Rich and Rol.. Travis at the Box. Chuck Pace ©2006

So it worked out all right in the end. I was afraid I would not have any chance of doing something with the day after the way it started. I should not have been to concerned. Travis came through, again. He brought a few of the assembled Chatterboxers a "Racin' Card" Game to learn before our Daytona party. He gave Rich, Mel, Ed and I each a set, Jenni had already left (before she left she said she was leaving me, but she just meant at the Chatterbox, as it turns out!) for house and home, and he said there was another set in the car for Liz, so I'll have to grab another set or two to complete the players.
Ed and I stopped in at Luna and we both bought the brand spankin' new Jenny Lewis (From Rilo Kiley) CD "Rabbit Fur Coat", I've already listened to it all the way through twice. Two thumbs up, I expect to here that Brock got his soon, too. So back at the box Rich, who said he wasn't coming out because he was a little peckish, did indeed grace us with his presence. But he sat at the bar away from Mel's cigs. I was up talking to Deanne when he put his hair down, then Travis stepped up, with his down and I grabbed a couple of shots. That's when I made the observation that Travis looked a little like Rolf, the muppet, which caused Deanne to cover her mouth and step back looking down in a moment of glee. Almost everyone agreed with my assessment, there was one detractor, but he was personally biased, I think. You decide. Until we meet again. Keep Smiling 'til then. With a shout out to Microphone Wilson, for brightening my day yesterday with a true belly laugh.
Chuck Pace ©2006
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I spent so much time on the mention meter and the New Years Day posting that I completely emptied my random thought account. I got up this morning to make a small withdrawl for today blog post and I actually have a negative balance. I'm kinda' at a loss for words here (well, they're there I just have to wait for them to clear, before I can use them). I mean, I thought I had plenty in the account, and I can't even get in touch with anybody down at the RTB branch until after nine. I don't even want to try to guess what the late fees and the overdrift charges are going to be. That'll teach me to let the old mind wander, when I can't sleep. Luckily I had a few thoughts here at home, that I hadn't gotten around to depositing at the Random Thought Bank, or I would have to leave this post with just a boring picture. Instead I get to share the drawing I did of Lightning' from the store on Friday. Don't worry I'll straighten all of this out and be back solvent by tomorrow.
O.K. this is too cool. The internet has gone to China in a big way. Jenni screen saved my post in Chinese so I could see it. (sort of like she transfered some of her funds to my random thought account. ) That's all I can do for today. Hopefully I can keep some of my stuff back in reserve and get on the right side of the random thought ledger by tonight. I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused.
Chuck Pace ©2006
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New Years Eve Sunrise, Tonight let's Howl at the Moon! Chuck Pace © 2005

Chinese New Years is upon us. The Year of the Dog is a frisky, happy yippy, yappy puppy! We've had our boring Jewish and over rated Anglican new years celebrations now is the time to really put on the Dog! Pound for pound this new year has more bite than the lame, tame domesticated events of the previous 118 or 29 days past. I have New Years day off. Good thing too, because I'm doing up this new years eve right. There should be less revelry, fewer amateurs out endangering the rest of us. A safer holiday, with a studded collar! Don't just sit there, go on instinct, don't just go on the papers, this is not the time to roll over and play dead! Embrace the day, party until you see spots! Take a walk, chase a few cats, if the grey winter has you down now is the time to heal! Catch up with some of your friends, have a ball. Forgive those that you had a bone to pick with. Bury it! Now get on home! Get off the couch! Get down! Boogie! I don't want to beg here, but let's make this the best year of the dog yet! Let's shepherd in this new year, spend time with your old litter mates, travel, take a Greyhound or leash Tracker or a Rover. Get out there and do some sniffing around, mark out a new territory, howl at the moon, don't make me tell you again! Get off that couch! Enjoy every moment, wag your tail instead of just chasing it. Get out! Don't just go to the door, push your head through, the flap and stop being a creature of habit. Shake a few hands, speak!, learn some new tricks, but don't stray. I'm just asking you to gnaw on a few new ideas. But if you are perfectly content where you are then stay. I may be barking up the wrong tree for some, these are just pointers for those who are game, I won't hound you if you want to stay fenced in, but I don't want to hear you growl or whine if you are unhappy. As for me! I haven't lost the scent, I'll be driving with my head out of the window and my tongue hanging out, rounding up my old pack and biting off as much as I can chew. If you are like me don't just sit there and bitch, get out and scratch that itch! If you're not staked down, then follow my lead. I don't care what your pedigree is, life is full of treats for you if you just unharness your inner dog. If you want to join me in a fun year then just whistle, I'll come running. Remember, there's more to life than just looking for the GravyTrain! Don't stay down, catch life, it's Good Boy! Happy New Years everybody! (Happy Year of the Entrée for my Filipino and Vietnamese friends).
Chuck Pace ©2006
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La, la, la, la! Burqa Babe Erika, "Show us your ankles!" Chuck Pace ©2006

As Fridays go, yesterday was just one day shy of ending the week. We had our yearly reviews at work. When Bruce called me in the office for mine he asked me if I had heard Pat Godwin's Voices In My Head song. "No not really," I said. "Good, that will be your review then" Came his pleased reply. So the song is pretty funny, has to do with schizophrenia, and love/obsession, where the Voices eventually cause Pat to do something he shouldn't. Not the strongest review I could have, not sure what the message is here, but after 18 1/2 years working for Bruce Pallman, we don't have too many real surprises in store for each other. We like each other, understand each other and pretty much know what we can do for the store and the business. All in all a good review. At least that's what the voices in my head are telling me that meant. (The dog is telling me to sharpen some...)

After work came the real hell. Team Four Get It went into position night needing to make up some ground on the next to last place team. We didn't, end of story. We lost games 1 and 3 and series, fell another 3 points in the standings and went home. Or should I say, should have went home!
Cue the therimin music!

I'd gladly pay you Tuesday for a brainburger today... Chuck Pace ©2006

Jeff Barber subbed for Ed Sipes last night, he didn't have his ride, so I took him to the alley and back to his place afterwards. As dumb luck would have it he lives about six blocks from the Chatterbox, so I had to go there after dropping Skippy off. Mel Shoffner joined me after the bowling fiasco and we talked and watched the Pacers loose by 4 to the Cavs. We were planning on a couple of commiseration toasts and a quick trip home when we walked in, the Game was just in the fourth quarter, and the place was not very crowded (yet). At one of the tables was Erika Embrey and "Stinky" Steve Sumpin'er other, along with their friend Peg and two other gals I was not introduced to. Erika was her usual decibel spiking self at times and they were obviously pleased with the flow of the evening. After a few outbursts the auditory system begins to adjust, like living next to a truck stop, fire station or airport I'm sure. After the rest of party thinned out Mel and I talked to Steve and Erika for a bit. I took a couple of pictures, one with Erika in her burqa (she's dating a middle eastern man), and the one that will haunt me for the rest of my days! I offered to buy Erika a drink after the night of the living dead photo, just to ensure I could leave with brain matter intact. She said, "Aw, Hell no, I've been here since I got off work!, But thanks (I could use a tasty brain snack though)." Nick Wiesinger at the bar said of the photo, "When I eventually get off work I was supposed to get some sleep, now I don't know if I can. Thanks Man, thanks a whole lot"
Chuck Pace ©2006
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The new facade at IMA. Chuck Pace ©2006
Yesterday I met up with my old Herron Art School friend Mike Bir. Mike is a designer at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and has been there for 16 1/2 years. He showed me around a little, and we talked about old times and friends and had a good time and lunch. It is good to catch up from time to time. I hadn't been to the Museum in several years and I am glad to say the remodel had made it look fresh, new and vibrant again. Underground parking has allowed for a more pleasing landscape in front of the new front as well. Very nice.

