So my kid went and saw 'Valkyrie' starring Tom Cruise as General Claus v. Moonbeam errr Stauffenberg. It also features 'Priscilla queen of the desert' as one of the conspirators. Wow, maybe we could some of the guys from Braveheart!
I've not seen it nor have I any intention of doing so. I got burned on 'Enemy at the Gates'. It is one of the best war epice I've ever read, but the movie...........uggh. And what is my tangential association between the two? Well, much has been made between the purported resemblance between Cruise and Stauffenberg. I have to chuckle. BUT Jude Law (who was in Enemy at the Gates), could have an uglier brother in Stauffenberg.
Anyway, the story surrounds a group of German 'patriots' that try to kill Der Fuhrer before he leads Germany to ruin. Nice sentiment, but a load of crap. By summer 1944 (when this took place) the war was already over for the Germans. The Americans were hung up on unconditional surrender, and the Brits were largely obliged to do what we did at that point. But all of that meant nothing. The Soviet juggernaut had already been in full force since the Summer of 1943. All that remained to be determined was how far west the Soviets would get. Germany was already doomed. While it is true that the Americans beat the Japanese single-handedly, we were a secondary player in Europe. The Soviets inflicted 85% of all the military casualties that the Germans experienced. (The Americans covered the gap in civilian casualties with such niceties as the firebombing of Dresden). The American campaigns in North Africa, Italy, and finally France diverted how many German divisions from the Eastern Front. None.......yup nothing. During the siege of Leningrad alone, in the battle for just one city, they lost more people than the U.S. did during the entire war both in Europe and the Pacific. It is true that we sent the Soviets equipment, food, fuel, etc.through Murmansk and we paid a high price for it in ships and crews. But we were just helping the Soviets who did the vast majority of the fighting.
What was I supposed to be writing about? Oh yeah, fighting totalitarianism. The time to shut down Hitler was back in the late 30's. But since the German army was at most complicit, and at the least inactive, during Hitler's ascendance they are somewhat responsible. They all thought Hitler was just swell through the Fall of 1941 when they were unbeaten. The writing was already on the wall in 1937 and they failed to act.
There was a Soviet Field Marshall by the name of Mikhail Tukhachevsky that tried to do something about it in 1937. His plan was to use Polish and Czech ground troops supported by Soviets tanks, paratroopers, and air (the largest air force in the world at the time). He presented his case to Stalin and was purged and executed for his trouble. Perhaps he should have brought a bomb to one of the staff meetings with Uncle Joe?
Which leads me to Obama. There is a passage in the Tao te Ching that reads: "when the people no longer fear your power, it is a sign that a greater power is coming". Obviously this nation is still divided by race and class. Bush exploited it twice to get elected. It is a common tactic of psychological warfare to create inner dissent and mistrust. I see it a little different. This battle is not one of race, nor wealth (and the 'class' that is implied). It is a battle between those who wish this country to be strong again and those that are adrift and are too stupid to realize it.
Some people refer to it as a 'moral' center. I prefer the term 'ethical', since morality is so often defined by those with extreme positions. We need to return to principles of fairness, civility, and striving for a larger goal. Our nation was united during WWII. Both black and white united for a greater cause. Even the military desegregated long before the rest of society did.
There is not racism in the Army since everyone is the same color......green. (Of course the black-green guys always ended up cleaning the latrines while the white-green guys rested for about 30 years). I believe that Obama is the right man for this country. He embodies the American ideals of effort and struggle paying off. Of course, only time will tell.
And finally scouting. I read an article today that bemoans the fact that scouting has become a club for white middle-class suburbia and their push to include mor Hispanics. To all the 'Silver Beavers' out there I'll say this slowly and easy to comprehend words. Scouting is a waste of time. At least in what it has evolved into. It has tried too hard and too long to 'reach out' to 'include' that it has become diluted down and irrelevant.
Scouting was formed to improve the quality of military conscripts. What's wrong with that? Today's soldiers don't need to know twenty different knots perhaps, but the lessons to be learned in wilderness situations abound. There lessons in dealing with the elements. They can learn how to manage fatigue and hunger. There are lessons of reliance on everyone doing their job. There are opportunities for real leadership to EMERGE and not be assigned. Merit badges, skill awards, are a waste of time. Instead of garish patches for attendance at some bulls**t Jamborall (or an equally ridiculous Eagle project) we can have a small button that shows they completed a 50 mile hike through wilderness, or a winter camp which involved more than building snow huts in the parking lot.
Our scouts did just such a thing a few summers back. They went on a fifty mile loop that crossed the spine of the Uintas twice. I was not able to go with them when they did. I did hike in about 4 miles the last day and met up with them at their final camp. I knew that they would be in pretty tough shape by then and thought the worst. I also suspected that they were going to veer of the planned route and cut cross country to the final campsite. They didn't disappoint me. They emerged about 80 meters and 30 minutes late into a meadow I knew they would end up in. Some of them thought it was a miracle I knew. Nope, just good map skills and undertanding the nature of covering territory, especially when you are tired.
They were loud enough that I was able to shift my position such that I was hiding behind a tree and was able to jump out and say 'boo'. at the prceise moment they left the forest. (Perhaps a later blog will deal with how to avoid being ambushed). I was very pleased to see their line was tight and moving and there was no dissension or bickering. I suspect some real lessons had been learned. Of course, I gave them another lesson, the need for salty-ass food when on the trail. I ported in two grocery bags filled to the brim with Chips and Doritos. Within five minutes they had all been eaten. And I only had to yell at one dumb-ass to pick up the bags.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
I'm not the Angry Pharmacist
Really I'm not. Everybody should read his blog though. He used the phrase "a nebulizer treatment of 00 buckshot" in his last tirade. Poetry. Pure poetry.
I have tried very hard to avoid talking about customers and pharmacy work in general because I do not wish to be compared to nor accused of imitating TAP.
I had two absolute gems that came in today. The first wanted to get a few bottles of Fleet PhosphoSoda. This was withdrawn from US markets about a week back. Some docs are still not aware as well as most of the public. We've been doing a lot of explaining of options to patients that need the stuff. And so we explained it to this guy. He went off on a two minute tirade about why he had to have this product. When he was done I repeated that it has been withdrawn from the US markets and he just looked at me and finally asked, "so that means you won't sell me any?".
I hate to say customers are dumb. Many are confused, angry, sick, elderly (at least the ones with dementia), playing stupid, or flat out lying. But this guy.......wow!
The second wanted to pick up some prescriptions. I asked her for the patient's name. Her answer? "I don't know!" I thought perhaps she thought I asked her which medication (or perhaps in one of my pre-Alzheimer moments I actually did ask which drug), so I asked again "what is the patient's name" and she answered more stridently this time, "I DON"T KNOW". She made two phone calls and was eventually able to get an accurate DOB and a last name that was close, but not correct. Since it was for prenatal vitamins, I let it go.
Whew! I'll try not to rant about work again. This was just a perfect storm of absurdity. I kept waiting for Allan Funt to come around the corner but it didn't happen.
The suckiest part of the holidays are behind us now. I keep hearing the song in my head about "it's the most wonderful time of the year". Really?
"It's the most wonderful time of the year.....all the cutthroat are biting, the campgrounds are empty, makes me want to cheer.......it's the most wonderful time of the year". It's the first week of October. I can go for a day long hike and take a leak when I want to. Nobody on the trail to disturb my solitude. I also don't have to watch some doofus with a stringer of 12 inch planters that he took on powerbait. Maybe one day I'll catch a fish while taking a leak.
I have tried very hard to avoid talking about customers and pharmacy work in general because I do not wish to be compared to nor accused of imitating TAP.
I had two absolute gems that came in today. The first wanted to get a few bottles of Fleet PhosphoSoda. This was withdrawn from US markets about a week back. Some docs are still not aware as well as most of the public. We've been doing a lot of explaining of options to patients that need the stuff. And so we explained it to this guy. He went off on a two minute tirade about why he had to have this product. When he was done I repeated that it has been withdrawn from the US markets and he just looked at me and finally asked, "so that means you won't sell me any?".
I hate to say customers are dumb. Many are confused, angry, sick, elderly (at least the ones with dementia), playing stupid, or flat out lying. But this guy.......wow!
The second wanted to pick up some prescriptions. I asked her for the patient's name. Her answer? "I don't know!" I thought perhaps she thought I asked her which medication (or perhaps in one of my pre-Alzheimer moments I actually did ask which drug), so I asked again "what is the patient's name" and she answered more stridently this time, "I DON"T KNOW". She made two phone calls and was eventually able to get an accurate DOB and a last name that was close, but not correct. Since it was for prenatal vitamins, I let it go.
Whew! I'll try not to rant about work again. This was just a perfect storm of absurdity. I kept waiting for Allan Funt to come around the corner but it didn't happen.
