TV Cream's Top 100 Toys
Happy to say Evel made the list...also good to see the Vertibird.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Greatest Christmas Present Ever
Funegro has grown a bit stale again, so I thought a bit of Christmas banter might prime the pump. Post a comment and let me know the greatest single Christmas present you ever got. I'll go first...
For me, it was the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle and action figure. There was no limit to how fast you could make this thing go, and it was virtually indestructable. I would routinely jump it out of my second story window with nary a scratch.
For me, it was the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle and action figure. There was no limit to how fast you could make this thing go, and it was virtually indestructable. I would routinely jump it out of my second story window with nary a scratch.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Monday, December 13, 2004
Monday, December 06, 2004
Friday, December 03, 2004
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Friday, November 26, 2004
ramble on
so i woke up at 6.30 on the biggest shopping day of the year and thought i'd go to best buy in search of a $29 mp3 player or a $59 plasma screen tv or a $89 laptop because i didn't have to work and i like the holidays and it seemed like a way to get in the conspicuous christmas consumption seasonal spirit and besides the early bird gets the worm unless the supplies of worms are limited to 3 per store then they usually go to the pakistani family who've been camped out in front of the store doors for a fortnight along with the thousands of pale joyless shoppers who packed the parking lot awaiting the automatic doors swinging wide open to reveal glorious deals and the thrill of jamming the aisles with their bleary-eyed, disheveled selves so late risers like me would have to deal with msrp on every electronic item in the store with the exception of the $199 sansui televrator which i passed on since the line to purchase an item was 322 people deep and i figured time is money so i went home to eat some bacon and collect the kids for a trip to the zoo where we saw some meerkats and came home to eat some soup and do some yardwork before eating a hearty protein rich dinner so i wouldn't get lightheaded and pass out at the gym where i overheard some musclehead proclaim to his lady friend over a military press that "vertical run is one of my all time favorite films."
Thursday, November 25, 2004
happy thanksgiving
"If you do not fall down on your knees each day with overwhelming gratitude for your blessings -- your multiplying multitudes of blessings -- then you just have not yet seen the big picture."
--Sir John Templeton (honorary member of Funegro)
--Sir John Templeton (honorary member of Funegro)
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Music & Memory
I was struck yesterday morning and again today while driving to work how powerful music is in its ability to transport you to another place and time. Yesterday morning on XM I heard "Tuesday's Gone" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Only three chords in, I was instantly transported back to my bedroom circa 1976. Sitting on the red shag, carefully placing a penny on the tonearm, examining the liner notes and squeezing every watt out of that Pioneer SX-750 with the big-as-a-Volkswagen Marantz speakers (and trying to ignore the world outside my door).
Eric was undoubtedly either out on a date or working (anything to just be OUT somewhere). I remember the smell of Minute Steak wafting up form the kitchen below. I remember my Dad arriving home in the jalopy du jour, tie tucked safely into his shirt (per DuPont guidelines) and awkward silences throughout dinner as we struggled to maintain our happy family persona.
Music did then and still does today provide me an escape from the world outside my door. I'm thankful for it, and thankful for a brother who laid a solid foundation upon which to build - Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Allman Brothers, Beatles, and many more.
New Commenting System
In an effort to continuously improve the user experience for the vast Funegro community, I have implemented a new commenting system (because I think it is cooler). Please embrace this new system in the spirit of progress and brotherhood.
Monday, November 15, 2004
my deaconly purpose
as a rookie deacon, i've been trying to find my fit in ministry. how best to serve the church.
i'm happy to report, dear reader of funegro, my month of november obligation has now become my passion: counting attendance.
of course, the power of a clipboard and the freedom to hang with the sound guys in the balcony is intoxicating.
but it's the accurate count that i find to be so elusive, so seductive, and yet so compelling.
for years, our brotherhood has been subjected to sloppy counting techniques. i, myself, have borne witness to numbers that were a bit too round, so-called "preacher counts," and some just not finishing the work by citing the biblical precedent of joab in 1Ch 27:24.
it's a vexing problem, to be certain, what with parishioners carelessly milling about the halls and going "to the bathroom" -- all during prime counting time.
to guard against the dreaded double count (curse you, o counter's nemesis!) i took the bold initiative to chalk the back of every member and guest as they entered the sanctuary last nite. admittedly, this move took most by surprise -- especially that one lady in the cashmere suit. but i do believe the spirit of my effort was appreciated. or at least it will be over time.
of course, this lo-fi chalk effort was merely child's play, serving as a stopgap measure until my requisition to retrofit nametags with rfid tags is approved.
in addition to the moratorium i'm placing on coats draped over pews and that numbered vest experiment, i welcome your bold ideas.
i can't rest until every person is counted. on my watch, no child (or adult) will be left behind.
i'm happy to report, dear reader of funegro, my month of november obligation has now become my passion: counting attendance.
of course, the power of a clipboard and the freedom to hang with the sound guys in the balcony is intoxicating.
but it's the accurate count that i find to be so elusive, so seductive, and yet so compelling.
for years, our brotherhood has been subjected to sloppy counting techniques. i, myself, have borne witness to numbers that were a bit too round, so-called "preacher counts," and some just not finishing the work by citing the biblical precedent of joab in 1Ch 27:24.
it's a vexing problem, to be certain, what with parishioners carelessly milling about the halls and going "to the bathroom" -- all during prime counting time.
to guard against the dreaded double count (curse you, o counter's nemesis!) i took the bold initiative to chalk the back of every member and guest as they entered the sanctuary last nite. admittedly, this move took most by surprise -- especially that one lady in the cashmere suit. but i do believe the spirit of my effort was appreciated. or at least it will be over time.
of course, this lo-fi chalk effort was merely child's play, serving as a stopgap measure until my requisition to retrofit nametags with rfid tags is approved.
in addition to the moratorium i'm placing on coats draped over pews and that numbered vest experiment, i welcome your bold ideas.
i can't rest until every person is counted. on my watch, no child (or adult) will be left behind.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Monday, November 08, 2004
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
u.s.a.! u.s.a.!
on this rainy election nite, i can hear the faint drone of tv pundits who offer sketchy projections in the next room.
it's an exciting time. democracy is energizing. i must say, though, i felt the unforgiving and judgmental gaze of the senior citizen volunteers manning the polls as i voted tonite. yes, i feel hassled, intimidated and disenfranchised.
caught the prez and the requisite group of marginal g.o.p. texas-style celebrities (toby keith, chuck norris) at his campaign stop at smu last nite. it was novel to see a sitting president. yet despite the urgings of mary to "get in the spirit of the proceedings", i was as enthralled by the david brent lookalike seated in the next section as i was by the sign-waving histrionics, chants of "four more years," and the immovable hair of pete sessions.
the first four years have taken their toll on w. they've also polished his speaking skills. and while he still doesn't strike me as "presidential" and he lacks the rock-star charisma of clinton, i continue to be impressed by his conviction, his principles and his compassion.
here's hoping we know the identity of the next commander in chief in a matter of minutes, not months.
it's an exciting time. democracy is energizing. i must say, though, i felt the unforgiving and judgmental gaze of the senior citizen volunteers manning the polls as i voted tonite. yes, i feel hassled, intimidated and disenfranchised.
caught the prez and the requisite group of marginal g.o.p. texas-style celebrities (toby keith, chuck norris) at his campaign stop at smu last nite. it was novel to see a sitting president. yet despite the urgings of mary to "get in the spirit of the proceedings", i was as enthralled by the david brent lookalike seated in the next section as i was by the sign-waving histrionics, chants of "four more years," and the immovable hair of pete sessions.
the first four years have taken their toll on w. they've also polished his speaking skills. and while he still doesn't strike me as "presidential" and he lacks the rock-star charisma of clinton, i continue to be impressed by his conviction, his principles and his compassion.
here's hoping we know the identity of the next commander in chief in a matter of minutes, not months.
Friday, October 29, 2004
get ready for the holidays
in case you were wondering who to call to help you manage those less-than-welcome seasonal visitors.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
under a blood red moon
tonite's glorious eclipse seems fitting as the red sox are on the verge of reversing the curse. what an amazing story this team is. (yet a rather dull and anticlimactic series.)
great to hear from hefe. bloggin' in marfa. genius.
great to hear from hefe. bloggin' in marfa. genius.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Monday, October 25, 2004
Funegro has grown stale...
