Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Super Bowl Update
DETROIT—According to NFL Today analyst Shannon Sharpe, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, halfback Jerome Bettis, and head coach Bill Cowher, as well as left tackle Trai Essex, defensive end Shaun Nua, centers Jeff Hartings and Chukky Okobi, outside linebacker Clark Haggans, assistant head coach Russ Grimm, and nose tackle Casey Hampton will all be key players in the Steelers' offensive and defensive attack in Super Bowl XL. "If the Steelers want any shot at winning, they have to rely on the core of their offense, defense, special teams, and coaching staff—including but not limited to wide receiver Lee Mays, right guard Chris Kemoeatu, punter Chris Gardocki, and conditioning coach Chet Fuhrman—to perform their given roles on this squad to the best of their abilities," Sharpe said during his "Difference-Makers To Watch Out For" segment. "And let's not forget about Kirschke, Reed, Starks, Warren, Staley, Smith, Taylor, Logan, Batch, Frazier, Keisel, and Faneca. Any or all of these guys could have an effect on the outcome of this game." Sharpe added, however, that top-notch performances by Seahawks X-factors Alexander, Hasselbeck, Dyson, Boulware, Babineaux, Hutchinson, Hackett, Mili, Wallace, Strong, Pruitt, Locklear, Koutouvides, and Jurevicious could potentially neutralize the Steelers' attack.
You're In Steeler Country!
Peyton Manning, after living a full life, died.
When he got to heaven, God was showing him around. They came to a modest little house with a faded Colts flag in the window.
"This house is yours for eternity, Peyton," said God. "This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here."
Peyton felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house. On his way up the porch, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a 3 story mansion with a black & gold sidewalk, a 50 foot tall flag pole with an enormous Steeler flag, and in every window hung a Terrible Towel.
Peyton looked at God and said, "God, I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I was an all-pro quarterback, I hold many NFL records, and I even went to the Hall of Fame."
God said, "So what's your point Peyton?"
"Well, why does Ben Roethlisberger get a better house than me?"
God chuckled, and said, "Peyton, that's not Ben's house, it's mine!"
When he got to heaven, God was showing him around. They came to a modest little house with a faded Colts flag in the window.
"This house is yours for eternity, Peyton," said God. "This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here."
Peyton felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house. On his way up the porch, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a 3 story mansion with a black & gold sidewalk, a 50 foot tall flag pole with an enormous Steeler flag, and in every window hung a Terrible Towel.
Peyton looked at God and said, "God, I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I was an all-pro quarterback, I hold many NFL records, and I even went to the Hall of Fame."
God said, "So what's your point Peyton?"
"Well, why does Ben Roethlisberger get a better house than me?"
God chuckled, and said, "Peyton, that's not Ben's house, it's mine!"
Monday, January 30, 2006
Incline PR
Squeaked in just under 36 minutes to the top of the incline today, and completed the round trip in 64:34. I believe BATT's best time is around 38 minutes, so at least I now own bragging rights over her. In two or three weeks I should be under the half hour mark.
adventures in bartending
Well, I finally accomplished a long standing fantasy of mine last night, going behind the bar for once and not having that action get me kicked out of the pub. Always wanted to do this, both for the ridiculous amount of tips barkeeps receive, and to see the drunkard world from the other side for once.
Shot's Tavern, in Security, Colorado (just south of the Springs, about seven miles from my apartment), is my type of bar. If you could take the usual busy crowd at Barfly, take away the shitty smoking ban, and instantly age everyone in there 20 years, you would be at Shot's.
Arrived around 5:30PM and was shown around. Not only saw behind the bar, but saw the walk in coolers and all the other business stuff. Saw two cases of jager and thought of taking them and running, but I resisted.
Shot's is a local pub and it's usually packed. It opens at 9AM, and there are usually people waiting to get in, even on weekdays. So I knew I was gonna be in for a rough time. My only saving grace was that another of the bartenders at Shot's is in a band, Distant Warning, and they were playing that night. So I knew I'd be hammered early, then I'd have some recovery time, then get hammered again around 1AM when the show was over and the heavy drinkers returned.
