I barely passed my 100ton inland master's exams today. The sailing, towing endorsements, plus charting and navigation general tests were all a piece of cake. But Deck General and Rules of the Road KILLED me. My advice to anyone like me going for this license: don't assume either of these tests will be easy or that you don't have to study a lot for them. I don't know, maybe some people could breeze through them, but for me, crap... it was tough. I'm actually going to study deck general a lot more before I go for my AB. I seriously doubt I could pass it again!
On Sunday we have to be out of our place in NE Portland. I think we might move to SE until the Sigur Ros show late next week. After that, I'm hoping we'll be in Seattle. Then Jarad is going to Austin for the summer and I'm going to sea for a few months. Hopefully I'll be RICH upon my return (my version of rich, seeing as how I've made an average of 6K per year for the last 4 years).
I'm finishing my PBR while Jarad downloads 37 Bowie albums at the cafe here. It's "Last Thursday" in PDX so the streets are busy. I have no idea what we'll do for the next month...
The Week In Reverse
Today I studied charting, passed my charting and nav general exam (90% on each). Then made a dinner for us: penne w/creamy marinara that had sauteed onions, zucchini and garlic in it. With some leftover bacon fat. Yes, I save the fat from bacon. Bring on the LARD! Fuck all that fat free ridiculousness.
Yesterday we were in Seattle, and woke up half twisted up in the trunk of a Toyota Camry and half sprawled in the backseat. Never again. Not worth the $50 saved. Cleaned up like at the beach bathroom like any good homeless person and went to meet my new boss. Thank God nobody in the boat business expects clean clothes and hair for meetings. Then we went to the Mecca for a bad breakfast served by an ex-stripper, and on to Lighthouse coffee for a delectable americano, some sun soaking time, and a chat with some dudes about Ryan Adams. After a tour of Alki we headed back to PDX and got in line for the Ryan Adams show. Front Row, Middle seats! Ryan and I are practically old friends now. Ha ha. But he probably won't remember because he was too stoned.
On Sunday it was an early drive to Mt Rainier, saw Narada falls and Paradise, then off to Seattle for THAT Ryan Adams show (we kind of ended up with tickets to both shows by accident, then decided to just go see them both). But THAT show had us in balcony seats, although the sound was awesome up there. Ate a bag of Dick's after the show.
Saturday? Not much. Shit what did we do Saturday? I think we went to Tin Shed for Happy Hour. Last week was somewhat uneventful. Mostly studying, sleeping, watching Buffy.
Yesterday we were in Seattle, and woke up half twisted up in the trunk of a Toyota Camry and half sprawled in the backseat. Never again. Not worth the $50 saved. Cleaned up like at the beach bathroom like any good homeless person and went to meet my new boss. Thank God nobody in the boat business expects clean clothes and hair for meetings. Then we went to the Mecca for a bad breakfast served by an ex-stripper, and on to Lighthouse coffee for a delectable americano, some sun soaking time, and a chat with some dudes about Ryan Adams. After a tour of Alki we headed back to PDX and got in line for the Ryan Adams show. Front Row, Middle seats! Ryan and I are practically old friends now. Ha ha. But he probably won't remember because he was too stoned.
On Sunday it was an early drive to Mt Rainier, saw Narada falls and Paradise, then off to Seattle for THAT Ryan Adams show (we kind of ended up with tickets to both shows by accident, then decided to just go see them both). But THAT show had us in balcony seats, although the sound was awesome up there. Ate a bag of Dick's after the show.
Saturday? Not much. Shit what did we do Saturday? I think we went to Tin Shed for Happy Hour. Last week was somewhat uneventful. Mostly studying, sleeping, watching Buffy.
