Balling In The Woods

Drifting scent Fall's must

Gleeful crowd gathers and runs

Paint on my face mask

Why do I do this to myself?

Audubon Not Autobahn

My company instituted a program which gave us employees an extra day off as long as we use that day for local community service.  It's on an honor system and I'm sure there's all sorts of rules to follow.  For example, you shouldn't tell them you're going to give sponge baths to the homeless but actually spend the day playing Left 4 Dead with your Xbox buddies.

I give of my time and money as I see fit so having the company 'force' it on me didn't hold my interest.  Then I received an email about a group being brought together to help the Audubon Society spruce up their grounds.  A couple folks I knew were already signed up, I enjoyed my visit to the grounds last year (pre blog) and I decided to join in.

There were quite a few of us there which was good because they had much work to accomplish.  Being non-profit, they appreciate any help they receive.  On the list was painting, gardening, reorganizing storage, mulching and assorted other tasks.

I helped dig and clean the garden beds around this house while the inside was getting painted.

We cleaned off this bridge and got the drainage holes on it working again.  I also helped finish the mulching effort which had some very tired people on the task.  All the time spent working in my yard certainly helped me out.

They had a nice lunch for us and we learned about the rescue birds on site.  This little owl is one they care for.  Yes, it's a bird holding a bird.  You can't fault me for a bad play on words after all my good deeds above.  I'm only restoring the balance.

We're Not Gonna Take It

Roger Daltrey decided to take the Tommy album on the road and perform its entirety.  Like most people, I know the hits but have not heard the whole rock opera.  I also had no interest in the Broadway musical.  So this was a first for me.

My first time seeing The Who was the reunion tour in 2006.  That was a great show and very enjoyable.  I even bought the live CD afterwards.  I know it wasn't the original band but still was well done.

The Tommy show was even better for the mostly middle age crowd.  Using a large video screen behind the band to enhance the story of the deaf, dumb and blind kid.  Images flew across the screen moving in time to the music and morphing as the songs progressed.  Roger's voice was strong and exactly how I wanted to hear him.  What a powerful way to hear Tommy for the first time.

The venue is open air so smoking was allowed.  At one point Roger asked the folks up front to stop smoking.  He said it was affecting his voice and he wanted to give everyone a great show.  He thanked them a little later.  Chalk up a point for having a mature crowd.

Going Bananas

There is so much advertising in the world.  It's difficult to get away from it.  Some of it can be enjoyable but mostly it's annoying.

You'll see it when watching tv, surfing the web and at the grocery store.  Well done advertising should be appropriate to the situation.  When I watch Lifetime, I expect to see ads for tampons and feminine itch spray.  When I look at porn site, I expect to see ads for dating sites (and more porn).  That's target marketing.  Now check this out...

Yes, they are advertising a movie on my banana.  Well, not MY banana but those I bought at the store.  I didn't realize until I got home.  So they get points for target marketing but I give them a finger wag for buying ad space on a banana.

It Was The Longest Night Of My Life

There's not much which will get me to Camden.  As I've said before, sometimes you have to go where the music is playing.  I went there to see Incubus.  They made it well worth the trip.  Their newest release is great and I was looking forward to this.  Tofu girl was along as well.

We didn't make it for the opener.  Stopping instead for dinner before making our way there.  We grabbed a beer and made it to our seats as the show began.  Actually we never made it to the seats but stood at the end of our row.  We had a great view and weren't jammed in with a bunch of people.  Later we looked down the row towards our seats and saw a couple humping each other.  Yes, standing at the end of the row was the right thing to do.

Because there was no car to go back to, I didn't try to get my camera in.  So you'll have to deal with these crappy shots.

It was there, with their eyes like glowing embers,
the man you see was made.

Shake Yer Booty

Last week on Aug 23rd we had an earthquake.  Not very common on the East Coast and not usually in the range of 5.8.  Seems it was centered in Cumberland County.  Many people didn't even feel it but some that did evacuated buildings.

Tofu Girl and I were having lunch at Panera when it happened.  I asked if it was good for her too.  Then we looked around for a fat lady rampaging for an extra large Diet Coke.  It was only a couple minutes before our electronically connected world informed us it was an actual earthquake.  I'm glad it wasn't serious.  We were able to laugh and get on with our day.

Not That There's Anything Wrong With That

The rumors of me being gay are greatly exaggerated. If you thought I might be, you aren't the only one.  If you haven't considered it, maybe you should.  Let's take a look.

