policy...I wish I were President.

OK, Relax... I am hungry.  I have to go to the dentist this morning. I have been having a toothache for a while now. I hope I don't have a cavity.  One of my wisdom teeth cut through my gum last month, right next to where my tooth hurts. I wonder if they are related?  Probably not. With my luck, I will have a cavity and have to have my wisdom teeth removed. There goes my tax rebate.

My dad and sister are coming down the first weekend in November.  That is cool.  I need to think of what to do.  

This past weekend we went to Kirin Japanese Seafood Buffet with Brian and Michelle.  It was good.  I stuffed myself.  We then played a game of beer-gammon!  It's a lot  like backgammon and a variation using Acey-Deucey,  but with drinking (lot's of it).  We then played penny poker till 2 AM.  I think I won a little, but I didn't count my change when I started.  I haven't played beer-gammon in a very long time, it felt so good!!!!!  I must play it more often.  

"Hey it's carnival time...It's carnival time, everybody's having fun..." - Wild Magnolias, "Carnival Time"

17-August-01

Went to Dudley's Draw last night for a pitcher of Dos Equis.  It was a nice time.  I had a roast beef, pepperoni, and cheese w/ pasta sauce sandwich.  It was very good!

I am typing with my right hand as I eat my breakfast burrito w/ my left.  This is slow!

Ahh, better.  Belly full.  Every stop the toilet up at work?  Bad news, I tell ya.  Worst problem is this toilet double flushes, so it dumps a bunch of water on the floor. But due to my quick thinking, I removed the top of the tank, and held up the float to stop the water, averting a disaster.  Still, it sucks.  One time a guy took unknowingly took a wizz in a stopped toilet, flushed, and walked out.  The whole floor of the bathroom was covered in water, and the gray carpet outside the bathroom was soaked for 5-6' out.  Bad news.  Enough about bathrooms and flooding.

One of our service guys had an interesting experience.  He was doing a service call in a rental house that was unoccupied at the time.  When he went to open the attic hatch, a latex p#ssy, complete with pubic hair and an @sshole, fell on his head.  Strange indeed.

Here is an article that says Bobby Flay is a whiner.  See, I am not the only one who thinks like that!

15-August-01

Don't ever try and eat a Taco Cabana chorizo and egg taco while driving a new Chevy 2500 pickup.  The grease from the taco will get over everything, including you clean khaki pants.  And the truck drifts all over the road, making it impossible to eat and drive at the same time.

I have a project in a hospital here in town (St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, replace 2 X-ray units and add a third).  What a depressing place to work.  Everyone there that isn't help seems bummed or depressed.

Oh, I thought of another aggressive nerd, John Cusack.  Like in Con Air.  To me, Cusack will always be Lane Meyers in Better Off Dead.  

Other actors that have frozen in a role (according to me, anyway :) ) Anthony Edwards - Gilbert in Revenge of the Nerds, not Dr. Mark Greene in ER.  Dustin Hoffman - Raymond Babbitt in Rain Man, not Colonel Sam Daniels in Outbreak. Wow, the Internet Movie Data Base web site has a large compendium of info!

14-August-01

Why do today what can be put off till tomorrow.  Hence why this has been a long time coming.

Went to see Rush Hour 2 this past weekend.  It was funny.  If you enjoyed the first one, you will like this one.  And a third one is likely to follow.

I made my deep fried turkey, and it was da bomb!  Worked perfectly.  Only problem is straining the used oil.  Coffee filters are too darn slow, and I don't want to spend $20 on a specific filter just for oil.  The drunken chicken was great, too. I rubbed it with Lysander's chicken rub.  It was great. Since then I have been eating a lot of turkey clubs and BBQ turkey.   Zac made chicken enchiladas with the leftovers, and they were great, too.  Even using Old El Paso enchilada sauce from a can!  In fact, we are having cheese enchiladas tonight!

I found a very funny Periodic Table of Elements.  A must read for any man. Or woman, if you are entertained by The Man Show.

Anyone who watches the Food Network (channel 50 in College Station, TX, Cox Extended Basic cable) probably knows the show Iron Chef, and that whiny bitch Bobby Flay they had as a guest twice.  He now has his own show, and it sometimes airs from 12-12:30 PM.  Right when I am eating lunch and flipping between Law and Order and Food TV.  I can't stand Bobby Flay.  He is what I call an "Aggressive Nerd".  You know the type.  Assertive and smart, but just a downright geek.   I can't think of any other celebrities that are like him ,probably because they don't have what it take to be a celebrity - charisma.  I just don't care for him.

I promised that I would include remarks sent in by readers.  Well, Brian sent in some, but a long time ago, and I have since lost them.  He remarked that it's not just Shrub Bush that is behind the Kyoto treaty, it's the whole congress, including the democrats.  I have to concede. He makes a good point.  But you can't argue that Bush and Big Oil aren't in cahoots, and a big opponent of this treaty.  His other comment was about his goofy landlord (the anti-Fourth of July landlord, that is), and not an opposition to my thoughts.  With my tax rebate, I am going to buy a bike and ride to work.  Good for me, the environment, and my pocketbook.  It is silly that I drive a SUV, and bitch about the oil companies.  My 4Runner is just so damn handy and useful.  And that is why I bought it.  Not to sit taller than everybody, or because of the "perceived" safety they provide, or to own the road, or a place to put the kids (I don't have any kids that I'm aware of).

Enough of my ramblings for one day.  I am burning up right now.  Damn undersized A/C and 104 degree weather!

 3-August-01

Watched a few movies since my last entry.  Unbreakable and 13 Days.  Unbreakable wasn't that good.  Very weird, and a waste of good talent.  13 days was OK, but it was watched in the wrong mood.  I watched Tombstone too this week.  Now that is a cool flick!  Supposedly, it is also the closest to being historically correct.  I enjoy the soundtrack.

Ate at Cafe Capri again.  This time I had the Cajun Fettuccini with crab. It was "da bomb".  The cook their pasta 'al dente, like it's "supposed" to be, and this time, it worked.  But I sometimes like my pasta overcooked.  Almost mushy.  Especially with thick red meat sauce.  I in fact had that at Dudley's Draw, @ Northgate, College Station, TX.  And I liked it!  

I bought a turkey fryer this past weekend.  Now I need to use it!  I got it a the Navasota Wal-Mart for $45, regularly $70.  It is a Brinkman, with a 30 qt. pot, strainer, high pressure burner, deep frying thermometer, and turkey stand & hanger.  I look forward to cooking with it. I will use it to blacken fish, too.  Many more BTU's than my Coleman stove(22,000 vs. 170,000)!  Along with a fried turkey, I want to make drunken chicken.

I added two quotes to the quote section, after going to the National Wild Turkey Federation banquet last night.  I didn't win anything, and I managed to behave myself with the free beer and booze they had.  

26-July-01

Today is my B-Day.  As a small celebration, a few friends met Zac and me at Los Cucos.  I had their enchiladas Del Rio.  Flour tortillas stuffed with shrimp, crab, onions and tomatoes, topped with sour cream and creamy red sauce of some sort.  It was awesome!  Served with ranchero beans and rice.  Thanks to Christy, Ed, Brian, Michelle and Amy for celebrating my B-day!  It was fun.  Ed (inside joke).

So far the present tally is : GI Jane DVD and a little boat, filled with fishing lures and a little light house, that hangs on the wall (very cute) from Zac, a nice desk clock from my dad, and something from my sister (in the mail), a card from Christy. Ed.

I saw 3 police patrols between work and the restaurant today. Three! And that was only 2 miles!  Yet they say they are understaffed?!?  Maybe they can't afford more officers because they are all driving around in new Ford Police Interceptor Crown Vics and motorcycles with the latest Ka band radar!  Ed.