The suckiest part of the holidays are behind us now. I keep hearing the song in my head about "it's the most wonderful time of the year". Really?
"It's the most wonderful time of the year.....all the cutthroat are biting, the campgrounds are empty, makes me want to cheer.......it's the most wonderful time of the year". It's the first week of October. I can go for a day long hike and take a leak when I want to. Nobody on the trail to disturb my solitude. I also don't have to watch some doofus with a stringer of 12 inch planters that he took on powerbait. Maybe one day I'll catch a fish while taking a leak.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
"The" Christmas spirit.......and Zac Efron
Well perhaps I should start with young Master Efron. I have always received particular joy from celebrities that have a good thing going (whether it be a TV show, writing a book, a singer etc.), and being consumed by their delusional importance of their 'art'. A classic example is Anthony Edwards. He is after all the real reason that people made 'Top Gun' a success. Then he was on 'ER'. He left and..............well it worked for Clooney didn't it?
Anyway.........I never watched even one episode of 'ER', but I do read the National Enquirer rather faithfully. So I follow the trajectory of human wreckage that is Hollywood and keep my pulse on pop culture. I also shake my head in amazement that Brad Pitt turned up his nose at Jennifer Aniston for a tattooed skank that Billy Bob Thornton had left for being just too damn weird. But I digress.
I listened to about 3 minutes of the 'High School Musical' soundtrack. Now I understand why Mr. Efron is so very desperate to so something new.
On to the Christmas Spirit. This time of year is filled with the teary-eyed recountings of tales about finding THE true meaning of Christmas. I actually think some of the stuff that South Park does captures the meaning for 10 year olds when Cartman sings about it being a time of Christmas trees and pies and Jesus being born and so he gets presents. Again..... I digress.
Christmas is a time of giving and caring and reaching out to our fellow man. Right? Sure I suppose. January is colder and the bills come due though. Excuse me if I am a bit of a grump, but I'm not going to put any special emphasis on the three week period that we are in. I'm going to try and be a bit more vigilant for people, and especially family and friends, for the other 51 weeks.
I like parties where people can relax, enjoy some good food, and enjoy reconnecting and each others company. I despise gift giving between those of us that have stuff. On the other hand, helping out others that ain't got stuff can be sublime.
I guess my whole rambling diatribe can be brought back on track and simply condensed as follows. There is no "THE" Christmas spirit. It is an individual striving and realization, and one that hopefully persists year round. Certainly there were miracles surrounding the birth of Christ, but they of little significance when compared to the greatest miracle he brought about. Namely his dying for all of us. Perhaps we should give a shit next Easter beyond coloring eggs and eating lousy candy. We close down the country for Christmas......Easter is just another Sunday. And people say I'm screwed up!
Anyway.........I never watched even one episode of 'ER', but I do read the National Enquirer rather faithfully. So I follow the trajectory of human wreckage that is Hollywood and keep my pulse on pop culture. I also shake my head in amazement that Brad Pitt turned up his nose at Jennifer Aniston for a tattooed skank that Billy Bob Thornton had left for being just too damn weird. But I digress.
I listened to about 3 minutes of the 'High School Musical' soundtrack. Now I understand why Mr. Efron is so very desperate to so something new.
On to the Christmas Spirit. This time of year is filled with the teary-eyed recountings of tales about finding THE true meaning of Christmas. I actually think some of the stuff that South Park does captures the meaning for 10 year olds when Cartman sings about it being a time of Christmas trees and pies and Jesus being born and so he gets presents. Again..... I digress.
Christmas is a time of giving and caring and reaching out to our fellow man. Right? Sure I suppose. January is colder and the bills come due though. Excuse me if I am a bit of a grump, but I'm not going to put any special emphasis on the three week period that we are in. I'm going to try and be a bit more vigilant for people, and especially family and friends, for the other 51 weeks.
I like parties where people can relax, enjoy some good food, and enjoy reconnecting and each others company. I despise gift giving between those of us that have stuff. On the other hand, helping out others that ain't got stuff can be sublime.
I guess my whole rambling diatribe can be brought back on track and simply condensed as follows. There is no "THE" Christmas spirit. It is an individual striving and realization, and one that hopefully persists year round. Certainly there were miracles surrounding the birth of Christ, but they of little significance when compared to the greatest miracle he brought about. Namely his dying for all of us. Perhaps we should give a shit next Easter beyond coloring eggs and eating lousy candy. We close down the country for Christmas......Easter is just another Sunday. And people say I'm screwed up!
Friday, December 5, 2008
academia, soaking, and rumors
I'm proud of all my children. I hope everyone is proud of their own, even when they have not done anything extraordianry. This week son number one was named the Sterling Scholar in mathematics at his high school. The same ward I received in the 81-82 school year at mine.
There are some differences between our respective situations. High class is about double the size of mine. He was able to take all the math that is taught in high school. I wasn't. In my high school, they cancelled calculus because only 8 people signed up for it. That was really a chicken-shit thing to do. The same thing happened with AP Chemistry when I was a Junior. I was the only person to enroll. The teacher wanted to teach it too....even with one kid. I went to an inner-city school and I was denied opportunity. Now consider the case of people that are brought up poor and non-white. Draw you own conclusions.
My son got 5's on all his AP exams, and carries a 3.9-something GPA. He interviewed well and has very defined views as he enters the adult world. One thing he didn't get? A 36 on the math section of the ACT. I'll always have that to lord over him.
I went for a soak today at DFHS. When I was on my way out, about 1/4 of a mile from the trailhead, some goofus came running towards me down a steep section of trail. I turned towards the noise and moved off the trail instinctively. This guy had a mohawk, the gauged ears, and a coat over a naked torso. But what really caught my eye was the shiny metal object in his hand. I put my staff in defensive position in case he didn't slow down. I shifted to attack stance as he stopped. I doubt this kid realized how close he got to dying today. I am also gladthat I didn't kill someone for brandishing a harmonica. Yup.....a harmonica.
Finally, it appears that some of my coworkers have been reading my blog. I'm not exactly sure how they stumbled upon it though. This is more of an anonymous confessional or perhaps a chrolog of my descent into pre-Alzheimers. Anyway, let me tell you something about Ryan Ball. I shared a hotel room with him for a couple of nights in Vegas so I KNOW what I am about to write is true. He has this 'thing' for MEN's underwear. He'll go to stores and buy it. Then he'll take it home and put it on. After that he'll put clothes on top of it and go to work or other public places. Nobody has any idea that he's wearing men's underwear. You can imagine my shock to find this out. Surely, his wife must be aware of this. Perhaps she has even purchased men's underwear for him when he is either to busy.
There are some differences between our respective situations. High class is about double the size of mine. He was able to take all the math that is taught in high school. I wasn't. In my high school, they cancelled calculus because only 8 people signed up for it. That was really a chicken-shit thing to do. The same thing happened with AP Chemistry when I was a Junior. I was the only person to enroll. The teacher wanted to teach it too....even with one kid. I went to an inner-city school and I was denied opportunity. Now consider the case of people that are brought up poor and non-white. Draw you own conclusions.
My son got 5's on all his AP exams, and carries a 3.9-something GPA. He interviewed well and has very defined views as he enters the adult world. One thing he didn't get? A 36 on the math section of the ACT. I'll always have that to lord over him.
I went for a soak today at DFHS. When I was on my way out, about 1/4 of a mile from the trailhead, some goofus came running towards me down a steep section of trail. I turned towards the noise and moved off the trail instinctively. This guy had a mohawk, the gauged ears, and a coat over a naked torso. But what really caught my eye was the shiny metal object in his hand. I put my staff in defensive position in case he didn't slow down. I shifted to attack stance as he stopped. I doubt this kid realized how close he got to dying today. I am also gladthat I didn't kill someone for brandishing a harmonica. Yup.....a harmonica.
Finally, it appears that some of my coworkers have been reading my blog. I'm not exactly sure how they stumbled upon it though. This is more of an anonymous confessional or perhaps a chrolog of my descent into pre-Alzheimers. Anyway, let me tell you something about Ryan Ball. I shared a hotel room with him for a couple of nights in Vegas so I KNOW what I am about to write is true. He has this 'thing' for MEN's underwear. He'll go to stores and buy it. Then he'll take it home and put it on. After that he'll put clothes on top of it and go to work or other public places. Nobody has any idea that he's wearing men's underwear. You can imagine my shock to find this out. Surely, his wife must be aware of this. Perhaps she has even purchased men's underwear for him when he is either to busy.
Friday, November 28, 2008
the homeless
Today I saw a guy clutching a nice piece of cardboard that was carefully written upon with lettering that was consistently sized and spelled correctly. I gave him a dollar.
