deathmetalthunder dot com

Well, it's time to head out. A lot later than planned. Let's hope traffic isn't as crappy as I fear.

Out to the wild. I hope to return soon...

I was burning some CD's last night and realized that they put a "grey" area for going over the allotted CD time. Well, that doesn't mean the CD's full. Not over by a long shot, baby! I got 20 songs on a CD. Hell yeah, I rule!

It's the simple things in life.

Holy shit. I'm cleaning out my wallet and I've got a stack of receipts from a laundry list of bars across Austin. I guess I'm trying to live like a Rockfeller on the income of a Flintsone. Four kamikazes for $21? I seriously doubt the Japanese government gave that much in reparations to the families of real kamikaze pilots. Fortunately I did save $2 by returning that Led Zeppelin DVD at Circuit City and buying it at Best Buy. That'll help out loads.

Oh, in my Spanish class this guy, whom I've never talked to, busted out saying that I signed up for the class to meet woman. I thought that was thoughtful. Not totally untrue, but slightly out of line.

I don't know who's weaker, me or Bubba. Either way we went to Antonio's and gorged until we couldn't gorge no more. I feel like a cement truck dropped its fill in my stomach. I haven't run in a week and I'm now eating as if for two. Good times!

Plans are getting all firmed up for the weekend festivities. will be down for a couple days, but I'll make sure to keep track of the activities.

Labels: food

Spanish class number 2 started off with a bang. Bang as in my alarm going off and me missing 20 minutes of class. When I arrive the instructor feels free to toss me some questions to answer. In Spanish. Maybe that being late thing helps out with that. So I deserve that. Maybe.

After class, I headed out to Jorge's for "$1.00" beers. Somehow I ended up paying five bucks for two. The service was so extraordinary that a three dollar tip was in order, I guess.

I used to read Entertainment Weekly all the time. I still get the magazine, I just don't read it. I'm just now thumbing through the July 11, 2003 edition. What I have been doing that I don't have the time to flip through the Hollywood fluff? I need so reevaluate how I'm divvying up my time. Serious changes may be in order.

Another festive night at B-Sides. Mac, MA, and 420 showed up before JMVC was freed of his responsibilities and joined us. Our little English strumpet was working tonight but no accent. Such disappointments are difficult for me to take. She tried to toss in some "My lady"'s but it seemed forced and unimmature.

I was a little surprised that there wasn't much activity there last night. Maybe school starting back has got the kids preparing for classes early. I doubt it, but one never knows. Regardless, it prompted JMVC and me to change things up for next week. Little Woodrow's on 6th and their big Bud Light's for $1.75 will get an audition.

Labels: 420, jmvc, mac

The weekly ritual at B-Sides continues and The Saw sent out an email about the camping trip. B-Sides was bound to happen, though JMVC's going to be a late arrival. I won't be getting there at 6:45 this time. As for camping, I should be good. He gave everyone tasks and to-do's.

I went out and got an oil change and tire rotation so I'll have nothing to blame but myself for any issues over the weekend. I've got that Yugo riding pretty tight, though. I've just got to hope for a strong breeze and lots of stretches of down hill on the way to the campsite.

And S. Money called up. He's a big fan of Angst of The Purveyor, Hip Hop: Volume 1. So much so he's asked for a hard rock/metal compilation. Back to the lab so I can get another couple discs done before heading up there next month.

Labels: jmvc, s. money

Hmm, I need to get with the Saw about this weekend's camping. Heading down to New Braunfels for round two of "Lost on the River" on Friday. The getting lost on the river doesn't happen until Sunday, so there's a chance for me to get lost earlier, too. Hitting Schlitterbahn on Saturday, too. But the notable items for me are the edibles. I'm going to throw some stuff together for grilling, but I've got no idea what or how much to bring. My famous hamburgers and pasta salad are no good if they don't get eaten, eh? I really should put those on the recipe page...

I wake up before 6 am and still get into work at the same time. That's somewhat comforting.

I'm assuming the normal Tuesday activity is on, but I'll not be one of the early arrivers, as I'll need a nap. If only I could sleep here with impunity. Above all other things, if I had one wish, it would be that.

The first wake up at 4:15 was easy enough to ignore (rather to quiet) but the trash collection at 5:15 was the killer. "Screw it, time to wake up," I said. "Are you serious?" replied my body. "Hell yeah, get up!" said I. Damn body, doesn't it know who is in charge here? Needless to say, I went back to sleep.

I finally did wake up and, shockingly, Vlad is, too. Maybe I'll go for a walk...

Last night was my first Spanish class. The good news is there are only eight people in the class. The bad news is that the teacher's a tool. Right up there with Stanley and Craftsman. But you do have to like somebody who says "If you don't know the alphabet within two weeks, you might as well not even come to class." A teacher giving out excuses may stifle my creativity, though I appreciate the assist.

After that, I put together another CD last night. As it is a little more low-key then the last one, I gave it to Chilly for a test drive.

It is a good thing I went to the store because I wouldn't have had a moment to go get lunch today. I had a meeting at 10:00, which I was never invited to. At said meeting I was to present some material I was never asked to generate.

So some dude comes up to one of women near my cube and asks if she has a spoon. She didn't so I chime in that I have one. The ingrate asked if it was clean. It was but now it'll have remnants of your eye after I scoop it out of your empty skull. Jack ass. This is exactly the reason why people should be ignored whenever possible.

I must have gotten two hours of restful sleep but at least I was able to do some shopping prior to coming to work. Fancy bread and imported ham is in my future. No cafeteria food for me!

I can't imagine there being much more of a lazy way to spend a day than what I did until 9:30 pm today. Wake up at noon just to go take three naps throughout the day. It was at 9:30 that Chilly and I decided to go for a walk. At least we walked about 7 miles to justify our existence. For today, at least.

As I have so many pictures of him, apparently I have an unhealthy obsession with JMVC. Or so some of his friends think. I guess I'll just be totally narcissistic and vain and dedicate 100% of the site to myself. Maybe I'll get a reputation for having an unhealthy obsession with myself. Let's hope so!

