The Most Sincere Pumpkin Post Today

PGirl's job change has been blitzing the media. Our newspaper carried an article last week about it, but I can't find a link to it. Same text and better picture may be found here.

I'm proud of my lady. She is perfect for the job and deserves to be happy at what she is doing. On account of the distance she travels to and fro daily, I mostly take the kids to school and pick them up in the afternoon. It is a nice change of pace for me and has helped me to organize my time at work.

Speaking of work, I'll be teaching improv to high schoolers again as a joint Drama Club between Jamestown High School and The Arts Council For Chautauqua County (my place of employment). I'll be putting out a flyer this week at the school, but also recorded a super cheap announcement for the club to be aired on the morning announcements. It will only be available on Thursday until I get a copy. Check out some morning cheese here.

Halloween is still several weeks away, but I like to get started on things early here. The decorations have gone up, the costumes have been purchased and I've started lapping up a month's worth of holiday goodness. My favorite Halloween tricks and treats.

1. Listening to Halloween songs. You'd be surprised how many there are out there. Don't limit yourself to songs made for the holiday. Expand your horizons to include classical music, Broadway tunes, TV themes and goth music! The best Halloween streaming on the web can be found at Live 365.
2. Tess's Indie Wave is my favorite station on the afore-mentioned website.
3. Cobwebs In The Closet is a close second.
4. It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. If you don't like this special, there is something wrong with you.
5. My kids' costumes. They've managed to be cute and perfect every year to date. GalootJr. put his fireman coat, hat and boots on last night over only his briefs. I told him to see PGirl , open up his coat and shake his hips. He surprised both of us by whipping off the coat, throwing his hat across the room, kicking off his boots and then dancing. Violently. I think I should put more parental controls on the TV.
6. Candy corn. Yummy.
7. Making jack-o-lanterns. We'll have to wait another week so they won't rot before the 31st.
8. The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Watch it every year. The college PGirl works at is doing the original stage version later this month. Don't dream it! Be it!
9. John Carpenter's Halloween. Fuck Rob Zombie.
10. Columbus Day. A day off between Labor Day and Thanksgiving!
11. Falling Leaves. We have lots of them and our region is close to peak.
12. Pumpkin Seeds. A very tasty by-product of our jack-0-lanterns.
13. Thanksgiving isn't far away...

Must Read Thursday - On Wednesday!

I'll cheat a bit here and unveil my Thursday Thirteen a bit early. You're welcome for this gift.


Meet my niece.

1. The Mick and his lovely wife welcomed my niece, M.I.A., into the world last Friday afternoon. The whole family is doing well. Hopefully we'll be seeing them soon.
2. PGirl cannot blog at work and sends her best. I'm sure she's checking in with all of your blogs on the weekends. Her new job is taking on more shape every day and she is tired, but happy with the new job. We had lunch together in the building she works in and it certainly took me back several years. Bonus: Free copies of USA Today and the New York Times are available during the week at the university, which the PGirl brings home to her baby daddy. Woo-hoo!
   
3. The Kiddoes are both in the same school for part of each day. GalootJr. is doing the Pre-K thing next door to PGirlJr.'s 1st grade homeroom. Both are settling into nighttime routines with some minor revolting. Quote of the Week: While watching the Bills game at the Silver Fox's house on Sunday, the boy was acting up. PGirl remarked how she hoped this was a stage, to which GalootJr. replied, "This is not a stage!".
   
4. Chicago was next on the vacation route after Northern Kentucky a couple of weeks ago. The wedding, shopping and eating were welcome reprieves from the daily grind. A visit with Favor8 and the missus found us at at Gio's bar and grill on the Northside, 312 beers flowing and laptops open as Favor8 and I took part in our Fantasy Football...
   
5. Draft. I picked up Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, Matt Stover and the Bears defense in our 12 team league - The Dirty SanchezFFL. This was the first time I'd done a live draft and it was quite the learning experience. Our first games were played last weekend, and my team, Nancy Boys United, defeated Sick Baby's Diapers. Those aren't made up, they are totally the real team names. I can't print some of the league's team names. Seriously, they are that bad. Speaking of football...
   
