What a Valentines pair my wife and I were. My darlin' was down with some sort of crud and I did something to my back. Needless to say that made for a less than romantic Valentines day. Plus, I was forced to go into work (hmmm....the Grinch that stole Valentines??).
On the positive side, I did find out just what a great pair we make. On Saturday night we picked up the movie Airplane! Now I thought that with all the dumb humor my darlin' would hate the movie. I was surprised to find out that she didn't hate it...in fact she kinda liked it. Now, don't misunderstand me I am not advocating a "Movie Test" to judge compatibility (that is what the "Cat Test" was for) but it is nice to enjoy sophmoric humor with the woman you love.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Cowboys
What is it about the Wild West that every red blooded American male loves? I'm currently reading Dee Brown's "The American West" and let me tell you there is something about the mythologized West that is quite appealing. Two years ago I was fortunate enough to visit the "Land of the Mormons" otherwise known as Utah. It was one of the best vacations I have ever had. The open sky, contrasting landscape, views that go on forever...all this came back to me reading Brown's book. Like a Billy Crystal character (the movie "City Slickers" comes to mind) I feel the pull from the romance (read that totaly bogus myth) of the Cowboy and the "Old West".
I've come to the conclusion that one of the reasons that I like American History best is that I can actually visit some of the places I read about (read that its cheaper and easier than travelling the world). Tombstone is one place I'd like to visit someday. Same with Little Big Horn...and a host of other places I've read about. But for now, I'll read, and dream, and virtually travel via Google.
I've come to the conclusion that one of the reasons that I like American History best is that I can actually visit some of the places I read about (read that its cheaper and easier than travelling the world). Tombstone is one place I'd like to visit someday. Same with Little Big Horn...and a host of other places I've read about. But for now, I'll read, and dream, and virtually travel via Google.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Just Plain Irresponsible
Hello everyone. I need to pass along a warning - stay away from a company called Envrioguard...they are a pest control company. Below is an email I sent to the company around noon today. It should be self explanatory. I'll let you know if I get a response.
I was just in the Blimpie in Collegedale getting my lunch when a representative of your company entered the establishment looking for a check that the manager was supposed to leave for him. When he was informed that the manager was not in this individual began acting in an unprofessional manner. He threatened to blockade the store with a fleet of trucks, making the customers run a gauntlet. He continued to harangue the counter help. On his way out the door he addressed the customers in the store stating "I hope you don't get sick".
Frankly, his behavior was totally unprofessional and does not reflect well on your business. I regret that I did not get his name and address this matter with him directly.
I was just in the Blimpie in Collegedale getting my lunch when a representative of your company entered the establishment looking for a check that the manager was supposed to leave for him. When he was informed that the manager was not in this individual began acting in an unprofessional manner. He threatened to blockade the store with a fleet of trucks, making the customers run a gauntlet. He continued to harangue the counter help. On his way out the door he addressed the customers in the store stating "I hope you don't get sick".
Frankly, his behavior was totally unprofessional and does not reflect well on your business. I regret that I did not get his name and address this matter with him directly.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Souper Salad! but weak service.
So this weekend my darlin' and I decide to go to Souper Salad! for lunch. We proceed through line and I end up creating the leaning tower of salad on my plate. I was also overjoyed to see that as one of their soups they had the "Twice Baked Potato Soup". Now how exactly you bake soup (and twice nonetheless) I am not sure, but it is dang good. Anyhow, we proceed to our table and sit down. Minutes pass and we are NOT approached by a server who will be bringing our drinks. No matter we begin our munching.
More minutes pass and I begin to think that an ice cold Coke would go good with all that leafy goodness. I mention my distress that we have been sitting and gobbling for a while and there hasn't been sign of a server.
More minutes pass and my distress turns to irritation...sensing this (and wishing to avoid a scene) my beautiful wife takes matters into her own hands (and our receipt) and searches for a server. She discovers our hero of the day: Caleb.
Caleb points out that we aren't sitting in his section but he will bring us drinks pronto. As my wife relays this information to me I notice a female server talking with some customers that she knows. Yes, in fact she has been talking to them the entire time we have been at Souper Salad! (but weak service) the entire time we have been there - a good 15 minutes!
Caleb brings our drinks and we keep eating and the woman server keeps on blabbing. Eventually she does make it over to our table, but by this time I have finished my salad, twice baked potato soup (once eaten) and am starting my cup of fruit for dessert. When she comes and asks if we need anything I point out that Caleb has taken care of us.