About 13 or 14 years back, I had some time to burn on the 4th of July. So I made up a sign. In smaller print on the edges of the sign I mentioned that I was NOT a Vietnam vet. I was employed currently and not looking to do any work that day. I had a home. And my health was good. In bold letters, centrally placed I put "NEED MONEY FOR BEER". I staked myself out on the Orem Center street exit of I-15 about a hundred feet from a guy that had his sign.......but really did need money for beer.
The most common thing was people would drive by without even looking at me. For hell's sake I'm holding a boldly lettered sign and waving. Feel free to draw any conclusions you wish.
The second most common response was rolling down the window and screaming things such as "Get a job you lazy bum!" I would point to the part of my sign that mentioned my employment status. It dind't seem to matter to them.
The third most common response was people dangling money outside of their windows. I would thank them naturally, but refused. I did request that they not give it to the guy downstream from me however.
Speaking of the guy downstream, he came up to me after about twenty minutes and told me to leave. I gently told him to go f**k himself and continued.
Over the course of two hours, I had tourist types take pictures with me. About three or four asked, "Aren't you my pharmacist?". And eventually the UHP did show up. The officer took my driver's license and issued a stern warning to me about how I was tresspassing (not true by the way), and didn't have the right to panhandle (also not true if I am not impeding traffic nor being aggressive) and how I was in a whole lot of trouble.
I suppose he ran my name for outstanding warrants or whatever the 'po-po' do. By the time he came back my name had changed to Mr. Loertscher. He asked if I was really a pharmacist and what I was doing. I explained how I had a few hours to burn before my mother-in-law's Fourth of July party and (since my sister-in-law was single) invited him to come. He had just started his shift and was working until after 10 pm so he declined.
And then I left.
About 13 or 14 years back, I had some time to burn on the 4th of July. So I made up a sign. In smaller print on the edges of the sign I mentioned that I was NOT a Vietnam vet. I was employed currently and not looking to do any work that day. I had a home. And my health was good. In bold letters, centrally placed I put "NEED MONEY FOR BEER". I staked myself out on the Orem Center street exit of I-15 about a hundred feet from a guy that had his sign.......but really did need money for beer.
The most common thing was people would drive by without even looking at me. For hell's sake I'm holding a boldly lettered sign and waving. Feel free to draw any conclusions you wish.
The second most common response was rolling down the window and screaming things such as "Get a job you lazy bum!" I would point to the part of my sign that mentioned my employment status. It dind't seem to matter to them.
The third most common response was people dangling money outside of their windows. I would thank them naturally, but refused. I did request that they not give it to the guy downstream from me however.
Speaking of the guy downstream, he came up to me after about twenty minutes and told me to leave. I gently told him to go f**k himself and continued.
Over the course of two hours, I had tourist types take pictures with me. About three or four asked, "Aren't you my pharmacist?". And eventually the UHP did show up. The officer took my driver's license and issued a stern warning to me about how I was tresspassing (not true by the way), and didn't have the right to panhandle (also not true if I am not impeding traffic nor being aggressive) and how I was in a whole lot of trouble.
I suppose he ran my name for outstanding warrants or whatever the 'po-po' do. By the time he came back my name had changed to Mr. Loertscher. He asked if I was really a pharmacist and what I was doing. I explained how I had a few hours to burn before my mother-in-law's Fourth of July party and (since my sister-in-law was single) invited him to come. He had just started his shift and was working until after 10 pm so he declined.
And then I left.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
latest DFHS
I went up last Saturday with my oldest kid. Never again. The parking lot was filled beyond capacity. People were parking on the shoulder of the access road. Scouts, youth groups, and the usual assortment of loud people.
All of the pools except the lower two (which are always in good shape) were murky and overrun.
I'll be heading back again before the snow shuts me down. I'm also going only on a WEEKDAY. I can clean out the Kokopellis and soak alone and in silence.
Something that I just want to mention briefly is the passing of my nephew Johnny. Our entire clan is crushed. I shall likely think of little else other than him my next time out. I would have liked to have shared such a place with him.
All of the pools except the lower two (which are always in good shape) were murky and overrun.
I'll be heading back again before the snow shuts me down. I'm also going only on a WEEKDAY. I can clean out the Kokopellis and soak alone and in silence.
Something that I just want to mention briefly is the passing of my nephew Johnny. Our entire clan is crushed. I shall likely think of little else other than him my next time out. I would have liked to have shared such a place with him.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Sushi groupies and a restaurant review
I had always theorized that they might exist. Hell, my wife and I know our favorite sushi chefs and they know us. (Hey Manadu, the big fat guy and his wife just walked in, start making some Sunomono and I'll get the Oshinko and Hell Roll going. OK Rodel.) So it stands to reason that sushi groupies could occur naturally. To an extent I'm one, I suppose, except I've not consumed by a desire to have sex with my favorite sushi chefs. They will still get a Christmas present though.
Today I saw a sushi groupie at the Mikado in Sandy. This specimen sat down right next to me, even though there were 6 other seats open. Her friend asked with an air of resignation, "are you sure you don't want to get a table?". As soon as her ass flopped on the seat, the incessant chatter began. "Oh I heard Kevin from Mizumi works here now". "Do you know how to make the Kevin number two roll?". "What's your best roll?"
The sushi chef smiled a lot and shot back the occasional 'uh-huh'. But he answered what he thought the best roll was and mentioned that I had just eaten one and that perhaps they should ask me if it's any good. Clearly she had no interest in getting the best roll, she was just trying desperately to engage him in conversation. And he was just as desperately trying to avoid it. She was the kind of girl that I might have dated when I was 22 (starving student), but not 24 (pharmacist with no bills and plenty of time and ...... ahem ....... energy).
No fewer than four times she brought up how Mizumi does things and how Kevin (who used to work at Mizumi, but now works at Mikdao but was NOT there) was so wonderful. I wanted to scream out "Go to Mizumi, leave Kevin alone, and SHUT THE F**K UP while I'm eating!". But being old and feeble I caught the eye of the chef in one of her rare quiet monents........he rolled his eyes........message received.
The bento box lunch was good. As was the sushi. The baby octopus salad was a winner though. The Mikado is good in a pinch for lunch when I don't feel like driving all the way to Suehiro. The sushi seems to have a uniformity to it. They all taste alike.
My favorite sushi is at the Teppanyaki in West Jordan. The Sunomono is the best I've ever had. I can order oshinko and not be treated dismissively. The Hell Roll is my favorite roll ever.
Today I saw a sushi groupie at the Mikado in Sandy. This specimen sat down right next to me, even though there were 6 other seats open. Her friend asked with an air of resignation, "are you sure you don't want to get a table?". As soon as her ass flopped on the seat, the incessant chatter began. "Oh I heard Kevin from Mizumi works here now". "Do you know how to make the Kevin number two roll?". "What's your best roll?"
The sushi chef smiled a lot and shot back the occasional 'uh-huh'. But he answered what he thought the best roll was and mentioned that I had just eaten one and that perhaps they should ask me if it's any good. Clearly she had no interest in getting the best roll, she was just trying desperately to engage him in conversation. And he was just as desperately trying to avoid it. She was the kind of girl that I might have dated when I was 22 (starving student), but not 24 (pharmacist with no bills and plenty of time and ...... ahem ....... energy).
No fewer than four times she brought up how Mizumi does things and how Kevin (who used to work at Mizumi, but now works at Mikdao but was NOT there) was so wonderful. I wanted to scream out "Go to Mizumi, leave Kevin alone, and SHUT THE F**K UP while I'm eating!". But being old and feeble I caught the eye of the chef in one of her rare quiet monents........he rolled his eyes........message received.
The bento box lunch was good. As was the sushi. The baby octopus salad was a winner though. The Mikado is good in a pinch for lunch when I don't feel like driving all the way to Suehiro. The sushi seems to have a uniformity to it. They all taste alike.
My favorite sushi is at the Teppanyaki in West Jordan. The Sunomono is the best I've ever had. I can order oshinko and not be treated dismissively. The Hell Roll is my favorite roll ever.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Disneyland
The entire family went to the mouse, Seaworld, and Magic Mountain the last few days. The kids enjoyed themselves thoroughly. For my wife and I, it was something akin to an endurance event. Long lines for a short tide. Heat and dehydration. Vile food (I ate at In and Out AND Tommy burger within a 16 hour span!) Rush hour traffic making for 3 hour one way commutes. God willing, I shall not go back to any of these until I have grandkids.
This was likely the last vacation we will take with all of us in attendance. My oldest will be in college next fall. I hope to pull off a 'weekend' in the spring though. Something like Lehman's cave then off to Mesquite.