...I blame myself.
I am recommitting to frequent postings and I encourage all of you to do the same. Share with the community, no matter how mundane or trivial it may seem!
I am recommitting to frequent postings and I encourage all of you to do the same. Share with the community, no matter how mundane or trivial it may seem!
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Desperately Trying to Change Our Context...
Jed Clampett wearing lederhosen. Pictures of the apocalyptic ice cream cone. A symphony of soft drinks.
What's with these...
Sermon Illustration ads on our blog? Someone post something provocative to get our context changed...
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
full bluntal nugity, part I
i didn't expect it. certainly not here.
it was hidden in a plain brown lunch bag, slid discretely across the breakfast table, out of view from the just awakened coffee-sipping, paper-reading diners.
somewhat startled, i quickly shifted my tired eyes to look around the place, trying not to attract too much attention as i reached into the bag and carefully removed its contents.
what i held in my hand shocked me and triggered flashbacks so powerful and vivid, i could barely control myself.
full bluntal nugity. on dvd.
what an amazing birthday gift from kris. and i'm here to tell you: it does not disappoint.
a full bluntal review is forthcoming. but allow me to share with you the results of my early checklist of disc one content.
gum-chewing ted. check.
gun-toting ted. check.
ted's hairy chested bassist wearing only a vest. check.
ted falling on his backside from water spewed from the hairy-chested bassist wearing only a vest. not on this dvd.
a foot-long squirrel tail hanging off the back of ted's pants, occasionally creating an unstable phallic illusion. check.
ted onstage riding a heavily sedated buffalo with active salivatory glands. check.
ted firing an uzi. check.
ted leading the crowd in that old-time-sing-along favorite "kiss my ass." check.
ted firing a flaming arrow. check.
footage of the nugent family hunting. check.
ted's eyebrows groomed into the nike swoosh. check.
a crowd full of ill-fitting t-shirts and tired middle-aged scrags. check.
ted summoning the spirit of fred the bear. check.
ted recapturing the glory of our high school years with blistering guitar work on dog eat dog, snakeskin cowboys, wang dang, and cat scratch. check.
it was hidden in a plain brown lunch bag, slid discretely across the breakfast table, out of view from the just awakened coffee-sipping, paper-reading diners.
somewhat startled, i quickly shifted my tired eyes to look around the place, trying not to attract too much attention as i reached into the bag and carefully removed its contents.
what i held in my hand shocked me and triggered flashbacks so powerful and vivid, i could barely control myself.
full bluntal nugity. on dvd.
what an amazing birthday gift from kris. and i'm here to tell you: it does not disappoint.
a full bluntal review is forthcoming. but allow me to share with you the results of my early checklist of disc one content.
gum-chewing ted. check.
gun-toting ted. check.
ted's hairy chested bassist wearing only a vest. check.
ted falling on his backside from water spewed from the hairy-chested bassist wearing only a vest. not on this dvd.
a foot-long squirrel tail hanging off the back of ted's pants, occasionally creating an unstable phallic illusion. check.
ted onstage riding a heavily sedated buffalo with active salivatory glands. check.
ted firing an uzi. check.
ted leading the crowd in that old-time-sing-along favorite "kiss my ass." check.
ted firing a flaming arrow. check.
footage of the nugent family hunting. check.
ted's eyebrows groomed into the nike swoosh. check.
a crowd full of ill-fitting t-shirts and tired middle-aged scrags. check.
ted summoning the spirit of fred the bear. check.
ted recapturing the glory of our high school years with blistering guitar work on dog eat dog, snakeskin cowboys, wang dang, and cat scratch. check.
wishing you all full bluntal nugity.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Excellent Ride on Saturday
Excellent bike ride down and around White Rock Lake on Saturday. Just enough drizzle to keep you cool and make you feel committed. Most importantly, it gave me license to do nothing of value or discipline the rest of the day!
Thursday, October 07, 2004
birthday wish
oy! another birthday. time to wax and wane about turning 42. not so much about that whole mortality/aches and pains thing, though.
rather, about the few minutes this morning that made this day a true joy.
seems past birthdays have been a little heavy on reflection. and in my new-found middle age, that usually digresses into a depressing and combustible mix of self-pity, regret, and discontentment. as in, "i sure have accomplished little in my XX years on this planet," "another year of mediocrity under my belt" and "what an unspectacular life so far." so predictable. and, i must admit, after reading one of those articles on "top 40 under 40" executives this afternoon, i felt another sharp twinge of low esteem surging through my aging body.
but as dawn was breaking this morning, i was again reminded of how powerful the encouragement and love of others is.
that's when i opened the birthday card mom and dad sent me the day before. i got weepy as i sat at the intersection of northwest highway and tollway, reading the kind and clearly heartfelt words from my parents.
and a few minutes later, when i stumbled into the tiny booth at the metro for a breakfast with kris, he slid a gift my way. doesn't matter what it was. (although it was totally genius and will be the fodder for future funegro posts.)
what does matter is the thoughtfulness we show each other. the validation we give each other through our geniune acts of kindness and selflessness.
indeed, a day i had assumed would be forgettable and filled with some degree of regret and sadness became a glorious day filled with the love of friends and family -- a powerful reminder of those things that truly matter.
i wish that my 43rd year offers many opportunities to remind you how much you matter.
(and. occasionally, to mutter the phrase, "keep the change.")
blessings.
rather, about the few minutes this morning that made this day a true joy.
seems past birthdays have been a little heavy on reflection. and in my new-found middle age, that usually digresses into a depressing and combustible mix of self-pity, regret, and discontentment. as in, "i sure have accomplished little in my XX years on this planet," "another year of mediocrity under my belt" and "what an unspectacular life so far." so predictable. and, i must admit, after reading one of those articles on "top 40 under 40" executives this afternoon, i felt another sharp twinge of low esteem surging through my aging body.
but as dawn was breaking this morning, i was again reminded of how powerful the encouragement and love of others is.
that's when i opened the birthday card mom and dad sent me the day before. i got weepy as i sat at the intersection of northwest highway and tollway, reading the kind and clearly heartfelt words from my parents.
and a few minutes later, when i stumbled into the tiny booth at the metro for a breakfast with kris, he slid a gift my way. doesn't matter what it was. (although it was totally genius and will be the fodder for future funegro posts.)
what does matter is the thoughtfulness we show each other. the validation we give each other through our geniune acts of kindness and selflessness.
indeed, a day i had assumed would be forgettable and filled with some degree of regret and sadness became a glorious day filled with the love of friends and family -- a powerful reminder of those things that truly matter.
i wish that my 43rd year offers many opportunities to remind you how much you matter.
(and. occasionally, to mutter the phrase, "keep the change.")
blessings.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Thursday, September 16, 2004
bonhoeffer
wifi does rock. and i find myself wireless, posting this blog with the musical accompaniment of los flaming lips. btw -- have been listening to some genius tunes by the raveonettes and the soviettes. may i highly recommend both.
and allow me to recommend the film bonhoeffer. a small indie documentary that's now out on dvd.
it's a fascinating look at this brilliant guy and the events surrounding his ministry of peace. the guy was totally convicted by the sermon on the mount.
thought this was worth sharing. in traditional german lutheranism, the sermon was deemed so unreachable that the church used the sermon to make its members aware of how sinful they are. in startling contrast, bonhoffer understood and taught that the purpose of the sermon was for believers to put its central teaching into practice and live it. he believed Jesus actually intended for us to live like the sermon. and he seemed to distill the definition of Christianity to this: putting into practice what Jesus taught in the sermon.
today, i am grateful for the clarity
and allow me to recommend the film bonhoeffer. a small indie documentary that's now out on dvd.
it's a fascinating look at this brilliant guy and the events surrounding his ministry of peace. the guy was totally convicted by the sermon on the mount.
