Who Are You?

Monday mornings are the worst. After adjusting yourself to stay up as late as possible on the weekends, along creeps Monday morning to snap you back to reality with a judo chop.

After waking up slightly late, I rushed to take a shower, got dressed and grabbed all the necessities for the work day ahead. Unfortunately, I forgot one crutial element.

No, it wasn't my pants, you perverts!!

It was my security badge.

You see, the building I work in is all James Bond and stuff. Very high tech, very Top Secret, very secured. You need a badge to enter, even if you work in the Document Center like I do. My office is directly inside the back door, and I talk to, or at least see, nearly everyone in the building, everyday. Basically, I am very well known within the building.

(Please refer to Movin' On Up if you don't believe me.)

I decided to keep on truckin' to work, since I was half-way there already, late, and too lazy to drive back to the house and go inside to retrieve my badge. I figured a couple of things could happen:

1. Someone would be outside smoking, and they would let me in.
2. I could get to work, and use the cell phone to call my co-worker to let me in.
3. I could pound on the door until someone heard it, and let me in.

Being the lazy person I am, I didn't want to expend the effort to call my co-worker, and pounding on the door is so rude, I decided to wait for a smoker. Soon after I arrived at the back door, the garage door opened. It wasn't a smoker, but it was my way in.

The lady who opened the door was from the Data Center. She was a pleasant women whom I spoke to often. Seeing my opportunity, I slipped in under the garage door, waved hello to the Data Center lady and made my way to a second door which opens up five feet away from my office.

But that door, too, needed the badge to be opened.

I patiently waited for the Data Center lady to finish her business with the Security tape delivery guy, then I asked her politely if she would let me in, as I had forgotten my badge.

Her: "What's your name?"
Me: Stunned "Uh, Tony, I work right across the hall."
Her: "Tony what?"

At this point I was stunned beyond belief. I've worked here for 5 years and you are asking me who I am? I stuttered my full name, and proceeded to provide her with enough nervous information to make an innocent man seem guilty.

Finally, she agreed, only after I walked her the full five feet to my office, showed her my desk (which has a picture of me on it) and had my co-worker vouch for me (which she reluctantly did, because she thought Data Center lady was just kidding, too.)

Needless to say, I never leave the house without my security badge anymore, and I make sure everytime I see Data Center lady in the hall, I greet her by name, just to make sure she knows I exist.

New Year's Resolutions

Well, kids, we did it. We survived the holidays. We survived the turkey, we survived the visitation of 50 places, we survived the Christmas decorations and the continuous loop of Christmas songs which was layed upon us starting in October.

The point is, it is 2006...the holidays are over!!

Did you have a good holiday, fine reader? I certainly hope so. I had a very nice Christmas, and a fine, fine New Year's. (I would like to take a moment to warn you about the film Wolf Creek...if you haven't sat through this movie yet, SAVE YOUR MONEY!! We went and watched it Christmas day and it was bad...really, really bad!!)

Anyhoo, sorry for the aside. Like any rational American, New Year's is a time for resolutions. So, this year, I think I was able to come up with a few that I'm sure I can stick with. So, without further ado, here are my New Year's resolutions for the year Two double-0 Six.

#1: Work Less. I think work dominates so many of our lives that we forget sometimes about the things that are most important. Family, friends, health, etc. Of course, work doesn't even come close to dominating my life, so working even less is going to be really hard. But that's why they call it a resolution!! They are suppose to be hard!!

#2: More Me Time. Kickin' back on a Sunday and watching the Colts win the Super Bowl...cataloging some records...taking a cat nap with my cat. These are a few of my favorite things, and thusly, I pledge to make more time for them in 2006.

#3: Blog More. Gotta keep my two readers satisfied with more of what they crave...me. How can I argue with that? Like I've always heard, the customer is always right!! (Yes, you are the customer in this situation...and if you want more, than who am I to stop that? Really, who the heck am I?)

So, that's it. I didn't want to make too many because a man can only do so much. I'm not a robot here, people!! Hopefully, I can stick with my goals, and make this the best year ever!!

A Letter To Santa

Dear Santa,

I know we haven't always seen eye-to-eye in the past. You say it's "naughty," while I inevitably say "nice." You say "coal," and I say "candy."

It's a viscous circle, Santa, and it needs to stop this year. I have a few issues we need to discuss.

First, we need to discuss the whole "coming down the chimney" thing. Since we have no chimney, and I really don't feel comfortable leaving my door unlocked, I think it would be best if you give me a call before you come to my house. I'm sure you have a cell phone so Mrs. Claus can call you five million times during the night, so it shouldn't be a problem for you to give me a call.

Secondly, I will not be leaving cookies this year, Pudgy, cause I've seen your waistline, and it isn't exactly svelte. I'll leave some milk...skim, but the cookies will be replaced with a nice Rice Cake.

