Well I talked to the computer guy this morning and the news was not good. My hard drive was damaged beyond repair and so this morning had to buy a new hard drive ($70) and a Windows software upgrade ($70).
And everything is gone....
Something must have happened to me to start this recent curse of bad luck...and I need to figure out what to do to turn it around.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
A hiatus of sorts...
Blogging will be sparse for the time being as something happened - something that seems pretty bad right now - to my computer while I was camping this weekend.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
McAwesome's Old Ale House
Last weekend in NYC was the American Sociological Association Annual Conference. While I did not have anything to present - or was even registered - I thought it would be fun to cruise up to the city and check it out...but it was mainly an excuse to take a trip to NYC. It was a pretty great time.
One funny story before other details about the trip. When I was in Denver a few weeks ago I lost my debit card - for like the 5th or 6th time - and thus had to order a new one. Well it hasn't come in yet. No worries, I thought, I'll just go to the bank before it closes and get cash for the trip. Well, being kind of a slacker, I didn't make it to the bank Saturday before it closed. No worries, I thought, I'll just take my credit card and it will be all good. I didn't make it on the road until Sunday morning. Somewhere in Eastern PA I realized - OH SHIT! I forgot my credit card! So here I was, $35 in my pocket, no debit or credit card, traveling to possibly the most expensive place on the planet. Well, Jack was able to save the day and loan me cash while I was there, so that crisis was averted. I'm not sure you can have much fun in NYC on $35, especially when they charge you $6 just to cross the George Washington Bridge.
After that minor crisis the rest of the trip was really fun. I spent a little time at the conference, and most of the time at various bars drinking heavily (What a surprise!). By far, the best bar we visited on the trip was McSorely's Old Ale House, the longest continuously running bar in NYC and possibly the country (it didn't shut down during prohibition). And it is probably the coolest and funnest bar I have ever been to.
At McSorely's you have 2 drink choices - McSorely's Light Ale or McSorely's Dark Ale - and you always order in combination. For example, my good friend Andrew - the infamous 'Lindno guy' - and I (who were there for about an hour before the rest of crew arrived) ordered 3 & 3 for most of the night. As pictured above, it was pretty awesome every time the new order came - and orders were coming in all night at McSorely's.
Once our full crew arrived the night basically turned to nonsense. The guy standing was our waiter, and seated is myself, Jason, Jo and a couple of her friends. All told, our table ordered 46 beers, but because McSorely's is totally awesome the tab barely broke $100. With the additional 8 that Andrew and I ordered before we got a table, that puts the grand total at 54 beers. Now it should be noted that I would guess that 2 McSorely's are probably the equivalent of a little more than a pint. Had we been somewhere else the damage would have been much worse. Between all of the old historical crap on the walls - most of which has probably never been cleaned - and the sawdust on the floor McSorely's is a great bar and my new favorite part of NYC. Plus it was a great atmosphere, and I almost forgot I was in entrenched in the city with the most assholes per square mile in the world. Everyone there just waned to drink and have a great time. And the great crew we had that night made it even better!
After McSorely's and a piece of - at the particular time - the greatest piece of pizza ever, I was hoping for an easy subway ride back up to Washington Heights. Unfortunately, the A train apparently stops at 168th when it gets late, so I was forced to walk the last 20+ blocks back to Jack's. The next morning I awoke sore, hungover, and basically feeling like there had been small men kicking my body while I slept (perhaps the Underpants Nomes, but I still had my underpants so I'm not sure). I knew it was time to go home.
You won this round NYC, but I'll be back!
One funny story before other details about the trip. When I was in Denver a few weeks ago I lost my debit card - for like the 5th or 6th time - and thus had to order a new one. Well it hasn't come in yet. No worries, I thought, I'll just go to the bank before it closes and get cash for the trip. Well, being kind of a slacker, I didn't make it to the bank Saturday before it closed. No worries, I thought, I'll just take my credit card and it will be all good. I didn't make it on the road until Sunday morning. Somewhere in Eastern PA I realized - OH SHIT! I forgot my credit card! So here I was, $35 in my pocket, no debit or credit card, traveling to possibly the most expensive place on the planet. Well, Jack was able to save the day and loan me cash while I was there, so that crisis was averted. I'm not sure you can have much fun in NYC on $35, especially when they charge you $6 just to cross the George Washington Bridge.