I think it is laughable for couples to go to any of these. Cruises are popular too! Nothing like 5000 people being jammed on a boat and getting hit up for money .....errrrr.......gratuities. Why can't they just say pay 'x' amount of dollars and then you can relax. In short, 'vacations' suck. Simply going somewhere and seeing what happens has always been my thing. Next year about this time I'll be heading down to the St. George marathon. Now that would mean a very definite activity for about 8 hours starting early Saturday morning, but after that I am limited only by the beaten body's capability to move.
My idea of a perfect vacation? I've several depending on the time of year and the time that I have. But I can sum them all up in one paragraph.
This was likely the last vacation we will take with all of us in attendance. My oldest will be in college next fall. I hope to pull off a 'weekend' in the spring though. Something like Lehman's cave then off to Mesquite.
I think it is laughable for couples to go to any of these. Cruises are popular too! Nothing like 5000 people being jammed on a boat and getting hit up for money .....errrrr.......gratuities. Why can't they just say pay 'x' amount of dollars and then you can relax. In short, 'vacations' suck. Simply going somewhere and seeing what happens has always been my thing. Next year about this time I'll be heading down to the St. George marathon. Now that would mean a very definite activity for about 8 hours starting early Saturday morning, but after that I am limited only by the beaten body's capability to move.
My idea of a perfect vacation? I've several depending on the time of year and the time that I have. But I can sum them all up in one paragraph.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Hot Springs
Ah yes, it's that time of year. I enjoy natural hot springs very much. I find the geology of these places fascinating and of course warm water and quiet can be pretty good also. In this state, I have soaked in four. I'm not talking about the Homestead, Crystal Hot Springs, etc. but places in the public domain where nature still surrounds you.
Today I went to Diamond Fork Hot Springs (hereafter referred to as DFHS). I will not get into the hows and wheres of getting there. I suppose if someone wanted directions they could just Google it.......I did.
It is a 5 mile round trip and 700 or so feet elevation gain. Not exactly crushing, but a decent workout. I have been there upwards of 40 times over the last few years. I've seen just about everything. There is the drunken college kids, scouts, couples making out, and the occasional enthusiast like myself. It turns out one guy is basically responsible for building all the tubs out of cement he hauled up over the course of the years and the rocks that he had to move to make them. He died a few years back apparently, but I often wonder what it would have been like. Dedicated is one thing. Just the work of constructing the four pools would have been about 500 man hours according to my estimates and that excludes time and expense of materials and transporting them. I'm looking for just such an opportunity, but all the undeveloped springs are not up for grabs.
At any rate, I saw a bit of everything today except the scouts. The water was soothing. The path still fairly bright with autumn colors, and not to many people. I avoid weekends due to crowds obviously. As it gets colder, the waters is even more wonderful and the crowds and the rowdies will fall off. Of course, the weirdest day I ever had there was also one of the coldest. Go figure.
Today I went to Diamond Fork Hot Springs (hereafter referred to as DFHS). I will not get into the hows and wheres of getting there. I suppose if someone wanted directions they could just Google it.......I did.
It is a 5 mile round trip and 700 or so feet elevation gain. Not exactly crushing, but a decent workout. I have been there upwards of 40 times over the last few years. I've seen just about everything. There is the drunken college kids, scouts, couples making out, and the occasional enthusiast like myself. It turns out one guy is basically responsible for building all the tubs out of cement he hauled up over the course of the years and the rocks that he had to move to make them. He died a few years back apparently, but I often wonder what it would have been like. Dedicated is one thing. Just the work of constructing the four pools would have been about 500 man hours according to my estimates and that excludes time and expense of materials and transporting them. I'm looking for just such an opportunity, but all the undeveloped springs are not up for grabs.
At any rate, I saw a bit of everything today except the scouts. The water was soothing. The path still fairly bright with autumn colors, and not to many people. I avoid weekends due to crowds obviously. As it gets colder, the waters is even more wonderful and the crowds and the rowdies will fall off. Of course, the weirdest day I ever had there was also one of the coldest. Go figure.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Wall lake
Two rather disparate topics tonight. I'll start with the more familiar. I went fishing in the Uintas today. I saw a moose family. Papa moose, mama moose, and baby moose. They were clearly republicans! Otherwise it would have been two lesbian mooose raising their child to only eat meat. Naturally, I left the movie camera at home. I did get them on my cell phone, but even at just fifty feet away they looked quite distant.
My rant is a simple one. While USGS terrain maps are highly accurate for the most part, they fall down hard on hiking trails. Sometimes they show trails that haven't existed for decades (White Pine canyon). Other times the trails never existed but are at least within a one or two hundred yards of each other (Silver Lake above Tibble Fork) and sometimes they are just plain wrong. I take the USGS maps whenever I go into the back country, but I get instructions from people that have been there before..........preferably old-timers like myself.
The fishing was fair. I caught four and lost a few more on the way in. The fish were not plump like the ones at Notch Lake. I caught a Brookie with the elongated jaws (for the spawn I suppose) and he was barely 12 inhces long and skinny. He was also about the brightest Brookie I've seen in a few years. I also caught a Lake trout. Yes, I know they are not indigenous to the area. I know they are not planted in that drainage. I know they prefer deep water in big lakes. I also know what I caught. I know that tiger trout are put into some Uinta lakes. Perhaps this one didn't get crossed with a brookie and somehow snuck in. He was perhaps 10 or 11 inches and pretty lethargic.
My rant is a simple one. While USGS terrain maps are highly accurate for the most part, they fall down hard on hiking trails. Sometimes they show trails that haven't existed for decades (White Pine canyon). Other times the trails never existed but are at least within a one or two hundred yards of each other (Silver Lake above Tibble Fork) and sometimes they are just plain wrong. I take the USGS maps whenever I go into the back country, but I get instructions from people that have been there before..........preferably old-timers like myself.
The fishing was fair. I caught four and lost a few more on the way in. The fish were not plump like the ones at Notch Lake. I caught a Brookie with the elongated jaws (for the spawn I suppose) and he was barely 12 inhces long and skinny. He was also about the brightest Brookie I've seen in a few years. I also caught a Lake trout. Yes, I know they are not indigenous to the area. I know they are not planted in that drainage. I know they prefer deep water in big lakes. I also know what I caught. I know that tiger trout are put into some Uinta lakes. Perhaps this one didn't get crossed with a brookie and somehow snuck in. He was perhaps 10 or 11 inches and pretty lethargic.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Sand Dunes
I took my daughter to Little Sahara. A few things struck me. The obvious one being the amount of sunflowers that have taken root in the sand. The desert can be reclaimed with sufficient water after all. And of couse the inexorable shifting of the sands towards the Northeast sure didn't hurt.
We have this practice of digging trenches and watching the sand collapse. Little rivulets form and improbable structures too. These structures eerily resemble things that you would see in Canyonlands or Bryce. A little bit of sand is removed from a trench and little happens. A bit more is removed and nothing. But every so often the next 'scoop' is enough to cause great changes.....some of it cataclysmic with entire structure collapsing.
It got me thinking if geologic changes in places such as the aforementioned or Grand Canyon aren't cataclysmic every few thousand years. I also started wondering if global warming might not also make up much drier or perhaps wetter. We have seen it already in Australia. Perhaps my beloved West Desert might again be a fertile grassland. Maybe I should by a boatload of land?
We have this practice of digging trenches and watching the sand collapse. Little rivulets form and improbable structures too. These structures eerily resemble things that you would see in Canyonlands or Bryce. A little bit of sand is removed from a trench and little happens. A bit more is removed and nothing. But every so often the next 'scoop' is enough to cause great changes.....some of it cataclysmic with entire structure collapsing.
It got me thinking if geologic changes in places such as the aforementioned or Grand Canyon aren't cataclysmic every few thousand years. I also started wondering if global warming might not also make up much drier or perhaps wetter. We have seen it already in Australia. Perhaps my beloved West Desert might again be a fertile grassland. Maybe I should by a boatload of land?
Friday, September 5, 2008
Back to Notch Lake
Much cooler temperatures than last week. Much cooler. There were some clouds that were swirling and threatening and a fair amount of breeze. The fishing suffered as a result. So.......if I am going to get the calm late evening and early morning fishing, I've no good hike in/out options. I will have to overnight. And backpacking in the cold is something I've done only rarely. If I am going to do it this year, it will be Meadow Lake.
I've never been to Meadow Lake. I've heard the fishing is good. It's five miles from the Crystal Lake TH (and a relatively level five miles at that). I've also been able to confirm that there is on old cabin and some old mining activity. That will have to wait for nest summer.
I didn't see the goats at all. But about 2 miles in I came across some blue grouse that were working over some grass. I got withing ten feet of one of them and just stood there for two minutes speaking to them in soft tones. I seriously wonder if I haven't got some kind of special ability with certain wild animals now. I used to hunt grouse you see. Now, I don't. Perhaps they can sense this?