I like this survey. Hook it up! Only problem was where I went to school, the ratio was 75% men, 25% women.  And the women who were there were either a) scientists or engineers or b) MRS degrees.  The 'a' women meant they had attitudes and were difficult to be social with (read: bitches), or the 'b' women were just out to hook you...  Well, I guess I found it difficult do socialize with them.  Most of the guys had even worse attitudes (overly gressive and stuck on themselves).  Oh well. My wife was cool to me the first time I met her, and the best person on campus, hands down!!!  Ed.

I always said fuel cell cars will be out before all battery cars will be.  And I am right.  Honda has designed a fuel cell car, the FCX-V3.  Even the fueling station is powered by solar energy and water, presumably by electrolysis.  I want one.  Yes, I know, it ain't Detriot iron, but then again, I want to live on earth, not in a human created greenhouse.  Shame on Bush for rejecting the Kyoto treaty.  Can you tell he and his Halliburton sidekick are involved in oil?  I bet the oil companies licked their chops and came in their pants when Bush was elected.  I can't complain too much, I drive a gas guzzling SUV, so I guess that makes me a hypocrite.  But if gas prices go up again, I'll accept it (until I start blaming it on oil companies for price gouging:) ).  I really want a bike.  Perhaps a Raleigh.  Maybe I will take my Social security money (the tax rebate we are getting, although Social security is "broke", and will need a tax increase to fix - makes sense, huh?) and buy a bike.  That way I can ride to work, saving on fuel costs and the environment.  Enough ranting...  Ed. 

25-July-01

The gumbo I made the other night was the best ever.  Or at least the best seafood gumbo I had ever had.  I now want to make a courtboullion (KOO-bee-YAWN).  Yummy!  

I am almost convinced that there is a higher force acting on newly married couples.  It happened to me, and it's now happening to a guy I work with.  He was hit by someone, and now this dude's insurance won't file a claim because they can't reach him!  His wife's car was flooded in the Houston floods, Foley's sold their couch they bought to someone else (they have to use lawn chairs in their living room), and it flooded the day of their wedding in Houston, TX.  

I thought my life was a little uneventful lately, and after hearing a story from a new girl at work, my life is REALLY uneventful (I am not complaining, just joking around).  Kim, the new girl, is being threatened by a Mexican drug dealer because she had just met a guy that had just beat the drug dealer up, and the drug dealer thinks she was the assailants girlfriend.  This guy also just got a DWI, his dog died, his ferret died, uncle is dying, was rear eneded, and his apartment caught fire, all in one week.  Wow.  I think I like my uneventful lifestyle!!!!!!!

Tomorrow will be the 29th anniversary of my birthday.  So go out and get my presents bought!  :) I am not asking for much.  I know my sister is getting me something, since she told me so.  I think it might be from my whole family.  I plan on going out to lunch tomorrow with anybody who will come with me, probably Los Cucos, or China Garden.

My car MP3 project is moving along slowly but surely.  It is running, IR remote and all!  I can press a button to open Winamp, start it, stop it, skip tracks, and change volume.  Slick.  Only problem is the Packard Bell Fast Media receiver is a non-standard design, where the computer must poll the serial port all the time to get data, and that takes valuable CPU cycles that need to be spent on MP3 decoding.  That makes the remote reception unrelaible, so the button preses work most of the time.  I want to build a IR receiver that uses a PIC for processing, so the computer doesn't have to.  I only need to acquire the parts (`$7.00), and a PIC programmer, which I can build for even less.  

23-July-01

I can't seem to shake this funk I am in right now.  Uck!  This weekend was an absolute bore.  I didn't do a darn thing exciting.  Stayed up too late farting around with my new (to me) Pentium 90.  I did manage to reformat the drives, install Windoze 95, Winamp, and add 540 megs of MP3's to one of the drives, and drink 5 beers in the process.  Drinking alone, wow.  I haven't done that....ever.  I didn't feel I was drinking alone, I was drinking long distance with my St. Louis friends.  Read below, and you'll understand! :)

We ate at Mr. G's Pizzeria in Bryan , TX, on Saturday evening (below the Third Floor Cantina).  It was very good.  I think we will be going back there anytime we want real pizza.  Crunchy crust, and mucho toppings!  We got hamburger (didn't have real bacon, my favorite), and the pizza was covered with it!  And the owner himself made our pizza, and then used a real pizza oven! Not the conveyor things a lot of places use nowadays.  

This past weekend was my fraternity's alumni golf tournament in St. Louis.  I got a call from two of my friends that day, Tad and Mike Mueller.  Tad must of called from the course, from the sound of his message.  I also got a call from Mike while they were all at the Trainwreck saloon, a bar in Westport (in St. Louis) where they all went afterwards.  It was really nice to talk to everybody (Mike, Tad, Hudson, Caroline, Christa), but I think it really bummed me out that I wasn't there.  I really wish I would of gotten a plane ticket and gone up there like I thought about!  Damn!  I guess my liver was spared, though... BTW, I was a TKE (Tau Kappa Epsilon) at the University of Missouri - Rolla.

I am addicted to eBay now.  I have won a third auction, this time for a Packard Bell Fast Media Remote.  It allows you to control a computer with an infrared remote.  I understand there are better one out there, but for $7 and change, I have to at least try it...

Due to request, and to keep Brian quiet, I have agreed to post your comments to this weblog.  I can't do it automatically, because I have NO clue how to do it.  If anyone knows how, tell me.  It has to be simple!  Like freeware or some bs like that.  So send your comments to [email protected]  and I will post them, editorial discretion, of course. )  Mind you, Juno stinks some times, so it might be a few days until I post it.

I made some shrimp and crawfish gumbo last night.  I can still smell it on my hands this morning.  That's what happens when you have your hand over 400 deg pot of oil and flour for 1/2 hour!  First you start with a Roux...

19-July-01

I think the next time my Aussie friend Brian does his "dance", he should dance like this Aussie chap...

18-July-01

Hump day.  And I don't feel like humping.  I must be getting old...

Had a BBQ this past weekend.  Smoked a pork loin , grilled sausage, and made baked beans. It was a blast.  We played washers, drank beer, watched "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Gone in 60 Seconds".  My washers game has gotten much better, thanks to my friend Wes giving me a pointer on holding the washers.

I marinated  the pork in a mix of sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and other stuff I can't remember. It was good!

We watched "The Family Man" last night with Nicholas Cage and Téa Leoni.  What a hottie.  She might make it on my celebrity "doable" list.

I won another auction on eBay.  This time it was a computer.  I am going to make my dedicated car MP3 player with it.  Now I need to get an LCD for it, and figure out the power supply dilemma.  See, to put a computer in a car isn't easy.  Computers require REGULATED +12V,+5V, -12V, and -5V.  The easiest way is to use one of those 'inverters'.  Only catch is they are electrically noisy or expensive.  The best way is to use a DC-DC converter.  But they are $$$, too.  So I want to build one.  There is a plan on the web to build one, cheap.  I think I will go that route.  I am thinking of using a power supply from a car amp (converts 12vdc to ~30vac), and then using the back end of a computer power supply to get my required voltages.  Only catch is I don't have a broken amp to use, and my electronics design skills aren't the greatest.  I will figure something out.

Right now my life seems pretty simple.  I talked to my sister yesterday, and I didn't have any cool info to tell her.  She said that is because I am an "old, married guy".  Damn.  I still feel young!

My little brother is involved in a strange deal.  His buddy got jacked by some punk kids one night.  Beat him up bad with a baseball bat.  Matt was a witness to the whole deal.  When Matt tried to help his buddy, they pulled a knife.  His friend was hospitalized, and photos were taken of his injuries.  Matt was smart enough to get the kids' license plate number.  I hope they do time.  This all happened becasue these kids cut Matt's friend off, and, in retaliation, gave them the bird.  Road rage at 16-18 years old.  Wow.

I am needing a Cajun/Zydeco fix right now. Or a New Orleans fix.  I am jamming to Geno Delafose right now.  The New Orleans Times Piquane wrote a 3 day series of articles on Cajun life. Neat!

