The Thing For the Who and the Whatever...

Tomorrow is caucus day here in Colorado. I am kind of sad that we dont just go and vote but not having caucused before I am looking forward to it. Some longtime readers (pretty much just two of you) may remember a running diary blog i did about voting way back in November of 2006. I had a good time even thought it wasnt a great blog. Anyway, i am going to do that again this year during the caucus for two reasons; one, i am addicted to sharing my boring life with you 6 people and two, I am hoping it will be interesting....and if it isnt I will just make shit up.

*****
Lookie Here...



sweet eh?

*****
Alright, time to get to work....

Happy Monday to you all..

B

Is There an Instant Message Slang For I Just Nearly Shit My Pants Laughing and Spit Water on My Machine?

Cuz i just did...

I got this instant message while working on some building descriptions...

Munpe Q: There is a guy in this meeting with a rubics cube. Does he even know what his penis is used for?



Oh my Q...

Photo...

A random shot i took at work...




What's your favorite Megafauna?

Colorado Obama Rally Update...

Holy Crap!

**swoon**

It isnt just that he is inspiring (which he is), it isnt just that he is an excellent public speaker (which he is), it's that I actually like his message. I actually like what he has to say. I believe in him, that he would lead the country in a stong, intelligent manner.

Right now, for today-one day at least-I dont feel like casting a vote in a national election would be choosing between a lesser of two evils.


~B

Tonight

Why doesnt the washing machine beep when it is done with a cycle? I mean, the dryer beeps but not the washer. I have found that I often dont care when the dryer is done as I let the clothes sit there...but the washer...yeah I care about the washer.

*****
My head feels kinda like it is a big balloon. Stuffed full. It isnt painful, just strange. I cant describe it.

*****
How 'bout Obama's big win in South Carolina? I was pretty excited about it. He will be in town tomorrow morning for a rally and I would love to go but seriously Obama, 8:30am? Trying to fit in all those flyover states...

Former Pres. Bill Clinton is having a rally for the ol ball and chain tomorrow night at 9pm. He's pretty rad so I would like to go to that as well and yet...you know I am just going to work and then come home and maybe work some more. Oh, how I love Marfa....



~tweet
B

How Dumb Are Voters?

If you are to believe the media, pretty fucking dumb.

Everyday, all day, the democratic candidates are facing the most ridiculous questions that have ever been asked of people seeking the presidential nomination. Before this year the "stupidest question" was always something silly like, did you inhale. These days, however, it's all about race and gender. Are you going after the African-American vote in South Carolina? You didnt win a majority of the female vote, do you think that will hurt your chances?

Barack Obama was on the Today show yesterday, talking about the heated debate the night before in Myrtle Beach, SC. I thought he did well answering Meredith Viera's stupid race questions with, "I think we are all trying to win every vote in south carolina."

Honestly, i am tired of the media (liberal and conservative) going on and on about whether we are going to vote black or white, male or female. It is insulting to all of us as voters. It is obvious that the voters arent just making choices based on race and gender, so why cant the media stop shoving it in our face as if it is the only issue we care about?! Why cant we have a discussion about stances on health care and the economy and education and social security....you know-issues the voters have said are important? God, what i wouldnt give for a lock-box discussion right fucking now!

And you know that if Clinton or Obama are nominated it will just be more of this until the national election. And then, if either of them win in November 08 it will be four years of analyzing every goddamn decision based on their race or gender. It will go on nonstop even though voters will have stopped caring a long time ago.

The question isnt whether voters are ready for a black or woman president...the question is; is the media ready?

Hope

This article makes me shine.

Perhaps there is hope for the country yet...

I like smart people, no matter what gender or color.


~tweets
B

You Know It's a Shitty Monday When...

You get an email Sunday Night that says all your work done on Friday is gone due to a catastrophic loss of array resulting from a hard disk failure.

What does that mean exactly? All those tables you made detailing every site you recorded in the RGV including the date of construction and NR eligibility is gone baby, gone.

Monday is my favorite day ever...

Neato...

I will buy you a beer if you can tell me what this is...




No cheating by installing google and then googling it...

Tomorrow I will let you know what it is and then properly cite it since it is too cool just to snag.

peas
Bird

Douche

I have this blechy gross feeling in the pit of my stomache. I wish i could make it go away but what I can do is blog and say, "you fucking douche!" Sigh...hardly anyone knows what I am talking about or, more important, who that is for.

