Gotta Pay the Piper Someday
I received a sad email from Miss Pamela today:
"hi! how are ya? i'm going to try to cut back on my SG time. i've had a slight scare. one of my friends who i get a little flirty with... well, his girlfriend found out and he's pretty devastated as is she. i feel kind of responsible. and now i'm thinking that i should cool it. i don't want to hurt bill or anything because i don't mean most of what i say on there. but things can really get misinterpreted."
How unfortunate. People sometimes overlook the fact that there's a person on the other end of a chat program or a diary or whatever online place you frequent. I know Pam. I know she meant no harm and has no desire to hurt her marriage whatever it's faults. I replied to the email but haven't heard from her since. I hope that she's OK and not getting too down on herself.
The pork chops turned out OK, I guess. The grill couldn't get any significant flamage going - I suspect we're running out of propane - so I wasn't able to sear the chops and keep all the juices inside. Still, the BBQ sauce was quite tasty and it's been ages since I've eaten applesauce.
I saw something really funny today. In a highly unsurprising move, I stopped in at Toad Hill for a road coffee on my way to the PC repair gig. I found The Caffeinatrix mowing the lawn. Nothing really unusual about this but it was what she was wearing which made me laugh. She had on the same clothes she wore while hawking her coffee earlier: a green dress circa 1968 with dark grey stockings. Plus a set of big headphones to protect her ears. She just looked so funny. As I was pulling out of the driveway, I looked at her and smiled. She flashed me a beautiful, big grin.
In the same way that Miss Voltaire's looks attracted me to her instantly, The Caffeinatrix's personality AND looks AND disposition and just everything about her drew me in to her instantly. I am incredibly grateful for her friendship and I hope that it lasts a long, long time. Maybe someday I'll be able to repay her.
29 April, 2004
The Plans They Are A-Changin'
Well, my afternoon proved to be potent. I spent 2.5 hours at the shrink's office getting her computer back to normal. It was infested with spyware and viruses. Plus XP Home was doing its usual rigamarole with the printer. I've seen it before but have no idea why it does what it does. It keeps finding the printer even if it's already installed. You have to turn off the PC, unplug the printer and boot up. Then power down again after plugging it back in. The customer turned out to be really nice but not the hot young psychoanalyst that I'd hoped. I went to her apartment to work on her home PC as she said the door would be open but it was locked so I'll have to go back tomorrow. This irritates me as I was going to go see The Ladykillers with a few of my friends but I've missed that. And it also means that I'll have to pass on my trip to Minneapolis.
Upon returning home, Stevie informed me that we were not able to get the slip we wanted so we've gotta come up with a plan B. On the other hand, I got this year's schedule for American Players Theater. It's a wonderful theater nestled in the woods west of Madison. I've gone on before on how cool the joint is and you've got a link so I won't repeat myself. This year they're doing Shakespeare's Othello, Twelfth Night, and Cymbeline; London Assurance by Dion Boucicault and J.M. Synge's The Playboy of the Western World. I'll probably place a ticket order soon. I am really fired up about Othello as Iago is one of Bill's best characters ever. And I will see at least one of the non-Shakespearean ditties, if not both.
Since I'll be here tomorrow night, I may go to the Socrates Cafe where the topic of discussion will be "The Connections Between Human Beings & the Universe". If that guys who thinks that 2001 is essentially a documentary is there, it oughta be a lively discussion. And there's a non-credit bookbinding course at the university that sounds like it'd be right up my alley so I should register for it tomorrow.
Holy cow!! The High Noon is going to have a free night! No cover and FREE BEER!! And to top it off, Brick Shithouse is gonna be playing. I used to know the guitarist/singer for them. I sometimes wonder what Shad's been up to.
Hey! Lars von Trier's Dogville opens here tomorrow.
I had this weird occurence at Toad Hill this morning. There was a drink card sitting on the register and The Caffeinatrix picked it up to see why it was just sitting there. Then she shows it to me. On the back was scrawled my name and phone number in a messy hand. How blatantly odd. Unfortunately, the writing was that of a male.
Well, I'm gonna go check on my pork chops which slowly cook on the grill...
Well, my afternoon proved to be potent. I spent 2.5 hours at the shrink's office getting her computer back to normal. It was infested with spyware and viruses. Plus XP Home was doing its usual rigamarole with the printer. I've seen it before but have no idea why it does what it does. It keeps finding the printer even if it's already installed. You have to turn off the PC, unplug the printer and boot up. Then power down again after plugging it back in. The customer turned out to be really nice but not the hot young psychoanalyst that I'd hoped. I went to her apartment to work on her home PC as she said the door would be open but it was locked so I'll have to go back tomorrow. This irritates me as I was going to go see The Ladykillers with a few of my friends but I've missed that. And it also means that I'll have to pass on my trip to Minneapolis.
Upon returning home, Stevie informed me that we were not able to get the slip we wanted so we've gotta come up with a plan B. On the other hand, I got this year's schedule for American Players Theater. It's a wonderful theater nestled in the woods west of Madison. I've gone on before on how cool the joint is and you've got a link so I won't repeat myself. This year they're doing Shakespeare's Othello, Twelfth Night, and Cymbeline; London Assurance by Dion Boucicault and J.M. Synge's The Playboy of the Western World. I'll probably place a ticket order soon. I am really fired up about Othello as Iago is one of Bill's best characters ever. And I will see at least one of the non-Shakespearean ditties, if not both.
Since I'll be here tomorrow night, I may go to the Socrates Cafe where the topic of discussion will be "The Connections Between Human Beings & the Universe". If that guys who thinks that 2001 is essentially a documentary is there, it oughta be a lively discussion. And there's a non-credit bookbinding course at the university that sounds like it'd be right up my alley so I should register for it tomorrow.
Holy cow!! The High Noon is going to have a free night! No cover and FREE BEER!! And to top it off, Brick Shithouse is gonna be playing. I used to know the guitarist/singer for them. I sometimes wonder what Shad's been up to.
Hey! Lars von Trier's Dogville opens here tomorrow.
I had this weird occurence at Toad Hill this morning. There was a drink card sitting on the register and The Caffeinatrix picked it up to see why it was just sitting there. Then she shows it to me. On the back was scrawled my name and phone number in a messy hand. How blatantly odd. Unfortunately, the writing was that of a male.
Well, I'm gonna go check on my pork chops which slowly cook on the grill...
I'm Drowning In Music
Oooh! My R.L. Burnside show has finished downloading - awesome! It was recorded at a friggin' grocery store in Jackson, Mississippi. That would be so fucking cool! I can just picture myself boogieing down the chocolate aisle. And my Flaming Lips and Sleater-Kinney gigs have finished downloading as well. The Tool show is nearly finished. Since I'm not really familiar with any of these bands, I figured it would be a good way to introduce myself to them.
I've got a small pile of CDs I need to listen to so I can write up reviews for them and one of you was gracious enough to send me some music as well. It's getting ready to cross the Atlantic as I type.
Oooh! My R.L. Burnside show has finished downloading - awesome! It was recorded at a friggin' grocery store in Jackson, Mississippi. That would be so fucking cool! I can just picture myself boogieing down the chocolate aisle. And my Flaming Lips and Sleater-Kinney gigs have finished downloading as well. The Tool show is nearly finished. Since I'm not really familiar with any of these bands, I figured it would be a good way to introduce myself to them.
I've got a small pile of CDs I need to listen to so I can write up reviews for them and one of you was gracious enough to send me some music as well. It's getting ready to cross the Atlantic as I type.
Duty Beckons
Holy Biscuits!! Voltaire's new photoset up at SuicideGirls is smokin'! (OK - everyone ready for the nerdy pun?) In the best of all possible worlds, she'd be here in Madison begging to be taken out on the party barge. She is just so incredibly beautiful. I was smitten by Voltaire the first time I saw a picture of her. Luscious, creamy skin, long hair that alternates between being blue and red, those small breasts with perfectly sized areolae...mmm...And her tattoos! They're everywhere. Cool patterns on each arm, stars just below her shoulders, in her cleavage, on her foot, and this really neat pattern on her left side. It's a series of wing-like patterns that start on the left side of her left breasts and continue down her side, over her hip, down her thigh to her ankle. To top it all off, she has a gorgeously exotic face. Sure, in real life she's probably as exotic as a hot dog but so what? Surely I can't be the only one almost instantly attracted to another person. Those instances when you can't really explain it. Whether it be looks, or how someone carries him or herself, or their writing, etc. Something just immediately jumps out and grabs you. OK, in my case it's pretty superficial but how can I argue with a penis that loves being rammed into a mattress first thing in the morning?
I got a call from this woman for some computer help. She tells me that her office PC is on the fritz and so I arrange to head out there later this afternoon. She says that I should just walk into the office if she's not there to answer the door. Then she complains that her home PC is dead in the water too and asks if I can take a peek at it as well. I ask her when would be a good time/day for me to head over to her home to look at it and she says that today would be good. She leaves her door unlocked so I can just go over there anytime I want. Is she just highly trusting or do computers geeks just have a nice, safe reputation? Or perhaps it's my calm, soothing voice which just puts women at ease.
Holy Biscuits!! Voltaire's new photoset up at SuicideGirls is smokin'! (OK - everyone ready for the nerdy pun?) In the best of all possible worlds, she'd be here in Madison begging to be taken out on the party barge. She is just so incredibly beautiful. I was smitten by Voltaire the first time I saw a picture of her. Luscious, creamy skin, long hair that alternates between being blue and red, those small breasts with perfectly sized areolae...mmm...And her tattoos! They're everywhere. Cool patterns on each arm, stars just below her shoulders, in her cleavage, on her foot, and this really neat pattern on her left side. It's a series of wing-like patterns that start on the left side of her left breasts and continue down her side, over her hip, down her thigh to her ankle. To top it all off, she has a gorgeously exotic face. Sure, in real life she's probably as exotic as a hot dog but so what? Surely I can't be the only one almost instantly attracted to another person. Those instances when you can't really explain it. Whether it be looks, or how someone carries him or herself, or their writing, etc. Something just immediately jumps out and grabs you. OK, in my case it's pretty superficial but how can I argue with a penis that loves being rammed into a mattress first thing in the morning?
I got a call from this woman for some computer help. She tells me that her office PC is on the fritz and so I arrange to head out there later this afternoon. She says that I should just walk into the office if she's not there to answer the door. Then she complains that her home PC is dead in the water too and asks if I can take a peek at it as well. I ask her when would be a good time/day for me to head over to her home to look at it and she says that today would be good. She leaves her door unlocked so I can just go over there anytime I want. Is she just highly trusting or do computers geeks just have a nice, safe reputation? Or perhaps it's my calm, soothing voice which just puts women at ease.
Operation Mattress Continues
Right now, it seems like a really weird morning but I have no good explanation for this. But I suppose it's always a bit on the eldritch side when you're listening to Tom Waits.