After that minor crisis the rest of the trip was really fun. I spent a little time at the conference, and most of the time at various bars drinking heavily (What a surprise!). By far, the best bar we visited on the trip was McSorely's Old Ale House, the longest continuously running bar in NYC and possibly the country (it didn't shut down during prohibition). And it is probably the coolest and funnest bar I have ever been to.
At McSorely's you have 2 drink choices - McSorely's Light Ale or McSorely's Dark Ale - and you always order in combination. For example, my good friend Andrew - the infamous 'Lindno guy' - and I (who were there for about an hour before the rest of crew arrived) ordered 3 & 3 for most of the night. As pictured above, it was pretty awesome every time the new order came - and orders were coming in all night at McSorely's.
Once our full crew arrived the night basically turned to nonsense. The guy standing was our waiter, and seated is myself, Jason, Jo and a couple of her friends. All told, our table ordered 46 beers, but because McSorely's is totally awesome the tab barely broke $100. With the additional 8 that Andrew and I ordered before we got a table, that puts the grand total at 54 beers. Now it should be noted that I would guess that 2 McSorely's are probably the equivalent of a little more than a pint. Had we been somewhere else the damage would have been much worse. Between all of the old historical crap on the walls - most of which has probably never been cleaned - and the sawdust on the floor McSorely's is a great bar and my new favorite part of NYC. Plus it was a great atmosphere, and I almost forgot I was in entrenched in the city with the most assholes per square mile in the world. Everyone there just waned to drink and have a great time. And the great crew we had that night made it even better!
After McSorely's and a piece of - at the particular time - the greatest piece of pizza ever, I was hoping for an easy subway ride back up to Washington Heights. Unfortunately, the A train apparently stops at 168th when it gets late, so I was forced to walk the last 20+ blocks back to Jack's. The next morning I awoke sore, hungover, and basically feeling like there had been small men kicking my body while I slept (perhaps the Underpants Nomes, but I still had my underpants so I'm not sure). I knew it was time to go home.
You won this round NYC, but I'll be back!
Friday, August 10, 2007
The Comeback Kid
Baseball is easily my favorite sport. I love pretty much everything about it, and I love the great baseball stories. Last night Rick Ankiel added a chapter to baseball lore.
I can remember watching the playoff game against the Braves when Ankiel just completely lost his stuff. It was a really sad story because he was so young and seemed to have such a promising career ahead of him. As the linked Wikipedia article documents, Ankiel made a few unsuccessful attempts to return to The Show as a pitcher. Then a few years back he decided to switch to the outfield. I became an instant fan and was really hoping to see Ankiel roaming the Cardinal outfield someday. Well that someday was last night. And not only did Ankiel return, but he blasted a 3-run homerun in his first professional game as an outfielder. I got goosebumps just typing about it!
The only sad part of this story is that it took a drug problem by Scott Spiezio for Ankiel to get his second chance.
I can remember watching the playoff game against the Braves when Ankiel just completely lost his stuff. It was a really sad story because he was so young and seemed to have such a promising career ahead of him. As the linked Wikipedia article documents, Ankiel made a few unsuccessful attempts to return to The Show as a pitcher. Then a few years back he decided to switch to the outfield. I became an instant fan and was really hoping to see Ankiel roaming the Cardinal outfield someday. Well that someday was last night. And not only did Ankiel return, but he blasted a 3-run homerun in his first professional game as an outfielder. I got goosebumps just typing about it!
The only sad part of this story is that it took a drug problem by Scott Spiezio for Ankiel to get his second chance.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The Top 5
Now things really get hard. Number 5 was really a part of many other moments on the list, but he deserves his own spot.
#5 - Glacier the Dog
Glacier and I first became friends on the drive from Denver to Steamboat over Christmas break last year. He was just a young pup back then and decided to cuddle up for the majority of the trip. We've been friends ever since. This particular pic was on my first day in Steamboat at the river behind Maggie's house. I miss having Glacier bring me something to show off every morning.
#4 - Beer Tasting Party
We obviously like to start 'em young in Meeteetse, and the first Gary Brew Tasting Party was no exception. This idea came together at the last minute, and it was a great success. The food was great, the tasting glasses were awesome, and the beer was INCREDIBLE.
And the night was capped off with a Warner sibling trip down to the Cowboy Bar. Well, our original destination was the Elkhorn, but they were closed by 9:30 on Friday night. Taking over the bar is just how we roll...
