I met a guy who is originally from North Carolina a few years back in Las Vegas. We have become very good friends since. He came over last night to watch the game and have a few cocktails:
"I heard a guy got smoked in your neighborhood. I thought you lived in the nice part of town." He was referring to a shooting that happened yesterday morning at the corner of Flaming and Durango - "It doesn't matter what part of town you live in. You can get smoked anywhere in Las Vegas," I reply, I then add, "Do you still carry your gun with you everywhere you go?" - "Damn straight I do. It is better to have a gun and not need it than need a gun and not have it. That has always been my philosophy," he replies.
"Have things returned to normal on the strip since the massacre? I mean as normal as it can be." James works security on the strip and has been stationed at Mandalay Bay the last week for a convention - "It is kind of weird to be honest with you. Nobody is talking about it. It seems to me like business as usual. I did hear Steve Wynn has upped things quite a bit at his places. Bag checks and metal detectors. My buddy at work said the Wynn properties are loaded with a lot of ex Israeli commandos working security." I read an article the other day where Steve Wynn stated a shooter would not last three minutes at his properties. I told James that and he says - "Hopefully, he never has to back that proclamation up."
We change the talk to football and he tells me about a fight he got in at a Panther's game when he lived in North Carolina - "I was younger and a lot meaner back then. They were playing the Giants and a bunch of loudmouths from New York were in the seats in front of me. They wouldn't sit down and you know how people bring fences to games with a big wooden D on them. He kept shoving that thing in my face. I tried to be polite about it, but they were drunk. So I grabbed the prop from them and smashed it. The next thing you know it was on. My buddy and I were swinging it out with these guys in the upper deck. Security eventually got there and threw us out. It's a good thing all this was before cellphones came along. If not I'm sure I would have been on the Internet two minutes after it happened." I was laughing so hard while he told the story I damn near fell out of my seat.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Monday, October 23, 2017
paranoia
"I don't know what's going to happen man. But I want to have my kicks before the whole shit house goes up in flames."
~ Jim Morrison
I chatted with my friend Mad Max from Kansas today. He indicated a while back he was planning on attending the rodeo at Thomas & Mack in December. I was checking to see if he still planned on doing such - "I wouldn't set foot in Las Vegas for all the tea in China, not after what happened. I have decided it is better for me to stay in my neck of the woods." I wasn't surprised the massacre reignited his end of the world diatribe. After all, that's why people call him Mad Max - "Isn't anyone out there paying attention. How does a guy bring that much weaponry into a place like Mandalay Bay and no one is the wiser?"
I give my opinion on the matter - "All you have to do is break down everything and put it in a suitcase. No one at the resort is going to know. They don't have metal detectors at the door or anything like that. Casino security is more honed in on trying to catch people cheating is my assumption. A maniac with tons of guns isn't at the top of the list - I would guess, and I'm just guessing, they thought something like the massacre was never going to happen. You can't live your life thinking something like that is going to happen. Who wants to live like that?" Apparently, he does - "You have been calling me an idiot and every other name when I tell you the country is headed towards guerrilla warfare. Answer this for me genius. How many other motherfuckers are out there who could go postal at any moment?"
"How am I suppose to know that?" I then add - "Look, like I said, people can't walk around life thinking the worse. I certainly don't think that way." Like I said earlier, his end of the world rhetoric was back and as prevalent as ever - "I will not go to a place that won't allow me to carry. I know I can't bring a weapon with me to Vegas, so I just have to rule it out. Now, if one of these motherfuckers wants to come to Northern Greenwood County and try their luck. Well, at least I will be well equipped to respond. The last thing in the world I want to be is a sitting duck."
I reassure him the odds of being caught in a One October sort of tragedy are highly improbable and encourage him to reconsider coming to Las Vegas for the rodeo - "Sorry my friend. Not going to happen," he then adds, "You know the thing that sticks in my mind most about the slaughter. I'm a country music guy and I can see my girl dragging me to something like the Route 91 festival if we were in Vegas - From now on I go no where without a weapon. If it's not allowed...I don't go!"
~ Jim Morrison
I chatted with my friend Mad Max from Kansas today. He indicated a while back he was planning on attending the rodeo at Thomas & Mack in December. I was checking to see if he still planned on doing such - "I wouldn't set foot in Las Vegas for all the tea in China, not after what happened. I have decided it is better for me to stay in my neck of the woods." I wasn't surprised the massacre reignited his end of the world diatribe. After all, that's why people call him Mad Max - "Isn't anyone out there paying attention. How does a guy bring that much weaponry into a place like Mandalay Bay and no one is the wiser?"
I give my opinion on the matter - "All you have to do is break down everything and put it in a suitcase. No one at the resort is going to know. They don't have metal detectors at the door or anything like that. Casino security is more honed in on trying to catch people cheating is my assumption. A maniac with tons of guns isn't at the top of the list - I would guess, and I'm just guessing, they thought something like the massacre was never going to happen. You can't live your life thinking something like that is going to happen. Who wants to live like that?" Apparently, he does - "You have been calling me an idiot and every other name when I tell you the country is headed towards guerrilla warfare. Answer this for me genius. How many other motherfuckers are out there who could go postal at any moment?"