For anyone keeping score: Operation Mattress Humping was a success this morning. As was my reconnoitering of Toad Hill. While it took longer than usual, we got the crossword puzzle finished. Business became fairly brisk so my babbling with The Caffeintrix was a bit limited. But most of the customers were regulars so I could chat with them. One of them was this blonde woman who is really funny. I offered her the botox treatment on Tuesday and she asked if I noticed how much younger she looked. Truth be told, she's very beautiful. She looks to be in her mid-40s and she wore this pink blouse that you could kinda see through. I don't care how old she is, her ass is so sweet, it'd make your eyes water.
The dogs are outside now. Stevie's brother and sister-in-law are in Arizona so we're dogsitting. I have no idea what breed they are except to say that they're these little yapping lap dogs. I mean, they're both friendly and lick your feet but, still, they're not real dogs. Sorry, but I'm just not a fan of lap dogs. But I leave for Minneapolis tomorrow morning and they'll be gone by the time I get back.
I watched Gothika and Timeline yesterday night. Timeline was pretty bad but I like the medieval costumes and sets. Gothika was mediocre. It was just kinda blah. But Halle Berry is easy on the eyes. One thing it did do, was to get me thinking about mental illness. I talked with Jeffrey last week and he told me about the book he was reading which concerned mental illness and psychiatry. Namely, how much of it is a sham. Anyway, I wondered what it was like to be mentally ill. How do brains differ? What must it be like if you're delusional? Maybe I'll have to dust off my copy of The Divided Self and re-read it.
The plan is for me to get my ass in gear and go pickup Marv and drag him over here. I'm gonna try out this BBQ sauce I bought in Louisiana on some pork chops. It'll be the first time I've grilled out this year. I'm supposed to have a Thirsty Thursday with The Pollack tonight but don't feel like drinking so I may just see a flick with Old Man Standiford - The Ladykillers. And I still have Intolerable Cruelty on DVD here and haven't watched it. Perhaps Marv and I shall as we eat.
Alright, I've gotta go check voice mail and then make some calls...
Right now, it seems like a really weird morning but I have no good explanation for this. But I suppose it's always a bit on the eldritch side when you're listening to Tom Waits.
For anyone keeping score: Operation Mattress Humping was a success this morning. As was my reconnoitering of Toad Hill. While it took longer than usual, we got the crossword puzzle finished. Business became fairly brisk so my babbling with The Caffeintrix was a bit limited. But most of the customers were regulars so I could chat with them. One of them was this blonde woman who is really funny. I offered her the botox treatment on Tuesday and she asked if I noticed how much younger she looked. Truth be told, she's very beautiful. She looks to be in her mid-40s and she wore this pink blouse that you could kinda see through. I don't care how old she is, her ass is so sweet, it'd make your eyes water.
The dogs are outside now. Stevie's brother and sister-in-law are in Arizona so we're dogsitting. I have no idea what breed they are except to say that they're these little yapping lap dogs. I mean, they're both friendly and lick your feet but, still, they're not real dogs. Sorry, but I'm just not a fan of lap dogs. But I leave for Minneapolis tomorrow morning and they'll be gone by the time I get back.
I watched Gothika and Timeline yesterday night. Timeline was pretty bad but I like the medieval costumes and sets. Gothika was mediocre. It was just kinda blah. But Halle Berry is easy on the eyes. One thing it did do, was to get me thinking about mental illness. I talked with Jeffrey last week and he told me about the book he was reading which concerned mental illness and psychiatry. Namely, how much of it is a sham. Anyway, I wondered what it was like to be mentally ill. How do brains differ? What must it be like if you're delusional? Maybe I'll have to dust off my copy of The Divided Self and re-read it.
The plan is for me to get my ass in gear and go pickup Marv and drag him over here. I'm gonna try out this BBQ sauce I bought in Louisiana on some pork chops. It'll be the first time I've grilled out this year. I'm supposed to have a Thirsty Thursday with The Pollack tonight but don't feel like drinking so I may just see a flick with Old Man Standiford - The Ladykillers. And I still have Intolerable Cruelty on DVD here and haven't watched it. Perhaps Marv and I shall as we eat.
Alright, I've gotta go check voice mail and then make some calls...
28 April, 2004
Music, All I Hear Is Music
It's a really nice day outside. I went over to Dogger's earlier and hung out with him and Miss Regan. Since she had been up since around 6, Dogger was keen on getting her to sleep. Since I had brought over some bootlegs for him, Dogger put on a Yes show and Regan fell asleep during "Mood For a Day". So we wandered out onto the deck and took in some sun. A morning dove had built a nest under the eaves of their garage and I spied the female chillin' in the nest while a male flew around a bit and landed on a large branch high above us to survey the scene and keep an eye on the monkeys sitting on the deck drinking iced coffee and beer.
On my way home, I stopped to photocopy some stuff for my Call of Cthulu adventure and donated some shrimp creole to JimmyD who reminded me that he doesn't eat seafood. Ah well, The Caffeinatrix can have it for lunch tomorrow.
I got a call from my lawyer and the judge in Louisiana signed off on the succession hoo-ha so everything will hopefully be squared away next week sometime. And I got my allotment of CDs to review from my editor. I got me some Willard Grant Conspiracy, Magnolia Sisters, Zar, Annie Grace, Hotpoint String Band, and some Ukranians. The Ukranians album oughta be amusing. The cover has 6 guys clutching accordians and balalaikas sitting before a table littered with bottles of beer, vodka, and other potent potables. That will be good music!
I got an email today from Biff Blumfumgagnge of Madison's Reptile Palace Orchestra. Their next gig will be with a band called Felonious Bosch who is "a six piece neo-feudal jam band, gender-balanced and full of surprises. Following a year's gestation as an instrumental quartet of violin ('sixpack musicologist' Ric Lee), bouzouki (Greek strings by Nemo), drum kit (Bracchi of Machinery Hill and The Blue Up?) and bass (Boiled In Lead's Drew Miller, playing to Madison for the 1st time in many years), the band has expanded to a six piece rock orchestra with the addition of classically-trained fiddler Hannah Thiem and powerful lead vocalist Katy Thomasberg. The band is in an exciting stage of development, as Katy's fresh lyrics transform the ancient melodies into exciting new rock music." So methinks that would be one kick ass Saturday night! Anyone else up for an evening of good tunes and suds at the Harmony?
It's a really nice day outside. I went over to Dogger's earlier and hung out with him and Miss Regan. Since she had been up since around 6, Dogger was keen on getting her to sleep. Since I had brought over some bootlegs for him, Dogger put on a Yes show and Regan fell asleep during "Mood For a Day". So we wandered out onto the deck and took in some sun. A morning dove had built a nest under the eaves of their garage and I spied the female chillin' in the nest while a male flew around a bit and landed on a large branch high above us to survey the scene and keep an eye on the monkeys sitting on the deck drinking iced coffee and beer.
On my way home, I stopped to photocopy some stuff for my Call of Cthulu adventure and donated some shrimp creole to JimmyD who reminded me that he doesn't eat seafood. Ah well, The Caffeinatrix can have it for lunch tomorrow.
I got a call from my lawyer and the judge in Louisiana signed off on the succession hoo-ha so everything will hopefully be squared away next week sometime. And I got my allotment of CDs to review from my editor. I got me some Willard Grant Conspiracy, Magnolia Sisters, Zar, Annie Grace, Hotpoint String Band, and some Ukranians. The Ukranians album oughta be amusing. The cover has 6 guys clutching accordians and balalaikas sitting before a table littered with bottles of beer, vodka, and other potent potables. That will be good music!
I got an email today from Biff Blumfumgagnge of Madison's Reptile Palace Orchestra. Their next gig will be with a band called Felonious Bosch who is "a six piece neo-feudal jam band, gender-balanced and full of surprises. Following a year's gestation as an instrumental quartet of violin ('sixpack musicologist' Ric Lee), bouzouki (Greek strings by Nemo), drum kit (Bracchi of Machinery Hill and The Blue Up?) and bass (Boiled In Lead's Drew Miller, playing to Madison for the 1st time in many years), the band has expanded to a six piece rock orchestra with the addition of classically-trained fiddler Hannah Thiem and powerful lead vocalist Katy Thomasberg. The band is in an exciting stage of development, as Katy's fresh lyrics transform the ancient melodies into exciting new rock music." So methinks that would be one kick ass Saturday night! Anyone else up for an evening of good tunes and suds at the Harmony?
Sayonara
Things here took a turn for the less amusing this morning. I asked Pete if he was going to be around this weekend to game and he said that he wouldn't as he was moving out. Well, I guess on the plus side, things won't be tense around here for much longer. On the other hand, I hate to see this shit go down. But it has to. How can you blame Stevie for wanting to find someone who pays rent on-time and is a clean person? On the other hand, I really hope we can find someone as smart and fun as Pete. All else aside, if you needed someone to watch a Kurosawa flick with or to explain some economic theory, he was your man.
Hopefully this R.L. Burnside show will finish downloading today so I can do some burning. Dogger wants 2 King Crimson gigs. I also sent my list to a friend of his whom I've met a few times that writes for a local music rag. And I also need to reboot as I'm having problems downloading pictures from my camera. I got most of them onto my 'puter but the last half a dozen or so didn't. Winders isn't recognizing the camera now. I've stopped and restarted the camera software to no avail. So I suspect the USB hoolie is the problem.
I woke up the same way as I did yesterday. My poor matress. Except I didn't have to urinate. Reading the journals of a couple of the women up at SG, I have gleaned that they work in the sex industry. One of my favorites is a professional dancer, for instance. I've also seen her at another pr0n website. And so I've begun wondering what it's like for them and what they are like outside of taking their clothes off in front of people and/or cameras. I haven't left any of them notes on their journals - it just seems too cheezy. A lot of people do, though. And most of them are just "Fuck you are hot!" kinda crap. Well, they know they're hot - that's why they're models on the site. I just wonder what they're all like in person.
Things here took a turn for the less amusing this morning. I asked Pete if he was going to be around this weekend to game and he said that he wouldn't as he was moving out. Well, I guess on the plus side, things won't be tense around here for much longer. On the other hand, I hate to see this shit go down. But it has to. How can you blame Stevie for wanting to find someone who pays rent on-time and is a clean person? On the other hand, I really hope we can find someone as smart and fun as Pete. All else aside, if you needed someone to watch a Kurosawa flick with or to explain some economic theory, he was your man.
Hopefully this R.L. Burnside show will finish downloading today so I can do some burning. Dogger wants 2 King Crimson gigs. I also sent my list to a friend of his whom I've met a few times that writes for a local music rag. And I also need to reboot as I'm having problems downloading pictures from my camera. I got most of them onto my 'puter but the last half a dozen or so didn't. Winders isn't recognizing the camera now. I've stopped and restarted the camera software to no avail. So I suspect the USB hoolie is the problem.