Saturday Adventures in Spring
Last weekend was great - my sister's play rocked, my mom sent us home with a huge care package (Nutella! Chicken-in-a-biscuit! Kalamata olive bread!) and on Saturday I took Jarad hiking on Rattlesnake Ridge in Issaquah. After that we hit Snoqualmie Falls and Twede's Cafe, home of Twin Peaks Cherry Pie and Damn Fine Coffee. We ordered both. No comment on the coffee. Let the kitsch live on. We also had a chance to stop and pick up our favorite coffee at Lighthouse Roasters, AND some kickass pizza at Pagliacci - 2 things that were high on Jarad's list of things to do in Seattle this time around. The best part? It was sunny and beautiful again.
Then back to Portland and RAIN. Apparently PDX is setting a record for consecutive days of rain. But hey, the dollar store was selling umbrellas so we're OK. This past Saturday we went to Portland's regular weekend street fair, Everyday Music, Powell's Books (of course), and Jarad got his hairs cut at Rudy's. He also bought an Aesop Rock ep. We headed home and then to the Kennedy School, which is now 2nd in my book of best movie experiences (Alamo will remain first). Kennedy School is an old brick elementary school that has been turned into a large complex that includes hotel rooms, a ceramic soaking pool, a huge warm restaurant, a large theater in the auditorium... and the seats are nice wooden Victorian style seats and couches. We had a couch all to ourselves while watching Brokeback Mountain. There's a small satellite bar in the room next to the theater that sells beer, wine, pizza and movie tickets. We explored a little after the movie and found little rooms called "Detention" and "Honors", each the size of someones dining room, but turned into bars with a few stools, plus "Detention" was a cigar bar too. I'll have to go and take pictures next time...
Picnic
My sister is in a play, and I'm rarely around to see her plays, so tomorrow is a great day. We're renting a car and driving to Seattle to see her performance - a play called "Picnic". Plus my very good friend Nanette is on a Baja kayaking trip and sent us a key to her place! How cool. I think maybe we'll hike Rattlesnake Ridge on Saturday.
Hoping to take some more pictures this weekend, as we haven't taken many lately. Did I mention that I'll be working on the Great Lakes this summer? Looks like I'll have some friends who are sailing aboard Appledore, which will be nice, since I don't know many sailors East of here.
Also, I found Insane Elaine's livejournal and posted a link there on the right ----->
Check it out. Elaine offers endless entertainment, as usual. Their Halloween shot as Team Zissou with Elaine as the Leopard Shark is priceless. (look for Jes in there too)
Hoping to take some more pictures this weekend, as we haven't taken many lately. Did I mention that I'll be working on the Great Lakes this summer? Looks like I'll have some friends who are sailing aboard Appledore, which will be nice, since I don't know many sailors East of here.
Also, I found Insane Elaine's livejournal and posted a link there on the right ----->
Check it out. Elaine offers endless entertainment, as usual. Their Halloween shot as Team Zissou with Elaine as the Leopard Shark is priceless. (look for Jes in there too)
Portland rates an 8
Out of 10 stars.
Everyone's so Portland This! Portland That! But I'll admit I'm pretty used to sunshine these last few years, so the damp industrial feel of PDX really had me down at first. It's growing on me.
Jarad and I live in the basement of a soil biologist named Melissa. She bought this cute house in the Alberta Arts District and is renting out 3 of the rooms. The other roomies are Dana, a budding real estate broker/ex teacher/side waitress and Linda a buyer for Whole Foods. They are good roommates. Especially considering there's only one bathroom.
We've been unbelieveably broke since our arrival, but managed to squeek by so far. After teaching Jarad how to make bread he was all the rave at the potluck party a few weeks ago. He also taught himself how to make a kickass potato-onion stew.
This weekend is my sister's play, so we're renting a car to drive to Seattle. We'll be living in Portland until the first week of May - we were hoping to see the Sigur Ros show then, but it appears to be sold out! But that's when I'll be getting my 100 ton captain's license, so I cannot leave until after that! Then we're headed East.
In other news... Alan Kerstetter called me. He's in Toronto right now, getting ready to head to Key West to sell his boat. There was some damage to it due to the last big hurricane there.
