A Table For One...

Are you looking for me?

2007-09-14T15:41:00.000-05:00

I have moved to another site and doing some podcasting.

Here is where you will find me. I will keep this open and active because I love this site and the traffic that it has given me in the past.

I am here now:
www.grandmasterproductions.com
www.check12check12.com

Also, I will get notifications if you comment here.

I am live on Wednesday nights at www.talkshoe.com and the talkcast ID is 45577 or search for us by typing in "Sound Check..." in the search box.

It's been a while....

2007-08-03T14:45:00.000-05:00

I know that life can be hectic, and I am sure that some of you can understand...

Summer is a time of vacations and hitting the local beach or pond for some summer fun. I can say that I had a b-day in July and I was in Boston for it and had a blast. I have been working on a few projects that have taken me away from my blog and that is why I am here today.

Monday night August 6th at 10:05 p.m. EST I will be hosting my first Podcast at http://www.talkshoe.com/

If you would like to join me, a.k.a "The Mad Scientist" for the first show, you can dial in from a land line, cell phone, or Skype. The topics will include talk on New Events, Sports, TV, Summer cooking, music and movies.

I hope that you can join me. If you do decide to join the show on Monday please mention to me that you were at "A Table for One" and saw this post.

See you there.

Chris

Today....

2007-07-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

I AM 40...NO BIG DEAL....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.

Ya know....

2007-07-08T21:51:00.000-05:00

Ya know, I have looked at the past few weeks and realized that I am on a roll posting on Sundays. I know that in my "blogging past" I had a few blogs that I wrote on and posted every day. Well, I can see that life has taken its grip on me during the healing process of my ankle surgery and I am at once a week. Pathetic as it is, that is the way that it goes.

Tonight, we had another round of UNO between the three of us when the 7 year old says..."I can't wait for you to see (Blah, Blah, Blah) that we got you for your birthday." (I will be 40 on Wednesday) Oh lord, if there was a devil in the room it was his mom. Ya know, I don't care about gifts as much as it is nice to have your friends and family around you on special days. I felt bad that the surprise" was ruined. That isn't where it stopped....he decided to say what another gift was and it seemed like he was more excited than I was that I was having a birthday. Now, I felt really bad and almost angry with him because her was told to stop and didn't.

I told her after the game was over that I don't think that you should tell him what you are getting anyone because I know that the fact that I am getting something that is a surprise is special. I may sound mean, but that is who I am. I wouldn't tell him anything in the future. I would ask him what he wants to get someone and leave it at that. I felt bad for his mom.

So, tomorrow we are celebrating my 40th birthday here in Chicago and then heading to Boston for a week or R&R with my family.

I am looking forward to this trip home. I will be at my office if any of you need me (the beach).

Later,
CK

Choices....and when you should err on the side of caution...

2007-07-01T23:00:00.000-05:00

CAUTION: This post will feature the words, FREE, FREE DRINK, and FREE POPCORN. The FREE DRINKS and POPCORN" also came with unlimited refills.

I went to a free showing today of "Ratatouille." It was in a new theater that has 14 screens in Chicago. The locals and their kids took full advantage of today's screenings. Key word...kids... Their were tons of kids ranging from 3 months old or so, to 90.

The movie was good, not great. It had some great parts with some good action. I liked it because it had cooking in it with a nice twist. (I hate rats....though)

Here is what you need to know...Don't go to a FREE showing at ANY movie theater. It was hard to concentrate with crying and screaming kids. (Of course base it on the movie) All I have to say is I will see this again on DVD. I love some of the characters and though that the movie should have been shortend just a bit.

Here are some pictures from http://www.imdb.com/ Go see this movie and if your child goes to the movies and feels like crying of screaming, please pick your stuff up and leave immediately. Thanks

No Title...

2007-06-25T21:49:00.001-05:00

WOW...Did you see Hell's Kitchen...? I mean really...They can't get a meal out that is right and 65% of the guests said that they wouldn't ever come back...

Their isn't a person in that contest/kitchen that is qualified to be the Head Chef at the Green Valley Ranch. I would tell them all to pack up and get some new cooks in. I like reality show most of the time, but when it comes to cooking I want to see what at least one person can show for skills. A front-runner, a leader....something. Rock is the only contestant that shows that he has some skills and he is still my pick to win this contest.

I will say that Gordon Ramsay does have my vote for making it funny. If I had only one more wish about the show, I would like to see a uncensored version. Gordon swearing in that accent would be priceless.

****

Can you say muggy? It was muggy here in Chicago today. I wish I was close to the beach on days like today.

****

I bought the pooch a harness today on clearance at Petco. It is black and will wrap around her chest and the D-Link will be on her back taking pressure off her neck while walking. I am interested in how this all works out after Thursday. Chloe is getting the staples out for sure then, I called today and I can bring her in around 10 a.m.

****

That is it for today, I will catch up with you all later.

Projects...

2007-06-24T21:51:00.000-05:00

I started this project last week where I am rearranging some stuff in my room and putting up a new shelf...and time just slipped away.

Here is what I have done since last week:

I love surfing http://www.bidz.com/ in the watch section...some nice stuff, some of the other is junk.

I was glad to see that Louis is the captain on Pirate Master. I watched the DVR for Traveler that I recorded last Wednesday, that show has started to get interesting. Friday night was National Bingo Night. We weren't winners.

This Saturday and Sunday were days that we stayed in because we were in risk of not having a parking space because of a street fair that was a half a block from the house. Today was also the Gay Pride parade in Chicago. I found this picture of a German in Moscow that was protesting the parade. I wonder if he wants sausage with that egg...lol

I will be around this week, so I will check in with you later.

CK

P.s Chloe has her staples out from getting spayed this Thursday. We are all excited about her getting the huge plastic collar off. I would have gone crazy with that on for 2 weeks.

New news.....

2007-06-17T19:50:00.000-05:00

Well, first off, Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.

It has been a hectic 4 days for me. I have had Chloe spayed and that has taken up some time, I have had some errands that I have had to take care of, and of course...some time alone with the other half for a movie today. We saw Mr. Brooks. I would say, "go and see this thriller if you like murder movies." It was a very streamline movie for the entire time. It never had a major climax, except one of my favorite scenes in the movie. I don't know if that is the climax of this movie, but I enjoyed it. I won't give it away, but if you saw this movie, leave your thought in the comments.

Chloe was spayed and was given a doggie tune up to the tune of around $300.00 bucks at PAWS Chicago. She is doing much better after the first day. She had a tough few hours after coming home, now all she wants to do is play. One problem, that collar that they have to wear so that they won't bite, lick, or tear at the would is a PAIN in the ASS! She is a 1 and a half year old train wreck. So much that she has a dedicated spot for 2 weeks. That is how long she has to wear that collar that looks like an umbrella. She will clean out a room with that collar, knocking things down and just destroying a room. I would hate to wear anything like that, so I can't imagine that she does. She knows that our other dog is upstairs too, so she just wants to play. She is a very good dog and we are very happy to have her.

Tomorrow is the first day of Summer Day Care for our little friend here that finished 1st grade. He is excited to be off and to head to summer camp. I can't remember if I was beat up at summer camp. I can only remember being around the restaurant when I was younger. I guess that was summer camp enough. We learned how to cook and that is always a bonus...

Well, have a great rest of your Sunday and once again, Happy Father's Day.

I hope that tomorrow is better than today

2007-06-14T21:13:00.000-05:00

Well, if you have stopped by and read my blog lately, you should know that I have a new furry friend. She is sweet and very loving. What else could you ask for?

At this point, I guess that Chloe could ask for a better day than this afternoon. You see, today was the day that I decided to have her taken to PAWS Chicago a local non-profit that is a no-kill shelter for her shots and to be spayed. It went very well at the clinic today. She was very groggy when we picked her up today and was just in another zone. I know what that zone is like after waking up from surgery. It isn't pretty and I am sure that she is hating me for today.

She has been sleeping since coming home and had an accident as a result to the anesthesia. She didn't eat at all since last night before 8 p.m., so it was just some fluid that she threw. She has a few staples and will go back in 14 days to have them out. I am sure that she won't be happy then.

Chloe is up to date now on all her shots and also tested negative for heart worm. That was the great news today. That's about it. I just wanted to let you all know.

I am sure that tomorrow will be better than today...

Hell's Kitchen Episode 2

2007-06-12T22:52:00.001-05:00

How can you not love Gordon Ramsay? He is a firecracker with a short wick. How can a whole team get booted from the kitchen in a cooking contest when their were probably tens of thousands of entries?

Well, this week Aaron had another breakdown and was told to work the dining room floor. He was to take the bones out of the Dover Sole. At first he was roaming around the floor and greeting people. That wasn't what Chef Ramsay wanted and was spoken too. While speaking to him, Aaron went off into another land. I mean he was passed out with his eyes open. This show has more Drama than watching a 7 year old.

The men couldn't handle the heat in the kitchen were were kicked out and sent to the dorms.