I woke up the same way as I did yesterday. My poor matress. Except I didn't have to urinate. Reading the journals of a couple of the women up at SG, I have gleaned that they work in the sex industry. One of my favorites is a professional dancer, for instance. I've also seen her at another pr0n website. And so I've begun wondering what it's like for them and what they are like outside of taking their clothes off in front of people and/or cameras. I haven't left any of them notes on their journals - it just seems too cheezy. A lot of people do, though. And most of them are just "Fuck you are hot!" kinda crap. Well, they know they're hot - that's why they're models on the site. I just wonder what they're all like in person.
27 April, 2004
The Die Was Cast
Dress me in a mini-skirt & fishnet stockings and slap me around if my creole sauce ain't mo' bettah! I made me some shrimp creole this evening and I was rather impressed. Next time, though, I'm gonna season the shrimp a tad beforehand and I'll add more red peppa to give it some more zing as this batch was quite tame. Still, I ate 2 bowls laced with Tabasco and am worried about the fate of my lower gastro-intestinal system.
I finally got some new socks and boxers. One of the pairs of boxers has a map as the pattern while another has the plans for ancient ships. Plus a couple others that are plaid.
Well, Stevie finally told Pete that he's not invited to live here come August. Apparently he took it pretty well, i.e. - calmly. It's gonna pretty tense around here for a while but hopefully not the next 4 months. I'm just glad I wasn't there as I don't wanna get in the middle of it. In some ways, I'll miss having Pete around while I won't in other respects. My mind is not inclined to write on this subject at the moment.
The Pollack called me today because Outlook Express kept crashing on him. From the description I got over the phone, I knew that his inbox.dbx file was hosed. So I burned a CD with a recovery tool and zipped out to the airport. It took a while to get it all sorted out but I did. After it was done, he showed me around the airport to look at the expansion that was going on. Apparently 2 new carriers are coming into town. I thought this was odd but good considering the state of the airline industry. Then we found a spot by the door and checked out the asses of various frauleins walking past us. There was one woman in a mini-skirt and I just gawked. It was in the 50s today - not normal mini-skirt weather. But she could have been on a layover. I haven't been able to get that woman's yams off of my mind since. Sometimes it's extremely frustrating to be stuck ogling hotties. The Pollack is fucking 2 chicks now while I'm in a draught. The tables have been turned since that period when I went out on dates with 2 or 3 women before settling on one. It seems like I go out and have fun with all these beautiful women who have absolutely zero interest in me. In Milwaukee last weekend, bowling the weekend before that, at Toad Hill...For now, it's just me and my mattress.
Dress me in a mini-skirt & fishnet stockings and slap me around if my creole sauce ain't mo' bettah! I made me some shrimp creole this evening and I was rather impressed. Next time, though, I'm gonna season the shrimp a tad beforehand and I'll add more red peppa to give it some more zing as this batch was quite tame. Still, I ate 2 bowls laced with Tabasco and am worried about the fate of my lower gastro-intestinal system.
I finally got some new socks and boxers. One of the pairs of boxers has a map as the pattern while another has the plans for ancient ships. Plus a couple others that are plaid.
Well, Stevie finally told Pete that he's not invited to live here come August. Apparently he took it pretty well, i.e. - calmly. It's gonna pretty tense around here for a while but hopefully not the next 4 months. I'm just glad I wasn't there as I don't wanna get in the middle of it. In some ways, I'll miss having Pete around while I won't in other respects. My mind is not inclined to write on this subject at the moment.
The Pollack called me today because Outlook Express kept crashing on him. From the description I got over the phone, I knew that his inbox.dbx file was hosed. So I burned a CD with a recovery tool and zipped out to the airport. It took a while to get it all sorted out but I did. After it was done, he showed me around the airport to look at the expansion that was going on. Apparently 2 new carriers are coming into town. I thought this was odd but good considering the state of the airline industry. Then we found a spot by the door and checked out the asses of various frauleins walking past us. There was one woman in a mini-skirt and I just gawked. It was in the 50s today - not normal mini-skirt weather. But she could have been on a layover. I haven't been able to get that woman's yams off of my mind since. Sometimes it's extremely frustrating to be stuck ogling hotties. The Pollack is fucking 2 chicks now while I'm in a draught. The tables have been turned since that period when I went out on dates with 2 or 3 women before settling on one. It seems like I go out and have fun with all these beautiful women who have absolutely zero interest in me. In Milwaukee last weekend, bowling the weekend before that, at Toad Hill...For now, it's just me and my mattress.
Off To The Haberdasher?
A bit before 6 o'clock this morning I slowly emerged from sleep. About halfway there, it dawned on me that I had a raging erection and did what every guy does upon discovering that he's in such a predicament - I started thrusting my hips. After a short while, I realized that there was no vagina involved but rather my matress. Disappointed, I got up and went to the bathroom. Methinks I oughta rotate my mattress as I can see a phallic-shaped indentation developing at one spot.
Having micturated, I moseyed downstairs, had some coffee, and watched a bit of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Then it was off to Toad Hill. The Caffeinatrix was a bit feisty and in need of more sleep. But we did the Super Quiz and crossword puzzle just fine. She then brought up the topic of make-up and her dislike of wearing it. This led into a discussion about the maintenance of pubic hair which, in turn, led to talking about plastic surgery. Our discussion was abetted by the New York Times which had an article on nipping and tucking and botoxing. Ronaldo wandered in eventually as did other customers who are familiar to me but whose names I don't know. I offered discounted plastic surgery to them but each and every one of them refused for some reason. I thought it would be cool to have a little card you get punched so, after you pay for 12 botox injections, your 13th is free. The whole thing went over like a lead balloon.
Today I have to call a customer and do some clothes shopping. I need white socks and boxers. Plus I'm thinking about getting some new shoes - Chuck Taylors. I should also write some letters to everyone who sent me sympathy cards to thank them. And we need toilet paper. Plus I think I'll zip over to the bookstore and look for a tome on using Cool Edit Pro. I wanna transfer some tapes to CD-R but have no idea how to boost recording levels or reduce hiss. And there's always laundry to do. And I should pull something from the freezer for dinner. Maybe I'll make shrimp creole tonight.
I've been looking at some pictures of the people at SG that I met over the weekend. I find that just looking at this woman's ass wrapped in jeans is making me frisky. I suppose that's a good thing.
A bit before 6 o'clock this morning I slowly emerged from sleep. About halfway there, it dawned on me that I had a raging erection and did what every guy does upon discovering that he's in such a predicament - I started thrusting my hips. After a short while, I realized that there was no vagina involved but rather my matress. Disappointed, I got up and went to the bathroom. Methinks I oughta rotate my mattress as I can see a phallic-shaped indentation developing at one spot.
Having micturated, I moseyed downstairs, had some coffee, and watched a bit of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Then it was off to Toad Hill. The Caffeinatrix was a bit feisty and in need of more sleep. But we did the Super Quiz and crossword puzzle just fine. She then brought up the topic of make-up and her dislike of wearing it. This led into a discussion about the maintenance of pubic hair which, in turn, led to talking about plastic surgery. Our discussion was abetted by the New York Times which had an article on nipping and tucking and botoxing. Ronaldo wandered in eventually as did other customers who are familiar to me but whose names I don't know. I offered discounted plastic surgery to them but each and every one of them refused for some reason. I thought it would be cool to have a little card you get punched so, after you pay for 12 botox injections, your 13th is free. The whole thing went over like a lead balloon.
Today I have to call a customer and do some clothes shopping. I need white socks and boxers. Plus I'm thinking about getting some new shoes - Chuck Taylors. I should also write some letters to everyone who sent me sympathy cards to thank them. And we need toilet paper. Plus I think I'll zip over to the bookstore and look for a tome on using Cool Edit Pro. I wanna transfer some tapes to CD-R but have no idea how to boost recording levels or reduce hiss. And there's always laundry to do. And I should pull something from the freezer for dinner. Maybe I'll make shrimp creole tonight.
I've been looking at some pictures of the people at SG that I met over the weekend. I find that just looking at this woman's ass wrapped in jeans is making me frisky. I suppose that's a good thing.
D&D Is 30!
What happened to Dungeons and Dragons?
By Darren Waters
BBC News Online
In the 1980s millions of teenagers world-wide would battle dragons armed with just dice, paper and pens. D&D became part of youth sub-culture but as the game celebrates its 30th birthday, is anyone still playing?
D&D lets you live out your heroic fantasies
In 1974 two men in the US Midwest, Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, created Dungeons and Dragons, the first ever role-playing game.
Developed out of war gaming using table-top miniatures, the paperback rule books were an instant success, a genuine phenomenon which spawned an industry and influenced a generation of film-makers, writers and videogame developers.
An estimated 20 million people worldwide have played D&D since it was created, with more than $1bn spent on game equipment and books.
"I thought we would sell about 50,000 copies," says Gary Gygax.
Co-creator Dave Arneson recalls: "When we started playing we thought we were kind of crazy. It seemed to start quite well and sold better, and better and better."
The game spread by word of mouth and became a cult in schools and in universities across the globe.
It was even a cult at a Wisconsin naval base. "At one time every nuclear submarine had a D&D group," says Arneson.
There is something in D&D that strikes a chord in many people; the call of adventure.
D&D is a game in which a group of friends create and develop characters by rolling dice which determine skills and abilities.
The characters are taken on adventures which are plotted by a separate player - the Dungeon Master.
You can be a fighter, a thief, or a magic user, perhaps even a bard, a druid or a cleric. But there is no board or counters - just pen, paper and an active imagination.
"I get to be braver, stronger, wiser, smarter, faster, handsomer, and just generally more than I am in real life," says current player, Joshua Turton, 29, from the San Francisco Bay area.
"I can perform miracles, save damsels, slay dragons, cast spells, right wrongs, raid tombs, drink ale, and live dangerously."
Brad King, author of Dungeons and Dreamers, which charts the influence of D&D on early videogames, says D&D should not be confused with board games.
D&D rules grew out of war gaming in the early 1970s "It was the first really interactive game. If you play board games there is always an objective or goal.
"D&D is the opposite. It's about sitting down and telling stories with your friends."
At the height of its popularity in the 1980s the game became a target for cultural conservatives.
The game was wrongly implicated in a missing persons case, a teen suicide and a number of murders. Some schools banned the game, and many parents refused to let their children play.
The controversy inspired a 1982 TV film, Mazes and Monsters, starring Tom Hanks. A later cartoon series and a more recent film kept the brand name alive among non-players but were derided by D&D fans.
In the late 1970s and 1980s, lawsuits began to fly - Arneson and Gygax sued each other over the development of the game.
Neither man has any current official involvement in D&D - both selling their royalties to publisher Wizards of the Coast in the 1990s.
Arneson says: "We see each other at conventions. He does his thing and I do mine. There's no stabbing each other in the back."
It allows us the chance to play out a dream of being the classical hero - the slayer of dragons, the hero who saves the land from some terrible foe or danger.
D&D's popularity began to wane in the early 1990s as the videogame boom began.
"D&D never went away," says Liz Schuh, marketing director for Wizards of the Coast. "It was huge in the 1980s and then dropped off the radar screens but it never went away."