thought this was worth sharing. in traditional german lutheranism, the sermon was deemed so unreachable that the church used the sermon to make its members aware of how sinful they are. in startling contrast, bonhoffer understood and taught that the purpose of the sermon was for believers to put its central teaching into practice and live it. he believed Jesus actually intended for us to live like the sermon. and he seemed to distill the definition of Christianity to this: putting into practice what Jesus taught in the sermon.
today, i am grateful for the clarity
Monday, September 06, 2004
the prodigal blogger
fellow bloggers. good to be back. sorry for the absence. much to say. you should know that my blogging arsenal is more powerful now, thanks to kris and his techno-how. the smart guy got me set up on a wireless network. genius! (apparently, my earlier problems stemmed from running my ethernet cable through my sega genesis system.) anyway, blogs will be coming at you from all spots.
like you, i've been caught up in the labor day telethon. i've got the fever. caught it by catching norm crosby (!) last nite. NORM CROSBY! that guy was shamefully slinging one liners from the eisenhower administration. "don't you just hate commercials?!", "neither guy gets my vote!!", "two peanuts walk into a bar, one was a salted." the audience was going bananas. norm thought he was back in '66 at rosen's in the catskills, working the room with that dynamite malaprop schtick. of course, jerry was blown away by the material. jerry, his face now providing an enlarged canvas on which he can paint a wider and phonier smile (which he did), summoned norm to come over and kiss the ring. jerry the hutt. at which point norm blurted out, "take my wife, please." i think i heard him mutter, "i'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." killer stuff! at which point the late flip wilson emerged and clanked a denver boot around norm's twitching right thigh while jerry swirled a snifter of cognac under his nose. then i dozed off.
like you, i've been caught up in the labor day telethon. i've got the fever. caught it by catching norm crosby (!) last nite. NORM CROSBY! that guy was shamefully slinging one liners from the eisenhower administration. "don't you just hate commercials?!", "neither guy gets my vote!!", "two peanuts walk into a bar, one was a salted." the audience was going bananas. norm thought he was back in '66 at rosen's in the catskills, working the room with that dynamite malaprop schtick. of course, jerry was blown away by the material. jerry, his face now providing an enlarged canvas on which he can paint a wider and phonier smile (which he did), summoned norm to come over and kiss the ring. jerry the hutt. at which point norm blurted out, "take my wife, please." i think i heard him mutter, "i'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." killer stuff! at which point the late flip wilson emerged and clanked a denver boot around norm's twitching right thigh while jerry swirled a snifter of cognac under his nose. then i dozed off.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Timothy McSweeney's Internet Tendency: Lists
I highly recommend this site...check out "Very Wrong Ways to Eat a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup"
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Monday, August 30, 2004
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Check Out my Bookmarks...
I love this service - so much more usueful than bookmarking locally, and I can see what others are bookmarking...
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Bliss...
"Human subtelty will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does Nature, because in her inventions, nothing is lacking and nothing is superfluous."
Leonardo da Vinci
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Monday, August 16, 2004
Photobucket Image Hosting and Online Photo Albums
Photobucket Image Hosting and Online Photo Albums
You guys can use this site if you want to post pics; just upload to photobucket and then link to pics when you create your post.
Jeff, when do we get to see pics of the house?!
You guys can use this site if you want to post pics; just upload to photobucket and then link to pics when you create your post.
Jeff, when do we get to see pics of the house?!
Cycling with Sam
Introduced Sam to single track yesterday at LB Houston. He loved it. At the beginning, he was asking me to slow down; after 15 minutes, he blew by me and I was trying to keep up. He's ready to go again - says he wants to go somewhere more challenging next time.
Libby's getting ready to enter the world of work this week...we've been at DEFCON 1 around the house trying to help out.
I'm still building the world's next great search engine. How many search engines do you think there are on the web? If you'd like to see a list of just some of the larger ones - go to my other blog.
Libby's getting ready to enter the world of work this week...we've been at DEFCON 1 around the house trying to help out.
I'm still building the world's next great search engine. How many search engines do you think there are on the web? If you'd like to see a list of just some of the larger ones - go to my other blog.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
goodbye_tiana2's BlackPlanet.com Personal Page
Could it be that Funegro has made it into the vernacular? See this web page that uses the word to describe a black funeral...the mention is in the last full paragraph.
Could it be that Funegro has made it into the vernacular? See this web page that uses the word to describe a black funeral...the mention is in the last full paragraph.
Thursday, July 22, 2004
P O S S I B L E F O L L O W - U P S O N G S
F O R O N E - H I T W O N D E R S
How Are We Going to Get These Dogs Back In?
Bust an Additional Move
Seriously, Eileen, Come On
(Won't You Give Me A Ride Home From) Funkytown?
Remember When You Lit up My Life? That Was Great
I Will Now Pass the Dutchie Back to You and Thank You for Passing It to Me Originally Because I Really Enjoyed the Dutchie
The Morning That the Lights Came Back on in Georgia
Everybody Was Kung Fu Making Up
Achier Breakier Heart
Whoomp! There It Continues to Be
867-5309 extension 2
We Never Took It and Persist in Our Refusal to Take It
F O R O N E - H I T W O N D E R S
How Are We Going to Get These Dogs Back In?
Bust an Additional Move
Seriously, Eileen, Come On
(Won't You Give Me A Ride Home From) Funkytown?
Remember When You Lit up My Life? That Was Great
I Will Now Pass the Dutchie Back to You and Thank You for Passing It to Me Originally Because I Really Enjoyed the Dutchie
The Morning That the Lights Came Back on in Georgia
Everybody Was Kung Fu Making Up
Achier Breakier Heart
Whoomp! There It Continues to Be
867-5309 extension 2
We Never Took It and Persist in Our Refusal to Take It
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Saturday, July 03, 2004
Friday, July 02, 2004
Excellent Dinner
Excellent dinner tonight at Bob's Steak and Chop House with Eric & Danna. I am full beyond words. I guess we're getting older when we begin to enjoy the simple pleasure of a nice meal with some good conversation.
--------------------------
Kris Oliver
--------------------------
Kris Oliver
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
from today's l.a. times, mad props to fellow (if not infrequent) funegro-ist, hefe!
"Though the original Doc Ock was conceptualized by comic artist Steve Ditko, the filmmakers have done a spectacular job of making him real on screen. It started with vivid illustrations by conceptual artist Paul Catling and ended with the Doc having his own personal art director, Jeff Knipp, working with visual effects designer John Dykstra and cinematographer Bill Pope."
"Though the original Doc Ock was conceptualized by comic artist Steve Ditko, the filmmakers have done a spectacular job of making him real on screen. It started with vivid illustrations by conceptual artist Paul Catling and ended with the Doc having his own personal art director, Jeff Knipp, working with visual effects designer John Dykstra and cinematographer Bill Pope."
Friday, June 25, 2004
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Aquafina
There's nothing worse than a company with some tired, second-rate product that hires a bunch of techno brand weenies to throw some flash on their site and make them look hip...
There's nothing worse than a company with some tired, second-rate product that hires a bunch of techno brand weenies to throw some flash on their site and make them look hip...
Monday, June 21, 2004
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
friday night i bore witness to the most entertaining show i've ever seen.
prince.
the guy put on a 2 1/2 hour, 32 song show that was simply amazing. from opening with a dance medley of the early hits to powerful acoustic versions of little red corvette and raspberry beret to the sonic finish of purple rain that blew the roof off the aac.
even featured glimpses of his newly refreshed spirituality. to wit, altering the lyrics to "i would die 4 u" this way: "he's your messiah, and you're the reason why."
he is a guitar virtuoso and the ultimate showman.
if you get a chance to see him on this tour, go. (and invite me.)
prince.
the guy put on a 2 1/2 hour, 32 song show that was simply amazing. from opening with a dance medley of the early hits to powerful acoustic versions of little red corvette and raspberry beret to the sonic finish of purple rain that blew the roof off the aac.
even featured glimpses of his newly refreshed spirituality. to wit, altering the lyrics to "i would die 4 u" this way: "he's your messiah, and you're the reason why."
he is a guitar virtuoso and the ultimate showman.
if you get a chance to see him on this tour, go. (and invite me.)
the opening strains of tom sawyer? 1999? black dog?
what are the coolest song parts?
here are 50 of 'em.
let the debate begin . . .
what are the coolest song parts?
here are 50 of 'em.
let the debate begin . . .