Thirdly, with all of the aforementioned weight you've packed on from those cookies, I would appreciate it if you didn't land on the roof, cause last year I had a heck of a time fixing the structural damage you caused...and do you know how hard it is to get frozen reindeer "presents" off of grey shingles?!? Yeah, Rudolph may love the extra stop you make at White Castle, but trust me, the White Castles don't like Rudolph!!

Fourthly, I dig the red and white hat...the red and white coat is even alright. But the red pants? Overkill. And with black boots? Looks like someone needs to sign you up for "What Not To Wear," or "Queer Eye For The Santa Guy."

Fifthly, dude, can't you do something about this damn cold weather? I mean, seriously, it's cold here in Indiana!!

I've added my Christmas Wish List via an attachment to this email, I hope your computer can support it's size. Let me know if you can't open it...Oh, and if you let me know the addresses of the "naughty" girls, I would be happy to give them a visit and put some coal in their stockings (girls over 18 only, please!!)

Have a Happy Christmas, Santa, and a prosperous New Year!!

Love, Tony

(PS, I mean it about those White Castles!! I've never had Reindeer Jerky, but I'm willing to try it!!)

Gloves vs. Mittens

If you live in in the Mid-West, the Cornbelt, Up North, or the Bible Belt, you know a thing or two about cold weather. I live in Indiana where cold weather is abundant come winter-time. Having a job that requires a lot of outdoor activity, you will often find me with my trusty toboggan and a pair of warm gloves.

While driving to do some Christmas shopping this past weekend, Becky wondered aloud which would be more warm, gloves or mittens. The choice seemed obvious to me, gloves. But the debate that followed has made me question the very foundation of all I thought I knew about hand warmth.

Let's see the tale of the tape.

GLOVES


Finger Holes: 4
Thumb Holes: 1
Pros:
*More dexterity due to the separation of all four fingers.
*Ability to make hand signals like "thumbs up!", "OK", and "*@&# YOU!!"
Cons:
*You still think you can grasp things with gloves on...until that soda slips out of your hand and into your lap. Not that it's ever happened to me...I knew a guy, ok?
Style: You can be cool rockin' out in gloves.
Warmth argument: With each finger individually wrapped, it's like a heater for each of your digits.

MITTENS



Finger Holes: 1
Thumbs Holes: 1
Pros:
*You always have that "Grandma knitted my hand-warmers" look.
*A mittened wave is way cuter than a gloved wave.
Cons:
*You can't pick up anything without the use of both hands.
*Unlocking doors is difficult.
Style: You may not look sporty, but you will have that "cuddly" quality.
Warmth argument: Fingers can generate body warmth by touching each other.

CONVERTIBLE GLOVES



Finger holes: 4, or 1...no, wait 5
Thumb Holes: 1
Pros:
*You have the best of both worlds...glove or mitten.
Cons:
*These gloves are also known as "Glittens" and that's a pretty gay sounding name for a product (not that Convertible gloves is much better).
*Loss of all respect while wearing the "Glittens".
Style: HA HA HA!! You're kidding, right?
Warmth Argument: Since the glove half is fingerless, I would say, see Mitten section.

While some people enjoy the flexibility of the glove, the confinement of the mitten, or the public ridicule of the "Glitten", the question isn't look or functionality, it's warmth.

Does the individual finger warmers of the glove or the body heat furnace of the mitten generate more heat? Being a glove guy myself, I thought gloves. However, a recent study was done by a group of 5th to 8th graders who were sent out to brave the cold to determine which actually kept hands warmer.

THE RESULTS

Believe it or not, Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves because mittens "cut down on the surface area that is exposed to the air."

Ed. Note: "Glittens" were not tested in this experiment. Those little bastards!!

So, next time you are going to be standing out in the cold weather, bring a pair of mittens. If you need to actually use your hands for anything except waving, bring some gloves.

TONY'S TOP TEN GREATEST MALE SINGERS IN ROCK N ROLL/POP HISTORY

Some musicians are great guitarist, like Jimi Hendrix. Some are great performers, like Bruce Springsteen. Others are just plain genius, like John Lennon and Bob Dylan. But only some can be classified as great SINGERS. Without further ado, I give to you:

TONY'S TOP TEN GREATEST MALE SINGERS IN ROCK N ROLL/POP HISTORY

10.



STEVIE WONDER

Stevie Wonder almost falls into another category all by himself. R&B genius, Wonder crossed over into pop with a lot of his songs...just enough to make this list, even though I see him more as an R&B guy. Wonder SHOULD be higher, vocally, but the lack of Rock/Pop roots makes him #10.
(Key Songs: Superstition, Isn't She Lovely)

9.