I've never been to Meadow Lake. I've heard the fishing is good. It's five miles from the Crystal Lake TH (and a relatively level five miles at that). I've also been able to confirm that there is on old cabin and some old mining activity. That will have to wait for nest summer.
I didn't see the goats at all. But about 2 miles in I came across some blue grouse that were working over some grass. I got withing ten feet of one of them and just stood there for two minutes speaking to them in soft tones. I seriously wonder if I haven't got some kind of special ability with certain wild animals now. I used to hunt grouse you see. Now, I don't. Perhaps they can sense this?
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Simpson Springs
I went there this weekend........
It started out with my son and one of his friends. They invited me. Then another. Then a dad.....another dad.....a kid brother. So the seven of us went out. I arrived early to set up the tents and such. I got a flat tire on the way out. By the time I got the tents and the gear done, the unseasonably hot temps had about killed me. But a lot of shade and Powerade brought me back.
We did some shooting, had an OK meal (the fettucine didn't boil properly), and sat around the fire and told ghost stories. My ghost story happened to take place at Simpson Springs over 20 years ago. So I took the boys to the cave in the dark. On the way there, one of them commented on all the stars and asked what the 'strange cloud' was. I asked if he knew what the name of our galaxy was. He answered correctly and looked at me for a few seconds. It dawned on him.
I feel saddened that he had to wait until he was 17 to see the milky way. It makes me wonder what else he hasn't done. He came over today and I mentioned to him that I had gone up to the Diamond Fork Hot Springs yesterday (DFHS hereafter.....or Fifth Water). He said that sounded fun. He had never seen an actual hot spring.
I digress........did I mention that I got a SECOND flat tire on the way back from Simpson Springs. FUN!!! I got the metal detector out. I mostly found junk in four inches of dirt i.e. old bullets, horseshoe pieces etc. I found a large quartz-looking rock with a large reading about 10 inches down., with a VDI that would correspond with gold. Of course the rock was under a large amount of soil and was quite large. I ain't gonna dig it out for the size of whatever gold might be under there.
It started out with my son and one of his friends. They invited me. Then another. Then a dad.....another dad.....a kid brother. So the seven of us went out. I arrived early to set up the tents and such. I got a flat tire on the way out. By the time I got the tents and the gear done, the unseasonably hot temps had about killed me. But a lot of shade and Powerade brought me back.
We did some shooting, had an OK meal (the fettucine didn't boil properly), and sat around the fire and told ghost stories. My ghost story happened to take place at Simpson Springs over 20 years ago. So I took the boys to the cave in the dark. On the way there, one of them commented on all the stars and asked what the 'strange cloud' was. I asked if he knew what the name of our galaxy was. He answered correctly and looked at me for a few seconds. It dawned on him.
I feel saddened that he had to wait until he was 17 to see the milky way. It makes me wonder what else he hasn't done. He came over today and I mentioned to him that I had gone up to the Diamond Fork Hot Springs yesterday (DFHS hereafter.....or Fifth Water). He said that sounded fun. He had never seen an actual hot spring.
I digress........did I mention that I got a SECOND flat tire on the way back from Simpson Springs. FUN!!! I got the metal detector out. I mostly found junk in four inches of dirt i.e. old bullets, horseshoe pieces etc. I found a large quartz-looking rock with a large reading about 10 inches down., with a VDI that would correspond with gold. Of course the rock was under a large amount of soil and was quite large. I ain't gonna dig it out for the size of whatever gold might be under there.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Notch Lake
I had heard a while back that the fiashing was good here. I made the hike DOWN to the lake off of Bald Mountain pass. It was a gentle decline with 2.5 miles of relatively good trail and prototypical mountain terrain. Best of all, nobody else was fishing any of the lakes. I met nobody going down and just one person coming back.
There were two other lakes on the way there one was named Clegg and I forgot the other. The time of evening was still before the good fishing and I've found that the early morning fishing is usually best anyway. I fished all of them, but only caught fish at Notch Lake. Four brookies of which three were nice fish........all of them are happily still swimming since I am a catch and release guy.
While I was reeling in and unhooking my last fish, I felt as if I was being watched. I turned to my right and there were ten mountain goats staring at me. They were foraging of some kind of plant that grows on the shore and completely aware of and unfazed by my presence. I waved, said 'hello goats' etc. They just sat and watched me fish and after a few minutes started working the shoreline for more food. As I left I walked withing fifty feet of some of the goats.
I spent 5 years hiking the Wasatch looking for goats. I saw my first ones near the top of Box Elder peak and they were at a half mile distant and running. (Interestingly enough, my oldest son climbed the same peak last week with a buddy of his. They got to see a cute little baby goat). And until today, I have sited goats on only three occasions. The closest being about 200 yards.
This leaves me with just one burning question. Why can't I remember to bring the damn camera?!
When I recconected with the trail out I saw a guy about 150 feet ahead of me. Quite a coincidence since he was the only person I was going to see all day long. He was 74 years onld and had been trying to find his way to a lake that was further down the drainage. He didn't make it and according to his GPS had already walked over 10 miles that day.
He was lugging around a metal detector! I bought one last week that I am still getting good at, so I asked him what he was looking for. At his intended lake (which be nameless for now) there is an old cabin and some abandoned gold mines. Since they are all on the west side of the Mirror Lake Highway that means they ain't wilderness. I guess, I've got a backpacking trip in store for me and my metal detector.
There were two other lakes on the way there one was named Clegg and I forgot the other. The time of evening was still before the good fishing and I've found that the early morning fishing is usually best anyway. I fished all of them, but only caught fish at Notch Lake. Four brookies of which three were nice fish........all of them are happily still swimming since I am a catch and release guy.
While I was reeling in and unhooking my last fish, I felt as if I was being watched. I turned to my right and there were ten mountain goats staring at me. They were foraging of some kind of plant that grows on the shore and completely aware of and unfazed by my presence. I waved, said 'hello goats' etc. They just sat and watched me fish and after a few minutes started working the shoreline for more food. As I left I walked withing fifty feet of some of the goats.
I spent 5 years hiking the Wasatch looking for goats. I saw my first ones near the top of Box Elder peak and they were at a half mile distant and running. (Interestingly enough, my oldest son climbed the same peak last week with a buddy of his. They got to see a cute little baby goat). And until today, I have sited goats on only three occasions. The closest being about 200 yards.
This leaves me with just one burning question. Why can't I remember to bring the damn camera?!
When I recconected with the trail out I saw a guy about 150 feet ahead of me. Quite a coincidence since he was the only person I was going to see all day long. He was 74 years onld and had been trying to find his way to a lake that was further down the drainage. He didn't make it and according to his GPS had already walked over 10 miles that day.
He was lugging around a metal detector! I bought one last week that I am still getting good at, so I asked him what he was looking for. At his intended lake (which be nameless for now) there is an old cabin and some abandoned gold mines. Since they are all on the west side of the Mirror Lake Highway that means they ain't wilderness. I guess, I've got a backpacking trip in store for me and my metal detector.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Seafood and Electronics
Red Lobster is something that everyone has heard of. And as such, it takes a lot of heat from gourmets (and mere wanabees that wish to sound cool). I like Red Lobster.....a lot
I had some kind of combo platter for about 25 bucks. I got a small lobster tail, some scallops, four shrimp, a snow crab cluster. It included some steamed broccoli and a two red potatoes.
Everything was cooked well. The potatoes, which were extraordinary, were perfectly soft after boiling and then rebaked and seasoned. Absolutely delicious and quite affordable.
I've had a GPS for a while now. I am going to take it out for a spin tomorrow along with some USGS maps. We'll see just how accurate it is in the mountains. I've always used (and will continue to use) a lensatic compass to calculate my position. But it doesn't work on moonless nights, bad weather with no visibility, in areas with magnetism, or when I have no maps and not the slightest damn clue where I am.......which is never. But hey, it COULD happen in theory.
GPS can calculate my position and plot a way back if I've kept it on.
GPS doesn't work when there is to view to the southern horizon, like in tight canyons or faces of peaks. Or if the batteries fail, or the machine is damaged....wet....etc.
I am very much old school, but I will need GPS I suspect with my new hobby, gold prospecting. I am not going to dredge up trout streams in an effort to find gold dust. Instead I am going to explore areas of the west deserts and work some areas of interest. This will doubtless be the subject of multiple future postings.
I got a new metal detector that does all sorts of cool stuff today to aid my prospecting. I'll probably search parks, beaches, etc. for some practice. I'll probably find a few bucks in change and some crappy jewelry. But practice is what I am needing.
My wife got a new video camera. This one doesn't have tape (digital or otherwise), or a DVD. It has a hard drive in the camera. It seemed like a good idea, so we got it.
I had some kind of combo platter for about 25 bucks. I got a small lobster tail, some scallops, four shrimp, a snow crab cluster. It included some steamed broccoli and a two red potatoes.
