The Boss still bringing it...

So the unthinkable has happened. Hurricane Tomazin touched down in Borono, and I walked away safe, sound, and sober. We're definitely getting old. Hell, Tomazin the elder drank root beer! There was a day, not that long ago, where I not only wouldn't have walked away sober, I probably would have crawled away shit-faced, if I didn't just pass out face first where I was sitting (or standing.)

For those of you that are concerned about such things, the Pig Roast is still on, so long as the Scarborough house is still in effect. Dates to be announced, well, when they get around to it.

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So, I was flicking around the tv the other day (that sound you hear? The gf grinding her teeth in annoyance at me changing channels.) Anyways, I was flipping around channels, and I did something I haven't done in at least ten years. I stopped on a music channel. No, not MTV, that's not a music channel anymore, that's more of a Sluts Anonymous at this point. (Not that there's anything wrong with sluts, I wouldn't want to imply that.)

No, I stopped on VH1, where the Boss was on a show called Storytellers. Just Bruce, his guitar, and stories about how he wrote some of his more famous songs. Great stuff. Obviously I was riveted for the duration of the show. (That new sound you just heard? The gf banging her head against the wall.) Unfortunately for me, and fortunately for the chicky poo sitting next to me, there was only like 15 minutes left when we tuned in.

Basically, that just reminded me of why I listen to the Boss. His last three albums released on iTunes show his range:

We Shall Overcome - The Seeger Sessions - Just released this last week, this is the Boss' tribute to folk music. I've never been a huge fan of folk music, but this album has a rough quality and energy that's appealing. My favorite song on the album was 'O Mary Don't You Weep.' If you buy this on through iTunes, you get a video of this song as well.

Hammersmith Odeon, London '75 - Live album from just before Springsteen became a household name. For those of you who haven't heard or seen live Springsteen, a must listen. Highlights include an extended version of Jungleland followed by Rosalita, basically equalling 20 minutes of kickassness.


Devils & Dust - Released in 2005, this Springsteen's most recent studio album. For those of you who were fans of Nebraska, The Ghost of Tom Joad, The Rising or The Streets of Philadelphia, this for you. This is not the rowdy, electric, party Bruce, this is the quiet, acoustical, thoughtful Bruce. One of my favorites on this album is The Hitter, about a boxer stopping by his old home after years of getting the shit kicked out of him. Great album, and to me, proof that the Boss can still bring it.

And I'm out.

Bringing nothing too the table

I've got nothing today.

Nada.

Zip. Zero, Nuthin.

And I'm still doing better than was last night at the Poker table. I started off strong, holding even at about double my money for the first two hours. Then, all of a sudden (and you can feel it happen) I started slipping. It wasn't that I was getting bad hands. Those are easy, you just fold em. Nope, I was getting the second best hand. Tough to get out of those. So I kept playing, and kept playing em, and kept losing. Didn't even win a split pot for the last three hours. Only ended up down 40, which isn't that bad considering I haven't really lost at all recently. It just kind of smarted that it happened so fast.

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Little scared, the Joey and Eric T. are making an appearance in Orono. Last time Eric showed up here we accidentally rang up something like a $300 bar tab, and it took my liver a full week to recover. I don't think they're staying for the night, so my liver should be ok in a few days.

Least relaxing vacation ever

Was it the trip from hell?

Mebbe.

Let's just say, I would never. Ever. Recommend that anyone take the same same trip that the gf and I took last week. That is, unless your idea of a good vacation involves waiting in lines of people and cars to get to.. more lines of people and cars.

Sure, there were good times. (Like for example, yours truly winning a black jack tournament) Also enjoyed Universal Studios Adventure Island, Nassau (particularly snorkling and Senor Frog's), and vegging our by the pool. Kicking the gf's ass at bocce almost made up for getting my ass kicked at miniature golf by the gf. And someday? She might let me live it down. Who the hell 8 putts a hole in mini-golf? Me, that's who.

But seriously? I so much more enjoyed my sales pitch from hell on why we should by a time share in Orlando. And the dirtiness of the hotel rooms. Best of all might have been the absentee parenting going on all over the cruise ship. For those of you who are parents, let's just say, letting your little angels run around the ship bar at 11 o'clock at night? Not cool. Especially when they're playing a particularly loud and shriek filled game of tag.

If you want the full story of the vacation from heck, ask the gf. She tells it better.

Oh, one last thing..

Ramada Vacations? Fuck you.

Brief Respite...

Taking a quick breath today, landed at home for a week before heading off on a vacation.

Brief schedule for last couple weeks involved two days in the office, 5 days in DC, and 5 days in Providence. Misc ramblings on each:

DC - Stayed in the same hotel as the UConn basketball team and the UConn booster club. Interesting that they travel together... But it made for a lot of fun during the UConn - George Mason game. Went to the Sports Bar in our hotel, and hung out with a bunch of people from DC and all the UConn fans that couldn't find tickets of their own. Rowdy, good times. Games like that are exactly what I love about sports bars.

Also spent some time on the hill, meeting with some of the aides and some of the reps for Maine to talk about our programs. Interesting stuff, and by and large, ME is well represented. To a one, all of them were nice and happy to see other people from ME. All four ME reps agreed to vote for a restoration of funds for our programs. Collins actually co-signed the letter in the Senate asking for funds.

Providence - After an all-to-quick weekend at home, off to Providence for a week. First things first, as I get out of the car, I'm pretty sure that I see a Baldwin brother. Yup. It's the one from Backdraft. I thought about saying hello, but as it is, he is only the one from Backdraft. If it was the one from Usual Suspects, or Alec, maybe.

After the first day of meetings, it's time for some beer. A few of us wander down the street, aiming towards a brew-pub type of place that we've heard about. As we walk in, I notice a familiar looking face standing behind the bar. It's been a while, so I'm not sure, but yup, it's Tinsley. She's doing well, and says hello to everyone.

Well, I have a few more days in Orono, and then the gf and I head out for a bout with sun, sand, and large boats with pools on them. I'll see what I can do about another blog sometime this week, as I know you all miss me so, so much.