Tonight the Four Get It crew go back into the trenches to try to stay out of the gutters. With 13 weeks remaining we have to get as many points as possible each night and get ourselves out of the dregs. It can be done. Chuck Pace ©2006

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Team Chatterbowlers were at it again last night. It appears that no one is safe when we bowl on Wednesday. At least not the Pond's ( the very nice family that was in second place to us going into the second night of competition.) I had a 533 series, Rich missed a 600 by three pins, and had a spectacular 236 1st game. Zack Pond, a high school junior (I think) with a 181 average entering the league and I both missed 200 games by one pin, and Rich missed a second 200 game by 2 pins. After the balls were back in the returns and the pins reset, the smoke cleared and we took all 7 points for the second week in a row. We reside in the lofty tower of 1st place 5 points ahead of 2nd place Fireballs. The Foul Language guys are in third a full 7 point behind us, ad we bowl against them next week. I'm not talking trash here but we are going to USE Foul Language next week, baby! (O.K. I was talking trash, but in a friendly competitive sort of talking trash way. ) Maybe we can all just get along, and have a good time, and the points won't matter (oops, channeling evil blonde beauty pageant spirits, maybe it has something to do with the alley ghosts photo above!), Screw that, we will prevail at all costs!

Not much else happened yesterday. I went to lunch with Rich and Mike Wilson at Giorgios, and ran some errands, including picking up "Cell", the new Stephen King, and "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" by Michael Chabon. Remember I buy books quickly, I read them slowly, so don't expect a review any time soon on the King. I'm still reading a couple of other books right now anyway, with a dozen back to hold me over until the next frenzy!

Chuck Pace ©2006
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Bowling Action at the Sport Bowl. 1/6/06. Chuck Pace ©2006

Jenni and I had an interesting day yesterday. Monday night the Truck flooded, and would not start when we left the Chatterbox, so yesterday morning Jenni and I drove in together, still couldn't get the cursed thing to start and ended up having it towed into Goodyear, for diagnostic and recharging. They got it to start, and found nothing else wrong so I gave them $129.00 and we drove back the the Chatterbox for (and as) a couple before home and then bowling. It started fine both times. Brandon and Jessica were at Box, Brandon told me that Travis is there every time he is, so I waited a few minutes to see Liz and Travis, and indeed they did show. They were house hunting again. (I don't know how you get a permit to hunt houses, or what you 'bag' them with, but I know it's expensive. Really expensive. )

Bowling: Last night of the Tuesday Night 10 for 10 bowling league. We have 3rd place sewn up if we win one game. In comes Foul Language again. Theses guys are on a mission. With their big handicap they spank us poor Chatterbowlers soundly in game one 923 to 803! (This while I bowled a 204 and David A. bowled a 186). Their team bowled 175 pins over average, we bowled 40 over and got smoked. Game two was my worst, 27 pins under average, but we won that one by 4 pins and last game by over a hundred pins, but still lost series by 6 pins. I've never seen a team bowl the way they did in the first game. By the 7th frame Rich and I started calling them Pod People. We were pretty sure it was a body snatcher thing. Jeff Meko almost got his first ever 200 game, he had a X in the 9th, but couldn't follow with a mark in the 10th. It was a fun night.
The foul language crew is on the Wednesday night 10 for 10 also, like us they have their core of 3 regulars, and a different 4th. We don't play them this week, but will twice in the league, probably. We are in 1st place in this new league. They are in a 2 way tie for 2nd with the Pond's team we play tonight. I will (obviously) keep you posted.

Chuck Pace ©2006
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Travis, the perennial gamer showed up at the Chatterbox last night right after I put a down payment on a piece of Artwork I'm purchasing from Flux Gallery. He was rested and relaxed since he did not have a day of house hunting under his belt. He did get to experience a bridal shop first hand over the weekend though. (Isn't it ironic that the term bridal is used to describe the hardware that keeps a horse in check and under control, and to reign in a husband?) He gave us some details about the future wedding plans, but I think it's too early to share that info just yet. It was a small Men's Club crowd last night, and a short outing, with just Ed, Mel, Jenni, Travis and I there representing. Jack Green (an original luddite) was there bashing technology, and computers, and Kay and Jody F. were at the bar which was being expertly tended by Miss Deanne. I didn't ask Travis, but we all assumed Liz was trifling with truffles and chocolates yet again since she is the Best Chocolate in Town Girl. Putting the squeeze on Little Buddy: Chuck Pace ©2006

In the next few days I'll be putting together the beginnings of the next Nascar Fantasy League season. I will invite all the regular players back, plus some new faces too. Mike Wilson is trying to recruit some Good Ol' Boys and Gals from his ranks to join as well. With any luck we'll have close to twenty gamers this year. It promises to be fun.

My iTunes affiliate link is up and operational now, so you should get your music through that. Like Rick Moranis', The Agoraphobic Cowboy, which I mentioned the other day, you can go to the song I mentioned I Ain't Goin' Nowhere" from the sidebar link. Hey it' s hilarious and under a buck, try some buy some. Meenie Minie Moe Some, Pop Music!

Note: Reading through the comments I found out that I had made an error on the "Nuther Friday Foller Up" post and have corrected the misinformation.

Chuck Pace ©2006
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New Billboard of Mass Appeal on the side of a certain establishment. Chuck Pace © 2006

I sat here most of the day yesterday. In front of this computer. I added an iMix in ITunes. I updated the Mention Meter. I tried several variations of addresses and links to get the mention meter logo to show up, and I generally wasted hours. What I didn't come up with was something to post. I think if I were Phil I'd probably have something figured out. Since he's going to Vegas with Ed Kackley to play and watch "his" Steelers in "The Big Game!" No, I don't think he would have problems posting something today.

Tonight I'm supposed to make a down payment on some Art at a certain establishment I have been know to frequent. I'm not naming names, because everything is in Flux right now. Tomorrow I have to pick up the new Stephen King book "Cell" at Borders and then attend the last Chatterbowlers 10 for 10 Tuesday outing, Wednesday is our second 10 for 10 in that league, where we have sole possession of first place. I have Thursday off, and plan on going to the IMA to look at some Art and have lunch with Mike Bir, who works there. Friday is another bowling night. Saturday I have to work, and Sunday I'll most probably stare into this CRT again and wonder about the insignificance of one person and the vast indifference of the heavens.

If something interesting doesn't happen soon I may just copy and paste this post five times this week.

Chuck Pace ©2006
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Yesterday was a quiet Saturday. I didn't have go to work. Jenni didn't have to work. I worked on the site for a while, did the mention updates that will post when I upload today's blog and read and deleted some e-mails. (I still haven't figured out the foibles of the mention button graphic.)

Yesterday was an old friends day as well. Jenni an I got together with Rob and Marsha Drennen at the The Old Spaghetti Factory downtown. We both went to Herron with Rob in the late 70's early 80's, and I shot Rob and Marsha's wedding 20 years ago. We had to hook up because I needed to return the memory card I borrowed with the photographs from their son's Chris's wedding. In september I photographed that wedding. (I don't like to do weddings, but I did this one, and I don't charge my friends for the disservice, just in case it is just that.) I did the wedding just about a week before I launched my weblog/site. I asked to get the card back so that I could possibly put some of the images on the site at a later time. One of the images I wanted to post was a shot of Tyler, Chris' "son" and the ring bearer at the event. This was a total candid shot, taken while the groomsmen were trying to decide how they wanted the next official shot. I include it here. Cute kid, eh?