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
amazing memories from the cabin.
the sun.
the moon.
the pines.
the fevered horseshoe matches.
the big, generous, ample hammock.
the spooky caves -- and the stimulating conversations to and fro, serving to remind how the means is the end, the journey is the destination.
the controversial scrabble match. (see joe, emo, and whatever that word jeff called his shill eugene about.)
xm.
chef ken's tasty treats.
the milliner quarter.
the biggers flush (or straight -- can't remember).
kris' textbook bluff.
the dreaded two of clubs.
the los pinos breakfast. the bumbling apprentice. the bacon fiasco.
dreaming of 25 things to do.
scheming on the dynamics of relationships by the river with jefe.
humbling the evil mountain ball team.
getting tipping lessons from kris.
then, having 370 miles of glorious new mexican terrain come to life from the back of a harley.
to paraphrase a famous modern philosopher, you can't repossess those good times.
blessings. bigs
the sun.
the moon.
the pines.
the fevered horseshoe matches.
the big, generous, ample hammock.
the spooky caves -- and the stimulating conversations to and fro, serving to remind how the means is the end, the journey is the destination.
the controversial scrabble match. (see joe, emo, and whatever that word jeff called his shill eugene about.)
xm.
chef ken's tasty treats.
the milliner quarter.
the biggers flush (or straight -- can't remember).
kris' textbook bluff.
the dreaded two of clubs.
the los pinos breakfast. the bumbling apprentice. the bacon fiasco.
dreaming of 25 things to do.
scheming on the dynamics of relationships by the river with jefe.
humbling the evil mountain ball team.
getting tipping lessons from kris.
then, having 370 miles of glorious new mexican terrain come to life from the back of a harley.
to paraphrase a famous modern philosopher, you can't repossess those good times.
blessings. bigs
Monday, June 14, 2004
Vonage - The Broadband Phone Company
People don't grasp the ramifications of this yet - but this could be big.
People don't grasp the ramifications of this yet - but this could be big.
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
So I jumped port in Hong Kong and made my way over to Tibet.
I got a job loopin' over in the Himalayas. You know -- a pro jock. So I get a job loopin' for none other than the Dali Lama himself. The bald head, the flowing robes . . . striking. So we get up on the first tee and he whacks off about a 10,000 foot crevice down into this glacier. A big hitter, the Lama. Long. So he turns to me and says "Oonga-lagoonga..oonga-googa-lagrunga". So we finish 18 and he starts to walk off . . . you know, tries to stiff me. And I say, "Hey Dali, hey Lama. How about a little somethin' for, you know, the effort? A little moola. And he says, "Oh, there will be no money. But on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness."
So I got that going for me, which is nice.
I got a job loopin' over in the Himalayas. You know -- a pro jock. So I get a job loopin' for none other than the Dali Lama himself. The bald head, the flowing robes . . . striking. So we get up on the first tee and he whacks off about a 10,000 foot crevice down into this glacier. A big hitter, the Lama. Long. So he turns to me and says "Oonga-lagoonga..oonga-googa-lagrunga". So we finish 18 and he starts to walk off . . . you know, tries to stiff me. And I say, "Hey Dali, hey Lama. How about a little somethin' for, you know, the effort? A little moola. And he says, "Oh, there will be no money. But on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness."
So I got that going for me, which is nice.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
It’s good to be back in the blogging community. May I say the collective warmth I feel from this great country’s bloggers is both palpable and magnificent.
So this guy walks down my street with a falcon on his arm. True story. Happened the other nite. And we spot him out our window. Which leads us to shrewdly exclaim, “Hey, it’s a guy with a falcon on his arm.”
The X-man, being a fan of the bird of prey – falcon, osprey, harpy eagle – bolts out the front door to encounter this North Dallas oddity. The rest of us follow suit and meet Ray, the guy with a falcon on his arm. Turns out both Ray and the falcon are neighbors of ours. Live a few houses down. And Ray’s an author. Of a book called Neanderthin. A lifestyle book which espouses the value of eating only those things you kill, pick, or pluck. Sounds like a guitar-playing, bow arrow hunting, bin Laden hating guy we know, right? So after he schools us on all things falcon and Neanderthin, he invites us to check out his web site. Where I learn that this guy – Ray – is the official nutritionist to the Ted Nugent radio show.
Other than that, my life bites.
So this guy walks down my street with a falcon on his arm. True story. Happened the other nite. And we spot him out our window. Which leads us to shrewdly exclaim, “Hey, it’s a guy with a falcon on his arm.”
The X-man, being a fan of the bird of prey – falcon, osprey, harpy eagle – bolts out the front door to encounter this North Dallas oddity. The rest of us follow suit and meet Ray, the guy with a falcon on his arm. Turns out both Ray and the falcon are neighbors of ours. Live a few houses down. And Ray’s an author. Of a book called Neanderthin. A lifestyle book which espouses the value of eating only those things you kill, pick, or pluck. Sounds like a guitar-playing, bow arrow hunting, bin Laden hating guy we know, right? So after he schools us on all things falcon and Neanderthin, he invites us to check out his web site. Where I learn that this guy – Ray – is the official nutritionist to the Ted Nugent radio show.
Other than that, my life bites.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Monday, May 03, 2004
North Point Community Church
Libby and I went to a conference at this church last week...unbelievable. Very fresh approach to sharing the good news of the kingdom. Check it out if you have a chance.
Libby and I went to a conference at this church last week...unbelievable. Very fresh approach to sharing the good news of the kingdom. Check it out if you have a chance.
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Monday, April 26, 2004
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
i'm loving the contextual ads for phuket. a few more and i may just go . . .
yes, the biking was genius. the post-biking was grievous. aches, pains . . . if i only had some doan's pills to remove these lightning bolts from my back. bring on the motorized biking of new mexico.
off to nyc tomorrow for a decidedly less festive occasion than ko's trip to denver. i'll be churning and possibly spewing some acid reflux.
i'm ready for a sabbatical, if not retirement.
yes, the biking was genius. the post-biking was grievous. aches, pains . . . if i only had some doan's pills to remove these lightning bolts from my back. bring on the motorized biking of new mexico.
off to nyc tomorrow for a decidedly less festive occasion than ko's trip to denver. i'll be churning and possibly spewing some acid reflux.
i'm ready for a sabbatical, if not retirement.
Monday, April 19, 2004
Excellent bike ride yesterday at LB Houston...I've got to get a bike with some suspension. I'm still feeling every bump today.
Have you guys ever noticed that the ads at the top of the page are contextual based on the text within the blog?
Let's see if I can get an ad to display for...genital herpes.
KO
Have you guys ever noticed that the ads at the top of the page are contextual based on the text within the blog?
Let's see if I can get an ad to display for...genital herpes.
KO
Monday, April 12, 2004
Our intrepid traveler checks in from back in the USofA, since Internet connectivity is hard to come by in Phuket (not surprisingly).
Phuket is a beautiful place - hot and steamy with nice beaches and rich Germans scattered about here and there. Its primary appeal, however, is fiscal: this place is dirt cheap.
Highlight of the trip to Phuket was playing with the baby elephant on the beach: it was like an enormous puppy. I was looking everywhere for a log that he could fetch.
Two days of meetings with customers who couldn't understand me, which worked out fine since I couldn't understand them. I wowed them with my superficial understanding of airline operations and some carefully chosen gestures during my presentation.
The trip home was a bit of a grind:
- one hour cab ride from Le Meridien resort to Phuket International Airport
- 2 hour wait at Phuket airport
- 45 minute flight on Thai Airways from Phuket to Bangkok
- One hour layover in Bangkok
- 6.5 hour JAL flight from Bangkok to Tokyo
- 6 (that's right - six) hour layover in Tokyo
- 12 hour AA flight from Tokyo to Dallas
This trip's movie count: 10. Book count: 3.
Glad to be home in the land of unlimited refills. Keep 'em coming.
Looking forward to the cabin trip...bring it on.
Phuket is a beautiful place - hot and steamy with nice beaches and rich Germans scattered about here and there. Its primary appeal, however, is fiscal: this place is dirt cheap.