"D&D was so successful that it spawned an industry that ate it," says Mr King.
There are now hundreds of different, competing role-playing games which have all taken a bite out of the market dominance D&D once had.
Dave Arneson is still involved in the games industry. But the game remains - even thrives. Wizards estimates that three million people play in the US each month.
Angus MacDonald, a 45-year-old D&D player, who lives near San Francisco, has been playing on and off since 1975.
"The game is social, it is a form of storytelling, and it has allowed me to develop deep friendships with people over the years."
Delwin Shand, a 47-year-old who has been playing for 30 years, says: "The reason the game has survived is that it allows us the chance to play out a dream of being the classical hero - the slayer of dragons, the hero who saves the land from some terrible foe or danger."
Gygax and Arneson are still actively involved in the industry and are revered by D&D players for their creation.
Gygax says: "There is something in D&D that strikes a chord in many people; the call of adventure.
"I am certainly happy that it has made people happy and brought so many people together. There is a great fellowship among role players."
There are no million dollar special effects - so imagination must fill in the blanks.
Ed Stark, special projects manager at Wizards, says imagination is pivotal to the game. "People often say playing D&D is like writing your own movie at a table.
"But of course there are no million dollar special effects - so imagination must fill in the blanks."
In the age of the iPod, mp3s, DVDs and online videogames, it is perhaps remarkable that a game based purely on pen, paper and dice remains so popular.
What happened to Dungeons and Dragons?
By Darren Waters
BBC News Online
In the 1980s millions of teenagers world-wide would battle dragons armed with just dice, paper and pens. D&D became part of youth sub-culture but as the game celebrates its 30th birthday, is anyone still playing?
D&D lets you live out your heroic fantasies
In 1974 two men in the US Midwest, Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, created Dungeons and Dragons, the first ever role-playing game.
Developed out of war gaming using table-top miniatures, the paperback rule books were an instant success, a genuine phenomenon which spawned an industry and influenced a generation of film-makers, writers and videogame developers.
An estimated 20 million people worldwide have played D&D since it was created, with more than $1bn spent on game equipment and books.
"I thought we would sell about 50,000 copies," says Gary Gygax.
Co-creator Dave Arneson recalls: "When we started playing we thought we were kind of crazy. It seemed to start quite well and sold better, and better and better."
The game spread by word of mouth and became a cult in schools and in universities across the globe.
It was even a cult at a Wisconsin naval base. "At one time every nuclear submarine had a D&D group," says Arneson.
There is something in D&D that strikes a chord in many people; the call of adventure.
D&D is a game in which a group of friends create and develop characters by rolling dice which determine skills and abilities.
The characters are taken on adventures which are plotted by a separate player - the Dungeon Master.
You can be a fighter, a thief, or a magic user, perhaps even a bard, a druid or a cleric. But there is no board or counters - just pen, paper and an active imagination.
"I get to be braver, stronger, wiser, smarter, faster, handsomer, and just generally more than I am in real life," says current player, Joshua Turton, 29, from the San Francisco Bay area.
"I can perform miracles, save damsels, slay dragons, cast spells, right wrongs, raid tombs, drink ale, and live dangerously."
Brad King, author of Dungeons and Dreamers, which charts the influence of D&D on early videogames, says D&D should not be confused with board games.
D&D rules grew out of war gaming in the early 1970s "It was the first really interactive game. If you play board games there is always an objective or goal.
"D&D is the opposite. It's about sitting down and telling stories with your friends."
At the height of its popularity in the 1980s the game became a target for cultural conservatives.
The game was wrongly implicated in a missing persons case, a teen suicide and a number of murders. Some schools banned the game, and many parents refused to let their children play.
The controversy inspired a 1982 TV film, Mazes and Monsters, starring Tom Hanks. A later cartoon series and a more recent film kept the brand name alive among non-players but were derided by D&D fans.
In the late 1970s and 1980s, lawsuits began to fly - Arneson and Gygax sued each other over the development of the game.
Neither man has any current official involvement in D&D - both selling their royalties to publisher Wizards of the Coast in the 1990s.
Arneson says: "We see each other at conventions. He does his thing and I do mine. There's no stabbing each other in the back."
It allows us the chance to play out a dream of being the classical hero - the slayer of dragons, the hero who saves the land from some terrible foe or danger.
D&D's popularity began to wane in the early 1990s as the videogame boom began.
"D&D never went away," says Liz Schuh, marketing director for Wizards of the Coast. "It was huge in the 1980s and then dropped off the radar screens but it never went away."
"D&D was so successful that it spawned an industry that ate it," says Mr King.
There are now hundreds of different, competing role-playing games which have all taken a bite out of the market dominance D&D once had.
Dave Arneson is still involved in the games industry. But the game remains - even thrives. Wizards estimates that three million people play in the US each month.
Angus MacDonald, a 45-year-old D&D player, who lives near San Francisco, has been playing on and off since 1975.
"The game is social, it is a form of storytelling, and it has allowed me to develop deep friendships with people over the years."
Delwin Shand, a 47-year-old who has been playing for 30 years, says: "The reason the game has survived is that it allows us the chance to play out a dream of being the classical hero - the slayer of dragons, the hero who saves the land from some terrible foe or danger."
Gygax and Arneson are still actively involved in the industry and are revered by D&D players for their creation.
Gygax says: "There is something in D&D that strikes a chord in many people; the call of adventure.
"I am certainly happy that it has made people happy and brought so many people together. There is a great fellowship among role players."
There are no million dollar special effects - so imagination must fill in the blanks.
Ed Stark, special projects manager at Wizards, says imagination is pivotal to the game. "People often say playing D&D is like writing your own movie at a table.
"But of course there are no million dollar special effects - so imagination must fill in the blanks."
In the age of the iPod, mp3s, DVDs and online videogames, it is perhaps remarkable that a game based purely on pen, paper and dice remains so popular.
26 April, 2004
As Far As I'll Ever Get
My mind is in a very odd state, at the moment. Have you ever felt completely unhorny yet have a part of your brain going around making the rest of it feel guilty about it? There's this bit of gray matter going, "Why in the name of Christ are you not frisky?!?" Ugh!
While trying to sort out whether or not I should have an active libido, I got a call from one of my dad's neighbors - Phyllis. Her husband called yesterday saying that he had gone over to the house only to find no one home and called to find that the # had been disconnected. She was very friendly and described my dad as "unique", which really made me laugh. I also found her descriptions of trying to get my dad to go to church humorous and suspect that she thinks I'm a Xtian of some flavor. Little does she know that I inherited my old man's atheism. From some of the things she said, I suspect that my dad told her and her husband a fair amount about me. She said something about me being a good son for having maintained a relationship with my dad whereupon she proceeded to go on about having to live with the choices we make in our lives. Just before the conversation ended, Phyllis said that she hopes I can make it down there for the closing on the house as she'd love to meet me. I can only imagine what the old man told her about me...
Jules' entry about children really touched me. It also made me a bit sad as I suspect I'll never have any myself. I suppose that's why I've taken to Miss Regan so much. Being an honorary uncle is as far as I'll ever get.
My mind is in a very odd state, at the moment. Have you ever felt completely unhorny yet have a part of your brain going around making the rest of it feel guilty about it? There's this bit of gray matter going, "Why in the name of Christ are you not frisky?!?" Ugh!
While trying to sort out whether or not I should have an active libido, I got a call from one of my dad's neighbors - Phyllis. Her husband called yesterday saying that he had gone over to the house only to find no one home and called to find that the # had been disconnected. She was very friendly and described my dad as "unique", which really made me laugh. I also found her descriptions of trying to get my dad to go to church humorous and suspect that she thinks I'm a Xtian of some flavor. Little does she know that I inherited my old man's atheism. From some of the things she said, I suspect that my dad told her and her husband a fair amount about me. She said something about me being a good son for having maintained a relationship with my dad whereupon she proceeded to go on about having to live with the choices we make in our lives. Just before the conversation ended, Phyllis said that she hopes I can make it down there for the closing on the house as she'd love to meet me. I can only imagine what the old man told her about me...
Jules' entry about children really touched me. It also made me a bit sad as I suspect I'll never have any myself. I suppose that's why I've taken to Miss Regan so much. Being an honorary uncle is as far as I'll ever get.
Proof of Debauchery
I finally got my pics from my camera onto my computer. Here's some evidence of my drunken tale:
Firstly, we have Miss Pamela, Monet, and FallenIcarus.
Next up, here's the lovely Wren and her beau:
This has Miss Pamela in a provocative pose with Monet:
And lastly, here's me with Monet. She is gorgeous! I swear, I did not doctor this photo!
A good time was had by all!
I finally got my pics from my camera onto my computer. Here's some evidence of my drunken tale:
Next up, here's the lovely Wren and her beau:
This has Miss Pamela in a provocative pose with Monet:
And lastly, here's me with Monet. She is gorgeous! I swear, I did not doctor this photo!
Pastime With Good Company
The drive to Milwaukee was uneventful. I caught the end of the reggae show on WORT and part of the African music show before I lost the signal. So I tuned into the local NPR station. Miss Pamela had given me directions to her place and I also had some from Mapquest. Of course, I followed neither of those and ended up at the Palomino, Pam's favorite watering hole. I knew I was close. So I pulled over and checked out a map. I made it to her place in short time.
When I arrived, she was putting the finishing touches on her hair - she was dying her bangs purple and pink. Miss Pamela dyes some part of her coif every week or so. Once she rinsed, we hugged and chatted for a while. Then we headed out to say hi to her hubby, Bill, who was at work. He told me that it was my responsibility to keep her out of trouble...From there, we went to a grocery/deli/bar store called the Bean & Barley, I think, where we had burritos and a beer. For dessert, I raided their chocolate bar shelf and got me some mighty tasty dark chocolate. Then it was off to the Palomino to meet E27.
We took a couple seats at the bar and order pints of Lakefrom Wiess. I'm not a huge weiss bier fan but it was excellent. Miss Pamela and I supped beer and chatted. We reminisced about high school, talked about how I felt about my father's death, about music, et al. It was funny because Pam always thought I was cool in high school. I was the only kid with long hair, wore a trenchcoat and, in general, didn't fit in with any clique. And now, 17 years later, she's the alterna-chick and I'm Mr. Geek. And it's fun for this nerd to be seen in public with a trendy, beautiful woman.
At one point, there was a tap on my shoulder and I turned to find Paul. He is my friend Melissa's ex-boyfriend and a really cool guy. I hadn't seen him in several months, if not a year, so it was good to see him again. He was wearing a Supersuckers t-shirt who happen to be one of Pam's favorite bands. We chatted for a while and I gave him my email addy so we could keep in touch and meet up when I'm in Milwaukee again. A little while later, a couple friends of Miss Pamela's walked in - Lorraine and Paul...? I'd met them on a couple occasions previously and we remembered each other. So we moved from the bar to a table. I found out that they had moved from Milwaukee to Cambridge, which is about 20 miles east of Madison. It's where I bowl. Finally E27 showed up. It was the first time I'd ever met anyone in person that I'd gotten to know over the Internet. He was really funny and we got along famously.