Tuvalu and Micah's babe, Tilda, is now walking! If you don't get her regularly emailed photos and would like them, I can forward her email addy to you. She can also be found on MySpace under "Tuvalu"
Tuvalu and Noelle got to hang out this month when Tu & Micah went to check on their ketch moored in Berkeley. They went to the circus school to see old friends.
I helped Mason Marsh paint his house one day - he and his cool girlfriend bought a house in North Portland. Check it out at mentalshavings.blogspot.com
I've seen Christopher Trandell THREE times in the last 2 months... in THREE different cities! First he stopped over for a night in Austin, then Jarad and I rode up to San Fran from LA with him, and last weekend he visited from his classes in Astoria and we all went out for a few beers. He's still limping a bit but doing great.
I'm sure there's more, but I've got to go to class now :)
Everyone's so Portland This! Portland That! But I'll admit I'm pretty used to sunshine these last few years, so the damp industrial feel of PDX really had me down at first. It's growing on me.
Jarad and I live in the basement of a soil biologist named Melissa. She bought this cute house in the Alberta Arts District and is renting out 3 of the rooms. The other roomies are Dana, a budding real estate broker/ex teacher/side waitress and Linda a buyer for Whole Foods. They are good roommates. Especially considering there's only one bathroom.
We've been unbelieveably broke since our arrival, but managed to squeek by so far. After teaching Jarad how to make bread he was all the rave at the potluck party a few weeks ago. He also taught himself how to make a kickass potato-onion stew.
This weekend is my sister's play, so we're renting a car to drive to Seattle. We'll be living in Portland until the first week of May - we were hoping to see the Sigur Ros show then, but it appears to be sold out! But that's when I'll be getting my 100 ton captain's license, so I cannot leave until after that! Then we're headed East.
In other news... Alan Kerstetter called me. He's in Toronto right now, getting ready to head to Key West to sell his boat. There was some damage to it due to the last big hurricane there.
Tuvalu and Micah's babe, Tilda, is now walking! If you don't get her regularly emailed photos and would like them, I can forward her email addy to you. She can also be found on MySpace under "Tuvalu"
Tuvalu and Noelle got to hang out this month when Tu & Micah went to check on their ketch moored in Berkeley. They went to the circus school to see old friends.
I helped Mason Marsh paint his house one day - he and his cool girlfriend bought a house in North Portland. Check it out at mentalshavings.blogspot.com
I've seen Christopher Trandell THREE times in the last 2 months... in THREE different cities! First he stopped over for a night in Austin, then Jarad and I rode up to San Fran from LA with him, and last weekend he visited from his classes in Astoria and we all went out for a few beers. He's still limping a bit but doing great.
I'm sure there's more, but I've got to go to class now :)
I Got A Life
And when you have a life, you don't have as much time for tv or computer screens. Who am I kidding.... I still get on myspace every day.
Last August I started a lame job in Austin. But my first two weeks were fun as hell because the kid training me was full of energy and song. We didn't work much - we sat in that office and talked all day. Then he left and traveled around Europe for 4 months! We stayed in touch and eventually recognized that there was crazy strong affection between us, so upon his return we planned to hang out. The day he returned to Austin was the day that my life beGaN agAin!!! That was December 18 (so you can see now why I haven't posted).
what else... Jesika is arriving on Tuesday. I am very much looking forward to seeing her. Then she's going to the Lady Maryland in Baltimore next month. Bob says they're putting Bill back to work for the Seaport. I don't know if that's definite though.
As for me, don't worry. I'm not changing my STCW/100T plans for love. Luckily my new love wants to follow me on my adventures for awhile. Speaking of that, if you can offer a ride or housing to 2 nomads making their way to Portland from Feb 1-12, it would be greatly appreciated. I want to show him Northern Arizona, Vegas and all the West Coast along the way if possible. We also need a place to stay in Astoria from Feb 13-17 and 2/26-3/2. Otherwise we'll be at the Hostel of Disrepute, or so I hear. In between those two class times the plan is to visit Seattle and elsewhere. Contact me if you have any good ideas!