13-July-01

Good day to all!  It's Friday (the 13th- ohhh). Or, in Texas vernacular, Good day to y'all!

My kitty (Fiesta) went under the knife yesterday as required by law.  She was spayed.  The Vet called and said everything went well.  Looks like our anniversary dinner plans are on hold while she recovers.  

I have added a link to drinking toasts on my homepage, as well as quotes that I have heard that I thought were funny.  Check them out.  I will add more when I can remember them, or hear them!  I like the German, Spanish (or Mexican as Dumbya calls it), and the Italian toasts.  Saulte!

When saying the pledge of alliance, do you:

a)  Put you right hand over your heart

b)  Raise your right hand

From grade school, I know that 'A' is the correct answer.  Saluting is acceptable too, given the proper use of it.  But it is not 'B'.  Well, it is according to Dumbya.  While asking the newly sworn in immigrants to say the pledge of alliance with him, he raised is right hand.  He then realized he was wrong (probably one of his handlers corrected him), and then placed his hand over his heart.... 

Anyone hear about that car company that charged a guy $150 three times because he was speeding?  They used the in-car GPS to monitor his speed, and every time he went over 80 MPH for more than two minutes, he got fined.  I'm telling ya, it ain't big brother, it's big business.  Well, both.

Had lunch at Garcia's Wednesday with the salesman from Sentinel Lighting, Dick Swanson.  He was a nice guy.  Too bad the food there still isn't good.  I never cared for that place, except for their sour cream chicken enchilada.  That is good, except the time we went for Brian's birthday.  I had eaten most of it, and all of a sudden - "Crunch".  Zac was sitting next to me and looked at me, it was so loud.  Turns out, there were pieces of a china plate in my enchilada!  Ouch.  That really turned me off on that place.  

12-July-01

I don't know whether it's Frontpage or Geocities, but I cannot get them two to work happily with each other.  I have followed the directions to a tee for using extensions, and every time I get an error. 

That has been the reason no updates have been coming, and why the web site was down last night.  I had to go back to the FTP method of updating.  Very frustrating.

Not much is new today.  I have been looking for an old Pentium computer to build a dedicated MP3 player on.  Turns out, they are throwing them away at work, but holding on to everything in them, making the motherboards worthless.  Damn. Hopefully an old one will crap out, and I can get the whole caboodle, MB, HD, Power supply, memory, and case for free.  If anyone has one to give me, I will take it.  Please e-mail me, [email protected]

 10-July-01

This past weekend was good, albeit my mother-in-law was cranky...  We did eat at The Smoke Stack, but the pork ribs I had weren't the best I've ever had.  The beans were still the bomb.  I even got the the recipe for them!  Plus some of their BBQ sauce to boot, along with some Arthur Bryant's and Maull's BBQ sauce!  I also picked up some Fitz's Root Beer, made with real cane sugar, not corn syrup like other brands.  Maull's BBQ is made in St. Louis, and has tomatoes it's first ingredient.  Read the "about us" factoid about St. Louisians and their saucy BBQ.

Today is my 2 year wedding anniversary!  Yeah!  We are going to celebrate in Houston, TX this weekend by going to Kirin Japanese Seafood Buffet.  Today I had pre-made Subway sandwiches while attending a meeting.  They were so-so.  Nothing like a good Southwest Market House Special.  

Can you tell I love food?  I always talk about it.  Last night I went to the local oriental grocery store and bought some prepackaged foods.  One was Rice cakes in Spicy Red Sauce.  It was awesome!  The other was Udon noodles.  That was good (and cheap, too)!

I watched Rush Hour last night for the heck of it.

I don't have anything profound to say right now, just that it's past quittin' time!  Take care everyone.

6-July-01

No, I didn't die from fireworks. :)

For a Thursday, yesterday sure felt like a Monday.  Wednesday was spent at Brian and Michelle's place, shooting the potato cannon and other things.  Brian's landlord came unglued at the sight of legal fireworks, and threatened to call the police, until he heard the scanner going.  Some people need a life.  Really.  Really.  Brian's landlord is an a$$hole, no two ways about it...

Anyway, we had a good time, eating brisket, shredded beef, pasta salad, bratwurst and cole slaw.  Had a few draught Budweisers, too.

Tonight I fly to Kansas City to see my in-laws (Zac flew up Thursday).  We are hopefully going to eat at The Smoke Stack at Martin City. Great food, and the best baked beans I have ever had.  We were originally going to eat at Arthur Bryant's, after I saw them on Food TV's "Best Of" barbeque places, but my father-in-law said the food isn't that good.  We hope to see our friends Chad and Natalie, as well as Zachlyn's Sorority big sister, Mia and her husband Joe, and their new baby.

Saw Fast and the Furious last night.  Cool flick. The critics hate it, but the box office tells a different story. Yes, the movie has no plot, and the acting isn't Oscar winning, but that isn't why you see this movie.  You see it for the cars - period.  Now some have even said "Gone in 60 Seconds" was even better in that respect because they used expensive sports cars, and FATF uses daily drivers like VW Jettas and Honda Civics.  So what. I liked both movies. I like that fancy cars, and I like the Honda Civics that have been tuned, charged, and even  "Nos'ed" (Nitrous Oxide injection).  I want a VTEC Honda now.  

I believe the Republicans are on another witch hunt, this time it's Gary Condit.  Let's worry about Social Security and Medicare for the elderly.  If they want to worry about someone, it should be that idiot of a President we have.  He is such an imbecile, it scares me.

I have added a few links to my home page, namely The Daily Show with John Steward, and new pictures of our cats, Budwesier and Fiesta.  Fiesta is a kitten, and a mischievous one at that.  She isn't fazed by discipline like Bud was.  Super friendly, but ignorant as hell to all yelling at her.

3-July-01

Watched The Wedding Planner last night.  Cute movie.  Definitely a chick flick.  I enjoyed it, except Jennifer Lopez has a big butt. Not that it matters.  She just looks to much like Ashley Judd, one of the women on my list. What list, you ask?  A list of movie actresses I can sleep with.  The show Friends talked about it.  Other hotties that are on my list include:  Sarah Michelle Gellar (to some, she is annoying, to me, she is just hot), Cameron Diaz (I fell in love with Mary) and Jennifer Aniston (given).  Other women come and go, like Nicole Kidman and Rene Russo (ever see The Thomas Crown Affair?  Wow!)

My wife's list includes Matthew McConaughey, Bruce Willis, and Nicolas Cage.  I can't remember who else.  

Bottle Rockets are banned in Texas.  That stinks.  We went to three different stands looking for them, and nobody had them.  Too dangerous, and start too many fires, they said.  

...Just when I thought I was done typing, these two stories made my blood boil.  The RIAA is up to their usual bulling tactics over Net Radio broadcasting.  This is different than the over-the-air radio station bulling they did a while back!  When will they stop?  I hate them.  The other story is about ACME car rental measuring your speed with a GPS navigation unit installed in your rental car, normally used for navigation.  If you exceed the speed limit imposed by the contract you sign (in VERY small print, I would guess), the fine you.  What crap.  What is happening to our civil liberties?  They are going out the window.  There, I feel better.

I hope everyone has a fun 4th of July, and maybe I will see some of you!

2-July-01

What a beautiful morning.  The air is sweet and crisp.  Almost like being on a boat on a lake, going out to go fishing.  Terrific morning for a July in Texas!

Speaking of fishing, this past weekend couldn't even be called a fishing trip.  We renamed it "A trip to the beach", it was that bad.  Nobody on the beach was catching anything.  Oh well, it was still a nice trip.  

We ate at Texas Roadhouse Saturday night.  I had the full slab of ribs, which were awesome.  Zac had their chicken finger.  We went with Brian and Michelle.  Brian had the ribs, also, and Michelle got the 8oz. fillet.  It was a good meal, but the margaritas we had were terrible.  Funny thing, this franchise started in Kentucky...