"How am I suppose to know that?" I then add - "Look, like I said, people can't walk around life thinking the worse. I certainly don't think that way." Like I said earlier, his end of the world rhetoric was back and as prevalent as ever - "I will not go to a place that won't allow me to carry. I know I can't bring a weapon with me to Vegas, so I just have to rule it out. Now, if one of these motherfuckers wants to come to Northern Greenwood County and try their luck. Well, at least I will be well equipped to respond. The last thing in the world I want to be is a sitting duck."
I reassure him the odds of being caught in a One October sort of tragedy are highly improbable and encourage him to reconsider coming to Las Vegas for the rodeo - "Sorry my friend. Not going to happen," he then adds, "You know the thing that sticks in my mind most about the slaughter. I'm a country music guy and I can see my girl dragging me to something like the Route 91 festival if we were in Vegas - From now on I go no where without a weapon. If it's not allowed...I don't go!"
Thursday, October 19, 2017
The end of the road for best buddy & me.
Joel bedded scores of women in Las Vegas, so one more for the road isn't any big deal in my opinion - "She just got home dude. Go knock on her door and ask if you can borrow a cup of sugar. I guarantee she'll get the hint and all will be good." He's the only guy I know who would have a chance, but it wasn't in the cards - "Dude, I still have a bunch of shit I have to get done. I just don't have the time," he answers with a smile, "Besides, I am leaving all this shit behind me. Why don't you do it?" I again tell him the you know what where you feed story, and how I have to live here - "Come on dude! I know she wants it. Run up there and slam her real quick. All you have to do is ask best buddy," I encourage once again.
"Sorry, no time for it. If I had more time I would seriously consider it," I tell best buddy he must be slipping with the ladies - "Please," he then adds, "I have a list longer than my arm of women who can rebuke that. I just don't have the time." I wasn't buying his pressed for time excuse - "Look, man, all you have to do is go knock on her door and tell her you want to borrow a cup of sugar. It will take you thirty minutes at tops. I will watch over the truck while you take care of business. I want you to do it and let me know what it is like. That's not asking too much best buddy." Again, he complains about time and how he'll have to pass, he then adds - "Dude, the truth is I have to take care of one of my girls in about two hours. Then I am headed to Denver and plan on getting there just in time to watch the K-State game tomorrow. I don't have the energy or extra Viagra to satisfy your request."
We bear hug each other and I tell him to drive carefully and to say hi to everyone in Kansas for me, I then make one more request before he leaves, "There is one thing you can do for me before you leave town since you won't slam my neighbor. I want you to admit that you and I are best buddies. Can you do that for me?" I have been trying to get him to say it since he moved in and he has refused. This time he refused with a smile - "Give me a hug you silly bastard." We hug and he says, "It is time for me to hit the road. I will text you when I get back to KC." As he turns the corner and drives out of sight. A thought comes to me - "Who is going to be my best buddy now that my best buddy is gone?"
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
BFFF's
"Oh, you're the best friend that I ever had. I've been with you such a long time. You're my sunshine and I want you to know my feelings are true. I really love you. (Ooh) Oh, you're my best friend."
My best friend ~ Queen
"Best buddy I finally figured out our theme song. Queen sings it. Do you know the song I am talking about?" My first cousin Joel has been doubling as my roommate and new best buddy for the last month and a half. The time we spent together has solidified, in my mind at least, our best buddyship - "Jesus dude, you need to give it a rest," he then adds, "You are not my best buddy. I'm sorry to tell you that." Needless to say, he is not interested in any best buddy song - that's alright - I know the truth. "What was that movie where they said they were BFFF's (best fucking friends forever)?" I then add, "That's what we are and nothing will change it," - "Pineapple Express is the movie," he then exclaims, "We are not best buddies. I'm leaving town in a couple of days. I can't be your best buddy if we're not going to see each other anymore." This whole best buddy thing means a lot more to me than him. That's alright though. He's my best buddy, at least until he leaves town, and that's just how things are.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Clown town & the Chiefs.
I have been pulling a certain gag since I was a kid, and it's as funny as ever. My favorite trick is to get up quickly from the couch when I hear someone entering and re lock the door before they can actually enter. Last night I decided to pull the gag when I heard my cousin unlocking the front door -"Okay dude, It was funny the first ten times you did it. You really need to get some new material," I open with a wide smile and say in between my laughter - "Jeez, best buddy. I was only fooling around. Lighten up."
The talk immediately turned to Chief's football - "Best buddy, they waited too long to start playing and then a fluke play went the Steelers way. I can live with it in the regular season best buddy. It's just when they lose like that in the playoffs is when it really hurts." Joel grew up in the heart of Kansas City, but somehow became a loyal Bear's fan. KC is his second favorite team - "That loss doesn't mean much," he then adds, "They're going to lose a few games. The important thing is to maintain home field advantage for the playoffs. And they're still looking okay on that right now."
Saturday, October 14, 2017
More Super Bowl talk with my best buddy.