#3 - Rockies Game
I love Coors Field, so was thrilled to be able to attend a Rockies game while I was back. The only down side was that Maggie couldn't go; and our seats were horrible. But it was still a lot of fun. The Rockies made a furious late rally - thanks to 2 8th inning home runs - which meant that my original plans to drive back to Laramie were replaced by staying in Denver and drinking heavily.
And what trip to Denver would be complete without a stop at Flying Dog Brewery? I'd been looking forward to a stop by there since Dad and I went to the Avs game over Christmas. And we had a great crew for the brewery and the game.
#2 - The Glacier Party
I had meant to take a bunch of pictures at the Glacier Party, but for some reason never got around to it. Oh wait, I know why...it probably had something to do with the 16 gallons of Glacier Beer that consumed my attention. So a picture of the party mascot will do here. The party was awesome. I felt like someone needed to be graduating for such a great party. Can't wait till next year!
And finally......
#1 - Gilpin Lake
I guess that only Maggie will know why this is #1 on the list. But when you stand at the crystal clear and calm Gilpin Lake you know why it tops the list. She had told me about this hike a few weeks before I went out there and I was really excited about it. There are a ton of pics on picasa of this hike. I can't really describe how cool it is up there. But even on top of that, I can't describe how proud I was of Maggie for dominating the last uphill portion of the hike! I can't wait to get back out there and hike the longer loop, which promised to hold even more spectacular views.
Well there it is. It was pretty hard to pick just 10 things from the trip to put in a Top 10. There are plenty of things that got left out, and many more that probably aren't blog appropriate. I miss everyone and can't wait till Christmas!
#5 - Glacier the Dog
Glacier and I first became friends on the drive from Denver to Steamboat over Christmas break last year. He was just a young pup back then and decided to cuddle up for the majority of the trip. We've been friends ever since. This particular pic was on my first day in Steamboat at the river behind Maggie's house. I miss having Glacier bring me something to show off every morning.
#4 - Beer Tasting Party
We obviously like to start 'em young in Meeteetse, and the first Gary Brew Tasting Party was no exception. This idea came together at the last minute, and it was a great success. The food was great, the tasting glasses were awesome, and the beer was INCREDIBLE.
And the night was capped off with a Warner sibling trip down to the Cowboy Bar. Well, our original destination was the Elkhorn, but they were closed by 9:30 on Friday night. Taking over the bar is just how we roll...
#3 - Rockies Game
I love Coors Field, so was thrilled to be able to attend a Rockies game while I was back. The only down side was that Maggie couldn't go; and our seats were horrible. But it was still a lot of fun. The Rockies made a furious late rally - thanks to 2 8th inning home runs - which meant that my original plans to drive back to Laramie were replaced by staying in Denver and drinking heavily.
And what trip to Denver would be complete without a stop at Flying Dog Brewery? I'd been looking forward to a stop by there since Dad and I went to the Avs game over Christmas. And we had a great crew for the brewery and the game.
#2 - The Glacier Party
I had meant to take a bunch of pictures at the Glacier Party, but for some reason never got around to it. Oh wait, I know why...it probably had something to do with the 16 gallons of Glacier Beer that consumed my attention. So a picture of the party mascot will do here. The party was awesome. I felt like someone needed to be graduating for such a great party. Can't wait till next year!
And finally......
#1 - Gilpin Lake
I guess that only Maggie will know why this is #1 on the list. But when you stand at the crystal clear and calm Gilpin Lake you know why it tops the list. She had told me about this hike a few weeks before I went out there and I was really excited about it. There are a ton of pics on picasa of this hike. I can't really describe how cool it is up there. But even on top of that, I can't describe how proud I was of Maggie for dominating the last uphill portion of the hike! I can't wait to get back out there and hike the longer loop, which promised to hold even more spectacular views.
Well there it is. It was pretty hard to pick just 10 things from the trip to put in a Top 10. There are plenty of things that got left out, and many more that probably aren't blog appropriate. I miss everyone and can't wait till Christmas!
Let the debate begin....#6-10
No, not the debate about Barry Bonds. Although I will comment on something interesting I heard while watching the game last night. The pitcher who served up #756 - Mike Bacsik Jr. - had a father who was also a major league pitcher. Some time back, the Sr. Bacsik squared off against one Hammering Hank Aaron, who at the time was sitting at 755 career home runs. It would have been cool if Mike Sr. had given up 756 to Hank and then have Jr. serve up the same to Barry. On top of that, history will also remember that Bonds hit #755 off of a pitcher - Clay Hensley - who was previously suspended for using a banned substance. What a crazy game!!!
