WELL WELL folks it's time! yes the holidays are here and good news arrives with it!!
i got a new job!! yepper, finally, JMB is headed in the right direction (i think) so far so good.
I'll have more for ya' later, mean time, Jennie and i are still searching for a new computer for the house, thus, limited posts as of late. So keep up with us in the new year, look for more then. Until then, happy holidays and take care,
The Management
15 December 2005
16 November 2005
Get a leg up!
Speaking of legs, what are your plans this Thanksgiving?? Are you going to eat a turkey leg and pass out on the couch watching football? It's tradition right? WRONG - break the tradition this year and go camping!! Camping you say? - it's 50 degrees out. Well, when it's been over 100 degrees F this year more than you care to say, I'll take camping at fifty all day long!!
We are spending our wondrous holiday at Lake Travis - Grelle Park (near a prime-time Texas BBQ spot in case we run into problems with raccoons or other vermin) right around the corner from ol' Uncle Willie (Nelson, that is) .
All of you readers are cordially invited to attend. We'll have nice campfire, tunes, wheel-chair olympics, 'smores, football/frisbee toss. No slouch-ass falling asleep on the couch here; especially because we won't have a couch.
almost forgot = The most important part: The Turkey Dinner.
Dinner will be provided courtesy the folks at the Hills' Cafe check out what we get for 55$ !!
Not bad for a camping trip eh?
Let me know if I'm forgetting anything here people, remember it's still me we're talking about. Although, they say the goalie is the guy who remembers to bring the TP on the camping trip.
Hope you all have a good one, whether you fall asleep on the couch drooling on yourself or if you plan on drinking the holiday away. I suppose it's possible to do both. Just don't drink & drive.
We are spending our wondrous holiday at Lake Travis - Grelle Park (near a prime-time Texas BBQ spot in case we run into problems with raccoons or other vermin) right around the corner from ol' Uncle Willie (Nelson, that is) .
All of you readers are cordially invited to attend. We'll have nice campfire, tunes, wheel-chair olympics, 'smores, football/frisbee toss. No slouch-ass falling asleep on the couch here; especially because we won't have a couch.
almost forgot = The most important part: The Turkey Dinner.
Dinner will be provided courtesy the folks at the Hills' Cafe check out what we get for 55$ !!
Not bad for a camping trip eh?
Let me know if I'm forgetting anything here people, remember it's still me we're talking about. Although, they say the goalie is the guy who remembers to bring the TP on the camping trip.
Hope you all have a good one, whether you fall asleep on the couch drooling on yourself or if you plan on drinking the holiday away. I suppose it's possible to do both. Just don't drink & drive.
28 October 2005
Halloween Haiku
Trick or treat smell my
feet in your pillowcases
and wrappers of gold
- On the previous post, my wife didn't think I talked about how much fun I had on my birthday, so here i am saying how much fun i had.
Thanks to Tim for the book, C & E also for the book, and the tasty beer! (beer always qualifies as a great gift) Seth - thank you for the video, it's great. Mom, thanks for the yummy cake, and the golf $$. I didn't know that was the same cake that my Dad loved to eat. Jennie, thank you for all the wonderful things you do. It was a great birthday. A 29 I'll never forget.
Happy Haloween all.
feet in your pillowcases
and wrappers of gold
- On the previous post, my wife didn't think I talked about how much fun I had on my birthday, so here i am saying how much fun i had.
Thanks to Tim for the book, C & E also for the book, and the tasty beer! (beer always qualifies as a great gift) Seth - thank you for the video, it's great. Mom, thanks for the yummy cake, and the golf $$. I didn't know that was the same cake that my Dad loved to eat. Jennie, thank you for all the wonderful things you do. It was a great birthday. A 29 I'll never forget.
Happy Haloween all.
20 October 2005
outcomes
Well the 29th birthday came, and went, without anyone getting hurt; or drunk for that matter. I can remember a day when birthdays meant getting shit-faced and trying to remember what you did the night of...or trying to forget sometimes as well...ahhh. good times. But I don't miss them.
This time around though - Us old folks hung out at the house, had dinner with my Mom, and that was about it!! So exciting I know.
I did make a nice purchase over the weekend though, I now own a portable router and router table. I used it a little bit and coated the entire garage with sawdust. Probably should get a shop-vac hooked up to that thing, or use it outside. Anyway, should come in hand for making some nice picture frames and my current work: luggage stand. Yep, still workin' on it.
Working on getting pics of Jennie's new fiddle posted too, maybe sometime this year.
Went golfing yesterday, man am I horrible. Not even going to mention the scorecard, my score barely fit on there.
HOCKEY: News
- Meadville Bulldog Hockey (Pennsylvania) has kicked off their season and are so far, unbeaten. This is where I played H.S. hockey. They are top-notch, check them out if you live in the Mid-Atlantic (PA,NY, OH area) and enjoy highschool sports.
- Austin Ice Bats (CHL) are beginning their season this weekend here in Austin. I sat on the bench for them for a few games in the past, would have been nice to play. A word from some insiders say the team doesn't stand to win many games unless they beat the shit out of most of the other teams' players. Folks around here should love it then...I've gotta' get pics of the mullets once can find in the stands around here; they're better than the players' hair-don'ts (as opposed to "hair-do's").
- Private Lessons - I still haven't found out what is up with the operations folks that run the rink here in town, they told me it was going to be $150/hr for ice time. I must have walked right past those money trees in my yard, either that or missed the harvest season. Not gonna' happen. So those goalies will have to wait for something else to come along. I will try to get to their practices to help them, but there is only so much you can do in 5 minute sections. But it's better than nothing. Goalies; will always be 3rd class citizens.
This time around though - Us old folks hung out at the house, had dinner with my Mom, and that was about it!! So exciting I know.
I did make a nice purchase over the weekend though, I now own a portable router and router table. I used it a little bit and coated the entire garage with sawdust. Probably should get a shop-vac hooked up to that thing, or use it outside. Anyway, should come in hand for making some nice picture frames and my current work: luggage stand. Yep, still workin' on it.
Working on getting pics of Jennie's new fiddle posted too, maybe sometime this year.
Went golfing yesterday, man am I horrible. Not even going to mention the scorecard, my score barely fit on there.
HOCKEY: News
- Meadville Bulldog Hockey (Pennsylvania) has kicked off their season and are so far, unbeaten. This is where I played H.S. hockey. They are top-notch, check them out if you live in the Mid-Atlantic (PA,NY, OH area) and enjoy highschool sports.
- Austin Ice Bats (CHL) are beginning their season this weekend here in Austin. I sat on the bench for them for a few games in the past, would have been nice to play. A word from some insiders say the team doesn't stand to win many games unless they beat the shit out of most of the other teams' players. Folks around here should love it then...I've gotta' get pics of the mullets once can find in the stands around here; they're better than the players' hair-don'ts (as opposed to "hair-do's").
- Private Lessons - I still haven't found out what is up with the operations folks that run the rink here in town, they told me it was going to be $150/hr for ice time. I must have walked right past those money trees in my yard, either that or missed the harvest season. Not gonna' happen. So those goalies will have to wait for something else to come along. I will try to get to their practices to help them, but there is only so much you can do in 5 minute sections. But it's better than nothing. Goalies; will always be 3rd class citizens.
10 October 2005
Mond-ane
It's another monday here, rain and cool weather invades the former central Texas hot-house. It was a gorgeous weekend however. We enjoyed some great food and music in downtown Austin. We took my Mom to the Famous Blues joint - Antone's - ; to see Seth Walker and his band perform. They were awesome, opening up for the heralded Fabulous Thunderbirds. Those guys have been around for a long time! But the T-birds could have been a no-show for all I care. Seth and his fella's should have played the rest of the time. CD's and merch available at his site.
I can't believe we trapsed my Mom all over some night life in Austin - it was hilarious and totally unexptected behavior for her!! We also took her to our old hang out at Mother Egan's Irish Pub. We watched a hockey game and had dinner there, nothing like some pub-grub to start off a healthy weekend!
Hockey is back in action and the game has changed quite a bit. Some things are good, some are bad, but all in all, it seems more exciting to watch. But the number of penalties per game right now is so annoying. Every point is a powerplay point. I don't agree with these rule changes.