Need another reason why yesterday was an old friends day? Jenni has gotten back in touch with one of her best and lifelong friends Marsha Hunt, after a 20+ year absence, she sent an e-mail after finding her on ClassMates.com. Didn't hear back for a couple of days then sent another. Finally, word back, then a rapid fire exchange of e-mails and photos and catching up. Jenni was crying when she got the first reply. It was very touching and I was happy to see them re-united through the ethernet. Someday I will meet Marsha I'm sure. I've not been everywhere, man, I've never even been to Tucson. Who knows?

Speaking of Tucson and the Wild West. Brock sent me an iTunes recommendation yesterday that was right up my alley pardner's, truly funny and well conceived. Of Course I bought it. Rick Moranis, The Agoraphobic Cowboy, with a side splitting "I Ain't Goin' Nowhere" parody of Johnny Cash's "I've Been everywhere". When I get my iTunes affiliate link on my site I'm goin' to recommend it to all my friends. So wait 'til then to get it, friends.

Chuck Pace ©2006
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What the hell is wrong in this picture? Chuck Pace ©2006

Well, last night should have been a much better night at the bowling arena. Our opponents were short handed to begin with. Missing one of the bowlers, and another was ill and did not bowl the last game. So we should have had a clear advantage. Four Get It won the first game by 24, then the Once in a While team kicked in and beat us by 32 in game two. We trailed the entire third game, but closed in to "Striking Distance" by the tenth frame, The two remaining bowlers on that team had superb games, one 26 pins over average, the other 19 over. But both were open in the tenth. Then Rich spared then opened too, I had to get 26 pins to tie, and only then because I was following a spare. First ball. Strike. Second. Strike, pressure is on, the other team is all looking, One of them says keep it between the gutters and you got us. Well that's easy to say, but I had just had two consecutive frames (the 7th and 8th) where I got 6 pins on the first ball, so my delivery had started to go from fatique. I knew it was not a given. Third ball, I had to wait for the bowlers on the next lane over, stood there concentrating, then winged the ball down, slightly off my mark, but good enough to take 9 pins out and a 3 point victory. If Rich had converted two marks in the tenth we probably would have taken series, as it was we only lost that by 5 pins. Still a good outing for the crew. Mel was over her average by about as much as Ed was under his so that was a wash. Rich and I were both comfortably over our averages which are almost the same. I had a 512 series to beat Rich's 511. I also won two of the three "card games, with Rich taking the second "preordained" card game with a hand tailored especially for him across the river Styx. Then there is the Side Pots. There is a "Strike Pot" that you can get into for a $1.00, with my average I can miss 3 out of 14 required strikes for the evening. You have to let the front desk know if you are still "in" by the end of the second game, I've never had to let them know I was still in until last night. I told our team president Sue Riley that I would probably blow it in the 2nd frame of game three, after I informed John at the counter that I was in. She gave me a blessing, and said I'd be fine. But I was wearing a blessing teflon Hawaiian shirt apparently, because I did indeed go "out" on that frame by missing the required strike. Still I had 15 strikes for the evening. So call it a night right?
Eddie studies the lay of the table. You're stripes, Ed. Chuck Pace ©2006

Pam Walker and Maddie Tucker both showed up during the third game to watch us barely prevail, so after the contests were completed uncontested we had to choose between the Chatterbox or a nearby bar with pool tables and dart machines. I didn't really want to go downtown again, neither did Maddie, so darts or pool was the conclusion. The bar was packed when we arrived, with a party going on by and in front of two of the three dart machines, so darts was out of the question. Of the seven pool tables, 5 were taken and two out of commission. After ten minutes of deliberation Maddie decided to go home, the rest of us decided to finish our drink and follow suit, but then a table opened up and I claimed it. I won the first three games before surrendering the table, it was only Ed, Rich and I shooting, Pam and Mel were watching from anear. In all I won 6 games, Ed 1 and Rich 5 before I left. So I left a winner there too.

At work on Friday? Not much, happening just Lightnin' complaining that Rich wins at everything he gets involved in. I guess Lightnin' forgot that Travis won the inaugural Mention Meter competiton. Lightnin' should remember that, he snuck into the award presentation photo. If Lightnin had been at the bowling alley or pool hall he would have been cheering for me, because I beat Rich in series. I also took a Soda bath at lunch when Jenni and I joined Rich and Wilson at Penn Station. Now I'll always wonder if I shouldn't pour Pepsi down the front of my pants and into my leadoff sock four hours before I bowl, just to get that extra edge? Nah, I'm not superstitious. Not at all. No really. Tomorrow I will tally the Mention Meter again, to see if Wilson (seen modeling a Fry goatee), Lightnin' and Travis have closed any ground on the leaders.

Chuck Pace ©2006
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Youth is swerved: Richicihh and Mike at the Store: Chuck Pace ©2006

Thursday was not very busy business wise(Static) . But a very busy day info and activity wise. We had an (almost) all employee meeting on the floor to find out that Konica-Minolta are throwing in the towel in the camera ring. They will cease to be a camera manufacturing interest in a couple of months. Sony will take over the lens mount and service conserns, and the line will obviously change. (I had always thought that Olympus would crash and burn first). We also found out that Phil Gibson will be taking the floor manager position in February. Want irony? Dave Edelstein left just over a year ago as floor manager (and much more), to be replaced by Ken Paquin who is back on the retail floor that he is not managing. Last year after Dave left to start his own business we heard from a guy that was the first camera department manager, but moved on and away just under 6 years ago. Yesterday after the announcement of the Phil Meal Deal, that very same guy, Bruce K. walked into the store, and shot the breeze in, around and out of the sails. He is in town for the anniversary of his father's passing and meeting up with sister and brother. Speaking of guys at work, another guy at work was talking to K,k,k,ken about things 70's which brought mention of Lava Lamps. This other guy at work has a pension for taking the words of just about any song and unintentionally getting them just slightly wrong. Which spurred me to immediate action. Composing a parody of Lotta Love by musical genuis Neil Young.


LAVA LAMP

It’s gonna take a lava lamp
To change the way things are.
It’s gonna take a lava lamp
Or we won’t get too far.

So if you look in my new rec, room
And you don’t poster eyes,
My room needs a black light
And so do i.

It’s gonna take a lava lamp
To get me thru this night.
It’s gonna take a lava lamp
To make this room look right.

So if you aren't out there waitin’
I 'll see you at the Spencer Gift store
’cause I need a rocking wave lamp’
And bead curtains for sure.

Gotta lava lamp
Gotta lava lamp

It’s gonna take a lava lamp
To change the way things are.
It’s gonna take a lava lamp
And fuzzy dice for my old car.

It’s gonna take a lava lamp
To change the way things are.
It’s gonna take a lava lamp
Or I won’t get too far

After the composing of that new master, I went to the Chatterbox to talk to my cronies about all things of consequence. The participating cronies were Travis and Liz (I had not seen Liz in 2006, foul play was again suspected), Mike Wilson, Rich Culy, Ed Sipes, I called Pam Walker as I was driving (suspecting that she would already be there, no so, not yet) and not long after I arrived Jenni and Rebecca walked in. Matt Theobald was at the bar talking to Fred and Jane was there talking to bar maiden/goddess Alysha when I arrived. Matt told me to check my e-mail (Go Colts. eh Matt) as I walked back toward the juke box and my waiting friends. The crowd soon thinned like Bruce Willis' hair and it was just Ed and I reading the closed captions to Smallville scored to a live jazz soundtrack provided by Frank Glover and Claude Sifferlen. Just after I tabbed out and the episode was coming to a close John David walked in and asked the penultimate question, "What's Up." My time soon as tis show is over I retorted (I had been torting with Ed during the commercials). And my day came to a close. I drove home to see and be with my lovely wife and all is well in slap-happy land. I have a home to drive to. Travis and Liz are in the hunt for a house and were bone weary at the box last night. I advised Travis to get a home with a potential (and future) theatre in it, so we can all come over there for Nascar Parties. At one point Rebecca (Kinetic) was smoking two fresh cigarettes at once, we thought the drinking was the only thing she does two fisted. HA. That's her hand and another mention. (Those are probably Virginia Slims not Mempthol's.)