Last August I started a lame job in Austin. But my first two weeks were fun as hell because the kid training me was full of energy and song. We didn't work much - we sat in that office and talked all day. Then he left and traveled around Europe for 4 months! We stayed in touch and eventually recognized that there was crazy strong affection between us, so upon his return we planned to hang out. The day he returned to Austin was the day that my life beGaN agAin!!! That was December 18 (so you can see now why I haven't posted).
what else... Jesika is arriving on Tuesday. I am very much looking forward to seeing her. Then she's going to the Lady Maryland in Baltimore next month. Bob says they're putting Bill back to work for the Seaport. I don't know if that's definite though.
As for me, don't worry. I'm not changing my STCW/100T plans for love. Luckily my new love wants to follow me on my adventures for awhile. Speaking of that, if you can offer a ride or housing to 2 nomads making their way to Portland from Feb 1-12, it would be greatly appreciated. I want to show him Northern Arizona, Vegas and all the West Coast along the way if possible. We also need a place to stay in Astoria from Feb 13-17 and 2/26-3/2. Otherwise we'll be at the Hostel of Disrepute, or so I hear. In between those two class times the plan is to visit Seattle and elsewhere. Contact me if you have any good ideas!
I am drunk
I am drunk. From cabernet and CHARDONNAY, of all things! I haven't drunk white wine in AGES. I made dinner at my friend Matt's apartment tonight - holy cow - so GOOD. Saute chopped garlic in olive oil, half-cook italian sausage pieces in that, drain, use the pan for diced toms with sauce, simmer with 2 pieces of smoked bacon and the half cooked sausage. After a while remove from heat and add some cream.
Hmm unbelieveable. Sooooo good. I made some fresh steamed green beans and bread with it.
Hmm unbelieveable. Sooooo good. I made some fresh steamed green beans and bread with it.
"sho'nuff" and "it's on!"
I am saving for maritime classes and licensing next year. My funds get a little dented for medical insurance - taking care of a lot of stuff now that I have insurance again. On Monday I get an abdominal ultrasound but NO, I am not pregnant! That will never happen. But there's potential for adoption once I grow up. Maybe in fifteen years?
Landon and I broke up almost two months ago. When it comes to attention, kindness, caring, tolerance and loyalty (and other stuff I shouldn't mention), Landon is the best boyfriend I have ever had, and will ever have. Now that such a good thing has proven unworkable, I have finally recognized the importance of stamping out future urges to "settle down", even for a little while. No longer will I put myself or someone else through that unless I can pursue my personal passion at the same time.
We still live together, which at times seems like a terrible choice, but luckily when we get put our egos aside we are good friends, and respectful of each other. I'm moving out in a month.
Every day I chat online with my best friend, Polly. She's living in Grand Rapids now. Last weekend she was hanging out with her friend from high school and it turns out he knows Ozzie! Been to the IAP, even! I also chat with my old friend Chris, who lives in Ireland and helps run an IT company in Galway. A few times per month I talk with Jesika, Noelle, Shawn Strange, Nathalie and Stacey on the phone. I email a lot with Haida Bob and my family back in Seattle. I have some new friends from Austin, Jarad & Aaron, who are traveling around Europe together and are always emailing me updates of their adventures.
Once a week I go to yoga, which has practically cured what I thought was a breathing or lung problem that I've had since late 2003 when Yuri & I were diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. If I could afford it I would do yoga every day. For a beginner at least, there's a huge difference between doing yoga in a class versus at home. One thing that's great about being around computers all the time is the ability to chat with my closest friends, to download music, and to learn more about the web and mp3 players. The musical library in my brain has grown quite a bit. I strongly recommend to those still resisting technology that you just go out and buy a 30gig video iPod for $300 and put your entire cd collection on it, along with all of your favorite photos and video. It's priceless for sentimental nomadic types like me. (I don't have one yet, but the place I work sells them).