Went though radar last night, again.  This time it was on University Drive, in College Station, TX.  I was traveling east, near College Main, and he was traveling west.  He was using K band, instant on.  Too bad for him I was doing 35 MPH on a 40 MPH road. Ha ha.  Made me laugh. Big crime on Universiry on a Sunday night, you know...   I guess this Wednesday they will be all ready to write fireworks tickets.  Nothing better to do I guess.

My wife should be happy, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is coming out on DVD. 

I ate at Taco Cabana last night for an evening snack.  I really like their food, albeit fast food.  I will not go to a Taco Bell when a Cabana is around.  Sad that all the restaurants I listed have web sites.  Franchise, franchise...Speaking of franchise, I would love to own one.  I looked into them, but the startup fees are astronomical, at least for a average Joe me.  I was particularly interested in Hooters, but the start-up fees were a half a million dollars.  Takes money to make money!  BTW, I had a beef burrito.  Yummy!

29-June-01

Kickin' it to the new sub(woofer) behind my monitor.  It's the sub I bought on eBay.  Quite the bargain.  For a total of $24, it was mine.  That was a $9.99 opening bid, $4.00 for handling, and about $8 for shipping.  This thing is bigger than I thought!  Cool!

Went on a date last night.  With Zac of course!  We went to Cafe Capri, a restaurant in Bryan, TX. Quite delicious.  I had their signature dish, Tortellini Alla Capri.  Cheese filled tortellini noodles in a rich cream sauce of mushrooms, real crab meat, garlic, and other spices. Zac had a portabella pasta dish.  She loved it, I thought it was OK.  It was a creamy red sauce with bowtie pasta.  We also enjoyed cheese sticks (pretty run of the mill, although cheese and grease is always good!).  They also severe bread with a olive oil/balsamic vinegar dipping plate. That was great too.  Reminded me of a place in St. Louis, Gianninio's, in Sunset Hills. They serve a good one like that, too.  We finished dinner with a delicious coffee/chocolate desert.  I am not a fan of deserts, but this was GOOD!  Chocolate lovers would like this dish!

After that we were going to go to a new martini bar, called (I think) Rocky Ridge??  It in the Chimney Hill complex in College Station, TX. We instead tried to pay the cable modem bill at the COX cable drop box.  Only problem is it didn't say if  they would accept modem bills. So we mailed it. We also went to Best Buy to buy a Y adapter for my new subwoofer.  

Can you tell I like to impress my woman by taking her to Best buy and the cable company?  She loves it!  Just kidding.  We just enjoyed doing it together.

 I have a meeting to go to in Brenham right now, so more later! 

28-June-01

No sooner do I write a new entry, Geocities starts acting up.  See, I was FTP my updates to geocities servers.  I read that to maintain Microsoft Frontpage extenstions, I needed to use http transfer.  So I did.  It worked for a while (Ok, one update), and now I keep getting an error.  So I went back to FTPing, and it works.  A lot faster too.

I read a web page last night that scares me.  Fuckmicrosoft.com page on hidden internet and e-mail files.  I followed the instructions, and wow!!!!! I freed up 250 megs of space on my drive!  Scary stuff.

27-June-01

It's been a while since my last writing, and I apologize to my readers for leaving you hanging.  I have been busy at work, and quite frankly, trying not to think of anything but work. So if I posted anything, it would of looked like:  I need to finish this one-line.  I need to get those panel schedules done.  I need to update the Freestone project.  I need to clean my desk.  I need to finish those as-builts...

Not to exciting huh?

This past weekend was well, a wild one.  We floated the Guadalupe river on Saturday, and camped Friday night.  Friday night was spent relaxing at the campsite with Brian, Michelle, Kristen, and Zac.  Brian had bought a cheap bottle of bourbon for $6 and proceeded to get a little drunk.  Now picture the scene.  The campsite was bounded on three sides by a retaining wall that dropped off 5 feet into the river or the land adjacent to the site.  This made a most excellent place to relieve yourself after the sun goes down.  Well, nature calls on Brian.  Brain walks over to the retaining wall, and I say "Be careful now, it drops off th....Brian?"

Brian had disappeared!  Turns out he had fallen off and landed on his back, knocking the wind out of himself.  Luckily Michelle (his girlfriend) figured that out.  All Brian could say was [in a Godfather voice] "I'm OK" and stumble around a little.  That made for a funny evening (Brian thought it was funny, too, so it was OK to laugh).  Hey, when your camping, and one minute someone is falling asleep in his chair, and the next minute they are falling off a cliff, it's funny.

Saturday morning was spent drinking beer and waiting for everyone to arrive.  Turns out a whole lot more people showed up that expected, but that didn't matter. They all showed up together.  By the time everyone arrived, it was 2:45 PM. So we were on the water at about 3:00 PM.  Everything from this point on becomes a little blurry.  See, I lost my contacts, suffered temporary amnesia, lost most of my cognitive function, and forgot how to walk.  Oh  who am I kidding, I was drunk.  I don't try and brag, but I figured I consumed ~35 beers in 24 hours time.  Lets just say I was acting like an idiot. I didn't fight with my wife, but I did make a fool of myself.  Perhaps I should drink less - nah, just watch my idiot mouth more.  

Sunday was spent at Wes and Sara's wedding.  A nice little Justice of the Peace ceremony.  I had never heard the "May he speak now or forever hold his peace" statement until then, except in the movies.  The whole ordeal only lasted 3 minutes, and I still cried.  Yes, you read that correctly. I cry at weddings.  Don't know why, just do.  Hasn't failed me yet in the last couple years.  Think I'm weird? Me too.  We then went to Julio's Mexican restaurant in Hempstead. Sara's bosses bought dinner. They own GKG here in town, a web domain name registrar (among many other things). Terrific fellows - funny, witty, and can speak fluent Spanish (or "Mexican", as President Bush calls it).   

I have a small favor of anyone who reads this and has the pleasure (or displeasure) of knowing me.  Help me watch my language.  Specifically, my foul mouth and rude comments.  Not it my writing, because sometimes it's needed to convey a message, or make something funny.  But the next time I am drinking around you, stop me bofore I get to vomiting at the mouth. 

Last night we went and saw the movie Swordfish.  Quite good.  In fact, I was a little confused, which is what is supposed to do.  John Travolta finally starred in a good movie.  And Halle Berry was a hottie in this movie.  Lots of action and suspense, with a little sex and computer geek-e-ness thrown in.  This movie mentions the FBI Carnivore program.  Since I mentioned President Bush in my web page, do you think the FBI will be visiting my page?  More readers! Ha ha.  Only thing wrong with the movie was the popcorn. See, I love movie popcorn.  Can't go to the show without it.  And it HAS to have the trans-fatty, saturated fat, LDL cholesterol, pseudo butter on it.  But this time is was like glue.  It wasn't hot, and all the pieces of popcorn stuck together in a glob.  Not good.  For $3.00, it should be in a gold foil bag, and be perfect every time.  Oh well.  I did go back and get a better bag.

Oh! I lost my eBay virginity!  I bought an Altec Lansing computer subwoofer for work.  I can now have better sounding tunes while (or whilst, if you are from England :) ) I work.  My user name is "par38lamp".  Par 38 lamps are those flood light bulbs typically used in those motion detector lights above your garage.  I picked that name because I had a GE catalog open to that page once, and it stuck...