The women on the other hand, pulled it together and picked up where the men left off.

Rock, from the men's team was chosen as the leader for this week and was to pick to people for elimination. He chose Eddie and Josh. Eddie blew it on the line during service and Josh tried to cover up his chicken dish. That is a no no in Hell's Kitchen.

This show is a blast to watch and I still give it 5 pitchforks out of 5.

A few thoughts...

2007-06-11T23:16:00.000-05:00

Here are a few things that are running through my mind...in case you care, or forget...

I loved Hell's Kitchen tonight....more on that tomorrow.

Red Sox had the day off, still looking strong in the AL East.

I see the Dr. for another visit for my post-operative check up. The scars are killing me and I hope that it goes away soon. Surgery on your ankle is tough when you realize that you need that ankle and foot to WALK!!! ARG!

I had a great dinner and before coming to the computer, I remembered that their is a tasty roast in the Fridge that I am cooking tomorrow.

I have XM satellite radio and I love it. Opie and Anthony come back from a one month suspension on the 15th of June. I am looking forward to that. Also, I really like the Ron and Fez show that has been on XM 202 in the meantime. It is a great show and if you are interested in XM and have questions, email me.

For the men, in case you forgot...Father's Day is JUNE 17th. I picked up the gift today, but forgot the card at Walgreen's. Oh well, another trip tomorrow.

Talk to you later....

Our new friend...

2007-06-09T22:39:00.000-05:00

I picked her up last night. She is a pure bred Golden Retriever and she is a year and a half old. She is a big girl at almost 65-70 lbs.

We are glad to have her, and we named her Chloe. She was a rescue.

If you are interested in rescuing a pet in need, contact your local shelter or check on Craigslist.org where we found her.

Welcome to the family.

32nd America's Cup

2007-06-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

I am a fan of sailing, sounds as fun as some people say about Nascar-but I am a fan of most sports. I grew up in MA, and I have been to Newport, RI when the America's Cup was there in my youth. I love watching the strategy and the work on the open water of how a crew gets a 24 ton boat to move at 7+ knots.

The Loius Vuitton Cup is over and the Kiwi's won over a strong Italian boat in the best of 9 series 5-0. It's amazing how fast the Kiwi's boat is. I know to a lot of you this may sound boring as watching an egg fry, but if you are a fan stick with me on this.

The America's Cup finals will put the Kiwi's up against the defending champion of the Cup, the Swiss in the boat Alinghi.

Here are some pictures of the LV Cup and the schedule for the Finals.

The America’s Cup match (From June 23 to July 7, 2007)
Saturday June 23- Race 1
Sunday June 24 - Race 2
Monday June 25- Off
Tuesday June 26- Race 3
Wednesday June 27- Race 4
Thursday June 28- Off
Friday June 29- Race 5
Saturday June 30- Race 6*
Sunday July 1- Race 7*
Monday July 2- Off
Tuesday July 3- Race 8*
Wednesday July 4- Race 9*
From Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 July - Reserve Days

All race can be seen on VS. (Verses) on your local cable network.

It was hot today...new addition to the sidebar

2007-06-07T23:29:00.000-05:00

High of 92 today in Chicago.....Here is your weather in Chicago now...

Check it out on the sidebar.

Keep cool and look for the Pirate Masters update on Thursday.

Red Sox woes...

2007-06-07T00:05:00.000-05:00

The Boston Red Sox have dropped 4 straight and 3 to Oakland after tonight, 3-2. My modo has always been, if you don't hit you won't score. They just aren't hitting. I hope this changes soon because the Yankees are having their way with the White Sox.

Terry Francona was ejected in the 8th for arguing balls and strikes.

Is is me, or does the umpire have an erection?

(Photo - Yahoo Sports and Getty images)

Hell's Kitchen

2007-06-05T14:46:00.000-05:00

I love the first show of a new season, especially when it pertains to an industry that you grew up in.

I have to say, if you missed the first two seasons, you have to check this one out. It is the Bad News Bears of the kitchen. Their are 2 teams, men against women. This sounds bad from the get go. All I could think of was the women bitching, which they did lots of it. As for the men, I can't say much better. The men were a lot more comical than the women because you have a 48 year old Chinese guy that balls his eyes out not once, but twice to Gordon Ramsay, the chef.

I love this show. On the women's side you have what I have seen as one strong player in Melissa from NY. I will tell you now, she is a finalist. All the other players don't hold a candle to her and I really can't see a short order cook (Julia) running a new restaurant in Vegas.

I love this show even more for the drama that the men provided in the first episode, but even more for listening to the commentary of the contestants. Yes, this is a reality show that looks like it passed on many good entrants. I was glad to see Brad come to Vinnie's aid, because I thought that we were going to see a fight. I mean a real fist fight. I was glad that both teams were able to get some of the appetizers out before the 2 hour mark!! Pathetic! That is what makes this show a must watch on Monday's at 9 ET, 8CT.

For more info on the show and to see who was booted off, go to http://www.fox.com/hellskitchen/

5 pitch forks out of 5!

Are you "I" ready?

2007-06-04T17:00:00.000-05:00

I was thinking today how much I like electronics. Yes, I am a guy, but I don't hold all my enjoyment of new gadgets to my gender.

I will tell you that I own an Mp3 player that isn't an Ipod. I have an old Xbox, not a 360. I can also add that I have XM radio. not with one of the car installed ones, but with an older version of the Delphi Skyfi portables that works just great.

With all that said, who is completely "I" ready for the new launch of the Iphone? I have a cell phone (Blackberry) that works just fine. It has an address book, a calculator, and the ability to get the net and up to 10 email addresses. It also didn't cost $599 with a 2 year agreement. Are you in and read y to buy/upgrade? Tell us why and what that phone is going to do for you that others won't.

Are you in line for June 29th?

New shows, new thoughts...

2007-06-01T18:23:00.000-05:00

O.K, I have to say that back in the day when Survivor came on I was a fan. I no longer watch Survivor, but wanted to see what this "reality" pirate show was all about.

Here it is so far in a nutshell:

2 Teams

1 Captain

Possible Mutiny

Someone gets cast adrift.

Sound interesting? Yes and no...I think it is so close to watching Survivor that even the people that are playing this game for treasure have their names spelled the same way that they are on Survivor.

You have the pompous types, the ex-pro NFL player, the cute girl with a rack in a bikini top and all, but the overall word for this show is-CUT THROAT.

I will watch this show just because I envision a fist fight on the deck.

Catch this on demand from your local cable provider or at www.itunes.com

I give this 2.5 Pirate Boats so far. Stay tuned.

=================

I had a chance to watch the 2nd show of Traveler on ABC.com last night and it was very good. Their are a few shocking moments in this episode. This will be my newest show to watch every week. I see more plot twists coming in this one and if you haven't given it a look, please do.

Traveler gets 4 jets out of 5 for episodes 1 and 2.

Do you know what happened to Will Traveler? Let us all know in the comments.

My Leopard Gecko...

2007-05-31T20:21:00.000-05:00

Say hello to Lizzy...she has a great smile and looks meaner than she is.

(To see her up close, click on the picture.)

Sitting on the dock of the bay....

2007-05-31T11:30:00.000-05:00

Just thinking about back home on the shores of Massachusetts...

(View my other sunset photography here at Chicago Sunsets)

It has been a while since I posted there because I moved and the view is gone, but the pictures are many and they are great.

Fact of the day...

2007-05-30T21:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever eaten a hot dog and talked about what are in them?

Well I have news for you about salami.

One of the ingredients in salami is "donkey."

Yes, you heard it here.

:( sorry all salami lovers...

Red Sox do it again...

2007-05-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

Josh Beckett came off the DL to pick up the win in Boston over the Indians 4-2. As a true Red Sox fan that grew up in the Boston area, I will forever love the Sox and despise the Evil Empire (Yankees).

Are the Yankees in trouble? Who's getting fired, Torre or Cashman?

Baseball fans unite and let me know what you think...

For those that know about my injury...

2007-05-29T16:51:00.000-05:00

...you can get caught up to date here.

I appreciate all the people that have shown concern over the past 2 years.

Thank you,

Chris

Posting to start up again...

2007-05-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

Friends and Foes....

I have decided to hook back up at "A Table for One..." and let you know what has happened over the past year that I have been away.

For those of you who know me, this has always been a favorite blog of mine. In the coming months if you have questions you need answered let me know, I will answer them. I am thinking that we'll talk about everything from sex to sales and everything in between.

I hope that you all have been well.

Talk to you soon,

CK

Health update and regular posting should resume.

2006-05-21T10:50:00.000-05:00

I know that it has been a while since I have written here. I am sorry that it has been a while. With the health developments and the twists and turns that my life has taken over the past 45 days, I will be able to resume posting to a very popular place with many people here in the Blog-O-Sphere. I am still in a very large amount of pain and still seeing a foot Dr. for my injury. I am able to get around better, just waiting to hear about when the operation will be scheduled.