Angry Claudio

FYI...i just got a flickr account. You can check it out here. Perhaps you noticed from the huge photos on the blog...pushing around all the text and borders of my site. Yes indeed, i think that in the future I will just be posting like regular on blogspot. Feel free to check out the photos on flickr. I dont know when I will be posting more but perhaps soon. it is good stuff.

Also, i have a new listography account too. Q turned me onto this by way of the listography book. Fun Stuff. Who know how often i will update but I will post links on the right there.


Okay....now on to the post...

*********

The family and I were in Tucson with hours to kill so we headed out to the Biosphere 2. The guy giving the tour was named Claudio. He was the same guy who did my tour several years ago when I was doing research in Arizona. At that time, i happened to tour with a tv crew from Phoenix. He was very good.

This time, however, it was just us regular folks...he was not so nice. I could go on and on about Angry Claudio but why when others have come before me...



Here, Claudio seems to be saying, "Can you hear me? Am I boring you? Come closer to Claudio and I will tell you how I saved the biospherians' lives. What? You heard what? No, no you have been misinformed!"

***
I am home now...for at least a week. Who wants to go to a Rage-Bees Game?

Energy Center

Energy Center, originally uploaded by birdorama.

The Energy Center at the Biosphere 2. Neat buildings

Harlan J. Smith Telescope at McDonald Observatory

Smith doors opening, originally uploaded by birdorama.

Doors opening for the Smith Telescope. 107 inches baby!

Antelope Lodge

Antelope Lodge Window, originally uploaded by birdorama.

I liked this window. The Antelope Lodge in Alpine Texas is so cute. It was a motor court that has been minimally updated. Super great place with a wonderful staff, rock shop, and a nice fuzzy gato named Clementine.

Super Guppy

Super Guppy, originally uploaded by birdorama.

Nasa Super Guppy baby. This carried spacecraft components. I cant even believe that a thing like this can fly...

El Paso Museum Sculpture

El Paso Museum Sculpture, originally uploaded by birdorama.

Daisies...yay! The El Paso Museum of Art is free. When I was there, killing time before my flight to Tucson, i was able to check out art and listen to a piano recital. Good stuff

Marfa Prada

Marfa Prada, originally uploaded by birdorama.

A Pop Art piece west of Marfa Texas.

VLBA Ft Davis

VLBA Ft Davis, originally uploaded by birdorama.

I saw this from the McDonald Observatory and was very excited. It is one of ten that stretch from Hawaii to the US Virgin Islands. Neato

It's All About the Hair...

Family....honestly what could be better then drinking, arguing, talking, "sharing", with family. Huh....absolutely nothing.

There are some serious issues with these here folks...

Check out Sklimps baby!

Texas Update

Good old McDonalds. I dont even like this damn place and I have been here to do interweb stuff three times this week. Blech. Skipping the food and just having a coke so I suppose it could be worse.

Anyway...today was kind of a slacker day. Research in Alpine and Fort Davis. Everything is 30 miles from everywhere else and only open half days so i found myself with some extra time in Fort Davis. Not enough to hop in the rental and drive back to Apline or Marfa so instead i hit McDonald Observatory which was only 16 miles from the TPWD offices.



Best 8 bucks I have spent in a long time. I was the only person for most of it and then two old farts joined the guided tour and real-time look at the sun (yes, in fact i did burn out my eyes) just in time to ask stupid questions over and over again. Awesome.

While taking photos from outside the domes I saw what looked like an antenna and in fact, it was.



I didnt take this photo. This is from the NRAO website. However, i did take a photo and will post stuff soon. Anyway, this is one of the ten radio telescope antennas scattered from Hawaii to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Good times.

I also saw animals today. Lots of em...dead wild pig, bunch of turkeys, a field filled with elk and baby elk and miniature horses and cows. It was truly insane.

Alright. I am out of here tomorrow afternoon and since i wont be going home but rather spending time with family against my will, prepare your self for blogs of anger and annoyance. Indeed.

peas
B

Marfa

Well, what can i say about Marfa and Alpine and Van Horn and Sierra Blanca and El Paso? Perhaps the fact that I am blogging at the local McDonalds because my hotel (completely wonderful in every other way) has stupidly stupid wifi will help you understand...

Lemme just show you some photos and then i can explain it all later. I am out of Texas on Thursday afternoon and on to Arizona. Oh yes-so excited-can you feel the sarcasm?