I've always had a great respect for bartenders, even more so now. It's a lot of fun, but damn it's hectic. Especially later on, when everyone is drunk, and they're all calling your name for their drink. I shoulda told everyone my name was Horatio or something tough to say when one is hammered, jt was too easy.
Luckily Shot's is a beer and a shot kind of bar. I normally don't deal with booze (besides Jager, of course), so I was afraid I'd have trouble making all the girlie drinks. One idiot chick kept trying to stump me, going so far as to order a Monkey Fuck (vodka, rum, pineapple juice, some other crap booze), but she was too drunk to know if I messed it up or not. The most popular drink of the night was definitely a Tuaca bomb. It's not a stretch to say I averaged making 15 of these every hour I worked. Luckily, they're quick to make. Shot's has a Tuaca machine (like a Jager machine) and Red Bull is in the soda/water/OJ dispenser. Shot's does have Jager, but it doesn't seem too popular with the locals. Which is good, more for me! I was also disappointed that I didn't sell one single can of PBR all night!
Finally around 2:30AM the owner kicked everyone out. Had to do the usual clean up stuff. Clean the glasses, wipe down the bar, take out the trash, stuff like that. Ended up getting out of the bar around 3:15AM-ish.
Had a blast, looking forward to the next time! Definitely have a greater respect for bartenders, especially those who work at a busy pub. So remember to tip your bartenders, wankers!
Shot's Tavern, in Security, Colorado (just south of the Springs, about seven miles from my apartment), is my type of bar. If you could take the usual busy crowd at Barfly, take away the shitty smoking ban, and instantly age everyone in there 20 years, you would be at Shot's.
Arrived around 5:30PM and was shown around. Not only saw behind the bar, but saw the walk in coolers and all the other business stuff. Saw two cases of jager and thought of taking them and running, but I resisted.
Shot's is a local pub and it's usually packed. It opens at 9AM, and there are usually people waiting to get in, even on weekdays. So I knew I was gonna be in for a rough time. My only saving grace was that another of the bartenders at Shot's is in a band, Distant Warning, and they were playing that night. So I knew I'd be hammered early, then I'd have some recovery time, then get hammered again around 1AM when the show was over and the heavy drinkers returned.
I've always had a great respect for bartenders, even more so now. It's a lot of fun, but damn it's hectic. Especially later on, when everyone is drunk, and they're all calling your name for their drink. I shoulda told everyone my name was Horatio or something tough to say when one is hammered, jt was too easy.
Luckily Shot's is a beer and a shot kind of bar. I normally don't deal with booze (besides Jager, of course), so I was afraid I'd have trouble making all the girlie drinks. One idiot chick kept trying to stump me, going so far as to order a Monkey Fuck (vodka, rum, pineapple juice, some other crap booze), but she was too drunk to know if I messed it up or not. The most popular drink of the night was definitely a Tuaca bomb. It's not a stretch to say I averaged making 15 of these every hour I worked. Luckily, they're quick to make. Shot's has a Tuaca machine (like a Jager machine) and Red Bull is in the soda/water/OJ dispenser. Shot's does have Jager, but it doesn't seem too popular with the locals. Which is good, more for me! I was also disappointed that I didn't sell one single can of PBR all night!
Finally around 2:30AM the owner kicked everyone out. Had to do the usual clean up stuff. Clean the glasses, wipe down the bar, take out the trash, stuff like that. Ended up getting out of the bar around 3:15AM-ish.
Had a blast, looking forward to the next time! Definitely have a greater respect for bartenders, especially those who work at a busy pub. So remember to tip your bartenders, wankers!
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Ute Pass/Waldo Canyon
Another early morning run with the Incline Club today. Started at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs and headed out Ruxton to the Cog Railway Station. Instead of hopping onto the Barr Trail at this point, we headed out the Ute Pass. The pass runs along the base of Pikes Peak. Lots and lots of hills, both up and down. Long hills. Steep hills. Long and steep hills. As slow as I was going, I was quickly sent into oxygen debt. Climbing to almost 7500 feet and covered with snow, a lot of this section was more hiking than running.