JAMES TAYLOR

His smooth delivery made it easy to understand why he was one of the first artists to record on the Beatles Apple label in the '60's. While time has past, and his hair has gone, Taylor's voice remains as strong today, as it was way back then.
(Key Songs: Fire and Rain, How Sweet it Is)

8.



GENE PITNEY

Forget for a second the "popular" music of the '60's. If you want a voice that was not only flawless, but underrated (in my opinion the most underrated voice on this list!!) Gene Pitney was your man. A love song specialist, Pitney still belts out the tunes to this day...but still doesn't get the respect he rightfully deserves.
(Key Songs: Town Without Pity, Only Love Can Break a Heart)

7. TIE



BILLY JOEL / SIR ELTON JOHN

It's almost impossible to mention one name with out the other's coming up soon after. Few people have made the piano cool, like Billy Joel and Elton John. Strip away the guitars, the drums, and the bass, and you'll unlikely hear a more melodic ballad as the two of these men have produced with piano accompaniment.
(Key Songs: Billy Joel: Always a Woman, Piano Man)
(Key Songs: Elton John: Your Song, Rocket Man)

6.



CHRIS CORNELL (TEMPLE OF THE DOG, SOUNDGARDEN, AUDIOSLAVE)

Lost in the shuffle of the "alternative" scene is one of the greatest voices to ever step behind a microphone. Pushing the limits of lung capacity, Chris Cornell has the voice of an angel at times, and a demon at times, but regardless of which way he's swingin', it's always magic. It you don't believe me, listen to his solo album Euphoria Morning.
(Key Songs: Hunger Strike (Temple of the Dog), Fell on Black Days (Soundgarden), Show Me How To Live (Audioslave)

5.

FREDDIE MERCURY (QUEEN)

Flamboyant, check. Outrageous, check. Great Singer, check. Freddie Mercury's voice was as pure as his songs are timeless.

(Key Songs: We Are The Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody)

4.

PAUL SIMON (SIMON AND GARFUNKEL)

Simon and Garfunkel no doubt performed some of the most beautiful love songs ever to grace the airwaves. But most of those songs were Paul Simon's. A genius with the pen, and a master of the vocal, Paul Simon is truly worthy of # 4.

(Key Songs: The Sound of Silence, Still Crazy After All These Years)

3.

SIR PAUL McCARTNEY (BEATLES, WINGS)

Paul McCartney almost needs no comment. With the Beatles, he penned a dozen or so Top Ten hits...and that was in the first 8 years he was a recognized musician. Spanning over 40 years, McCartney not only personifies great longevity, but also the timelessness of a great writer, performer, and singer.

(Key Songs: Hey Jude, Long and Winding Road, Yesterday)

2.

ROY ORBISON

Before Overstock.com came to existence, The Big O was Roy Orbison. Singing songs for the lonely, Orbison honed his famous falsetto voice and took his songs and his always present black sunglasses straight into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. The pureness of his last album, Mystery Girl, cemented his spot as # 2.

(Key Songs: Crying, It's Over)

1.

ELVIS PRESLEY

The King. Some people can learn to sing, and some people were born to sing. Elvis was born to sing. Storming onto the scene in the mid-50's at a time where Rock and Roll was in it's infancy, Elvis created a legacy that will never be matched. A voice from above, Elvis made every song feel as though it were the most important message you could be hearing in that 3 minute span. Gospel, Rock, Country...Elvis could just flat out sing.

(Key Songs: Heartbreak Hotel, In The Ghetto)

NOTABLES:

Almost making the list, but barely missing out were:

Lionel Richie, Jim Croce, Cat Stevens, Jeff Lynne (ELO), Michael Jackson, and Layne Staley (Alice In Chains).

Def Lep

You all know I like records, and if you don't then you probably should read my blog a little more. Anyway, I like records, and subsequently, I also enjoy making gifts for the friends of mine who enjoy music using records as a focal point.

My friend Dan is a big Ted Nugent fan, so for Christmas last year, I framed an autographed Nugent LP and gave it to him. For his birthday, I framed a 45 rpm record from each of the Nuge's musical projects...one from the Amboy Dukes, one of his solo 45's, and one from the Damn Yankees.

You get the idea.

Well, my buddy Brian is a BIG Def Lep fan, so I constructed this for him...



FRONT VIEW



ANGLE VIEW

As you can see, this is a LARGE Def Leppard framed art piece!! It's made of the one 45 record (top left corner) and 7 45rpm Picture Sleeves which, when put together, build the cover of Def Lep's Hysteria album. The frame is probabply 2 ft x 2 ft total. I was so pleased with the outcome, I almost kept it for myself!! In fact, if I can find another frame like that one, I may make one for myself...

After seeing that, don't you wish you were my friend??

You're Outta Here!! (Almost)

I know I shouldn't talk. I shouldn't complain about this, but sometimes things happen that are beyond acceptable...