More later...

B

Another Year In The Can..

2007 wasnt too bad. Good things happened, bad things happened...all in all a decent one. I would even go so far as to say above average.

I am looking forward to 2008 if only because I like to write 8's. Some may say this is a silly reason and to them I would say, stfu and leave me be.

****
He who shall be unnamed is going to the winter classic tomorrow. Lucky...

What a fun event I hope the sabers win for my friend but I must say that I may root for the penguins just because of their sweet jersey...



Yes, that's right I would like a jersey shipped to my house...how thoughtful of you.

****
I kind of hate new years because I feel that there is so much pressure to do something, be somewhere, and make out with someone at the stroke of midnight (no wiener jokes Q). It is almost as bad as Valentines Day but at least on new years eve you dont need to explain why you got so drunk and wet yourself.

****
Last October i bought a Balloon Fiesta calendar while in NM for said event. It was the only bright spot in an otherwise shitty vacation and I am excited that tomorrow I will actually start using it. And by using it I mean sitting around when I am supposed to be working and looking at the nifty balloons. See...




"Why do you like hot air balloons so much Bird?" you might ask yourself. I dont know my friend, I dont know.

****
Happy happy new year to you all and drive safe or call a cab.

peaches and tweets...B

Q & A with Munpe Q

Q and i just got back from the tattoo shop. Somebody got ink and it wasnt me. Neither of us feel like drinking or watching a movie so we came back to mess around with xmas gifts and watch some football. Go Giants!

You know what happens when birdy gets bored...

Random Blog!! Lucky Q...i decided to grill him and then post the answers.

(aside: has anyone else seen the pretentious hummer helps commercial? blech, i feel dirty just for watching it.)

Bird: What should be my first Question Munpe Q?
Munpe Q: That's an interesting thing you've asked. The first question in an interview style Q&A should be "what was your first reaction when the NHL came to you for a potential trade?"

B: Wouldnt i only ask that if you were an actual NHL player??
Q: Yes

B: Okay...Who do you like in the game tonight?
Q: I like the Pats. I think the combination route the Giants just tried to run provides an insight into their weaknesses.

B: Did you just make that up?
Q: Yeah why?

B: No reason...How was your xmas?
Q: It was in reverse, interestingly enough.

B: How's that?
Q: Instead of opening gifts traditionally, we actually had to wrap all our gifts, put them under the tree and then eventually return them to the store.

B: Are you saying you didnt like the shit I got you?
Q: The shit you got me, was indeed, shit.

B: I guess I kinda walked into that eh?
Q: Yes

B: What should I ask you?
Q: You already asked me that.

B: What do you think they are talking about in March on the NFL Network?
Q: I am going to sound like an idiot but I believe they are talking about math equations etc.

B: Like SAT/ACT prep?
Q: Sure.

B: Is it possible that this is the worst idea I have ever come up with for a blog?
Q: As, the subject matter, yes I believe you could have done better.

B: Sigh...this thing is done....

******
Fancy ink shots after the initial bleeding is done.




tweet
B

Good Tidings & Whatnot...

As promised here is my happy festive holiday posting...


WTF? is the deal with all this snow?

The forecast called for "flurries" not 7 inches and temps of 10 degrees.

Sadness...

Oscar Peterson Dies

A bummer indeed. I suppose I shall be supplanting White Christmas with Night Train this evening...

****
I promise to be back with a happy post sometime tomorrow...after gift opening but before getting sloshed on holiday spirits...

Um...Hello?

Um...Hi?

I dont want to freak you guys out but tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Yeah, that's right, only one more shopping day left and...i havent received cards or gifts from most of you.

I am a little disappointed. I mean, you guys know I dont expect much but come on....not even a crappy holiday "newsletter."

You better get your act together or Santa will break into your house and take a crap on your tree skirt.

from


Tweet tweet goes the xmas bird

InThis Season of Giving...

I am being a bitch.

Sorry...I promise to get my act together.


B

Lunchtime Musings

Some of the stuff I say is funny. Some of it. However, sometimes writing said things out makes me giggle...

Farty McNeesh


snicker....

L...O...N...G............S...C...R...E...E...N

I am at Munpe Q's office. It is new and nice and he has the longest computer screen I have ever seen. it is like...9miles long. Like, schlong long...

Let me give you a list of things I like about Q's new job
+ 25 cent sodas!

That's it because, really i dont work here so things he likes about it are probably totally different then things i like...