21-June-01

I had a bunch of thoughts running through my head before, but now, nothing.  Maybe it's "web logger's" cramp. :)

We went to a bar last night, the Fox and Hound.  A friend of mine that used to work with me is in town for a conference.  Drinky drinky.  I got stung with the bill though.  That s*cks.  Say real fast:  "Oh-I-hurt-my-head"

This sounds like a movie I want to see. Fast and Furious.  Although it looks like it has a love story attached to it.  Damn.  Why do movies have to have a love story attached to it.  Make 'em all like the Blues Brothers. Now that is an awesome movie.  No love story.  Don't get me wrong, I loved Titanic, but I also knew the outcome.  Supposedly Pearl Harbor is more of a love story than anything else.  I want to see what really happened, not how some sailor fell in love.  Perhaps I should see it before I pass judgment.

Some women are freaks.  In a good way.  

I am listening to Enya's song, "Only Time".  My mom's friend Sue (very sweet woman) said it remind her of my mom.  So I thought I would listen to it, too.  Just go off the phone with her.  Good conversation.

Today I think I will promote this page by sending out the link to more people.  Right now my hits are up to five people a day!  Yeah!!!!!  

Breakfast Tacos.  Best thing since sliced bread.  I never-ever thought I would eat salsa on my scrambled eggs.  When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

19-June-01

I learned a new word today ,"bo-bo".  It is merely a politically correct version of boo-boo.  But when used in context, I had no idea what the hell Anna was talking about...

My friend Brian has a mini van he calls the FT, or f^ck truck.  One the back of it, he has a bumper sticker that makes me laugh every time I see it.  It says "I spend my money on alcohol, women, and gambling, the rest I waste".  To know Brian and see that sticker, it  makes me laugh.

I added fishing photos to my web page.

18-June-01

This past weekend was nice.  Cleaned the kitchen Friday night.  Fun, I know. I started out as doing the dishes (they had piled up quite high), then I moved onto the counter tops, and behind the mixer, and behind the pasta containers.  Then to the stove.  It had a few stains, here and there.  Just what you wanted to hear...

Saturday was better.  We swam at Mary Ellen's apartment pool  and drank cold Dos XX lager with lime. Tasty.  I am still sore today from it.  Oh, we ate Papa John's pizza.  I don't much care for their pizza, but then again, I don't care for any chain pizza place all that much.  Too bad Double Dave's pizza (a local place) isn't better.

Sunday was spent doing very little.  I did fix a box fan that was given to me by my wife's friend Amy.  It needed oiling.  I didn't have any oil, so I used automatic transmission fluid.  It was Mobil 1 synthetic, so the fan should last forever now!  Ha ha.  ATF has very good detergent properties, and good lubricating properties to boot.  Before the oiling, it hummed, and turned about 1 RPM.  After the oiling, the blades continued to spin for many seconds after being spun by hand.  

I watched Waterboy on TV.  Glad I never wasted my money on that one.  If fact, that is the only movie I ever MADE money on!  I was asked to do a preview at the local mall in St. Louis.  I said "As long as there is some compensation" There was, a lottery ticket.  Not bad.  So, I watched these trailers in a little booth, and then had to answer questions about it - Was it funny, would you go see it, yadda yadda.  I told them the truth, that I don't like Adam Sandler, and these trailers were NOT funny.  I got my lottery ticket and left.  A while later, I scratched my ticket, and won $30!  

For all the people who love the Simpson's as much as I do, look here.

15-June-01

Friday!  Wo-ho!  We watched Remember the Titans last night.  The movie was good, but reeked of Walt Disney cleanliness.  The strongest racial slur was "coon" and "monkey" in what  was supposed to be very racially divided southern Virginia town.  And when the captain of the football team yelled at one of his blocker for not blocking, he said "Oohhhh When you wake up, you'll need a new hair cut!".  Wow. Really tough...

My wife said something the other day that really was profound. It was to me, anyway, since I thought of it again.  She said "All the emphasis in put on the wedding day, but never on the rest of your life with the person you are marrying" How true.  I can happily the "rest of your life" part has been great for us so far!  

We are going to go tubing next weekend with a friend of mine that is coming in from out of town, Kristen.  She is a lot of fun.  We are going to camp Friday night, and float Saturday at Bezdek's on the Guadalupe river.

Leave it up to the Japanese to make a better draught beer tap.  Yes, I sometimes have too much time on my hands...Speaking of draught beer, I could go for a cold one.  Not right this second, but this evening.

14-June-01

Today sure feels like Friday.  I wish it was. :)  I am starving right now, and in the mood for Cajun/Creole food.  Something simple like two big bowls of Gumbo, steaming hot with French bread and lots of hot sauce.  I prefer Franks Red Hot Sauce, or Tabasco.  I used to hate Tabasco, but now I like it.  I have also taken a hankering to Tony Chachere's seasonings.  Tonight we are making fajitas with Fiesta brand seasoning.  They have been tenderizing for two days now.  Should be good!  Zac even made fresh homemade tortillas on her press.  Did I say I am hungry?

We watched the movie Whipped  last night.  [The official movie link seems to go to a band now].  It was funny, but worth every penny we paid to rent it-nothing.  If you want a cheesy movie, see it.  Good thing it was only 80 minutes long...

I cut the grass last night.  My free lawnmower is running better than ever.  Starts on the first pull, and runs hard in the tall grass.  Not bad for $7 in parts and some carburetor cleaner.  Thank you Kristen's boyfriends sisters husband! 

12-June-01

For being a Tuesday, it sure feel like Monday still.

I found a neat article today about Boozoo Chavis. 

I am tired of going through radar traps in this state.  Damn!  On the way back from Houston Sunday night, I went through radar just as I entered into College Station from the south on HW 6.  No sooner do you get past Greens Prairie road and over the hill, there sits a cop, shooting instant on radar in the dark.  I wasn't speeding, I had driven the speed limit the whole way home.  I was doing 67 miles per hour.  As soon as I topped the hill, I saw the reflection of his taillights.  I knew instantly that was a cop, and before he could turn on his gun, I was hitting the brakes.  By the time he got me (radar detector went off), I had to be doing 63.  Made me feel good.  Don't the police have anything better to do on a Sunday night?  Damn, drive by my house a few times.  Eat some doughnuts. Anything but fuck with me!  Maybe I need to import some hoodlums to give them something to do...Just kidding.  

I feel like I am living in a police state.  A GESTAPO. This isn't the first time I have seen a cop sit there, either.  I have seen the motorcycle cops there, too.  I can understand going through radar every day while driving 25 MPH in a school zone.  I sure wouldn't want to hit any little kids, ever. 

That reminds me of a kid last week.  This was on Victoria, a main drag by my house.  This kid would wait until cars were about 100 feet from the cross walk, and then step out, waving a stick like a band leader would do.  I watched him do this twice to cars in front of me.  Needless to say, he did it to me. This kid needs a few more brain cells.  Playing chicken with a 2500 pound SUV isn't the smartest thing to do.  That little bitch got an earfull from me.  I think he stopped!  For those of you thinking I am terrible, all I said was "The crosswalk is not be used for playing", and drove on.  Wow, the stuff kids will do...

Enough complaining today.  My friend Chris Hudson called me today and apologized for not making it down to my party Friday.  He lives in Chicago, where he is starting  Viadac Solutions, a branch of Promac, Inc (as of today, neither link is good).  He says he has a woman, Lindsay, and they are doing good.  Busy, busy at work, he said. It was like that when he worked in St. Louis, too.

11-June-01

After a weekend of indulgence and excess, I am back.  Back to trying to eat healthy and regular sleep.  

We went to St. Louis this weekend for a wedding and a wedding validation ceremony.  My sister was a maid of honor for a girlfriend of hers.  The wedding was nice.  Nothing too fancy, but not cheap-o either.  Open bar is always nice!  

The wedding validation ceremony was for my wife's friend who got married outside (literally and metaphorically) the Catholic church.  The ceremony was nothing more that the exchange of vows with a  priest.  We then went to a barbecue at Carrie and Jay's house.