I never heard of Batdorf and Rodney until Mike Wilson loaned me their albums. (most of you probably haven't, mores the pity). I still have my musical ignorance and limitations too.
Chuck Pace ©2006
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Transporter Malfucntion (Grignak, Grignak): Chuck Pace ©2006


"Something So Right", Paul Simon

When something goes wrong
I'm the first to admit it
I'm the first to admit it
But the last one to know
when something goes right
Well it's likely to lose me
It's apt to confuse me
It's such an unusual sight
I can't get used to something so right
Something so right

Some of you probably know this as a Annie Lennox song. Well it's true she recorded it, beautifully too I might add, but it is was and is a Paul Simon Song. The words say it all.

Visions In Blue: The Snow (only) at my house yesterday. Chuck Pace ©2006

We started another 10 for 10 bowling league last night. The team name is the same as the Tuesday league. Chatterbowlers. There are 5 teams in this league. We bowled unopposed last night. The line-up is almost the same as the Tuesday one. David Beuke (instead of David Andrichik), Wil Andrichick, Rich Culy and myself. (I start with a 142 average). We did well enough that we should be tied for first place (some of the teams are going to have massive handicaps to start out with, I'll say). Next Tuesday we bowl our last game on that 10 for 10 league. Win or lose in that league we will be 3rd.

Time's up for this post. Later peeps. We Go.

"The Song (We Go)" Ultravox 1983.
Welcome to..
Welcome to..
Welcome to the song.

Hear the words of the syncopated rhythms.
Welcome to the song.
And when it calls you, time to move on.
We go!

(Chorus)

Feel the strength of a hundred thousand heartbeats,
Cry welcome to the song.
And as it lifts you, time to move on.
We go!

(Chorus)

Drawn from the inside,
Time to move on.

We go!
We go!

Mike Wilson never heard of Ian Dury and has probably never heard of Ultravox either, (most of you probably haven't, mores the pity).
Chuck Pace ©2006
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Ever wonder why you got out of bed in the first place? What was (or is) the point? I do, and often. But I always find a reason or at best get up to see if there might be a reason on the near horizon. I'll be honest, I don't grouse or complain on the "site" very much. I don't want to put that face forward. Most of my friends find me to be fun, happy and go lucky most of the time, (the forward face) my better friends (better for who, probably not them) have a smaller window to look through and see my psyche (f-ed up as that really is), and the lesser, real me. Tonight I'm going to sleep on the couch with my cloths on, so that I can take a little less time when I get up to decide my immediate future. I've already posted "I've got a Reason" on the site, about feeling "This Way" a Moon Martin song, but the relevance here is small. I thought I might go to Ian Dury, another obscure (in the U.S.) rocker who had lots of reason to be down, physical (crippled from childhood, by.. well, you figure it out) and otherwise, but always found an happier (although sometimes raunchy) outlet in music. Check out "Wake Up and Make Love To Me" or Superman's Big Sister" some time, or anything on Do It Yourself. This guy is (was) optomisticlly upbeat. Don't take my word for it, your ears might have an objective opinion, listen to Them for a change! When I'm Down....

"REASON TO BE CHEERFULL, PART 3": IAN DURY

Why don't you get back into bed
Why don't you get back into bed
Why don't you get back into bed
Why don't you get back into bed
Why don't you get back into bed
Why don't you get back into bed
Why don't you get back into bed
Why don't you get back into bed
Why don't you get back into bed
Why don't you get back into bed

Reasons to be cheerful part 3

Reasons to be cheerful, 1 2 3

Summer, Buddy Holly, the working folly
Good golly Miss Molly and boats
Hammersmith Palais, the Bolshoi Ballet
Jump back in the alley and nanny goats

18-wheeler Scammels, Domenecker camels
All other mammals plus equal votes
Seeing Piccadilly, Fanny Smith and Willy
Being rather silly, and porridge oats

A bit of grin and bear it, a bit of come and share it
You're welcome, we can spare it - yellow socks
Too short to be haughty, too nutty to be naughty
Going on 40 - no electric shocks

The juice of the carrot, the smile of the parrot
A little drop of claret - anything that rocks
Elvis and Scotty, days when I ain't spotty,
Sitting on the potty - curing smallpox

Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3

1 2 3

Reasons to be cheerful part 3

Health service glasses
Gigolos and brasses
round or skinny bottoms

Take your mum to paris
lighting up the chalice
wee willy harris

Bantu Stephen Biko, listening to Rico
Harpo, Groucho, Chico

Cheddar cheese and pickle, the Vincent motorsickle
Slap and tickle
Woody Allen, Dali, Dimitri and Pasquale
balabalabala and Volare

Something nice to study, phoning up a buddy
Being in my nuddy
Saying hokey-dokey, singalonga Smokey
Coming out of chokey

John Coltrane's soprano, Adi Celentano
Bonar Colleano

Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3

1 2 3
(Water Bubble, Water Bubble, Water Bubble, Water Bubble,)

Yes yes
dear dear
perhaps next year
or maybe even never

in which case

(awesome Chaz Jankel Sax Solo)

Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3

1 2 3

Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3

1 2 3
Reasons to be cheerful part 3

repeat to fade

As fun as that is to read, one cannot stay suicidal while listening to that music I swear.

Chuck Pace ©2006
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See, I figured out the multiple comment problem. See, I figured out the multiple comment problem. See, I figured out the multiple comment problem. See, I figured out the multiple

The Car. Chicks dig the car. That's got to be it! Chuck Pace ©2006
There was a plan. There was supposed to be Foul Language at the Chatterbox last night. Now I'm sure there was plenty of foul language at the Chatterbox last night. There was a "Clandestine Art" Purchase arranged. There was a little more commerce on the street. At Luna Maggie hooked up the hooked with their music fixes (I pulled up three more Talking Heads Dual Discs from the basement). A missing persons report was negated. Probably one of the least foul things to happen between 429 and 435 Massachusetts Avenue was the absence of Foul Language! Travis is alive and well, contrary to rumors and speculation. Jack Green was expounding on the benefits of hearing aids and hair envy (I think, I couldn't her him because of my hair was down over my ears). Mel was taking advantage of the mild weather to make or take a 20 minute phone call on the patio, Rebecca was replete in the finest chuckpace.com hoodie I've ever laid eyes on, and Kay was talking about the internet and giving backrubs. Travis was telling Rich and Ed about how he escaped from his captors and was glad to be on the right side of the law again (or was 24 playing n the background?). Jeff Barber delivered the lovely Rachel to the Chatterbox in the Corvair. Many other usual suspects, many notable absences too. Just another Night on the Avenue.

Jack, Kay, (Fat guy in a BMW hat)(ditto) Rebecca with upchuck on her hoodie! Chuck Pace ©2006

Chuck Pace ©2006

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Well one all consuming passion comes to an unfruitful end. But there are always other passions and hobbies to take ones mind off an upsetting end to an otherwise remarkable season. Congratulations to the Indianapolis Colts. Here's to "meaningful" games in the future.