After hopping a fence with several "No Trespassing" signs, Ute Pass brings you out at the trailhead of Waldo Canyon. I had heard several runners talking about this trail, and I was pretty psyched to finally run it. It was tough, you climb to over 8000 feet, but the scenery was beautiful. It's not the most technical trail, so you can keep one eye on the trail and use the other one to check out your surroundings. It was a nice day out, at least for January in Colorado, but we were able to watch a pretty rough storm pounding the top of Pikes Peak. Seven mile loop at Waldo and it was back to the Ute Pass for the return trip back to Manitou.
Total time was just over three and a half hours. My first real long run since Bandera. I seem to be recovered completely from my 100K, though it's a tough call since I'm not used to the altitude or hills up here. I'm sore, but I don't think it's anything from Bandera, so I'll probably go ahead and start training for the San Juan Solstice 50 miler.
Off to Durango this weekend, so I'll miss the IC run on Sunday. The week after I'm planning on going the entire way up to Barr Camp and back with those crazies.
After hopping a fence with several "No Trespassing" signs, Ute Pass brings you out at the trailhead of Waldo Canyon. I had heard several runners talking about this trail, and I was pretty psyched to finally run it. It was tough, you climb to over 8000 feet, but the scenery was beautiful. It's not the most technical trail, so you can keep one eye on the trail and use the other one to check out your surroundings. It was a nice day out, at least for January in Colorado, but we were able to watch a pretty rough storm pounding the top of Pikes Peak. Seven mile loop at Waldo and it was back to the Ute Pass for the return trip back to Manitou.
Total time was just over three and a half hours. My first real long run since Bandera. I seem to be recovered completely from my 100K, though it's a tough call since I'm not used to the altitude or hills up here. I'm sore, but I don't think it's anything from Bandera, so I'll probably go ahead and start training for the San Juan Solstice 50 miler.
Off to Durango this weekend, so I'll miss the IC run on Sunday. The week after I'm planning on going the entire way up to Barr Camp and back with those crazies.
I hate cleveland!
A Steeler fan, a Cleveland Browns fan and a Cincinnati Bengals fan were all in Saudi Arabia, sharing a smuggled crate of booze. All of a sudden Saudi police rushed in and arrested them. The mere possession of alcohol is a severe offense in Saudi Arabia, so for the terrible crime of actually being caught consuming the booze, they were sentenced to death!
However, after many months and with the help of very good lawyers, they were able to successfully appeal their sentence down to life imprisonment.By a stroke of luck, it was a Saudi national holiday the day their trial finished, and the extremely benevolent Sheik decided they could be released after receiving just 20 lashes each of the whip.
As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheik suddenly said, "It's my first wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one wish before your whipping."
The Cleveland fan was first in line (he had drunk the least) so he thought about this for a while and then said, "Please tie a pillow to my back." This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes before the whip went through. The Cleveland fan had to be carried away bleedingand crying in pain when the punishment was finished.
The Cincinnati fan was next (he almost finished an entire fifth by himself), and after watching the scene said, "All right!! Please fix TWO pillows on my back." But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes before the whip went through again, sending the Bengal fan out crying like a little girl.
The Steeler fan was the last one up (he finished off the crate), but before he could say anything the Sheik turned to him and said, "You support the greatest team in the world, your supporters are some of the best and most loyal football fans in the world. For this, you may have TWO wishes!"
"Thanks your most Royal Highness," the Steeler fan replied. "In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me not twenty lashes, but 100 lashes."
"Not only are you an honorable, handsome and powerful man, you are also very brave," the Sheik says with an admiring look on his face. "If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it. And your second wish? What will it be?"
"Tie the Cleveland fan to my back."