We don't have this problem in men's league!! Check out our stats HERE !! We are walking away already, and we've only played three games. I think some trades are in order to keep the league (4 teams, a league?) more competitive.
No word yet as to whether I'll be leading some kids around the ice in the goalie dance or not. If you are not familiar with this work-out; let me know i'll send you a copy. It's not quite world famous.
Tuesday is my B-day; I'll be another year closer to 30. ouch. Still not sure about the 30 thing, it seems like today's 30 is yesterdays twenties. Hopefully so.
I can't believe we trapsed my Mom all over some night life in Austin - it was hilarious and totally unexptected behavior for her!! We also took her to our old hang out at Mother Egan's Irish Pub. We watched a hockey game and had dinner there, nothing like some pub-grub to start off a healthy weekend!
Hockey is back in action and the game has changed quite a bit. Some things are good, some are bad, but all in all, it seems more exciting to watch. But the number of penalties per game right now is so annoying. Every point is a powerplay point. I don't agree with these rule changes.
We don't have this problem in men's league!! Check out our stats HERE !! We are walking away already, and we've only played three games. I think some trades are in order to keep the league (4 teams, a league?) more competitive.
No word yet as to whether I'll be leading some kids around the ice in the goalie dance or not. If you are not familiar with this work-out; let me know i'll send you a copy. It's not quite world famous.
Tuesday is my B-day; I'll be another year closer to 30. ouch. Still not sure about the 30 thing, it seems like today's 30 is yesterdays twenties. Hopefully so.
03 October 2005
First look - Again?
Wednesday will mark the first day of NHL games in over a year. Good luck to the NHL teams as they vie for the Stanley Cup once again...thank god. I missed seeing those greedy bastards play all last season, I had to get by on men's league and coaching little tikes all year.
Hopefully my buddy Chase and I will be hanging in the pub watching the Bo-Sox let it loose' on the stinky-sox and then the hockey begins!!
Anyway...I'm back at coaching little tikes again, and doing the mens' league thing, which is always fun; always most of the time.
Lots of items in the mix now-a-days...seems just last week, I was complaining of nothing to do....hmmm. Interesting how that works.
- Momm's is on her way out here this week, should be interesting. 1 week.
- Still trying to get Hockey lessons off the ice so to speak, not sure of ice-time.
- Still trying to make more connections in the world of instrument making (luthiery)...we'll see how that goes.
My next project - you know when you go to a hotel and they have those luggage stands that you can set your stuff on? Well, i'm making one of those, hopefully i'll be done so that when Mom gets here she can use it.
fun, fun, I know.
Hopefully my buddy Chase and I will be hanging in the pub watching the Bo-Sox let it loose' on the stinky-sox and then the hockey begins!!
Anyway...I'm back at coaching little tikes again, and doing the mens' league thing, which is always fun; always most of the time.
Lots of items in the mix now-a-days...seems just last week, I was complaining of nothing to do....hmmm. Interesting how that works.
- Momm's is on her way out here this week, should be interesting. 1 week.
- Still trying to get Hockey lessons off the ice so to speak, not sure of ice-time.
- Still trying to make more connections in the world of instrument making (luthiery)...we'll see how that goes.
My next project - you know when you go to a hotel and they have those luggage stands that you can set your stuff on? Well, i'm making one of those, hopefully i'll be done so that when Mom gets here she can use it.
fun, fun, I know.
28 September 2005
Watch-0ut
I am now taking friendly-fire, I think I need to change.
here's an interesting quote I overheard today "...life sucks because you suck. Stop whining about it and change something!" - Larry Winget, speaker.
(www.larrywinget.com) turn down your speakers if you access this site, cause he's got a terrible greeting of "who let the dogs out" {he's the pitbull of public speakers, so he says}
which actually is really good for a lot of people, including myself. I whine (as I like to call it bitching) alot. So what are some things that I could change...hmmm. Don't think there's enough room on this page or time to address it now.
here's an interesting quote I overheard today "...life sucks because you suck. Stop whining about it and change something!" - Larry Winget, speaker.
(www.larrywinget.com) turn down your speakers if you access this site, cause he's got a terrible greeting of "who let the dogs out" {he's the pitbull of public speakers, so he says}
which actually is really good for a lot of people, including myself. I whine (as I like to call it bitching) alot. So what are some things that I could change...hmmm. Don't think there's enough room on this page or time to address it now.
20 September 2005
New Look
How do you like the new look? I was getting tired of the dark background. Need something brighter - anywho - more things to come, soon.
- Pics of Jennie's new (old) fiddle and our trip to Cali
- More stories of some sort, who knows
- A new job? we'll see.
- Pics of Jennie's new (old) fiddle and our trip to Cali
- More stories of some sort, who knows
- A new job? we'll see.
13 September 2005
Hot Daze
Well it's about a hunded freakin' degrees here today, and i'm nowhere near any kind of cool refreshing water. What's the problem with this picture? I need to remedy that situation.
I have been thinking lately about friends and family. I need to do a better job of keeping in touch with folks. So if you are one of those few who read this and you are one of my friends, which typically will go hand in hand because I don't really tell too many folks about this, then you need to respond and send me an email. Or, better yet, leave a comment here and let me know something, anything. But I will be calling you soon, cause I don't want to be one of those folks who gets married and falls of the face of the planet. It just isn't going to happen.
Can you tell i'm bored? Reaching for anything to jump out at me so I can write about it. I have not been a model employee lately. Yesterday, for example, I worked a total of about 30 minutes; yes that's for the whole day. I hope no one that I work with or for reads this. Maybe I had better at least take my picture off of the blog anyway.
Some of that time though, was devoted totally to work, and the problems/issues I have with it. Being in the corporate jungle is not the most inspiring or satisfying job. At least not for me. Here's an idea, someone come up with some good ideas of jobs for me, and leave them posted here and i'll check them out!! How about that? This is a great networking asset!!
I did apply for a new job yesterday, it's still in the corporate world, but it's a bit different than what i've been doing, so hopefully that will at least result in an interview or two. Who knows, I could be inspecting pipelines across the US before you know it! Also, I just interviewed for a job in the bio-tech/pharm. industry. Not my ideal candidate for a job, but, the pay is good and the people seemed nice. What more can you ask for to start with?
And if anyone knows of a quality instrument maker in the Austin or even central Texas area, please let me know. That is really what I am pinin' (no pun) to do.
I have been thinking lately about friends and family. I need to do a better job of keeping in touch with folks. So if you are one of those few who read this and you are one of my friends, which typically will go hand in hand because I don't really tell too many folks about this, then you need to respond and send me an email. Or, better yet, leave a comment here and let me know something, anything. But I will be calling you soon, cause I don't want to be one of those folks who gets married and falls of the face of the planet. It just isn't going to happen.
Can you tell i'm bored? Reaching for anything to jump out at me so I can write about it. I have not been a model employee lately. Yesterday, for example, I worked a total of about 30 minutes; yes that's for the whole day. I hope no one that I work with or for reads this. Maybe I had better at least take my picture off of the blog anyway.
Some of that time though, was devoted totally to work, and the problems/issues I have with it. Being in the corporate jungle is not the most inspiring or satisfying job. At least not for me. Here's an idea, someone come up with some good ideas of jobs for me, and leave them posted here and i'll check them out!! How about that? This is a great networking asset!!
I did apply for a new job yesterday, it's still in the corporate world, but it's a bit different than what i've been doing, so hopefully that will at least result in an interview or two. Who knows, I could be inspecting pipelines across the US before you know it! Also, I just interviewed for a job in the bio-tech/pharm. industry. Not my ideal candidate for a job, but, the pay is good and the people seemed nice. What more can you ask for to start with?
And if anyone knows of a quality instrument maker in the Austin or even central Texas area, please let me know. That is really what I am pinin' (no pun) to do.
01 September 2005
why
Why is an interesting question. This sounds like it's going nowhere, but there are plenty of places to ask this question. For starters:
1. Why would you steal a TV in the middle of a natural disaster? You can't eat it, it doesn't contain water, and it will drown you if you try and carry it; more over, it won't even work when you get it home. For one, because it's gotten wet, and there is not going to be electric power for 2 months. Put the TV's down you retards!