I will keep you all posted. Please let me know what you have been up to and please put me on your links or Blogroll so that you can be notified when I have posted something new.

I have a renter here that is also listed at www.ulooklost.blogspot.com , so check out that blog and see if you like to hear more things from Humanity/Profanity...it is a cool blog. Click on the left side bar.

Talk soon,

TT

I have been away for a while....

2006-04-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

But should be back with a post sometime this week. I am finishing up the Pain Management Program and will let you know how I am doing soon.

Just days left!

Chicago weather...

2006-04-02T20:30:00.000-05:00

It wasn't like you couldn't hear it. It was raining like I have never seen. I am originally from the East Coast, and it doesn't rain like this back home. It must have something to do with the plains of the Midwest and the way that the atmosphere is here. Don't call me a meteorologist, just someone that enjoys the weather. The top picture is at 600 miles and the bottom is at 100 miles out. I am right in Chicago, and I couldn't see across the street when the rain came.

Stay dry...

Decisions...

2006-03-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

Please be seated because an executive decision has been made.

I love this blog and all the ones that I write on.

Based upon many different factors, ALL my sites will no longer be updated on a day-to-day basis. They will be written on when I get the time, and the energy. This decision is effectively immediately.

The following are my sites that are in this decisions I have made.

No longer Updated:
Vintage Sports and Photography-This blog will no longer be updated.

Updated once a week or when time permits:
Today in Sports-This Blog will only feature Major League Baseball, Nascar, and the NFL, unless "special" posts are indicated. Posting will be at most, once a week.(Sunday nights)

Here- A Table For One... Updated from time to time, not often and not saying that I will again.

Updated as usual:

Chicago Sunsets -This site will be updated as usual or until I move from the 37th floor here in Chicago. The last post was amazing, please check it out and comment.

Destination Unknown... Updated as usual, fun and when material is "funny."

Please stop by and poke your head in from time to time, or better yet-sign up for a RSS feed like MY Yahoo, or any other to see when I am updated.

Active Blogs on Blogmad-NONE.
Active Blogs on BE: Sunsets, and Destination Unknown.

Thank you for your understanding and updates will be posted here. I know that the readership is heavy here, so don't take me off your Blogrolls because I may be back-no promises.
Thanks
Chris
chrisk67@gmail.com

Not enough time.

2006-03-28T23:00:00.000-06:00

Time...it isn't in my side during the last ten days and I apologize to all my readers and visitors. I have so much to write about, and not enough time. I am still in the Pain Management Clinic being treated for Chronic Pain Syndrome and working on getting me back in 2 shoes. If you read my post on trading up, you will know what I am talking about. I will be back soon and I sincerely apologize to all.

I do have something that you all can help with. I am debating on changing the header picture and I would like your advice.

Do you like this picture better for the header design or worse.

Please comment and I promise to get you all up to date on the characters that in my pain management class and also what has been happening.

Thanks for understanding and talk to you soon. I look forward to your comments on the picture.

Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam.......

2006-03-23T22:00:00.000-06:00

I love this shit in my spam box....makes me laugh. I just love the part and would love to see what the "exercise manual" reads and looks like...

Talk to you all this weekend-TT

Subject:---Hey bro, check out the huge sale these guys are offering Type: Spam
Marvin Williams to me
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A top team of British scientists and medical doctors have worked to develop the state-of-the-art Pen1s Enlargment Patch delivery system which automatically increases pen1s size up to 3-4 full inches. The patches are the easiest and most effective way to increase your size. You won't have to take pills, get under the knife to perform expensive and very painful surgery, use any pumps or other devices. No one will ever find out that you are using our product. Just apply one patch on your body and wear it for 3 days and you will start noticing dramatic results. Millions of men are taking advantage of this revolutionary new product - Don't be left behind!As an added incentive, they are offering huge discount specials right now, check out the site to see for yourself! ( I removed the link)

Here's the link to check out!
NamePatchesRegularNow Steel Package10 Patches$79.95$49.95
Free shipping

Silver Package25 Patches$129.95$99.95Free shipping and exercise manual included

Gold Package40 Patches$189.95$149.95Free shipping and exercise manual included

Platinum Package65 Patches$259.95$199.95Free shipping and exercise manual included

Come on guys... work it out....LOL

*This post wasn't edited at all...

Don't forget RockJay!!

2006-03-22T20:00:00.000-06:00

I have a hectic schedule this week and I know you don't want to miss out on some fine and funny stories over at "RockJay."

He is located on the left sidebar....<--------yeah over there.....click on the thumb, take a look, and add him to your links, or blogroll. He will be on mine at the end of his stay at A Table For One...

Talk soon,

TT

RockJay's Latest story.....

Debra Lafave -HOT or NOT?

Posting Schedule for the next few weeks.

2006-03-18T12:45:00.000-06:00

Hello all,

I am posting this because I have received some info regarding this ankle injury that I have been nursing for over a year. I will be posting here next on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for the next 4 weeks. I will chronicle the advances that take place with my ankle injury. I have been told that I will entering (like boot camp) an intense/comprehensive Pain Management program here in Chicago. I will be attending this clinic for 8 hours a day for the next 4 weeks. I am hoping for success from them to get me on the mend again. I will speak with you all on Tuesday.

Please pay a visit to "RockJay" by clicking on the thumbnail on the left side bar.

Talk soon,
TT

ROCKJAY Takes a seat at A Table For One...

2006-03-17T18:00:00.000-06:00

So the phones rings and I answer the call and it is RockJay... He says that he would like to take up some space at A Table For One...and mentioned that if I play my cards right, I can get my doo-rag back that he "borrowed" for the skeleton on his header. I appreciate that and let's show him some love so I can get my shit back!

Ladies will want to read the latest entry...if you like shoes and bags!!

ATTENTION...New Renter in the house. It's RockJay, from "RockJay, A Series of Unfortunate Blog Incidents..." He is worth a click to see what the current conversation is about getting out of the dog house....(ladies pay attention to this).
I have been reading RJ since I started blogging and he has taken space on 3 of my blogs and I am glad to have him. He is located over there <----- on the left and all you have to do is click and visit.

This is a great read and I am sure that you will put this on your "links" or "Blogroll" for future visits.

Thanks for stopping by.

Just an FYI...if you haven't done so...

2006-03-13T18:00:00.000-06:00

There is just over a month to complete them on time, so I am doing my taxes on Tuesday.

Now, if you will excuse me I have to get dressed for the Tax Man. If you would like to make a "shirt" of your own, click here.

If you would like to take part in the MadLib that I have going on, please feel free and try to win yourself some credits. It is a couple of posts down.

Don't forget, 24 on Fox tonight and American Idol this week as well!

Why does Rent my Blog not work?

2006-03-12T11:00:00.000-06:00

What does it take to get visitors to click?

I am starting to hate Rent my Blog...

Give me your thoughts and I would appreciate at least another click for our renter...

Here are some of the "entries" from the Mad Lib contest...

2006-03-11T01:23:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone!
I was going to edit these, but these are the entries to the Mad Lib here at A Table For One... I am glad to see the "creativity" in the Blog-o-Sphere...
Take a look here and if you are having trouble following along, check out the next post and do what the others have done--Have some fun with it and post your comment and insert your "words."

Tomorrow I will be posting a rant on the new Battle of the Blogs format, Rent my Blog and other random shit. Stay tuned because I am pissed off.

Here are the entries so far for BE credits...and you never know, I may give credits to more than one person because they are so funny! Later...

Anonymous said...
Title: Conversation at TopNotchClerk: Hi, welcome to _Top Notch___, how can I _help you today?Customer: Yes, I would like to have a _medium_burger with extra barbeque sauce_, an order of _onion rings, and a small _lemonade -with vodka if you have it_.Clerk: Would you like to try the _grilled chicken sandwich? It's today's special.Customer: No thanks. Say, do you mind if I _pay with my _American Eagle credit card_?Clerk: I'm sorry, we don't accept _that card_here. You idiot. Customer: You look quite _pretty with your hat on. What do you say I _tip_ some extra _money_just for you?Clerk: I don't think so. See, I already have a _great_ boyfriend, and he would punch_you in the _mouth_if he caught me _flirting for money_ with you.Customer: Well, I'll be _in booth #2______ over there in case you _change___ your _mind_- I’ve got season Sox tickets. I’ll take you to a game.Clerk: I don't think so, sir. I'm very _loyal_to him.Customer: Surely you can tell the _old ball and chain_you'll be late getting home tonight.Clerk: Why don't you _tell him, sir? He's _cooking your food.Customer: When you are done with your shift, go _and move to the Northside – you clearly aren’t a southsider.(2 words)