The case for:

• From Seinfeld - over 30, single, thin and neat.  I certainly meet those criteria.  It doesn't help my case that my house was decorated with help from a woman. (straight guys - this means things like furniture, curtains and paint match)
• I know how to choose cut flowers and arrange them.
• I have knowledge and appreciation of jewelry.  I helped Tofu girl pick out a ring from Tiffany.
• I have an opinion on what looks good on a woman and can help choose an outfit. (not just lingerie)  Yes ladies, even shoes.
• Cat lover - both of my Bandersnatches are boys.
• I don't like hoppy beers.  I'll even drink my Blue Moon with an orange slice.
• I'm a Judas Priest fan. (for those who don't know, the lead singer came out many years ago)
• I love champagne and keep quite a few bottles on hand.
• I don't wear tighty-whities.
• I'm able to maintain non sexual female friendships.
• I still like Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
• I've had my hair permed on a regular basis. (when I had more of it)
• Got my back waxed without losing a bet. (won't be doing that again)
• I use Clinique skin care for men.
• I don't feel weird using the urinal gap. (ladies - men generally leave a one or more urinal gap as bathroom etiquette, some guys will go into a stall rather than stand between two guys)
• I enjoy fine dining.
• I've gone to yoga classes for over a year
• Don't forget I sewed my own toga.

See what I'm saying?  It's a pretty telling tale leading to one to think about me laying my head on some dudes chest.  I'm sure I missed something and if you're a good friend be sure to point it out.

The case against:

• I have been married. (to a woman)
• Never dated a man.
• I own and know how to use a chainsaw.
• I own 6 pairs of shoes.
• Crush on Jessica Alba.
• I don't like musicals.
• I enjoy SciFi. (not sure this is big in the gay community)
• I'm not afraid of spiders. (unless they are wolf spiders or bigger)
• Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
• The Bandersnatches are named for the guitarist from KISS and the artificial life form from the Alien movie. (Yutani would be a great name for a little girl kitty)
• I don't go clubbing and I'm only an adequate dancer. (after many drinks)
• I enjoy going to the firing range.
• Obviously I enjoy Hard Rock and Heavymetal.
• I don't wear pink.

Not an extremely compelling list against. Nothing about camping, hunting or four wheeling.  And for the more cultured - golfing.  Perhaps the rumors aren't wrong?  Hang on, I did forget one important point against.  I don't form romantic relationships with men.  Still, I could be in denial.  Sorry I'm so difficult.  I'll try to make it easier to be labeled in the future.  NOT!

Freeze Frame

I've realized that for a geek I haven't been posting much technology.  So I figured I'd show you the camera I've been talking about.  I take it to most of the concerts I attend and you'll see the results all over this blog.

Say hello to the Panasonic Lumix ZS7.  Now stop talking to inanimate objects.  Unless you're talking to the TV, they can actually hear you.  Yes, I did get it in blue.

You can look up the details yourself so I won't bore you with that.  Bottom line for me was the great photos and all the features.  I've always touted Canon but Panasonic has impressed me.  It works as a great point and shoot yet most of the settings can be tweaked for more artsy shots.  The concert shots proved to be a challenge for the auto settings but there's a special scene mode for high intensity situations like that.  While the camera performs great, I still need practice with taking the shots.  A 16GB memory card means I can keep shooting until I get it right.  Unless she sees me outside the window but that's a whole other issue.

Somebody Save Me

Many years ago, I went to see David Lee Roth on his solo tour.  He had Philly's own Cinderella as an opening act.  They put on such a great show that it left an impression on the Greek Geek and myself.  It has stuck with me to this day.

Of course I had to get tickets when I saw Cinderella was playing locally.  What would they be like 20 years later?

I can say they still rock.  No fancy stage show or lots of talk.  Song after song and of course a long drum solo.

Handy girl went with me even though her knee was still recovering from an operation.  Someone was kind enough to give up their chair for her and it made the Night Songs better.

I need a shot of gasoline

I'm hittin' one sixteen

I get so hot I see steam

Forget the day cuz we're gonna scream!

Rum Tasting

My friend, Soly, and I were to go to a rum tasting on the river.  We were looking forward to it until the riverboat company closed its doors.  While this was disappointing, I felt bad for those who had party plans, family gatherings and weddings scheduled with this company.

As you can see above, I have a good collection of rums.  That is my kitchen table.  It made sense to host my own rum tasting on my deck.  Soly came over with some cigars and we had a very enjoyable afternoon sipping rum, smoking stogies and chatting.  Life is good, good friends make it even better.

I know you're all wondering the outcome, sitting on the edge of your seat.  Our top three - Ron Zacapa Centenario, Matusalen Gran Reserva, and Pyrat XO.  Now you know what to get me for Christmas.