Friday night, after almost not getting out of Houston, we arrived in St. Louis, and proceeded directly to an Imo's pizza where we picked up a 16" half cheese/half bacon pizza.  Yum.  I actually called from the airport so it would be ready.  We then headed to my good friend Tad's new house (I should say mansion) for a "Wig's in town"/House warming party.  It was a good time.  I did get a little boisterous and managed to upset Lynn, Tad's girlfriend/fiancée. :(  All is well now.  Throughout the course of the evening, I drank draft beer from a real kegerator (in Tad's brand new basement bar), Grey Goose vodka, and 18 year old scotch.  I can't remember the name of the scotch, but it was good.  Of course, we got the hungers, and proceeded to Eat-Rite for a slinger.  To the uninitiated, a slinger is the ultimate late night drunk food.  Two eggs, cooked to order, two hamburger patties, and American fries, all topped with chili.  Heaven on a plate.  You can get a slinger at any Eat-Rite, O.T Hodge Chili parlor, or Courtesy Drive in.  Sorry I don't have any links for those restaurants, but if you have ever been in those diners, you would understand why. I think the juke boxes still play 45's. A step back in time - a "greasy-spoon" diner in it's truest form. When we got back from eating, the sun was starting to rise, so we decided to call it a night (day).

Our other epicurean adventures included a sack of White Castles after the wedding reception. Little burgers of goodness.  Give me 5, no pickle, an orange drink, and a fry.  After visiting my mom's grave (Fran, as we sometimes call her), my dad suggested Ted Drews. Can't pass up a chance to eat there.  If you are ever in St. Louis, and want the best frozen custard in the whole darn world, go there. A staple on Route 66.  Fran was right.  Everything you need is on Chippewa.  Or Chip-ee-wa, as she would say.

As far as food went, it wasn't gourmet or fancy, just darn good grease and salt.  Sunday night my dad fixed a killer sirloin tip roast.  Only problem was time. Even with a late flight like 9:40 PM, dinner was still rushed, and we were a little late to the airport. Typical at the Farwig household, though.  

My dad did give me an early birthday present, a desk clock for work.  It looks classy.

8-June-01

Not a whole lot to report lately.  Rain, rain and more rain here.

I found this article quite humorous.  The side of Disney no one thinks about...

I have a new screensaver now, it is by United Devices, and it is looking for a cure for cancer.  I am in a group with some other people at work.  I would link the actual page, but it seems to be down. Seems our proxy sever here at work is on the fritz, too.

We are supposed to fly to St. Louis this weekend for a wedding. I hope the Houston weather allows it!

While downloading some songs of IRC last night, I found something exciting.  Trivia!  Now online trivia probably isn't new, but while downloading songs, you can play trivia.  This was on a DALnet server, #mp3oldies.  Fun fun!

I called my pets new names this morning.  Allergens.  They didn't seem to care.  CNN ran a story about a study that said babies were less likely to suffer from allergies later in life if they were raised around allergens like cats and dogs.  Bud just looked at me stupid, and Fiesta was more interested in drinking out of the toilet.  Yes, my cats drink out of the toilet.  Kind of cool, actually.  Makes them more like a dog.

While spell checking my whole log, I noticed I use the phrase Ahhhh a lot.  Hmmm.  (ha ha).

Ever send an email to the right company, but typed the persons name wrong, and never get a response back saying it didn't go through?  Wonder where it goes.  I think at our company it goes to the system administrator, where he forwards it to the right person, if possible.  That didn't seem to happen at Rexal-Summers electrical supply house.  Bullshit!

Brian asked me to link he web page here, so I will.  I did it below, too, 1st of June. I would set up internal links to it, but I don't feel like figuring out how to do that right now.

Have a good weekend everyone.

5-June-01

I need to quit playing on this computer at night.  I just upgraded my internet connection from 128kbs to 1Mbs (cable modem).  It makes everything so much quicker! 

Last night while grocery shopping, I was reminded of something that bothers me every time I go to the grocery store.  This stores in this town has no cart corrals.  The Kroger @ Longmire and Rock Prairie has 3.  That's it.  For a huge parking lot.  The HEB on Texas is just as bad.  So is the Alberstsons on Texas and 2818.

It rained this morning, but I was too tired to get up and see if the gutters were working or leaking.  I figured if they fell off the house, I have a problem. Otherwise, I was OK.

I found this interesting web page on Texas Photojournalism.  Neat pages about 6th street in Austin, and La Zona (better know as Boy's Town here).

4-June-01

Ahh, what an weekend.  I am sore from head to toe.  We hung gutters on the house.  Everything went up good. Now if would only rain so I can see if my hard work paid off.

On Friday night, while driving home from helping Brian and Michelle move, I got pulled over by the College Station Police department. It was on Wellborn road, south bound, in between University and George Bush Drive.  The speed limit drops from 45 to 35 near TAMU.  I assume that is if you hit a little college student, you would do less damage to them.  Well, like a good Samaritan, I slowed down to 35.  While tooling along and singing to Stray Cat's "Stray Cat Strut", a police car decides to pull me over.  Now anyone familiar with that road, there is no place to pull over between Joe Routt Blvd and George Bush Dr. So I turn on my dome light, lower my window, turn on my flashers, and give a thumbs up, signaling that I know he is back there, and I am looking for a place to pull over safely.  Well, the nearest place is the McDonalds beyond George Bush Drive.  The officer comes up to the car, and says he pulled me over for speeding.  I thought, damn, MAYBE two miles over in a 35, and they pull me over.  He said "You were doing 49 in a 35".  I about lost it.  It is difficult to maintain your composure when you know you weren't going nowhere near that fast.  He then said "You should of just pulled over on the road"  Uhhh... Here I am trying to pull out of the flow of traffic so it is safer for the officer (this alleged raceway, as the officer would have me believe), and that is wrong.  What gives?  So I say "I might have been drifted a little over 35, as I neared George Bush, but I know I was not going 49."  He walks back to his patrol car, but doesn't get in.  He returns with a ticket.  Before I sign it (giving me a little time to plead my case), I assert that I was not going anywhere near 49 miles per hour. I then started asking him about his detection method.  Radar?  He said he did a visual, and then radar.  I then asked where he was sitting.  He said he was coming at me when he saw me.  What he did was see me coming at him, made a U turn, and then turned on radar (or so my theory goes from the officers explanation). He gives me the runaround about contesting it, or going to defensive driving, blah blah...  Mind you, I was polite, but confident that I was right.  Arguing with the police is a losing battle.  So, as I drive off across McDonalds' parking lot, the officer (now following me), pulls up quickly behind me, blaring his siren.  I stop thinking "What now?  Did I piss him off?  Do I have a brake light out (the car passed inspection 4 days prior, see 29-May-01 for that ordeal below)?" He gets out of his car and runs up to my window.  He says "I'm sorry, I used the wrong radar gun, and measured someone else's speed" "What?", I said.  "I turned on the rear radar unit [this patrol car must have front and rear instant-on radar], and measured someone else's speed."  "What do I do now?", I asked.  He took the ticket back.  He then apologized for "Wasting our time this evening"!  Whew. I knew I was right, damit.

Of course,  I was elated that I didn't receive a ticket for something I wasn't guilty of.  But what scares me is how easily I could of.  All the defenses of cosine error, tuning forks, and uncalibrated equipment can not correct for operator error.  How would I ever prove that he used the wrong radar gun to measure my speed?  Operator error.  That scares the shit out of me.  And this wasn't anything hard,  there where no physics laws in question here.  All he had to do was punch a backlit button.  On something he was trained on.  I can hit every button on my radio in my car with my eyes closed.  And I never was trained on it.  Perhaps it was a new unit.  You know, the police need newer radar units all the time, since the biggest criminals are speeders.  I should of asked the officer why he wasn't out looking for the guys that broke into my car and stole my stereo?  They have had over a year and 6 months to find them.  Have they?  No.  But they can pull me over for their mistakes.  Until they find those crooks, they shouldn't be doing anything else. Period.  AGGGGGGGGGGGGG! 