Last time I was in Luna Music to see my friend Maggie Hilt we talked about 10 for 10 bowling leagues and what was happening at the box. Then she said, "I've got something for you, I think you probably need this." Quicker than I could remind her that I'm married and she's in a long term relationship she turned to the shelves behind her and came back with the newly re-mastered Talking Heads 77 dual disc. Yes, absolutely, Little Maggie, you do know what I need. This was and is one of my favorite Talking Heads albums, and the one that put the world on notice that music as we know it has a new face. David Byrne is a musical genius and I don't throw that term around to loosely. You can find loosely thrown terms at any street corner down town, if you are just looking to conjugate a little verbal action. This is more serious word play.

I'm almost done with the Bill Fizthugh book Radio Activity, in which the protagonist is a Program Director in a small, small market radio station in the south who finds himself embroiled in a missing persons mystery. etc... It is well written and researched from the musical side. Rick, the main character is in charge of changing over the station to a Classic Rock format. His first concern it to determine what "classic rock" is, to narrow down a start and end date. With the help of J.C. one of the jocks at WAOR they determine that the "last classic album" is the Band's The Last Waltz, that after that punk, new wave, hip-hop and other influences changed radio forever. Therefore true classic rock ends November 1976 (Then comes the Talking Heads, Ramones, Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, Moon Martin, Xtc, Depeche Mode Kate Bush, etc..., the music I got fresh when I was just starting to turn on my ears in High School and College). Fitzhugh make a good case for the album and the era of music it terminates. The beginnings, and their requirements are pretty good too. Like I said a well thought out book. Thanks to Kay Nienenthal for the book and the author recommendation.

Tonight is another Chatterbox night, and the Foul Language guys are supposed to make a guest appearance around 6:00 or 6:30, so we'll see what becomes of the day, the night and the broken hearted. I'll probably pop into Luna and say hi to my musical enabler there tonight too. Who knows maybe tonight Maggie will have what I really need (again).

Remember, read, listen and watch what you want. Don't let somebody else's opinions become your own. Be unique, it just might get you mentioned on the site.

"Breaker Breaker Good Buddy, you got your ears on?"
Chuck Pace ©2006
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Well Sports Fans, you've got to suspect that it's not going to be your day when you spill a $ 6.50 Butterface Ale before the game even starts. The Colts got closer than I felt they deserved, and even had a chance to force overtime at the end. They played dismally for over 2 1/2 quarters of a game that was officiated horribly, though the calls or lack of calls were equally awful on both sides of the ball. Indy failed to capitalize on penalties and missed calls because of poor execution and a very rattled Peyton Manning (8/15 91 yards in the first half). Pittsburgh was "screwed on a pass interference no call early on, and a reversal of an obvious interception by Polamalu late in the game. Still, Indy's inability to move the ball, and Pittsburgh's better game plan eventually forced a 46 yard Vanderjagt Field Goal attempt with 21 seconds left to tie for overtime. No good, wide right. Game.
The best parts of the day? The beer guy saying that Phil was really Buddy Holly, Phil wearing a Greg Lloyd jersey in honor of the devastating hit on Jim Harbaugh in the 1996 AFC Championship game (Jim and to have peices of a broken tooth removed from his lip before he returned to the game) or the Dirty Helen Ale I drank when I got home and didn't spill a drop of. Or is it Gary Brackett forcing a Jerome Bettis fumble which Nick Harper ran back to the Pittsburgh 42 that got the Colts their (failed) FG attempt. (I think its the beer, I only had about an ounce of the game beer pre-spill).
I don't know if Danielle's is funny to anyone else, but her knife wielding skills had Nick in stitches for the whole game. What would have happened if Nik had been able to run at peak speed? Would Big Ben Rothlisberger have been able to catch him? Would he have gotten a few more much needed yards and aided Vanderjagt's attempt to tie the game? It's easy to speculate on what ifs, the real answers are the what happened, and what happened is the O- line allowed 5 sacks, Peyton was rattled in the post season (again) and despite two good drives in the final minutes of the game Indianapolis was outplayed. Pittsburgh deserves to move on to the AFC Championship in Denver next weekend.

A fuzzy Buddy Holly (hey he's been dead since February 3rd 1959) Chuck Pace ©2006

VS.
Indianapolis 18-Pittsburgh 21
"I'm not spending another $6.50, besides I'm on the wagon"
Chuck Pace ©2006
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Now I degrade into the classic raving sports nut. This is a good day to be that, this is the day that matters, the first one (of three) I hope. This is why you win 14 Games to get home field advantage through the playoffs. This is Football Fever. This is also when you find out if you need a bigger band wagon, or if its time to park the one you've got. This is where I have to comment that I've always been with the band.

I can pull out 52 of my old ticket stubs, show my Matt Bouza, Barry Krauss, Fredd Young, O.J. Anderson, Rohn Stark, Jack Trudeau, Ron Meyers, Ted Marchibroda, Jim Mora, Jevon Kearse, Chad Bratkze and Marvin Harrison autographs. (some of you may have gone, oh yeah, that old guy on the radio and Marvin, there were a couple of names I know, I see, Well, that' exactly right Baub). I could talk about how Meredith and I were in the audience for the very first taping of the Jim Harbaugh Show (he shook her hand and complimented her and she turned hot pink and was flushed for the entire drive home, she was nine years old, and commented on how handsome another man was other than her daddy was for the first time, and I came in second). How I went to the Airport when the Indianapolis Colts beat the Dolphins in Miami for the first time, or that I was in two Colts TV commercials in the mid- 90's. Show off the Blue horseshoe tattoo I've got just above my heart or the Jacket I bought in 1995 (I wear it daily during the non-summer months wether we're 1-15, 8-8 of 14-2 that football season). I have done all that, there's so much more, but I've got that out of the way. I could be on the field today assisting The Sporting News during the game (I've assisted for four games in the past decade plus, and been in the owners box for the Patriots game in 1993) but I passed on that I have to Cheer, and yell and go nuts at the game, I can't be working and not getting to soak up the experience, at least not for a Playoff Game! Jeff Moore is getting to assist on the Field today.
Phil Gibson (in a Steelers Jersey, jacket and hat) andI (True Blue to my toes) will be in section 112, row 28 seats 5 and 6 enjoying and screaming and being Fans today and everyday! Here's to needing a bigger wagon. I'll return to do a follow up and Mention Meter update after the game.

VS.
1:00 PM: Indianapolis vs. Pittsburg
"I'd like a cold one even though I'm on the wagon"
Chuck Pace ©2006
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Team "Four Get It" and Pam Walker Trying to Forget it. Chuck Pace©2006

Wow! So, as much as nothing much happened the rest of the week I had a full friday to post about. First work was as slow as an armadillo on an interstate, but there were other factors to contribute to my day. I had a 2 hour "lunch" while I took the wife to the dentist to get a denture repaired (or smoothed over) and when I got back I was tentatively offered a Colts ticket for Sundays big match-up with , um... the guys in Yellow and black, um.. you know the ones the don't have a logo on both sides of their helmets. Anyway, Phil Gibson (the most ravenous Steelers fan I know, and a Colts fan too) and I are "probably" going to the AFC Divisional Playoff game at 1:00 PM tomorrow.

Then there was... ...the pin action last night at the Sport Bowl. Here Rich Culy wanted me to let it known that he alone is responsible for our losing all three games! That of course is tripe, it is a team game, and we all shoulder the burden of the losses (or at least that's the official party line). Rich did have a sub-parr outing, and later at the box sat with a wine bottle in his hands to defend himself against the rest of the team, lest we Four Get It! . Ed was also sub-parr, but Rich is the Rat Bastard what brought us down (actually Rich just wanted to be mentioned more than the other sub-parr bowler to break some tie?). Mel had a stellar evening knocking down 36 pins over her league average series. I too had a stellar evening, 39 pins over series average, and a 194 high game.