"I'm a driver. I'm a winner. Things are going to change. I can feel it."
Loser ~ Beck
"Best buddy, last time Kansas City won the Super Bowl I wasn't even born yet. I'm an old bastard too. Isn't that sad. All I really want in life is for KC to win a Super Bowl. If that happens I could drop dead right then and there and die a happy man. That's all I want to see happen. I don't give a shit about anything else best buddy." My cousin Joel has been playing the part of on again, off again, roommate and new best buddy for the last month and a half. The two of us were sitting at my dinner table discussing what we wanted to see happen in life before we die.
"Man, you really need to set some goals that don't include Kansas City winning the Super Bowl. You have been let down by them time and time again. I would think you have more in life going for you than just hoping the Chiefs win a championship." I thought about what he said for a moment - "Not really best buddy," is my response, "Chief Nation winning the Super Bowl is all I really want to see before I die best buddy. If that happens I feel my life will be complete best buddy." I ask what he wants to see most in life - "For you to stop calling me best buddy," he replies with a smirk.
We chat about the weather for a minute and then I say - "Junior has a load riding on Pittsburgh winning at Arrowhead this weekend. I told him it is a fool's errand to think they will beat KC at Arrowhead. You know what he told me? He said, 'Alex Smith will tank and Ben will bounce back from his performance last week.' He doesn't think Alex has what it takes to get it done. What do you think about that best buddy?" All the football talk was annoying him & I didn't care. If best buddy doesn't like it he can always stay somewhere else - "I don't know man. Can we talk about anything else besides football? It's like you are obsessed. I just don't want you to be disappointed again. You know how the Chiefs are. It's not like they haven't let you down before."
"Not this year best buddy! They are clearly the best team in football right now," I then add with emphasis, "I don't care what people say about Belicheater and all the other assholes. The Super Bowl is going to run through Arrowhead this year!" Joel is a glass is half empty kind of guy - "Okay, whatever you say dude," he says sarcastically - I did not appreciate it - "Look man, if you don't pledge your allegiance to the Chief Nation right this instance you have a week to get your stuff out and find another place to live," he smirks and says, "No problem, I am moving back to Kansas City next week." I tell him I will be looking for a new best buddy next week. It didn't seem to phase him.
Loser ~ Beck
"Best buddy, last time Kansas City won the Super Bowl I wasn't even born yet. I'm an old bastard too. Isn't that sad. All I really want in life is for KC to win a Super Bowl. If that happens I could drop dead right then and there and die a happy man. That's all I want to see happen. I don't give a shit about anything else best buddy." My cousin Joel has been playing the part of on again, off again, roommate and new best buddy for the last month and a half. The two of us were sitting at my dinner table discussing what we wanted to see happen in life before we die.
"Man, you really need to set some goals that don't include Kansas City winning the Super Bowl. You have been let down by them time and time again. I would think you have more in life going for you than just hoping the Chiefs win a championship." I thought about what he said for a moment - "Not really best buddy," is my response, "Chief Nation winning the Super Bowl is all I really want to see before I die best buddy. If that happens I feel my life will be complete best buddy." I ask what he wants to see most in life - "For you to stop calling me best buddy," he replies with a smirk.
We chat about the weather for a minute and then I say - "Junior has a load riding on Pittsburgh winning at Arrowhead this weekend. I told him it is a fool's errand to think they will beat KC at Arrowhead. You know what he told me? He said, 'Alex Smith will tank and Ben will bounce back from his performance last week.' He doesn't think Alex has what it takes to get it done. What do you think about that best buddy?" All the football talk was annoying him & I didn't care. If best buddy doesn't like it he can always stay somewhere else - "I don't know man. Can we talk about anything else besides football? It's like you are obsessed. I just don't want you to be disappointed again. You know how the Chiefs are. It's not like they haven't let you down before."
"Not this year best buddy! They are clearly the best team in football right now," I then add with emphasis, "I don't care what people say about Belicheater and all the other assholes. The Super Bowl is going to run through Arrowhead this year!" Joel is a glass is half empty kind of guy - "Okay, whatever you say dude," he says sarcastically - I did not appreciate it - "Look man, if you don't pledge your allegiance to the Chief Nation right this instance you have a week to get your stuff out and find another place to live," he smirks and says, "No problem, I am moving back to Kansas City next week." I tell him I will be looking for a new best buddy next week. It didn't seem to phase him.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Uncle Ned freaks out over President Trump.
"All that pressure got you down. Has your head spinning all around. Feel the rhythm, feel the vibe. Come on along and have a real good time. Like the days of stomping at the Savoy. Now we freak, oh what a joy. Just come on down to the fifty-four. Find a spot out on the floor. Aaaahh freak out! Le Freak, C'est Chic. Aaaahh Freak out! C'est Chic - Freak out!