2. Why would you shoot people during this horrendous time? I heard one story of a man who shot and killed his own sister; it said it was an argument over a bag of ice. Sad. Just plain Sad.
What is the world coming to? Even worse, there are reports of folks firing at helicopters that are coming to get these folks out of the area. Now that is wrong.
I do understand that some of these folks do not want to leave, or dont' want to be told they have to leave. But they need to understand also, that there is no way for them to live there. Surprisingly the authorities do seem to have plenty of knowledge in this case; and you gotta' go. There is no food, no water, much disease, and death. Do you wanna' die? If so, try and steal that last bag of doritos from your brother, he'll probably shoot you for it.
Now I know, I'm not there. I do not pretend to know the first thing about surviving in that type of an atmosphere. I've never had to do that. But I can 99.9% guarantee that I wouldn't be waving guns around stealing TV's and vacuum cleaners. I would be working to get my ass, and anyone else's asses that wanted out, the hell out of that place.
Take some food, water, clothes, a tent, a boat, what you need. Not what you "have never been able to have". I feel sorry for those who have no soul and can't seem to see where help is needed and that they are not helping but hurting others. They in the end only hurt themselves.
For those out there helping and aiding in the rescue, evacuation, and re-construction of lives and cities; I can only offer you this:
As the Dhali himself said to the Carl Spackler "There will be no exchange of money. oh-no. But on your death-bed, you will receive, total conscience-ness" ...so at least you've got that going for you.
Our thoughts are with the folks involved in the areas of the hurricane. Robin - if you are out there call us. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you or your family. We hope you are all safe.
1. Why would you steal a TV in the middle of a natural disaster? You can't eat it, it doesn't contain water, and it will drown you if you try and carry it; more over, it won't even work when you get it home. For one, because it's gotten wet, and there is not going to be electric power for 2 months. Put the TV's down you retards!
2. Why would you shoot people during this horrendous time? I heard one story of a man who shot and killed his own sister; it said it was an argument over a bag of ice. Sad. Just plain Sad.
What is the world coming to? Even worse, there are reports of folks firing at helicopters that are coming to get these folks out of the area. Now that is wrong.
I do understand that some of these folks do not want to leave, or dont' want to be told they have to leave. But they need to understand also, that there is no way for them to live there. Surprisingly the authorities do seem to have plenty of knowledge in this case; and you gotta' go. There is no food, no water, much disease, and death. Do you wanna' die? If so, try and steal that last bag of doritos from your brother, he'll probably shoot you for it.
Now I know, I'm not there. I do not pretend to know the first thing about surviving in that type of an atmosphere. I've never had to do that. But I can 99.9% guarantee that I wouldn't be waving guns around stealing TV's and vacuum cleaners. I would be working to get my ass, and anyone else's asses that wanted out, the hell out of that place.
Take some food, water, clothes, a tent, a boat, what you need. Not what you "have never been able to have". I feel sorry for those who have no soul and can't seem to see where help is needed and that they are not helping but hurting others. They in the end only hurt themselves.
For those out there helping and aiding in the rescue, evacuation, and re-construction of lives and cities; I can only offer you this:
As the Dhali himself said to the Carl Spackler "There will be no exchange of money. oh-no. But on your death-bed, you will receive, total conscience-ness" ...so at least you've got that going for you.
Our thoughts are with the folks involved in the areas of the hurricane. Robin - if you are out there call us. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you or your family. We hope you are all safe.
22 August 2005
A Western-Swing
A recent trip to California for Jennie and I has created some exiciting news
- Jennie received a "new" fiddle from my Grand-dad; it's actually over 100 yrs. old!!
- we played music all day and night, right up until we had to leave for the airport
- stranded in the Vegas airport for 4 hrs before finally get the go-ahead to get aboard and take off
- Re-connected with my Dad's Dad. "Shorty" for short and found out nuggets of interesting family past. It had been over 24 yrs. since I last saw/spoke with my grand-dad ( I was 4 yrs old)
I really didn't know anything about Shorty besides the fact that we shared the same last name and he was a musician back in the day. I had heard some short stories about how he was a "cowboy" and he rode bulls and all that. But, I really learned a lot about his life and some of the good and the bad that he has endured in his 77 years.
We did walk away with more than just words and stories: again he gave Jennie a fiddle that was in his re-married wife's family for more than 100 years. After I picked her jaw up off of the floor and closed her mouth she was able to whimper an "are you serious? I can keep this?" to Shorty. To which he replied in his own sincerity "Well, I sure as hell can't play the thing, so you might as well have it". He gifted me with a gold and silver belt-buckle with and eagle on it (true cowboy style) and two rings; one of which was my great Grandfathers. He had also given me a ball glove, that was the last I had seen/heard of him until now.
Shorty played with the country star Faron Young - back in the Sixties I believe. He played guitar and sang with him for about 31/2 years. Upon arriving at his house outside of Reno, NV, we were promply offered a beverage and some food, then about 10 mins. after that he was already inquiring as to what type of guitar I had brought with me and about Jennie's own fiddle. So here we were, travelling from TX to CA and points in between and already hitting it off. The rest of the weekend went pretty much like that as well. We met some of his friends, which are hard to come by out in that neck of the woods, as you only have a neighbor about every 10 miles or so...
more down memory lane later, with pics hopefully.
JB
- Jennie received a "new" fiddle from my Grand-dad; it's actually over 100 yrs. old!!
- we played music all day and night, right up until we had to leave for the airport
- stranded in the Vegas airport for 4 hrs before finally get the go-ahead to get aboard and take off
- Re-connected with my Dad's Dad. "Shorty" for short and found out nuggets of interesting family past. It had been over 24 yrs. since I last saw/spoke with my grand-dad ( I was 4 yrs old)
I really didn't know anything about Shorty besides the fact that we shared the same last name and he was a musician back in the day. I had heard some short stories about how he was a "cowboy" and he rode bulls and all that. But, I really learned a lot about his life and some of the good and the bad that he has endured in his 77 years.
We did walk away with more than just words and stories: again he gave Jennie a fiddle that was in his re-married wife's family for more than 100 years. After I picked her jaw up off of the floor and closed her mouth she was able to whimper an "are you serious? I can keep this?" to Shorty. To which he replied in his own sincerity "Well, I sure as hell can't play the thing, so you might as well have it". He gifted me with a gold and silver belt-buckle with and eagle on it (true cowboy style) and two rings; one of which was my great Grandfathers. He had also given me a ball glove, that was the last I had seen/heard of him until now.
Shorty played with the country star Faron Young - back in the Sixties I believe. He played guitar and sang with him for about 31/2 years. Upon arriving at his house outside of Reno, NV, we were promply offered a beverage and some food, then about 10 mins. after that he was already inquiring as to what type of guitar I had brought with me and about Jennie's own fiddle. So here we were, travelling from TX to CA and points in between and already hitting it off. The rest of the weekend went pretty much like that as well. We met some of his friends, which are hard to come by out in that neck of the woods, as you only have a neighbor about every 10 miles or so...
more down memory lane later, with pics hopefully.
JB
02 August 2005
Roadtrip box score - Austin to Burlington 6-21-05
The roadtrip boxscore series is back -
This segment: Austin, TX to Burlington, NC for the wedding
travel partners: Chris M. and Elspeth S. (aka El-spizzle)
CD's: lots - but we now need some new ones
car- The trusty Golden Egg - Subaru Forester
great gas mileage and comfort all in one - who would have thought.
Only brought the guitar, chris didn't bring his banjo. (why?)
Day one:
We made it to Birmingham, AL. We stopped in Shreveport,LA for a visit with Chris's mom. We ate at a place that I highly recommend (Strahan's), if not just for their famous 'icebox pies' which were un-equaled by anything else. Not highly recommended - the drive through east Texas. boring.
Day two:
From Birmingham to Burlington; via Atlanta with a stop off in Greenville, SC. Chris's brother lives in Traveler's Rest (T-R for short) which is just outside Greenville, so we stopped there and had lunch with the brother and his wife. Not highly recommeded - the drive through/around Atlanta - there's nothing fun about that commute at any time of day.
Total miles: 1320
Total CD's: 4 This american life - w/Ira Glass shows, 2 Danny Barnes live shows - 3 Tony Rice albums, 3 Wilco Albums - several others that I may have missed while I napped.