Anonymous said...
Title: Conversation at TopNotchClerk: Hi, welcome to _Top Notch___, how can I _help you today?Customer: Yes, I would like to have a _medium_burger with extra barbeque sauce_, an order of _onion rings, and a small _lemonade -with vodka if you have it_.Clerk: Would you like to try the _grilled chicken sandwich? It's today's special.Customer: No thanks. Say, do you mind if I _pay with my _American Eagle credit card_?Clerk: I'm sorry, we don't accept _that card_here. You idiot. Customer: You look quite _pretty with your hat on. What do you say I _tip_ some extra _money_just for you?Clerk: I don't think so. See, I already have a _great_ boyfriend, and he would punch_you in the _mouth_if he caught me _flirting for money_ with you.Customer: Well, I'll be _in booth #2______ over there in case you _change___ your _mind_- I’ve got season Sox tickets. I’ll take you to a game.Clerk: I don't think so, sir. I'm very _loyal_to him.Customer: Surely you can tell the _old ball and chain_you'll be late getting home tonight.Clerk: Why don't you _tell him, sir? He's _cooking your food.Customer: When you are done with your shift, go _and move to the Northside – you clearly aren’t a southsider.(2 words)
XXX said...
Title: Beaver BurgersClerk: Hi, welcome to Heaven, how can I serve you today?Customer: Yes, I would like to have a beaver burger with extra slime, an order of peach fuzz, and a small river.Clerk: Would you like to try the green river? It's today's special.Customer: No thanks. Say, do you mind if I eat with my fingers?Clerk: I'm sorry, we don't accept finger-licking here.Customer: You look quite tasty. What do you say I order some extra slime just for you?Clerk: I don't think so. See, I already have a finger-licking boyfriend, and he would smack you in the face if he caught me fingering with you.Customer: Well, I'll be munching over there in case you slime you pants.Clerk: I don't think so, sir. I'm very loyal to him.Customer: Surely you can tell the master you'll be late getting home tonight.Clerk: Why don't you ask him, sir? He's sliming your food.Customer: When you are done with your shift, go toss salad.
9:46 AM

XXX said...
Title: We're Having The Vegetarians For DinnerClerk: Hi, welcome to Meat Glorious Meat, how can I you today?Customer: Yes, I would like to have a veggie burger with extra peas, an order of yam paste, and a small mango latte.Clerk: Would you like to try the previous customer's tongue? It's today's special.Customer: No thanks. Say, do you mind if I rant with my arms waving?Clerk: I'm sorry, we don't accept the self-righteous here.Customer: You look quite steamed. What do you say I spew some extra animal cruelty statistics just for you?Clerk: I don't think so. See, I already have a symbiotically carnivorous boyfriend, and he would hang you in the meatlocker if he caught me agreeing with you.Customer: Well, I'll be handing out pamphlets over there in case you lose your appetite.Clerk: I don't think so, sir. I'm very partial to him.Customer: Surely you can tell the man-meal you'll be late getting home tonight.Clerk: Why don't you forget him, sir? He's my food, not your food.Customer: When you are done with your shift, go get stuffed.(2 words)I'll take those credits under the my BE userhandle jfarber, thanks.
8:24 PM

*** said...
Title:___________________________________Clerk: Hi, welcome to Screw-Ups, how can I confuse you today?Customer: Yes, I would like to have a mystery burger with extra intestine, an order of spinach, and a small shrimp.Clerk: Would you like to try the deep fried herring tongue? It's today's special.Customer: No thanks. Say, do you mind if I pay with my toe clippings?Clerk: I'm sorry, we don't accept bare feet here.Customer: You look quite boring. What do you say I order some extra vodka just for you?Clerk: I don't think so. See, I already have a small shrimp loving boyfriend, and he would punch you in the ass if he caught me sleeping with you.Customer: Well, I'll be dancing over there in case you lose your senses.Clerk: I don't think so, sir. I'm very bitchy to him.Customer: Surely you can tell the dumbass you'll be late getting home tonight.Clerk: Why don't you ask him, sir? He's murdering your food.Customer: When you are done with your shift, go eat worms.(2 words)****Thanks a bunch, Thinker. I had so much fun doing this. ~Raida

*** said...
Dammit...I forgot my title >>>All Screwed Up .Sorry 'bout that.~Raida

Canada said...
Title: Diatribe of a Jerk Clerk by PlusultraClerk: Hi, welcome to your worst nightmare, how can I make an ass out of you today?Customer: Yes, I would like to have a organic coffee enima burger with extra caffeine, an order of the salty shplatz, and a small Basketball player's fist up my crack Clerk: Would you like to try the Spud Web? It's today's special.Customer: No thanks. Say, do you mind if I pooh with my mouthful?Clerk: I'm sorry, we don't accept Blogmad members here. Customer: You look quite stoned on batguano and banana peels. What do you say I Hook you up with some extra good dope Plusultra grew just for you?Clerk: I don't think so. See, I already have a Japanese Lesbian boyfriend, and he would spit Saki at you in the middle of a crack binge if he caught me smoking Plusultra's sticky sticky juicy juicy weedy weedy buds with you.Customer: Well, I'll be imagining you naked over there in case you decide to take your Panties off.Clerk: I don't think so, sir. I'm very fishy to you and to him.Customer: Surely you can tell the Asian Transvestite you'll be late getting home tonight.Clerk: Why don't you ivite him, sir? He's already shit in your food.Customer: When you are done with your shift, go jerkoff in front of your computer and surf Blogmad(2 words) Oh Oh Did I use too many words?

Awesome Idea Chris!

I'm in the mood for a Mad lib contest.....

2006-03-09T14:00:00.000-06:00

Here is how this will work...

You read and cut and paste the post in the comments and insert your words in the spaces. It can be as clean or "dirty" as you see fit. I am looking for 15 entries and that will be the limit. Payout after the judges final decision will be 20 BE credits!

Oh yeah, and you have to title it as well....that was the catch...now get creative!

Title:___________________________________
Clerk: Hi, welcome to ____, how can I ______you today?

Customer: Yes, I would like to have a ______ burger with extra _____, an order of ______, and a small ______.

Clerk: Would you like to try the _________? It's today's special.

Customer: No thanks. Say, do you mind if I _____ with my _________?

Clerk: I'm sorry, we don't accept _________ here.

Customer: You look quite ______. What do you say I ____ some extra ______ just for you?

Clerk: I don't think so. See, I already have a _____ boyfriend, and he would ____ you in the _______if he caught me __________ with you.

Customer: Well, I'll be _______ over there in case you ____ your ________.

Clerk: I don't think so, sir. I'm very _______to him.

Customer: Surely you can tell the ________you'll be late getting home tonight.

Clerk: Why don't you ______ him, sir? He's ________ your food.

Customer: When you are done with your shift, go _____ _______.(2 words)
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Good luck and we'll post the winner.

Hope you had fun.

TT

Haunted House Dressing is here in OUR house!!

2006-03-08T15:00:00.000-06:00

Check out Jeremy's blog Haunted House Dressing, he likes us here at A Table For One so much I had to turn him away for a 2 week stay!!

Take a peek at a very original site.

Haunted House Dressing

Tired of the same old websites filled with free online novels, short stories, animation, music, natural health information, movie lists, gibberish, insanity, and photographs of condor ghosts? Well then, you better not visit this website.
Most users rated this blog : Proactive
What users liked about this blog : Well Designed
Average Review Score : 83%
Rate & Review blog - Blogmark site - Add/View Comments (17)

<<--------To view Jeremy's site, click on the thumbnail over here... (on the left, under profile) Jeremy's site will be available to link to for the next week...take a peek.. If we can get 50 clicks, I will award a random amount of credits to that 50th visitor. Spend some time here, catch up with what is going on in my life, leave a comment or 2 and head over to Haunted House Dressing...

Welcome!
TT

Just needed a day to collect my thoughts....

2006-03-07T14:30:00.000-06:00

Today I had an appointment in the morning that I was thinking would go for about an hour.

It shouldn't have gone past the first minute. The person that I was meeting with wasn't there and was recommended by a friend to meet with. That would be bad sign #1. The woman that met with me is just a year a half into the job (out of school) and #2 wasn't very sharp. #3 she was an idiot. I knew it when she said, "You are here......because....." wasn't a good sign. She had no clue. I could have been there to test for radon gas for all she knew.

So I sit in the office and she is taking notes the entire time and I am thinking that I wish I was really fishing and not just stepping away from the blog(s) for a day at this point. She was awful. She never asked any questions and in the middle of the meeting she answers the only question that meant anything to me.

I ask her, "Based on what I have told you, what do you think of the ****."
Her response, "We don't do many of these types, and (insert name here) is VERY picky on these types... and we don't win very many either..."

I'm sorry, excuse me... and she repeats the above statement...and all I am saying to myself was - there is an hour of wasted time that I will never get back.

I may have to move past go and head right to the person that can help me.

I hope that I can recover that hour with something good....I am thinking that another day of fishing for real wouldn't hurt. Blue fin Tuna here I come.

Have a great day and I am sure it will be better than my morning. I will do the mailbag for Monday - Wednesday tomorrow night. So far, nothing worth posting about unless you want to pay my Discovercard bill?