Anyway, a huge group made its merry way from Austin down past where Mo-Pac disappears and hit Salt Lick for the first part of J-Saw's birthday celebration. JMVC and I had been quadruple booked, but it ended up being only triple booking. MT was back up from Houston with his girl, so I met up with him at Iron Cactus before dropping him off down 4th (sorry, no pictures). After that, I joined up with JMVC at Lucky Lounge for another of his friend's birthday parties (August is the birthday month).

It was around 1:00 am when we headed to part two of J-Saw's birthday party. The kids were finishing off the beer to flip cups. That game is the worst example of a drinking game ever designed by man, woman, child or ape. I tried to entertain by telling worthless (or nearly worthless) stories, but the subject of “milk” stumped me. Oh well. J-Saw's roommate must not have know who he was dealing with as Sparty made the mistake of displaying Oklahoma colors. And then only a little bit of urine was spilled on an OU hat before we headed out.

Labels: drinking, food, jmvc, the saw

As could be expected the evening wasn't tame. Shuggie's (or whatever it is called now) was our starting point as JMVC had a friend holding their birthday festivities there. We spent a couple hours there before heading to what was the old Ocean's 11 on Red River. Bubba called up and he and the misses came down there, too. The good thing about Bubba is that I know some of the buttons to push thus providing entertainment for all. One of the buttons is rap music. After he scared us all with a diatribe, we headed towards our next bar. Then the street hawkers convinced us to get $1 Long Island Iced Teas. I had like four, but was real fun was that I knew the place typically places hip-hop. Bubba didn't explode.

After that, we headed towards the JMVC bar of choice, Apple Bar. The Bubba's disappeared shortly after arrival. AT and some of her friends met up with us there before I headed home. I think JMVC made other arrangements...

Labels: jmvc

Busy weekend ahead so I'm hoping tonight's tame. Besides work, it could be three or four stops tomorrow. An early night tonight would be helpful since a late tomorrow night is a virtual certainty. I mean we're talking about The Saw's birthday bash.

I've got no idea what's in the air around this town. Between the allergens and bugs, I'm getting eaten alive and scratching myself to death. Somebody needs to do some serious exterminationing.

Uh, oh, better get to a meeting...

Another day working past 6:00 pm. Bubba and I have had a lot of stuff dropped on us. Am I not getting paid to maintain my site all day? The nerve. Well, at least the day produced the funniest thing said in the office.

One of these days I'll learn and not go out when I'm dead tired. There's always some excuse. Tonight it was The Paper Tigers playing at the not-so smokey Water Tank. For the few who made it out, I'd say it was their best show ever. Maybe it was the half-dozen $1 Buds I drank in the fifteen minutes before the special ended (yes, the crowd needs to warm up as much as the band). They pulled a song out I hadn't heard them perform before and a different version of an existing tune. The melodic garage sound could use a little pep and these two songs supplied it.

JMVC missed the show, but he did show up early enough to halt my pool winning streak. After that humiliation, he, BS, and I headed out for a couple drinks at Friday's. Yes, Friday's. Even I have to try out a chain from time to time. I was dead from walking so we didn't stay too long. Friday will be a long day of working and drinking. Sleepy, so very sleepy.

Labels: bubba, jmvc

Some people know school's back in by the yellow buses on the road or the cross guards situated about town. I get the hint by listening to the women around me bandying about stories of their children's adjustments to school. One kid had to support his father who was tearing up (wtf?); another was so excited that he was peeing all over the bathroom; one woman's son had a tough time getting up so she let him stay home; one girl in second grade didn't think her clothes were nice enough to make a good impression.

Now, I typically have pretty good reaction speed to the soccer mom's dialogues. I dive for my CD player (actually Chilly's CD player but possession is 9/10th of the law) and blast some obscene hip-hop, drug incensed metal, or angst ridden alternative music; this tends to block out all their conversations. But today I was caught like a deer in headlights. These kind of thing boggle my mind. I mean, children firming up their crying parents? Get a backbone, man. Urinating because they're excited for school? If he's peeing now, I don't want to be anywhere near him when he starts dating. Keeping the kids at home? Clothes not good enough? What kind of fantasy world do these people live in? Drag the kid to school and give little Kelly an economics lesson.

I liken children going back to school to breaking in a new pair of shoes. They cause a bit of pain at first but eventually the shoes will be comfortable. Yes, they may cause some blisters and sores that will be there for the rest of your life, but in the end THE SHOES are broken in and not the other way around. Mind you I don't have children so their tendencies and motivations are beyond my comprehension (thank God!). As you may have learned, having experience or knowledge in a subject does not keep me from voicing my viewpoint.

So, in summary, all you kids in the universe, keep those chins up!

Labels: rant

Per JMVC's requests, pictures from this past weekend and Tuesday's B-Sides pics have been added. Meager as they may be. I think he just wants more bad pictures of himself out there.

Blues On the Green turned a little south. Doyle Bramhall, apparently, was the headlinerr and Los Lonely Boys opened up half-an-hour earlier than advertised. So I caught the tail end of LLB's last song. Went and grabbed some grub at Chuy's and missed most of Doyle. And from I heard, I didn't miss much.

Vlad's band, The Paper Tigers, are playing a gig tomorrow (Thursday) at the Water Tank off 183 at the McNeil exit. Their show starts at 9:00 pm and there is no cover. How's this affect you? First of all, you get to cheer on the Tigers as they play Squeeze Box for the first time (or not as the case will be). Secondly, you can drink at where JMVC used to underage drink (at 14 for God's sake). Third, you can get your monthly intake of smoke in a matter of moments from one of the biggest dives in the greater Austin area. Lastly, I don't really think this is their type of venue so you can watch the reaction of the crowd as they come face-to-face with that infernal "rock and roll" thing.

What better way to start the off the weekend?

They play from 8-9. No dollar beers this time (or last time, but that's another story).

Labels: jmvc

Well, I got the gyro special at Austin Taco & Deli and am now paying the price. Don't get me wrong, it was good. I just stuffed my face too much and all the Code Red in the world can't keep me from being drowsy. It probably would have been enough just to have the gyro but they had to toss in cheesecake, too. I'm a sucker for cheesecake; it's like my Achilles' Heal. Anyway, good food and I now pray for a nap. And if you think I look bad (well, imagine you can see me), you should see Bubba. Looks like a gorilla threw him around.