I will be the first to admit, when I am on the volleyball court, I get excited. I get heated. I get defensive, and I complain about bad calls. I try to only do it when the play is terrible. I try to only do it because we try to be relatively honest and call our imperfections when they occur. Usually, I don't bitch at the ref, I turn it to the opponents, and call them out for their lousy play/plays.

I have been more aware of what I do ON the court since I've been ABOVE the court...that is, since I've been reffing. I ref the women's league, and I get some arguing, some grumbling...it's all par for the course. I try to continue on, and shake it off. But sometimes, just sometimes, some one will cross the line. It's happened only twice this year. The first time wasn't very major. the lady argued that she knew the rules because she was a "coach."

"Well," I responded calmly, "I'm a ref."

The second occurrence happened Tuesday...and the lady doesn't even know how close she came to getting booted from the game.

It was the first round of the league tourney. Game one went smoothly. The losing team, however, began to get a little nervous knowing that if they lost another game, they would be eliminated from the tourney. With this urgency, came a little bickering, some eye rolling, some moans and groans. All typical "I-want-the-ref-to-bail-me-out" kind of whining that comes when you're losing. One lady in particular was giving me some gruff, but I shook it off.

Then, the fireworks started.

The Complaining Lady's teammate took a good set and hit it hard over the net. The girl on the other team put her hands up to set the ball (perfectly legal). The ball hit her palms, but came straight out and in the direction she was aiming. The sound was bad, but the play was LEGAL.

The Complaining Lady started in: "Oh my god!! Come on you can't do that!!"

The play continued.

Her: "You've got to be kidding me!! That's a bad hit, that's not legal!!"

The play continued.

Her: huff, huff, bitch, moan, complain

The play went dead. Her team lost the point.

Her (loudly): "You can't let her do that! That's illegal!!"

Me: (sounding all professional) "No, on a hard driven ball, the first contact can be taken with the hands if it doesn't come to rest."

And her answer just about got her tossed...

She says: "EEEEE (Buzzer sound) WRONG ANSWER!!"

Ok, if you want to argue calls, fine. That's part of the reffing duties, to calm people down. Don't, DO NOT, try to make the ref feel like an idiot, under any circumstances. Argue your point, and shut up!!

I responded: "I've been reffing volleyball for 15 years, I think I know what the rules are!!"

Then I gave her a dagger stare and she didn't say another word. After the game, I walked to the side they were on, just ready for her to come give me some shit. I was just feet away from them. I was prepared, too. I was going to ask her what the rule was? What was the call on that play? When she couldn't tell me, and I'm sure she couldn't, I was going to say: If you don't know the rules, don't argue them! Of course, she didn't say a word the rest of the second game. They won, and were cruising through the third, so I calmed down enough to where she wasn't on the radar anymore. It's fine now, but she better watch herself!! I do ref the finals, and I don't forget!!

The Big Time, Baby!!

I am super, duper excited. Cherry on top excited (oh, yeah, that's the big time, baby!!) I just found out that I have been included in the Blog Pound...that is, Miss Jenny Amadeo, one of the funniest bloggers in all the land, has included a link to my blog on her website, Run Jen Run!!

For those of you not in the know, Run Jen Run is located at www.runjenrun.com, and is very funny. Bust-a-gut funny. I highly recommend reading it.

Thanks, Jen, for linking me to your site, it is truly an honor to be included with such greatness!! If I were smart enough to know how to add a link, I so would have you on my site. But, alas, I am not that cunning.

To all my blog reading friend (s)...please take a moment to check out Run Jen Run, you won't be sorry!!

Hold the Lettuce

Dear Fast Food Establishments,

You know what I hate? Fast food lettuce. I mean, seriously, who wants to eat that crap? It's almost always either gone bad, or they give you that white lump of lettuce that comes up by the stalk...you know what I'm talking about, quit pointing and laughing cause I don't know the right word for it!!

Why the heck do you in the fast food places use lettuce anyway? I would think that, besides under cooking the meat, and improper sanitary conditions, lettuce would be the most prevalent cause of food bourne sickness.

Also:

--Lettuce doesn't have a taste, so just leave it off!
--Lettuce always makes the other, better toppings slide around the sandwich.
--Lettuce gets all over the car if you are eating on the go. (stupid sliced lettuce!!)
--Lettuce doesn't make the sandwich any more appealing. Honestly, when was the last time you said, "I'm not eating that unless you throw some beautiful, leafy green lettuce on that bastard!!"
--If every restaurant in America put one less leaf of lettuce on each sandwich, the restaurant could save over a million dollars a year!!