****
Saw I Am Legend last night. I dont know what to say about it really. I guess, after all the previews etc, I was so very excited for it. Which is why I kinda felt let down after it was over but i have to ask myself, "Self," cause that's what I call myself, "Was that really a bad movie?" The answer is...no not at all...which is why i cant figure out what to say about it.

I can tell you that i had a dream that I was riding around in a Border Patrol Truck with Master Chief and we had to roll the windows up because of a virus. But he would need to pull over and as crazy people different strange and vague questions. It was unsettling Needless to say, I didnt sleep well.

****
I have lots-o-shopping to do. Serious shopping is needed for my rich uncle skeleton, Hercules Rockefeller. If you happen to know him and maybe also know what he wants could you please help me out? Sweet thanks.



Alright kiddos. I plan on using the remainder of my time reading my newest Haruki Murakami book, which i have had to ignore because i actually have work to do.

tweet tweet
B

Tuba Sadness

Guess what I missed this year kiddies?



That's right, the strangest and most entertaining event of the holiday season...
Tuba Christmas.

Damn Texas and its warm weather! It lulled me into a state of unawares and I spaced it.

Oh how can I go on?!

Does anyone out there play the tuba and maybe is willing to come to my house and serenade me with xmas music? There's a cup of scalding hot cocco in it for ya...

Give Me A Break...

I read this article today on ESPN...

"Descendant of Davy Crockett Kills Bear" Turns out some 5 year old shot a 445lb Black Bear with his grandfather. Bet they don't make precious moments for that eh?


If the story had been about the boy killing the bear with his hands, or maybe stumbling upon a bear eating his grandfather and then shooting it with his youth rifle, then maybe I would have been impressed. But here's how it went down:

"Tre Merritt, a descendant of Davy Crockett, was hunting with his grandfather Mike Merritt when a black bear happened upon their stand...'He came in about 40 to 50 yards,' Mike Merritt said of the black bear, 'and when he got in the open, I whistled at him and he stopped and I said, 'Shoot Tre.'"

How can you call this a "sport" when you can sit in a tree all damn day and wait for a bear to happen upon you while you shoot it from above? (wow...Ka-Boom) Doesn't it make you wonder if you can call it a fair fight when a five year old with a youth rifle can take down a 445 pound bear? I mean, this doesn't happened very often- but is it because it is hard to take down a bear or just that most people don't take their five year-olds out bear hunting? I am 99% sure that if I was sitting in a tree waiting for something/someone to stumble in front of my line of fire that I would be able to take it out too. That goes for Non as well...though he's no spring chicken anymore right, i mean-he is almost in third grade.

Lame....

Who's Your Daddy

I have already selected my candidate in the Democratic primary. However, recently he has been a bad boy posing with the likes of...




Yikes!

I know, i know, the O is a huge celebrity and could boost his numbers dramatically but i just want you to know that I liked him first!

The idea that I would possibly pick a candidate for president solely because some self-righteous-know-it-all told me to is just maddening.

While I want my guy to win, i hope that Oprah's star power has nothing to do with it. Honestly, wouldnt it be a sad world if the only thing that sways you one way or the other is who he's friends with?

Can I be Frank?

I dont mind saying that now, back from Texas, I dont have any desire to actually deal with the data we gathered while down there. I am ready to shove it all in a folder and move on to something else....sadly, my boss has other ideas.

~~~~~
For those of you in love with the Texas Waffles you can buy your very own at www.texaswafflemaker.com. I am currently planning my own line of waffle makers tentatively named, "Waffles of the World." I swear to god if you steal my idea I will kill you and make waffles with your insides. Do Not fuck with me in this season of cheer and general merry-making.

~~~~~
I have to say, I am not tapping into the christmas feeling. I listened to some holiday music yesterday in an attempt to get into the spirit but only succeeded in getting Wonderful Christmastime stuck in my head. Oh McCartney, why do you curse me so?!

Mmmm...Tastes Like Texas

Yummers

"The more I am, the less I know, And what I do is all too much"

It's been a long time since I have last wrote. Like many vacations I feel like I have things to say but am so unmotivated to share. Let's see....

a minor thanksgiving miracle occurred when i realized that the sweet baby jesus is bringing back American Gladiators.

I am in Texas. There are bugs and mice and opossum's and texas shaped waffles (sorry Q but I had to mention it).

Also, god willing there will be Killer Bee Hockey as well...