After the drubbing at the hands of the merciless Sloppy Strikers took its toll on us we needed (Rich, Ed and Pam the Cheerleader at least, Mel and I didn't cause the losses) to revive our spirits by adding, what else, spirits. On the way to the Box I go a hold of John Bragg, who had only hours before in the ghost town camera store invited me to McNivens for a Smidd-icks, I told him then I was to become a bowling icon but would call later. Anyone (male) who knows John wants to be John. He travels the world, photographing all manner of things, shoots beautiful photos of even more beautiful women and just seems to generally have more fun than the rest of us. You would expect to see John in the company of a Fox just about any time he's out. Last night was no exception. I met his friend Matt Fox last evening (Matt bears a striking resemblance to another Roberts customer) and we all talked about how great it would be to be John. As that started to get really depressing, I trotted up the Avenue to join the Chatterbox gang, already in progress. Another Chatterbox regular, Matt Theobald was enjoying his 36th birthing anniversary. I heard a non-regular female patron of "fairer hair" say to Matt, "You were born on Friday the Thirteenth?, Ohh." I attempted to explain that his birthday falls on Friday the 13th just about once every eleven years, but that was way to many two digit numbers for her to process. (Like, that's like, you know, being born on leap year or sumpin,' right? Ouch my, um brain is, you know, buzzin') Happy birthday Matt.

Has anybody seen Travis DiNicola recently? Seriously.


1 More Day until Indianapolis vs. Pittsburgh
'Nuther round fer me Friends please, mum"
Chuck Pace ©2006
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Something almost unthinkable happened to me yesterday. I left my digital camera at home. I have no photographic proof that I existed yesterday after I posted to my sight. Mind you, I still had a mini tripod in my jacket pocket just as if there might be an event unfolding in my presence where a mini tripod would have some functional use (other than jacket Balast). There may be witnesses out there who can confirm my existence one calendar day removed, but will they? No it's all coming back to me, another dismal retail day indistinguishable from so many others played buffer to my visit to "The Box" where I had two Guinness' with Ed and Pam. (Again, no camera. Sorry Pam). Then after I mentioned Smithwick's (with a W) Imported Irish Ale, I was able to convince Pam and Ed to join me at McNiven's for a pint of the frothy goodness, and a fine meal as well. At home while this was all taking shape was the lovely missus .com, none other than my wife Jenni, taping Smallville for my later perusal. I arrived home only minutes after the episode ended, but have not had the time to view it yet. Probably Saturday after football, or Sunday after Football. Since I had not one pixel with me to share with you I have decided to give you the next best thing, one of David, my son-in-laws photo's he e-mailed to me on the missing day (pixel -wise). Funny coincidence, David called me as I was partaking in my second Guinness at the Chatterbox and asked me if I thought he would enjoy a Guinness, I said most assuredly my boy, with all possible haste. Sadly, the establishment he was in had no pressure with which to expel the heady brew out of tap and into legend, and he had to settle for a lesser beverage. With which I let him go about his business and resumed mine. Well I've got a guest picture and a short post (I can neither confirm or deny that at this time Senator). What else did you expect?


Shortwave Tower In B&W: David Hightshoe ©2006

2 Days until Indianapolis vs. Pittsburgh
I'll have another just like the other.
Chuck Pace ©2006
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"I shall watch over all this" Skippy of Nazereth: Ivan Berkenstock ©2005

Yesterday Lightnin' from the back counter had his household doubled. Abigail and Avery Churchill were delivered of Nanci and Scott Churchill, Abigail at just over 6 lbs. and Avery just over 7 lbs. are welcomed into the extended Roberts Distributors family. I expect Skippy will be watching over the Rental and back counter for a few days while mother and twins are in the hospital, Scott should sleep from now until say Saturday straight (bank those hours, they will be few and far between my Young Jedi! Precious will your sleep be, yes).

Baked Potatoes? No Buns fresh from the oven! Scott Churchill ©2006
Congratulations to the Churchill's. I will post a photo as soon as I get home from work tonight. (Scott sent one to the store, but I didn't forward it last night, ooops!, and don't bother checking Scott's blog, it wasn't here this morning (yet?).

Other than that little bit of excitement, and awww, inspiring news, (after three PM) yesterday was about as dead as you can get in a retail environment. (I thought we would have to breath into the oxygen masks that fall from the ceiling the environment got so thin!)

Other than a few impeccably timed humorous e-mails to keep the inmates from stir, the baby news, and just a handful of customers, it looked like solitary confinement for the entire asylum!

For Scott: I'll be adding the What's Upchuck slogan to some baby merchandise at my CafePress site real soon (with twins you'll be able to give the definitive answer to this age old question in no time I'm sure). Give my best to Luke and Leia, er... Avery and Abigail, see you next week. Sleep Now!

(Twin Helmets, aren't they cute?)
3 Days until Indianapolis vs. Pittsburgh
Same again! Please.
Chuck Pace ©2006
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Once again I'm compelled to go to the Elvis Costello Bible to put the past away. Apparently I bruised someone by not adding them to the Mention Meter before I mentioned them, since I had listed 4 people that I expected to be mentioned sooner or later in the quarter as Zero's, the affected party felt he (or she) was "less than zero". I apologize unreservedly for this unintentional slight and have gone to great length to discern whom I may have bruised and applied a mention poltice, I even may have mentioned the person in a recent post. I did an emergency update on the MM instead of waiting (for the end if the world) until the weekend. So let's talk about the future, now that I've put the past away. Now to the lyric in question.

"Less Than Zero", Elvis Costello, My Aim is True -1977 Track 9

He Said He Heard About A Couple
Living In The U.S.A.
He Said They Traded In Their Baby
For A Chevrolet.
Let's Talk About the Future;
Now We've Put The Past Away.

Turn up the T.V.
No One Listening Will Suspect.
Even Your Mother Won't Dectect It
So Your Father Won't Know.
They Think That I've Got No Respect.
But Everything Means Less Than Zero.
Hey, ohh Hey, Hey ohh Hey!

Other News: I went to the bowling alley last night even though I was still in the throws of a minor headache. My team "The Chatterbowlers" Won the first and last games and carried series. I started out well with a 190 and degraded each game there after. We play a variation of 5 card draw while we bowl, a spare gets one card, a strike two, follow a strike with another and you draw three. You have to discard so that you only hold 5 cards at a time. In the first game I had a Royal flush, (the highest possible hand in poker) after the 5th frame. I think the odds are 16000 to 1 of drawing to a Royal Flush. I also won the second game and David Andrichik got the third winning hand while bowling a 201. All in all it was a good night after a rough day. Jeff Meko and the guys from one of the other 10 for 10 teams are planning to come to the Chatterbox on Monday with their Foul Language, they think it will get them mentioned on the website and make them famous too. Actually they just want to see the place I write about so often and have a frosty cold one (or two) who can blame them for that? Their team name is, you guessed it Foul Language, and I don't use foul language on my site, but it really is Foul Language, none the less.