Ok, so I made that last one up, but who likes lettuce anyway? I don't see any hands, but i'm gonna assume some people out there like lettuce, so I'll compromise. You lettuce lovers give me a burger without lettuce at the fast food, and I'll give you the garden when you go to the fancy place (like Applebee's) and drop a Hamilton on a "gourmet" burger. Ok?

(PS, if anyone responds that I could just order the sandwich without lettuce, I'm gonna hunt you down and rip your arms off!! I've been ordering "no onions" for as long as I could order, and those fast food workers ALWAYS PUT ONION ON MY SANDWICH. No, you can't always get it your way!)

Love,
Tony

On the Shelf

I'm a terrible at judging the amount of time a project will take (seems like I've said that before). Ah, I can paint that room in 30 minutes. Two hours later, still painting. I really thought this time I would get it right, but alas, I was incorrect again.

The plan was simple. Take a week off work, build 6 rectangular shelves, sort through my records, and voila!! Basement is finished. I planned a day to build the shelves, a day to stain them, and 3 for records.

I was way off.

The shelves took a day to cut, a day to build, and almost a day to stain and clear coat. TWO AND A HALF DAYS!! I was very pleased with the results, however. I really took my time to pre-sink all the holes, putty over the screws, sand, stain, clear coat...

The records themselves went fairly quickly, and I was able to almost get the basement cleaned up in the week. Of course, the addition of The Beast didn't help matters, but now I believe all is well in the basement.

Here is a photo of the LP Record Collection as it stands currently...now, on to those 17,000 45's!!!


I made the top 2 shelves on each side of the stereo. You can't see them
very well, but they came out pretty good, I think!!

Pictures of The Beast

Ok, kids...As promised, here are pictures of "The Beast." Very special thanks to dad for wiring the beast up, and helping to put it into place. (It wasn't your fault that the Beast took off my toenail, either...I think he was just hungry for blood!!)

Without further ado, pictures!!


The Beast (Full View)


The Beast (Side View)


The Beast (Side View - Close Up)


The Beast (Front View - Close Up)

Word Verification

Friends of my blog...I recently have been getting a lot of spam comments in my comments section. Thusly, I had to enable the Word Verification.

Yes, this takes an extra second or two for you to post, and that sucks, but please, pretty please with cherries on top, don't let this stop you from posting to my blog.

Oh, and if you love me, you'll still post comments. (Gotta throw the guilt in there!!)

That is all.

T

Slaying the Beast

Sunday was a cold, rainy day...perfect for laying inside under the covers, nestled by the fireplace. Ah, remote in one hand, soda in the other...the Colts game tugging at my senses.

But it was all a dream.

Instead of the warm blanket, the Colts, and the neverending bliss of a Sunday morning at home, Becky and I found ourselves in the trenches...the auction trenches. Although the rain and the cold were abundant, we still felt the urge for a 5 hours romp in the memories of other's pasts. But today, I was in hot pursuit of "The Beast"...a monstrous 4 foot wide, 7 foot tall lighted glass display case.

It would be mine.

We stood around and watched as the glassware and household goods were snatched up, and then some small furniture was sacrificed, before the Beast was offered. Two of these mammoths were inside the house, ready for sale, but I only needed one. The auction opened for choice Display Case, and the bidding war began.

To the far right, an older gentleman in a three piece suit. To his left, a farmer and his wife, in front, one of the auction workers (which, for the record, I think is crap that they can bid to a certain extent...feels like they're running up the price to me.)

The farmer opened up the bidding at $30, followed by the Old Man's $40. I jumped in at $50, and the circle continued. At $100, I bowed out, and the auction man jumped in. When the dust cleared, the Auction Man was victorious with his $150 bid. I stopped because that case was HUGE, and I was nervous about the weight, getting it in the basement, etc.

The Auctioneer asked the Auction Man if he wanted both, and he said no. There was one Beast still needing to be slayed. The Auctioneer fired up again. This time, the farmer didn't even bid, neither did the Auction Man. It was me and the Suit, mano-a-mano.

In the end, I had the stamina that the old man just didn't possess. The Beast was mine at $90. Then, as always, the troubles began.

Problem #1

I had to wait until the auction was over to get any help. I had a game in the Burg at 6, and it was closing in on 4:45 when the auction concluded...I would have to work fast.

Problem #2

The display case must have been constructed in the room where it layed, because no amount of twisting and turning would get that damn case out of the house. It just wouldn't go. One of the auction guys tried taking the top off of the case, but it wouldn't come off. I looked around the room and only saw one option...

The window.

After some convincing, the beast slid out the window into the waiting hands of two other auction guys. Time, at this point, was of the essence. I waved at Becky to pull the van in close, and as soon as she did, the auction guys stopped her, and informed me they had to take the tent down first. An agonizing five minutes past as they de-constructed the tent. Finally, the tent was down, and me and 2 auction guys loaded the beast into the van.

It barely fit.