But the real debate will center around the ranking of the Top 10 moments from the trip. Really I can think of about 20 things that would all be tied for 1st, but what fun would that be? Just a warning, this will be long which is why it will be 2 posts. So here we go....
#10 - Weekend fun in Laramie
It was really great to spend a weekend in Laramie with a bunch of my friends who are still there - either working or still going to school. Plus some of my other friends were also there that weekend. Good times were had by all. I really miss my friends from UW quite a bit.
#9 - The Ride to Red Lodge
This is just a great ride to take anytime, but it is even better when you know that Sam's Tap Room is your destination. I'd forgot that I was wearing a Sid the Kid shirt that day when I said to my dad, "Hey take my pic, I'm gonna do one of those stare into the distance looks." Maybe I should email it to Sid's people...looks a good piece of advertising.
#8 - The Wood River
Now even though it rained for a large part of my time in Meeteetse, that didn't stop us from making several trips up the Wood River; which is one of my all time favorite places to hang out. Going back to high school, I've always loved just cruising up there because you'll never know what you'll see. The steam off the river on this day was really cool.
#7 - The Warner Jeep
When the sun finally came out in Meeteetse, it was time to take the Jeep up the Wood River, which combines 2 of my favorite things: the Wood and the Jeep. When Zack and I stopped at the campground for a little driving break I noted that "the Jeep is looking really fierce right now, let's take an action shot." The Jeep thought it was a great idea.
#6 - The Food
As always, the food for the trip was spectacular. From the pie and various good eats at Maggie's (I still think about that salsa!), to the amazing food in Meeteetse. I almost freaked out when I saw that huge pile of spicy noodles.
And how can we forget, the Triple B...
That would be Blueberry, Bacon, Beer Pancakes; made of course with homebrewed maple wheat and topped with high quality maple syrup. I skipped golf to have these pancakes, and it was worth it.
Tune in to the next post for the rest of the top 10.
But the real debate will center around the ranking of the Top 10 moments from the trip. Really I can think of about 20 things that would all be tied for 1st, but what fun would that be? Just a warning, this will be long which is why it will be 2 posts. So here we go....
#10 - Weekend fun in Laramie
It was really great to spend a weekend in Laramie with a bunch of my friends who are still there - either working or still going to school. Plus some of my other friends were also there that weekend. Good times were had by all. I really miss my friends from UW quite a bit.
#9 - The Ride to Red Lodge
This is just a great ride to take anytime, but it is even better when you know that Sam's Tap Room is your destination. I'd forgot that I was wearing a Sid the Kid shirt that day when I said to my dad, "Hey take my pic, I'm gonna do one of those stare into the distance looks." Maybe I should email it to Sid's people...looks a good piece of advertising.
#8 - The Wood River
Now even though it rained for a large part of my time in Meeteetse, that didn't stop us from making several trips up the Wood River; which is one of my all time favorite places to hang out. Going back to high school, I've always loved just cruising up there because you'll never know what you'll see. The steam off the river on this day was really cool.
#7 - The Warner Jeep
When the sun finally came out in Meeteetse, it was time to take the Jeep up the Wood River, which combines 2 of my favorite things: the Wood and the Jeep. When Zack and I stopped at the campground for a little driving break I noted that "the Jeep is looking really fierce right now, let's take an action shot." The Jeep thought it was a great idea.
#6 - The Food
As always, the food for the trip was spectacular. From the pie and various good eats at Maggie's (I still think about that salsa!), to the amazing food in Meeteetse. I almost freaked out when I saw that huge pile of spicy noodles.
And how can we forget, the Triple B...
That would be Blueberry, Bacon, Beer Pancakes; made of course with homebrewed maple wheat and topped with high quality maple syrup. I skipped golf to have these pancakes, and it was worth it.
Tune in to the next post for the rest of the top 10.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
There is now an "I" in Warner
How could you not cheer for a guy who is one misplaced vowel from being family...check out his prize.
From ESPN
From ESPN
Coming soon...
It has been requested that I make a 10 ten list from my recent trip. However, I still do not have the Internet at my new place. So it will be coming soon. I also have to figure out what were my best 10 moments from the trip...there we so many!
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