6. The Bills lost one of their special teams players to a potentially devasting injury on Sunday. Please send your best wishes to Kevin Everett.
   
7. Music still rocks my world at work and in the car. Our city played host to a Local Music Showcase last weekend that was well attended. Loads of people milled about on Third Street and other avenues on Saturday night, taking in several concerts at a number of venues. On Sunday night, an awards show went up with live performances and hall of fame inductions. This all was a good shot in the arm for locals who feel we don't need festivals in the city. Streaming Audio of the Week: Illinois Street Lounge on SomaFM. You can stream this on I-tunes under the 50's-60's area of radio.
   
8. The Local Blogosphere is churning along nicely. Makkaio was a presenter at the awards on Sunday and the butt of a lame-ass presenter joke written and performed by my improv troupe. In Java took me back to the mid-nineties with some old videos last week. Jamestown Lawyer did a bang up job with the Local Music Showcase and awards last weekend. The Sunday night affair was truly inspired. Well done.
   
9. Work sucks, but I need the bucks. Actually things are going well here. I have a lot on my plate, but at least it is all in front of me.
   
10. Food tastes good! PGirl and I had some Gyro plates in Greektown while in Chicago. Last night we had some delicious pizza from Subzone. Forte hooked us up with a couple of tins of Sushi last week and Timothy's tomato bisque was exquisite today.
    
11. Southern Tier Brewery made it into Bon Appetit's October issue last weekend! On page 78, you'll find descriptions of some select brews to have this Autumn and what to serve them with.
    
12. The Unexpected Guests are moving down the street to the Reg Studio Theater this weekend. We didn't want to counterprogram the music last weekend, so adjust your calendars and get your asses down here for some laughs.
    
13. My alma mater suffered the loss of a student to a tragic suicide recently. Thanks to Tracy for the update. My thoughts and prayers are with my fellow Eagles...
    

Holiday Road

The kiddoes and I are spending a few days in Kentucky at the Colonel's house before we head up to Chicago for a "hitchin"! So far, so good. We've been getting up early to play in the pool before breakfast almost every day. I spend some time swimming with the kids, then I keep them in the shallow end and read a bit by the poolside. I'm reading "The Wastelands - Dark Tower 3". It has been really fun and relaxing so far. I was bad and took some work with me, but I do that before the kids get up and it relieves me to be ahead of the curve when I get back to work.

Last night I met some high school friends at an Applebee's and followed that up with a trip to Barleycorn's. Big Red Letter Day for the kids as I took them to see "The Simpsons Movie" this afternoon. We were all supposed to go to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner tonight, but the Colonel is under the weather. So I took the kids to a family pub where they ate for free. Oh yeah, I took the kids to Border's yesterday too. Love it!

I know it is probably just urban sprawl and I'm noticing things more, but I've seen a lot of guys around here wearing golf shirts, pleated pants and cell phone holsters. The new gunslingers I suppose.

We'll hook up with PGirl on Friday for some wedding fun!

Low Power To The People

Listen up reader(s)!!! The low power, community based, arts-centric WRFA-LP will be broadcasting live from about 15 feet below my office all day in luverly Jamestown, New York. 10,000 Maniac keyboard playin' virtuoso and station manager Dennis Drew will be hosting the whole damn affair. There will be several local musicians playing throughout the day as well as some witty banter. Tune in and you may even hear me in the Arts On Fire segment.

Not anywhere near Jamestown? No problem, you can stream us online by clicking here:!

Update: My boss just said "condom riot" on the air. Genius!

Update 2: Brian Hanna just played a song about bugs with his son Evan. Shades of Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players.

Purple Nightmare?

I'm working from the home office (dining room table) today, while the kids take a day off from their summer schooling at Chautauqua. They've played a few games, ate breakfast and watched "Sesame Street" so far. We'll be taking a break shortly to play outside, however, something made me jump from my seat a few moments ago to grab the remote. Sure, one of the munchkins might have inadvertantly switched over to Skinemax, but this wasn't the case.