As we were all sitting there drinking and talking, I felt exceedingly lucky. There I was with great company. A close friend whom I'd known for ages as well as a couple newer ones and even one that was brand-spanking new. Plus I fortuitously ran into Paul. I didn't have to deal with any bullshit, was with fun people, and felt very comfortable with everyone. Things just seemed right - life just seemed good.
At some point, Miss Pamela, E27, and I took off for the party where I'd meet several people I only knew from the Net and some of whom, presumably, would be frauleins that I'd seen nekkid. A bit of an odd prospect. When we got to the guy's place, Miss Pamela and I piled into E27's car where he pulled out a pinch hitter. I abstained as may need to take a drug test soon but those two indulged themselves. Going inside, we found that there were only a few people there. Now, my memories are a bit hazy but it was humorous. Most of the people there were in their early 20's while Pam, E27, and I are in our early 30's. We kinda stuck to ourselves but we did chat and socialize with the other folks there. I got my picture taken with one of the hottie models over at SuicideGirls - Monet. It was very odd because Pam had shown me some pictures of her in the buff earlier and there I was having a beer with her. A woman from Madison, Wren, and her boyfriend eventually showed up too. She had submitted a photoset and was accepted as a model but her pics had not yet been posted. Personally, I find her to be very beautiful although she could stand to gain a little weight. Her audition pics were at the site so I was familiar with her. These women were a lot smaller than I thought. They were both about 5'2" and scrawny. Looking at their pictures, my mind created impressions of what they were like in real life and I found that they didn't totally match. But they were both really nice people. Hell, everyone there was really cool.
I was drinking that tasy Lake Louie beer and then hit the Capital Blonde Doppelbock. Needless to say, I got pretty lubed. At some point, I fell down. I blame the floor for not having been level. Or something. So now my elbow is a bit sore. I don't remember leaving the place, the drive back to Pam's, nor going to bed. So it must have been a good night, right?
Pam had to go with Bill to Racine to help a friend of his move at 9:30 so she was up pretty early to shower and get ready. So I was up too. The 3 of us drank some Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and ate some of the spicy cheesebread I had brought. Miss Pamela was not in good shape and bowed out of the moving project. I took off around 9:30. The drive back to Madison was alright. I listened to NPR the whole way. I caught a show about the English language which was really neat. People would call in about the origins of various phrases and whatnot. Then they brought on the classics prof who, along with his wife, have been translating Dr. Seuss into Latin! (I have their translation of Cat in the Hat.) It was really cool to hear Latin being spoken! After that was a program on all things culinary. They talked about wine and mushrooms. The wine bit was interesting but I'm not a big fan of the fungus.
I swung into town and stopped at Toad Hill, unsurprisingly. I had me a free drink comin' so I got a cardiac special and sat down by the register and read the Arts & Leisure section of the New York Times while chatting with The Caffeinatrix and Miss Vicki. The Caffeinatrix's nephew, Jack, was running around behind the counter and she would lift him up to help make espresso. And I got to meet The Caffeinatrix's sister as well. I'd heard about her but had never met her previously. Then, as I was sitting there, Jolene stopped in and I talked with her for a brief time. When she said goodbye to me, it seemed like she was ready to start laughing. Then The Caffeinatrix came over and thanked me for letting her get to know me better. It was then pointed out to me that my pants had slipped down quite a ways and a bit of my butt was exposed. I quickly corrected this. The Caffeinatrix said that Ron had inquired as to my whereabouts so I should call him.
After I made it home, I tried to take a nap but failed as Pete was shampooing the carpet in the hallway. So I called Ron and got the lowdown on the get-together at his place that evening. Then I checked email and went up to SuicideGirls to leave some "it-was-nice-to-meet-you-last-night" notes. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Wren's photoset had been posted. She is a cutie. Without meaning to sound sexist, I must admit that I think her breasts are very beautiful. And she's got these flame tattoos on her chest that go down to just above her areolae. To top things off, she even had some pubic hair which, as regular readers know, is something I find very attractive. (On women, that is.) So I got my shit together and headed over to Dogger & Mel's for Miss Regan's baptismal party.
Approaching the house, I spied Dogger's dad, Gary, out by the garage having a choke. I parked and went up to him to say hi. He extended his condolences on my father's passing and told me that the baptism had been called off as Miss Regan had to be taken to the doctor. She was fine now so the party went on. Going inside, I found people milling about everywhere. Dogger's brother, Opus, was there with his wife, Old Man Standiford was there, plus various relatives of Dogger & Mel that I hadn't seen in years. Mel's father, Ed, was feeding Miss Regan. He was a hoot at their wedding. All tanked up, he went around and bought everyone who stood up in the ceremony drinks while thanking us profusely. I took lots of pictures and caught up with the folks whom I knew. Carol, Dogger's stepmother was there too and she gave me a long hug and her condolences. It was funny because she and I didn't get along too well when I was in high school but now it's actually nice to see her.
We were out on the deck smoking when Gary came out to announce that Marv had arrived and that he was beat to hell. I stepped into the kitchen and found him standing there on crutches. Christopher was there as was Connie, their mom whom I also know. Apparently Marv was standing outside the Paradise waiting for a cab on Saturday night when a brawl spilled outside and he got caught up in it. Some bruises and a broken ankle. Ouch! Bryn, a cousin of Dogger's was there too. I first met her when she was about 12 years old and here she was all grown up and married.
Once more, that felicitous feeling came over me. I was with good friends and various members of their families whom I knew. In a very real sense, all of these people are my extended family. I've known several of them since high school and Gary and Carol knew my dad. It was something I really needed - to just be surrounded by familiar faces. I've been very reflective, very pensive since my father's death and being there made me feel comfortable and wanted.
Around 4:30 I took off for Ron's.
I did a really half-assed job of parallel parking in front of his house. OK - really bad, actually. So I left it as it was and went up to the door and knocked. The outside was exactly as I thought it would be: stuff everywhere. Ron answered the door, brought me inside, and led me to the dining room. He and Beth have a wonderful old house. Wood floors with wide trim. I love old houses! Seated at the table were a couple familiar faces. Beth, of course, and Dave, whom I had met a couple months previously. Dave's wife was there too. She was from Hungary and gorgeous. Beautiful big brown eyes that drew you to her and a sexy accent to boot. Also there was a friend of Ron's - Anna, I think, and her boyfriend who was from Africa. They were all putting together a calendar for the Peace Corps that was going to have recipes from various countries on it. And so they were going to try them out before unleashing them on the rest of the world. Oh mama, they were good! Bulgarian eggplant, an Ethiopian stew made with potatoes, cabbage, and carrots, a lentil salad, and a green leaf salad with crushed peanut. For dessert there was Armenian nutmeg cake. To drink, I had some Monkey's Tail which was a Chilean drink of milk & coffee laced with various spices like clove and nutmeg. It was awesome!
We chatted as we ate. Anna had been in Bolivia while in the Peace Corp and her boyfriend, being from Africa was exceedingly interesting to talk to. I feel like a complete maroon not being able to recall his name. But I have a hard time remembering English names so I hope no one holds this against me. The guy is a huge jazz fan and he talked about various South African jazz outfits. He's going to burn some CDs for Ron and copies shall, no doubt, make their way into my hands. After dinner, Anna and her boyfriends had to leave. The rest of us retired to the living room. Ron put on some music and we talked as well as poked around his vast library. He has books everywhere. Mostly on shelves but there are also piles of them randomly scattered around the house. Then Ron pulled out some homemade booze from Hungary that Dave and his wife had brought. (I can't remember her name either. D'oh!) It was like brandy but made from pears. And it was very, very good. Very potent too.
Dave and his wife left about an hour later but I decided to hang out longer. I got a chance to see Ron's stereo system which made me very jealous, I can tell you. Beth, who is the cook in the family, showed me her industrial-strength stove/oven which also made me jealous and we traded some cooking talk. When I eventually did leave, I had in my hands a book on jazz recordings as well as a tape deck and speakers on loan.
I had a really great time. Everyone was super nice, there was great food and conversation too. Some more new people in my life. It was a fabulous weekend. Friends new & old, good food, conversation - it's hard to describe just how much fun it was and how much I needed a weekend like this one. And to top it off, I got to see and hang with some hotties.
Today I wanna offload the pictures I took over the weekend, scan the classifieds, and have paperwork to sign and mail. I was at Toad Hill earlier. Big surprise, eh? The Caffeinatrix and I did the crossword puzzle and Ron moseyed in so we chatted for a while too. I feel extraordinarily lucky to have the people in my life that I do and I'm incredibly grateful for this. So many wonderful people that color my life, that, to a very large extent, make me what I am. Despite all of the negative things going on right now, this past weekend was a reminder of all the good things I have in my life. And this weekend should be fun too. I am going to go to Minneapolis on Friday to hang out with Jeffrey. Then on Saturday I'm off to Eau Claire to see my stepsister and stepbrothers.
Only 1 thing left in my life to shore up...
The drive to Milwaukee was uneventful. I caught the end of the reggae show on WORT and part of the African music show before I lost the signal. So I tuned into the local NPR station. Miss Pamela had given me directions to her place and I also had some from Mapquest. Of course, I followed neither of those and ended up at the Palomino, Pam's favorite watering hole. I knew I was close. So I pulled over and checked out a map. I made it to her place in short time.
When I arrived, she was putting the finishing touches on her hair - she was dying her bangs purple and pink. Miss Pamela dyes some part of her coif every week or so. Once she rinsed, we hugged and chatted for a while. Then we headed out to say hi to her hubby, Bill, who was at work. He told me that it was my responsibility to keep her out of trouble...From there, we went to a grocery/deli/bar store called the Bean & Barley, I think, where we had burritos and a beer. For dessert, I raided their chocolate bar shelf and got me some mighty tasty dark chocolate. Then it was off to the Palomino to meet E27.
We took a couple seats at the bar and order pints of Lakefrom Wiess. I'm not a huge weiss bier fan but it was excellent. Miss Pamela and I supped beer and chatted. We reminisced about high school, talked about how I felt about my father's death, about music, et al. It was funny because Pam always thought I was cool in high school. I was the only kid with long hair, wore a trenchcoat and, in general, didn't fit in with any clique. And now, 17 years later, she's the alterna-chick and I'm Mr. Geek. And it's fun for this nerd to be seen in public with a trendy, beautiful woman.
At one point, there was a tap on my shoulder and I turned to find Paul. He is my friend Melissa's ex-boyfriend and a really cool guy. I hadn't seen him in several months, if not a year, so it was good to see him again. He was wearing a Supersuckers t-shirt who happen to be one of Pam's favorite bands. We chatted for a while and I gave him my email addy so we could keep in touch and meet up when I'm in Milwaukee again. A little while later, a couple friends of Miss Pamela's walked in - Lorraine and Paul...? I'd met them on a couple occasions previously and we remembered each other. So we moved from the bar to a table. I found out that they had moved from Milwaukee to Cambridge, which is about 20 miles east of Madison. It's where I bowl. Finally E27 showed up. It was the first time I'd ever met anyone in person that I'd gotten to know over the Internet. He was really funny and we got along famously.