Le Freak (Freak Out) ~ Chic
My cousin Joel has been playing the role of on again, off again, roommate for the last two months. The other day we were talking about uncle Ned and how excitable he gets when you talk to him about certain things. Politics and President Trump are a few of those things:
"If you want to hear uncle Ned freak out all you have to do is say to him, 'Donald Trump is the greatest president of all time.' That will get a rapid fire curse word response like you have never heard from a person. It's funny. If you don't believe me listen." I grab my phone from the counter; dial Ned's number; put the phone on speaker and wait for his answer.
"What are you doing butt hole?" His greetings are usually more vulgar, he must be slipping in his old age - "Ned," I say with a snicker, "Joel and I are here and we have something we want to tell you. Are you listening?" - "What is it dip shit? I am in the middle of dinner right now. Make it snappy," is his response - "Okay Ned, we just want to let you know we think Donald Trump is the greatest president of all time and him being elected is the best thing to ever happen to the country." I wait a moment for his response and then say - "Are you still there?"
"Why would you say something that fucking stupid? Jesus, even his own Secretary of State thinks he is a moron. He got elected by a bunch of dip shits like you. This fucking clown has no business being in office. Mickey Mouse could do a better job than this stink hole." I remind him it was the electoral college that elected him and Mickey Mouse did not run for president - "Shut your fucking hole!" He yells, "I can't believe that any nephew of mine is so stupid they would think this idiot is the GOAT or whatever morons like you call him."
"Ned! Ned!" I try to interrupt his volley of curse words in order I might get a word in edge wise. My attempt proves feudal - "Look, don't talk to me about that fucking moron. Did you call me up to tell me about that dumb fucker? Do you have anything interesting to add. If not I am hanging up." Before he can start another rant, I say - "Ned, just listen to me before you go. I have one thing to say to you and one thing only." I wait a moment before I respond in order to build the suspense - Ned is not a patient man - "What the fuck is it moron?" I clear my throat and yell, "Trump!" I then hang the phone up.
Le Freak (Freak Out) ~ Chic
My cousin Joel has been playing the role of on again, off again, roommate for the last two months. The other day we were talking about uncle Ned and how excitable he gets when you talk to him about certain things. Politics and President Trump are a few of those things:
"If you want to hear uncle Ned freak out all you have to do is say to him, 'Donald Trump is the greatest president of all time.' That will get a rapid fire curse word response like you have never heard from a person. It's funny. If you don't believe me listen." I grab my phone from the counter; dial Ned's number; put the phone on speaker and wait for his answer.
"What are you doing butt hole?" His greetings are usually more vulgar, he must be slipping in his old age - "Ned," I say with a snicker, "Joel and I are here and we have something we want to tell you. Are you listening?" - "What is it dip shit? I am in the middle of dinner right now. Make it snappy," is his response - "Okay Ned, we just want to let you know we think Donald Trump is the greatest president of all time and him being elected is the best thing to ever happen to the country." I wait a moment for his response and then say - "Are you still there?"
"Why would you say something that fucking stupid? Jesus, even his own Secretary of State thinks he is a moron. He got elected by a bunch of dip shits like you. This fucking clown has no business being in office. Mickey Mouse could do a better job than this stink hole." I remind him it was the electoral college that elected him and Mickey Mouse did not run for president - "Shut your fucking hole!" He yells, "I can't believe that any nephew of mine is so stupid they would think this idiot is the GOAT or whatever morons like you call him."
"Ned! Ned!" I try to interrupt his volley of curse words in order I might get a word in edge wise. My attempt proves feudal - "Look, don't talk to me about that fucking moron. Did you call me up to tell me about that dumb fucker? Do you have anything interesting to add. If not I am hanging up." Before he can start another rant, I say - "Ned, just listen to me before you go. I have one thing to say to you and one thing only." I wait a moment before I respond in order to build the suspense - Ned is not a patient man - "What the fuck is it moron?" I clear my throat and yell, "Trump!" I then hang the phone up.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Talking Super Bowl with my best buddy.
"Goddammit Joel! This is their year best buddy. We have to go to the parade. I'm ready." I have an on again, off again roommate, his name is Joel, who just so happens to be my first cousin and new best buddy - "I don't know why you keep saying that. There is a long way to go before the Super Bowl gets here. Tilt your head to the left." Not only is Joel my best buddy, he also doubles as my barber - "I tell you what best buddy. They are strong at the QB spot right now. Stronger than I can ever remember. And the players. Jesus, this is the best crop of players I have ever seen. And I have been watching Chief football for thirty plus years best buddy," my enthusiasm was at a fever pitch as I watch a clump of hair hit the floor.
Joel is going through some changes in life right now, but I got to admit to everyone. He's like the best looking guy in town and women line up around the block for him, but he is sick of that and wants something new. One more thing, I have never seen anyone put as much emphasis on diet as him. I lost ten pounds the first two weeks he lived with me, Unfortunately, I put it back on when he was in San Diego - "Best buddy, I heard they were forming legislation for online gaming in a number of states. 2018 will be a banner year for online gaming if all goes as I think it will." The two of us share a passion for sports entertainment, and quite frankly sports entertainment can be very profitable if done correctly - "I know dude, we've seen first hand how much money there is. It's just they're certain things I am focused on. I have to think about my health. Turn your head to the right." I comply and a few moments later another clump of beautiful hair is on my lap.