I scooped up the glass shelves, while Becky combed the room for the brackets and a plastic tub full of hard plastic display stands. They probably weren't included in the deal, but I'm sure they were in the case at one point, so I felt entitled. I carefully sat the six shelves and the glass doors in the belly of the beast, and we were off.

Problem #3

I took a quick measurement of the beast to confirm its 4 foot by 7 foot advertised gerth, and sure enough, it was exactly as described. I then measured the spot I had planned to put it in the basement.

The spot was a mere 3 foot wide! Damn...

The basement ceiling only measured 6 foot 11 inches! Double Damn...

We left for the game amidst my cursing and screaming. Becky assured me that it would work out fine, and, as always, she was right, but at the time, I just couldn't see the light at the end of this long and heavy tunnel.

I enlisted the help of my best friend, Shannon, to help me carry the beast to it's resting place. I was paranoid that the thing would be a royal pain to get downstairs, but Shannon's confidence was all it took.

"Don't think about it, just grab it and let's do it!" he said, sliding the beast from the back of the van. Two minutes later, we sat and marveled at the size of the beast as he lay sideways on the basement floor.

A little cutting from the bottom, a quick wiring of the lights, and the beast will be ready to display. Stay tuned for pictures of the finished project. Hopefully, I won't leave you waiting for long.

For the Birds

TV: Tonight at 11:00, we analyze the bird flu pandemic on the Night Cast.

Becky: "The flu is coming from birds?"

Me: "Yeah."

Becky: "Does that include chickens? Like, if I eat a chicken could I get it?"

Me: "No, it's from bird poop."

Becky: "Oh, then I definately won't be eating any of that!"

Me: "I would hope not."

5, 5...Who'll Give Me 5?

All of you who know me know I'm a big Ebay fan. A lot of times, however, you buy something on Ebay only to find it wasn't as described. Man, that sucks!! If only there was a way to have items up for bid and you could personally hold the things and inspect them BEFORE you bid...

Ah, yes...AUCTIONS!! I have heard a lot of people gush about going to auctions and estate sales, but I was always too afraid of the fast paced nature of the "game." I tried it once years back, and had a bad experience.

I went to the local auction barn in the 'Burg because I was tipped off they were putting some records on the block. I went and searched the 5 boxes of records and put together a box of records that were good ones I would like to have. Since I only found one good box, I was going to concentrate on that box. Well, the bidding started, and me not knowing anything about auctions, tried to keep up.

"Alright we got some records here, choice of box...who'll give me 5, 5, 5, who'll give me 5."

I got a stern look from the auctioneer, the man who tipped me off in the first place. I raised my number and started the bidding. Another guy was with me and we bid it up to $20. When the dust finally settled, I had won!

That's when the trouble started.

"You want all of 'em?" the auctioneer asked?

Well, yeah I want them all!! Sweet, I got them all for $20!! Damn, that was a good deal. So, I get up and go to pay, and the lady says..."$100, Sonny."

"No, I just bought the records...$20."

"You took 'em all, $20 times 5 is $100."

I was stunned. I didn't have $100!! I thought they meant...OH!! I begged for forgiveness, and they finally granted it to me. I took my one box, paid $20 and slunk off into the night never to return. As I left I heard the Auctioneer and all the auctionees laughing at me as the Auctioneer explained how stupid I was.

Fast forward 7 years.

Becky and I went to an auction close to home. This time, I knew the lingo. Becky got us started with a win on a glass plate.

I set my sights on some old video cameras that my cousin collects, and some larger items in the front yard. I was running back and forth, to make sure I won the cameras, before bidding began for the larger items. Finally the cameras came up...but first, it was hair curlers. No one wanted them, so they drug in a camera. It wasn't the one I wanted, and no one bid, so in came the second camera, the Super 8 hand held I wanted. I bid the dollar.

To my surprise, no one challenged. My first win!! Two old cameras and some hair curlers for a dollar! I made my way back out front and prepared to wage war for a beautiful console stereo. This thing had no scratches on it. I opened the bidding at $20 and bids came in fast and furious.

$25, $30, $40, $50, $60...I pulled myself out of the running. But Becky nudged me and put me back in...she always knows when I should keep fighting. I threw myself back in at $80, and won!



We tried to get some recliners that went for an unbelievable $500 each, and a table that went out of our range. Then it was Becky's turn. Her sights were set on a small padded rocking chair. There were 2, and the auctioneer called for choice. Becky and another lady duked it out, and Becky finally succumbed and gave it up at $50. The lady took her choice (which was also the one Becky wanted) and left. The other one was up for grabs. The bidding stated again, and Becky won for $25.




A few more things went out of our price range, and I bought a plant stand to sit my Steve Timmons 1984 USA World Championship Volleyball Jersey on. (Yes, he actually wore this jersey!! I guess it's more exciting to me than you...)