And speaking of Bubba, the Rain Song was on the radio (do you italicize songs or underline them? I don't know) and he criticized Robert Plant. And then he readily admitted he didn't like Led Zeppelin. I almost through him out of the car. Something's not quite right with that boy. I really should have threw him out the car.

For those of you tracking my movements, I'm going to Michigan in a few weeks. Make alternative arrangements for September 18 - 22. Besides seeing a Lions' game, I've got to get my winter garb to try to compete with JMVC.

I'm heading to Blues On the Green down at Zilker Park tonight. Doyle Bramhall and Los Lonely Boys are playing. Now I don't know anything about this dude Doyle, but Los Lonely Boys are real good. It should be a good show.

Labels: bubba, food, football, jmvc, sports

I think I need a sabatical. Paid, of course.

Don't write off the Tuesday-night tradition just yet. It could be a record turnout if I could remember and/or count. Counting is overrated and remembering is for simpletons. JMVC sure knows how to bring in the crowds. VB made it there before us; Curly and some of her friends came by; and, for good measure, some Friendster folks. And JMVC and/or I were not the last ones to leave the bar. Truly historic.

Speaking of remembering things, if you're a woman you could be up for girl of the week. Lots of demand for it in the user community. And don't think it's as demeaning as it sounds. I'll make it as respectable as possible. I'm preparing the list of questions. Don't worry, we'll be taking applications soon enough.

Labels: jmvc

The Tuesday tradition continues. JMVC sent out an email confirming B-Sides. First, Chilly and I are hitting an event at the Austin Historical Society beforehand. Never turn down a chance to view the varied history and culture of such a unique city as Austin. Especially when there's free wine.

This should be a pretty tame night out as we're in the midst of an ebb (or is it a flow?). Sort of cycling through people. Hell, as long as it's not like last week I’ll be fine.

Labels: jmvc

I had this weird dream real early into my sleep. I went to bed around 12:30 and didn't feel that tired, but I feel into a deep sleep and had this dream about my teeth falling out. It was almost as if I had gotten into a fight but somebody (BS?) told me that was not the case and it was happening naturally. And I even seemed younger in the dream. Man, I need to get back on the booze. I never had these problems after my nights of excessive drinking. Feeling like shit in the morning, yes; weird dreams, no.

At least I woke up early enough to go for a run. That felt horrible but I made up for it by hitting Austin Taco and Deli for a couple breakfast tacos. Great place. Apparently they've got a gyro special today. I'll have a tough time resisting going down there for lunch. Getting up early did get me into the office pretty early.

And from the strange items found file, I found an unused credit card under my car visor. Probably not the best place for that.

Well, time to get back to work. Lots to do today.

Labels: dreams

Why is it that you leave work exhausted but get a second wind just after getting home? I felt like I could have slept all night at 6:00 pm but now am kicking away working on the site while watching TV. Some realizations:

• these picture pages are out of control; I seriously need to make them smaller pages.
  
• I'm missing pictures from some of the pages. I've updated atx - march 2003 with all pictures. The rest are close but need some tweaking.
  
• The trees in the backyard are much better with a slight wind. Swaying is the key.

And it has now been two days in a row of not going out. A string like that would typically seem insignificant but when I've been out pretty much for three weeks (save a day or two) that's quite a feat. Though I've started a new streak, two days of using the hot tub. Not nearly as social but I'll take it.

Well, good and bad news. To continue being the positive person I am I'll go with the good news first. We've got another country to add to the flags. Some of the folks from Brazil must have found out that I'm coming down there in October because we've had a hit from the most populous of Portuguese speaking nations. The bad news, the traffic on my site's going down the shitter. That's no good, no good at all. What have I done to alienate the populace? There's only one solution: multiple couple of bottles. That should liven up the site.

Man, not many emails today. Maybe people are working today. That's slightly disconcerting.

Another weekend finished. Sunday was a recovery day and piss-away money day. After spending an hour tracking down my wallet, Chilly and I ran some errands. I ended up with a new fry pan and pillow from Bed, Bath, & Beyond so I can now pan roast and sleep easy. Let’s just hope its not at the same time. The purchasing didn't stop as I picked up some new speakers for the room. I can't have The Epicenter not able to rock at a moment's notice. Though not after 3 am. And never on a Tuesday.

Speaking of rocking, I finnally got off my arse and burned a CD for S. Money. Angst of The Purveyor, Hip Hop: Volume 1 is the title. Turned out half-way decent.

Lots to be done this week, in and out of work. It's my last week before I start my Spanish class. Let's hope that doesn't impact my drinking schedule too much.

Labels: s. money

The rest of Saturday was occupied with birthday events and a late hit of 4th street. Early evening activities were cut off, so my first time to the plate was for a friend's birthday whom I know from Parts Unkown down. The party was down in the 04 (and that does look as ridiculous typed out as I thought it would). The Saw, Chilly, and BS came along. Some piñata and watermelon punch were killed before BS and I took a swipe at tracking down JMVC. Ended up finding him at Ludwig's before he and I headed to Fado to see Curly and company. JMVC was the DD so he not anywhere nearly as much fun as usual. BS and I closed out our time with him and walked a friend of BS's to her car.

Did I mention tame? Though I hear sober boy gave up drinking. Maybe a little more drinking occurred after the legal threshold lapsed?

Labels: jmvc

Chilly and I went for a tough little bike ride. It probably would have been a good idea to have biked a lot less after my lack of recent pedaling activity. That and the heat kicked me ass. Probably stopping at the new taco shop, Austin Taco and Deli, before hand didn't aid the cause. It is new so we had to try it out. Anyway, came back and fell asleep watching Food Network; waking up I somehow pulled my left hamstring. That's a hell of a thing.