Some great new bands: The New Pornographers, Kasabian, The Mars Volta... plus I love Sufjan Stevens (SOOF-yan) and Kimya Dawson. But she's not new. There's a great song by a guy named Tim Seely called "Funeral Music". I think it's about a guy who falls in love with a serial killer... but it really is a fun song!
That's my update in case any friends still check this page. I'll update it at least once a month, unless I have a lot more going on. Next month I'm heading to Galveston for a few days to work on the barque Elissa.
Jesse, Elaine, Noelle, Bob & Nathalie all joined myspace this month. Please join if you haven't already!
OH! And I LOVE SAUL WILLIAMS!
Landon and I broke up almost two months ago. When it comes to attention, kindness, caring, tolerance and loyalty (and other stuff I shouldn't mention), Landon is the best boyfriend I have ever had, and will ever have. Now that such a good thing has proven unworkable, I have finally recognized the importance of stamping out future urges to "settle down", even for a little while. No longer will I put myself or someone else through that unless I can pursue my personal passion at the same time.
We still live together, which at times seems like a terrible choice, but luckily when we get put our egos aside we are good friends, and respectful of each other. I'm moving out in a month.
Every day I chat online with my best friend, Polly. She's living in Grand Rapids now. Last weekend she was hanging out with her friend from high school and it turns out he knows Ozzie! Been to the IAP, even! I also chat with my old friend Chris, who lives in Ireland and helps run an IT company in Galway. A few times per month I talk with Jesika, Noelle, Shawn Strange, Nathalie and Stacey on the phone. I email a lot with Haida Bob and my family back in Seattle. I have some new friends from Austin, Jarad & Aaron, who are traveling around Europe together and are always emailing me updates of their adventures.
Once a week I go to yoga, which has practically cured what I thought was a breathing or lung problem that I've had since late 2003 when Yuri & I were diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. If I could afford it I would do yoga every day. For a beginner at least, there's a huge difference between doing yoga in a class versus at home. One thing that's great about being around computers all the time is the ability to chat with my closest friends, to download music, and to learn more about the web and mp3 players. The musical library in my brain has grown quite a bit. I strongly recommend to those still resisting technology that you just go out and buy a 30gig video iPod for $300 and put your entire cd collection on it, along with all of your favorite photos and video. It's priceless for sentimental nomadic types like me. (I don't have one yet, but the place I work sells them).
Some great new bands: The New Pornographers, Kasabian, The Mars Volta... plus I love Sufjan Stevens (SOOF-yan) and Kimya Dawson. But she's not new. There's a great song by a guy named Tim Seely called "Funeral Music". I think it's about a guy who falls in love with a serial killer... but it really is a fun song!
That's my update in case any friends still check this page. I'll update it at least once a month, unless I have a lot more going on. Next month I'm heading to Galveston for a few days to work on the barque Elissa.
Jesse, Elaine, Noelle, Bob & Nathalie all joined myspace this month. Please join if you haven't already!
OH! And I LOVE SAUL WILLIAMS!
remember the good, learn from the bad
There can only be one Tu. As with her spawn. Photo by 2Sometimes they turn out to be totalitarian murderers, but revolutionary leaders ROCK! We'll get it right someday... right Mathilde? FOR THE CHILDREN!
This week's Horoscope
Cancer (June 21–July 22)
You need a home. Not just a place to crash, but a real nest in which to feel safe and comfortable, surrounded by your favorite people and things. I know because the abundant Cancer in my chart conflicts powerfully with my tremendous wanderlust and cravings for adventure and change. I had to forge a compromise—one that might suit you as well: I decided to treat everywhere I moved to as a long-term home, even if I knew I'd only be there six months. I'd paint the walls, decorate, grow plants, acquire belongings, and so on. I don't know what compromise will suit you and your life's necessities and choices, exactly, but I do know you need to find one, pronto.
Audioblogging
Jesika is audioblogging! That's pretty cool. Click on the "Hot out of the galley" link down there on the right and you can listen to her. I haven't been doing it much myself - although I SHOULD have audioblogged from the Halloween party I went to last night. I was a zombie.