As we were all sitting there drinking and talking, I felt exceedingly lucky. There I was with great company. A close friend whom I'd known for ages as well as a couple newer ones and even one that was brand-spanking new. Plus I fortuitously ran into Paul. I didn't have to deal with any bullshit, was with fun people, and felt very comfortable with everyone. Things just seemed right - life just seemed good.
At some point, Miss Pamela, E27, and I took off for the party where I'd meet several people I only knew from the Net and some of whom, presumably, would be frauleins that I'd seen nekkid. A bit of an odd prospect. When we got to the guy's place, Miss Pamela and I piled into E27's car where he pulled out a pinch hitter. I abstained as may need to take a drug test soon but those two indulged themselves. Going inside, we found that there were only a few people there. Now, my memories are a bit hazy but it was humorous. Most of the people there were in their early 20's while Pam, E27, and I are in our early 30's. We kinda stuck to ourselves but we did chat and socialize with the other folks there. I got my picture taken with one of the hottie models over at SuicideGirls - Monet. It was very odd because Pam had shown me some pictures of her in the buff earlier and there I was having a beer with her. A woman from Madison, Wren, and her boyfriend eventually showed up too. She had submitted a photoset and was accepted as a model but her pics had not yet been posted. Personally, I find her to be very beautiful although she could stand to gain a little weight. Her audition pics were at the site so I was familiar with her. These women were a lot smaller than I thought. They were both about 5'2" and scrawny. Looking at their pictures, my mind created impressions of what they were like in real life and I found that they didn't totally match. But they were both really nice people. Hell, everyone there was really cool.
I was drinking that tasy Lake Louie beer and then hit the Capital Blonde Doppelbock. Needless to say, I got pretty lubed. At some point, I fell down. I blame the floor for not having been level. Or something. So now my elbow is a bit sore. I don't remember leaving the place, the drive back to Pam's, nor going to bed. So it must have been a good night, right?
Pam had to go with Bill to Racine to help a friend of his move at 9:30 so she was up pretty early to shower and get ready. So I was up too. The 3 of us drank some Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and ate some of the spicy cheesebread I had brought. Miss Pamela was not in good shape and bowed out of the moving project. I took off around 9:30. The drive back to Madison was alright. I listened to NPR the whole way. I caught a show about the English language which was really neat. People would call in about the origins of various phrases and whatnot. Then they brought on the classics prof who, along with his wife, have been translating Dr. Seuss into Latin! (I have their translation of Cat in the Hat.) It was really cool to hear Latin being spoken! After that was a program on all things culinary. They talked about wine and mushrooms. The wine bit was interesting but I'm not a big fan of the fungus.
I swung into town and stopped at Toad Hill, unsurprisingly. I had me a free drink comin' so I got a cardiac special and sat down by the register and read the Arts & Leisure section of the New York Times while chatting with The Caffeinatrix and Miss Vicki. The Caffeinatrix's nephew, Jack, was running around behind the counter and she would lift him up to help make espresso. And I got to meet The Caffeinatrix's sister as well. I'd heard about her but had never met her previously. Then, as I was sitting there, Jolene stopped in and I talked with her for a brief time. When she said goodbye to me, it seemed like she was ready to start laughing. Then The Caffeinatrix came over and thanked me for letting her get to know me better. It was then pointed out to me that my pants had slipped down quite a ways and a bit of my butt was exposed. I quickly corrected this. The Caffeinatrix said that Ron had inquired as to my whereabouts so I should call him.
After I made it home, I tried to take a nap but failed as Pete was shampooing the carpet in the hallway. So I called Ron and got the lowdown on the get-together at his place that evening. Then I checked email and went up to SuicideGirls to leave some "it-was-nice-to-meet-you-last-night" notes. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Wren's photoset had been posted. She is a cutie. Without meaning to sound sexist, I must admit that I think her breasts are very beautiful. And she's got these flame tattoos on her chest that go down to just above her areolae. To top things off, she even had some pubic hair which, as regular readers know, is something I find very attractive. (On women, that is.) So I got my shit together and headed over to Dogger & Mel's for Miss Regan's baptismal party.
Approaching the house, I spied Dogger's dad, Gary, out by the garage having a choke. I parked and went up to him to say hi. He extended his condolences on my father's passing and told me that the baptism had been called off as Miss Regan had to be taken to the doctor. She was fine now so the party went on. Going inside, I found people milling about everywhere. Dogger's brother, Opus, was there with his wife, Old Man Standiford was there, plus various relatives of Dogger & Mel that I hadn't seen in years. Mel's father, Ed, was feeding Miss Regan. He was a hoot at their wedding. All tanked up, he went around and bought everyone who stood up in the ceremony drinks while thanking us profusely. I took lots of pictures and caught up with the folks whom I knew. Carol, Dogger's stepmother was there too and she gave me a long hug and her condolences. It was funny because she and I didn't get along too well when I was in high school but now it's actually nice to see her.
We were out on the deck smoking when Gary came out to announce that Marv had arrived and that he was beat to hell. I stepped into the kitchen and found him standing there on crutches. Christopher was there as was Connie, their mom whom I also know. Apparently Marv was standing outside the Paradise waiting for a cab on Saturday night when a brawl spilled outside and he got caught up in it. Some bruises and a broken ankle. Ouch! Bryn, a cousin of Dogger's was there too. I first met her when she was about 12 years old and here she was all grown up and married.
Once more, that felicitous feeling came over me. I was with good friends and various members of their families whom I knew. In a very real sense, all of these people are my extended family. I've known several of them since high school and Gary and Carol knew my dad. It was something I really needed - to just be surrounded by familiar faces. I've been very reflective, very pensive since my father's death and being there made me feel comfortable and wanted.
Around 4:30 I took off for Ron's.
I did a really half-assed job of parallel parking in front of his house. OK - really bad, actually. So I left it as it was and went up to the door and knocked. The outside was exactly as I thought it would be: stuff everywhere. Ron answered the door, brought me inside, and led me to the dining room. He and Beth have a wonderful old house. Wood floors with wide trim. I love old houses! Seated at the table were a couple familiar faces. Beth, of course, and Dave, whom I had met a couple months previously. Dave's wife was there too. She was from Hungary and gorgeous. Beautiful big brown eyes that drew you to her and a sexy accent to boot. Also there was a friend of Ron's - Anna, I think, and her boyfriend who was from Africa. They were all putting together a calendar for the Peace Corps that was going to have recipes from various countries on it. And so they were going to try them out before unleashing them on the rest of the world. Oh mama, they were good! Bulgarian eggplant, an Ethiopian stew made with potatoes, cabbage, and carrots, a lentil salad, and a green leaf salad with crushed peanut. For dessert there was Armenian nutmeg cake. To drink, I had some Monkey's Tail which was a Chilean drink of milk & coffee laced with various spices like clove and nutmeg. It was awesome!
We chatted as we ate. Anna had been in Bolivia while in the Peace Corp and her boyfriend, being from Africa was exceedingly interesting to talk to. I feel like a complete maroon not being able to recall his name. But I have a hard time remembering English names so I hope no one holds this against me. The guy is a huge jazz fan and he talked about various South African jazz outfits. He's going to burn some CDs for Ron and copies shall, no doubt, make their way into my hands. After dinner, Anna and her boyfriends had to leave. The rest of us retired to the living room. Ron put on some music and we talked as well as poked around his vast library. He has books everywhere. Mostly on shelves but there are also piles of them randomly scattered around the house. Then Ron pulled out some homemade booze from Hungary that Dave and his wife had brought. (I can't remember her name either. D'oh!) It was like brandy but made from pears. And it was very, very good. Very potent too.
Dave and his wife left about an hour later but I decided to hang out longer. I got a chance to see Ron's stereo system which made me very jealous, I can tell you. Beth, who is the cook in the family, showed me her industrial-strength stove/oven which also made me jealous and we traded some cooking talk. When I eventually did leave, I had in my hands a book on jazz recordings as well as a tape deck and speakers on loan.
I had a really great time. Everyone was super nice, there was great food and conversation too. Some more new people in my life. It was a fabulous weekend. Friends new & old, good food, conversation - it's hard to describe just how much fun it was and how much I needed a weekend like this one. And to top it off, I got to see and hang with some hotties.
Today I wanna offload the pictures I took over the weekend, scan the classifieds, and have paperwork to sign and mail. I was at Toad Hill earlier. Big surprise, eh? The Caffeinatrix and I did the crossword puzzle and Ron moseyed in so we chatted for a while too. I feel extraordinarily lucky to have the people in my life that I do and I'm incredibly grateful for this. So many wonderful people that color my life, that, to a very large extent, make me what I am. Despite all of the negative things going on right now, this past weekend was a reminder of all the good things I have in my life. And this weekend should be fun too. I am going to go to Minneapolis on Friday to hang out with Jeffrey. Then on Saturday I'm off to Eau Claire to see my stepsister and stepbrothers.
Only 1 thing left in my life to shore up...
24 April, 2004
The Smell of Jalapeno in the Morning
Today has started off well enough. I got up at 5:30 and was out the door on my way to the Farmer's Market a bit after 6. It was a bit on the chilly side when I walked out the door and windy too. Must have been 40. Parking my car, I ambled up to the Square. First things first: coffee. That Johnson Roasters cart at Carroll & Mifflin has some pukka dark roasts. Got me a large cuppa Kenyan AA. Oh mama! It was pipin' hot and really gave my brain a jolt.
Being so early in the season, there wasn't a whole helluva lot of stuff but I grabbed some items for Miss Pamela and esquire27 from Suicidegirls. E27 wanted some jalapeno cheese bread. Check. For Miss Pamela, I got a loaf of it as well plus some nice Wisconsin honey as she drinks a lot of tea. I also bought a hoolie of ground hot pepper mix from Out of Our Gourd and a jar of peach-jalapeno jelly figuring it would go well on jalapeno cheesebread toast. There was one stand on Main Street that had tons of jalapeno jellies. My jaw nearly hit the ground as I looked at the selection. I bought some strawberry-jalapeno. Oh my Christ, is it tasty! And it's got some zing too - perfect way to start my morning. As for their plain jalapeno jelly, they had the normal stuff, 2x, 4x, and 6x hotness. Uff da!
I got home and Stevie almost immediately started pointing out things to me from a marine supplies catalog. "We should get this grill" and "I'll look for a TV/DVD/VCR combo unit". Ugh! While it would be nice to have a small TV to watch the Packers while out on the lake swimming and swilling beer, I don't think we really need a DVD player. But we are considering taking a long trek down the Mississippi River on the boat so it might be nice for a night or 2. But the whole point, for me, of being out on the river is to try and avoid television and whatnot.