Everything was cooked well. The potatoes, which were extraordinary, were perfectly soft after boiling and then rebaked and seasoned. Absolutely delicious and quite affordable.
I've had a GPS for a while now. I am going to take it out for a spin tomorrow along with some USGS maps. We'll see just how accurate it is in the mountains. I've always used (and will continue to use) a lensatic compass to calculate my position. But it doesn't work on moonless nights, bad weather with no visibility, in areas with magnetism, or when I have no maps and not the slightest damn clue where I am.......which is never. But hey, it COULD happen in theory.
GPS can calculate my position and plot a way back if I've kept it on.
GPS doesn't work when there is to view to the southern horizon, like in tight canyons or faces of peaks. Or if the batteries fail, or the machine is damaged....wet....etc.
I am very much old school, but I will need GPS I suspect with my new hobby, gold prospecting. I am not going to dredge up trout streams in an effort to find gold dust. Instead I am going to explore areas of the west deserts and work some areas of interest. This will doubtless be the subject of multiple future postings.
I got a new metal detector that does all sorts of cool stuff today to aid my prospecting. I'll probably search parks, beaches, etc. for some practice. I'll probably find a few bucks in change and some crappy jewelry. But practice is what I am needing.
My wife got a new video camera. This one doesn't have tape (digital or otherwise), or a DVD. It has a hard drive in the camera. It seemed like a good idea, so we got it.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Mirror lake
I've fished it twice in 3 days. The first day was with son number two, the second time with son number one. Both boys caught fish and had a good time...........me too.
I've read before that Arctic Grayling inhabit the lake. I've met nobody who has so much as seen one. I shall have to investigate further. Until it cools down, I'll not be fishing the 'berry or visiting any hot springs.
I've read before that Arctic Grayling inhabit the lake. I've met nobody who has so much as seen one. I shall have to investigate further. Until it cools down, I'll not be fishing the 'berry or visiting any hot springs.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Iosepa
In the heart of Skull Valley lies Iosepa. It isn't my intent to discuss the history and lore that surrounds the place. Suffice it to say that any group of people that would have made a town and livelihood in this place deserves respect. You can draw your own conclusions regarding my opinions of the current residents...........ranchers and Goshutes, who with the benefit of modern technology have managed to do far, far less.
The overgrown condition of the area surrounding the cemetary is depressing. The lack of green space (trees, grass, etc.) within the cemetary itself is heartbreaking. Even though the town ceased to exist almost 90 years ago, there are still descendents, that feel a connection with this place, that are being buried there.
Water is surely available. Perhaps a sprinkling system can be constructed for grass. At the very least some drip irrigation for some trees. There is one tree within the cemetary struggling to make it.
Within a few weeks, I will be contacting some people affiliated with Iosepa. I would like to make a small suggestion, and a modest donation of course.
The overgrown condition of the area surrounding the cemetary is depressing. The lack of green space (trees, grass, etc.) within the cemetary itself is heartbreaking. Even though the town ceased to exist almost 90 years ago, there are still descendents, that feel a connection with this place, that are being buried there.
Water is surely available. Perhaps a sprinkling system can be constructed for grass. At the very least some drip irrigation for some trees. There is one tree within the cemetary struggling to make it.
Within a few weeks, I will be contacting some people affiliated with Iosepa. I would like to make a small suggestion, and a modest donation of course.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Silver Lake
I went up there today (2.5 miles 1200 vertical feet) with three of my boys. The water was a bit cool to swim in, but I did get in above my waist. I dropped my hat in the water and put it on my head. That cooled me right down. There is some old mining activity in the area from the 1800's and some interesting quartz formations, but since it is a federal wilderness area.........outta luck.
I keep forgetting to bring a camera along. Not much to see today. We had a momma moose stomping around, but not much more than that.
I keep forgetting to bring a camera along. Not much to see today. We had a momma moose stomping around, but not much more than that.
Monday, July 28, 2008
disappointment
My son and I went into the Naturalist Basin ...... or attempted it rather.........last Wednesday. His pack was not fitting properly and his shoulders were quite sore. Mine on the other hand was carrying like a dream. Even if I have to go it alone, I will go in this summer.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Naturalist basin
As I type this, I should instead be drifting off to sleep 8 miles in the Uinta wilderness. Instead I am blogging.
Son number 3 and I went (or rather attempted) into the Naturalist Basin today. About two miles in his shoulders were hurting. It seems the pack he was using is a POS. I inspected it......shifted gear......and decided he was right. My pack on the other hand performed admirably. The backs of my hands are sunburned and my neck is a touch pink, but I would have made it.
Oh well, tomorrow I am off and it's a holiday. I think I might sleep outside. Honestly, it's probably a good thing I didn't make it. My conditioning is none to good and it would have taken everything I had. Next year no screwing around.
In fact, I will start losing weight right now. More to come...........
Son number 3 and I went (or rather attempted) into the Naturalist Basin today. About two miles in his shoulders were hurting. It seems the pack he was using is a POS. I inspected it......shifted gear......and decided he was right. My pack on the other hand performed admirably. The backs of my hands are sunburned and my neck is a touch pink, but I would have made it.
Oh well, tomorrow I am off and it's a holiday. I think I might sleep outside. Honestly, it's probably a good thing I didn't make it. My conditioning is none to good and it would have taken everything I had. Next year no screwing around.
In fact, I will start losing weight right now. More to come...........
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Vegas
What hasn't been said about Sin City?
My employer, and the wholsesaler we buy from, arranged for me to get some continuing education and a certificate over the last two last few days. The certificate is nice to have (I can administer vaccines now!), and the CE credits will satisfy an entire year's worth. So to my employer and Amerisoure Bergen.....Thanks!
I drove down, but everyone else flew. I still got there first though. I wanted to go to the Spice Market buffet. It's delicious, has some very unique items, and is next door to where we were staying. Instead, we ended up at the Cheesecake Factory. Yup, the same restaurant that is in your hometown!
Not wanting to eat any cheesecake, I bought a gelato in the Forum shops before going in. It was the standard 'regular' size cup that one would pay four bucks for. It also had a wafer and a piece of dark chocolate included. My cost? Fourteen Bucks!!! And to add insult to the injury it tasted like shit. I ate half of it before throwing it away. It wasn't smooth, it had ice crystals embedded throughout. It only tasted faintly of lemon. The meal consisted of vermicelli with a little bacon, peas, and about 4 ounces of chicken. Toss on a Coke and tip. 40 bucks!
And all the while I'm thinking that I could have absolutely gorged myself at the Spice Market for less than $54 and still managed to tip the hell out of the waiter.
So it was personal now. I had absolutely no intention of gambling, but saw it as the only way to recoup my losses from Caesar's Palace. Thee spins of roulette later I was down 160 total for the evening. I guess I had it coming.
On the SE corner of the Caesar's Palace property (near the crosswalk) is a statue of a Roman 'goddess' clutching her tits. I repeatedly witnessed the precise same pose last year at the Spearmint Rhino and I'll bet the boobs were equally hard. The statue wan't trying to convince me to take it into the back room for an extra $200/hr.
I'm not swearing off gambling mind you. I'm sure I'll be ready to play again come winter time. I'm just tired of Vegas. When my boys turn 21 I'll take them down to witness the shining turd first hand. Until then, I'm avoiding it.
People say to themselves, "What should we do?" and answer, "Let's go walk the Strip". And so thousands of people were doing just that. They take pictures in front of fountains, lights, and the aforementioned 'art' They swelter in the heat and drink over-sized and watered-down cocktails. And of course all the women are dressed like they are going out clubbing, but they aren't. They are just walking the strip. And their daughters are dressed the same way too. They aren't going clubbing though since they are just 15!
God is going to visit the world with a destructive vengeance someday. And it's epicenter will be the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd. and Tropicana. All I ask Lord is that you spare the Spice Market buffet.
Ultimately, there is very little to do in Vegas. The food is spectacular at times. I went to Red Square. The appetizers and entrees were superb. The desserts.....not so good. In fact the best dessert I had the whole time was a fruit tart at the Paris that was part of the 'convention lunch' we were served. Come to think of it, the lunch yesterday was top notch. Osso bucco, poached halibut with capers in tomato puree, mixed olives, prosciutto, chicken piccata (with no capers strangely enough) and cannoli with the aforementioned fruit tarts. I left the gun of course. But the thing to remember is even at Red Square there was nothing uniquely Russian on the menu, except the Vodka. And even that was Estonian! The point being, is that nothing is genuine. Everything is fake but designed to look real. What about the Venetian some might ask. My answer? The smell! Venice stinks of salt water and shit. Vegas just smells like cigarettes. And it's all fake!