Now I know what you are thinking. you are thinking I let her off easy. Well, not really. As soon as we got back to the hotel I sent an email to Souper Salad! (but weak service) complaining about the incident. And, of course, I am taking them to task here.
More minutes pass and I begin to think that an ice cold Coke would go good with all that leafy goodness. I mention my distress that we have been sitting and gobbling for a while and there hasn't been sign of a server.
More minutes pass and my distress turns to irritation...sensing this (and wishing to avoid a scene) my beautiful wife takes matters into her own hands (and our receipt) and searches for a server. She discovers our hero of the day: Caleb.
Caleb points out that we aren't sitting in his section but he will bring us drinks pronto. As my wife relays this information to me I notice a female server talking with some customers that she knows. Yes, in fact she has been talking to them the entire time we have been at Souper Salad! (but weak service) the entire time we have been there - a good 15 minutes!
Caleb brings our drinks and we keep eating and the woman server keeps on blabbing. Eventually she does make it over to our table, but by this time I have finished my salad, twice baked potato soup (once eaten) and am starting my cup of fruit for dessert. When she comes and asks if we need anything I point out that Caleb has taken care of us.
Now I know what you are thinking. you are thinking I let her off easy. Well, not really. As soon as we got back to the hotel I sent an email to Souper Salad! (but weak service) complaining about the incident. And, of course, I am taking them to task here.
Friday, October 10, 2008
One little, Two little, Three little items...
So there we were, my darlin' and I, checking out at Walmart. As we approached the checkout lane with the bookcase we were purchasing we noticed the 20 items or less sign. Now, while the bookcase was heavy enough and big enough to qualify as more than 20 items it was still really only one item after all it was only one box wasn't it?
In front of us stood this woman with her cart overflowing with what was obviously more than 20 items. Since this was an obvious and flagrant violation of the "20 Items Rule" I decided to, in my most curmudgeonly way, point this out. One good breach of Walmart etiquette deserves another, so I decided to count out loud the number of items that she was removing from the cart. "One, Two, Three..." I counted. Meanwhile my darlin', feeling embarassed, tried to distract me with small talk. "Say did you hear that Jerry Springer will be moderating the next debate between McCain and Obama" she asked. "Eight, Nine, Ten..." "You know I was thinking that we should get a pet armadillo for the cats to play with" "Nineteen, Twenty, Twenty-one..." "Hey, how about antelope steaks for dinner?" "Thirty-five, Thirty-six, Thirty-seven..."
Well, to make a long story short, I am sure I annoyed the woman who cared little for the "20 Items or Less" sign (or the line of people that she was backing up). She left without acknowledging my childish antics. My hope is that she will remember the incident the next time she braves a trip to Walmart, and while she probably will still ignore the "20 Items or Less" sign, perhaps she will look over her shoulder to see if I am lurking in the shadows.
In front of us stood this woman with her cart overflowing with what was obviously more than 20 items. Since this was an obvious and flagrant violation of the "20 Items Rule" I decided to, in my most curmudgeonly way, point this out. One good breach of Walmart etiquette deserves another, so I decided to count out loud the number of items that she was removing from the cart. "One, Two, Three..." I counted. Meanwhile my darlin', feeling embarassed, tried to distract me with small talk. "Say did you hear that Jerry Springer will be moderating the next debate between McCain and Obama" she asked. "Eight, Nine, Ten..." "You know I was thinking that we should get a pet armadillo for the cats to play with" "Nineteen, Twenty, Twenty-one..." "Hey, how about antelope steaks for dinner?" "Thirty-five, Thirty-six, Thirty-seven..."
Well, to make a long story short, I am sure I annoyed the woman who cared little for the "20 Items or Less" sign (or the line of people that she was backing up). She left without acknowledging my childish antics. My hope is that she will remember the incident the next time she braves a trip to Walmart, and while she probably will still ignore the "20 Items or Less" sign, perhaps she will look over her shoulder to see if I am lurking in the shadows.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
John McCain Maverick??!!
Like virtually everyone else in the US, on Thursday evening I watched the VP debate between Palin and Biden. Truth be told I found Palin to be more annoying than presidential. The thought has struck me that she would make a great fourth grade teacher, but I seriously doubt she is able to hold her own among world leaders. Let’s face it Margaret Thatcher she isn’t.