What I heard in the back room was the beginning of "Barney". I hate "Barney". I think it is one of the most derivative crapfests in children's television. The melodies used were mostly children's songs to begin with, so why the hell do they have to change the lyrics? The child actors are awful and will probably grow up to be annoying Broadway wannabes. Yeah, I'm bitter. I was outvoted by my children's chanting, "Barney, Barney, Barney..." They can watch today, but you can bet I'll be popping in "The Electric Company" DVD before the day is through. No electronic media can teach my children better than Morgan Freeman - before playing God and voice-overs about man-love in a New England prison.

Last Comic Standing

As you may or may not know, I read the comics or "funnies" every day. Every damn day! If a newspaper is handy, I'll read about half of the strips published, but mostly I have bookmarks to a a select few:

Funky Winkerbean
For Better Or For Worse
Luann (A real shitty strip, yet still compelling. I'm getting blue balls from all the "will they, won't they" of Brad and Toni)
Dilbert
Pearls Before Swine
Get Fuzzy

Recently, I stumbled upon a blog devoted to deconstructing these very strips. The dude who writes here is spot on !and guarantees getting a deep laugh out of me every other post. Please, please, please try The Comics Curmudgeon

Once Bitten, Nice Guy

Ian and Makkaio have turned me (pun intended) on to a new internet game featuring werewolves versus vampires. By clicking below, you'll see the website, let a little digital blood, but won't be obligated to do a damn thing!

Check it out!

Hey Makkaio! Good match the other night. Throwing darts is fun! As far as tradition is concerned when winning the match, I've gone a few without being stricken. Though I did catch a plastic dart in the head. Can't remember which evening though...

The Kitchen Sink

"What in the hell has been happening with Galoot and PGirl?", you ask.

PGirl is watching "You've Got Mail". As I type this out. I hope she'll want to catch up on "Entourage" and "Flight of the Conchords" when I'm finished with this. I'm sending her HBO vibes right now, but I'm not sure she's getting them. HBO. HBOOOOOOOOO.....

Cleveland was the destination for our 7 year anniversary and PGirl's birthday present - VIP tickets to a screening of "A Christmas Story" at the house where exteriors were shot oh so long ago. It was a day of reminiscing and of landing some sweet-ass deals. As we took a two lane highway from Saint Eileen's that weirdly led directly to our hotel, we talked about the early days and looked at the scenery on an otherwise dreary day.

We picked up a couple of camping chairs at a rural Wal-Mart Supercenter for $10 a pop and made it to the Holiday Inn Express a few hours before the event. This was not your ordinary Express either. It was located in the theater district, downtown, in an old hotel. Vintage elevators, big lobby, the works. Ali let slip that it was our anniversary and the clerk upgraded us to the jazuzzi room for no extra charge. It was pretty damn cool. Top floor, high ceilings corner of the building with views of Lake Erie and the football stadium. Oh! And a widescreen TV bigger than myself and H put together. The clerk showed up soon with complimentary champagne. We were on cloud 9!

After dipping our toes in the jacuzzi, we drove to Flannery's Irish Pub for dinner, then on to the event. I'll let PGirl fill you in on some of those details. But the highlight for me was meeting Harry F'ing Knowles! The big redheaded dude in the picture above. He runs one of my favorite movie/tv websites.

I've lived in Jamestown for almost 6 years now and I still can't figure out why my neighbor's family has chosen the curb directly across from my driveway to park their cars. I think they must have the same gene that compels them to walk in the middle of the street even though the sidewalks have been ice-free since April.

PGirl just switched over to a recorded "Entourage". My vibes are working. I want an Italian Ice. A mango flavored Italian Iiiiiiiiiiiiiice...

The best blog in Chautauqua County is not mine. I concede victory to In Java. She's been at it longer than me and she actually updates it on a regular basis. Lawyer revealed his identity to me last week and I just can't hold a grudge against the guy. Plus, he might do my living will. Morbid? Maybe.

Best of the Best?

In a stunning announcement two weeks ago, it was revealed to the world that Galoots Hoot Page was voted "Best Local Blog" along with 4 others in a write in category of the Chautauqua Region Word. The area I live in probably has around 100,000 people in it (county-wide), so this is no small distinction. Unfortunately, none of the 5 blogs listed was given top honors. Somehow, we're all supposed to share this. I don't think so. Call me selfish, but I have worked long and hard (often while working) at making this the best damn blog this county offers. The only "fair and balanced" way I can show you why I should have been crowned "King Of Chautauqua Bloggers" is to offer you some information about the other 4 that, if made public, would certainly convince you that I am your man.