I found another DC++ hub from which to snag shows. I'm downloading shows by Jimi Hendrix, Tori Amos, and REM from right here in Madison. I also got a Smashing Pumpkins gig from here as well that was broadcast over the radio before they hit the big time. A couple Tull shows finished downloading as did that Sly & the Family Stone gig. Hatfield & the North, Egg, Alvin Youngblood Hart, REM, Porcupine Tree, Gong - all mine! And I'm trying to get a hold of one of the guys to clarify his bootlist and find out if one of the Nirvana shows is from here in Madison - July 1989. I just dig having copies of concerts from my town. Lots of them are from New York City or a club in L.A. or some other big city. But it's kinda neat to hear people playing before a smaller audience in the Midwest. Plus I'm availing myself of the opportunity to introduce myself to music and artists I haven't listened to much by grabbing one of their local shows. For instance, I've never heard much Tori Amos so I decided to download her Madison show from '96.
Well, I'm gonna do a load of laundry and take a nap before I head to Milwaukee. While I am not in the most social of moods, I think that'll change when I get there. It's always nice to see Miss Pamela and I'll get to meet some new people. I suppose I had better buy some beer and snacks to bring to the party. Methinks I'll get some Lake Louie beer as it is not to be found in Milwaukee. Man, I'm getting fired up for the shindig already!
Today has started off well enough. I got up at 5:30 and was out the door on my way to the Farmer's Market a bit after 6. It was a bit on the chilly side when I walked out the door and windy too. Must have been 40. Parking my car, I ambled up to the Square. First things first: coffee. That Johnson Roasters cart at Carroll & Mifflin has some pukka dark roasts. Got me a large cuppa Kenyan AA. Oh mama! It was pipin' hot and really gave my brain a jolt.
Being so early in the season, there wasn't a whole helluva lot of stuff but I grabbed some items for Miss Pamela and esquire27 from Suicidegirls. E27 wanted some jalapeno cheese bread. Check. For Miss Pamela, I got a loaf of it as well plus some nice Wisconsin honey as she drinks a lot of tea. I also bought a hoolie of ground hot pepper mix from Out of Our Gourd and a jar of peach-jalapeno jelly figuring it would go well on jalapeno cheesebread toast. There was one stand on Main Street that had tons of jalapeno jellies. My jaw nearly hit the ground as I looked at the selection. I bought some strawberry-jalapeno. Oh my Christ, is it tasty! And it's got some zing too - perfect way to start my morning. As for their plain jalapeno jelly, they had the normal stuff, 2x, 4x, and 6x hotness. Uff da!
I got home and Stevie almost immediately started pointing out things to me from a marine supplies catalog. "We should get this grill" and "I'll look for a TV/DVD/VCR combo unit". Ugh! While it would be nice to have a small TV to watch the Packers while out on the lake swimming and swilling beer, I don't think we really need a DVD player. But we are considering taking a long trek down the Mississippi River on the boat so it might be nice for a night or 2. But the whole point, for me, of being out on the river is to try and avoid television and whatnot.
I found another DC++ hub from which to snag shows. I'm downloading shows by Jimi Hendrix, Tori Amos, and REM from right here in Madison. I also got a Smashing Pumpkins gig from here as well that was broadcast over the radio before they hit the big time. A couple Tull shows finished downloading as did that Sly & the Family Stone gig. Hatfield & the North, Egg, Alvin Youngblood Hart, REM, Porcupine Tree, Gong - all mine! And I'm trying to get a hold of one of the guys to clarify his bootlist and find out if one of the Nirvana shows is from here in Madison - July 1989. I just dig having copies of concerts from my town. Lots of them are from New York City or a club in L.A. or some other big city. But it's kinda neat to hear people playing before a smaller audience in the Midwest. Plus I'm availing myself of the opportunity to introduce myself to music and artists I haven't listened to much by grabbing one of their local shows. For instance, I've never heard much Tori Amos so I decided to download her Madison show from '96.
Well, I'm gonna do a load of laundry and take a nap before I head to Milwaukee. While I am not in the most social of moods, I think that'll change when I get there. It's always nice to see Miss Pamela and I'll get to meet some new people. I suppose I had better buy some beer and snacks to bring to the party. Methinks I'll get some Lake Louie beer as it is not to be found in Milwaukee. Man, I'm getting fired up for the shindig already!
22 April, 2004
A New Odyssey of Rigorous Honesty(?)
I found out a couple days ago that we've been having a problem with our phones. Stevie put a phone with a built-in answering machine in the garage and it's set to answer after only a couple rings. And, although he turned off the answering machine on it, we found that it kept turning back on. My guess is that, whenever the power goes off and comes back on, the phone resets itself and the answering function is reactivated. Since the machine in the house is set to answer after 4 rings, it's been the one in the garage that's been taking most of the messages recently. Anyway, I checked it this morning and found that there were 50 some-odd of them. While most of them were Pete's creditors, there was one that was for me regarding a job interview. As I listened to the stream of voices, my dad's suddenly burst out of the small speaker. It was quite eerie and I immediately erased it. When had he left that message? Did I ever return it? I'm getting my life back together slowly and sometimes his death gets pushed to some corner of my brain but this served as a reminder that he's gone. This disembodied voice from beyond the grave.
Sometimes I find myself just staring off into the distance thinking about him. How am I like him? How am I different? Then, as I said previously, I don't consciously think about him at all. And whenever I find that I have one of those spells, I begin to wonder if I should be doing something in particular. I mean, perhaps I should go through pictures or just anything to stir up memories of him. It's not really clear to me why I feel this way. But, in a certain sense, I spent 3 weeks away from home thinking about him. Maybe my brainbox just wants to take a rest and contemplate other things for a while and return to my father at a later time.
One thing that got me thinking about him earlier was this week's Savage Love. In it, Dan makes reference to love and relationships - about how people make themselves vulnerable to those to whom they are attracted. After reading those words, I began to ponder how that relates to me. My conclusion was that I stopped letting myself be particularly vulnerable somewhere along the way. For the past couple years, I've not been particularly open with the women I've dated. While I don't feel any urge to be married or even to be in a serious relationship, I can't help but wonder if that's truly how I feel or if it's just one half of some extreme ambivalent equation that my mind is computing. Up until my father died, when I thought about how I wanted my life to be in, say, 10 years, it usually involved lots of traveling and writing. Now when I think about that same idea, it usually involves children. But no wife, no marriage. I worry that perhaps I didn't keep enough of my father's things, enough pictures of him or whatever for my own children to get a sense of him. But I tend not to think about anything else I want in my life or how else I might find happiness.
This came to mind because reading Savage's comment made me think about how my dad had female companionship for most of his adult life. In the army, he had his girlfriend, Elizabeth. Two years after returning to civilian life, he married my mom. And a couple years before their separation, Joni came into his life. For me, it's just the opposite. I've spent the vast majority of my adult life quite single. Perhaps my father was right about his despite all of his other faults and foibles. About every third conversation we'd have he'd ask if there were any women in my life or if there was some available hotties at work.
Regardless of how he was and whether I truly want to be alone the rest of my life or am just mired in ambivalence, my actions are still what they are.
I found out a couple days ago that we've been having a problem with our phones. Stevie put a phone with a built-in answering machine in the garage and it's set to answer after only a couple rings. And, although he turned off the answering machine on it, we found that it kept turning back on. My guess is that, whenever the power goes off and comes back on, the phone resets itself and the answering function is reactivated. Since the machine in the house is set to answer after 4 rings, it's been the one in the garage that's been taking most of the messages recently. Anyway, I checked it this morning and found that there were 50 some-odd of them. While most of them were Pete's creditors, there was one that was for me regarding a job interview. As I listened to the stream of voices, my dad's suddenly burst out of the small speaker. It was quite eerie and I immediately erased it. When had he left that message? Did I ever return it? I'm getting my life back together slowly and sometimes his death gets pushed to some corner of my brain but this served as a reminder that he's gone. This disembodied voice from beyond the grave.
Sometimes I find myself just staring off into the distance thinking about him. How am I like him? How am I different? Then, as I said previously, I don't consciously think about him at all. And whenever I find that I have one of those spells, I begin to wonder if I should be doing something in particular. I mean, perhaps I should go through pictures or just anything to stir up memories of him. It's not really clear to me why I feel this way. But, in a certain sense, I spent 3 weeks away from home thinking about him. Maybe my brainbox just wants to take a rest and contemplate other things for a while and return to my father at a later time.
One thing that got me thinking about him earlier was this week's Savage Love. In it, Dan makes reference to love and relationships - about how people make themselves vulnerable to those to whom they are attracted. After reading those words, I began to ponder how that relates to me. My conclusion was that I stopped letting myself be particularly vulnerable somewhere along the way. For the past couple years, I've not been particularly open with the women I've dated. While I don't feel any urge to be married or even to be in a serious relationship, I can't help but wonder if that's truly how I feel or if it's just one half of some extreme ambivalent equation that my mind is computing. Up until my father died, when I thought about how I wanted my life to be in, say, 10 years, it usually involved lots of traveling and writing. Now when I think about that same idea, it usually involves children. But no wife, no marriage. I worry that perhaps I didn't keep enough of my father's things, enough pictures of him or whatever for my own children to get a sense of him. But I tend not to think about anything else I want in my life or how else I might find happiness.
This came to mind because reading Savage's comment made me think about how my dad had female companionship for most of his adult life. In the army, he had his girlfriend, Elizabeth. Two years after returning to civilian life, he married my mom. And a couple years before their separation, Joni came into his life. For me, it's just the opposite. I've spent the vast majority of my adult life quite single. Perhaps my father was right about his despite all of his other faults and foibles. About every third conversation we'd have he'd ask if there were any women in my life or if there was some available hotties at work.
Regardless of how he was and whether I truly want to be alone the rest of my life or am just mired in ambivalence, my actions are still what they are.
Bloody Viruses!
I spent nearly 3 hours working on The Pollack's work laptop. It had 2 viruses which had infected over 160 files. I scanned the computer 3 times with 3 separate programs to remove viruses and spybots, for good measure. That things needs to have Windoze reinstalled but I'm scared to do it because I don't know about finding drivers for a 6 year-old laptop running Win98.
OK. I need to make an appointment with Paul the One-Eyed Conservative Barber for haircut tomorrow. And I need to do some grocery shopping. What should I buy? I mean, what do I wanna eat for the next several days? Anyone have any ideas? This is besides the staples like chocolate and coffee. Ooh! Must get laundry detergent. And deodorant. We've got plenty of coffee. JimmyD gave me a couple pounds of Market Blend beans a few days ago but I haven't even dipped into them as I had all that French Roast from Miss Rosie. You know what? I haven't made real macaroni & cheese in a while. This is probably because it requires me to hover over a double-boiler for an aeon making the cheese sauce. I brought back some fried chicken coating mix from Louisiana - maybe get some breasts (mmm...breasts...) and fry them up. How about some dirty rice on the side? Fuck! I haven't eaten all day and I'm salivating like a Pavlovian dog now. I'd better find a snack because otherwise I'll end up shopping on an empty stomach and buying $200 worth of food. I can't wait for the gardens to start yielding fruit. Fresh pico de gallo...and Stevie is gonna do melons again this year so I can break my fast on honeydew. I wish dark chocolate bars grew on trees.