So last night, Chilly, JMVC, and I headed down to Rock Stars to catch the Paper Tigers show. They were supposed to come on at 9:00 pm but they were playing when we showed up at 8:30. I was livid and was going to tear into the manager when I realized they were just practicing. Oops! Eventually they got to rocking, but not before I got to continue my pool winning streak against the mighty JMVC. The show brought a big turnout with The Saw, MN, Bubba and Mrs. Bubba making surprise appearances. For good measure, Bubba almost went after some would-be hecklers outside (and this was before he started drinking).

After the show it was bar hopping at its finest. First stop was The Aquarium where Bubba gifted us all with his knowledge of fish. Bubba and I are really, really silly to begin with and alcohol doesn't make us any more mature. I'm pretty sure we shouldn't make it a regular thing for fear of destroying any of the good sense we have left. Next we hit Pig and Whistle (though I could have that confused with some other bar). We lost a couple good people (who will remain nameless until the court appearances are fait accompli*) between Pig and our final bar destination, Logan's. I "bought" a round of shots at Logan's and brought back empty glasses. Depth perception was a bit off last night. I corrected this most gross of errors soon enough.

Plan for tonight involve a birthday party for sure. The rest to be determined. Keep your ears to for the latest.

* I know that's not the best use of the word but I've got so many fifty cent words in my quiver and so little time to fittingly use them. Why quibble over semantics?

Labels: bubba, jmvc

I really need to break these picture pages down (specifically atx - august 2003). If you don't have a high speed connection you are screwed. Too bad I'm really, really lazy. As for new content, all the JMVC party and last night's pictures are up. I'm passing back out.

Oh, MIA's have reported in. Only damage was the horse of they cop they hit. I would think those wouldn't be tough to miss. A night in jail and a good lawyer should take care of that.

Labels: jmvc

You can't call a night "out" successful if you can't account for all your soldiers. And when I say "soldiers" I don't mean to demean real soldiers because all I'm talking about is soldiers of the alcoholic world. They serve a purpose but nothing of pertinence (again, the alcoholic soldier). Anyways, I digress.

We've got a couple of folks currently on the MIA list. I sort of feel as though I should be added, too. Typing in and of itself is not existence.

Weeks of going out are having an affect. I'm in a shambles. My back's killing me; my neck's got a kink the size of Montana; and I've some weird pain in my foot. I took a nap for over an hour last night and am still dead today. Some would think this would necessitate me altering some of my behavior to avoid such conditions. And a smarter man might agree with you. Maybe after this weekend. Just too much going on to not go out.

Every year the Austin city commission (I think that's what it is called) has a meeting where anyone who wants to talk can talk. Well, JMVC had some things to say about the Austin Historical Society (also, I think that's what it is called). So after that we did what do, hit bars. We checked out Deep Eddy's for a pitcher. Then Curly called and we headed over to Little Woodrow's to meet up with her and some of her friends. I had never been there before. Apparently it's new so I'm excused for not having been previously. After a drink there we headed across the street to Star Bar. I have no excuses for not having gone to Star Bar before. I'll just claim the usual, ignorance and incompetence.

JMVC dropped me off and I went back into the lab for a shocking discovery. Chilly's place was a controlled environment before my arrival in March. What better place to test my out some of my theories on people? My first experiment was getting cable for a previous cable-deprived atmosphere. This resulted in a higher than expected couch-to-ass-to-TV ratio than expected. My latest experiment was introducing the PC game Age of Empires. The impact has been almost immediate as evidenced upon my arrival tonight; both Chilly and BS were both playing the game well past 2 am. It's too early to draw a conclusion but I'll continue to test my hypotheses.

Sleep time pour moi.

Labels: jmvc

Well, every section of the site has something new. Besides the new audio links, new Rants, a new Overheard and a Review. I should just blast off an email to the three people waiting on pins and needles for more stuff. Many more rants to put up, I just need to edit them. I tend to curse and wax a bit more venomously on paper. As crazy as it sounds I do censor myself.

One slight problem, I think I inadvertently deleted a rant. It looked like I had done a rant since my one on responsibility. If anyone can remember what it is please remind me. I can surely come up with a replacement.

Pictures are as caught up as I can get. I still need to get my camera bag from JMVC to update his party pics. There should be plenty of pictures from this coming weekend; bands and parties aplenty. Only one more day to kill. Maybe a quiet night tonight (yes, I went out last night. Absent a day or two, I'm pretty sure it's been about three weeks in a row). Though I am probably lying to you and kidding myself.

Labels: jmvc

Due to popular demand I'm back. The easy stuff: I've updated the audio page. The batteries are recharged and I started cooking with gasoline. I intend to do more throughout the day. Hopefully I'll avoid some meetings and other work distractions.

I hit Reeds Jazz and Supper Club last night. Pretty cool place and I highly recommend the cappuccino martini. Its no chocolate martini but what is?

I promised I wouldn't let my foul mood affect the sanctity of my web site. So a 32-hour break was required. First off, add the Germans to the list of people mistakenly hitting . As tradition dictates, their flag goes up on the site. There will be a test later. The black rung of the flag isn't complemented by the black background of the site, but I can't do anything about changing the German's flag. And please don't pester the poor folks at the Reichstag; they're pretty busy handling their unemployment issues.

Crazy night last night. The B-Sides event turned into NGF hanging out alone for three hours sucking down beers. I did manage to write down some prospective material for the site (e.g. rants) and read some. Well, I read a lot. And then the fun started. The rest of the details of the evening are best left unsaid.

I did manage to make it home for lunch today. On my arrival, I found a nice little package waiting for me. Looked like a box you'd use to put a cake in and it was taped up to hell. After some tests by the bomb squad (you can't be too careful these days), I popped it open to discover my long awaited DVD's from Hendu. To all of you who think harping and bitching and complaining incessantly and insistently don't work, I would tell you that you're wrong. It only takes several months but it accomplishes the objective. Thanks Hendu! Fortunately the good TV's blown out and I won't be able to watch Suicide Kings and Excalibur on a continuous loop but that's fine. A bird in the hand is worth half-a-dozen on the other hand.

Speaking of hounding people, I'll need to do the Hendu threatment to Bubba. He's using lame excuses like "My house is flooded" to keep me from the sunglasses I left at his place. I don't care if Mt. Vesuvius erupted in your backyard get my shades back to me!