"Have you talked with uncle Ned lately?" Uncle Ned is on the Ferry side of the family. Currently, he is living in a care center in Kansas and is as feisty as ever. "Yeah, I talked with the bozo the other day," I then add, "He was bitching about Trump and this and that. But otherwise everything is the same with him. He's looking forward to seeing us someday." He finishes shaving the back of my neck and instructs me to take a look in the mirror - "Excellent best buddy. You can always add barber to your resume. I will vouch for you." I sweep the tide of locks from the patio floor and empty them in the trash. After finishing the talk returns to Chief's football.
"If they can avoid the injury bug I really like their chances. You also got to keep Alex playing at a tremendous level. If he goes down it would make things harder." I agree with Joel wholeheartedly, losing the QB1 spot would be tough, but from everything I'm seeing Mahome would be a suitable replacement - "The kid has a rocket launcher for an arm. And they're plenty of play makers to get the ball to. Look how well Deshaun Watson played. Mahome has that kind of ability, with a bigger arm." Joel has always been a Bear's fan, even though he grew up in the heart of Kansas City - "Ditka & Payton!" He tells me every time I question his loyalties.
KC opened up at -3 and have risen to -5 as of now. As well as they are playing and being at Arrrowhead. I'm laying my money on Andy and the crew. I know there are other people who like sports entertainment as much as me. I would like to know what you're thinking. Best buddy & me in picture below.
Joel is going through some changes in life right now, but I got to admit to everyone. He's like the best looking guy in town and women line up around the block for him, but he is sick of that and wants something new. One more thing, I have never seen anyone put as much emphasis on diet as him. I lost ten pounds the first two weeks he lived with me, Unfortunately, I put it back on when he was in San Diego - "Best buddy, I heard they were forming legislation for online gaming in a number of states. 2018 will be a banner year for online gaming if all goes as I think it will." The two of us share a passion for sports entertainment, and quite frankly sports entertainment can be very profitable if done correctly - "I know dude, we've seen first hand how much money there is. It's just they're certain things I am focused on. I have to think about my health. Turn your head to the right." I comply and a few moments later another clump of beautiful hair is on my lap.
"Have you talked with uncle Ned lately?" Uncle Ned is on the Ferry side of the family. Currently, he is living in a care center in Kansas and is as feisty as ever. "Yeah, I talked with the bozo the other day," I then add, "He was bitching about Trump and this and that. But otherwise everything is the same with him. He's looking forward to seeing us someday." He finishes shaving the back of my neck and instructs me to take a look in the mirror - "Excellent best buddy. You can always add barber to your resume. I will vouch for you." I sweep the tide of locks from the patio floor and empty them in the trash. After finishing the talk returns to Chief's football.
"If they can avoid the injury bug I really like their chances. You also got to keep Alex playing at a tremendous level. If he goes down it would make things harder." I agree with Joel wholeheartedly, losing the QB1 spot would be tough, but from everything I'm seeing Mahome would be a suitable replacement - "The kid has a rocket launcher for an arm. And they're plenty of play makers to get the ball to. Look how well Deshaun Watson played. Mahome has that kind of ability, with a bigger arm." Joel has always been a Bear's fan, even though he grew up in the heart of Kansas City - "Ditka & Payton!" He tells me every time I question his loyalties.
KC opened up at -3 and have risen to -5 as of now. As well as they are playing and being at Arrrowhead. I'm laying my money on Andy and the crew. I know there are other people who like sports entertainment as much as me. I would like to know what you're thinking. Best buddy & me in picture below.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Best buddy is back in town..
I've had an off and on roommate for the last two months. It's my cousin Joel. He is leaving Las Vegas after eleven years and moving to Florida in a few weeks in order to help my sister with her business. Anyhoo, he'd been in San Diego at a cleanse the last few weeks and returned late last night:
"Best buddy is that you?" He's not my best buddy, not even close. I refer to him as such because it makes me feel good in some strange way. So when he is staying at my abode it's 'best buddy' - "Yeah, I'm back man. How are things going?" He says in a tired tone. I give him the rundown on the last two weeks and then we start talking about the massacre - "Bute told me Teresa's cousins were at the festival when it happened and ran like hell when the gunfire erupted. They were alright. Thank goodness. Did you know anyone who was there when it happened best buddy?" - "Not that I am aware of," is his answer.
We chat about the weather for a minute and then I ask how the cleanse went - "For the most part the same," he then adds, "It seemed like you could smell a lot more marijuana in the air versus the other times I have gone." The reason he visited San Diego was to attend a cleanse. Which, from what I gathered - means a lot of meditation, wheat grass, yoga and a whole bunch of other holistic therapies. Best buddy was tan and fit. This was his third go around at a cleanse and my curiosity had piqued as to what actually goes on there. So I ask him to explain it in a little more detail.
"Think of it as checking into a minimum security women's prison. You are not supposed to leave but no one is stopping you. You can check out if you want, but it is expensive so I would advise against it." I tell him it sounds like a rehab joint, "Some of the people who go there are detoxing, but not the majority. Most are wanting the experience of a holistic, healthy lifestyle like the one I try to live. The cleanse is designed to give people guidance towards it."