So what is there to do in Vegas? 1) Gamble 2) Drink 3) Eat to excess 4) Mill around aimlessly 5) Watch TV 6) Titty bars and prostitutes
They had an advertisement on the television that said the average guest spends 6 hours a day watching TV. I can't believe it. But that is precisely what I would have ended up doing had I stayed any longer. So I came home a day early.
I'm not against adult fun.......far from it. But it is all-encompassing there. A constant visual and noise assult on the senses. These 'vices' should be available but only with a bit of nosing around. Time was a guy would have to wander down to the gift shop to pick up a copy of 'Smut Monthly' and take it back to his room in a brown paper bag. Now we got street legal porn handed to us on the streets. Alcohol was served in bars. Now it is out of what appeared to be old popsicle wagons (that have been converted to sell booze) that line the strip. There was a billboard for a swinger's club. I had to explain to a coworker what goes on. Whatever floats their boat I suppose, but a billbaord?
And worst of all is the advertising blitz that tries to convince us that Bette Midler is still relavent, sexy, and under thirty.
My employer, and the wholsesaler we buy from, arranged for me to get some continuing education and a certificate over the last two last few days. The certificate is nice to have (I can administer vaccines now!), and the CE credits will satisfy an entire year's worth. So to my employer and Amerisoure Bergen.....Thanks!
I drove down, but everyone else flew. I still got there first though. I wanted to go to the Spice Market buffet. It's delicious, has some very unique items, and is next door to where we were staying. Instead, we ended up at the Cheesecake Factory. Yup, the same restaurant that is in your hometown!
Not wanting to eat any cheesecake, I bought a gelato in the Forum shops before going in. It was the standard 'regular' size cup that one would pay four bucks for. It also had a wafer and a piece of dark chocolate included. My cost? Fourteen Bucks!!! And to add insult to the injury it tasted like shit. I ate half of it before throwing it away. It wasn't smooth, it had ice crystals embedded throughout. It only tasted faintly of lemon. The meal consisted of vermicelli with a little bacon, peas, and about 4 ounces of chicken. Toss on a Coke and tip. 40 bucks!
And all the while I'm thinking that I could have absolutely gorged myself at the Spice Market for less than $54 and still managed to tip the hell out of the waiter.
So it was personal now. I had absolutely no intention of gambling, but saw it as the only way to recoup my losses from Caesar's Palace. Thee spins of roulette later I was down 160 total for the evening. I guess I had it coming.
On the SE corner of the Caesar's Palace property (near the crosswalk) is a statue of a Roman 'goddess' clutching her tits. I repeatedly witnessed the precise same pose last year at the Spearmint Rhino and I'll bet the boobs were equally hard. The statue wan't trying to convince me to take it into the back room for an extra $200/hr.
I'm not swearing off gambling mind you. I'm sure I'll be ready to play again come winter time. I'm just tired of Vegas. When my boys turn 21 I'll take them down to witness the shining turd first hand. Until then, I'm avoiding it.
People say to themselves, "What should we do?" and answer, "Let's go walk the Strip". And so thousands of people were doing just that. They take pictures in front of fountains, lights, and the aforementioned 'art' They swelter in the heat and drink over-sized and watered-down cocktails. And of course all the women are dressed like they are going out clubbing, but they aren't. They are just walking the strip. And their daughters are dressed the same way too. They aren't going clubbing though since they are just 15!
God is going to visit the world with a destructive vengeance someday. And it's epicenter will be the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd. and Tropicana. All I ask Lord is that you spare the Spice Market buffet.
Ultimately, there is very little to do in Vegas. The food is spectacular at times. I went to Red Square. The appetizers and entrees were superb. The desserts.....not so good. In fact the best dessert I had the whole time was a fruit tart at the Paris that was part of the 'convention lunch' we were served. Come to think of it, the lunch yesterday was top notch. Osso bucco, poached halibut with capers in tomato puree, mixed olives, prosciutto, chicken piccata (with no capers strangely enough) and cannoli with the aforementioned fruit tarts. I left the gun of course. But the thing to remember is even at Red Square there was nothing uniquely Russian on the menu, except the Vodka. And even that was Estonian! The point being, is that nothing is genuine. Everything is fake but designed to look real. What about the Venetian some might ask. My answer? The smell! Venice stinks of salt water and shit. Vegas just smells like cigarettes. And it's all fake!
So what is there to do in Vegas? 1) Gamble 2) Drink 3) Eat to excess 4) Mill around aimlessly 5) Watch TV 6) Titty bars and prostitutes
They had an advertisement on the television that said the average guest spends 6 hours a day watching TV. I can't believe it. But that is precisely what I would have ended up doing had I stayed any longer. So I came home a day early.
I'm not against adult fun.......far from it. But it is all-encompassing there. A constant visual and noise assult on the senses. These 'vices' should be available but only with a bit of nosing around. Time was a guy would have to wander down to the gift shop to pick up a copy of 'Smut Monthly' and take it back to his room in a brown paper bag. Now we got street legal porn handed to us on the streets. Alcohol was served in bars. Now it is out of what appeared to be old popsicle wagons (that have been converted to sell booze) that line the strip. There was a billboard for a swinger's club. I had to explain to a coworker what goes on. Whatever floats their boat I suppose, but a billbaord?
And worst of all is the advertising blitz that tries to convince us that Bette Midler is still relavent, sexy, and under thirty.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
wasted days
The last two days have been beautiful, but I spent them piddling around the house and reviewing a study guide on immunizations. Tomorrow it's off to work for back to back 13 hour shifts.......followed by a 9 hour on Sunday. Then Monday it's off to Vegas!
11 hour days of CE await me in Sin City. I'll do my Presleyterian duty and eat big every night though. No shows, no titty-bars, just class and yucking it up with some co-workers. And I'll still be putting in 35 hours at the pharmacy this week.
The store manager called me today wanting to know why I had taken 40 hours of vacation when I had worked that week. I explained to him that I have to cash out vacation and NOT take the time off because there is nobody to cover it. I don't think he understood it though. The people in the store live in a world of 15 minute breaks and daily lunches. The last time I had a job where I got scheduled 'breaks' and a lunch on was in 1984. Maybe they should all try 13 hours straight on there feet. On about half of my shifts the only time I sit down is when I take a crap! And the only place you can eat in the pharmacy where you can't be seen by people is.......you guessed it......the bathroom. Which is where I eat half the time.
11 hour days of CE await me in Sin City. I'll do my Presleyterian duty and eat big every night though. No shows, no titty-bars, just class and yucking it up with some co-workers. And I'll still be putting in 35 hours at the pharmacy this week.
The store manager called me today wanting to know why I had taken 40 hours of vacation when I had worked that week. I explained to him that I have to cash out vacation and NOT take the time off because there is nobody to cover it. I don't think he understood it though. The people in the store live in a world of 15 minute breaks and daily lunches. The last time I had a job where I got scheduled 'breaks' and a lunch on was in 1984. Maybe they should all try 13 hours straight on there feet. On about half of my shifts the only time I sit down is when I take a crap! And the only place you can eat in the pharmacy where you can't be seen by people is.......you guessed it......the bathroom. Which is where I eat half the time.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
the eagle
I've been on two jaunts into the great outdoors since my last post. On the first, son number three and I went into the Box Elder peak wilderness. We were turned back about 1.5 miles in. I had purchased some new boots about two months ago and had been wearing them to work. They STILL aren't broken in and I have a nice bloody blister to prove it.
Two days later I read about a guy who had been ahead of us on the trail. After climbing the peak, he confronted two bears on the way down that evening and had to spend the night 'under a tree'. I outweigh the bears by a longshot, carry a heavy oak staff, love to kick things, and dislike sleeping in dirt........draw your own conclusions.
Two days later, me and the missus went through the 'back door' of Diamond Fork canyon. It was a beautiful drive. The sun was shining, the birdies were chirping. We walked the first 1/3 mile or so of the trail that goes to the hot springs (I will be posting about this extensively in the fall). I found a spring that is about a mile above the lower trail head also (more on that in the fall also).
I'm not terribly found of rattlesnakes so I avoid the West deserts and lower elevation canyons for 6 months out of the year.
On the way down Diamond Fork, we saw an eagle eating a rattlesnake. How's that for ironic. Not to bad a pic from a cell phone!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
it's been a few days
The fireworks are safely deposited in my bedroom closet. The Mirror Lake highway was open but all the trails and campsites higher up were still blocked with snow. The Provo River Falls were spectacular. I will be likely going into the Naturalist Basin on July 22/23 before the holiday. Photos will be posted in abundance
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
tomorrow's plans
Aside form a very quick visit to work to check on things, I've the entire day. It appears that illegal fireworks are in store. I'll be leaving Evanston Wyoming via the back door. That way I can avoid the Utah Highway Patrol. Heading into the 4th of July weekend, 'Johnny Law' will be out in force looking for youngsters bringing in booze, fireworks, and porn.