Labels: bubba

Today promises to be a long one. At least I managed to get up somewhat early and go for a run. Short and not too taxing but a run nonetheless. At least it was nice and cool from all the rain last night. Pretty big storm system came through and mucked things up. Chilly's flight out of town was postponed at least five hours and some tornado(s) shut down 35. Just rain down by me.

Not much to update on the site, but I did add some text on the atx - march 2003 page. Most importantly, you can differentiate the pictures from JMVC's birthday versus other (according to JMVC) less important pictures. A minor thing you may or may not notice, but I've added a favicon. If you bookmark my site you'll see it in the address bar. I've got some complaints about the graphics. And to those people I say, "screw you." I can barely draw a straight line so leave me alone.

Lots of stuff to get caught up with at work. And I can't work too late because I'm the anchorman tonight at B-Sides. JMVC can't show up until later so I'll have to take up the slack and secure an enviable location. Lots of responsibility.

Labels: jmvc

I think Bubba and I need an intern because our shit is too funny to stop. I mean, if we can make ourselves laugh for hours throughout the day who can seriously stop us? Kind of like the blitzkrieg but substitute German soldiers with two jackasses and a litany of terror with laughs that force the recipient to barely contain wetting themselves. Anyway, another day successfully killed. Isn't that what it is all about? Amidst all the worthless garbage and trifling, isn't killing forty to fifty years with a moment or two of enjoyment all there is? Just the frivolous and inconsistent ramblings of friends who aren't concerned with the frivolity and take to heart the inconsistencies?

Am I still typing? Anyway...

On a more amped up and tangible topic, BS sent me the details on his gig on Friday: Rock Stars on 6th and ONE DOLLAR beers. I'll have a tough time contemplating hearing music with buck beers. Their gig starts at 9:00 pm. Many reasons why you should show up: the chance to see one of my favorite bands; to encourage people to pursue their dreams instead of giving up and sitting up behind a desk all day; to meet members and players of the cinema. The Purveyor, JMVC, BS, Magic Stick, Chilly, Lo, and NGF are scheduled to appear; and, most importantly, for dollar beers and the chance and to get maudlin drunk and hear a great up-and-coming band. I lied. There is more, you will go because I deem it necessary.

Labels: bubba, jmvc

Well, I heard what I missed after I left Bubba's party on Friday. I headed out a bit after 9 pm and the party went on until past midnight (pretty impressive for the older folks). The party started at 6:30 pm but that didn't stop one of Bubba's friend and his girlfriend from showing up at 11:45 pm. Bubba had never met her before. Within five minutes, the girlfriend managed to make quite an impression:

• When introduced to Bubba, she turned away without shaking his outstretched hand;
  
• She snatched the last piece of sandwich from someone's hand after which she said "gotcha!";
  
• And asked "who's the fat chick?" in a clear voice discernable by everyone at the party.

I don't know if she was drunk or high, but the beotch was lucky somebody didn't feed her to the coyotes. Needless to say, she and Bubba's friend were asked to leave. Things usually fall apart when I leave a party. That should be evidence to all to never allow me to leave one of your gatherings. Never!

Labels: bubba

I woke up around 5 am and did some updates throughout the site. Most picture pages now have text about what is pictured. Lo said it was a good idea especially when there's a whole lot of pictures. I'd like to break the pages into smaller ones but that almost seems like work. Oh, I need to get my other memory card from JMVC to complete the pictures from his party. The infamous "lurker" photos are a must see.

I saw my friend Jray, who's in Azerbaijan, on IM and we chatted for a couple little bits. That's pretty cool that I can chat with somebody halfway around the world. And I thought the internet would only be useful for gambling and porn. Anyway, she's got some real cool pictures on a group message board.

I've got to go make lunch and get out the door.

Labels: jmvc

Man, that was a long day. Ended up staying up with BS and Lo until around 8 am drinking. BS downloaded some tunes and we rocked out to MP3's jamming from my shitty laptop. No better way to enjoy music than through crap speakers. There was a nice long, hard rain around 3 or 4 am. That's a rarity for this place. Walked about for a bit and tore my feet to shreds in the process. Poor feet, maybe I'll treat them better this year.

Followed that up with about four hours of sleep before I needed to accept the obligatory birthday phone calls. Slight kink in the woodworks is that JMVC had to cancel the dinner plans. I wasn't really sure what to do so I went for a bit of a drive. By the time I got home, Chilly, BS and I went to Hoovers for some good old-fashioned comfort food. I'm still more than full.

I've been exhausted since 9 pm but can't fall asleep. Watched parts of Wag the Dog (which was just as good as I remember) and The Usual Suspects (which wasn't) earlier in the evening. Maybe I should have drunk a couple dozen more beers to knock myself out.

Labels: jmvc

Back home and drinking. We hit several bars, got some Flaming Doctor Peppers and Jagr Bombs in our short time down there. BS is here to help out with our remaining night of drinking. The DP's were done a bit differently with the bar getting set on fire. Lots more flame but I screwed up and somehow didn't get the shot (picture shot, of course I got the drink shot). Damn me!

Right around the stroke of midnight, my new theme song was playing so I knew my one hundred and eighth year would be a good one. What will the next year have in store for me? I can only wonder where will be in one year. The mind has a difficult time grasping what will happen when this unstoppable force makes it to more of the masses.

And I made a discovery on the way back to the car. Crossing the street I noticed a wallet. I'll need to figure out a way to try to contact the dude and get it back to him.

Real lazy day was only marginally made less so by my "run" at Town Lake. Uhm, 4:00 pm in August isn't the best time for such an activity. I did some confirming for our little group Pappa Deaux dinner tomorrow with ME and Lo. JMVC's out at Lollapalooza but he's in like flynn. Or is that flint? Anyway, it should be a good time.

OK, Lo came over and I cooked dinner for her and Chilly. J-saw came over and had some pre-downtown beers. Shocking news from him that he didn't know there was any more to the site than pictures. Nothing else important, of course, but plenty of other crap.