1 broken guitar string
1 bag of Bugles
1 bag of corn chips
0 Flat tires or car problems (thank you!)
Driving: Unfortunately (for El-spizzle and myself); Chris was catapulted unto the reigns each day after the lunch meal. Man, he was drowsy too! So his stint at the helm was limited, but that's okay, he made up for it in DJ rotation and bugles.
NOTES: I did realize how lucky I am to have the type of friends that will take an adventure like that and roll with the punches. There actually weren't too many punches to take; for our sake.
MEALS: Maybe the meals...were a punch we stomached. We ate a lot of meat - sometimes when you drive you just can't accomodate that much meat - when you are in a car with others on a long journey that could be a bad combination.
Not to say we had issues with that, but I know I had some personal issues with the diet. Anyone who knows me can attest to some personal dietary issues at times.
This segment: Austin, TX to Burlington, NC for the wedding
travel partners: Chris M. and Elspeth S. (aka El-spizzle)
CD's: lots - but we now need some new ones
car- The trusty Golden Egg - Subaru Forester
great gas mileage and comfort all in one - who would have thought.
Only brought the guitar, chris didn't bring his banjo. (why?)
Day one:
We made it to Birmingham, AL. We stopped in Shreveport,LA for a visit with Chris's mom. We ate at a place that I highly recommend (Strahan's), if not just for their famous 'icebox pies' which were un-equaled by anything else. Not highly recommended - the drive through east Texas. boring.
Day two:
From Birmingham to Burlington; via Atlanta with a stop off in Greenville, SC. Chris's brother lives in Traveler's Rest (T-R for short) which is just outside Greenville, so we stopped there and had lunch with the brother and his wife. Not highly recommeded - the drive through/around Atlanta - there's nothing fun about that commute at any time of day.
Total miles: 1320
Total CD's: 4 This american life - w/Ira Glass shows, 2 Danny Barnes live shows - 3 Tony Rice albums, 3 Wilco Albums - several others that I may have missed while I napped.
1 broken guitar string
1 bag of Bugles
1 bag of corn chips
0 Flat tires or car problems (thank you!)
Driving: Unfortunately (for El-spizzle and myself); Chris was catapulted unto the reigns each day after the lunch meal. Man, he was drowsy too! So his stint at the helm was limited, but that's okay, he made up for it in DJ rotation and bugles.
NOTES: I did realize how lucky I am to have the type of friends that will take an adventure like that and roll with the punches. There actually weren't too many punches to take; for our sake.
MEALS: Maybe the meals...were a punch we stomached. We ate a lot of meat - sometimes when you drive you just can't accomodate that much meat - when you are in a car with others on a long journey that could be a bad combination.
Not to say we had issues with that, but I know I had some personal issues with the diet. Anyone who knows me can attest to some personal dietary issues at times.
19 July 2005
A Team
No, Not "The A-Team" as most of you were probably psyched about some crazy news of Murdock or Mr. T; but our team. Jennie and I make the best team, and as we should, we are married now.
Married life is wonderful, just wanted to put that out there, it will be 1 month this saturday. We are attending a wedding for our friends Joe and Beth out in New Mexico, should be a lot of fun.
Also looking forward to Jennie and I going to California to see my Grandfather that I haven't seen in over 20 years. That's right, that's a long time. He wasn't around during my younger days and so now I've decided to let by-gones bite big-0nes and go out and see him. Family is family, you can't choose them, so you might as well get to know them.
On the other front: work is going again - - that's all I can say about that. Travel is picking up again and with that comes less time at home. But I think we can stand a day or two at most away from each other. If not were in real trouble.
Road trip box-score(s) - I'm behind on my favorite installment: the road trip box-score. I've got lots to shout about too, the trip to NC, the HONEYMOON, I'm sure there's more there than that. Anyway...
Big Gig: I had my first real gig - well sort of "real" gig. I played with Jennie at the Old folks home where our friend Carrie K. lives. So it's a tough crowd but they mostly turn their hearing aids down, in that case I can play as loud as I want. And they are a captive audience too (most are in wheelchairs and can't escape that well) so double bonus for me...
more later --
This is Seth Walker and Ephraim Owens performing at our wedding reception. Look for them in a town near you soon - if you like Jazz, Blues/Soul, Live authentic music - you'll love this combo. Check them out at www.sethwalker.com and www.ephraimowens.com
see you soon.?
Married life is wonderful, just wanted to put that out there, it will be 1 month this saturday. We are attending a wedding for our friends Joe and Beth out in New Mexico, should be a lot of fun.
Also looking forward to Jennie and I going to California to see my Grandfather that I haven't seen in over 20 years. That's right, that's a long time. He wasn't around during my younger days and so now I've decided to let by-gones bite big-0nes and go out and see him. Family is family, you can't choose them, so you might as well get to know them.
On the other front: work is going again - - that's all I can say about that. Travel is picking up again and with that comes less time at home. But I think we can stand a day or two at most away from each other. If not were in real trouble.
Road trip box-score(s) - I'm behind on my favorite installment: the road trip box-score. I've got lots to shout about too, the trip to NC, the HONEYMOON, I'm sure there's more there than that. Anyway...
Big Gig: I had my first real gig - well sort of "real" gig. I played with Jennie at the Old folks home where our friend Carrie K. lives. So it's a tough crowd but they mostly turn their hearing aids down, in that case I can play as loud as I want. And they are a captive audience too (most are in wheelchairs and can't escape that well) so double bonus for me...
more later --
This is Seth Walker and Ephraim Owens performing at our wedding reception. Look for them in a town near you soon - if you like Jazz, Blues/Soul, Live authentic music - you'll love this combo. Check them out at www.sethwalker.com and www.ephraimowens.com
see you soon.?
07 July 2005
The party is over!
The wedding was a complete success! Folks from all over came to NC and had a great time (at least that's what I've heard anyway...) and we are happily married and have started our lives together. Now what.?!? What do we do now that the honeymoon is over and "real" life starts back up? I really don't know, it's back to the grind for me at work. Jennie is starting to get some lessons going again (violin students) and that's about it right now.
Not many things have changed since the wedding. We are still just as broke as before. Although we have all the utensils and pans you would need to host your own Emeril episode.
Anyway - things are great still. I love being married and all I know right now is that we don't need any kids for the time-being.
Enjoy some pics as I post them.
cya's
JB
Not many things have changed since the wedding. We are still just as broke as before. Although we have all the utensils and pans you would need to host your own Emeril episode.
Anyway - things are great still. I love being married and all I know right now is that we don't need any kids for the time-being.
Enjoy some pics as I post them.
cya's
JB
14 June 2005
13 June 2005
Full swing
Wedding season is in full swing, and in prime time right now for Jennie and I. In fact, Jennie is already in NC, she just left this morning, after almost missing her flight and her bags arriving on a different flight, she made it there safely.
I, on the other hand, am still here in Austin; just working away. Mainly trying to keep my mind on work, but having somewhat of a hard time doing that. How's that different than any other day? It's not really. But usually i'm playing some on-line pool for lunch time, and now i'm looking up what route i'm going to take to get to the wedding.
In case some of you didn't know, i'm driving to North Carolina for my wedding.
I have two friends who have graciously decided to make the trip with me. So I won't be soloing the cross country trek. (Thank god)
Just had a new stereo put in the car, again, the voracious gratitude of my man Chase pulls through. Along with that, he's also picked up the ties for the groomsmen and plenty of other things I've surely, or will no doubt forget before then.
More later, back to the grind.
- JB
I, on the other hand, am still here in Austin; just working away. Mainly trying to keep my mind on work, but having somewhat of a hard time doing that. How's that different than any other day? It's not really. But usually i'm playing some on-line pool for lunch time, and now i'm looking up what route i'm going to take to get to the wedding.
In case some of you didn't know, i'm driving to North Carolina for my wedding.
I have two friends who have graciously decided to make the trip with me. So I won't be soloing the cross country trek. (Thank god)
Just had a new stereo put in the car, again, the voracious gratitude of my man Chase pulls through. Along with that, he's also picked up the ties for the groomsmen and plenty of other things I've surely, or will no doubt forget before then.
More later, back to the grind.