1. "King of Chautauqua Bloggers" implies that a man should hold this distinction. That automatically rules out In Java and Preppygirl. I don't know what gender Jamestown Lawyer is. Disqualified for not being obvious as to what you really are, attorney-person! So this leaves Makkaio and I to duke it out.
2. Makkaio is a pacifist and holds a public office around here. Even if we did fight, he would take the higher road and lay down his weapons, making me the winner by forfeit. I'd still shoot him dead with my cross-bow. Plus, he has his own domain name. Utterly pretentious.
3. Assuming Makkaio's security detail shoots me down in cold blood and probably in the back, this would leave the other three to fight over the title. Hopefully you would still pick me in death because:

• In Java would probably have to assume her husband's position in City Hall and serve out his term. She'll have little time to blog and will have to work two jobs.
  
• Preppygirl would mourn me for like, five minutes, before moving the kids out to England in order to try and find another father figure like Hugh Grant or Colin Firth. Her new posts would be infrequent and in the British language - hard to read.
• Even if you still want to go with Jamestown Lawyer, this person is into law. And we all know what a mess our country is in because of Gonzalez and all those firings.
  

So, if you aren't going to pick me, I could care less. Throw away your vote. I still score a moral victory.

Peace!

What's In A Name?

Preppy Girl works at a place whose “season” runs nine weeks straight in the summer. The place has concerts, plays, operas, symphonies, lectures and classes every day of the week and is crawling with rich people – new money and old. Due to the demands of the job, PGirl always has to work on July 4. Since both of our kids attend a summer school within her place of work and were participating in a “holiday parade”, I decided to join them and hang out for a while. A new, fenced-in dog run was recently installed there, so I took our pooch, Asa, along with me.

After a short walk from one of the entrances to the square of this community, I met up with PGirl, her assistant and a buddy of mine from The Unexpected Guests, who I’ll refer to as Milton F. Hunter. The parade of kids was absolutely adorable. They convened at the steps of one of the square’s buildings, sang some songs, marched to the amphitheater and sang some more. What happened as we waited for the parade to start was what I’d like to recount here.

As we waited on a sidewalk corner, many people stared at us. I thought maybe it was because of what we wore, that the rich folks could tell we weren’t money. PGirl had her work windbreaker on and I was slumming it in a pair of khaki cargos, track shoes and an oxford shirt. In L.A. I would’ve been mistaken for an incognito celebrity. In this place – a dogwalker.

But it wasn’t our clothes people were staring at. It was Asa. Our dog is a standard poodle who doesn’t wear his hair in any of the traditional poodle cuts. We usually get him short, cuts all around so he looks sort of like an Airedale. This often prompts people to look at him, wondering what breed he his. Our groomers give us shit for not asking for something fancier, but we like the way he looks. Several people approached us, saying things like, “I just have to ask, what kind of dog is he?” or “What a beautiful cinnamon boy!” (He’s apricot in color). The majority of him asked his name, which I readily revealed. After the 6th or 7th inquisitor, though, I began to have fun.

A woman approached, asking the standard questions. When she inquired about his name, my improv-addled mind pushed me to blurt out, “Alistair”. Milton stifled a laugh and PGirl shot me a smirk. After the lady left, my wife asked, “What are you doing?”. I smiled back, “Just having a laugh!”.

A few moments later, another lady approached us with the name question. I replied, “Acadian Driftwood”. She didn’t bat an eye. Milton was having a hard time not busting up this time. We walked over to the grass across from the singing area to listen to the kids. Several more people and their dogs visited with us, but no one was asking his name. I was getting anxious. Finally, the next mark approached.

“What is your poodle’s name?”. I started running through a short list of ridiculous “A” names. Before I could settle on one, she cut me off with her next question. “Is it Coco?”. I choked back a laugh. Coco was a brilliant name. My voice quivering, I said. “No. His name is…”. I was having difficulty coming up with a clever name. “Coco” kept ringing in my ears. I gave up and gave in. “Asa.”, I said. “His name is Asa”. She walked away from us and Milton and I gave up our fun and games.

