This Just In

It was a busy week for me this past week. On Thursday I met Signgirl's family and went to her graduation from Southwestern Illinois College. I brought my Olympus EVOLT E-500 digital SLR camera. In an attempt to appease her anxious five year son I let him snap a few pictures with it before the ceremony. He was mostly careful with the camera but thought it was cute to press his face against the lens. After the ceremony we went to a get together with Signgirl's classmates and friends.

On Friday Bella Rose and her husband came over for an impromptu BBQ. I told Signgirl I usually like to plan things like that out better. But lately I've been trying quite a few things outside my comfort zone. Things were fine. I think everyone enjoyed themselves.

The next day Signgirl took me to a graduation party hosted by a classmate, VA. VA recently moved into a house in Belleville not too far where I used to live on North Charles. She has already done some great work remodeling the place. Out back was a building that was once used as a bakery. It is now being used to house a couple old cars and a refrigerator.

Later that evening we met Nicholas and his fiancee, Delaney, for dinner at Union Station in St Louis. Afterwards we toured the mall stopping to see the floor show at the Fudgery and feeding the mutant koi in the pond under the train shed. There was some discussion about Ren Faires including the recent trend for pirate only faires. Arrr, looks like Signgirl wishes to go to one of these later this summer.

Jason came over on Sunday. I have been helping him write characters for the upcoming Atomic Squash Spycraft LARP game. We hammered out the backgrounds for a dozen or so characters. Jason laid out his plans for the two weeks we have left before we run the game at DieCon. He wants me to figure out how to print out the characters in a format suitable for our players. So I plan to be occupied with game work this week.

Signgirl is making a trip out of town. Her and D came over yesterday and stayed until I dropped them at the airport around 5 AM this morning. When I got back home, I climbed into bed and fell asleep. I woke around 11 AM and sent an email to my boss saying that I was going to be out today. Then I fell back asleep and didn't get up until around 5 PM. Yeah, I am a bum.

Strap on the Feedbag

Today was a chili cook-off at work. There were a lot of late entries bringing the total to 14 entries. In addition folks brought in salad, deer sausage, cookies, cornbread muffins and chips. I took a chance this year and made a vegetarian chili from a mix I ordered online at the Hard Times Cafe. I also made thin spaghetti then added cilantro and beans. The idea was to serve the chili over the pasta. Since there were so many entries, I don't think the judges tried more than a spoonful of each chili.

So friends, I did not win. There was a three judge panel. Here are the comments from one of them: "This isn't chili. Chili has meat! Not hot enough." Myaah.

Chili and Bergamont

Friends, I've been productive lately. I refinanced my house and closed on the new loan on Friday. If you have never experienced a closing, then let me explain what's involved. You and an agent sit down with a mountain of papers. You then proceed to sign, sign, sign. I discovered that refinancing has even more paperwork than buying a house. I think it took 1.5 hours for me to sign 20+ documents totaling over 120 pages! Whew!

Last night Jason and Adam came over to work on the Spycraft LARP that Atomic Squash is putting together for DieCon 7. Before the meeting we were log jammed on ideas. I think we made progress establishing the premise of the story and fleshing out about twenty characters and several art items. I made chili, cornbread muffins and oatmeal raisin cookies. The chili was average. Adam gave me some ideas to improve it.

I asked somebody if she can make neon green soap with the words "Atomic Squash" on it. I'm thinking we can give them out as prizes at the Spycraft LARP. She sent me a list of scents that are available. So, what does Atomic Squash smell like? There are fragrances on the list of which I have never heard: bergamot, frangipani, yuzu and pikake. I must live a sheltered life.

Burns Night 2007

I went to the St Louis Tap Room for Burns Night last night just like I did last year. It is a fun celebration of the Scottish poet Robert Burns.

I had some excellent Scotch Eggs. My buddy Adam joined me. He had the haggis, nips and tatties.

We got there too late for the recital of the late poet's "Address to the Haggis", the best poem ever composed by a man to a meat product. Even more regrettable is that we missed the Lassies Response delivered last year by an attractive lass who was very amusing.

We were entertained by a band of kilted performers who marched into the club room playing drums and bagpipes. They performed a number of traditional songs and an impressive drum piece.

Unfortunately I had to cut the evening short because I had a morning meeting. I had a great time hanging with friends and enjoying the food and music.

Apple Butter

Today I was taking down Christmas cards and putting away decorations. I discovered a jar of apple butter Mom had given me. It had a label that read "Greenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary Apple Butter". It was great! I want to say for the record I love apple butter.