- JB
26 May 2005
Re-do
I'm going to repost this quote because I need to read it again due to the last few days i've experienced:
The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.
- Aristotle
I really didn't have a terrible day in terms of total shit-dome. But when you look at the small picture:
- I had to drive to Dallas for work. Not leaving until 3pm. I had to rent a car, cause my wonderful ride might not make it back from Dallas. [the ride to Dallas is a cluster-F waiting to happen]
- When I go to rent the car, the fantastically helpful folks at Hurtz-dont-it rentals tell me my card won't work (Great)
- Finally resolved that issue and trudge up the highway. Do the job (45 mins tops) and get back in the car. In the mean-time I had to dispense 100 bones to the client for a "fee" out of my own pocket.
- Get back home about 10pm and couldn't sleep. But, that's ok, I get to sleep in the next day. Only having to return the rental by 10am.
- Upon returning the rental car, I find my car with broken glass and a missing stereo. &#^% *&@#! @(*#*...needless to say. That cost 140$ for the window and now no stereo.
- I'd say that qualifies for a decently bad day.
I have a place to call home, food to eat, a car that does run, and a great dog. A beautiful woman who has committed to be my Bride, and a job that pays most of the bills.
There is more to it than that, but when I look at it, those are the things that make "it" okay.
The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.
- Aristotle
I really didn't have a terrible day in terms of total shit-dome. But when you look at the small picture:
- I had to drive to Dallas for work. Not leaving until 3pm. I had to rent a car, cause my wonderful ride might not make it back from Dallas. [the ride to Dallas is a cluster-F waiting to happen]
- When I go to rent the car, the fantastically helpful folks at Hurtz-dont-it rentals tell me my card won't work (Great)
- Finally resolved that issue and trudge up the highway. Do the job (45 mins tops) and get back in the car. In the mean-time I had to dispense 100 bones to the client for a "fee" out of my own pocket.
- Get back home about 10pm and couldn't sleep. But, that's ok, I get to sleep in the next day. Only having to return the rental by 10am.
- Upon returning the rental car, I find my car with broken glass and a missing stereo. &#^% *&@#! @(*#*...needless to say. That cost 140$ for the window and now no stereo.
- I'd say that qualifies for a decently bad day.
I have a place to call home, food to eat, a car that does run, and a great dog. A beautiful woman who has committed to be my Bride, and a job that pays most of the bills.
There is more to it than that, but when I look at it, those are the things that make "it" okay.
The nicest gifts...
Max's crafted bench gift
This was a gift from our friend Max. (aka "Willie") see following pictures of Willie and friends...
Max heard that we needed a couple more chairs for folks to sit on at the party, so he built this Bench and planter combo and brought it with him; as his gift to us. It's nice to know you have friends who care enough to put some sweat and heart into a gift like that. Thank you Max.
23 May 2005
Roadtrip box score - South Padre Island, TX 5-20-2005
The trip to South Padre for the Bachelor party was a success. No major injuries and no insurance claims were filed.
Here is a rundown of what we did:
-Sat on beach and got sunburn
-We used sunscreen but couldn't get our own backs and we
weren't going to be the four guys on the beach rubbing
lotion on each other's backs. Ummmm - no.
-Danced with some women from a bachelorette party. Young enough but not quite as good looking as we'd hoped. But who will complain?
-Got the truck stuck in the sand at high noon (about 103F) four times. Lots of fun!
-Sat by the pool and had cocktails.
-Nearly caught the entire Island on fire. (details not available at press time)
-Nearly dropped a gimp in a fountain.
-Nearly lost a finger on a palm tree.
-Lots of sand in the crack
-Only one minor incident in the hotel - involving Matt's clothes and someone's urine..eeewwww
The crew:
- 4 of us jammed into a 2000 Ford crew-cab F-150. Not bad for room in the extended part, just not real comfy. Fit the bill though.
- 1 sirius satellite radio (Matt's) that is on the brink or either Chase's stereo is on the fritz; either way we had to listen to my bluegrass & folkie CD's.
- 1 fishing cooler (~100 gal) with a case of water and 2 cases of beer. **beer was finito before we even got to the island...
- 1 wheelchair
- 0 blow-up dolls (we had one but it was popped by some British chicks a couple years ago...that's another story)
- 3 emergency flares (almost got us in trouble)
- and 1 thong (texas flag model)
it was one hell uv'a good time.
pictures might be available upon further review...
Here is a rundown of what we did:
-Sat on beach and got sunburn
-We used sunscreen but couldn't get our own backs and we
weren't going to be the four guys on the beach rubbing
lotion on each other's backs. Ummmm - no.
-Danced with some women from a bachelorette party. Young enough but not quite as good looking as we'd hoped. But who will complain?
-Got the truck stuck in the sand at high noon (about 103F) four times. Lots of fun!
-Sat by the pool and had cocktails.
-Nearly caught the entire Island on fire. (details not available at press time)
-Nearly dropped a gimp in a fountain.
-Nearly lost a finger on a palm tree.
-Lots of sand in the crack
-Only one minor incident in the hotel - involving Matt's clothes and someone's urine..eeewwww
The crew:
- 4 of us jammed into a 2000 Ford crew-cab F-150. Not bad for room in the extended part, just not real comfy. Fit the bill though.
- 1 sirius satellite radio (Matt's) that is on the brink or either Chase's stereo is on the fritz; either way we had to listen to my bluegrass & folkie CD's.
- 1 fishing cooler (~100 gal) with a case of water and 2 cases of beer. **beer was finito before we even got to the island...
- 1 wheelchair
- 0 blow-up dolls (we had one but it was popped by some British chicks a couple years ago...that's another story)
- 3 emergency flares (almost got us in trouble)
- and 1 thong (texas flag model)
it was one hell uv'a good time.
pictures might be available upon further review...
Recent Reviews
The house party was great. My shitty thought from the previous post was that we would have an egg on our faces and everyone would leave early...well, it was quite the opposite.
We had a large crowd of many different peeps. Only one lacking thing: music. Who would have thought the Karoake machine was going to flop, along with the fog machine. No special FX for the party scene. Good thing we had lots of good beverages and great eats.
a rundown of all we had:
1 pot roast w/garlic taters and gravy *Tasty!
1 dish of home cooked ham and beans
1 dish of home cooked cream corn
1 tray of homemade appetizer samplers
2 veggie lasagna dishes
1 tray of rum brownies **** (four stars by the review team)
1 tray of homemade cupcakes
1 Quiche
various types of beer and wine (1.5 cases wine - 5 cases beer)
1 Big red dog - w/no poop in the yard
lots of stringed lights and candles
awesome landscaping and seating in the yard (Andrea went full-tilt)
spiked punch
1 italian creme cake
1 Karaoake machine*Bust
1 fog machine*Bust
28 Good Friends
great weather (no rain)
1 awful rendition of "I got you babe" by the soon-to-be's.
Those of you who left the party early missed out on some guitar/fiddle tunes by Jennie and I.
- Jerusalem Ridge
- June Apple
- Billy in the Lowground
We had a large crowd of many different peeps. Only one lacking thing: music. Who would have thought the Karoake machine was going to flop, along with the fog machine. No special FX for the party scene. Good thing we had lots of good beverages and great eats.
a rundown of all we had:
1 pot roast w/garlic taters and gravy *Tasty!
1 dish of home cooked ham and beans
1 dish of home cooked cream corn
1 tray of homemade appetizer samplers
2 veggie lasagna dishes
1 tray of rum brownies **** (four stars by the review team)
1 tray of homemade cupcakes
1 Quiche
various types of beer and wine (1.5 cases wine - 5 cases beer)
1 Big red dog - w/no poop in the yard
lots of stringed lights and candles
awesome landscaping and seating in the yard (Andrea went full-tilt)
spiked punch
1 italian creme cake
1 Karaoake machine*Bust
1 fog machine*Bust
28 Good Friends
great weather (no rain)
1 awful rendition of "I got you babe" by the soon-to-be's.
Those of you who left the party early missed out on some guitar/fiddle tunes by Jennie and I.
- Jerusalem Ridge
- June Apple
- Billy in the Lowground
12 May 2005
Party-time -"it's fun-time"
It's party time in Austin. A party is being thrown in our Honour--this weekend, should be a good one. Our friends Margaret and Howie are coming from NC for this one!! Hopefully we'll have some good pics and stories out of it too. Margaret put the invites together and sent them out, each one had an item for the person(s) to bring to the party; such as: beer, wine, appetizer, entree, dessert, you get the idea.