Saturday, we went to Houston to buy gutters (we had a Home Depot gift card).  While there, we had dinner at Kirin Japanese seafood buffet.  Wow. This place has a sushi buffet, along with steamed crab legs, raw oysters on the half shell, filet mignon teriyaki, peel and eat shrimp, and stuffed lobster!  Not to mention all the other foods, like beef sashimi, broiled mussels, fried blue crabs(!), lamb chops (!), chicken teriyaki, crab claws, baked salmon, and kashi cream puffs (a Japanese crab-rang-goon).  The sushi bar had Nigri pieces (tuna, salmon, white tuna, baby octopus, squid, fried tofu, crab, eel(!), and red snapper.)  Then there were the rolls (California, spider, spicy tuna, futo-maki, spicy tuna, some sort of chicken, baked salmon with crab...and others I just can't remember.  Must of been 10 or 12 ).  There was also sashimi salmon, tuna, redfish and squid.  I also had a spider hand roll that was great.  The best part was the my wife loved the place.  She enjoyed eating sushi more that ever.  That made me feel great. Not only do I have a sushi partner, I was able to introduce her to something very new to her.  And sushi didn't rank high on her "must try sometime" list.  After the second visit to the sushi buffet, they had set out eel nigri.  I looked twice.  What?  Eel?  I must of eaten six pieces of it (I love it).  In a regular restaurant, the amount of eel I ate would of been the same as what I paid for here.  The price was $18.95, which I think is a steal.  You can get the non-sushi buffet for $10.95, and that still includes the other seafood.

1-June-01

Well, here is to programming in HTML again (don't have access to Frontpage right now). Few things I want to say before I retire today (it 1:38 AM). My wife left the overtime lights on, and I wasn't working! I was with work people, and sometimes that is work. Only because I want to be liked by them, because I like everyone I work with. And I sometimes struggle with social situations.

 I guess I should explain overtime lights before I go any further. On the chance that my dad worked overtime on a night service call, sometimes he would invite me to go with him. When we arrived home, he would comment that "Your mother left the overtime lights on". IE, if he was out partying, she would leave them off. Coming home tonight, my wife left the lights on for me. To her, it's probably just a courtesy. To me, it means a lot more. To anyone reading this, expect more today, after I get some sleep.

...Awake and refreshed.  Well, awake at least.  My head hurts a little from the dehydration and poisoning effects of fermented hops, barely, rice, yeast and water.  Otherwise, cold Bud Light beer.  I went to a retirement party for General Peel, the Vice Chancellor for Facilities Planning and Construction at TAMU last night. I never met the man, but it was a good chance to meet and see people in the construction field.  My position doesn't lend itself to continuous interaction with general and specialty contractors as much as a project manager would be.  BTW, I am Design Engineer, with an Electrical Engineering degree from University of Missouri - Rolla. 

I looked at a receipt from J.J.'s liquor here in town this morning.  My wife had bought a 1L bottle of Crown Royal  there for $30.  This past weekend I was able to buy it for $19 (see 29-May-01).  The reason I mention this is I didn't realize how much we saved.

My friend Brian is moving into a new duplex with his girlfriend.  I am interested to see how messy his place stays now.  His current place looked like two guys lived there, if you know what I mean.  Empty keg and BBQ pit on the deck, dirty glass door from his roommate's two dogs, fishing poles sitting in the corner of the living room, etc.  Michelle kept a much neater place (then again, what woman doesn't).

30-May-01

Here is an interesting link to anyone in the electrical contracting field. Here

29-May-01

We camped this weekend.  Talk about being in a desert!  The campground is on a hill since flash flooding is possible.  That makes for a very windy campsite.  So windy, in fact, that it ripped our tent, and caused it to fall onto us while sleeping.  I decided to unpack the truck and sleep in it.  Wow, what a difference.  No noise, great breeze, plenty of room, and quite comfortable.  We sleep on egg crate foam.

On the way out there, my wife got pulled over by the Texas Highway Patrol.  Got her with instant on Ka band radar.  She managed to get out of it.  She did get a ticket for having an expired safety inspection sticker.  That was my fault.  [rant mode on].  Why doesn't Texas require you to have a safety inspection before you can get your registration?  That sucks!  Missouri required it, and it made for a wonderful reminder that you need your car inspected. Sucks I tell 'ya. [rant mode off]. Cost me $75.  Better than a $100 speeding ticket, or $175 for both fines.

The big cooler worked like a charm.  Kept everything cold.  It was also nice to use the old food cooler to keep plenty of cold water and beer.  Plenty of ice made for VERY cold beer.  Tasted great in the west Texas heat.

We visited Mexico (Ciudad Acuña), but it wasn't as exciting as times past.  Don't get me wrong, it was very fun, but I wanted to party over there more.  We went on a Sunday afternoon, and it was quiet.  I bought a 1 Liter bottle of Crown Royal for $19, but of course, Texas has to get their hand in the pot, and charged my $1.40 to bring it in.  Thieving bastards.

25-May-01

We watched What Women Want last night. It was good, as far as chick flicks go.  The ending was dumb, though.  

We are going camping this weekend after all, to Seminole Canyon State park near Del Rio, TX. My wife called her brother to see what they are doing, turn outs - camping!  They invited us along.  That should be good time.  I get to use my new big Igloo cooler (I've always wanted one). Also our citronella bucket candles!

We had dinner at the Outback Steakhouse last night.  They messed up my order, something they don't seem to be know for.  They put mustard on my burger!  Ahhhh!  Yea, I know, go to a steak house (a chain one at that), and get a hamburger.  Well, it's called money and hunger.  We weren't that hungry, and we were there to buy a gift certificate for Zac's dads birthday.  So to eat steak and buy a gift certificate, the bill would of been huge!

Reading an article in TIME on the web about cancer. Rather interesting.

24-May-01

We watched another movie, Men of Honor last weekend. That was a good flick. What made it even better is that I didn't know it was based on a true story until it was over.

Now that all the season finales are over, my wife will be beside herself.

One thing that irks me now is that camping is almost undoable because of the heat.  Not me, mind you.  That sure was quick. I can't get used to this "Can't do anything outside because of the heat" shit all summer.  If I can't go outside, it should be because it is -30 deg outside, not when it's sunny and warm.  AGGGG! Plenty of water, a good hat and sunscreen and your good to go.

New Orleans is now out, since my buddy is heading home this weekend.  That makes me think of another rant.  This one pertains to TAMU.  They are gung ho on tradition and honoring fallen Aggies, yet the school is OPEN on Memorial Day!  What gives?  

I'm hungry.

23-May-01

We watched the movie "Luck Numbers" the other night.  Don't waste your time.  It was cute, but rather silly.  After seeing the making of the film, and hearing the director's take on it, it was supposed to be silly though.

This weekend is still up for grabs as to what we are doing. We were going to go to Mexico or New Orleans, but our friends Sara and Wes changed their mind and decided to go to their new house in Mississippi.  I want to go to New Orleans.  Speaking of Nouvelle-Orléans, a few people from work went last weekend.  One guy suggested that New Orleans is the same as Mexico. It smells the same, and you still have beggars everywhere.  Good point.  But Nuevo Laredo doesn't have the same architecture!  Yes, I know that that the present day French Quarter was built during Spanish control!

One of the goofy things I want now is a ceramic Chef's knife, made by Kyocera. Particularly, the KC-200.  It's a hot pressed blade made of zirconium carbide.  Now my ceramic knowledge is very limited, but it sure sounds like a cool knife! A seller on EBay seems to have the best price.

22-May-01

This weekend was BBQ filled! Saturday we went to a friend's house (Jon and Monica) and had brisket, drank Bud light, Lone Star, and Natural Light beer, played washers, chicken foot dominoes, and a game Monica got from her family involving marbles and two decks of cards (fun game, but I can't for the life of me remember the name of it). 