Highlight of the trip to Phuket was playing with the baby elephant on the beach: it was like an enormous puppy. I was looking everywhere for a log that he could fetch.
Two days of meetings with customers who couldn't understand me, which worked out fine since I couldn't understand them. I wowed them with my superficial understanding of airline operations and some carefully chosen gestures during my presentation.
The trip home was a bit of a grind:
- one hour cab ride from Le Meridien resort to Phuket International Airport
- 2 hour wait at Phuket airport
- 45 minute flight on Thai Airways from Phuket to Bangkok
- One hour layover in Bangkok
- 6.5 hour JAL flight from Bangkok to Tokyo
- 6 (that's right - six) hour layover in Tokyo
- 12 hour AA flight from Tokyo to Dallas
This trip's movie count: 10. Book count: 3.
Glad to be home in the land of unlimited refills. Keep 'em coming.
Looking forward to the cabin trip...bring it on.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
awesome reports from our correspondent abroad. bravo to ko! that's the stuff that gives funegro the cred it needs in the blogging community. nice work. bring on the scintillating reports of phuket and mail-order brides.
wondering if you've seen the great leaning lightpost on meandering way? it defies description. and gravity! seems like it should fall over. but it doesn't! it's nearly spiritual. inspired me to review my utility bill and see if there's a surcharge for the privilege.
tomorrow, i'm off to experience the amazing "toll-way" and the world's smoothest elevator, rising to astonishing heights of 24 floors.
acid reflux medicine added to the purity of aquafina. pure genius. remember, if you suffer heartburn two or more times a week, you might have GERD.
we're merely days away from the glory of the cabin and confronting the evil arch-enemy, hughey. marshmallow man THIS!
wondering if you've seen the great leaning lightpost on meandering way? it defies description. and gravity! seems like it should fall over. but it doesn't! it's nearly spiritual. inspired me to review my utility bill and see if there's a surcharge for the privilege.
tomorrow, i'm off to experience the amazing "toll-way" and the world's smoothest elevator, rising to astonishing heights of 24 floors.
acid reflux medicine added to the purity of aquafina. pure genius. remember, if you suffer heartburn two or more times a week, you might have GERD.
we're merely days away from the glory of the cabin and confronting the evil arch-enemy, hughey. marshmallow man THIS!
Saturday, April 03, 2004
Our intrepid traveler checks in from Honk Kong, enroute to Singapore. Just completed the 11.5 hour flight from Rome, on which I saw four movies: Mystic River, Kill Bill Vol.1, Big Fish and The Girl With the Pearl Earring. I recommend them all, however I wanted to throw myself off the plane after watching Mystic River.
I hate Singapore - I do not look forward to returning. It has absolutely no soul - totally sterile. Only there for 24 hours and then on to the sunny shores of Phuket, Thailand. A free day on Tuesday will hopefully be filled with some golf and beach time. There is a 100% chance some alcohol and cigars will be employed.
Rome was awesome. You get so jaded to the history all around you, but it is truly an amazing place. High point was seeing the Colosseum...resolved to buy the Gladiator DVD when I get home; many lines were quoted while inside (I will have my revenge...)
If you ever spill half a bottle of Chianti on your khakis, I highly recommend the laundry at the Sheraton Golf Parco de Medici...not even a trace can be seen.
Surreal experience last night with three colleagues at an Italian bowling alley. We tried to blend in by using the names of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the overhead scoring system - I was Donatello. Contrary to popular belief, Italian bowling shoes do not have those funny flat toes.
That's enough for now...look for further postings from Southeast Asia...
KO
I hate Singapore - I do not look forward to returning. It has absolutely no soul - totally sterile. Only there for 24 hours and then on to the sunny shores of Phuket, Thailand. A free day on Tuesday will hopefully be filled with some golf and beach time. There is a 100% chance some alcohol and cigars will be employed.
Rome was awesome. You get so jaded to the history all around you, but it is truly an amazing place. High point was seeing the Colosseum...resolved to buy the Gladiator DVD when I get home; many lines were quoted while inside (I will have my revenge...)
If you ever spill half a bottle of Chianti on your khakis, I highly recommend the laundry at the Sheraton Golf Parco de Medici...not even a trace can be seen.
Surreal experience last night with three colleagues at an Italian bowling alley. We tried to blend in by using the names of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the overhead scoring system - I was Donatello. Contrary to popular belief, Italian bowling shoes do not have those funny flat toes.
That's enough for now...look for further postings from Southeast Asia...
KO
Friday, March 26, 2004
Scott is too busy selling water and acid reflux medicine to update the blog...
What if they actually put the acid reflux medicine IN THE WATER?!?!
Looking forward to my last weekend at home before my round-the-world trip from hell.
Here is my itinerary...
3/30 DFW-ORD[AA]
3/30-31 ORD-LHR [AA]
3/31 LHR-FCO (Rome) [BA]
4/2-3 FCO-SIN (Singapore) [Singapore Airlines]
4/5 SIN-HKT (Phuket, Thailand) [Silkair]
4/8 HKT-BKK (Bangkok) [Thai]
4/9 BKK-NRT-DFW (Bangkok-Tokyo-Dallas) [JAL/AA]
Oh my...will try to keep everyone updated via Funegro.
What if they actually put the acid reflux medicine IN THE WATER?!?!
Looking forward to my last weekend at home before my round-the-world trip from hell.
Here is my itinerary...
3/30 DFW-ORD[AA]
3/30-31 ORD-LHR [AA]
3/31 LHR-FCO (Rome) [BA]
4/2-3 FCO-SIN (Singapore) [Singapore Airlines]
4/5 SIN-HKT (Phuket, Thailand) [Silkair]
4/8 HKT-BKK (Bangkok) [Thai]
4/9 BKK-NRT-DFW (Bangkok-Tokyo-Dallas) [JAL/AA]
Oh my...will try to keep everyone updated via Funegro.
Friday, March 19, 2004
Behold the majesty of my new Sony 51" High Definition television! It is awesome - I got very little sleep last night. The NCAA tourney looks very nice in HD. What a glorious time to be alive!
Dare I suggest that we convene a quorum of Eric, Scott, Jeff and me a DAY EARLY at the cabin this year? I know Eric and I are planning on going out Thursday - can anyone else swing an extra day of VC to come early?
Something to ponder...
Dare I suggest that we convene a quorum of Eric, Scott, Jeff and me a DAY EARLY at the cabin this year? I know Eric and I are planning on going out Thursday - can anyone else swing an extra day of VC to come early?
Something to ponder...
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
the pursuit of happiness. how elusive it sometimes seems.
landon saunders offers this reason why. it struck me as powerful and profound.
************
Having a life that loves to happen means you don't have to go around looking for happiness.
Trying to capture happiness is like the little boy's trying to capture butterflies with his hands. He can leap, sneak, grab, dive, pounce-and only manages to frighten them away. And the few times he does catch one, he has grabbed so hard that he has destroyed the butterfly.
But one day he gives up trying to capture butterflies. He sits and occupies himself with something else entirely. Suddenly, he looks up, and the beautiful butterflies are all around him-one even lands on his shoulder.
Happiness is not a goal; it is a gift. Happiness is the by-product of a life goal. When you're busy pursuing your goal, the bright elusive butterfly of happiness that so many seek in vain will be yours.
Having a life that loves to happen, then, means pursuing a worthwhile goal instead of pursuing happiness. The butterfly of happiness alights only on the hand that does not grasp, the hand that opens to receive a gift.
************
landon saunders offers this reason why. it struck me as powerful and profound.
************
Having a life that loves to happen means you don't have to go around looking for happiness.
Trying to capture happiness is like the little boy's trying to capture butterflies with his hands. He can leap, sneak, grab, dive, pounce-and only manages to frighten them away. And the few times he does catch one, he has grabbed so hard that he has destroyed the butterfly.
But one day he gives up trying to capture butterflies. He sits and occupies himself with something else entirely. Suddenly, he looks up, and the beautiful butterflies are all around him-one even lands on his shoulder.
Happiness is not a goal; it is a gift. Happiness is the by-product of a life goal. When you're busy pursuing your goal, the bright elusive butterfly of happiness that so many seek in vain will be yours.