4 Days until Indianapolis vs. Pittsburgh
Same again! Please.
Chuck Pace ©2006
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Sunday's Three Rose for the Woman who haunts my dreams. Chuck Pace ©2006

Yesterday was so dead in the store that Phil rearranged and cleaned the video charger area, I restocked ink and batteries and others did similar cleaning tasks. I had a few customers including Kevin May from Peoria who made a large purchase and saved my day. I also had time to check my e-mail and I got one from former co-worker Brock Kingsley (who got over the wall when the guards weren't looking). Looks like things are going o.k. in OH. I also got an e-mail from Sarah, who says her sequel Sophie Mae is keeping her really busy. She promised to bring the progeny in when it is a little warmer. I can't wait. Leigh Braunsdorf (also an escapee, those guards aren't worth their pay) of Style Photography was also in the store for a reunion of sorts with her friend Aleana who moved to Texas over a year ago and is now back. So it was an eventful if slow day. I also bought a necklace that I special ordered for Jenni to go with the Saphire and white gold Anniversary Ring I got her.
Don't look now Ed. Chuck Pace © 2006
Then there was a stop at the Chatterbox where I was over served (completely my fault Deanne and Nicci did not bring one Corona I didn't order) and ended up getting completely Brocked. I still have a headache even now 19 hours after getting home. I couldn't go in to work today with the cross-eyed sledge hammerer pounding on my cerebral cortex so I called in half-dead. I will mak it up by working my day off, which is Thurdsay. The term Brocked came from Bob Summers I think, before the calming influence of Ms. Jessica Zeller Mr. Kingsley was want to imbibe just a little more than a non-Irish desendant would find acceptable on his visits to said Chatterbox. Ed, Mel, Rebecca, Jenni, Rich and Mike Wilson were among the early cajolers and John David made an appearance before Jenni (the smart one) left. I apoligize to my diligent fans who have checked the site 16 times today already looking for inspiration and guidence in these troubled times. Have a good evening and a better tomorrow. I'll be right as rain by then.

5 Days until Indianapolis vs. Pittsburgh
I'll have another while I'm waitin'
Chuck Pace ©2006
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Can it already be the second Monday of 2006? There are a lot of songs that deal with Monday, and not to many are optomistic. Now that there's no Monday Night Football I can understand. But...

This last weekend I watched a lot of football. Four Playoff games. Four teams advance, four go home. Just that simple, I don't have to do a 5 minute John Madden diatribe here about how the elimination process works, do I? Now here's two teams see, and this is a playoff game see, so these two teams, these 90 players, see, ...nah.
In a nutshell, it's the Chin again! Pittsburgh comes to Indy next Sunday for a 1:00 kickoff.

Yesterday I didn't post anything. I didn't go to the Chatterbowl event either. I spent much of the day with Jenni. I bought her The Sunday Chicago Tribune, The Star, Roses and a Card. I made my pork chops for dinner and we watched a little Football. She had a hair appointment at 11:00 AM and wasn't back home until just before 1:00 PM. After the first half of the NFC wild card game I put the play-by-play of Eli and the Giants getting destroyed on the laptop and we watched The Brothers Grimm, directed by Terry Gilliam. After The Brothers Grimm she had to run to a former co-workers house and deliver a painting. By the time she returned the chops were done and we ate, just Jenni, Dirty Helen and I. I picked Dirty Helen up at a grocery store last week and we became fast friends. She reminds me of Honey Brown, whom I haven't seen since David kicked her out of the Chatterbox years ago. Then there was the AFC game. Like I said it's the Chin again.
Now I mentioned Monday songs, and I know a lot of Monday Morning quarterbacks too. I think the chorus of this song works for both (out of context of course).

Monday Morning: The Church, 1990

Oh, Monday Morning
The Cracks Become Quite Clear
Oh, Monday Morning
Take Me Back Leave Me Here

Chuck Pace ©2006
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I got up late this morning because I can. Jenni is out and about for a few hours so I've been importing Rickie Lee Jones albums into iTunes for a little over two hours, scanning the images from the CD's (if they are better than the ones on Amazon) and listening as I go. Now most people might think I would like (or hate) 1979's Rickie Lee Jones self titled album best because of "Chuck E's in Love" (the entire album is excellent) but for song writing genius and emotional content I will always favor 1981's Pirates. There are two songs on Pirates that make me very sad, and at times can make me weep openly (and you thought I used to get teased about Chuck E?). If you like female singer songwriters or the song "Chuck E's in Love" but don't own any Rickie Lee Jones I would say the first purchase should be 1995's Naked Songs (Live and Acoustic) this is a greatest hits (first 6 albums) of sorts and is a phenomenal collection of song performances. A lot of Rickie's later work has been covers of various periods, styles and genrés of music, from Johnny Mercer, Sammy Cahn and George and Ira Gershwin to Walter Becker and Donald Fagen (Steely Dan), David Bowie, Marvin Gaye, Marty Balin (Jefferson Airplane), Jimi Hendrix, Lennon and McCartney and Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi (Traffic). Two albums Pop Pop (1991) and It's Like This (2000) are all covers. These albums and a couple others will be added to the Interests and recommendations music page as well. I will try to update this info every couple of months so the Leonard Zelig's among us can know what to watch, read or listen to, and to let others know what I enjoy.

Other News: I promised a "Four Get It" update, and I always try to keep my promises. Last night we faced the Copies Plus team who were holding down the #8 position in league. We've managed to maintain last place for a couple of weeks now, no mean task I might add. Well as is befitting a last place team we were beaten by 54 points in game one, largely on the shoulders of the guy who shut his bowling hand index finger in a car door two days earlier (though the two first game Parrot Bay and Coke's did take the throb out by game 2) and carries a 154 average but only scored 136. Game two ended in heroic fashion as I the anchor bowler need 18 pins to tie or 19 to win the game, I spared the first two frames then got the necessary 9 to win by 1 point, finishing with 187. (What finger, what car door?) For the final game Ed and Mel both had their lowest pin counts of the evening and Jeff (Skippy) Barber fell 9 pins below his average, while I, bolstered by a good second game and a non-throbbing primary right digit promised a 200 game to finish. "Go ahead then," said Mel, so I did this,
X X X 7/ 7/ X X X X 9- for a 231 (opening in the 10th frame kept me from getting a clean game)! We still lost the game by 31 pins and series by 84 once again rigourously defending last place in League. After this mixed emotional outcome the only thing left to do was go to the Flux Gallery for the "Closing" of Nicci Herrin's show with Ed, Skippy and Pam Walker who game to the bowling alley to watch us lose the final game. There were three paintings there I wished I could buy to go with the one I bought last year at the first ever show at Flux (an artist collaboration show), but not being financially healed (I've shut my metaphorical billfold in the car door too many times) I had to pass, besides Jody Frick and Mike Lamm have first dibs on two of the three I wanted. I did get a great three second shot of Skippy's Corvair through Deanne's Fluxing window though!
Three Second Corvair: Chuck Pace ©2006

Chuck Pace ©2006
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That's right one more day and I can get back to trying to figure out the mention meter graphics reluctance to actually appear on my sight (tomorrow I will have the first weekend tallying of the points. I know several people will be checking in to see that).

This being Friday it is also Bowling Night on our "Serious" League. Rich will not be in attendance tonight because of his family's late Christmas get together I mentioned earlier in the week. Jeff Barber will be subbing for Rich tonight. Ed Sipes will be using one of Joe George's bowling balls tonight since Joe has left them in my custody while he resides in Florida, Ed had some success using one of Rich's bowling balls the other night that is drilled the same as Joes. I will be reporting on the outcome of this experiment. This will be the first time I try to guide a ball since I closed my index finger in the car door. Yesterday at work I took a #7 dremel bit and drilled two small holes in the base of the nail to relieve the swelling and pressure. Now the finger is almost useable. I'll be pointing and winking like Buddy C, from Dogma without hesitation now.

Highway: Carolyn Wineinger 10/25/2003

Yesterday I was able to make a customer and friend very happy. Carolyn Wineinger has been coming into Roberts all 18+ years I've been working there. Recently she had some file corruption issues (that is common with windows users) and brought in three CF cards that no one else could recover images from. I was able to pull a couple hundred images off the cards, delete the completely crashed ones and burn them to a CD. The images were very dear to Carolyn. Shots of here 10 year old white German Shepherd Highway who passed away recently, she was very appreciative of the "rescue" and I was once again glad I work where I do and can make somebody's day every once in a while.