Any way, it was good to see him. I then ask if he watched the Chief's game at his cleanse - "They don't allow television there, but I saw the results on my phone. They look good." Joel grew up in Kansas City and is a Bear's fan. How screwed up is that? I could tell he was tired so I added one more thing before I went back into my room - "KC is going to win the Super Bowl this year. It is their year. And I fucking mean it this time." He says the same thing everyone says to me - "We'll see, they have a habit of getting you worked up every year and not coming through." - "Not this year best buddy. They're going all the way," is my response as I close the bedroom door and head back to bed.
"Best buddy is that you?" He's not my best buddy, not even close. I refer to him as such because it makes me feel good in some strange way. So when he is staying at my abode it's 'best buddy' - "Yeah, I'm back man. How are things going?" He says in a tired tone. I give him the rundown on the last two weeks and then we start talking about the massacre - "Bute told me Teresa's cousins were at the festival when it happened and ran like hell when the gunfire erupted. They were alright. Thank goodness. Did you know anyone who was there when it happened best buddy?" - "Not that I am aware of," is his answer.
We chat about the weather for a minute and then I ask how the cleanse went - "For the most part the same," he then adds, "It seemed like you could smell a lot more marijuana in the air versus the other times I have gone." The reason he visited San Diego was to attend a cleanse. Which, from what I gathered - means a lot of meditation, wheat grass, yoga and a whole bunch of other holistic therapies. Best buddy was tan and fit. This was his third go around at a cleanse and my curiosity had piqued as to what actually goes on there. So I ask him to explain it in a little more detail.
"Think of it as checking into a minimum security women's prison. You are not supposed to leave but no one is stopping you. You can check out if you want, but it is expensive so I would advise against it." I tell him it sounds like a rehab joint, "Some of the people who go there are detoxing, but not the majority. Most are wanting the experience of a holistic, healthy lifestyle like the one I try to live. The cleanse is designed to give people guidance towards it."
Any way, it was good to see him. I then ask if he watched the Chief's game at his cleanse - "They don't allow television there, but I saw the results on my phone. They look good." Joel grew up in Kansas City and is a Bear's fan. How screwed up is that? I could tell he was tired so I added one more thing before I went back into my room - "KC is going to win the Super Bowl this year. It is their year. And I fucking mean it this time." He says the same thing everyone says to me - "We'll see, they have a habit of getting you worked up every year and not coming through." - "Not this year best buddy. They're going all the way," is my response as I close the bedroom door and head back to bed.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Andy, Alex & what Las Vegas thinks.
"I'm telling you if Alex Smith keeps playing like this the Chiefs are going to get to the Super Bowl. If you don't believe me just take a look at what Las Vegas is saying. They started the season 22-1 and up in most places around town. They're six to one, maybe seven, in most spots as of week five. They are right there with Belicheater & the Steelers as favorites to win it all." I was chatting with my friend Keith today about KC's chances of making it to the Super Bowl - "I like it more than any other time I have been watching them play in my lifetime and that is a long time my friend," I add with more vigor.
Keith is a Raider fan and thus doesn't know what to think about things this season, but not me, I am feeling really good about our chances this year, and Alex Smith is just a part of it - "Lots of ways to get you," I say with even more vigor, "Home run hitters everywhere on offense and Alex is delivering it to them." He asks about the defense - "They can make enough plays to get by as long as the offense is playing like it is now. It all rides on how well the QB1 spot is playing. That's what it boils down to in the NFL!" - My friend Roy has been giving me the KC can't win a Super Bowl with Alex Smith spiel since the day they signed him. I refuse to believe it anymore.
"Look, I'm tired of hearing KC can't win a Super Bowl with Alex Smith as quarterback, and I am sure he is tired of hearing it as well. Everyone knows that this is probably his last year in town, so he's decided to play all out for a big contract somewhere else next year. I really think Andy has got it all worked out as well. All the backs and receivers are young and ready for prime time." Keith then mentions something that means a lot out in Vegas - "They have been some covering machines this year. 5-0 against the spread. Did you throw down on them in last nights game?" - I shake my head and say - "No, I need to practice what I preach, I know that. But money is tight for the village idiot right now. But, I'll definitely be ready to rock-n-roll on the Steeler's game." He asks what the line is - "Andy and the gang opened up as three point favorites in most places around town. I really think the offense scores enough points to get it done and the defense will make a few plays. Just like what has been happening all year."
I have an idea I have to share - I'm thinking about putting a little money on KC this weekend. Does anyone else like to do things like that? If so, let me know and I can tell you about some exciting things.
Keith is a Raider fan and thus doesn't know what to think about things this season, but not me, I am feeling really good about our chances this year, and Alex Smith is just a part of it - "Lots of ways to get you," I say with even more vigor, "Home run hitters everywhere on offense and Alex is delivering it to them." He asks about the defense - "They can make enough plays to get by as long as the offense is playing like it is now. It all rides on how well the QB1 spot is playing. That's what it boils down to in the NFL!" - My friend Roy has been giving me the KC can't win a Super Bowl with Alex Smith spiel since the day they signed him. I refuse to believe it anymore.