Underrated Items of 2006

It is time for my third annual list of underrated items. The past year, 2006, once again gave us its share of hype and hero worship. This is my list of underrated items that I feel deserve some exposure.

Last year I mentioned a gazpacho dot net podcast netcast. I am still toying with the idea. I am especially inspired to produce something light-hearted and funny.

Ninja Burger RPG Occupation Quiz

Choose a Ninja Burger Career at the
Ninja Burger website.

Italian Fest 2006

Last weekend Jason called to invite me out to Collnsville's Italian Fest. Once I arrived I spotted Joe and Bob. It was nice to see friends. We chatted about the upcoming Archon 30, old role playing game systems and new science fiction shows. I had an excellent Italian Beef + Sausage Combo sandwich from a vendor known as the Two Fat Guys. Adam spotted a mullet and snapped a picture for me.

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Brownie Crust

I made brownies today. This reminds me of a story. I once made brownies and brought them into work. By accident I had cooked them a little too long and the edges burned. I thought the crew would crave off the burnt pieces and eat the remaining brownies. To my suprise I retrieved an emtpy plate from the break room later that day. A coworker bumped into me in the halls and said, "Hey, those were good brownies!" "Oh, the brownies." I replied. "I cooked them longer than I planned." He responded, "Are you kidding? I love brownie crust, especially the corner pieces!" Anybody else? I'm not a fan. But, hey, it may just be me.

Macaroni, the Exotic Treat

I just read that macaroni was once considered an exotic English dish. It also seems a troupe of English dandys toured Europe in the mid-18th century calling themselves the Macaroni Club. Oooo, how outlandish. *snicker* I have a special place for macaroni. I survived on cheap mac-n-cheese when I was a poor college student.

Cupcakes of Narnia

You've gotta see this one. Saturday Night Live spoofs hip hop with The Chronic(what?)icles of Narnia short. It is hilarious, especially the "Mr. Pibb + Red Vines = Crazy Delicious" part. Hey, the technology nerd in me loves the references to Yahoo! Maps, Mapquest and Google Maps, too.

Here are the lyrics for you to follow along at home:

Lazy Sunday, wake up in the late afternoon
Call Parnell just to see how he's doin'
Hello, what up Parn, yo Sanberg, what's crackin'
You thinkin what I'm thinkin? Narnia! Man it's happenin'
But first my hunger pains are stickin' like duct tape
Let's hit up Magnolia and mack on cupcakes
No doubt that bakery's got all the bomb frostings
I love those cupcakes like McAdams loves Gosling

Two, no six, no twelve, baker's dozen.
I told you that I'm crazy for these cupcakes, cousin.
Yo where's the movie playin'? Upper west side, dude.
Well let's hit up Yahoo Maps to find the dopest route.
I prefer Mapquest. That's a good one too.
Google Maps is the best. Tru dat. Double True.
68th and Broadway. Step on it sucka.
What you wanna do Chris? SNACK ATTACK MUTHA -beep-

The Chronic - What - cles of Narnia
Yes the Chronic - What - cles of Narnia
We love the Chronic - What - cles of Narnia
Pass that Chronic - What - cles of Narnia

Yo stop at the deli - the theater's overpriced.
You got the backpack, gonna pack it up nice.
Don't want security to get suspicious.
Mr. Pibb and Red Vines equals crazy delicious.
Yo reach in my pocket, pull out some dough.
Girl acted like she never seen a ten befoh.
It's all about the Hamiltons baby.
Throw the snacks in the bag, and I'm ghost like Swayze.

Roll up to the theater, ticket buying what we handlin'.
You could call us Aaron Burr from the way we're droppin' Hamiltons.
Parked in our seats, movie trivia's the illest.
What Friends' alum starred in films with Bruce Willis?
We answer so fast that we're scary.
Everyone stared in awe when we scream MATTHEW PERRY!
Now quiet in the theater or it's gonna get tragic.
We about to get taken to a dream world of magic.

The Chronic - What - cles of Narnia
Yes the Chronic - What - cles of Narnia
We love the Chronic - What - cles of Narnia
Pass that Chronic - What - cles of Narnia

Black-Eyed Peas Bring Good Luck

Happy New Year 2006! I went to a New Years Party last night with Nancy. The hostess cooked many great dishes. We learned that in some parts of the southern United States it is tradition to consume black-eyed peas. It is supposed to bring good luck throughout the coming year. Cheers and good luck!