Plan is for us to come back around 1 or so and drink some cha-cha's instead of staying out and closing the bars out. Been there, done that. All week in fact.

Constant updates can only last so long. After a shower I headed out to JMVC's party. Some new faces showed up, including one of SaC's friendster friends, Sunset. And I now have a whole nine friendsters! Good time had by all and, shockingly, I closed down the party. Not before taking some stray beers home for attention. Ended up home around 5:30 am and slept until about 1 pm. Desperately needed sleep for sure. Wait a sec, that's not even eight hours! I demand a recount.

Plans for tonight are up in the air though I think Club D'Ville is in the cards. Chilly and J-saw are signed up for duty. Maybe I'll try to go run down at Town Lake...

That took a bit longer than I thought but I did my job of entertaining the crowd. They had one of those "who the fuck was that guy" expressions on their faces. I get those from time to time.

Well, I think I'll head out of Bubba's party now. Nap needed but not going to happen. Shower and a change a clothes is the best I can hope for.

Well, plenty planned for the weekend. I'm currently at the Bubba estate drinking some wine waiting for his "gathering" to begin (of course the wine means it has started for me). Later on I'm heading over to JMVC's for another party. I'm hoping for a bit of a rest between events but that seems unlikely. I may have to send an SOS to Chilly to bring some clothes. Tomorrow I'll probably meet up with J-saw and head downtown for a bit of imbibing. Sunday JMVC is taking me to dinner at Pappa Deaux.

Anyway, funny incident on the way over to Bubba's. He and I got seperated so I called his wife to get directions. Craig and I met up near his place and I immediately starting laying into him about him losing me. All the while he's cracking up. Turns out he had pulled over and was driving near me most of the time but couldn't get my attention. He was honking his horn and enlisting other drivers to attempt to get me to notice him to no avail.

Labels: bubba, jmvc

Some crazy idea of getting up early and running was just that, crazy. I'm shocked that I actually set an alarm. No need to worry, though, as I snoozed it up repeatedly. Around 8:40 I thought it time to get up. I'm in a bit of a haze. Getting out of the shower to see BS and Chilly hanging out in the kitchen. BS's brother stopped by and I started to give him some advice on not spending tons of money out drinking. Then I realized I just got paid and retracted my guidance.

So I get into the car and try to do some calculations recalling of Thursday. First Thursday has a bunch shops giving out booze to encourage purchasing. I met up with Lo, JMVC, Chilly, BS and ME down at Mexic-Arte for a couple beers before trooping down Congress. ME stayed back to hit Logan's for some big beers with some colleagues. We first hit Guero's (where I had one of my new favorite beers, Bohemia). Then we wandered around some shops checking out the merchant's wares. Most of the stores give out booze so it won't come as a surprise that we drank free margaritas at a boot and cowboy hat shop. Chilly and JMVC headed out and the rest of us stopped in at the Continental Club. The time on the clock can't be much past 9:30 pm. The haze is clearing a bit.

I ran a tab for the three of us though I think most of the damage was done on my end. If you told me I drank a dozen pints I couldn't prove you wrong. Guinness after Guinness. I was surprised that I could differentiate the temperature change when they changed the kegs (warmer if you were wondering). I was making them disappear with the simple flick of my wrist. Pint after pint. Speaking of Guinness I prolly should add their site to my Links page.

Anyway with the miraculous aid of the Guinness, Lo and BS began using me as their puppet. Well, more like they tried to teach the white man to dance. It was ugly before it got uglier. Though the rinsing and repeating with the Guinness helped quite a bit. Not the quality of dancing, of course, they just made the act easier to endure.

ME showed up some time around midnight(?) and brought some of her coworkers along. Seemed like nice folks, though through my booze fog Pol Pot would seem like Ned Flanders.

I think we headed out some time after 1:00 am. I don't even recall if I said bye to everyone. BS and I had a crazy idea of walking. That lasted a couple blocks before I put the kibosh on that. Or did I. Regardless, the kibosh was put on. Once the taxi dropped us off I realized I had forgotten my credit card. Back to the Continental Club to recover the card (that place is not cheap). Well, ME and company were already gone. The party typically does end when I leave.

And it was about this time I realized that I had next to no gas in the car. Well, got to stop by Sam's to fill up. After that I'm so late I decide to stop and get an everything bagel at Einstein Brothers. Haven't been there in quite a while but they now have sandwiches on panini bread so I'll be back.

Roll into the office just under10 am. Tough way to make a living. I'll have to come in this weekend anyway, so I'm not too concerned about it.

Labels: jmvc

Did anyone get the license of that motorized vehicle that ran me over? Lots too much to drink. To quote nearly every 80's buddy cop movie: "I'm getting too old for this shit." I'll have to get some sleep in hopes that I'll be able to recount the evening. Or even remember it.

Well, another day killed but not without incident. PC called me up and all's not done with the Brazil trip. Did I mention the travel agent's been having problems with my credit card? Hell, so have I so she might as well join up. Anyway, turns out Brazil needs a visa to the tune of one hundred smackers. That's not chump change.

Good thing that its time to head out and meet up for First Thursday. I don't know what it's about or what its for but I heard "free beer" and I've been there ever since. At least in spirit.

Plan is to meet up at Mexic-Arte for a couple drinks and head down Congress to check things out. I think Chilly'll be joining me, Lo, JMVC, and ME.

Labels: jmvc

So if you walk into the office and see signs for resume workshops and job fairs is that a signal?

Well, at least I got a nice run in this morning. "Nice" in the sense that it is probably good for me, though my blown out leg tends to differ. Though my shoes didn't fail me.

Bubba's birthday today. Birthday lunch time!

I just got back from 101X's Homegrown Live show at The Backroom. Hit the show with SC and JMVC. Not the hard-core death metal I required but could enough to show my ear drums who's boss. Didly, Teabag and Pistol Grip Pump all had sets lasting about an hour. Interestingly, during the Pistol Grip Pump show some dude busted out with some break dancing. Curly Q was his nom de plume (though I didn't ask to see his birth certificate or license). Didly was the cream of the crop. Damn, I left the Shiner Bock mug at the bar. You can't find plastic mugs just anywhere.