However, after many months and with the help of very good lawyers, they were able to successfully appeal their sentence down to life imprisonment.By a stroke of luck, it was a Saudi national holiday the day their trial finished, and the extremely benevolent Sheik decided they could be released after receiving just 20 lashes each of the whip.
As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheik suddenly said, "It's my first wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one wish before your whipping."
The Cleveland fan was first in line (he had drunk the least) so he thought about this for a while and then said, "Please tie a pillow to my back." This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes before the whip went through. The Cleveland fan had to be carried away bleedingand crying in pain when the punishment was finished.
The Cincinnati fan was next (he almost finished an entire fifth by himself), and after watching the scene said, "All right!! Please fix TWO pillows on my back." But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes before the whip went through again, sending the Bengal fan out crying like a little girl.
The Steeler fan was the last one up (he finished off the crate), but before he could say anything the Sheik turned to him and said, "You support the greatest team in the world, your supporters are some of the best and most loyal football fans in the world. For this, you may have TWO wishes!"
"Thanks your most Royal Highness," the Steeler fan replied. "In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me not twenty lashes, but 100 lashes."
"Not only are you an honorable, handsome and powerful man, you are also very brave," the Sheik says with an admiring look on his face. "If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it. And your second wish? What will it be?"
"Tie the Cleveland fan to my back."
Friday, January 27, 2006
GO STEELERS!
A new wave of animal cruelty has the ASPCA up in arms.
On the first day of this new year a lion was found viciously mauled. A week later, a bengal tiger was discovered horribly beaten. While the lion only had flesh wounds, the tiger appears to have been suffering regular beatings for years.
Just seven days after that, a colt was found battered. People at the scene said it kept muttering something about not getting enough protection.
Hours ago, Denver authorities found another horse, this time a bronco, wandering the streets. The horse was not physically injured, but quite dazed and confused. When asked about the incident, the hapless horse said "I was at home and everything was fine. I was about to feed my pet snake when he started choking and screaming about some sort of terrible towel following him around."
Rumor has it that the next target will be some sort of bird, possibly a seahawk.
All of the victims report trying to peek behind a giant steel curtain shortly before their incidents. As a result, the following warning has been issued to all animals: Peek behind a steel curtain, get hit by a BUS.
On the first day of this new year a lion was found viciously mauled. A week later, a bengal tiger was discovered horribly beaten. While the lion only had flesh wounds, the tiger appears to have been suffering regular beatings for years.
Just seven days after that, a colt was found battered. People at the scene said it kept muttering something about not getting enough protection.
Hours ago, Denver authorities found another horse, this time a bronco, wandering the streets. The horse was not physically injured, but quite dazed and confused. When asked about the incident, the hapless horse said "I was at home and everything was fine. I was about to feed my pet snake when he started choking and screaming about some sort of terrible towel following him around."
Rumor has it that the next target will be some sort of bird, possibly a seahawk.
All of the victims report trying to peek behind a giant steel curtain shortly before their incidents. As a result, the following warning has been issued to all animals: Peek behind a steel curtain, get hit by a BUS.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Durango Snowdown
Starting to get pretty psyched about this. Had a BLAST last year, here are some of the pics.
And for the rest of the album: pics
the incline
Just returned from the incline. As expected, it kicked my ass pretty good. At least I was able to get up it though. One mile long, over 2000 feet of elevation. It took me just over 39 minutes to make it. That's more than 34 minutes over my current PR for the mile. I believe that once I get back into shape and get used to the altitude, I'll be able to break half an hour though. Once at the top, I ran back down the Barr trail, about four miles. Slippery as hell on the trail, but it was fun. The views here are spectacular. Total time for the workout was 70 minutes.
You can see the incline in this pic, it's the path going straight up the mountain. It kinda takes your breath away when you're at the bottom, like you're about to go on a big roller coaster or jump out of a plane.
Another view, from the highway. You can see Pikes in the background. I've climbed Pikes, and at no point on the Barr trail is it near as steep as on the incline.
the new challenge
So I'm finally done being lazy after my Bandera adventure, decided on the next one. The San Juan Solstice 50 miler. Good thing I entered when I did. They only take 150 runners...and I'm number 150!