Woman Of The Year

In honor of my dear wife Preppy Girl's thirty@#$$#$$% birthday (last Sunday), I present to y'all...

Thirteen Things You Might Not Know About Preppy Girl

1. She is a bonified expert in romantic comedies. No joke here. She watches as many as she can see in what free time she has (even made for cable). As much as I bitch about "Prince and Me 2" and "The Cutting Edge 2" and "Ashton Kutcher Drags Amanda Peet Down To His Sublevel Piece of Crap RomCom", her knowledge of these films astounds me.
2. She once did a pub crawl in Bemus Point with a blow up doll. His name (modified with a permanent marker.....Mr. Tud. They weren't alone, but with her bridesmaids at her bachelorette party.
3. She took me home to meet her mother on our third date. Boy did I have her family fooled! In a foreshadowing moment, I spent part of the evening talking trivia on the phone with my future B.I.L. and fellow Guest, Mr. Social.
4. She introduced me to the joys of Key West. Which we attempt to recreate on every subsequent trip. Seriously. We almost always hit Hog's Breath Saloon, Captain Tony's, The Book Store, Blue Heaven and The Conch Train Tour.
5. She can always talk me down. From whatever trips my fuse.
   
6. She is an excellent teacher. To her employees, to our kids and to me (with all things Microsoft Office.)
7. She rode on Kentucky Colonel's motorcycle. And flipped me the bird on I-75.
8. She is a great gift buyer/giver/wrapper. Very good taste all around.
9. She is a competitive dart thrower. Having played in a league in Florida, she has taught me the sport and hopefully will teach it to our kiddoes.
10. She is a Jeep fanatic. We've owned or leased three since we've been together. That Patriot is looking good and affordable! Even the kids had a Jeep rocking chair when they were infants.
11. She hung out with one of the villains from "Crocodile Dundee 2". No lie.
12. Her hair looks really good when it is up. It looks good whether in an up-do or just clipped in.
13. She has three tattoos. And one of them makes a sound when pressed upon...
    

Just Words

I've recently been informed that Galoot's Hoot Page has been nominated for "Best Local Blog" in the Chautauqua Region Word weekly arts/entertainment paper. Certainly, I am honored by even being considered for this distinction, but I have to give some credit to those blogs which I read often. Included are websites I visit often.

1. Preppy Girl's Guide - By the woman who got me into blogging just over a year ago. My wife, my soulmate, my love. A window into our humble life in Western New York.
2. And You Know What Else - The mostly anonymous "R" is a young, married and funny lawyer who is married to a galoot-like fellow, also working in law. Takes me back to the days before we had kids.
3. Mama Drama - The Houston Chronicle hosts blogs by several moms at various stages in their lives. My favorite to read is by Jenny Lawson, who also has a more profane blog - The Bloggess.
4. Starry Night Boutique - Preppy Girl's same sex soulmate and BFF, the Princess herself, gives us a unique look into life in her midwestern town. Imaginary friends, hairless cats and angry drivers rule.
5. In Java, Literally... - Runs a close second to Preppy Girl for my vote for favorite local blog. WRFA's newsreader and improv audience regular enlightens the world to her existence in the Southern Tier, including her husband - a government official and skateboarder.
6. What Jeff Killed - A large orange cat in California is "death itself" to the other critters in his domain. His adopted owners document his exploits graphically and with humor.
7. Chautauqua Area Music Profile - Ever wonder what musicians from my part of the state talk about? Surprisingly, not much about music. Check out the forums for threads of local debate.
8. Post Journal - Jamestown's own newspaper has improved since I moved here five years ago, but it still has a ways to go. Check out the letters section for the Bill O'Reilly wannabes and the opinions section for the editor's "fair and balanced" comments.
9. G-Mail - Google mail is the only account I have that hasn't been spammed.
10. Harry Shearer - Visit on Wednesdays for a rebroadcast of his Sunday night, one man, many voices program "Le Show".
11. Arts Council - The website for my workplace. New and improving. And I helped!
12. Weather Channel - More bugs than Weather Bug, but I still visit for the forecast.
13. Chautauqua Region Word - Arts, entertainment, cartoons and more.
    