There has been some updates to the site. I've altered the look of the Reviews to be more in line with other text on the site. More significantly is the change in the ratings system. Instead of a grade like school (e.g. an A), the maximum a movie can get is . Kind of like a four-alarm fire but in a good way. Well, I guess a four-alarm fire would be good for some sicko pyro freak, but that's another story. Did I mention my Zippo's busted...

I've also continued adding text and anchors to picture pages. Now I can direct you, for example, to the pictures from after the White Stripes show in June.

Labels: jmvc

Ever have a muffuletta? I had one for lunch. Black olives, green olives with ham and salami. And soaked in olive oil. Now that was good.

Bubba and I took a break a while back and we discussing Saddam Hussein. For those uninformed, he wasn't such a nice guy. Well, Bubba mentioned something about Saddam's top lieutenant for torture. The guy kept having to top himself (in terms of brutally destroying people's existence, that is) to keep Saddam's favor. Next thing I know Bubba and I are tossing out different strategies and techniques, almost as if we were applying for the job. It was at this point we both realized that, besides the muffulettas, are days hadn't been going so well.

And tonight could be a key even in the future of the site. JMVC and I are to check out some metal bands. Perhaps a few pictures of some death metal bands will liven up my so-called site.

Labels: bubba, food, jmvc

I am surrounded by the worst collection of software applications ever developed. Besides being an immense memory hog, every release of their software necessitates me to uninstall and reinstall the whole app; not just install a patch. This takes about 30 minutes to do. And there is invariably a problem with the release so they have to release a new version within a day. My afternoon's been spent trying to convince people that there is a problem. Of course nobody wants to think there is a problem and typically I could give a rat's ass. But today's a bit different so I'm running from person to person explaining the problem. And re-explaining it. I've been here three or four years, I mean months, and the people I'm explaining the problem to have been here infinitesimally longer. But I still need to talk to them as if it was their first day. Or they'll have the unmitigated gall to think I'm at fault. Fortunately I'm experienced at humoring simpletons (good thing, too, because if not for that I'd rip their throats from their necks before their voice finished uttering its slander). Coupled with their inept management, idiotic scheduling and voluminous incompetence, I'm surprised anything's ever accomplished. Somewhere in the bowels of this place, the mice on their running wheels powering this place are laughing. Good thing that check clears every two weeks.

I know I'm becoming part of the geriatric set, as I need a nap before I go out during the week.

I left work last night and did some work on picture pages. Basically trying to set it up so I can link to specific sets of pictures or content within the site. Really stuff that should have been done early on but slacker is I. After that, a quick nap and then off to B-Sides. For the first time there, the camera was taken and used. Pictures coming soon to an atx 08-2003 page near you.

Lots of new faces at B-Sides. It could be that JMVC and I need new people because we offend them to such an extreme that we're forced to cycle through ever-newer ones. Or they are repulsed by our presence alone. I made it Lavaca Street Bar for the first time. I wonder if there is a Austin bar checklist I can use to mark my progress.

Even with the nap, this morning was a bit tough to get up. No running (besides behind schedule) so I "rushed" to work. And the kicker is my supervisor's working from home (I'd have put quotes around that but she probably really does work while at home) so I could have strolled in here at 4:30.

Labels: jmvc

Well, you don't often get emails from people in Azerbaijan every day. My friend Jray headed over there about a month ago and shot off an email today. Coincidentally I heard a story about the president of that oil-rich nation just yesterday on NPR. Apparently he's either dead or near death in some hospital in Turkey. He's also pushed some laws through the parliament laying the groundwork for his son to assume his duties if he should die (the son was elected prime minister and now the prime minister becomes president if the president dies. Quiz later). Anyway, she's a sweetheart and seems to be having a good time.

My normal fun Tuesday meeting finished up with us spending time going over a spread sheet of tasks of tasks we are not going to work on and assigning names to them. I must have had a temporary lapse in reason because I actually voiced the absurdity of such an activity. For my effort, I've got three tasks not to do.

I went to Slick Willie's and shot some pool with ME last night. We shot on Saturday, but we both played much better last night (especially ME). Though I somehow hit myself in the jaw during a follow through. Lot of fun, but I'm realizing people know most of my shit. Between me talking all the time and this site, I've got pretty much nothing else to say. I might have to hire a PI to find some funny stuff I've done in the past and forgotten. There has to be more inane garbage out there for me to regurgitate. I'll take that as an action item.

The night out left me a wee bit tired. I showed up for work around 9:30 am to realize I left my badge at home. To get in, I had to get my supervisor to come sign me in. After that pleasant experience I sat down to realize I left my CD's in the car. Without a badge it's a tad more difficult to get in and out of the building so I'm listening to SOD over and over again. There could be worse music so I won't complain too loudly.

I got Bubba on the Direct NIC bandwagon. So there will soon be one more totally worthless web site out there.

Oh, I went down to the cafeteria and the grill dude was rocking out to the Scorpions. I like the Scorpions and all, but I keep that stuff on the dl. They're more appropriate for headphone listening than cranked up and belting along over the deep fryer.

Dear God, I am running out of stuff to talk about. Let me call that PI...

Labels: bubba

In the vein of change, I've taken some of your advice and changed some of the picture pages:

1. I've added an Exhibits page. This is where I'll put all my crazy pictures, including Self-Portraits. Thanks for the idea, Lo.
   
2. atx - july 2003 has been refitted with descriptive text. This, hopefully, will be done on the rest of the old picture pages and future ones. This is something I was meaning to do, but JMVC gave me the encouragement to throw caution to the wind and do it now.
   

And there's a subtle change throughout the site that you may or may not notice. I think it's about as subtle as a car bomb, but maybe that's just me.

Labels: jmvc

It has taken a couple months longer than I had planned, but I now have medical insurance. I'm going to celebrate by playing in traffic.