So yes, it is a pot-luck style dinner. Jennie and I have spent some good hours in the back yard and in the house getting it all hussied-up for our guests. We don' git too many folk in our nape o' the neck. Andrea has been involved too, designing different ideas for themes and what-not, dressing up tables and chairs and who-knows what else!
We had some live entertainment set-up: no not mud wrestling, although a slip-n'-slide w/baby oil did enter the conversation - - no we had the fabulous Seth Walker and friends set to play a bit, but alas, he has found a real paying gig.
Opening for Delbert McClinton in Gruene Hall (the oldest dance hall in Texas, no joke). It's good for him, when music is your LIFE, you tend to go where the $$ are. Especially in that business, we'll miss him but we can't blame him, hopefully he'll be able to join us later.
A recent shitty-thought: That we have a lame-o party and people are ready to leave by 10pm. That would be a bummer. But Justin, I know I can count on you!! - "Yep"
So yes, it is a pot-luck style dinner. Jennie and I have spent some good hours in the back yard and in the house getting it all hussied-up for our guests. We don' git too many folk in our nape o' the neck. Andrea has been involved too, designing different ideas for themes and what-not, dressing up tables and chairs and who-knows what else!
We had some live entertainment set-up: no not mud wrestling, although a slip-n'-slide w/baby oil did enter the conversation - - no we had the fabulous Seth Walker and friends set to play a bit, but alas, he has found a real paying gig.
Opening for Delbert McClinton in Gruene Hall (the oldest dance hall in Texas, no joke). It's good for him, when music is your LIFE, you tend to go where the $$ are. Especially in that business, we'll miss him but we can't blame him, hopefully he'll be able to join us later.
A recent shitty-thought: That we have a lame-o party and people are ready to leave by 10pm. That would be a bummer. But Justin, I know I can count on you!! - "Yep"
10 May 2005
Austin Voting FLOP
A flop on the issues
Get this -- an election for city officials and council members where only 14.9% of registered voters cast votes. What kind of shit is this?? I thought Austin was a pro-active town, where it's residents have the mind-set to participate in items like this?
They passed a smoking ban, the second one actually. The initial one really didn't do a whole lot, but now, it will be tough for restaurants and bars. Especially all the nightlife places that thrive on drinking, smoking, and late night carousing. Drinking and smoking seem to go hand in hand, especially when you are listening to some type of music one might like.
ANYWAY...all you folks out there that didn't get off your drunk, smoke stenched ass - don't bitch and complain, cause you had your chance to shoot it down.
[by the way, i voted for the ban. so ha.]
Get this -- an election for city officials and council members where only 14.9% of registered voters cast votes. What kind of shit is this?? I thought Austin was a pro-active town, where it's residents have the mind-set to participate in items like this?
They passed a smoking ban, the second one actually. The initial one really didn't do a whole lot, but now, it will be tough for restaurants and bars. Especially all the nightlife places that thrive on drinking, smoking, and late night carousing. Drinking and smoking seem to go hand in hand, especially when you are listening to some type of music one might like.
ANYWAY...all you folks out there that didn't get off your drunk, smoke stenched ass - don't bitch and complain, cause you had your chance to shoot it down.
[by the way, i voted for the ban. so ha.]
05 May 2005
Danny Barnes - entertainer
If you haven't heard of Danny Barnes, he's OK with that. I went to the famed Cactus Cafe last night on the campus of Univ. of Texas - Austin where he played a solo gig.
Almost all of the people that come out to his shows already know of him, which means he doesn't attract a lot of new listeners. Anyway, if you like something different or look for a change of pace in musical taste, try out some of his music. You can't really put a marketing tab on his music like "rock", "pop" or other. it's definitely in the "other" category. His website is listed in the links section (---> to the right)and join the yahoo group on the link at the bottom of this page. Thanks for your tunes and personality Danny.
BTW his website is pretty comical. Not meant to be, but he also does a "box score tour" section, where he provides a gig by gig breakdown of some funny tours he's done. lata'.
Found this quote also: The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.
- Aristotle
Almost all of the people that come out to his shows already know of him, which means he doesn't attract a lot of new listeners. Anyway, if you like something different or look for a change of pace in musical taste, try out some of his music. You can't really put a marketing tab on his music like "rock", "pop" or other. it's definitely in the "other" category. His website is listed in the links section (---> to the right)and join the yahoo group on the link at the bottom of this page. Thanks for your tunes and personality Danny.
BTW his website is pretty comical. Not meant to be, but he also does a "box score tour" section, where he provides a gig by gig breakdown of some funny tours he's done. lata'.
Found this quote also: The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.
- Aristotle
02 May 2005
Mind Clutter
Funny thing one of my friends said the other day: "Why is it when people do something amazing or unbelievable, they always credit god?" But when something bad happens they can't say - "the devil helped me" or "it was God's fault" or something similar.
Probably because people will put you in the loony bin for saying the devil made you do it, but if you believe in the powers of the almighty, that he put you up to it, and it was something good, then it's grade A-OK! One negative thing and your in the psyche-ward for 30 day observation. (no personal account, just imgaination here)
So in other words - God doesn't allow any screw-ups. Only people who do good things. I don't want this thing to turn into a religious babbling site. I am simply at work and have a high amount of curiousity in simple thoughts.
Probably because people will put you in the loony bin for saying the devil made you do it, but if you believe in the powers of the almighty, that he put you up to it, and it was something good, then it's grade A-OK! One negative thing and your in the psyche-ward for 30 day observation. (no personal account, just imgaination here)
So in other words - God doesn't allow any screw-ups. Only people who do good things. I don't want this thing to turn into a religious babbling site. I am simply at work and have a high amount of curiousity in simple thoughts.
26 April 2005
The drive to know -- something
I wrote this last week sometime, just now getting it posted. It has been nicer here of late so that's an improvement. Everything else is historically the same.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why is being the pope such an "honor". You wait all those years to be "elected" to this position, by the time you get there, you are so old, can you really soak it in? I guess so, Billions and gazillions of people the world over still listen to him. Whichever one it ends up being.
Why do people like to ride my ass on the way home in the car? Why? I drive a piece of shit, you know i'm not going to go fast, cause it looks like it will barely run. Yet you persist in edging closer and closer to my bumper. One of these days it's just going to fall off and i'm going to get out of the car and completely lose it on someone. ...and it won't be my fault!
Why is it that I am writing in this box and not doing something useful?
What is more important A - Keeping your lawn mowed so the neighbors don’t think you are a slob?? or B - Keeping your fly up in the office so they don't laugh??
It has been an interesting week here in Austin. It has rained. I have been grumpy. Sometimes at work my head feels like an ant-hill. One of those humungous ones that looks like a dirt-bike ramp. Then there's an aardvark, he waltz's up and drops one, and I feel like a shit-head.
Two friends of mine recently passed away. It reminds me that there are other worlds than this simple place. There are more important things to life than the blunders of my day and the errors of my ways. Yes, those things are life. But they also are not life. We all view life in our own personal way, and that is amazing. There is bad advice, good advice, no advice, and some advice. Here is some advice: live your life whilst you can.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why is being the pope such an "honor". You wait all those years to be "elected" to this position, by the time you get there, you are so old, can you really soak it in? I guess so, Billions and gazillions of people the world over still listen to him. Whichever one it ends up being.
Why do people like to ride my ass on the way home in the car? Why? I drive a piece of shit, you know i'm not going to go fast, cause it looks like it will barely run. Yet you persist in edging closer and closer to my bumper. One of these days it's just going to fall off and i'm going to get out of the car and completely lose it on someone. ...and it won't be my fault!
Why is it that I am writing in this box and not doing something useful?
What is more important A - Keeping your lawn mowed so the neighbors don’t think you are a slob?? or B - Keeping your fly up in the office so they don't laugh??
It has been an interesting week here in Austin. It has rained. I have been grumpy. Sometimes at work my head feels like an ant-hill. One of those humungous ones that looks like a dirt-bike ramp. Then there's an aardvark, he waltz's up and drops one, and I feel like a shit-head.