Just Crazy Bob is on myspace now too.
Austin weather has become more like a dry version of Seattle, so it's not so bad anymore. The highlights of this past week were... uh... shit. I'm thinking....
OH OK I rented several interesting movies - top of the list was American Psycho (FUCKING BRILLIANT HORROR FILM!) how did I never see this before? Also watched Death to Smoochy and Human Nature. Both good.
I spent 70 bucks on a pair of Born shoes for my wide size 10 1/2 feet. With feet like this you have to either live in sandals or boots or spend some dough for decent shoes. But I bought a 10 because they seemed so comfy at the store. WRONG! The packing tape over the back of my heel works wonders though. Found some great Banana Republic clothes at Goodwill. That was nice.
Then there was the party last night, which was fun. I didn't know very many people but it didn't really matter. My friend Jon from work hung out with me and people-watched. We both decided that if either of us were to "get busy" with anyone there, it'd be the girl dressed up as a Sim. She was kinda crazy.
There's a Halloween party starting in front of my house in a few hours... mostly the really young friends of our neighbors. I'm going to start a fire and drink hot cocoa because not only did I get a little drunk last night, but I ate a few 85 cent soft tacos from "tamale house" (for the LAST TIME) this morning and yakked them up this afternoon. But it reminded me of being at sea, so that's cool.
by a man i love
You Gotta Have Soul
(for example - i think one of my friends has so much soul that it overwhelms her sometimes)
i'm wearing my famous plaid stretchpants from walmart
oh oh oh i've had possibly life changing epiphanies today! those are always exciting.
did i mention i'm taking nootropil/piracetam? also known as "smart" drugs. you have to order them from the UK. they suggest an "attack dose" at first but i'm always wary of drugs so i'm starting out slow. supposedly they increase the connectivity in your brain fibers. or something along those lines. noelle is worried that it's going to make wierd connections and i'm going to start remembering freakish random things at inopportune moments. sounds like a whole new adventure to me!
it's been suggested that i listen to more Hip Hop. anyone got any suggestions?
did i mention i'm taking nootropil/piracetam? also known as "smart" drugs. you have to order them from the UK. they suggest an "attack dose" at first but i'm always wary of drugs so i'm starting out slow. supposedly they increase the connectivity in your brain fibers. or something along those lines. noelle is worried that it's going to make wierd connections and i'm going to start remembering freakish random things at inopportune moments. sounds like a whole new adventure to me!
it's been suggested that i listen to more Hip Hop. anyone got any suggestions?
Loose Lips
What's going on:
Laura has some great ideas for getting some of us motivated, community focused people together and starting our own tall ship program. That's very exciting stuff. Maybe it's not just a pipe dream? Not if we pool our efforts!
Had a twinge of envy during the last week - getting emails from Andrew, who's in Morrocco with his girlfriend; Amy, who is on her way to Hong Kong; and Jarad, temporarily living in Prague. But my goals are keeping me motivated.
Polly and I have discovered Yahoo Messenger and it might very well get us fired.
Jesika is still stuck in the OC. Read her blog though. It's funny.
Lots of folks are joining the myspace tall ship sailors group. We've already got Jimmy, Laura, Erin, Bhodi, Jesika, Allegra, Kent (Ingalls, not BuntMan), Kento, Carley, Stacey, Marty, Matt Gempler, plus a bunch of new sailors and volunteers I've never met, and many many east coast sailors as well! So join up. It's free!
I hear that Steven Mann is going to captain the Lady again! Captain Steven is an excellent sailor. He and The Boy will make a great team. I almost wish I was there to join them. But a month in Sac? Forget it!
That's about it. I'll be visiting Oregon sometime in the Spring. Let me know if you're in the area at that time...
oh and I found a good line in a song called Loose Lips by Kimya Dawson, regarding the below post:
"they think that we're disposable but our thumbs are opposable"
Laura has some great ideas for getting some of us motivated, community focused people together and starting our own tall ship program. That's very exciting stuff. Maybe it's not just a pipe dream? Not if we pool our efforts!