After some more tax-free shopping (and two new pair of dress shoes), I got home around 4:00 pm on Sunday and plans were underway for cards. DB had cancelled so I called up the always willing-to-gamble JMVC as a replacement. The game started around 7:00 pm with BS, Chilly, JMVC, SH, MN, VD (who replaced BS early on) and yours truly. We mixed up Hold 'Em with Mexican Sweat, Midnight Baseball, Iron Cross and the infamous 357. As anyone who has witnessed me gamble can attest, I am a horrible, horrible gambler. But I have fun while I'm at it. So that means I didn't fare too well (early, that is. Later on the tide turned). Chilly and I battled it out in a memorable game of Midnight Baseball. It came down to the last cards: on my end, unbeknownst to me, I pulled a wild card; Chilly followed with just the card to beat me and took down a $30 or $40 pot. As for 357, it is the kind of game that makes you either jump for joy or want a 357 to end the misery. SH is the former, I the latter. The last men standing, JMVC, VD, and me went back to the old faithful, Hold 'Em, until just past 1 am. I think I cleaned those guys out, nearly putting myself even.

As for today, Chilly begged off the run but I had an eager substitute in BS. The new shoes performed admirably. The run ended fine but we we happened upon some woman who is single handedly keeping Austin weird. As she drove by, she shouted something about the establishment necessitating her to work in the morning after performing in her band the night previous. The injustice of it all. Fight the power, lady!

Labels: jmvc

After a much-needed nap, I went and Guero's and grabbed some food with ME. My celebrity spotting continued with Dennis Quaid making an appearance at the South Congress establishment. After some pool at Buffalo Billiards, we met up with JMVC (what a shock!) for a couple drinks at Malaga (where we had a great Cousino-Macul Merlot) before closing the night out at Ludwig's (where we had run-of-the-mill 7 and 7's. The first pictures of August were taken though I'll wait until I have more than a few to put an atx 08-2003 page out.

Today's the last day of "tax-free" shopping in Texas. Every year they have a back-to-school thingy and the non-school types take advantage (with relish). I've got a pair of running shoes and some clothes from Old Navy. I need to head out (I'm at work) and buy a pair of dress shoes. I'm dreading that though as I hear the crowds have increased since my late morning punting. And if there's one thing I don't like is a crowd of people. I really don't like those things.

Not much planned beyond the shoes. Maybe a trip to HEB to get some grub for the week.

Labels: jmvc

Two Saturdays in a row awake before 7:30 am. I certainly hope to not make this a habit. I had an 8 am class and, afterwards, headed to get some breakfast tacos at the Tamale House (maybe that's turning into a Saturday tradition, too). Around noon, Chilly and I headed to Town Lake and went running. We only went about 1 1/2 miles before we decided to walk easy. Running, walking or in a coma, Town Lake is a feast for the eyes. And now I'm at work.

Interesting statistics from the site host. Besides from the USA, I've had visitors from Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Italy. And the Dutch person came back! I've got only one question: Don't you have anything better to do? This site's shite. But seriously, thanks for your patronage. I'll try not to embarrass or humiliate anyone other than myself.

Nearly eleven pm and I'm in for the night. Though not an inactive evening. Cushioned between a bike ride, Chilly D and I managed to toss the frisbee around and get a beer at The Draft House. Chilly and BS both headed out to parties. I'm going nowhere. At least "The Voice" episode of Seinfeld is on. I was wondering where ME came up with her reference to "backslider" came from. I should have known.

Well, the Links page has finally been updated. And dmt's received its first recipe. Thanks JS! You can check it out on the Recipes page.

Friday afternoon and I need something to do. JMVC got too loaded last night and bailed on our plans to see Mr. Sinus Theatre's take on Top Gun. Maybe I'll stay home, but how can I have funny stories to tell sitting at my abode?

After several weeks of waiting, I signed up for a Spanish class. It starts August 25. Pretty cheap as it was only $151.

There was something interesting I stumbled across. I was browsing the RunTex site and they had information for preparing for a 5k. They've got a 12 week training class for a race in November? Twelve weeks? I did it in six. I'll show them, I'll show everybody. Oh, I did already.

Well, time to kill the rest of the day and plan for the evening.

Labels: jmvc

Well, 2 1/2 months of not getting a full night's sleep may be done. Came home last night from The Hideout, passed out around midnight, and didn't wake up until 9:10 am. Hallelujah! Saints be praised. I woke up and nearly killed myself getting out the door and to the office. It's a late arrival when Bubba's in the office before me. Fortunately I'm getting used to nobody noticing if I'm not around.

As for Thursday, I woke up to this strange dream. In Florida, I was accustomed to hitting the grocery store and weighing myself (and not on those baskets for the fruit and vegetables). This chain down there has scales when you walk in). Well, I haven't been able to do that since I've moved to Austin. JMVC had a scale at his place but I couldn't figure it out the night I was over there for cards. So this dream had me finding a scale. I was with somebody though I can't recall whom. I get on the scale and I weight 99 lbs. And the guy I'm with is like "That's pretty good, what did you weigh before?" And that's all I remember.

The workday was typical calamity. I spent the day doing my testing just to go to our weekly meeting. There I find out that things are pretty much screwed up and no constructive testing can be done until tomorrow. Assuming the teller, WJ, of this information is joking, I say, "Well, I guess I'll go get that eye exam I've been putting off." WJ agrees that would be a good idea. Realizing I had already wasted my morning, I was off to get my eye's checked out. The optometrist's assistant was a Seminole and they both recommended some place in Pflugerville that has Hungarian food (the European Bistro for those interested). I'm always down with that. And my prescription has changed so slightly that I don't need new glasses. Those savings will directly translate to earnings for my liver.

A few hours killed and then Chilly and me hit The Hideout. One of the executives at our company gave up the daily grind of business and took an improv class. The eighteen-week class culminated in their "graduation" last night. It had its funny moments. We ran into some other former colleagues and one of Chilly's current bosses. Current boss said they hadn't forgot about me and was hoping to bring me on when they had some bigger projects. I immediately dropped to the floor and grasped his ankle and begged him mercilessly, "Please! For the love of Christ get me out of there!" That's my version of improv.

The links page got put off again. I looked for the page I wanted to emulate while at work but I couldn't find it. Oh well, something from scratch then.

Labels: dreams, jmvc