"Look, I'm tired of hearing KC can't win a Super Bowl with Alex Smith as quarterback, and I am sure he is tired of hearing it as well. Everyone knows that this is probably his last year in town, so he's decided to play all out for a big contract somewhere else next year. I really think Andy has got it all worked out as well. All the backs and receivers are young and ready for prime time." Keith then mentions something that means a lot out in Vegas - "They have been some covering machines this year. 5-0 against the spread. Did you throw down on them in last nights game?" - I shake my head and say - "No, I need to practice what I preach, I know that. But money is tight for the village idiot right now. But, I'll definitely be ready to rock-n-roll on the Steeler's game." He asks what the line is - "Andy and the gang opened up as three point favorites in most places around town. I really think the offense scores enough points to get it done and the defense will make a few plays. Just like what has been happening all year."
I have an idea I have to share - I'm thinking about putting a little money on KC this weekend. Does anyone else like to do things like that? If so, let me know and I can tell you about some exciting things.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Where do we go from here?
"Two cars parked on the overpass. Rocks hit the water like broken glass. I should have known right then it was too good to last. God, it's such a drag when you're living in the past."
Even the Losers ~ Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
I was up all night Sunday watching coverage of the strip massacre. I didn't fall asleep till six. My dad called around seven to make sure I was okay, after the call I fell asleep for a few hours. When I woke I grabbed the phone and started checking on the tragedy again. I could only take so much, so I started checking other news and I read Tom Petty had passed. What was already a tough morning got worse:
"You know I was scheduled to work security at Mandalay Bay Sunday, but my boss screwed up on the schedule so I didn't know. If I would have went I would have been arriving and walking into Mandalay Bay about the time the shooting started. I was suppose to be there and at my post by ten thirty." James, who works security at a number of venues around town, was explaining to me the situation he could have easily found himself in if not for his bosses clerical error - "Thank goodness your boss screwed up on the schedule. It sounds like you would have walked right into it if not for his mistake," I say as both of us realize how fortunate he was.
"Before I moved to Vegas I was going to PA school and worked as a paramedic. I remember vividly all the training that went into a mass casualty event. I missed a few that happened in North Carolina, but I know they are gruesome." - "James," I then take another sip of my drink before continuing - "Just think if you rolled through there when it was happening." He takes another swallow of his drink and says - "I don't know what I would have done. I most likely would have tried to help and would that have put me in the cross hairs? Thank goodness I will never know."
We change the subject to football for a minute but it drifts back to the massacre - "You know what the most indelible scene for me of this whole tragedy is? It's the windows that were blown out of the shooter's room on the 32nd floor. That is an image that will never get out of my head. It was unbelievable to me that someone could do that. Just raining bullets down on all those people. Man, I think Mad Max might be right about things."
"Don't listen to that dip shit!" He says with a hint of anger, "It sounds like it was a crazy guy with lots of guns. Everything is pointing to a 'lone wolf." We pour another drink and then I ask what he thinks things will be like now - "Vigilance!" He says in a matter of fact tone - "Everywhere you turn it will be a guard with a gun or a metal detector to pass through. This country will start to mimic Israel and all of their security procedures. Hopefully, it will be enough to slow it down. Nothing will ever stop it for good."
"You know I was scheduled to work security at Mandalay Bay Sunday, but my boss screwed up on the schedule so I didn't know. If I would have went I would have been arriving and walking into Mandalay Bay about the time the shooting started. I was suppose to be there and at my post by ten thirty." James, who works security at a number of venues around town, was explaining to me the situation he could have easily found himself in if not for his bosses clerical error - "Thank goodness your boss screwed up on the schedule. It sounds like you would have walked right into it if not for his mistake," I say as both of us realize how fortunate he was.
"Before I moved to Vegas I was going to PA school and worked as a paramedic. I remember vividly all the training that went into a mass casualty event. I missed a few that happened in North Carolina, but I know they are gruesome." - "James," I then take another sip of my drink before continuing - "Just think if you rolled through there when it was happening." He takes another swallow of his drink and says - "I don't know what I would have done. I most likely would have tried to help and would that have put me in the cross hairs? Thank goodness I will never know."
We change the subject to football for a minute but it drifts back to the massacre - "You know what the most indelible scene for me of this whole tragedy is? It's the windows that were blown out of the shooter's room on the 32nd floor. That is an image that will never get out of my head. It was unbelievable to me that someone could do that. Just raining bullets down on all those people. Man, I think Mad Max might be right about things."
"Don't listen to that dip shit!" He says with a hint of anger, "It sounds like it was a crazy guy with lots of guns. Everything is pointing to a 'lone wolf." We pour another drink and then I ask what he thinks things will be like now - "Vigilance!" He says in a matter of fact tone - "Everywhere you turn it will be a guard with a gun or a metal detector to pass through. This country will start to mimic Israel and all of their security procedures. Hopefully, it will be enough to slow it down. Nothing will ever stop it for good."