Proverbial Monkies

You may remember I had a tree die last year.  I vowed to honor that tree because it was my favorite on the property.  After much thought, I decided an old proverb would be suitable for the 110+ year old oak.  In spirit of my decision, I kept the outcome a secret from the neighbors.  I even told the carver not to say anything to them if they ask.  It was quite the talk of the street.

In the Chinese Zodiac, I'm the sign of the Monkey.  It's in my nature to be a little mischievous.

I left about 12 feet of tree left for carving.  Much of it had to be removed to create the sculpture.  You start to see the figures take shape.

Say hello to my monkey trio - Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru.  You'll notice there's a crack forming.  My thought was it should be on the other side and it would fit in better.  Nature doesn't always do what we want.  Monkey crack - there I said it!

I made the call to go ahead with the finishing and staining.  We'll revisit and see about fixing the crack once the tree has fully dried.  By the way, the dark coloring on the base came from nails in the trunk.

I'm loving it and so are the neighbors.  People stop on the road to look and take pictures.  The kids on the school bus get very excited when driving by.  I think I made the right choice.  The 10 foot tall naked woman might not have gone over as well.  Not to worry, I have other trees...

Don't Anger My Fast

I recently ditched my old ride for a new car.  It's a used VW GTI but it's new to me.  Very well taken care of by the previous owners.  It's quite a step up from what I'm used to driving.  I was very happy to meet my Fast.

The dashboard display has all types of good information.  For example, it shows my MPG, direction I'm driving, and how many miles I can drive with the fuel in the tank.  One bit of information I really didn't need however was the current outside temp.

It's freakin' hot and the car is black!  My Fast is going to be uncomfortable in rush hour traffic.

What You Don't Have You Don't Need It Now

Last year, U2 had to cancel their Philly tour dates due to Bono's back surgery.  Tofu Girl had tickets for the show.  Her tickets were honored at the new 360 degree tour this year and I had the honor to go with her.

We were on the floor in a packed stadium of almost 70,000 people.  It was truly an amazing sight.  The crowd was putting off an energy you could feel.  They had waited awhile to see this show and the band didn't disappoint.  They had truckloads of gear on stage to create a huge spectacle.  There were plenty of lights, moving bridges which connected the two rings of the stage and finally a circular video screen which hovered over the band.  The video screen also stretched itself open to create an amazing light show.

One of my favorite songs is Beautiful Day and they did a tribute to Rep. Giffords who had been shot in the head by some idiot.  The tribute was broadcast by her husband on the big wrap around screen - from the space station!  He said hello to Philadelphia and held up a few words that floated in zero gravity.  Then he finished with a Bowie quote "tell my wife I love her very much... she knows."

Absolutely amazing.  It was a beautiful day.

Love's Like Suicide

'Nothing to worry about, just a black cloud over my head' is what I'm texting as Soundgarden takes the stage for a sold out show.  The sun is setting over the city and a slight breeze is blowing the clouds our way.  Chris is singing "look to the sky" from Searching With My Good Eye Closed and I'm doing that very thing.  It's not that I mind getting wet, I'd prefer to have a pleasant evening.

The Festival Pier is a terrible venue - there I said it.  The parking is inadequate, standing on macadam is uncomfortable, the sound is lacking and its narrowness makes moving around difficult.  Sometimes you have to go to where the music is playing.  Tonight it is at this place.  I know all this going into it.  It's not the first show I've attended there.

I found a spot to the right of the stage next to one of the 'VIP' stands.  I'd be pissed if I had paid extra for those bleachers.  I guess they get to sit down at least and stand on wood.  Maybe I'm getting too old for this?  At least I'm still good with loud music.

Once they sorted out the sound, Chris's voice came shining through.  I'm happy to finally see them as a band.  From what was said, it seems they are back together and will have new music next year.  I remember Chris saying not too long ago that he didn't want to be in a band again.  Never say never.  I look forward to anything new they may decide to release.

Does this seem to be a poor choice of name to anyone else?

Beware of the Blob

In 1958 an independent film was made in Phoenixville and the surrounding area titled "The Blob."  It starred Steve McQueen.  The Colonial theater in town became a focal point in the movie.

What's a geek to do but celebrate the anniversary of this sci fi/horror movie?  That is what happens each year in Phoenixville.  There are vendors, classic cars and of course showings of the movie in the Colonial.  They even have a 'run out' in the evening to recreate the Blob attacking a theater full of people.

I went to the street fair to see what it's all about.  Unfortunately I didn't have time to catch a movie but I saw the vendors and classic cars.  It was a fun couple hours.  Here's the website.