Be back tomorrow

2006-03-06T12:00:00.000-06:00

atable41@gmail.com

Are you fucking kidding me?

2006-03-04T15:03:00.000-06:00

Warning! This post (entry) will contain a blond conversation (I love blondEs too...) about Buffalo Wings and an opinion or option that everyone that blogs should look into.

Here is the conversation:

TT: What are you doing tonight?
**: We are heading out for wings
TT: Buffalo Wings?
**: Wings, you know the boneless ones...
TT: Are they hot like Buffalo wings?
**: Well you can get them in different kinds
TT: So you prefer them over the ones with bones?
**: Well these are the same right? They just take the bones out. No?
TT: (silence) Ah..no...You know that basically boneless chicken fingers are made out of processed chicken and seasoned then deep fried right?
**: What?
TT: (silence)
**: You mean that there were no bones in the boneless fingers?
TT: Ahh...No
**: You are fucking kidding me right?
TT: (holding back the laughter) Nope....How do you think that they take them out?
What about the skin from "real" Buffalo wings?
**: You know, I never thought about it.
TT: How couldn't you see the difference? The skin and the breaded difference is evident, no?
**: Are you sure...
TT: (silence) (and a subject change)
**: (5 minutes later) you can't tell anyone that I didn't know the difference and that I thought they just took the bones out. O.k.? You can't tell anyone that I didn't know that and because I thought they were the same. Ever! ( ) Fuck... That isn't good....
TT: Sure thing. (Yeah right....)

Needless to say, I mentioned that I was going to post the conversation.

As of 12 noon today the cat was let out of the bag and now the repercussions of the conversation are raining down on her this Saturday by her entire family.

I guess I didn't have to tell anyone...anyways.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

O.k. "I am not one to brag or boast, but I like hot butter on my breakfast toast" (name that line and I will send the first person to answer 5 MC's to you (must be a BE member)) but I was checking out Blogmad, and I was kinda iffy at first when I was surfing and then I started to see blogs that I haven't seen before. This was the cool part of surfing and then there were the ones that I have read a trillion times. About 20 minutes after I started surfing I was rewarded with a 10 credit bonus. (That was last night.)

I left Blogmad thinking that was o.k.

Then this morning I was checking out some of the other features and back to surfing. As you will see below, there is more that the 1:1 ratio for surfing and getting seen over there. I think that they will do well. I am in no way reviewing them, but if you check out the screen shot below, you will want to surf there as well and give them a try. It is by invite only now and you will need to click on the banner below to join. I hope you hit the 175 Bonus Credits as well!

Blogmad

Need an invite to Blogmad? Click on the bullhorn and yell at me(via email) for one.

Click for larger view.

Just so that you all know, I am a huge fan of BE and I am sad to see the "For Sale" sign go up. Thank you to Tom and Jeff for all the hard work that has gone into BE and hopefully what it will become in the future based on your current efforts!

The Thinker

A readers response.

2006-03-03T13:04:00.000-06:00

I have always been interested in a few things when it comes to readers of A Table For One... and other blogs.

Here are some of my thoughts I can share.

What is the % amount that a reader looks past the first post?

Does the most recent post dictate the tone for other posts?

Do readers look at the history on the sidebar and "pick" what they think may be an interesting topic?

Does a visitor ever look back in the archives?

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I have my opinions on those questions as well and one of those questions was confirmed in an email that was sent directly to me. The email was in regard to a post that I did in November on Clinton and what effect he has on domestic and global issues.

The email reads:

I read your entry about Clinton and I must say that your opinion is right on. It is a shame that most people only remember him for thinking he uses his head in his trousers 90% of the time. Thanks for a great entry and I will continue to stop by your Table For One.

P.s-I was just going to send this to you, but figured that I would tell you that I liked what you wrote about.

If you care to read that post on Clinton you can get there by clicking here.

Thanks for the nice cartoon and I laughed when I read the email and saw the comic.

Thank you to all that stop by and if you have answers to the questions above, please leave a comment.

Regards,

Common Sense Thursday...

2006-03-02T20:00:00.000-06:00

Here are some facts about this picture:

Drive thru sign says "Height 7"6" Limit"...

Height of Truck: 9'+

Common Sense: None

Evidently the driver of this Semi didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express...

Hope your upcoming weekend is better than this drivers.

Belated Birthday wishes to a fellow blogger.

2006-02-27T16:30:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Lewis!

Click on Muppets to head to Lewis's site!

**Monday mailbag hasn't been checked yet, so as soon I get it, I will post the unusual...

Technorati tags: Birthday, Orange Haired Boy, blogexplosion

Medications and a side effect conversation.

2006-02-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

As most of my readers know, or may not, I am a little banged up from an accident that I suffered some time ago. I am seeing specialists and a Dr. on a regular basis.

There is one thing that I have seen come of this injury, a higher rate of not really caring what comes out of my mouth and just turning everything into a funny. As some of the people that hang around me say, "you never know what to expect, but we know-cause we are used to it." That is true and making light of something in a world that is filled with higher stress levels, confrontation, and arrogance--I have decided that there isn't much I can do but "shake it off" and be funny because I can and will. I don't care much at all what I say when I am out (and that isn't often) so I make the best of it. Yesterday was no different.

It was medication day. This is the day that I was waiting for the approval of some meds that (fingers crossed) make the pain go away. When I mean pain, I mean the kind that hangs around for hours and tells you who is boss. I suffer from that and the hopeful cure is here. So, the Dr. calls and goes over the meds and the side effects and all and says that I should see some results. I am pleased and head to CVS to fill them. I approach the pharmacist and he says that CVS doesn't work with the insurance company that I am with and that he only has one if the medications in stock of the two that I need. I thank him and move on back to the nest. When I get in, I call my savior for all things that I can't do because I am new in this city and have been more or less confined to my apartment for the past year.
She says that she will make the calls and help out and if everything is a go, she will pick me up in the car and we can head to Walgreen's.

Cool...

She get to the house and we head over and make our way to the counter at the pharmacy and see a gent there that is at the computer and asks us if we need help. Well, yes we do and that is why I am on this side of the counter I am thinking. He asks some questions that can't be answered and then a woman comes over and asks some additional questions and says that it will be about 30 minutes. O.k., so we walk around the store and I love the candy isle...I could live there. Mike and Ikes, Hot Tamales, and Good & Plenty's...had to get them. I tell her that I am getting tired of walking and I head back and sit and read some magazines that are next to the pharmacy. I know that gossip mags are the way of the world, but when did Brittney Spears go from looking like shit to looking so good in a matter of hours on the day of the Grammy's? We sit for about 30 minutes and I hear my name called and we pay for the candy and some additional items. At that time, the pharmacist comes over and says thank you for waiting. I let her know that I appreciated her help and that I would like to discuss the side effects with her and see what she says (cause she works with this stuff everyday) and compare it with the Dr.'s.

I step aside and we start with the overall side effects and she said that they will both cause a little drowsiness and I may get constipated... (great)...oh yeah and some dry mouth...

Here is the conversation from there:

TT : Thank you for telling me, I will make sure that I drink a lot of water.

Pharm: That would be a good idea and also make sure you tell your Dr. if there is any other side effects that occur.

TT: will do... While I am in the question mode-Any sexual side effects...Does it mean if I have an erection for more than 4 hours should I consult a Dr.?

Pharm: (covering her mouth and holding my arm says-"If you have a 4 hour erection, it won't be because of the medication.... (quick wit)....

TT: (as I walk away) Thank you and have a great night...

Pharm: (smiling)... You too and I hope that you feel better...

It was funny to see her blushing and having some fun with it because I am sure questions don't come up often for that.

I have included the stickers below for you all to see that although the conversation with pharmacist was hysterical, the price of the medications wasn't.
I paid nothing for these, but was told what the price was before I talk with her about a possible 4 hour boner.

There are the 2 meds that I picked up. The higher price is the one on the bottom and that is at full price. The one on top is the generic brand that would cost $190.00 if you had to pay for it with cold hard cash.

You can pick you mouth off the ground now. I was shocked that the 2 meds could have cost me close to $400 .00. This makes me think how unfair it is for people who have no insurance or can't afford the medications they need. I hope the big wigs at Pfizer realize that they can assist in helping this make more sense. $400.00 for 150 pills makes no sense. Get it straightened out and do it soon so that people don't have to go without.

In all, this was the shock and awe of the day. Shock was seeing the face of the pharmacist and the awe was the $$ of the prescriptions.

FYI- Do not operate heavy machinery while on these medications. That won't be a problem seeing that I don't have a car and I left my John Deere parked near the beach back in Boston.

Peace.

P.S- Thank you "P" for all your help yesterday, without you I wouldn't be posting this under the influence....LOL

Technorati Tags: Drugs, pills, Rx, medication, pain

Monday Mailbag...and a trip to the beach...