 Sunday, we were going to go the horse track, but the little horses don't start running there until June, so we opted not to go. We originally planned to smoke some beef ribs, turns out that is what we did.  We invited Brian and Michelle over (they are the ones that wanted to go to the track), Wes and Sara, and even Ed came over.  It was a good time.  Played washers (I lost every game!!!), and hung out.

While looking for a link for Natural Light beer (besides Anheuser-busch.com), I came across this link. The alcohol content of beer.  I always knew that Budweiser had more alcohol than Bud light, but I didn't know by how much.  People always say "I get a headache when I drink Bud"  That is called a hangover! More alcohol = bigger hangover (for me anyway!)

While reading an entry at Looka, he talked about the familiar commercial that anyone from New Orleans would know.  That made me think about St. Louis' catchy commercials over the years.  The one that comes to mind is "For a hole in your roof or a whole new roof, Fredrich roofing",  "Freidman's railroad salvage", or "Warehouse of Waterbeds - If you ain't sleepin on wata, you oughta!" [Wow, spell check didn't like this paragraph!]

18-May-01

I just found out someone mentioned me in their web log!  I read a web log at Gumbopages almost daily, since he always talks about food, and rants about politics. I find his page quite enjoyable.  Anyway, I sent him some links about St. Louis, MO and how people there picked chain restaurants over local establishments for the best food (in 8 categories).  He featured me in his daily post!  You can see it here: Mike from St. Louis

I'm famous! Well, sort of.

16-May-01

My wife and I saw "Something Like You" last night.  We both agreed the movie was better than we expected.  I am a fan of Ashley Judd (well, I really just think she is a hottie!).

I am flummoxed about this new administration wanting to go back to nuclear power.  I would be in favor of it if they had figured out what to do with the highly radioactive plutonium that is still sitting in temporary storage bunkers at the power plant sites.

I got into a discussion about the "Kidney Harvesting" e-mail hoax that was been circulating for 10 years.  Two women in our office believed it, until I sent her a link repeating the exact same story "some guy she met told her".

15-May-01

Well, today is Tuesday.  I wish it was Saturday.  As the Kings say "Nothing matters but the weekend, from a  Tuesday point of view" [Switching to Glide]. 

 This past weekend I went to the Old Town Spring Crawfish Festival with our friends Wes and Sara.  We had blast.  I got to hear Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers, Lady Dee, and Dub Miller.  We even got to go back stage and meet Dub and his band.  That was cool.  He sand a song about a "one legged marijuana farmer". I wonder what it was called?   Dancing to Zydeco in the pouring rain made for a fun time.  We ate boiled crawfish, crawfish étouffée, and fried shrimp, and drank lots of beer and water.

My wife made it to Phoenix, but they couldn't make it to Las Vegas since all the return flight were too full to get back, and one gal didn't want to drive for 5 hours.  They instead went to Sedonia.  She said she had a good time, but I think she did girlie things except for a Jeep ride that I probably would of liked!.  Maybe someday we will get to go to Vegas together.

9-May-01

The wife has left for Las Vegas. Well, hopefully, since she was flying standby. I hope she gambles a little and wins enough to pay off the house.  Better yet, hit a progressive slot and we can retire.  Hey, I can dream! 

 I had a wonderful time seeing my sister graduate from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in Public Relations this past weekend. I hope she can find gainful employment in this recession.

James Carville said "In the Clinton administration we worried the president would open his zipper, and in the Bush administration, they worry the president will open his mouth". How true.

4-May-01

I learned a new "Texas phrase" last night.  Apparently down here they don't "tee-pee" houses, the "wrap" a house.  Lunch is called "dinner" here, too.  

Our work softball team managed to loose every game of the season, but I had great time playing.  We were out of our league, literally.

 My sister graduates this weekend with a degree in business-public relations.  I wish her well.

  I made crawfish fettuccini alfredo with the leftovers from the first batch of crawfish. I finished the last leftovers today.  It was good! Heavy cream and butter.  Originally I made "Pan fried fish with crawfish sauce" from Emeril's website.  I had a lot left over, so I turned the sauce into an alfredo sauce for pasta.

24-April-01

I dreamt of a song I hadn't heard in a long time, "Kings-Switching to Glide".  What a fun song.  I wish I cared more about politics, especially all the shenanigans that seem to happen in St. Louis by powerful business.

22-April-01 

Today we shelled the crawfish for 2-1/2 hours, after sleeping all day.  Now to make crawfish Étouffée and any other web recipe I can find!

21-April-01

Went to see the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Houston Astros 9-2 today.  Too bad the lost the night before.  My boss had his second annual crawfish boil at his house.  That was a good time. I even got to take home a cooler full of cooked ones for the meat.  That night, after imbibing for 12 hours straight, we went home and tailed about 18 pounds of crawfish.  Whew!  I was tired.

20-April-01

To state the obvious (to people in College Station, TX), Northgate parking stinks.

16-April-01

I met a guy this weekend who got rid of his cows because "God told him to, since they make him curse".  Wow. 

 I came within ONE block of getting an "All that Jazz" sandwich this weekend.  We were going to eat at Central Grocery, but they were closed. I should of known better.  Any small Italian restaurant I have ever seen is closed on Sundays.  Oh well, I got to see the Vieux Carre for a fleeting moment.  The couple I was with didn't want to stop in the quarter because of a parade that was starting to roll, and they had their dogs in the car..  Still better than not seeing it at all :).  I did have a good catfish po-boy from a gas station somewhere in Louisiana.  I also had some excellent southern cooking and hospitality for Easter. Too bad my wife and I couldn't spend it with our families.  14 hours is just too far for a weekend.

12-April-01

Well, I found out yesterday that we get off tomorrow.  That is cool.  Not sure what I want to do though...I would like to go to New Orleans if my friend will let me stay with him.

9-April-01

Ahhh, what a nice weekend.  Decided to start a small garden, with bell and Jalapeno peppers, and Roma tomatoes. I am looking forward to barbequing, fishing, and camping this summer.  Also eating a few crawfish this spring.

5-April-01

Today feels like a good day.  I hope they get this China/Surveillance plane thing solved. I changed the rants page to "thoughts", since I really don't complain all the time. :)

3-April-01

Not much going today.  I am irked by the people that turn on the house A/C's as soon as it gets above 80 deg.  And these aren't 80 year old elders or sick people.  These are strapping younger people (in their teens and early 20's).  Tough it out, you wimps.  When we were little, the A/C ran for less than a month, in August.  And that was in St. Louis, with 98 deg days and nights, with 95% humidity. I am craving an "All that Jazz" sandwich from Verti Marte in New Orleans right now.

2-April-01

Well, I went to www.stlcardinals.com to listen to today's Cardinal baseball game.  Last year Yahoo and broadcast.com carried the games.  Now, MLB is charging to listen to the game over the net!  What bullshit!  Fuck MLB. I am listening to Bob Bowman right now -  Fan f^cking, and he basically says he is f^ck!ng the fans to make more money.  I am not going to pay $9.95 to listen over the web.  I don't want to listen to all the games, just the Cardinals.  And I could care less about the extra features.  This undermines the basis of the net.  Just because the NBA is doing it doesn't make it a good idea.  Like Chris Rock said "You can drive your car with your feet if you want to, but that don't make it a good fucking idea!"

31-March-01

I hate car salesmen.  Especially a sales manager.  I was lied to by Soskin Southpointe in St. Louis 2 years ago, and I still haven't forgotten it. I helped a friend look at cars today, and to make a long winded bitch short, the sales manager was an asshole.. This was at the Nissan dealer in College Station, TX.

28-March-01

I went and saw Eileen Ivers at Rudder Theater on the TAMU campus.  What an excellent show!  My bitch here is the house lighting.  Too damn bright.  I truly had to squint to see the performers.  No contrast.  Turn them down!  It even looked like they turned them even brighter when someone got up to leave! Uggg!