I have also noticed that she and McCain like to throw the term “maverick” around a lot. Now I know that they want us to believe that they mean they don’t do things the “Washington way” but the truth is that they are both politicians and speak and act like politicians. As they say (although I’m not sure who “they” is but I know someone has said it) “If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck; then it’s a duck”. Instead of handing us this “we’re not like other politicians” load of bull they should be honest. But maybe they are being honest…
The primary definition of the term “maverick” is “An unbranded range animal, especially a calf that has become separated from its mother, traditionally considered the property of the first person who brands it”. Now what are the odds that the McCain-Palin ticket is being extremely honest by labeling themselves with the term “maverick”? Could McCain-Palin be announcing to special interest groups that they are for sale? Brilliant!! Advertise yourself in such a way that in government doublespeak makes you look one way to the American people and yet really announces your true intentions to the Washington insiders. BRILLIANT!!
I mean come now, if you really want to vote for someone who runs against the grain of their party then its time to vote for that turncoat Joe Lieberman.
I have also noticed that she and McCain like to throw the term “maverick” around a lot. Now I know that they want us to believe that they mean they don’t do things the “Washington way” but the truth is that they are both politicians and speak and act like politicians. As they say (although I’m not sure who “they” is but I know someone has said it) “If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck; then it’s a duck”. Instead of handing us this “we’re not like other politicians” load of bull they should be honest. But maybe they are being honest…
The primary definition of the term “maverick” is “An unbranded range animal, especially a calf that has become separated from its mother, traditionally considered the property of the first person who brands it”. Now what are the odds that the McCain-Palin ticket is being extremely honest by labeling themselves with the term “maverick”? Could McCain-Palin be announcing to special interest groups that they are for sale? Brilliant!! Advertise yourself in such a way that in government doublespeak makes you look one way to the American people and yet really announces your true intentions to the Washington insiders. BRILLIANT!!
I mean come now, if you really want to vote for someone who runs against the grain of their party then its time to vote for that turncoat Joe Lieberman.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Hey!! Get outta the way!!
OK, today's message is strictly for the bicyclists out there. More specifically the riders that insist on riding down the middle of the road....in front of me. Guys, I know you pride yourself on being able to ride from here to the moon and back without stopping. I know that you do it to exercise. I know that the women out there throw themselves at you at the end of a ride. But do you have to tie up traffic while you are doing it?
Some of the roads that I travel on are barely big enough for two vehicles to pass. Inevitably, one of these cyclists will be crusing down the middle of my lane. Now no matter how hard these iron men peddle, the truth is since I don't drive a Hugo (remember them?) they get in the way and slow me down. Of course, since their ride is so much more important than the line of traffic building up behind them, they make no attempt to get out of the way. And my goat is espically gotten when one of these fellows (or ladies) do not follow the rules. I have seen these people run STOP signs, turn without signaling, and dart out into traffic without looking. Of course, as if to rub it in, they all drive cars with the "Share the Road" bumper sticker on it.
Cyclists, if you want to play with the big boys than play by the rules. I know that your puny little legs are no match for Ford's finest & 87 octane so stay to the side of the road, not the middle of it. If you see a STOP sign then STOP!!! If you don't want to obey traffic signs then get on the sidewalk.
You know if you rode one of those stationary bikes we wouldn't have this problem. After all I don't drive through your living room, do I?
Some of the roads that I travel on are barely big enough for two vehicles to pass. Inevitably, one of these cyclists will be crusing down the middle of my lane. Now no matter how hard these iron men peddle, the truth is since I don't drive a Hugo (remember them?) they get in the way and slow me down. Of course, since their ride is so much more important than the line of traffic building up behind them, they make no attempt to get out of the way. And my goat is espically gotten when one of these fellows (or ladies) do not follow the rules. I have seen these people run STOP signs, turn without signaling, and dart out into traffic without looking. Of course, as if to rub it in, they all drive cars with the "Share the Road" bumper sticker on it.
Cyclists, if you want to play with the big boys than play by the rules. I know that your puny little legs are no match for Ford's finest & 87 octane so stay to the side of the road, not the middle of it. If you see a STOP sign then STOP!!! If you don't want to obey traffic signs then get on the sidewalk.
You know if you rode one of those stationary bikes we wouldn't have this problem. After all I don't drive through your living room, do I?
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