Two friends of mine recently passed away. It reminds me that there are other worlds than this simple place. There are more important things to life than the blunders of my day and the errors of my ways. Yes, those things are life. But they also are not life. We all view life in our own personal way, and that is amazing. There is bad advice, good advice, no advice, and some advice. Here is some advice: live your life whilst you can.
21 April 2005
Project Needs
I am in need of a project. Any suggestions helpful. I probably should make a project out of my bank account; getting it organized. That's more like torture.
Finances are a pain in the ass, unless you are rich enough that you don't have to worry about it. Or does it just make it more worrisome that you have more? Any insights are helpful here.
Something in the woodworking world would be cool. Look below, i've made a wine-rack. A birdhouse is on the agenda, but yet again, I have no money, so supplies are just a bit of a limiting factor.
Finances are a pain in the ass, unless you are rich enough that you don't have to worry about it. Or does it just make it more worrisome that you have more? Any insights are helpful here.
Something in the woodworking world would be cool. Look below, i've made a wine-rack. A birdhouse is on the agenda, but yet again, I have no money, so supplies are just a bit of a limiting factor.
20 April 2005
Old-Timers game
Did you hear about the recent story of the old-timers wanting to play for the Stanley Cup? There was a court hearing in Canada; where a group of men wanted to play for Lord Stanley's cup. Their argument was this: That Lord Stanley's intention was not strictly for the NHL to play for the cup, it was meant for all of competitive hockey. And since there is no NHL playing, that someone else should be eligible to play for the glory of the Cup.
I don't know if they will/or have gotten a ruling on this, but it brings about a good point. Why not organize another situation for the cup to be awarded? Although the NHL has a deal with the owners of the Stanley cup as far as rights go.
Commercial sports and the industry of sport has come a long way since the early days of competition for the Stanley cup, or any other sporting trophy/award. A long way doesn't necessarily mean a long way in a good sense either.
If they could revert the sports pay-scale back to olden days. Pay each player a similar salary, not the same obviously, but at least "in the same ballpark" . Then you get bonuses for performance, similar to today, but not that grand over-the-top scale. Go to shorter contract lengths so the players have to play for something besides a cup, you have to play to keep your job. Just brainstorming here. Sporting in general definitely needs to make some changes in the next few years. Not just the NHL.
I don't know if they will/or have gotten a ruling on this, but it brings about a good point. Why not organize another situation for the cup to be awarded? Although the NHL has a deal with the owners of the Stanley cup as far as rights go.
Commercial sports and the industry of sport has come a long way since the early days of competition for the Stanley cup, or any other sporting trophy/award. A long way doesn't necessarily mean a long way in a good sense either.
If they could revert the sports pay-scale back to olden days. Pay each player a similar salary, not the same obviously, but at least "in the same ballpark" . Then you get bonuses for performance, similar to today, but not that grand over-the-top scale. Go to shorter contract lengths so the players have to play for something besides a cup, you have to play to keep your job. Just brainstorming here. Sporting in general definitely needs to make some changes in the next few years. Not just the NHL.
13 April 2005
Old Crow
another by-the-way...Old Crow medicine show is coming to Austin the 27-28th of April @ Stubbs BBQ. Should definitely make a trip to see them. Check them out at: http://www.crowmedicine.com/
always a fun show, entertaining and talented, a little whacky too. (what musician isn't)
take care.
always a fun show, entertaining and talented, a little whacky too. (what musician isn't)
take care.
Old Masters
How about Tiger and Chris Dimarco? wow. what a battle. Would have like to have seen Dimarco come out on top, but a great finish is even better.
Just trying to finish up the latest plans for our wedding and then...finally it will be done with!! er- or is it just beginning, can't tell which yet. kidding.
My advice...Elope!
By-the-way, any of you interested in the Bachelor party, give me a call or email. Looks like we'll be spending a couple hot days in South Padre Island on May 20-22nd. Hope to see some old faces there. drop me a line/comment.
Just trying to finish up the latest plans for our wedding and then...finally it will be done with!! er- or is it just beginning, can't tell which yet. kidding.
My advice...Elope!
By-the-way, any of you interested in the Bachelor party, give me a call or email. Looks like we'll be spending a couple hot days in South Padre Island on May 20-22nd. Hope to see some old faces there. drop me a line/comment.
04 April 2005
Seth's Digs
Mind Clutter
Don't just visit the website of Seth Walker (to the right) but buy a CD as well. Excellent output by the "old-masters"... Look for more from him in the future!!
Don't just visit the website of Seth Walker (to the right) but buy a CD as well. Excellent output by the "old-masters"... Look for more from him in the future!!
01 April 2005
31 March 2005
Picture pages
I've started to post some pictures so check back and find out what the hell Jennie and I are up to these days. Hopefully we'll have some good ones' of the music festival in Florida. Some randoms of the recent months leading up to the wedding also...more to come!!
30 March 2005
View from the trees
As I am riding on this plane to the left coast, my heart sits in silence and sorrow for the one I love is alone in Texas. It was a year ago today (March 28, 2005)that I fessed my love and we were blessed upon the shores of the Suwannee. Having just arrived from that very place, we sifted through our highlights of the trip to that magical place and noted that a simple owl had made the Top-ten list. This owl (a happy couple actually) seems to have permeated the “highlight list” among a number of top musical performers; Jim Lauderdale, Donna the Buffalo, Reeltime Travelers, Guy Clark, Darol Anger; and the owls. What could some quirky hooting owls have done to gain such recognition or notoriety? They simply got it on…
We were fireside at the Walker campsite when we heard some strange, almost disturbing noise coming from the treetop above. This did not sound anything like an owl, but minutes later, that call was answered by another. This reply came seemingly from across the entire forest, throaty and moaning. Minutes roll by and upon us is the crisp wash of a set of wings soaring through the night sky. Then nothing. The fire crackling before us was the only sound to be heard until a series of desperate howls and grunts pierced the darkness like a needle through the skin. It was sharp, sweet, and rapid.
The two love birds (the owls-not Jennie and I) were suspended above us in a rite that could only produce such a sound. Quiet amazement was all that was whispered around the camp for a few moments. Then all returned to normal. Well, not quite normal, this is the Walker camp-site afterall.
We were fireside at the Walker campsite when we heard some strange, almost disturbing noise coming from the treetop above. This did not sound anything like an owl, but minutes later, that call was answered by another. This reply came seemingly from across the entire forest, throaty and moaning. Minutes roll by and upon us is the crisp wash of a set of wings soaring through the night sky. Then nothing. The fire crackling before us was the only sound to be heard until a series of desperate howls and grunts pierced the darkness like a needle through the skin. It was sharp, sweet, and rapid.
The two love birds (the owls-not Jennie and I) were suspended above us in a rite that could only produce such a sound. Quiet amazement was all that was whispered around the camp for a few moments. Then all returned to normal. Well, not quite normal, this is the Walker camp-site afterall.
22 March 2005
The scene
Mind Clutter
The mood is set. The whiz of a circular saw and my co-workers muttering chewbacca noises as they pass my office.
What an interesting place to work. What is it like in a random work setting in Singapore or Russia? or Seattle for that matter.
The mood is set. The whiz of a circular saw and my co-workers muttering chewbacca noises as they pass my office.
What an interesting place to work. What is it like in a random work setting in Singapore or Russia? or Seattle for that matter.
Festivarian anyone?
anyone interested in music festivals should definitely attend this one - The Magnolia Festival http://www.magnoliafest.com
Plus the wonderful Walker Family Band is slated to play, one of the few gigs where you can catch the full band at play. In addition, other performers: Guy Clark, Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, Bela Fleck, etc...Sorry to hear about Vassar Clements condition. Send some good vibes and thoughts to Vassar as he recuperates from his treatments for Cancer. So, the festival is this coming weekend, March 24 - 27, spend your easter amongst a bunch of old friends and mossy oaks, it's beautiful!
Sorry, forgot to mention Jim Lauderdale!! What a trip!?!
Plus the wonderful Walker Family Band is slated to play, one of the few gigs where you can catch the full band at play. In addition, other performers: Guy Clark, Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, Bela Fleck, etc...Sorry to hear about Vassar Clements condition. Send some good vibes and thoughts to Vassar as he recuperates from his treatments for Cancer. So, the festival is this coming weekend, March 24 - 27, spend your easter amongst a bunch of old friends and mossy oaks, it's beautiful!