Bombs Bursting In The Air

Here it is folks... this post marks one year of my thoughts, travels and rants.  What better time than when fireworks are lighting up the sky.

Speaking of fireworks, I saw three displays this year.  The last one was the best.  With everyone's budget shrinking I know it's getting harder.  The township next to me still puts on a great display.  They didn't disappoint this year either.  I rode my bike over and really enjoyed the evening.  Handygirl came out to join me.

I tried to take some pictures but I was too busy enjoying the show instead.  You'll just have to believe me about how great it was.  Deal!

1-800-GAMBLER

A getaway every so often is great. It's even better when it's inexpensive. The Borgata in Atlantic City came through for me. Being a rewards member, I was offered and free night in the hotel and two free tickets to a comedy show. It was easy to make the reservations online. I took Bunny along with me.

I had forgotten my sunglasses so that my the first order of business. We couldn't check in right away and so we hit the boardwalk. I found a pair of cheap sunglasses at the dollar store. Doesn't get better than that.

Then we went on one of the entertainment piers. I played a couple video games and we had a snack. Close to the end of the pier was a ring toss. The object is to get the plastic ring onto the neck of a glass bottle. We split a tub of rings for a few dollars. After 10 or so tosses, I actually won.

This stuffed rhino was so big I wasn't sure it would fit in the car. It took the whole back seat! If only this luck carried over to the casino. All the other vendors wanted me to play their games as we walked out lugging the rhino.

We had dinner at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant. Even tried one of his label's wines. Everything was tasty as expected. The comedy show was not that great but it was free. I was fine to sit through it. Another gentlemen was not. He felt the need to tell them they sucked and eventually he walked out. Well, he sort of staggered out.

No, I didn't win big. It was a very nice get away and needed.

Age of Augustus 2011

A toga themed party.  Sound familiar?  (it should if you've been reading)  Last year I wasn't ready.  I slapped an outfit together and went.  I knew we were going this year and had time to plan.  I found some information online to put together something more respectable.  Of course my fellow geeks would beg to differ.

First thing was to take the sheet from last year and cut it.  I made a tunic from it by creating a big pillow case and cutting holes for my head and arms.  Be aware, I don't have a sewing machine so I did the stitches by hand.  It helped to keep the look rough.

Next step was to get several feet of material for the toga itself.  I shaped it so the ends tapered.  The whole thing needed hemmed so I was at it again with needle and thread.  My white rope belt was replaced with a gold one and I kept the grape leaf head band from the previous year.

I was very happy with the results and I could say I made it myself.  There are plenty of pictures this time.  However to keep with tradition, here's the back of my head.

Where's that damn bartender?

Even better, guess who got interviewed?  What a motley bunch.

Love Ain't A Punishment

It seems so long ago Beyond the life that I now know Before the years would have their way and break my heart Do you feel the same For what once remained? Yesterday is gone we can't go back again Do you ever cry For the ghost of days gone by? -Alter Bridge

I went back to where it began The house in the woods with a circle of stone. My own personal cocoon hidden away from the world from which I emerged. You were my stepping stone to help me rejoin life but you wouldn't stay. Once again in the circle with my thoughts of the past. No remorse or regrets. You are forgiven. And now so am I. - Jaberwok

I Shot the Sheriff

I couldn't find the sheriff but I did shoot anyone moving who wasn't on my team.  We had another good day on the fields and were fairly successful with the games.  The leader's son was back after healing from a car accident.  He was quite happy to be out shooting again.

I escaped with minor injuries.  Most of them curiously round.  My camo pants took a beating so I think it's time for some new ones.  They gave me several seasons so I can't complain.

Shaken, Not Stirred

Tofu girl was kind enough to dress up and attend a cocktail party at the National Constitution Center.  It was a spy-themed party held in connection with the Spies, Traitors & Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America exhibition.  The exhibition was part of our entrance fee and was provided by the Spy Museum in Washington DC.

It was good to see many folks decided to dress the part.  We enjoyed the themed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.  A James Bond trivia game was part of the entertainment and a virtual photographer who would take shots with whatever background you desired. I'd love to show you those pictures but for some reason they never posted ours online.  I guess we were just too good looking.

Unlike Bond, we had to take the train home but we could pretend it was the Orient Express and assassins were about to strike.  My Aston Martin was waiting for me once I got off the train.  Did I tell you the drinks were very good?

I Wanna Easta Egg!

A classic Bugs Bunny toon.  You may notice the poorly behaved child is a red head.  I'm just saying.