Where It's At

Busy beavers are we in Western New York.

Jamestown has been the location of several events since Memorial Day weekend.

1. Lucy-Desi days came and went - though we skipped town after a late-night improv set.
2. The Gus Macker tournament took over 3rd street for a few days as did the...
3. ...Wild Rib Cook Off, which expanded this year.
4. Yassou - St. Nicholas' church's annual Greek festival took down its tents today. PGirlJr. and GalootJr. each took several turns on the dancing platform. Icing on the cake is the church only being 8 blocks away from our house.

The Sopranos ended its run a week ago tonight. I've only seriously watched the show for the last two seasons, but loved every minute I saw, including the final episode. Without getting into spoilers, I will say that the last five minutes of the show were gripping, and I was immensely satisfied with the ambiguous nature of the conclusion. I'm sick of reading t.v. critics trying to rally people behind them by claiming that David Chase let the fans down. As if all of the bitchers out there could agree on an ending to the story.

Father's Day was cool. PGirl and GalootJr. surprised me last night with the gift of a new DVD player. This one upgrades regular images up to near the quality of High Def - which our newest TV is equipped with. We watched "For Your Consideration" on it. Very funny movie. This morning we had breakfast with the Silver Fox, The Greater Spy and his family. Then we headed down to visit with The Organ Grinder and Saint Eileen for some lunch and dessert. All is well!

PSlea and Monkey visited with the kiddoes last week. Having them around was a blast. Reminded me of when my Uncle Bill, Aunt Maureen and their 3 kids lived with us in Long Island 30 years ago. We did birthday parties for PGirlJr. and my niece, attended a ballet recital for PGirlJr., did an improv show, cooked in, ordered in and more. Monkey and I finally had a boy's night out with The Greater Spy, Ian and Kip, doing the Jamestown pub crawl until the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Billiard balls were played and darts were thrown (including one plastic one at my hand, due to a sadistic tradition that The Unexpected Guests have). Can't wait to see our Illini brethren again!

Kids

My children are consistent in making me crack up. Regarding their recent exploits:

Galoot Jr. - During our recent trip to the Kentucky Colonel's homestead:

• Climbed into Colonel's car. When I lifted him out of it, an unpleasant smell wafted past my nostrils. I set the boy down in the driveway (in front of Mick, Mrs. Mick and a few other party guests) and asked if he had pooped his pants. After GJr. said he hadn't, I pulled back the waist band of his shorts and stuck my face down there to take a look. Without hesitation, the boy blasted an air biscuit, inches from my mug. While the small crowd laughed, GJr. walked a few steps, stretched his arms out and continued on his way.
• Peed off of the back porch into the grass. A perfect, golden arc into the lush bluegrass. He then pulled his shorts up, clapped his hands together and rubbed them. A new day had dawned.

PGirl Jr.

• During the trip to Kentucky, she flirted throughout the afternoon with a 12 year old boy who was a cousin's guest. During a game of head to head Halo, she sat next to her object of affection, hands on her knees, giggling at everything he said and did.
• This morning, as we pulled out of the driveway, we noticed three rabbits on the lawn, eating their breakfast. PGJr. said that rabbits are good because they don't bite people. I told her that, any wild animal had the potential to bite if they were scared. PGJr. remarked, "If a rabbit bites someone, they become Rabbit Man.". "Like Spiderman?", I asked. She replied, "Yes."
  

The Real Dressing Room - Florida

This is an improvised video shot in 1995 at Florida Atlantic University. It was made backstage during the production of "Measure For Measure", taped, directed and edited by cast member Bron Barry - no relation, but a very cool dude who's living and working in L.A. now.

I love, how, only a few years into the Real World's existence, we "young people" knew what utter bullshit it was. I'm pretty sure we made this around between San Francisco and London seasons. Look for Jimmy McJamestown (pictured above), Charlie Berfield, Keven Scotti, Reggie Garcon, Paul Casali, Des Gallant and many others (including Bron!), improvising our hearts out.