2006-02-20T22:00:00.000-06:00

In an effort to increase traffic to MommC's Blogcharm blog, I have purchased some lotion and headed to the beach to hang with her. I bought some great lotion and I am on my way....won't you pay her a visit as well and click on the thumbnail on the left.

Just once, go ahead try.

So here is my lotion and I am leaving in the morning.

Wish me safe travels, and visit "Bits and Pieces."
~~~~~~~~

Monday Mailbag letdown:

In the meantime, I was checking the mail yesterday because I didn't get there on Saturday. This is what came in the mail. At first I was excited because I was thinking of all the people that I would love to send some flowers to. Check this out and click on the images for a larger view (recommended).

I know that the post office has to deliver the mail when it is "paid" for by individuals or companies...but when it's to late why wouldn't they just toss it in the trash?

What a let down after thinking that flowers for $20 would have been a nice idea. I guess maybe last year it was a good idea too.

~~~~~~~~

I am including this email as part of the mailbag as well today.

**I am selling a camera and I posted it on Craigslist.org. I was blessed to have this person email for the camera. All names are removed to protect the arrogant!

This was an email that I received today: Craigslist Advisory: Fraud and Scam Warning! Please read our scam advisory page before replying to this message: http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams.html

This warning is automatically attached to ALL craigslist forwarded emails.

Dude, You don't need to lie to me. What is wrong with it? If you let me test it, I will buy it for $115.

At what point would you decide that this is going to be the first email to "inquire" about a product that you could be interested in? I have a feeling that he won't be the "winner" of the camera. Also, have we as buyer become that skeptical of buying used "stuff" from others? What a shame.

Please flush here for "TRUST."

Here is my response:

First off, I have all the pictures on discs that I took and I am
selling it because I am upgrading to a newer digital.

I didn't test it when I bought it and was given a 7 day
guarantee, which I was going to give as well with the camera.

Lying is a strong word, and assuming that something is wrong
with it amazes me that anyone would say that...

It is in great shape and for sale.

Take it or leave it.

Unreal.

That is it from A Table For One...

Later,

Technorati Tags: vacation, sun, travel, flowers

New Renter and the case of the stolen robe!!

2006-02-16T16:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, you read it right. In a brief conversation with our past renter (Lindsey Mitchell), she indeed left A Table for One... with a new robe. After trying to charge her card for the $109.99 and seeing that her charge # was declined we have decided to bring this public to all the readers that visit here.

Here is the conversation that led to the confirmation of the theft:

lindseymitchell: I leanred today that you can officially leave your dishes for 3 weeks before they start to smell
chrisk67: sweet
chrisk67: paper or plastic?
lindseymitchell: both even
chrisk67: wow
lindseymitchell: some ceramic too
chrisk67: nice
chrisk67: and dans take on that
chrisk67: ?
lindseymitchell: he hasn't done them either
chrisk67: nice
lindseymitchell: the bastard
chrisk67: well it sounds like you two will get along just fine
chrisk67: lol@ bastard
lindseymitchell: yeah - we are similarily lazy
chrisk67: that is cool and the robe helps
lindseymitchell: totally
chrisk67: does he have the same robe
lindseymitchell: I stole the one from my stay at your place by the way
lindseymitchell: no - he wears mine
chrisk67: I will let the readers know
lindseymitchell: please do
lindseymitchell: whose you're new renter?
lindseymitchell: your
lindseymitchell: god - you would think that I was drunk or something

For more info on the robe, check the sidebar for her post "bad ass/bride to be."

She is a sport for coming clean and we appreciate it, now if we can get paid for the robe, that would be great! Thanks again for renting!

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

It is that time again and this is a MUST see. MommC and the her new Blogcharm blog is here for the next week!

Here is a sneak peek at what you will see when you click on the thumbnail on the left.

Check out some nice thoughts on life and see some great pictures of the sun, surf, and daily life at "Bits and Pieces."

Thanks for joining us at A Table for One... we are glad that your here with us.

P.s-We are out of robes, but we have plenty of towels!

Technorati tags: Renting, blogs, lindsey mitchell, MommC, paradise

My day.....and the end of the saga...

2006-02-14T18:30:00.000-06:00

Well, for all those that have been following along, the washing machine is repaired. I have lived in my condo for 15 months and estimate that I have done 50-75 loads of laundry. I thought that was very light for a GE Spacemaker to fry a belt. So Bob showed up (GE repair man) and I must say (close eyes here and think of Grizzly Adams with a black suitcase for washer/dryer repair) whom is a wearing the GE shirt and also the suspenders for keeping the plumbers butt away from the customers that he has to visit. (No picture needed-open eyes now)

So the saga is over, Bob said that he wants me to do small loads in the machine. I replied with by hand? He in turn missed the joke and kept on going with the conversation saying that this particular machine was one of the best that GE made and also the easiest to repair. That is good to know seeing that I could give a fuck less for a couple of reasons-#1, I will never live in another place where I have to do 39 small loads of laundry just to get all my wash done in a machine that I could do one white and one dark load for a total of 2. The other point, #2 is that I have absolutely ZERO desire to be a washer/dryer repair man. Phew... I am glad that I am clear...

Here is the main reason that "Bob Vader" had to come to the condo for the repair call...

The End.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

If you are a reader of my site, you will know that I have an affection for caffeine. Especially Starbucks, until today (kidding).(Not really)

I was on my way back from the Dr. and stopped in and ordered my Columbian Grande with room for cream and proceeded to walk 1 block West to the condo and stop by and see if my new cell phone was in. Sure enough, great timing for me-the Fed Ex delivery man was there and I picked up my new cell and proceeded upstairs. All went well until I opened the door and was balancing my coffee on the box that the phone was in and the white, yes white carpet paid the price. The total withdrawn into the carpet was 7/8's of the cup and it was a very well made mixture of cream and sugar. That is what kills me. So I was looking for a picture of a cup and this one sums it up for me. Starbucks isn't just open in my neighborhood, it was open in MY APARTMENT (I am starting to cry) ...LOL

The rug paid the ultimate price, and for that, I am sorry.

(If you want to steal the flashing button for your blog, go right ahead)

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O.K. I am in the house and the new phone is in a box that is covered with Columbian Blend and I could care less. I have my new phone in my hand and all I want to do is take it out and look at it and get it started. I love electronics and I will be the first to tell you that it would take me one day to break a Razor phone. I need the rugged construction phone and traded the old yella for the new and improved color screen i355 by Nextel.(black)

That's my day!

I will be picking a new renter for "A Table For One..." soon and I want to thank Lindsey Mitchell for her stay with us last week.

Oh yeah, Happy Valentines Day to all the women readers here!

Technorati tags: Nextel, GE, repair, washer, star wars, razor, carpet stains, valentine's day

A Milestone Achieved, and a 4 cool cats...

2006-02-10T15:30:00.000-06:00

Last night, I was thinking the worst about the washing machine (read below) and also that I am in need of credits because I have a kick ass renter this week and the comments on this blog have been awesome. I want to thank everyone that has visited and also people that enjoy coming here day in and day out to see what life will throw my way.

I took a screen shot after checking my stats on Blogexplosion.com and was surprised to see that I was at an even 3000 visits. Here is what I saw at 2:45 a.m. Thank you again for visiting and making this happen.

Current visits at the time of this post total were 4,636.

Now on to some silly fun.....there were many cool "cats" in the "SB"(Shout Box) last night at Blogexplosion.com sharing in some funny conversation and banter. My eyes were sore and tired, so I threw on my shades and here is what became the "new look Shout Box."

O.k. everyone, glasses ON!

From left to right, "mscateyes", The Thinker (me), My Current Renter (we'll call her Lindsey Onasis for that shot) (Check out her blog on the left sidebar)-and RobT our friend from NC all sporting the shades.

(click for larger view)

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Update on the washing machine repair upcoming and I hope to have images available of the "problem" as well. No sign of Sam or Juan today...they must be at the strip club.

Take care all and I hope that you enjoyed the fun that we had at Blogexplosion.com. last night.

Not a member at Blogexplosion.com, click here.

Technorati tags: sunglasses, friends, chat, IM, Blogexplosion

Take a walk with me... and bring a drink!

2006-02-09T20:30:00.000-06:00

This all started yesterday when I decided to do a load of laundry in my GE "Space Saver" washer/dryer. I put the clothes in and after a few minutes I hear the reenactment of a civil war battle happening in the area where the machine is. I am thinking that the drum is off the guide or something or the washer has done its last load. I called the desk in my building and the said that Sam would come up and check it. So we talk and the machine is moving and grooving and so forth and all seems good, but the machine is still making the BANG, BANG, BANG noise. Sam says that he will be back today at 10 a.m.