I Have a Pony

Back on Wednesday my manager took all of her crew to lunch at Olive Garden. When we got to the restaraunt there was a large Clydesdale standing outside. We teased Mindy, who owns several race horses, that she did not have to park her ride outside on the sidewalk. Incidentally the Clydesdale is a mascot of sorts for Anheuser Busch. A distributor was there to promote the holidays and, well, beer. They held a drawing in which one of my coworkers won a Christmas tree ornament.

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Clydesdale at Olive Garden

Comedian Steven Wright's first album was entitled I Have a Pony. So, let me leave you with a Wright quote: "I finally got around to reading the dictionary. Turns out the zebra did it."

Christmas Party 2005

I threw a Christmas potluck at my place this weekend. I had a good turnout. The food was great. We had pasta salad, chicken wings, ham, 7 layer taco salad, cheese and crackers, deviled eggs, cookies, pecan pie, sausage balls and meatballs. It was nice to get together with friends.

Nancy came by early to help me out. We drove to Hooters to pick up an order of chicken wings. I was dressed in a santa suit. She was a trooper as she went into the restaurant with me to help me carry out the order. Nancy, you continue to impress me.

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Nancy with Santa Tom

Jason and Skip

Shawn and Natalie Durbin

Lame Superheroes

I once had a dream where I and friends all had superpowers. Which superpower did I assign myself in the dream? Well, I was aquaman. Aquaman! What is his power anyway? He can summon an army of sea-horses. I guess he could stop a rogue nuclear submarine by having aquatic critters throw themselves into the sub's propellers. When I told my friends about this dream, they reminded me of a lamer superhero. The Green Lantern's power comes from a ring. He really isn't a superhero at all. He's just the dude that dons the super-ring. Sure he's got a super-rad costume. But couldn't a dude do the same gig in his pajamas? Just a thought.

I went out with my friend Nancy last night. She made me some yummy cookies. I know she reads my blog. Nancy, thanks, I owe you a big kiss.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! My brother and parents came to my place. We cooked a large turkey. I made cornbread muffins and deviled eggs. It was wonderful. Everybody is doing well. Instead of Christmas lists my parents told me to suprise them with whatever this year. Oh my! Holiday shopping is going to be fun.

Girl Scout Cookies

My girl scout cookies are in! I ordered boxes of Thin Mints and Caramel Delites. Hooray for simple pleasures.

As you were.

Habanero Chili Wins

I entered my chili into work's Diversity Day Chili Cook-off. I named my entry Habanero Pork Chili. I made it by making a basic chili and adding pork shoulder cut into small cubes and about ten finely chopped habanero peppers. It was hot! My buddy Tom E. came over last night to taste-test it with me. He likes spicy food. But it was too much for even him. So I added some extra tomotoes, a can of tomato paste and some water to mellow it. Even after all that it was still hot. So no suprise that I won the award for hottest chili. They gave me a kitchen apron that reads, "Diversity Contributes to Mission Success".

I also baked cornbread muffins. Those disappeared! They were very good with the chili.

Fourth of July and the BBQ

My parents came over for BBQ on the Fourth of July. My buddy (also named Tom) came over as well. He raved about my deviled eggs. So, why not share my recipe for the perfect deviled egg.

First, put the eggs in a large pot and cover with water. Heat the water to boiling. Remove the eggs from the heat, cover and let sit 15 minutes. Now the trick is to get the eggs to stop cooking. Immerse the eggs in ice water and sit them in the fridge. This will keep the yolks nice and yellow.

Once the eggs have cooled down, remove the shells. Cut them lengthwise and dump the yolks in a mixing bowl. To the yolks add several tablespoons of Miracle Whip, a teaspoon of prepared mustard, a pinch of sugar and splash of apple cider vinegar. Mix well.

Fill the egg halfs with the yolk mixture. I find filling a sandwich bag and snipping a corner helps cut down on the mess. To complete the presentation I sprinkle on a little paprika and place an olive slice in the center of the yolk.

Sound good?

Gazpacho Now With Moxie

I added a resume to my website. It is available as a HTML version, a text version, a PDF version and an unformatted XML version.

My brother called and told me he bought a food processor. As an expirement he made some gazpacho soup. He tells me next time he is gonna add a couple jalepenos for some kick. Soup-er!

My Weekend with the Co-ed Prison Sluts

On the weekend of the 21st I hopped on a train and went to visit Kevin in Chicago. After a tour of the Sears Tower, we met with his friend and headed for dinner at the Mashed Potato Club. Eventually, we ended up with the Co-ed Prison Sluts at the Annoyance Theater.

I fear I will have a difficult time topping that one when he comes down to visit me in St. Louis! Heh.