*******
I suppose those are the highlights for now...


peas

B

Dumb

"...it looks like some sort of ocular device."

Really Nicolas Cage or should I say writers for Nicolas Cage

I dont know about you guys but I need to clean my ocular devices...

Olden Times

Here is why Olden Times is my favorite historical period...

"The Tactical and Strategical Value of Dirigible Balloons and Aerodynamical Flying Machines" written by,

Good Old Texas

Something I like about Texas; crazy names! There has to be a heavy German population based on some of the city names. My favorite so far is Pflugerville. Also, signs for the water park, Schlitterbahn. Come ride the Schlitterbahn...that's how you get someone into bed. (ba dum bum)

Of course there are the good old native american names too like, my favorite, Waxahachie. Q turned me onto it and guess what everyone, the Superconducting Super Collider was to be built near by! Who doesnt love a boondoggle?

Blarg....

I cant f-ing sleep.

I guess i dont have much else to say...

Austin is humid and tomorrow it is supposed to be 87 degrees! yikes.




I can see this huge ass building from the hotel.

Also, this building



......

lord, where is the sleep hiding at?

Wastin Time

I am going to Austin for work tomorrow and because of that I have some time to kill. You know what that means: Random Posts!!

********
I have been sitting up all day! For those of you not following my back pain story we are at day 12 of me barely being able to stand and sit. Hopefully it will continue to get better and better rather then get better and then worse when I decide to go jump around on a jumpy air castle thingy with a bunch of 7 year olds...

********
Check out the Hi-larious poll question over at 9news.com:

"During the Wyoming/Utah football game, Utah attempted an onside kick while leading 43-0, prompting the Wyoming coach to give Utah the finger. Which coach's actions do you think were more unsportsmanlike?"

That's good times...

********
Is this news? Yeah, I didnt think so.

********
Ouch.

The Verdict...

Q felt that I needed to say more. The lemon chess pie wasnt chunky but I felt that it needed more tartness. When I asked Q to give me a one word description he said, "reminiscent" which I suppose is good. Of course, i never asked what it was reminiscent of so maybe it isnt as good as I thought...

Why Is It Chunky?!

I am sure that Munpe Q will confirm that two of the previous three statements are true; however, I really wanted to try and make this Lemon Chess Pie that Q used to eat as a kid. I found a couple recipes online and it seemed simple enough. Even with my busted back it was do-able.

Things seemed to be going well but my first glitch came when I realised I needed three tablespoons of lemon zest. That is a hell of a lot. Then after beating and beating (no joke) it refused to get smooth. I even left out the cornmeal so there is really no excuse. It was insane. Liquid lemon batter shooting all over the kitchen. Eventually it got to a point where i said fuck it and dumped it into a pie dish.

It is baking as I write and i will post a photo showing Q's reaction to it when it's done.

***
Here's the real question though; why the hell can't I cook. I mean, it feels like I used to be able to and now I cant. Maybe I just thought I could cook and really never could...sadness. It is one thing if I choose not to cook and quite another if I am unable to

What Am I Missing...

Those Who Do Not Learn From the Past...

Two years ago I was sitting in my house waiting for my back to stop hurting so I could go back to work and to my life. Here I am again, laying on the couch and not in the "lazy sunday" kind of way. I have been down and out for a couple days and missed yet another entertaining function so i could instead, writhe on the couch and watch Constantine. I actually kind of liked it, the movie that is.

Needless to say, I am pretty tired of this. I went for a massage on friday and Ms. Paine (no lie) worked my glutes. Seems my lower back pain is centered in my ass.



Interesting. After the massage I noticed a difference but a couple of hours later and my ass had tightened up again and I was back to laying around writhing in pain.

Seriously tired of this shit.

As an aside, what the fuck is wrong with the Broncos?

B

Something I Saw That I Liked...

Stab-Lok Load Center

I think i peed a little...

What made me pee you ask?

"Do not open the cover. Do not eat the balls."

No, not pron at work. Geekologie of course.

Also, Texas is being a bitch this afternoon.

That feeling....

Has anyone ever watched Sports Night?

It's a really great show and there is one episode where the character is talking about the Three Dog Night song, Eli's Coming. If you've seen it you know.

It feels like Eli's Coming...

I hope I am wrong.