I spent nearly 3 hours working on The Pollack's work laptop. It had 2 viruses which had infected over 160 files. I scanned the computer 3 times with 3 separate programs to remove viruses and spybots, for good measure. That things needs to have Windoze reinstalled but I'm scared to do it because I don't know about finding drivers for a 6 year-old laptop running Win98.
OK. I need to make an appointment with Paul the One-Eyed Conservative Barber for haircut tomorrow. And I need to do some grocery shopping. What should I buy? I mean, what do I wanna eat for the next several days? Anyone have any ideas? This is besides the staples like chocolate and coffee. Ooh! Must get laundry detergent. And deodorant. We've got plenty of coffee. JimmyD gave me a couple pounds of Market Blend beans a few days ago but I haven't even dipped into them as I had all that French Roast from Miss Rosie. You know what? I haven't made real macaroni & cheese in a while. This is probably because it requires me to hover over a double-boiler for an aeon making the cheese sauce. I brought back some fried chicken coating mix from Louisiana - maybe get some breasts (mmm...breasts...) and fry them up. How about some dirty rice on the side? Fuck! I haven't eaten all day and I'm salivating like a Pavlovian dog now. I'd better find a snack because otherwise I'll end up shopping on an empty stomach and buying $200 worth of food. I can't wait for the gardens to start yielding fruit. Fresh pico de gallo...and Stevie is gonna do melons again this year so I can break my fast on honeydew. I wish dark chocolate bars grew on trees.
21 April, 2004
Party Barge
In order to stop Stevie from hassling me, I've decided to go in on the boat. Here's the one we're looking to purchase:
In order to stop Stevie from hassling me, I've decided to go in on the boat. Here's the one we're looking to purchase:
20 April, 2004
Nothing Night
I awoke this morning around 6:30 wanting to cry. While I couldn't remember much of my dream, it was the very end, which I did remember, that brought tears to my eyes. I was driving a pickup truck and my father was with me, though I could not see him. We were going down a dirt road trying to either get out of a town or get to a particular spot of safety. At the end of the road there were cars lined up heading towards the same destination we were so I stopped and turned off the engine - resigned to sit and wait with my father.
After getting dressed, I made my quotidian trek over to Toad Hill where I found The Caffeinatrix looking much like she had yesterday, namely, very tired. Again, she only got a couple hours of sleep as her hound was still ill and had been puking in the wee hours of the night. While she tried to get her boyfriend to clean up the mess so she could get some rest, he just rolled over and fell back to sleep. So The Caffeinatrix was in a pretty foul mood tinged with more than a hint of misandry. I played it safe and did my best to make her laugh. And I succeeded. Much to her chagrin, I had to bust outta Dodge a bit after 8 to shower before going to visit my accountant.
It was a bit odd meeting him for the first time. He's been privy to my financial data for a few years now so you'd think I'd have met the guy at least once. But you'd be wrong. From our brief phone call, I figured him to be in his mid-30s but he ended up being about 50. Not that it matters. He's got chutzpah and a very vivacious personality - really cool guy. After going over the succession paperwork, he announced that my tax situation looks fine. The sale of the house will be a loss for me and most of the assets are not subject to any taxes.
With the good news in hand, I zipped over to Tyrone's to snag copies of our commercial and his appearances on the news. From there, I went and bought a RAID controller which has solved all of the remaining problems with my computer. And so now I have got a Leadbelly concert from 1949 and a Sly & the Family Stone gig from '69 downloading. I've already snagged the last public performance of the Carter Family and a Psychograss show.
Our company got a call from a bigshot lawyer whose home computer is FUBAR. He's a local boy who spent some time down in Evanston, IL and returned to be the General Counsel to our ex-guv and current Secretary of Health & Human Services, Tommy Thompson. And we'll be glad to take his filthy lucre.
I watched School of Rock this evening and thought it was hilarious! I used to be a lot like that. All of the references to various rock bands was right up my alley. Kill Bill Vol. 1 and The Matrix Revolutions are awaiting me to view them.
I dunno. Tonight my mind has much to say but my fingers are a bit lethargic. Feel a bit lonely, a bit melancholy. Luckily, this Beatallica is making me laugh and feel better. Maybe I'll do some reading. First, I need to get me some more coffee...
I awoke this morning around 6:30 wanting to cry. While I couldn't remember much of my dream, it was the very end, which I did remember, that brought tears to my eyes. I was driving a pickup truck and my father was with me, though I could not see him. We were going down a dirt road trying to either get out of a town or get to a particular spot of safety. At the end of the road there were cars lined up heading towards the same destination we were so I stopped and turned off the engine - resigned to sit and wait with my father.
After getting dressed, I made my quotidian trek over to Toad Hill where I found The Caffeinatrix looking much like she had yesterday, namely, very tired. Again, she only got a couple hours of sleep as her hound was still ill and had been puking in the wee hours of the night. While she tried to get her boyfriend to clean up the mess so she could get some rest, he just rolled over and fell back to sleep. So The Caffeinatrix was in a pretty foul mood tinged with more than a hint of misandry. I played it safe and did my best to make her laugh. And I succeeded. Much to her chagrin, I had to bust outta Dodge a bit after 8 to shower before going to visit my accountant.
It was a bit odd meeting him for the first time. He's been privy to my financial data for a few years now so you'd think I'd have met the guy at least once. But you'd be wrong. From our brief phone call, I figured him to be in his mid-30s but he ended up being about 50. Not that it matters. He's got chutzpah and a very vivacious personality - really cool guy. After going over the succession paperwork, he announced that my tax situation looks fine. The sale of the house will be a loss for me and most of the assets are not subject to any taxes.
With the good news in hand, I zipped over to Tyrone's to snag copies of our commercial and his appearances on the news. From there, I went and bought a RAID controller which has solved all of the remaining problems with my computer. And so now I have got a Leadbelly concert from 1949 and a Sly & the Family Stone gig from '69 downloading. I've already snagged the last public performance of the Carter Family and a Psychograss show.
Our company got a call from a bigshot lawyer whose home computer is FUBAR. He's a local boy who spent some time down in Evanston, IL and returned to be the General Counsel to our ex-guv and current Secretary of Health & Human Services, Tommy Thompson. And we'll be glad to take his filthy lucre.
I watched School of Rock this evening and thought it was hilarious! I used to be a lot like that. All of the references to various rock bands was right up my alley. Kill Bill Vol. 1 and The Matrix Revolutions are awaiting me to view them.
I dunno. Tonight my mind has much to say but my fingers are a bit lethargic. Feel a bit lonely, a bit melancholy. Luckily, this Beatallica is making me laugh and feel better. Maybe I'll do some reading. First, I need to get me some more coffee...
19 April, 2004
Aestival Events
Things are afoot here in Madison! A few years ago, O'Cayz Corral burned down. It was a nice hole-in-the-wall and a great venue for seeing bands. But now the owner has found a new place and it is set open next month as the High Noon Saloon.
In September, the Overture Center opens with a week of free festivities. The Hannah Jon Artet, Mama Digdown, Tony Casteneda, and Prog will all be playing. Also, Mind's Eye Radio Collective shall be doing a performance. They do "radio program that mixe poetry, commentary, drama, interviews, vox pop, and feature stories which explore contemporary social issues." The Kanopy Dance Company will also be performing. I may have dated Briana for only a few months but she got me interested in dance.
And I should buy a ticket for the Madison Symphony Orchestra's opening show of the season as they'll be doing Beethoven's 9th!! Speaking of which, I oughta go check out the schedules for the Milwaukee and Chicago symphonies as well...
Oooh! The CSO is gonna do The Rite of Spring!! I must go! Plus they're doing more Schoenberg and more Stravinsky too! The MSO is doing Bartok's Miraculous Mandarin and Dvorak's From the New World! Alright - who wants to catch some high culture with me?
Unfortunately, I missed the California Guitar Trio in Milwaukee and I don't think I'll be able to see Yes in Chicago next month. But the Reverend Horton Heat will be coming here in a month or so. Too bad they're playing at the Barrymore. I should try to see Wilco down in Chicago at the Vic in June. While there aren't many gigs announced yet for Summerfest, I see that Primus will be in Milwaukee in June!
What else have we got here...? Oh yeah! The Farmer's Market will be starting next Saturday! And tickets for The Great Taste of the Midwest go on sale soon.
If the weather holds this week, I may have to head out to Olbrich Gardens. If not, it's off to the Evlehjem to see their "Books as Art" exhibition. Or both. And I feel the need to go to the cinema. I'd like to see The Triplets of Belleville. KEWL! The IMAX theater at Navy Pier will be showing the next Harry Potter movie!
So much to do and see...
Things are afoot here in Madison! A few years ago, O'Cayz Corral burned down. It was a nice hole-in-the-wall and a great venue for seeing bands. But now the owner has found a new place and it is set open next month as the High Noon Saloon.
In September, the Overture Center opens with a week of free festivities. The Hannah Jon Artet, Mama Digdown, Tony Casteneda, and Prog will all be playing. Also, Mind's Eye Radio Collective shall be doing a performance. They do "radio program that mixe poetry, commentary, drama, interviews, vox pop, and feature stories which explore contemporary social issues." The Kanopy Dance Company will also be performing. I may have dated Briana for only a few months but she got me interested in dance.
And I should buy a ticket for the Madison Symphony Orchestra's opening show of the season as they'll be doing Beethoven's 9th!! Speaking of which, I oughta go check out the schedules for the Milwaukee and Chicago symphonies as well...
Oooh! The CSO is gonna do The Rite of Spring!! I must go! Plus they're doing more Schoenberg and more Stravinsky too! The MSO is doing Bartok's Miraculous Mandarin and Dvorak's From the New World! Alright - who wants to catch some high culture with me?
Unfortunately, I missed the California Guitar Trio in Milwaukee and I don't think I'll be able to see Yes in Chicago next month. But the Reverend Horton Heat will be coming here in a month or so. Too bad they're playing at the Barrymore. I should try to see Wilco down in Chicago at the Vic in June. While there aren't many gigs announced yet for Summerfest, I see that Primus will be in Milwaukee in June!
What else have we got here...? Oh yeah! The Farmer's Market will be starting next Saturday! And tickets for The Great Taste of the Midwest go on sale soon.
If the weather holds this week, I may have to head out to Olbrich Gardens. If not, it's off to the Evlehjem to see their "Books as Art" exhibition. Or both. And I feel the need to go to the cinema. I'd like to see The Triplets of Belleville. KEWL! The IMAX theater at Navy Pier will be showing the next Harry Potter movie!
So much to do and see...
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