Now that I know the rules of improv, I'm picking my performance apart (it has been 12 years since I've seen this). But it is kind of fun to watch. Thanks to Bron for posting this! Beware, it is almost 18 minutes long and contains profanities. Enjoy!

A Quick One While She's Away...

What is up?

Work and home are busy, busy, busy now!

Some updates:

Asa got a haircut at Groomingdale's yesterday. We kept some hair on his muzzle, ears and tail. He looks freaky! But I love it. I spoke with our groomer about some Halloween cuts for October....

Galoot Jr. and myself are getting haircuts tonight. Fun stuff.

I've been growing a beard for a play reading in June. I'll be playing Buffalo Bill at an unveiling for a wood-cut, billboard that was uncovered on the side of my office's building a few years ago. This thing is vintage and very cool. Please don't laugh at our website. We'll be presenting a new one soon!

It took a few seasons, but it appears that Jim and Pam might finally be getting together on The Office! Very funny, very cool episode. I've already seen conspiracy theories on the net regarding Ryan's taking the job at corporate. Remember when Wallace said it would be nice to have another M.B.A. at work? Ryan is still in business school, no? Big theory is Wallace was talking to Karen, then Karen was the one talking to Ryan. What do you think? In other sweeps-period type developments, one of the gals I dated in graduate school was playing, Grace, the receptionist at Dunder-Mifflin in NYC! PGirl was very pleased when I paused the image to reveal this to her!

We're going to attempt a marathon trip next week. On Thursday, PGirl and I will drive 3 hours east to Elmira and catch my mentor's production of Cabaret at the college. On Friday night, we'll be back in town for The Unexpected Guests annual Lucy-Desi Days show. Early on Saturday morning, we're going to beat it out of town to vist the Colonel, the Mick, Momma Hen and Taken for a Memorial Day weekend hootenanny!

Uninspired....

...so I'll steal another type of entry. From PSlea,

Four Things about Me

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1) Puppeteer - For a very brief stint, I worked two puppets for an ill-conceived, ill-fated Saturday morning, 6am, public access, children's show that basically served to sell a video of the puppets (with different performers). One character was a cowboy/cyclone and the other was a Rastafarian, rotary telephone. His name was Rastaphone.
2) Usher/Concessions Dude - I worked at Loew's Cinemas in Florence, Kentucky. At that time, nine auditoriums were considered a multiplex. Itchy polyester pants. Free popcorn and movies. I served Ozzy Osbourne and his entourage.
3) Camp Counselor - My first job stretched out over 3 summers at two different scout camps. Too many stories to tell here. The cub scout camp was the most fun though. Not because of the kids. No, the older guys on staff were like a fraternity and were insanely cool and funny.
4) Book/Music Seller - I helped to open the Border's in Boynton Beach, Florida eleven years ago. If I went back into retail, I'd consider that chain.

Four places I have lived:
1) Islip, New York - My first memories were in an old house on Long Island. We lived a few miles from the ocean. It is congested as hell now, but I like visiting when I can.
2) Delray Beach, Florida - I rented a very cool, recently renovated little apartment from Jimmy McJamestown's folks. Only stayed for 4 months. It was about 50 yards from a 7-11.
3) Deerfield Beach, Florida - Shacked up with PGirl for almost 2 years before we married. Her first condo.
4) Northern Kentucky - My formative years were spent in this part of the southern midwest. Mere miles from Cincinnati and B.F.E.

FOUR TV SHOWS I LIKE TO WATCH
I think I recommended some shows in a previous entry...

Four Places I've Been on Vacation:
1) Ireland - Weeks before my wedding, my family went and visited my Mom's cousins.
2) Key West - Possibly my favorite place to go.
3) Lake Cumberland, Kentucky - Houseboating for a week - several hundred dollars. Beer in a dry county - 50 bucks. Going nude down a slide into the water at midnight - priceless!
4) Warren, Pennsylvania - As a 14 year old. Don't try this. Ever.

FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:
1) Sushi
2) Pizza
3) Bagels with cream cheese, salmon and capers.
4) Bacon

I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
1) Home.
2) Mother's Day morning.
3) Key West
4) At a Pavement concert.