Happy New Week

B

St. Crispin's Day Speech

King Henry V:

What's he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmorland. No, my fair cousin:
If we are marked to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God's will, I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It ernes me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires:
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England:
God's peace, I would not lose so great an honour
As one man more, methinks, would share from me
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more.
Rather proclaim it presently through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart. His passport shall be made
And crowns for convoy put into his purse:
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is called the Feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a-tiptoe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall see this day and live t'old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say "To-morrow is Saint Crispian":
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars
And say "These wounds I had on Crispin's day."
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remembered.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now abed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day. (IV, iii)

They're Made of Meat

Good stuff...

AtomFilms.com: Funny Videos | Funny Cartoons | Comedy Central

My iPod Hero...

Oh swoon...

I thought I had broken yet another ipod (this time by no fault of my own) and then my hero, Munpe Q (cheers), fixed it for me.

If you see this,



let me know and I will lend him to you.


mini tanks to you Q

First Snow

I love the first snow of the year. Maybe it's the suddenness of change.



This time of year I am reminded of a book I read. Hardly remember anything about it except a passage about watching a lake freeze for the first time. Something about it sticks with me.

I love the fall and I love the winter but I hope that it isnt as wet as last year.



That was a bit much.

*******
The new job is very good so far. Lots of writing and research and so far I am happy. The folks are nice, if not a bit quiet. That's no worries though because I am loud mouth and tend to force people in that direction.

*******
The Jerk is on as I type, "I'm in print! Things are going to start happening to me now" "'Johnson, Navin R.' sounds like a typical bastard." Some days are like that i suppose...

Happy sunday to you folks.

B

Silly Things

"A roof to a building is in many ways like a hat to a person."  Thanks Oklahoma SHPO!

 

In case you were wondering; my house has a Salt Box Roof. 

 

~B

Socorro, New Mexico; Where Hope Goes To Die

I recently got back from vacation in New Mexico. All the usual suspects,




plus, finally, the Balloon Fiesta.



Check out the fireworks afterwards...



Looking at these you might be tempted to say, "Wow Bird, what a lovely vacation." Yes indeed, it was so close to being a lovely vacation but then I had the audacity to mock Socorro and, more specifically, The Hammel Museum.

I had a blog all started about the Museum with the above title. See, the Hammel Museum, "started as a beer garden and, in the intervening century, became successively a brewery, an ice plant, a soda bottling plant, and finally ended as an active industry still making ice." It was named after the Hammel's who's great grandfather was Jacob Hammel an immigrant from Munich, Bavaria. He arrived in 1848 with his friend Eberhard Anheuser who wanted Hammel to start a brewery with him in St. Louis. Hammel said no and started his own brewing company which he called the Illinois Brewery. Hammel was somewhat successful and in the late 1880's moved to Socorro and brought his business with him. His pal Eberhard did pretty well too; his brewery is still up and running. You may have heard of it...Anheuser-Busch.

So Hammel is pretty much a tool for not listening to his pal Eberhard and that was the point I was going to make. You know, stuff like, "Nice work Socorro. Way to honor the boneheaded decision of Hammel there." Before I got a chance though, the swift hand of fate made its own move. It didnt take the form of a burning bush, or a booming voice from the sky but rather as a 10 cent screw and a two bit fuse.

Needless to say, dont fuck with Socorro.

Who's Going Into Labor?

A big Congrats to my pal Corn and Beans and her Husband, "Guns don't kill people. Chuck Norris kills People."

They are the proud parents of a new baby boy, yesterday! I heard he came out kicking. Good work you two. I assume you are making me godfowl right? What?! Come on?!!


Best best wishes to you both!

You've Got To Be Kidding Me?! Or, How San Diego Ruined My Sunday Afternoon

Nice work Chargers, you buncha losers. I hope the Rockies beat the snot out of you to teach the city a lesson.

What's the lesson you ask? Stop losing to the Chiefs at home. I mean seriously. The Chiefs? I think i just puked a little. For those not able to hear my crys of sorrow yesterday afternoon, the Chargers lost and knocked me out of my Survival Pool. I knew i shoulda picked the Colts. Lame.

************
In other sports related news, I am in a bowling league and couldnt be more apathetic. It was kind of sprung upon me (as much as you can spring an 8 month bowling league on someone) and before I had a chance to back out, I was filling out my ABA Sanction card.

I am not a very good bowler but one would think that after 8 months of bowling every monday night from 6:30-9 that I would be like Pete F-ing Webber at the end...



...we can only hope.