So this morning at 11:00 a.m. Sam (from Peru) and Juan (no explanation needed) show up and I felt like I was talking to myself. I know a little Spanish, but not enough to get through this conversation. So it looked like this-they decided to look at the belt and after 20 minutes of watching these two take off 2 screws to get to the belt I felt like I should have made some coffee and ordered pastries...here is what the conversation looked like.
<------------------------------------->
This was me talking to my self....and that was them carrying on about whatever it could have been... I can just imagine. This is my conclusion to the conversation because I was lost in the dust. It just can't take 20 minutes for ANYONE to take off the front panel of a machine that requires the unscrewing of 2 screws!!!! Here is what they were speaking Spanish about...it had to be... (Dazed and confused!)

So, these two incompetent maintenance men ( Sam and Juan) are coming back with the GE rep and replacing the belt (I guess) ...so we'll see -I did get through to them that if they can't get it fixed tomorrow that they will get me a NEW machine. They understood that, probably because they know that they need crisp NEW ones when they hit that strip club in the suburbs.

Here is the machine, in all its glory (RIP)...LOL

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O.k, this is where the day takes a turn. I am blogging and working in my "desk area" and I decide to get the mail. I am not sure how this happens unless GQ and Esquire are selling my name, but I am getting the most random mail. Here are today’s entries in the "I got more fucked up mail at random..."

First, I see this "plain" black envelope, no indication except what you see. Pretty woman, a free DVD, and the fact that some men do "Like it hot." written on the outside.

Then amazed at the 2 magazine subs that com in on the same day, I look at the offer and it says what I can get Time for. (I would never subscribe to Time) Here is the offer. Suggested price for the year-$331.80 and that would include 56+28 issues. Then MY price is 19.95???WTF? How can that be? Did I just fall off the turnip truck...? You mean that I can get 84 issues of Time for a total savings of $291.90? WOW... (Are you fucking kidding me?)

Well this is where my daily mail bag ends...I take out the card and it isn't Playboy or Oui, its Penthouse. There is the woman that was in the "window" and the EXCLUSIVE offer for 12+1(extra issue free) for just $17.95 + Free DVD of "The Best of Volume 10."

Well the choice is neither even though the Penthouse subscription is cheaper...

Stay tuned for the upcoming mailbag from the thinker. Now do you think that I can get that 1 load of jeans washed?

(I hope the GE guy can spell it out in straight English tomorrow!)

P.S-Do't forget to check out my Bad Ass Canadian friend, Lindsey Mitchell...she is over there on the left. I hope that he is enjoying her stay. Find out more on how she got here and read below!

Technorati Tags: Playboy, Penthouse, Time, GE, washer, DVD

New Renter, a bride-to-be & a bad ass!

2006-02-07T15:30:00.000-06:00

You heard it here...she arrived late last night...

This is all I heard on the phone call when she said that she wanted to stay here at A Table For One...for a week.

TT: Hello?

LM: Hi is The Thinker there?

TT: is he, how can I help you?

LM: I need a place to stay, but will only consider your place as long as I can get a few amenities-a hot tub suite, some peanut butter and a high speed cable line. Oh yeah...Does your place come with fuzzy robes?

TT: (??)Of course we have robes for all our guests...

LM: Well it is a long story, but this HUNK that I am going to share the rest of my life with bought me this robe for Christmas and I would rather wear the robe that you have because it will give me a reason not to be lazy and hang in all the time.

TT: I will make sure that the robe is put on the bed and suggestions are there for things to do while you are with us. Also, congrats on the upcoming wedding, that is very nice. I will make sure there are enough towels and that the limo picks you up at the airport. FYI it is gate 23 when you board in Canada and the plane is green, I would suggest that you brought your swim suit-the pool and Jacuzzi are now open with complimentary wine on the patio.

LM: Red Wine? Because I love a glass or 2 or 3....

TT: Yes indeed.

LM: Fine, I am in and would like to book the suite on the top floor facing the cafe' across the street. Thank you and I will see you on Tuesday after I get up and stroll through the lobby.

Here is the plane and "red carpet" that was sent for Lindsey Mitchell.

If you haven't seen her site, you should-I would call it entertaining and funny. She is a great writer that wears her heart (even though she is a bad ass) on her sleeve and tells it like it is.

I was going to try to avoid this, but you need to read about the free beef that she was offered by a new company that was looking for people to try their new product. There are even pictures of this bride-to-be making dinner. Go Lindsey!

Below you will see what her site looks like and you can visit by clicking on the thumbnail that looks jut like it on the left. Check her site out, the beef and even the fact that she may like the robe more that life itself...

One more thing, when the hood to the robe comes up, all I can say is she should change the name of her blog to "Jedi Mitchell."

Welcome to A Table For One...

Technorati tags: Lindsey Mitchell, blog, Jedi, marriage, wedding

Sirius vs. XM satellite radio...

2006-02-06T13:30:00.000-06:00

I want to start out by saying that this entry isn't about a political stance against the FCC or Howard Stern or XM or Sirius Satellite Radio. I say this because I am looking for your opinions a certain aspect of this type of media.

Opinion: I will say that the move for Howard Stern was a good one, because if you want to listen, you have to pay. Period. When he was on the air in Boston (old hometown) I could catch him on WBCN 104.1 FM from 6-10 and there was always some type of buzz about some naked woman that he had on doing something bizarre or someone getting slapped with Bologna or something to that effect. I listened sometimes and though that if he went to Satellite, I may follow. After a while, I think that the "freedom of speech" aspect of his show was costing him to much and also Infinity Broadcasting as well. So, while gathering images for this post I came across this image and I would imagine that it sums up how he feels on the "FCC" subject. Remember, this isn't a debate so read on. I guess it is like that old saying, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" and he did. Now the public has a choice to pay and listen or not. I agree that his medium now is perfect for "adult" type programming and the use of every swear word in the dictionary. I also don't subscribe to any satellite radio service. None.

Fact: I am a huge baseball fan and would like to listen to MLB on XM. I think that would be great to catch your favorite team on the radio if you live in a city like I do that isn't your original "home." I would love to listen to a Red Sox game every once and a while for that matter and it would be worth it to have the subscription. So I am leaning more for the MLB content cause I can't imagine the music choices varying that much. Right? I want one and I want the other. This is where you come in and your comments. I am looking for constructive comments on the pros and cons to both XM and Sirius Satellite Radio.

I am aware of how satellite works, and have included this for you in case you don't and want to know. Here is another site that I read some great information as well. www.orbitcast.com They are also located on the Blogroll in the side bar.

To make myself clear, this isn't about having Stern and MLB (which it is, but would choose XM for MLB really...) , but your overall experiences with either company or both if you have switched. I am talking about customer service, reception, choice of stations, likes + dislikes...etc... This is the best part... If it just sucks in general, let me know why I should save my $$.
Thanks.

I am sure that you get my point now.

Let's here it! Speak now or forever hold your peace!

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P.s-Don't forget to check out my other new site for a laugh or 2 or 3 ... @ Destination Unknown...

TT

Technorati tags: XM, Sirius, Stern, radio, Red Sox, MLB, FCC
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Update on prev posts: GQ came today-ZERO Subscription cards-there is a god....

Rent my Blog has more votes that even I can count...who's next? (picking tonight)...

ASPCA (Prevent Cruelty to Animals)

2006-02-03T16:30:00.000-06:00

From the desk of The Thinker:

Dear ASPCA,

In an effort to support the American Society for the Protection and Cruelty of Animals, I would like to make a donation. As a pet lover, and owner in the past, I feel it is my duty to support your foundation so that the treatment and care of animals progresses in the days ahead.

As stated on your website, this is the 140th anniversary of the Society. Please accept my donation and support.

I do need to come clean-I hate cats (allergic). But overall, The Thinker supports your efforts.

To make a donation today, please click this very cute dog and get your annual membership. Donations can be in any denomination.

Thank you

P.s-Don't forget our Renter-ChelleBelle! Visit her today.

tags: dogs, donation, ASPCA, pets, adoption

Just a few thoughts....

2006-02-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

On some random shit...

I am pleased to say that my mountain from the last post has now decreased to a mole hill. Phew.

<<----I also would like to say thanks to all that have and "should" visit Chelle-Belle (Renter) here on the sidebar at A Table For One...

Here's a random thought-If you ask for something from someone (or want to take someone’s assistance for free) and decide that you are going to return the favor in a certain way...stand by your word and follow through. I am disappointed that efforts haven't been followed up on.

I have an addiction. Google. Yes, Google. I have found that I am searching the Internet all the time and I am addicted. Done.

I have started a new blog because of my addiction and wanted to give it a shameless plug if I may...Jessica-Do the honors:

Thank you Thinker... I am please to announce to the Blog-0-Sphere

"Destination Unknown"
www.ulooklost.blogspot.com

A place where discovering what is out there while searching web could and may leave you cross eyed at times.

Enjoy my newest place of creativity and email me any shit that you may want me to post.

It's Thursday, let’s start the fucking weekend early huh?

TT

Mole hill or Mountain? You decide...