After that, Becky took our number to the back, where they already knew what we bought (isn't technology great?) and she paid the lady. I carted the stereo down to the street and waited for Becky to pick us up. We loaded the stereo, but didn't have room for Becky's chair, so I picked it up and started walking home.

I thought the house was closer than it was. A half a mile later, I arrived home. We now officially have the auction bug. We went to our second on Sunday, but won nothing. We will be back...oh yes, we will be back!!

Got Them No Brakes Blues Again

I am not a huge fan of cars. Don't misunderstand, I love getting in a car and it taking me to my destination so I don't have to walk, but I prefer it to be simple.

Get in.

Insert key.

Drive.

No headaches, no hassles. Change the oil? Not this guy. I'll pay someone to do it. Camshaft, crankshaft, tie-rod, piston...just words to me. No idea. This is probably why I really hate when my car has a problem. I know nothing about them, so I feel like someone is always taking advantage of me.

Wouldn't you know it, Becky came home the other day (actually about 4 months ago) and said her brakes were "squealing." After months of putting it off, I finally took the car in to the shop.

We needed:

Brake Pads, Rotors, and a new front tire, as ours had a gash in it. Total = $370.

Ouch.

Then, the guy calls back and says:

"the piston is cracked in half and is leaking brake fluid...I need to put a new caliper on there, and it's another $70. Do you want me to go ahead and do that?"

No, moron, slap some duct tape around it and let's call it a day. YES, I WANT YOU TO FIX IT!!

After waiting all day, I finally called to see if the car was finished at 4:45 pm. They informed me that it was. Thanks a lot for letting me know!! At this point, I had no one to take me to pick up the car, and they closed in 15 minutes, so I took the work van, drove it to the Brake place, paid my $470 bill, drove our car home, had Becky (who was home at this point) drive me to the van, follow me back to work, and take me home.

What a nightmare!!

I sure hope they did all they said, cause I wouldn't know the difference anyway.

Under Attack

SQQQQUUUIISSSHHH...

Me: "I totally just smashed a huge spider."

Becky: *yawn* "Good for you."

Me: "Did you see how big that thing was?!!

Becky: "Yeah."

Me: "Does that make me a killer? A murderer, maybe?"

Becky: "Nah, it was self-defense."


(Self-defense...where does she come up with this stuff? She's so funny!!)

Concert Tour 2005: The White Stripes

Date: September 9, 2005

Time: 8:00 pm

Location: Murat Theatre, Indianapolis, Indiana

Seats: Balcony Center, Row K, Seats 16 and 17

"Every breath that is in your lungs is a tiny little gift to me." White Stripes - Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground


I can't, at this point, say The White Stripes fall in the catergory of "Living Legends," so including them in the LL Concert Series would be inaccurate. I WILL, however, go on record right now as saying this band deserves all the respect and accolades of any current band, and several bands of the past.

If there was ever a band that should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 20 years, it is The White Stripes.

Now, on to the concert. Before we arrived, I knew this was going to be like no other concert I had ever been to. I was expecting weird looking people, loud music, and in general, an atmosphere unlike the shows we were accustomed to attending. After all, this was one of the first concerts I have ever been to featuring a band from my generation. (except Counting Crows, and John Mayer...but they are a lot lighter than The White Stripes).

We weren't disappointed. Becky and I immediately began noticing things. We were shocked by the number of:

1. Odd looking couples...i.e. two people you wouldn't expect to be together.
2. Red pants (Jack White wears red pants frequently, hence the trend.)
3. High fives (must have been drunken frat night)
4. Gay people (The White Stripes must have a BIG gay following...not that there's anything wrong with that!!)
5. People younger than us (which is weird since we are use to the McCartney, Springsteen, Petty, James Taylor type crowds.)

The opening act, The Greenhornes, were decent, but oh so loud. I couldn't understand them at all.

After they left, the stage was transformed into a visual delight. Everything from the lights, the amps, the guitars and the drumset were red and white, except for the piano, which was a stark black. It was by far the most visually stimulating set i've seen.

Then Jack and Meg hit the stage. They immediately ripped into the Hardest Button to Button, and didn't come up for air until at least 6 more songs were played in a medley format...one after the other. The sound was loud...so very loud. But I knew the songs, so I could understand them all.

Meg's drum kit sounded like a sonic boom with each bass kick, while Jack's guitar brilliantly outlined the familiar sounds of songs I knew and loved. I was constantly amazed that it was only 2 people making these songs come alive.

Jack White is a genius.

They continued to tear through songs. Jack would stop only to switch guitars, or when he would swing his guitar to his back, and sit at the piano to play the melodies of Apple Blossom, and the other piano driven songs. At one point, Jack went to the front of the stage, and defiantly tuned the guitar, while the static from the amp hissed at the audience.