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My friends are funny. Please Click Here and Participate in Goofy Goodness.

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Hockey starts for me on Wednesday Night as the Avs host the Stars for the home opener. Of course Q and non and I will be attending (look for us Way Up High). It should be interesting as the new Reebok Jerserys are literally falling apart at the seams.



Read all about it here

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Lots of sports today so here's a link in the opposite direction

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I am out of town starting on thursday and hopefully by wednesday of next week I will have exciting Balloon Fiesta pictures. Oh yes, it's my year baby!


Happy monday...

B

UPDATE
Lord, its only been 10min and i already have two things to update you on (As Q notes, "Nobody has as much time to screw around at work like you do." Honestly, it is more of a public service then anything else...so really I am like a hero)

First....Gross and Funny and Mean

and Second...I think my head just exploded while reading this headline, "Woman gives birth to own grandchildren"

Achoo!

Have you ever sneezed with your mouth open? Not recommended.

Yes kiddos, birdy has a summer cold. It hit at really a horrible time. I am trying to cram tons of work, a vacation, a show, and some hockey games into two weeks and really cant afford to slack off. Ah well, you take the good, you take the bad, you take em both and there you have the facts of life right? Right.

*****
The Weakerthans show was last night and I am happy Q gently pushed me to go despite my whinning. It was a good show and I got to see my new favorite person ever. He looked like Napoleon Dynamite but with a rat tail (also curly!) and a puffy metalic Unicorn t-shirt. I shit you not. He was one of those cats that always pumps his hand in the air even if it's a ballad. Good times.

I wish I could write more but my head is filled with what feels like Jam. It is hard for me to concentrate so I will wish you a happy weekend.

Tweet tweet went the bird

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes

Certainly I have used that title before, right?

Anyway, in hopes of becoming a richer man or at least a more intellectually challenged man (too late!), I accepted a job with an environmental company working in the cultural resouces division. Archaeology is a harsh mistress.



I am excited about the new job because it looks to be the nice mix of some field work but more research, writing, doc production, GIS, etc. I am tired of slogging around the west not eating so i can save per diem. I had decided a long while ago that it was the only true archaeology job I would take and so, when they offered me a job about a week ago I figured it would be stupid to say no. I hope it proves to be as friendly as it sounds.

The Many Loves Of Birdy P

It is late and again I cant sleep. So many random thoughts running through my mind.

Remember The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis? God, I loved that show when I was a kid. Still do although, it most likely doesnt hold up...like voltron sadly.



I think that most likely this blog wont be as good if you cant listen to my ipod while reading it. Right now I am listening to the song "Kaze Wo Atsumete" from the Lost in Translation soundtrack. In case you were wondering, I have no idea what the song is about and I dont think i want to know.

Cherish by The Association. This song makes me think of that long long drive on The Loneliest Road in America. I had a severely sprained ankle and had left my cd's in San Francisco. 13 hours with only intermittent AM radio and my ipod. Luckily someone in bumfuck nevada was playing Cherish. They dont write songs like that anymore.

Wolf Parade, Grounds for Divorce....I like em even if the lead singer has a bad voice.

Late Night Musings
I love the smell of sunscreen on skin. Mine, or anyone elses. There is something so, summer-y or active or another adjective, that makes me happy inside.

I cant stop thinking about Yuma, Arizona and okra at the crazy texas restaurant while i decided if I should blow off Tucson and drive to LA.

I am thinking about Carter Lake and the rock and Alaska.

I am thinking about Q and how great it felt today when he placed his hand on my head. The sun was shining and there was a great breeze but it was so cool and his hand so warm.

About how much I still like the Spin Doctors. I cant help myself. There are a couple bands I listened to in High School and no matter how lame or strange or stupid they are I just cant resist them. Crash Test Dummies anyone? Whenever I hear SDrs I think of PE class with Sab.

About Fairfax, VA and how, sadly, I hope I dont get sent there...ever

My grandmother and mother who lost someone close to them and how much it sucks to loose people close to you.

I finished a wonderful book tonight that you should read. The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets. I love it and hate it when you are enjoying a book so much that you dont want it to end. Really, very good stuff. And again I am looking for something else to read. Anyone have something to recommend?

Sorrow by David Bowie. Lord that is a good song. The happiest sad song ever.

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I think it may be time to rest. Perhaps typing this all out will wring it from my mind. One can only hope.

Sweetest of dreams to you...