The Mirror Lake highway is opened, but I will be scoping out the route to Naturalist's Basin and perhaps taking a quick hike to Fehr Lake. Naturally, I'll check out fishing conditions also. Now it's time to pick some greens for my little lapines.
The Mirror Lake highway is opened, but I will be scoping out the route to Naturalist's Basin and perhaps taking a quick hike to Fehr Lake. Naturally, I'll check out fishing conditions also. Now it's time to pick some greens for my little lapines.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
the mountain
My oldest son wants to climb an 11,000 footer near our home. It is not one of the more noted peaks in our area, but that means it is one of the least climbed.
We lacked the time yesterday to make it to the top, so I agreed to take him most of the way up. There is a trail that goes to a ridge line that you follow up for the last mile. It is a short trail (less than 4 miles) but steep (a 4,000 ft elevation gain). We almost made it to the ridge but were turned back by snow 'chutes' that block the trail and were too dangerous to cross. If you slip on the chutes you have a 500 foot slide down a 45 degree slope of mixed boulders and snow. We prefer to remain in the land of the living.
Moose are a common sight in the drainage we were in, as are bears. Fortunately we saw neither at close range. There was plenty of tracks in the retreating snow and the mud though. Last year my youngest son and I saw two bull moose and closed within about 50 meters. That's as close as I dared.
We saw some people nearer the trailhead who had lost their dog. I assured them their dog wouldn't remain lost...... since the bears will find it. Last year a kid was killed by a bear about 5 miles from where we were. Still, I think they thought I was joking.
We lacked the time yesterday to make it to the top, so I agreed to take him most of the way up. There is a trail that goes to a ridge line that you follow up for the last mile. It is a short trail (less than 4 miles) but steep (a 4,000 ft elevation gain). We almost made it to the ridge but were turned back by snow 'chutes' that block the trail and were too dangerous to cross. If you slip on the chutes you have a 500 foot slide down a 45 degree slope of mixed boulders and snow. We prefer to remain in the land of the living.
Moose are a common sight in the drainage we were in, as are bears. Fortunately we saw neither at close range. There was plenty of tracks in the retreating snow and the mud though. Last year my youngest son and I saw two bull moose and closed within about 50 meters. That's as close as I dared.
We saw some people nearer the trailhead who had lost their dog. I assured them their dog wouldn't remain lost...... since the bears will find it. Last year a kid was killed by a bear about 5 miles from where we were. Still, I think they thought I was joking.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
the guinea pig
My son had a guinea pig for 7 years. It had defied all actuarial tables by living as long as it did. The vet was astounded during a recent visit.
My son would always speak softly to his piggy and take him out and play with him every day. The piggy always enjoyed treats like wheat grass and banana chips. But when my son came home today and pet his piggy......he had already died.
So very sad.
My son would always speak softly to his piggy and take him out and play with him every day. The piggy always enjoyed treats like wheat grass and banana chips. But when my son came home today and pet his piggy......he had already died.
So very sad.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
the baby birdy
The kids brought home a small bird yesterday. Momma bird was nowhere to be found and a cat was seen closing in. My own cats regularly dine on a mixed menu of wild canaries and starlings. They are especially fond of the baby starlings that fall out of the eaves of my neighbors garage.
This little guy's marking looked like a baby duckling, but the beak and passerine feet clearly indicated we had something else. We started 'googling' and found out we had a baby quail on our hands.
This morning had us making a 100 mile round trip and a fifty dollar donation to send our little guy to the bird rescue. He was introduced to his new covey of fuzzy little buddies and we said our goodbyes.
Here he is!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Favorites
Some of the questions asked when I was contructing my profile were for my favorite this and favorite that.
Things like family, work, and religion are central to my life. So saying I love these things is obvious. Passion is a word I use for things that I really dig for no good reason. So what am I passionate about?
I love buffets! I am a gourmand. Most of the folks I know think I'm a gourmet. Which proves that most of the folks I know haven't the slightest clue what either is.
I love wargaming! I am not talking about the nauseating litany of 'shooter' video games out there. I'm not referring to paintballing. My game has a large map of the theater of operations, hundreds of counters representing the forces of various countries, and a computer that keeps track of the books.
I love natural hot springs! What could be better than a hike and a soak? Smelling like rotten eggs that's what.
I love dwarf bunnies! We have four of them.
I love muffeleta sandwiches, paella, and L and L Hawaiian barbecue!
I love growing vegetables and fruit! I generally dislike flowers since I cannot eat them.
I love popping zits!
I love reading and listening to the news! I'm a news junkie.
Now before I nod off to sleep, I'll try to deal with some of the other favorites I mentioned being part of the profile building process.
Movies: Some I enjoy because they were simply fantastic movies. Some are guilty pleasures. But if and of these movies are on I will always stop and watch. Casablanca.....One or two, but not three.....Full Metal Jacket.....Big Trouble in Little China.....Something about Mary.....Apocalypse Now......anything with Salma Hayek in it (sound turned off).
Books: The Glass Bead Game, The Tao te Ching, Parliament of Whores, The Mother Tongue
Music: This could easily turn into a rant. People try to portray themselves as cool in their musical choices. I have a decided bent towards classical music since that is the genre that I have been able to perform. One measure of how much we like a particular artist would be the number of songs that we know by heart. I'm not talking about being able to recognize a melody, or sing the chorus, but knowing every word and nuance. By that standard my favorite musicians are Beethoven, Frank Zappa, k.d. lang, Hank Williams, David Allen Coe, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, Chris Ledoux, and (I'm gonna to Hell when I die for this) ABBA. One could presume that I am a country music fan. But everything I know is pre-Garth Brooks who single-handedly destroyed country music. If I were emperor, Garth Brooks would be the first to thrown in the stocks. I'd leave Tim Mcgraw only because he married so very, very well.
Things like family, work, and religion are central to my life. So saying I love these things is obvious. Passion is a word I use for things that I really dig for no good reason. So what am I passionate about?
I love buffets! I am a gourmand. Most of the folks I know think I'm a gourmet. Which proves that most of the folks I know haven't the slightest clue what either is.
I love wargaming! I am not talking about the nauseating litany of 'shooter' video games out there. I'm not referring to paintballing. My game has a large map of the theater of operations, hundreds of counters representing the forces of various countries, and a computer that keeps track of the books.
I love natural hot springs! What could be better than a hike and a soak? Smelling like rotten eggs that's what.
I love dwarf bunnies! We have four of them.
I love muffeleta sandwiches, paella, and L and L Hawaiian barbecue!
I love growing vegetables and fruit! I generally dislike flowers since I cannot eat them.
I love popping zits!
I love reading and listening to the news! I'm a news junkie.
Now before I nod off to sleep, I'll try to deal with some of the other favorites I mentioned being part of the profile building process.
Movies: Some I enjoy because they were simply fantastic movies. Some are guilty pleasures. But if and of these movies are on I will always stop and watch. Casablanca.....One or two, but not three.....Full Metal Jacket.....Big Trouble in Little China.....Something about Mary.....Apocalypse Now......anything with Salma Hayek in it (sound turned off).
Books: The Glass Bead Game, The Tao te Ching, Parliament of Whores, The Mother Tongue
Music: This could easily turn into a rant. People try to portray themselves as cool in their musical choices. I have a decided bent towards classical music since that is the genre that I have been able to perform. One measure of how much we like a particular artist would be the number of songs that we know by heart. I'm not talking about being able to recognize a melody, or sing the chorus, but knowing every word and nuance. By that standard my favorite musicians are Beethoven, Frank Zappa, k.d. lang, Hank Williams, David Allen Coe, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, Chris Ledoux, and (I'm gonna to Hell when I die for this) ABBA. One could presume that I am a country music fan. But everything I know is pre-Garth Brooks who single-handedly destroyed country music. If I were emperor, Garth Brooks would be the first to thrown in the stocks. I'd leave Tim Mcgraw only because he married so very, very well.
Greetings
The name of this blog came to me after watching Iron Man a few weeks back. It shouldn't be too tangential an association to figure out just how the 'abiding' portion came about. As for the pharmacist part, that's considerably easier. I'm a pharmacist.
So why should anybody bother to view the blog of a pharmacist. After all, we are people that are too boring to be actuaries. Honestly, I wouldn't read it.
I do see, and sometimes do, screwy things on a daily basis. I will share these blessed events here. Whether this is a catharsis, a confession, or narcissistic blather I will leave it to you ..... the reader.
So why should anybody bother to view the blog of a pharmacist. After all, we are people that are too boring to be actuaries. Honestly, I wouldn't read it.
I do see, and sometimes do, screwy things on a daily basis. I will share these blessed events here. Whether this is a catharsis, a confession, or narcissistic blather I will leave it to you ..... the reader.
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