Had a twinge of envy during the last week - getting emails from Andrew, who's in Morrocco with his girlfriend; Amy, who is on her way to Hong Kong; and Jarad, temporarily living in Prague. But my goals are keeping me motivated.
Polly and I have discovered Yahoo Messenger and it might very well get us fired.
Jesika is still stuck in the OC. Read her blog though. It's funny.
Lots of folks are joining the myspace tall ship sailors group. We've already got Jimmy, Laura, Erin, Bhodi, Jesika, Allegra, Kent (Ingalls, not BuntMan), Kento, Carley, Stacey, Marty, Matt Gempler, plus a bunch of new sailors and volunteers I've never met, and many many east coast sailors as well! So join up. It's free!
I hear that Steven Mann is going to captain the Lady again! Captain Steven is an excellent sailor. He and The Boy will make a great team. I almost wish I was there to join them. But a month in Sac? Forget it!
That's about it. I'll be visiting Oregon sometime in the Spring. Let me know if you're in the area at that time...
oh and I found a good line in a song called Loose Lips by Kimya Dawson, regarding the below post:
"they think that we're disposable but our thumbs are opposable"
Apathy is My Enemy
My rant for the week:
For everyone out there who says "I'm don't even care about voting, because nowadays most people's votes don't even matter."
I say this - I believe that eventually the conflict between the popular vote and electoral college will spark change. At the very least, every vote helps government and the public see where the people really stand.
I have the option to be just a social security number and a tally on the census, but too many people fought for my right to have some small say in things. How shitty it is to disregard that!
For everyone out there who says "I'm don't even care about voting, because nowadays most people's votes don't even matter."
I say this - I believe that eventually the conflict between the popular vote and electoral college will spark change. At the very least, every vote helps government and the public see where the people really stand.
I have the option to be just a social security number and a tally on the census, but too many people fought for my right to have some small say in things. How shitty it is to disregard that!
ADF
onto other, less important topics....quite possibly the coolest place in Austin is the Alamo Draft House. It's a large theater with every other row of seats removed and replaced with long narrow tables and a lowered walking aisle. You look at the menu (great microbrews, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, espresso, etc.) and then write your order on a piece of paper. Then you prop the paper up with a little clip on the table. The waiter sees it from afar, discreetly retrieves it, and arrives 10-20 min later with your food. But that's just the food service... the coolest thing about ADF is audience interaction. Some shows are specifically designed for audience interaction (the Michael Jackson video singalong, complete with props; Videoke, where you choose a movie clip to reenact on stage while the movie clip plays behind you; The Mr. Sinus Show (a twist on Mystery Science Theater), where three great local comedians play a cheesy movie like Red Dawn and throw in jokes throughout) but even when it's just a regular movie, people here are so used to the comfort of ADF that they feel just fine laughing really loud or calling out "bring it, Michael!". Not to the point where it's annoying - just to where it feels like we're all hanging out together like old friends. Why don't they do this in Seattle? Everyone gets so stuffy up there sometimes!
Anyway, they've got a great lineup for Halloween month! Check this out:
THE WOLFMAN GYPSY FEAST
(There is also a ticket option for the movie only, without the meal)
Even a man who is pure at heart and says his prayers by night may become a wolf when the wolf bane blooms, and the moon is full and bright. We're thrilled to present the classic horror tale THE WOLF MAN starring Lon Chaney Jr. and Claude Rains with a special Gypsy feast that will bring out the beast in food lovers everywhere.
We start with Roast red peppers stuffed with roast chicken and three onions, and then an authentic gypsy Found vegetable soup, the main course is Matho Ballo - Pork with whiskey sauce, corn cakes, and braised kale, for dessert we have Bakhlava with apricot and pistachio.
Showings (click on a show time to buy tickets):
Sunday, October 16
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Serenity
Nostalgic for that boat-family feeling? Check out my favorite movie so far this year...
SERENITY !
(that's the name of the "boat")
and Zoe is KICKASS