Having a life that loves to happen, then, means pursuing a worthwhile goal instead of pursuing happiness. The butterfly of happiness alights only on the hand that does not grasp, the hand that opens to receive a gift.
************
Saturday, February 28, 2004
i echo the sentiments of ko -- a big welcome to jefe. regale us with tales and insights, my good man!
the passion haunts me and moves me to tears, one day after seeing it. stunning.
of all the reviews i've seen, this excerpt from kenneth turan's review in the l.a. times hits home -- and helps me in some way understand the polarizing reactions to the film.
"What is profoundly disheartening is that people of goodwill will see this film in completely different ways, will be as oblivious to what I see as its dangers and drawbacks as they will say I am to its strengths. Where I see almost sadistic violence, they see transcendence; where I see blame, they see truth. Normally these kinds of disagreements don't matter, but with a unique film like this, 'You just don't get it' confrontations have sad echoes of savage conflicts that have lasted for centuries."
blog on.
the passion haunts me and moves me to tears, one day after seeing it. stunning.
of all the reviews i've seen, this excerpt from kenneth turan's review in the l.a. times hits home -- and helps me in some way understand the polarizing reactions to the film.
"What is profoundly disheartening is that people of goodwill will see this film in completely different ways, will be as oblivious to what I see as its dangers and drawbacks as they will say I am to its strengths. Where I see almost sadistic violence, they see transcendence; where I see blame, they see truth. Normally these kinds of disagreements don't matter, but with a unique film like this, 'You just don't get it' confrontations have sad echoes of savage conflicts that have lasted for centuries."
blog on.
Friday, February 27, 2004
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Monday, February 23, 2004
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Los Pinos Ranch, photo gallery page 15
This is the exact rock I collapsed on while Jeff skinny-dipped in Stewart Lake!
The hike from hell...
This is the exact rock I collapsed on while Jeff skinny-dipped in Stewart Lake!
The hike from hell...
The weary traveler now checks in from the Flagship Lounge at glamorous LAX. Just completed the Hong Kong to LAX leg and now waiting for the 12:30 AM flight to DFW.
In general, a much more subdued crowd here at LAX. I haven't seen any movie stars yet, although the girl sitting across from me looks like Tex Cobb.
Hong Kong was as interesting as ever. Just a tip in case you ever decide to go: they have excellent Chinese food there. This time my abode was the plush Hotel Excelsior. I haven't encountered such a gap between the name and the actual product since my first "Bistro" meal on AA.
However, what the hotel lacked in luxury it made up in location. Walking distance from Wan Chai, the seamy underbelly of Hong Kong. Home of trendy bars filled with British expats and good-hearted call girls from Thailand and the Philippines. Favorite line of the evening: "You look like movie stah".
Meetings with Dragonair and Cathay Pacific. Hours of boredom occasionally interrupted by malaise. Standing in front of a room of airline executives holding forth on the merits of our product whilst my internal voice is screaming...
"Buy ours! Buy theirs! Who CARES? They're all the same!"
"This graph shows that I have developed a mastery of Adobe Illustrator to compensate for the deficiencies of our product"
"Just read the slide yourself, for crying out loud. What am I, your mother?"
"I was supposed to be a professional baseball player or a record executive!"
Talked to Libby on the phone for a while tonight. She told me a story of something that happened today that made me smile:
Apparently, one of Sam's friends was provoked into a fight that was scheduled for right after school. Sam managed to convince his friend Patrick that it really wasn't worth the repercussions of having to spend time in the cooler (I think he said detention, but I wanted to add a little more color). Nick, the aggressor in this case, then said that they were jusy scared of him and called Sam a "gaywad". Sam responded to this by telling Nick that he "doesn't really worry about what people call him, especially people he doesn't like".
Good for him.
KO
In general, a much more subdued crowd here at LAX. I haven't seen any movie stars yet, although the girl sitting across from me looks like Tex Cobb.
Hong Kong was as interesting as ever. Just a tip in case you ever decide to go: they have excellent Chinese food there. This time my abode was the plush Hotel Excelsior. I haven't encountered such a gap between the name and the actual product since my first "Bistro" meal on AA.
However, what the hotel lacked in luxury it made up in location. Walking distance from Wan Chai, the seamy underbelly of Hong Kong. Home of trendy bars filled with British expats and good-hearted call girls from Thailand and the Philippines. Favorite line of the evening: "You look like movie stah".
Meetings with Dragonair and Cathay Pacific. Hours of boredom occasionally interrupted by malaise. Standing in front of a room of airline executives holding forth on the merits of our product whilst my internal voice is screaming...
"Buy ours! Buy theirs! Who CARES? They're all the same!"
"This graph shows that I have developed a mastery of Adobe Illustrator to compensate for the deficiencies of our product"
"Just read the slide yourself, for crying out loud. What am I, your mother?"
"I was supposed to be a professional baseball player or a record executive!"
Talked to Libby on the phone for a while tonight. She told me a story of something that happened today that made me smile:
Apparently, one of Sam's friends was provoked into a fight that was scheduled for right after school. Sam managed to convince his friend Patrick that it really wasn't worth the repercussions of having to spend time in the cooler (I think he said detention, but I wanted to add a little more color). Nick, the aggressor in this case, then said that they were jusy scared of him and called Sam a "gaywad". Sam responded to this by telling Nick that he "doesn't really worry about what people call him, especially people he doesn't like".
Good for him.
KO
Monday, February 16, 2004
Our hearty business traveler reports in from the luxurious Admiral's Club at Narita Airport in Tokyo. I think they should issue those commodore hats to everyone as they enter the club.
Watched Lost in Translation on the way over...very fitting. Excellent flick - you must check it out.
I am a giant over here. With freakish blonde hair and blue eyes.
There are some really loud Americans in here. One guy seems bent on letting everyone here know that A) he knows a lot of very important people and B) he has residences scattered across the USofA. I'm trying to look Canadian. Nobody hates Canadians.
Two hours until my junket to Hong Kong. What is a junket? How does that differ from a flight? Which is the flotsam and which is the jetsam?
Oh, here's a treat - he knows Craig Stadler. Plays golf with him all the time. At a course near his house in California.
It's 1:30 AM on Monday morning at home; here it's 4:30 in the afternoon. What's up with that? Can't we all just get along?
Apparently our American cousin played some college football. His voice is like a foghorn.
Already I miss the land of large portions and enormous drinks with ample ice.
KO
Watched Lost in Translation on the way over...very fitting. Excellent flick - you must check it out.
I am a giant over here. With freakish blonde hair and blue eyes.
There are some really loud Americans in here. One guy seems bent on letting everyone here know that A) he knows a lot of very important people and B) he has residences scattered across the USofA. I'm trying to look Canadian. Nobody hates Canadians.
Two hours until my junket to Hong Kong. What is a junket? How does that differ from a flight? Which is the flotsam and which is the jetsam?
Oh, here's a treat - he knows Craig Stadler. Plays golf with him all the time. At a course near his house in California.
It's 1:30 AM on Monday morning at home; here it's 4:30 in the afternoon. What's up with that? Can't we all just get along?
Apparently our American cousin played some college football. His voice is like a foghorn.
Already I miss the land of large portions and enormous drinks with ample ice.
KO
Sunday, February 08, 2004
Thursday, February 05, 2004
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
the strangest thing happened to me last nite. i was sitting at home, reading the newspaper, minding my own business, when sasquatch thrust his hairy hand-paw appendage through our plate glass window and . . . wait. that was the second strangest thing.
actually, the strangest thing last nite was a letter of apology i got in the mail from the good folks at entertainment weekly, acknowledging the billing error and promising to correct it.
if only they had the restitution ethos of zaccheus -- to offer me a "fourfold" makegood.
regardless, my faith in shallow celebrity journalism is restored!
actually, the strangest thing last nite was a letter of apology i got in the mail from the good folks at entertainment weekly, acknowledging the billing error and promising to correct it.
if only they had the restitution ethos of zaccheus -- to offer me a "fourfold" makegood.
regardless, my faith in shallow celebrity journalism is restored!