Wish me luck at the Bowling alley. See you all soon.

Chuck Pace ©2006
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On December 14th, the day of the annual sing-a-long at the Chatterbox there was a very notable absence. Big Guy Bill Brooks, writer, publisher, pun-ist (I'm reluctant to say humorist) and overall good guy was not in attendance (and I've never seen him in overalls either). In fact he was barely visible on Beaujolais Nouveau night, but last night it was clear (though he was opaque) that he was back over the weather he was under for a considerable while. He was as spry as a sprung chicken.

I went to the Chatterbox to catch up with Rich and his brother Steve fresh in from Seattle and out for a late Christmas with the Culy possé in Hagerstown. I had hoped to see Travis at the "Box" too, but he was not in attendance, I wanted to chide him about the littany of Nittany Lion field goal attempts in overtime(s). But alas and alack, that will have to wait for better days. When I got to the "Box" Mel, Rich and Steve were already there talking to David Andrichik and Ed was just minutes behind. A few minutes later Pam arrived and we were able to hold an impromptu WNMC meeting. I was able to share my days misfortunes with the assembled (the disassembled rarely make it to the "Box" in one piece).

Yesterday didn't start out to well, I couldn't originally say why, but now I think I can put a finger on it. I was running a little late in the morning, and in my haste accidentally (who would do this on purpose?) shut my right index finger in the rear car door of the BMW after I got out my messenger bag for work. I've always admired the finish and fit of the German auto, and can attest first hand (so to speak) that there is less than an index fingers tolerance at the door seal of a 1986 535i. When I got in to work I needed a bandage to squelch the fount of finger folly, sadly there were none in the front and Rich, who keeps a supply on hand for Matt O'Brien was not in yet. I was lucky to get a Scooby Doo bandage from Rita (who has an eleven year old daughter) in our purchasing department and soon the flow was arrested. After work the day improved with just one Guinness so I headed home to watch The March of The Penguins with Jenni. For such a painful start the day had a very pleasant end. I can't wait to see how today shapes up. I'll keep you posted.

Chuck Pace ©2006
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Well, it started out innocent enough. Just another day. But by the time the day was over the innocence was nearly gone too.
Ed and I met Rebecca and Jenni at the Chatterbox for a couple of drinks. The plan was to then head home and set up the VCR to record the season premier of
Chatterbox Specials 8 second exposure. Chuck Pace ©2006

Scrubs. Which I would have to miss due to 10 for 10 league. Instead of that I started taking long exposure photos at the box, then on Mass avenue with my Sony 7.2 mega-pixel camera. Before long it was 7:30 and Jenni was heading home, I decided it would be pointless to go home, then head right out to the bowling alley in less than half an hour, so I stayed and took even more shots. Then I took some shots at the Sport Bowl, including one of Miss Maggie Rasdale, who was having her 22nd F-ing Birthday, Thank You! After we got our rear-ends handed to us, primarily by my lack of bowling skill (last night anyway) I stuck around and bowled a game with Ashley Steel, a 14 year old alley rat, who's father Randy works as a mechanic at the bowling alley. She beat me too, and worse, took three of my hard earned dollars gambling on strikes and pick-ups! I had predicted that I'd bowl my best and worst games of the year last night and I was right! By Midnight I had bowled four games and lost them all. Well, that's what happened. I'm sorry that I couldn't have picked up just 5 more pins in the last game for a win, but that's bowling. So I'm still as innocent, just a lousy bowler.

I noticed that the comment and track back info was missing on the windows computers at work yesterday, I think there must have been trouble at Haloscan or the server. We'll see how it looks today.

Chuck Pace ©2006
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Wow. This is computer stuff is hard. I worked on my mention meter all day yesterday. From 11:00am until 6:00pm when Mel called from the box to tell me that Mike McDaniels was there. Last year I called him and left a message that "The Wednesday Night Men's Club" would probably be there on Monday the 2nd. Well the consarned computer stuff had me miffed and mystified and I just forgot.

I designed the link button, and a header photo to show up in the sidebar (something I've failed at before, btw). So after designing those, and reading in "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creating a Web Page & Blog " tried to properly upload those to the server, where they promptly disappeared forever, they disapeared from the computer here and are not on ther server there. I even did a search by name in the Mac finder and got nothing, nada, zip. Just gone. Good thing I backed up these guys. The button images is a live link, it's just not in the side bar, where it becomes vaporware.

So Jenni and I went to the "Box" after all last night, got there around 6:20PM, and talked to Mel and Mike for a bit, then Rich showed up just after 7:00PM. I took my camera, but in my rush to get out , I left the memory card in my card reader, so there was no point in having a "lame" digital camera. "Ain't got no gas in it."

The juke box is working yet again, but #111 Otis Redding Sitting on the Dock of the Bay still will not play. There's still sorrow in single city. That starts with an "S: and that rhymes with "guess" so I guess it's time to replace come of the Singles in AMi.

So I start the New Year frustrated by the science of html and the internet again. But I will prevail! I promise. See you soon.

Chuck Pace ©2006
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So it's been over a day since anyone has heard from me. A rare absence from the blogosphere. Well, just like Christmas Day I took the holiday off. I was actualy very busy yesterday. Sat down in the chuckace.com World headquarters more than once trying to find a kernal of inspiration for the Day One blog, and ended up scrapiong the whole thing.
Yesterday for one of the few times in 22 years Jenni did not make any of the traditional "this will bring you luck" awful dishes for us to choke down or convert into noxious emmisions on the (now realized) 2nd day of the year! So perhaps our luck has changed after all.

Mentions, and shout outs:

Yesterday I planned to build an html icon and link to my Mensch-N-Meter but never got around to that either. This has been a very lazy self-serving 2006 for me so far, I've got to get back on the horse (only 27 more days of the Year of the Horse) and make someting of the year. I promise I will do just that. The Mention Meter will be up on tomorrows site, I'm energized now by my pledge to do something with the year, solipsism aside of course.

Just to let it be known, I haven't heard from any contestants except Rebecca M. and Hal Daniels since the advent of the Calendar reset. So there are your early leaders. Though I do have to mention that Rich, Ed, Jenni, Mel and Pam all went bowling with me on the 30th. Pam is much better at bowling than darts, at no time did the spheroid projectile come apart and have to be reassembled for the gaming to continue, nor did the projectile in question leave the prescribed gaming area. Not that this information effected the cadré of pins in the wedge at the other end of the lane much, as many of them were emboldened an refused to yeild to her efforts. I on the other hand bowled a rather nice 210 game one, to lead our troupe in pin emasculation Rich followed in a later with a 207, but in evenings pinfall I was the victor. Rebecca was in Georgia for the New Year, and/or driving back yesteday, Hal and Mary spent the New Year's eve babsiting a 2 month old grandbaby, and were awakend at 3AM by crying. I'm sure there were a lot of adults crying by 3AM new years day also Hal so don't sweat it. Is this really the wild crowd I hang with?

Take that pacifier and I'll punch you! Caroling on Christmas. Photos: Chris and Sarah McGee ©2005

That remark and Hal's experience is the perfect sequé to my next bit of news. My good friends Chris and Sarah McGee have gifted the world with a nearly perfect being. Sophie Mae was welcomed on December 8th, 2005. She's small, but she looks like the total package to me, Sarah. I can't wait to meet her in person. Congrats to the McGees.

Congrats to the Colts as well 14-2 with the best record in the NFL this season, Home field throughout the post season and a chance to grab destiny by the short ones!
GO COLTS!
** 14-2 **
Chuck Pace ©2006
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