Birdy

Curl Up and Dye

Guess what everybody?!

*What Bird?!*

The 2009 U.S. Olympic curling trials will be held in Denver!

*Really? Lets all go!!*

I totally agree!
Guess who we beat out?

*Who?*

Bismarck, Fairbanks, Milwaukee and Rochester

*Shut Up!*

I know, pretty stiff competition eh?

*Should I give you money for tickets now?*

No, we have some time.

*How Much?*

Let's see....7000 seat available and today is September 19th, 2007....so we have...17 months.

*Good Christ!*

That's what I thought.

UPDATE
It's Talk Like a Pirate Day!
Aaaaaayyyyy Matey

Avast and so forth.

UPDATE 2
I hope it didnt sound like I dont like curling, cuz I do. How can you not. It is so different that I am fascinated everytime it is on. Dont believe me? Read Here

Passing Time

I am browsing through fark.com and thought I would post some story tags that I thought were particularly clever. With links.


"Controversy erupts at women's World Cup as the Chinese team is accused of spying on other teams. Chinese team coach Chen-Ming Belichick angrily denies the accusations"

"Attendance at Marlins/Nationals game barely surpasses number of Spartans at Thermopylae"

"The 10 worst team names in sports. Surprisingly, the Butte Pirates are only No. 2"

"Put out a APB for a white male riding a bike, carrying a giant white teddy bear... oh wait, there he is"

"The federal government estimates it will cost $100 billion to deport all illegal immigrants. A bunch of Mexicans at the 7-11 around the corner say they'll do it for $500 cash"

"Hey Texas. SURPRISE -- I'm a hurricane. Love, Humberto"

And this; the best photo ever...

Hockey

Training Camp for the Avalanche starts tomorrow. I am in that general area so I am hoping to bail on work in the next coming months and go to an avs practice. I have heard that they are fun to attend, though they certainly cant be any more boring then a Broncos practice...

Here's a link to a slideshow of the new Uniforms. They could have been worse but I think I am going to have to agree with the Uniwatch on this one.

No matter I am excited for hockey season!

Happy thursday

B

The Weakerthans

My most favorite band from Canada is coming to town on the 27th of September.

Here is a link to mp3's and videos of them. I highly recommend Plea From A Cat Named Virtue and the video of the Psalm for the Elks Lodge Last Call. They are playing at the Marquis Theater across from my favorite bar (and home of the lying insane bartender) Scruffy Murphys.

You know you want to buy a ticket and then have a beer...

Oh No You Din't

Ocho Cinco just left a message, insulting me and saying I didnt have a job.

 

I believe i have a new nemesis...

Things I Dont Understand

Whooo...hectic!

Happiest of birthdays to Munpe Q last weekend.

I know that He Who Shall Be Unnamed is having a birthday soon as well but I cant remember the specific date (it has been 5 years) and he hasnt told me yet so...there you go.

The AIDS Walk went off with very few hitches on my part and I will have a blog about it soon.

Now...for an installment of Things I Dont Understand

Number 1
People who are so uncomfortable in their own skin that they have to talk on the phone, actually jumping from conversation to conversation, rather then just sit and read or listen to music, or not think. Who the hell can you call at such an early hour I wonder?

Number 2
People who smoke dope at 7:30am. I mean, i cant even begin to understand that. Just the idea makes me cringe.


Alrighty..

Hope the week is going great for everyone!

B

We're* All Gonna Die!

*Redheads, Gingers, Carrot Tops, Fire Crotches, etc.

Someone mentioned that they read an article about redheads going extinct in 100 years. I found an interesting article about it here.

Hmm...a dying breed. You know that in 75 years someone will come up with the crazy idea to round up the remaining redheads and force them to have babies and grow their hair long for wigs. Man, am I glad I wont be alive in 75 years. Oh wait...no I'm not!

Whouda Thunk It

Friday...pay day...raise day...last day before a three day weekend...

Oh, there goes my birdmobile.

Have you seen that commercial where the couple makes the last payment on their car and then their rearview mirror falls off? That was me on Friday. It seemed to be a glorious day, what with it being all of those things you read above, but instead of my mirror falling off, it was my headgaskets about to blow. Oh what joy.

It lead to a really crappy friday afternoon and a bummer of a weekend. Today doesnt really seem to be looking too hot either.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a safe holiday weekend filled with no labor and no DUI's.

B

PS. 802.1q...I am sorry.