Monday, January 26, 2004
Sunday, January 25, 2004
mary's back. now i'm thinking about a getaway. kind of a warm up for santa fe.
here's the info on that possum kingdom golf deal. (and the link)
and an article on the resort/course from last week's dallas morning news.
need a warm up for pebble, e?
Winter Unlimited Golf Packages
$109 Weekday $139 Weekend
A room at The Inn all to yourself and two days of unlimited golf.
(888) 843-2543 or (888) THE-CLIFFS
Offer expires March 1, 2004. Not Valid Holidays. Single/Double Occupancy. Offer Subject to change without notice. Subject to availability.
Contact numbers: 888-843-2543 (reservations); 940-779-4520 (golf shop); 940-779-4502 (The Inn at The Cliffs).
here's the info on that possum kingdom golf deal. (and the link)
and an article on the resort/course from last week's dallas morning news.
need a warm up for pebble, e?
Winter Unlimited Golf Packages
$109 Weekday $139 Weekend
A room at The Inn all to yourself and two days of unlimited golf.
(888) 843-2543 or (888) THE-CLIFFS
Offer expires March 1, 2004. Not Valid Holidays. Single/Double Occupancy. Offer Subject to change without notice. Subject to availability.
Contact numbers: 888-843-2543 (reservations); 940-779-4520 (golf shop); 940-779-4502 (The Inn at The Cliffs).
Saturday, January 24, 2004
the following is a log i maintained while i was in phone hell.
this particular form of punishment was brought upon me last saturday when i tried to correct an erroneous charge on my best buy credit card statement. in the amount of $24.95. it was a subscription to entertainment weekly. whatever. i didn't subscribe to it through best buy. but trying to right this wrong banished me into a form of damnation that was rod serlling-esque.
anyway, i was at the computer while i was on hold. so i kept this log.
i find it catharctic to post this. thanks for indulging me.
******************************
Call the number on the credit card statement
navigate my way through a push button menu
Wait
Wait
a human tells me that I need to call best buy
So I call best buy
After giving my zip code, confirm my credit card partner, something else. I detail my problem
Silence.
“I’m just a finance person. I’m not equipped to handle your request."
apparently i'm in the wrong place
i get another number to call.
i Enter my account number 5 different times
Punch in untold numbers trying to unlock where the human is. this is a puzzle.
Just want to correct the wrong
at last, i find a human
Gives me another number to call
I call
Another wall of touch pad options
wait six minutes
Endure ads
Messages
Reaffirmations
I can’t tell you how frustrated I am
"Your call is important to us so please stay on the line"
Wait
Wait
All I want to do is correct the 24.95 wrong
"Finding a bb store is as hassle free as something . . . "
"All reps are assisting other customers. Please stay on the line and your call will be answered in the order that it was received."
"Want a rebate?"
This automated cheery sounding slacker at best buy gives me my options
At least he speaks to me like a human
But I’ve gotta wait
"Your call is important to us so please stay on the line."
"All reps are still assisting other customers"
"Got a repair issue?"
"Please continue to stay on the line"
What a *@&$%! labyrinthe!
Am I trying to get through to the white house. Bill gates house? the kremlin?
"Want a job at best buy?"
"Your call is important to us, so please stay on the line."
it's been so long, i don't remember what section I’m in. Rebates? Return policy? Privacy policy?
"Please stay on the line."
At la=st a human
"You’ll have to call entertainment weekly"
which i do
another touch pad maze
another barrage of recordings
"Ask how you can save up to 77% on your subscription"
some music
now Chloe is in the room
this is contemporary Jazz
interrupted by "Your call is important to us. Please continue ot hold. We appreciate your patience."
This counsel sounds like its coming from a wiser man. Like an old shoeshine guy.
Now some Bad, brassy jazz that cuts out on every fifth note.
Was that a tuba?
Now some Richard claiderman-esque piano. Soothing.
There’s the wise man again, beseeching my patience.
we're now going on 30 minutes
I approached this very cavalierly
Never again will I buy anything with anything other than cash.
Chloe’s into the toothbrush.
Chloe tipped my cds over.
There’s that man again.
Is that an oboe?
If I knew how to put this on speaker phone I would
8 minutes later.
I’m multitasking doing bills, parenting, reading mail
My ear and shoulder are hurting from this hold status
I can’t express the depths of my anger right now
a human
she can't deal with my seemingly elementary problem
"Can you hold while I get an account specialist on the line"
Summer breeze is muzaked for my wait enjoyment
Added some sizzle to this one. seals and croft would be proud.
Three minutes have passed
Now it’s "stand by me"
this version rocks
My daughter has some razors
WHERE IS THE ACCOUNT SPECIALIST!
At the 5.39 mark, it’s a new song. I don’t recognize it. At 6.32, I think it might be sister Christian
It’s been 14 minutes
I’ve paid bills. I’ve sent emails.
I’m so angry.
WHERE IS THE ACCOUNT SPECIALIST!
Wait. I know this song.
That’s steely dan. Get back jack do it again.
I can’t do it again.
I’m quitting
I’ve waited 18.33 for an account specialist.
19.50
ten more seconds
gone
this particular form of punishment was brought upon me last saturday when i tried to correct an erroneous charge on my best buy credit card statement. in the amount of $24.95. it was a subscription to entertainment weekly. whatever. i didn't subscribe to it through best buy. but trying to right this wrong banished me into a form of damnation that was rod serlling-esque.
anyway, i was at the computer while i was on hold. so i kept this log.
i find it catharctic to post this. thanks for indulging me.
******************************
Call the number on the credit card statement
navigate my way through a push button menu
Wait
Wait
a human tells me that I need to call best buy
So I call best buy
After giving my zip code, confirm my credit card partner, something else. I detail my problem
Silence.
“I’m just a finance person. I’m not equipped to handle your request."
apparently i'm in the wrong place
i get another number to call.
i Enter my account number 5 different times
Punch in untold numbers trying to unlock where the human is. this is a puzzle.
Just want to correct the wrong
at last, i find a human
Gives me another number to call
I call
Another wall of touch pad options
wait six minutes
Endure ads
Messages
Reaffirmations
I can’t tell you how frustrated I am
"Your call is important to us so please stay on the line"
Wait
Wait
All I want to do is correct the 24.95 wrong
"Finding a bb store is as hassle free as something . . . "
"All reps are assisting other customers. Please stay on the line and your call will be answered in the order that it was received."
"Want a rebate?"
This automated cheery sounding slacker at best buy gives me my options
At least he speaks to me like a human
But I’ve gotta wait
"Your call is important to us so please stay on the line."
"All reps are still assisting other customers"
"Got a repair issue?"
"Please continue to stay on the line"
What a *@&$%! labyrinthe!
Am I trying to get through to the white house. Bill gates house? the kremlin?
"Want a job at best buy?"
"Your call is important to us, so please stay on the line."
it's been so long, i don't remember what section I’m in. Rebates? Return policy? Privacy policy?
"Please stay on the line."
At la=st a human
"You’ll have to call entertainment weekly"
which i do
another touch pad maze
another barrage of recordings
"Ask how you can save up to 77% on your subscription"
some music
now Chloe is in the room
this is contemporary Jazz
interrupted by "Your call is important to us. Please continue ot hold. We appreciate your patience."
This counsel sounds like its coming from a wiser man. Like an old shoeshine guy.
Now some Bad, brassy jazz that cuts out on every fifth note.
Was that a tuba?
Now some Richard claiderman-esque piano. Soothing.
There’s the wise man again, beseeching my patience.
we're now going on 30 minutes
I approached this very cavalierly
Never again will I buy anything with anything other than cash.
Chloe’s into the toothbrush.
Chloe tipped my cds over.
There’s that man again.
Is that an oboe?
If I knew how to put this on speaker phone I would
8 minutes later.
I’m multitasking doing bills, parenting, reading mail
My ear and shoulder are hurting from this hold status
I can’t express the depths of my anger right now
a human
she can't deal with my seemingly elementary problem
"Can you hold while I get an account specialist on the line"
Summer breeze is muzaked for my wait enjoyment
Added some sizzle to this one. seals and croft would be proud.
Three minutes have passed
Now it’s "stand by me"
this version rocks
My daughter has some razors
WHERE IS THE ACCOUNT SPECIALIST!