I hope Easter was a good time for you dear reader.  I know I enjoyed it.  Without going into details, I received three baskets of goodies.  Here's an idea of what it looked like.

The bulk of it is dark chocolate to feed my bitter soul.  Not true really but it's sounds deliciously grim.  Delicious being the key word!  It will take awhile to get through all these sweets.  While I have a big sweet tooth, I also take my time to savor it all.
I think there's a less pagan reason for the holiday.  Maybe I'll cover that next year?

Farewall Sarah Jane

Doctor Who geeks everywhere shed a tear this week at the passing of Elisabeth Sladen.

http://tv.msn.com/paralleluniverse/elisabeth-sladen-of-doctor-who-dies/story/feature/?GT1=28103

Sarah Jane was one of my first boyhood crushes.  She was quite young when she joined the show and was able to hold her own next to the main character.  Not the typical woman sidekick who would get caught by the bad guys or trip while running.  Her character was clever and plucky with an understated sexiness.  She didn't put up with injustice and was eager to learn.  She even got her own spin off series.  Twice!

I was extremely happy when they brought her character back in the new series.  This woman deserved it.  From the comments I've read, she was as great in person as on-screen.  She will be missed.

This Animal I Have Become

Of course I went to another concert.  You know by now of my beastly ways.  Three Days Grace is a group I've been wanting to see for many years but it hasn't happened.  Until now!

They are described as hard rock, alt metal or nu metal for those that need labels.  Any way you slice it, these guys rock.  I'm glad they are still around and I got to see them.  I used their music for my workouts.  Nothing gets you pumped like "I Hate Everything About You."  Maybe I have anger issues?

3DG isn't for everyone but then this is all about me.

"No one will ever change this animal I have become!"

Silence Is Golden

What's even more valuable is The Voice doing an accoustic session at the Keswick.  No, I'm not refering to the silly karaoke TV show.  The Voice is Chris Cornell.  He's worked with some amazing folks in the industry.  He has no problem standing on his own.

I wasn't into the grunge scene when it was popular.  Many of the groups held little interest for me.  Soundgarden, with Chris on vocals, was lumped into that scene but proved themselves as so much more.  I was late to the enjoyment but better than never.

He decided to do this accoustic tour and I was not going to miss it.  I have a bootleg from a show in Sweden and it's amazing.  He didn't disappoint.  He played a song titled "When I'm Down" according to his original vision.  It was done with a piano as a more bluesy tune and was wonderful.  Changed the whole song for me.  He also covered Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" and The Beetles "A Day In The Life".  I look forward to his next solo stuff.

April Fools

It seems Mother Nature has a sense of humor.  She decided we needed snow on April 1st.

Or did it really happen?

By lunch you couldn't tell anything had been on the ground.

I'm One of a Kind, I'm Designer!

Queens of the Stone Age are a band I've enjoyed for quite some time and had not seen live.  I was hooked the first time I heard "No One Knows" in 2002.  Their music is loud, riff heavy and has a driving rhythm.

The security guard found my camera so I was not able to get any good shots.  Which is fine.  I'm there for the music any way.  My readers aren't going to suffer for it.  Although it might be suffering for some of you to listen to the music.  If I hear your wails and gnashing of teeth, I'll just turn it up louder.  I even gave you a link above.

Sin City

What happens in Vegas stays there according to the masses.  That makes it difficult to write a post about my trip and it has left my blog in limbo for a bit.  I can't tell you everything but I can say I had a great time.

I have not visited any place quite like this town.  Obviously it has it's own mystique from it's history and movies.  It also acts like an amusement park by continually changing and adding new attractions.  While the entertainment factor was part of the reason for the trip, the other reason is known to most of you.  A few demons had to be faced before the fun began. After that exorcism, it was all good.

My starting point was the Excalibur.  I didn't get a great deal on the room but it was a decent rate and got me on the strip.  The casino wasn't bad and neither was their breakfast in the morning.

I walked quite a bit to experience the casinos.  I spent some time drinking along the way so I couldn't feel my aching feet.  It's been awhile since I've been to Vegas but I know these dancers weren't there last time.  They were strippers who didn't actually take off anything.  I may or may not have run into a slot machine while she was performing.  Call me.

I had to stop by the Bellagio too.  They have an amazing garden that changes with the season.

Ah Paris - it's only a model.

To experience the desert, I went outside of town and drove a dune buggy.  Check them out at Sun Buggy.

What me worry?

And a fine dinner at the Voodoo lounge.  Filet, lobster and a bottle of rose champagne.  Then off to see Penn and Teller.

That's all I can say other than I did some gambling.  I'm ready to go back; there's a few things on my list yet to do.