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Justin Houston
"Sixteen, I fell in love with a girl as sweet as could be. Only took a couple of days till she was rid of me. She swore that she would be all mine and love me to the end. But when I whispered in her ear - I lost another friend."
good times, bad times ~ Led Zeppelin
It has been a difficult day and a half in Las Vegas. The mass shooting has taken its toll on the community. Nonetheless, I am proud to call Las Vegas home and could not imagine living anywhere else. I don't want to harp on it because everyone is seeing more than their share from the media. I just know things are going to change. I want to tell everyone who checked in on me I appreciate the thought and I am doing fine, a little sad, but still fine. I know Las Vegas will recover and come back stronger than ever. Enough of this. Let me tell you how I got $100 richer by betting on Kansas City last night:
Junior and Brenda were in town last week and I met them for dinner at Caesar's Palace. After finishing we mosey over to the sports book so Junior can lay down his action before he heads back to Albuquerque - "The Chiefs are 6.5 favorites over the Redskins. Do you think they can cover?" I nod and say - "Playing at home on Monday night. That's a fucking lock. I would take them all day long." Junior decided to put his money where my mouth is - "Here you go Village Idiot. I want you to buy yourself a new pair of shoes if they cover." He hands a fifty dollar ticket with a payout of ninety six if KC covers 6.5 - "New shoes time," he tells me as I hug him and Brenda and wish them a safe trip home.
"Dude it don't look like you are going to get your new shoes. That field goal just did your bet in." I watched the game last night at PT's on Durango with James and Saucier - James was not feeling it - "See I told you they were going to screw you. At least they won though. Even though that doesn't do your ticket any good." I took little solace in a KC win. If they don't cover (6.5) I lose, and they most likely were only going to win by three - "Let's get the hell out of here," I say in disgust - There was still four seconds left in the game, and unbeknownst to my friends and I at the time - KC was about to pull off a rare back door cover.
PT's is a short walk from my condo and as I am halfway home my phone rings - "You lucky motherfucker!" Junior yells, "I can't believe the Chief's covered." I thought I was being razzed at first and then he tells me what happened on the last play of the game and how Houston scored off a fumble and KC thus covered the bet - "Hold on," I tell him with a rapid heartbeat - I put the phone to my chest and yell at the top of my lungs - "Way to go Chiefs!" I then thank him for the new pair of shoes.
I was bragging about my victory to friends on Messenger and one responded, "Big deal. Low risk. Low reward. You need to set your goals higher." I agree with him in many ways, but after a day like yesterday I was elated to see something good happen. No matter how minute it is. And the Chiefs covering was just what the doctor ordered for me.
good times, bad times ~ Led Zeppelin
It has been a difficult day and a half in Las Vegas. The mass shooting has taken its toll on the community. Nonetheless, I am proud to call Las Vegas home and could not imagine living anywhere else. I don't want to harp on it because everyone is seeing more than their share from the media. I just know things are going to change. I want to tell everyone who checked in on me I appreciate the thought and I am doing fine, a little sad, but still fine. I know Las Vegas will recover and come back stronger than ever. Enough of this. Let me tell you how I got $100 richer by betting on Kansas City last night:
Junior and Brenda were in town last week and I met them for dinner at Caesar's Palace. After finishing we mosey over to the sports book so Junior can lay down his action before he heads back to Albuquerque - "The Chiefs are 6.5 favorites over the Redskins. Do you think they can cover?" I nod and say - "Playing at home on Monday night. That's a fucking lock. I would take them all day long." Junior decided to put his money where my mouth is - "Here you go Village Idiot. I want you to buy yourself a new pair of shoes if they cover." He hands a fifty dollar ticket with a payout of ninety six if KC covers 6.5 - "New shoes time," he tells me as I hug him and Brenda and wish them a safe trip home.
"Dude it don't look like you are going to get your new shoes. That field goal just did your bet in." I watched the game last night at PT's on Durango with James and Saucier - James was not feeling it - "See I told you they were going to screw you. At least they won though. Even though that doesn't do your ticket any good." I took little solace in a KC win. If they don't cover (6.5) I lose, and they most likely were only going to win by three - "Let's get the hell out of here," I say in disgust - There was still four seconds left in the game, and unbeknownst to my friends and I at the time - KC was about to pull off a rare back door cover.
PT's is a short walk from my condo and as I am halfway home my phone rings - "You lucky motherfucker!" Junior yells, "I can't believe the Chief's covered." I thought I was being razzed at first and then he tells me what happened on the last play of the game and how Houston scored off a fumble and KC thus covered the bet - "Hold on," I tell him with a rapid heartbeat - I put the phone to my chest and yell at the top of my lungs - "Way to go Chiefs!" I then thank him for the new pair of shoes.
I was bragging about my victory to friends on Messenger and one responded, "Big deal. Low risk. Low reward. You need to set your goals higher." I agree with him in many ways, but after a day like yesterday I was elated to see something good happen. No matter how minute it is. And the Chiefs covering was just what the doctor ordered for me.
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