At the 5.39 mark, it’s a new song. I don’t recognize it. At 6.32, I think it might be sister Christian
It’s been 14 minutes
I’ve paid bills. I’ve sent emails.
I’m so angry.
WHERE IS THE ACCOUNT SPECIALIST!
Wait. I know this song.
That’s steely dan. Get back jack do it again.
I can’t do it again.
I’m quitting
I’ve waited 18.33 for an account specialist.
19.50
ten more seconds
gone
am here at the house while mary cavorts with a girlfriend in santa fe.
her presence at 10K waves this weekend -- while well-deserved --mocks me. especially as i gaze at the l.l.bean fly fishing 2004 catalog that magically appeared in our mailbox this week. my soul longs for the pecos. perhaps less so for the lawson's thorax callibaetis fly on p. 26. regardless, this piece of direct mail has me so fired up for the camaraderie, the adventure, the subplots and backstories of mountain ball, the pepsi and the scrabble that awaits us. (will we encounter a new word that drives us to create yet another blog site?)
kris -- could this be the year that you complete our harley riding triumvirate? aside from the sheer thrill and adrenaline that comes from the ride, you would empower us to ride in our patented "flying v" formation. the menacing formation we enjoyed oh so briefly with jefe on that fateful cloudy saturday in 2002. one more benefit: the adoration of skank chicks at every allsup's between albuquerque and los alamos. ok. one more benefit. looking like gazoo from the flintstones as you wear a giant white rented cycle helmet. cooooooooool.
her presence at 10K waves this weekend -- while well-deserved --mocks me. especially as i gaze at the l.l.bean fly fishing 2004 catalog that magically appeared in our mailbox this week. my soul longs for the pecos. perhaps less so for the lawson's thorax callibaetis fly on p. 26. regardless, this piece of direct mail has me so fired up for the camaraderie, the adventure, the subplots and backstories of mountain ball, the pepsi and the scrabble that awaits us. (will we encounter a new word that drives us to create yet another blog site?)
kris -- could this be the year that you complete our harley riding triumvirate? aside from the sheer thrill and adrenaline that comes from the ride, you would empower us to ride in our patented "flying v" formation. the menacing formation we enjoyed oh so briefly with jefe on that fateful cloudy saturday in 2002. one more benefit: the adoration of skank chicks at every allsup's between albuquerque and los alamos. ok. one more benefit. looking like gazoo from the flintstones as you wear a giant white rented cycle helmet. cooooooooool.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Ted Nugent is having a tough time surviving his own reality show.
While taping the second installment of his VH1 series Surviving Nugent: The Ted Commandments, the Motor City rocker was injured on the show's Texas set when a chainsaw cut through his leg.
Nugent needed 40 stitches to close the gash in his leg, but he did not miss any time on the series, which is scheduled to tape through Sunday, according to a VH1 spokesperson.
With the help of a brace, the 55-year-old musician and outdoor enthusiast continued to man the show on which he attempts to turn unsuspecting city slickers into wary woodsman.
While taping the second installment of his VH1 series Surviving Nugent: The Ted Commandments, the Motor City rocker was injured on the show's Texas set when a chainsaw cut through his leg.
Nugent needed 40 stitches to close the gash in his leg, but he did not miss any time on the series, which is scheduled to tape through Sunday, according to a VH1 spokesperson.
With the help of a brace, the 55-year-old musician and outdoor enthusiast continued to man the show on which he attempts to turn unsuspecting city slickers into wary woodsman.
Monday, January 05, 2004
What a way to begin the new year! An inaugural post from Jefe!
In the spirit of New Year's Hubris...here are some of my goals for 2004:
- Win the Masters
- Learn to play the guitar
- Breathe less
- Grow to 6' 6"
- Have the most dramatic prayer request at every devotional
- Find the good in people and belittle it
- EITHER Repair the hole in the ozone OR clean out the garage
- Win the World Series of Poker
- Pancakes
- Increase my bone density
- Become a Navy SEAL
- Reverse engineer McDonald's secret sauce
- Refer to at least one person in every business meeting as Chachi
blog on...
KO
In the spirit of New Year's Hubris...here are some of my goals for 2004:
- Win the Masters
- Learn to play the guitar
- Breathe less
- Grow to 6' 6"
- Have the most dramatic prayer request at every devotional
- Find the good in people and belittle it
- EITHER Repair the hole in the ozone OR clean out the garage
- Win the World Series of Poker
- Pancakes
- Increase my bone density
- Become a Navy SEAL
- Reverse engineer McDonald's secret sauce
- Refer to at least one person in every business meeting as Chachi
blog on...
KO
Thursday, January 01, 2004
so good to have jefe check in with us.
as we seek purpose and clarity in our lives -- particularly with the promise of a fresh, new year at our doorstep -- here's a wonderful and powerful challenge. from our friend landon saunders. check it.
--------------------
Someone has said, "Life is the living you do. Death is the living you don't do."
There is something exciting about a human being who's born, walks with great purpose and dignity through life, and completes her life feeling she has finished her work. But how does one do this?
I believe there is a way to put all your energy into a great purpose that will never leave you feeling sorry about "the living you don't do." I can sum it up in nine words: Spend your life fighting for people, never against them.
Do you see the bigness of this plan? Can you sense the depth of its challenge? Can you let yourself be engaged and excited by it?
Think of the petty squabbles you can avoid because your mission is so large that only heroic struggles are worthy of you. The fight for people will call forth your best, will create your best, will demand your best.
It's a challenging plan, and it will disturb you at times. And yet, it will also help you get up and really get going every morning.
Best of all, no matter what happens, you'll be able to complete your life, one day at a time, with dignity and style. This is something you can do-anywhere, anytime, everywhere, all the time, including the last day of your life.
as we seek purpose and clarity in our lives -- particularly with the promise of a fresh, new year at our doorstep -- here's a wonderful and powerful challenge. from our friend landon saunders. check it.
--------------------
Someone has said, "Life is the living you do. Death is the living you don't do."
There is something exciting about a human being who's born, walks with great purpose and dignity through life, and completes her life feeling she has finished her work. But how does one do this?
I believe there is a way to put all your energy into a great purpose that will never leave you feeling sorry about "the living you don't do." I can sum it up in nine words: Spend your life fighting for people, never against them.
Do you see the bigness of this plan? Can you sense the depth of its challenge? Can you let yourself be engaged and excited by it?
Think of the petty squabbles you can avoid because your mission is so large that only heroic struggles are worthy of you. The fight for people will call forth your best, will create your best, will demand your best.
It's a challenging plan, and it will disturb you at times. And yet, it will also help you get up and really get going every morning.
Best of all, no matter what happens, you'll be able to complete your life, one day at a time, with dignity and style. This is something you can do-anywhere, anytime, everywhere, all the time, including the last day of your life.
happy new year, my funegro friends. sitting here with a special guest star who has something to share with the blogging community.
Humbly I come to you - as I have been a somewhat reluctant Funegro user.. in fact my memory was that of frustration and anger... Alas that is for the Old Year and not the NEW! I finish up this holiday season here in Texas w/ Biggs - having spent time with all involved during the time here and thankful that I was able to see everyone.
And here is my parting sentiment for today, this of a first ion the New Year... may this year bring peace and blessings to each of you and your families and may we each know the favor of The Lord. (See, I get too maudling (sp?) once I start to write - but I guess it;s better than the profanity that was spouted at last posting.) I feel welcomed back to the fold... Thanks to Dr. Biggers... by the way this is Jefe
Humbly I come to you - as I have been a somewhat reluctant Funegro user.. in fact my memory was that of frustration and anger... Alas that is for the Old Year and not the NEW! I finish up this holiday season here in Texas w/ Biggs - having spent time with all involved during the time here and thankful that I was able to see everyone.
And here is my parting sentiment for today, this of a first ion the New Year... may this year bring peace and blessings to each of you and your families and may we each know the favor of The Lord. (See, I get too maudling (sp?) once I start to write - but I guess it;s better than the profanity that was spouted at last posting.) I feel welcomed back to the fold... Thanks to Dr. Biggers... by the way this is Jefe
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