Sorry, forgot to mention Jim Lauderdale!! What a trip!?!
Heavy Traffic
The traffic was heavy today, and yesterday for that matter. It seems as if there are more people flocking to Austin every day, week, year. I've been here for over 4 years now, it goes by pretty quickly; surprising for such a laid back city. One thing that keeps it all moving though...there is always something to do! But not just something. Something cool, hip, retro, new age, rockin'. This town is always growing, always flowing, always keeping us on our toes! It's about as large as any city that I would want to live in, I'm hoping it will just up and stop soon. Although I find that highly unlikely.
Yesterday on my way home (bikeroute 55-48-33 & 37). I spied a sign that I thought worthy of the quote for the YEAR!! It was at The Daily Juice (smoothies and more) on Barton Springs rd. For any of you who have frequented that joint...ecclectic is an understatement. The sign reads..."Everyday is SXSW if you are a foppishly rich dandy!!"
South by South West (SXSW) is a major music/film event in North America. It's held right here in A-town each year, thousands of bands and artists funnel into town to showcase/spolight their work or just to take it all in. You pretty much have to be a foppish dandy to get all the way into it!!
Yesterday on my way home (bikeroute 55-48-33 & 37). I spied a sign that I thought worthy of the quote for the YEAR!! It was at The Daily Juice (smoothies and more) on Barton Springs rd. For any of you who have frequented that joint...ecclectic is an understatement. The sign reads..."Everyday is SXSW if you are a foppishly rich dandy!!"
South by South West (SXSW) is a major music/film event in North America. It's held right here in A-town each year, thousands of bands and artists funnel into town to showcase/spolight their work or just to take it all in. You pretty much have to be a foppish dandy to get all the way into it!!
21 March 2005
on a lighter note
From the lighter side of things it's time to go home. I spent an unusually cruel day at work. Lots of work to do, although much of it has nothing to do with work. I so look forward to riding my bicycle home though. I just wish it wasn't through the heart of downtown, but in a way that's fun too. I like to dodge the 'Dillo buses.
Recent reads
I've recently read a few books penned by Richard Preston. One is fiction, the other a true story. Both in the Sci-fi category.
One is called Hot-zone, it's the true story basis, it's about ebola and other viruses. But the other one (The Cobra Event) offered up more real-life information as well. It was this information that I found completely boggling.
There is in fact a genetic disease among the human population called Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS). It is a disease involving self-mutilation and self-cannibalism. If you want more info on this you can find it @ http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/lesch_nyhan/lesch_nyhan.html . It involves the production and distribution of chemicals in the body and brain, that result in the aformentioned effects.
I truly don't want to offend or upset anyone who may be affected by this disorder, but am in fact calling attention to it for a specific good reason (in my mind anyway). It brings to light the idea that people do certain acts for reasons un-beknownst to everyday citizens.
On a recent camping trip with my Fiancee, we discussed this matter to some depth. The topic started with the discussion of the high number of awful tragedies we've had in our world in recent years, months, days, etc. Check your local rag and you'll be able to find any number of "disturbing" events going on. {**Note: disturbing to some folks may not seem that awful to others, I cannot account for this idiosyncrasy}
ANYWHO...the idea ultimately came about when she asked how some of these things have come to be? i.e. "how could they kill their own children?, how could they blow up the school?, etc..."
That is a very good question. How could someone do that?
I am not claiming to have a solution to that sixty-four-thousand-dollar question...but this disease (LNS) does indicate that there are mental or physical issues that Joe-car mechanic (or myself for that matter) cannot explain. For example, with this disease (adults or children) may harm themselves or loved ones. They don't want to do this, but they physically cannot stop their bodies from performing these acts. There is more to it scientifically speaking of course, but you get the idea.
So, why did little Billy shoot his grandparents? Why did Hitler do what he did? Why would someone kill another person? (simply rhetorical questions) These people can tell all the reasons that they can think of, but how will anyone ever know the implicit reasoning? Is there a straight up answer? I don't know. Is it mental health, is it genetically inherited? So many avenues to explore.
For arguments sake, turn this around and look at the disease as a "simpler" example. For this is a turnabout from the original question where it is posed as, why do people cause harm to other people. But, these unfortunate individuals who have this LNS are doing damage to their own bodies. If a fully grown adult (or a child for that matter) harms themselves and others, what does that say for what people who don't understand they are harming each other? (I don't know if this accounts for "evil do-ers" who "know" what they are doing).
Again these LNS affected persons do not perform these acts for like or dislike, they simply don't have a choice. A discussion of the highlights of this genetic disorder is the only fringe of a reply that I could offer to my Fiancee.
What I am saying here is not ground breaking psychotherapy or sociology (by any means), but just my own rendering of thought to a stream of concious/unconscious analysis for my own good (or anyone else who can take anything away from this garble).
One is called Hot-zone, it's the true story basis, it's about ebola and other viruses. But the other one (The Cobra Event) offered up more real-life information as well. It was this information that I found completely boggling.
There is in fact a genetic disease among the human population called Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS). It is a disease involving self-mutilation and self-cannibalism. If you want more info on this you can find it @ http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/lesch_nyhan/lesch_nyhan.html . It involves the production and distribution of chemicals in the body and brain, that result in the aformentioned effects.
I truly don't want to offend or upset anyone who may be affected by this disorder, but am in fact calling attention to it for a specific good reason (in my mind anyway). It brings to light the idea that people do certain acts for reasons un-beknownst to everyday citizens.
On a recent camping trip with my Fiancee, we discussed this matter to some depth. The topic started with the discussion of the high number of awful tragedies we've had in our world in recent years, months, days, etc. Check your local rag and you'll be able to find any number of "disturbing" events going on. {**Note: disturbing to some folks may not seem that awful to others, I cannot account for this idiosyncrasy}
ANYWHO...the idea ultimately came about when she asked how some of these things have come to be? i.e. "how could they kill their own children?, how could they blow up the school?, etc..."
That is a very good question. How could someone do that?
I am not claiming to have a solution to that sixty-four-thousand-dollar question...but this disease (LNS) does indicate that there are mental or physical issues that Joe-car mechanic (or myself for that matter) cannot explain. For example, with this disease (adults or children) may harm themselves or loved ones. They don't want to do this, but they physically cannot stop their bodies from performing these acts. There is more to it scientifically speaking of course, but you get the idea.
So, why did little Billy shoot his grandparents? Why did Hitler do what he did? Why would someone kill another person? (simply rhetorical questions) These people can tell all the reasons that they can think of, but how will anyone ever know the implicit reasoning? Is there a straight up answer? I don't know. Is it mental health, is it genetically inherited? So many avenues to explore.
For arguments sake, turn this around and look at the disease as a "simpler" example. For this is a turnabout from the original question where it is posed as, why do people cause harm to other people. But, these unfortunate individuals who have this LNS are doing damage to their own bodies. If a fully grown adult (or a child for that matter) harms themselves and others, what does that say for what people who don't understand they are harming each other? (I don't know if this accounts for "evil do-ers" who "know" what they are doing).
Again these LNS affected persons do not perform these acts for like or dislike, they simply don't have a choice. A discussion of the highlights of this genetic disorder is the only fringe of a reply that I could offer to my Fiancee.
What I am saying here is not ground breaking psychotherapy or sociology (by any means), but just my own rendering of thought to a stream of concious/unconscious analysis for my own good (or anyone else who can take anything away from this garble).
empowerment
Wow! what a feeling to have my own words on the internet for all (or none) to view. And it's all up to me! HOpefully, i'll have some interesting words to offer and some wit as well. We'll see about that. It's similar to a diary, but not really. Oh, the wide world of webspace. It's like Kip sings in the ultimate movie "Napoleon Dynamite" ..."i love technology, but not as much as you, but i still love technology"...fantastic. IT's never too late to watch this gem a 4th or 5th time, as I found out last night. Catch the fever.
The bracket
overrated. The basketball bracket-racket is overrated this year. That is simply because mine is riddled with more holes than a nice rack of swiss or lacy swiss even! Brutal to be simply put.
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