The balcony was rocking. No, literally, it was rocking. People were jumping and the balcony was bouncing up and down enough to make me grab ahold of Becky's arm, and give her a sideways look. If the balcony collapsed, I thought, the people below us are screwed.

The show, overall, was nothing short of amazing. Pure and simple. If you don't have a White Stripes CD, buy one, and if they come to Indy again, go see them...I guarantee you will enjoy the show!!

The Dreaded Three Day Weekend

Ah, the three day weekend. Sometimes it's great to have three days of fun, relaxation, and in general, no responsibilities. But every once in awhile, you have the dreaded "home improvement" weekend.

Yes, the 3 days of back-breaking labor, all in the name of updating your home's appeal. Usually a three day weekend is great, but the home improvement three days weekend sucks more than a Hoover vacuum.

Mom and Dad came down to help, since I am notorious for not being able to measure things with any accuracy whatsoever. I had a plan to get a lot accomplished in only 2 days, leaving the third day, Monday, to recover. Well, the projects ran a little long...

PROJECT #1:

KITCHEN: BEFORE




The plan was simple. Mom and Becky would paint, while me and Dad did some other stuff. Dad and I would then add new counter tops and the project would be complete. The painting went smoothly. It was the counter tops.

Dad says: "It shouldn't take more than a half hour."

After mis-cutting the counter-top, going to Menards for a new one, and finally getting the stupid sink back in, the task was accomplished...

IN 3 HOURS!!

KITCHEN: AFTER



PROJECT #2:

BATHROOM: BEFORE



The bathroom wasn't very bad before, as we just remodeled not very long ago. The problem was, when we put down the vinyl tiles, the nails holding the sub-floor down started to pop up, creating a very unsightly problem. The solution? Ceramic tile!!

None of us had ever layed ceramic tile, so it was a new experience. I figured since our bathroom is about 50 square feet, it shouldn't take much more than 4 hours.

After precisely cutting tile around the toilet, the shower, the angled walls, the sink...and after Dad cut his hand on tiles 5 TIMES, and his toe once, the task was accomplished...

IN 10 HOURS!!!

BATHROOM: AFTER

PROJECT #3:

GROUTING THE BATHROOM TILE

It was about midnight on Sunday, and the list was still long with things to do on Monday. So me being the genius that I am, decided that Becky and I should grout the bathroom, so we could put the trim up Monday.

Tony says: "Being this bathroom is so small, this should only take about an hour or so."

I am an idiot.

At 3 am, some 3 hours after we began, the bathroom was grouted to excellent results. We popped some popcorn (our dinner) and went to bed.

PROJECT #4:

LIVING ROOM: BEFORE

We needed to re-paint the top half, and add wainscoting to the bottom. Again, the painting went well, probably because Becky and mom painted. It was the dang wainscoting. I really thought it would take 5 or 6 hours to do the entire room. However, because you had to measure each piece, cut, put in place, re-cut if necessary, glue, adhere...

well, we worked for about 5 hours and got half finished. It looks fantastic, but we aren't finished quite yet. Here's a sneak peek, just for you!!

LIVING ROOM: AFTER (ALMOST)

We still have half a living room and trim in the bathroom, but all in all, a pretty productive weekend. I am super sore, but I can't image how Dad feels. After all, he did the largest percentage of the work!! Thanks, D!! Sorry about all the cuts...floor, hand and toe!!

D's Poor Toe

What you Crave

Have you been to White Castle lately? In the drive-thru, they have the credit card machine hooked to the outside of the window, so you can swipe the card yourself...kinda like a grocery store.

This sucks. Especially it you have a small car, short arms, etc.

Well, every machine is different, so when we pulled up to pay, Becky waited for instruction from the White Castle guy. Does he have to push a button inside first? Can we swipe away?

When he finally came to the window, Becky held up the card, and the guy began to walk away.

Becky: "Do I go ahead and swipe it?" she called in the half closed window. No response.

Becky: "HEY!! Thanks a lot for your help!!" she screamed as she angrily swiped the card.

Me: "Becky, don't do that, it's rude."

Becky: "RUDE?!? What's rude is that guy NOT HELPING ME..." she continued as she turned her head towards the window.

Me: "Ok, maybe it's not rude of you, but could you calm down, I don't want them to spit in my food!"

Spit in the food is always bad...but ladies, if you ever want to start something with a rude guy, please make sure the following:

1. They aren't in food services, where they could do something to my food.
2. The person isn't big enough to kick my ass, because no guy is going to try to kick yours.
3. If the guy does try to kick yours, make sure I would actually step in and save you.

Becky should know better...I'm a wuss, but I would take a beating for her.

I don't think he spit in my food, in case you were wondering. If he did, then it tasted like chicken!!