Silver Screen

Wow! A lot of blogging folks seem to be on a movie kick. I'll chime in here.

The family will be packing in the "man"ivan soon to head over to the Park 60 Drive In. At dusk, we'll be watching "Spiderman 3", munching on popcorn and trying to keep the kids from killing each other. I love the drive-in, because we can all see a movie together without GalootJr. making a run for the exits before the first reel is over.

I'm looking forward to seeing this movie. Hopefully it will be entertaining. What follows are my favorite super hero movies. In no particular order...

1. Spiderman 2 - Perfect balance of humor, hubris and action. This one managed to be a Sam Raimi movie, while preserving the integrity of Peter Parker.
2. X-Men - Not bad for an "origin" story. Wolverine's entrance was memorable.
3. X-Men 2 - Nightcrawler was well realized here. Shame the controls were turned over to Brett Ratner for number 3.
4. Superman - Still rocks my world after almost 30 years. I loved Christopher Reeves' take on the character.
5. Blade - Thoroughly entertaining bit of vampire killing. Wesley Snipes owned the character.
6. Superman 2 - Richard Donner was asked to leave production after much of this one was in the can. I'd like to see his cut that is available on DVD.
7. Batman Begins - Very, very cool! Almost perfect cast all-around.
8. Batman - I liked the music, the sets and the costumes. I'm still not crazy about Michael Keaton though. And Jack Nicholson was good, not great.
9. Ghost World - Based on a graphic novel about two teens facing life after high school graduation. Funny. Sad. Quirky.

While We're On This Subject...

My favorite places to eat breakfast are...

1. Aldo's - A Jamestown greasy spoon. It is what it is. Some of the best diner food I've ever had.
2. Stringtown - A Florence, Kentucky greasy spoon. Best biscuits and gravy!
3. Denny's - If you can't eat at a local place, find one of these chains.
4. Tom Sawyer's - A Boca Raton joint that serves breakfast in a pot. Literally. Three biscuits on the bottom, covered with gravy, topped with scrambled eggs with whatever you like and sprinkled with cheese.
5. Bagel City South - Cram a bunch of tables and chairs into a small Jewish deli and this is what you get. If you can't make it to a New York City diner, this is the Boca Raton version.
6. Bob Evans - 2nd best biscuits and gravy ever.
7. Original Pancake House - IHOP? I don't think so.

Honorable Mentions -

1. Cracker Barrel - Pretty good southern food, yes. But I hate, hate, hate, waiting forty five minutes to get a table. The gift shop can only hold my attention for so long.
2. Coffee Cup - This Jamestown restaurant has the best monthly breakfast specials of any breakfast joint I've been to. The waitresses are really nice, but...for a place with this name, they should really try to give you a refill more than they do.

Glorious Food

Ingloriously Ripped From Jenny at Mama Drama

1- Can you cook? If yes, do you like to cook?
I can cook and I love it. I'm getting better at cleaning as I go.

2 - When does your whole family come together to eat?
Usually everyone is at the table 4-5 times a week.

3 - What do you have for breakfast?
Breakfast bar or bowl of cereal most of the week. Sometimes a bagel with salmon, cream cheese and capers from Timothy's. Big breakfast (bacon, eggs, etc.) once a week.

4 - How often do you eat out?
Once a week.

5 - How often do you order-in or take-away?
Once a week (alternates with #4).

6 - Re: 5 & 6 - If money was no question, would you like to do it more often?
Not necessarily. If money wasn't a question, I'd probably cook more.

7- Are there any quarrels because of food?
PGirl Jr. is notoriously picky. I have a thin skin sometimes when cooking breakfast.

8 - Are you vegetarian or can you imagine living vegetarian?
I could be a vegetarian. Just a matter of finding what you like.

9 - What would you like to try out that you haven't dared yet?
Beef Tartar.

10 - Would you rather cook or bake?
Cook. I'll bake once we get a stand mixer.

11 - What do your kids like to eat best? What would your kids never eat?
They like mac and cheese, pizza, some pasta. They don't like certain vegetables.

12 - What do you dislike most?
Processed American cheese slices.

13-what are you hungry for right now? Sushi.