Should be pretty rough, several climbs over 13,000 feet, topping off at 13,334. But it's supposidly a pretty well run event, and I do love having my ass kicked.
Gonna go attempt the incline today, should be fun. I know it's tough to do in the summer, I'm not even sure it's doable with the recent snowfall.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
The Incline Club
Had my first workout with the Incline Club today. The IC is a pretty sick group of individuals, always looking for steeper and longer hills to run up. It was 20 degrees when I left at 7:30 this morning, so I figured not too many would show up. The scheduled workout was to run from Memorial Park in Manitou Springs, the start of the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, up to Barr Camp and back. My plan was to run up for half an hour, then turn around and head back. Despite the temperature, about fifty people showed up, some of them even wearing shorts. I did pretty well, I was able to run for the whole half an hour, and it was thirty minutes of straight climbing on a snow and ice covered Barr trail, so I was happy. The altitude is still kicking my ass, but in another week or so I should be fine. Coming back down took me just as long, due to the ice. But it was good to finally get a sixty minute run in.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Welcome to Colorado!
Got more snow in one night here than the seven years I spent in Texas combined!
The move to Colorado Springs has gone fine so far. Had perfect weather for the drive up. Thursday afternoon it started snowing, the first significant snowfall I've seen in years. Got to shovel sidewalks for the first time since I was a kid.
The apartment is pretty cool. Two bedrooms, a kitchen, a big living room, pleanty of crash space for anyone. Landlord seems pretty cool too, when I met him at the house to get the keys he had a six pack of Mass Transit Ale from the local Bristol brewery waiting for me. Good stuff. New address is:
623 Alexander Apt. B Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Due to all the trees on my street, I can't really see Pikes Peak from my front yard. But when I leave the house running or driving I'm treated to this view:
Was able to snag a bartending gig at a local dive, Shot's, aka the Loser Bar. My first trip to the other side of the bar! Well, at least the first trip there that won't get me kicked out. Drank up a storm there last night, and made some new friends:
I'm sure I'll make a lot of new friends tomorrow, as I'm off to the Denver hash and post-hash AFC Championship game party. Of course, I'll be representing my Steelers and will be dressed head-to-toe in Black & Gold!
TexMex
Holy crap, what a great time! I don't remember much of the weekend, a five day bender for me, but here are the pics I took.
3 Man on the plane! Woohoo!
Me, Opie (some of yunz may remember him from the Austin 20th anniversary), Anal Power, and Porno Pud at Sunset brewery.
Got to meet the lovely Late Night Drive Through at the "mountain bikers and babes" party. Thanks for the Yuengling, LNDT!
Yeah, that was it, a whole three pictures. A few less than Ass Gagger took, but I guess I was too busy drinking and hashing to remember my camera.
3 Man on the plane! Woohoo!
Me, Opie (some of yunz may remember him from the Austin 20th anniversary), Anal Power, and Porno Pud at Sunset brewery.
Got to meet the lovely Late Night Drive Through at the "mountain bikers and babes" party. Thanks for the Yuengling, LNDT!
Yeah, that was it, a whole three pictures. A few less than Ass Gagger took, but I guess I was too busy drinking and hashing to remember my camera.
Bandera time change
Due to a clock issue my official time at Bandera was 12:27:57, a record for 30 year olds. Great news for me as it puts me under twelve and a half hours.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Pikes Peak or bust!
Well, it's a sad day for me as I'll be making my final drive out of Austin. Sad to go, but at the same time excited for where I'm going. Thank you to all of my Austin buddies who have taken care of me and shown me a great time these past few years, I hope to see you all again soon.
I'll be offline for a while as I get settled in at my new place in Colorado Springs. Phone number will remain the same until further notice.
I'll be offline for a while as I get settled in at my new place in Colorado Springs. Phone number will remain the same until further notice.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
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