2006-01-30T20:30:00.000-06:00

I started my day today a lot earlier than expected and was surprised that something that was written (by me here at AT41...) could be taken so personal by someone in my life. It reminded me of when I was younger and my father would use the expression, "don't make a mountain out of a mole hill." I wasn't intending on doing that at all. It was something that was taken way to person when it shouldn't have and for that, I am sorry. I like to use language that is "funny" and NEVER directed in the way of anyone. I am not in the business of offending ANYONE and that is all I have to say on the topic.

I also went to the Dr. and that was a joy as well. I waited for an hour and a half because he had an emergency at the hospital. I waited and waited and waited... It seemed like a year passed and I read every magazine in the carrier. After getting in and settled in the chair, I was given 10cc's of medication directly into the area between the Achilles tendon and the muscle that runs along you leg bone. There isn't anything there so 10cc's ends up going in and burning the entire heel area. This wasn't a fun experience, but better than the 28cc’s of medication that I received last Monday. That was not an experience that I would want to give anyone. So, seven shots last week and one big one this week. My lower leg, ankle, foot/heel are numb now and the pain isn't existing now. I am sure that it will be back on Wednesday morning. I hate Wednesday's.

Between the morning email and the afternoon visit with the Dr. I was hoping that things would be better. Nope. The steroid that he injected made my stomach turn. I felt like my insides were being say...plowed through with a front end loader with spikes on it. Not good.

I decided that after an afternoon IM session--that didn't go well (at first it did…then the "but" came in and that changed everything) and figured I must take a nap. I did and I feel better now, but still feel that something that was just a "saying" could be taken so out of context and so personal when it wasn't pointed at any one person. So it is 8:30 CST and because of the nap I will be up till 4 a.m. I am sure. Don't mind me, I know that we all have these days, but it seems that I am always having more than anyone that I know...

I am going to listen to some Classic Rock and relax tonight. Please visit my Renter (Chelle-Belle) on the sidebar and also read the write up below. She is getting nice traffic from her first day here and I am pleased about that. Thank you and let's keep it up.

Disclaimer: I know that it's tought to decide on if this is a moutain or mole hill when you don't know what was said and who took it the wrong way, so consider this a fucking rant.

Headlines!! Headlines!! Headlines!!

2006-01-29T13:00:00.000-06:00

( Not mine!! Remember, you have to have sex to have children to begin with...LOL!!)

Read Below!

Yes, it is that time again when you can visit our newest renter from the "Rent My Blog" feature over at Blogexplosion.com.

We would like to welcome Chelle (Michelle) from "Chelle-Belle" here for the next week! She is currently dealing with everyday life and CARRYING TWINS!!

Oh yeah, did I forget to say that she is cute, sweet, and oh yeah what I call the HOT Mama X 2 of the Blog-o-Sphere!

She has a nice blog about everyday life, carrying twins, and how she is a diehard Depeche Mode fan...now click on her thumbnail on the left sidebar! Come on--do it for the twins!!

TT will post pictures of the twins as they become available!

Maker's Mark and my new Ambassadorship

2006-01-24T10:30:00.000-06:00

First off, I want to let everyone know that I found this offer at the blog "Second Thoughts", and I think this is very cool for those that enjoy great bourbon.

The offer was to sigh up to get a list of special offers (and not a lot of sp*m mail) from Makers Mark and receive (2) free glasses and stirrers. I am a fan so I signed up. I almost forgot that I did this until yesterday when my "Ambassadorship" came in the mail.

Here are some of the cool offers that they list in the brochure (which was very nice) that arrived yesterday in the "Ambassador’s Manifesto."

1. Access to the "Embassy" which is the online Ambassadors website. (Private)
2. Advance notice of limited release bottles
3. Special treatment and recognition every time you visit the distillery. (No KY trips planned...lol)
4. The opportunity to purchase limited Maker's Mark merchandise.

I actually signed up for the email updates to be an "Ambassador" in my area and the free glasses. It is a cool deal and it is a great way to meet new people at this Makers events. There are Ambassadors in all states and area's, so if you are a fan of the bourbon, check out the free deal here. You will have to input your country and age for verification before entering the site.

Get your free glasses today!

A Table For One... wasn't paid to write about Makers Mark. He is a causal drinker that loves his Makers and Coke. TT isn't involved in any 12 step programs and drinks in moderation.
This is purely an offer that shouldn't be overlooked by the Makers connoisseur.

TT

Oh yeah, the readers are showing some nice traffic this week at her blog, so head over to the side bar and pay her a visit. It is a must see if you are a super hero fan. Meagan has a place that you will want to visit often in the future.

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New Renter and a pet peeve...

2006-01-20T21:00:00.000-06:00

O.k. here is the deal...I listed A Table For One in the "Rent My Blog" section of Blogexplosion and found that I had over 15 interested parties. I read all of the blogs and some that have rented from me in the past and I have picked "Adventures in everyday life." I LOVE this template, and the blog entries are quality. This is a must see if you are at all a "super hero" wannabe.
Her name is Meagan, and she is located over there (on the left side bar). I would ask that everyone that visits take a look at her site. It truly ROCKS. Thanks for such a great blog.

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My Pet Peeve #27

I wanted to include something that has bothered me over the years, and share it with all my readers. I know that some people that I have spoken with over the years have indicated that this pisses them off as well. If it is something that you can't stand, I have a remedy for everyone today. It was one that I was told about, but couldn't ever go through with. That has changed.

In the magazines I subscribe to, and the ones I have received as gifts, there is always the dreaded subscription cards in the magazine that drives me nuts. Why are there so many fucking cards in the magazine? Do you think that I am headed out right after I receive it and I am going to tell 23 perfect strangers that they should get that particular magazine? I don't give a shit enough to tell anyone else about something that I am going to read. The only other exposure to the magazine will be from friends that are in my house or the bathroom. (Library) Not from some random marketing blitz to pass out these inserts.

Today I received a few magazines early because they were supposed to be time consumption material when I have my surgery. That operation has been pushed back and the magazines were given to me to enjoy now. I enjoyed them and look forward to reading them further.

So I open the magazines and here is the tally of the subscription cards in each mag.

X 8

X 7

X 7 and offers for free videos.

Not shown are FHM X 3

I have come up with a plan. Now that postage has risen to .39 cents, I am going to plop all these BLANK subscription cards in the post box. After the magazines realize that they are getting cards that aren't filled out, maybe they will include just one card. Better yet....use the internet for new customer and stop making it hard to turn the pages with the full length subscription card...

Better yet....pay me for saving you money all these years for not sending them back to you blank.

Thank you and that is my rant for the day. Don't forget...check out my fellow friend from IL, Meagan.

The Morning Ritual...

2006-01-19T14:00:00.000-06:00

As you can probably tell from A Table For One, I love coffee. It is a must have in the morning and sometimes in the afternoon. I am not one of those people that has to have 8 cups to get my motor started in the morning. I will admit that my coffee obsession comes from my childhood where my mother and father owned a coffee/breakfast "greasy spoon" in the suburbs.

I enjoy the taste of good coffee crossing my lips and nestling in my stomach and going to work immediately on the job at hand. That job is to get my day started.

There is nothing better that the first sip of a great tasting coffee in the a.m or a half high test/half decaf in the afternoon. (High Test=Caffeine)

I have had the chance to try many coffees last year and I have decided to spotlight the 2 that were my favorites in 2005.

I spent most of the year drinking this organic blend from Starbucks. If you are looking for a smooth yet full bodied coffee, this one won't do you wrong. I like this coffee a lot and will be going back to it shortly because my other favorite is a seasonal one.

My favorite choice:
2005 Christmas blend

If you can get your hands on any bags (beans or ground) do it before it is gone. I LOVE this coffee and I must thank Chris and Duro at the Starbucks I frequent. This is a great blend that is full described below, and a must have for all coffee lovers.

Starbucks® Christmas Blend by Starbucks® Coffee
This seasonal blend is available during November and December only.

This annual offering features mellow, smooth Indonesian coffees, lively Central American coffees and aged Indonesian arabicas for a delightfully distinct taste.

More about this coffee:
Decades of festive gatherings, joyous occasions and peaceful moments are wrapped into the tradition of Starbucks® Christmas Blend.

Now all Starbucks® coffees are at your fingertips - StarbucksStore.com is the online resource for all Starbucks coffees. Buy Starbucks coffees - whole bean, ground, pods, caffeinated, decaf, single-origin, espressos, blends, organic, promotional/holiday/seasonal blends and Black Apron Exclusives™ - easily and conveniently, delivered to your home or office.

Drink up and let me know if you try these two blends and if you have suggestions on beans that I can grind and try, leave a comment!

A Table For One and Starbucks are not at all affiliated. The Thinker is a coffee lover and loves these two blends. So, head out and try them because they are my recommendations and I was never paid a dime (or a penny) to promote this product of Starbucks in any way.

For more info on these coffee's, click below.

Oh yeah, if you want to steal this button, go ahead beacuse ?

Every dog has his day...

2006-01-11T13:30:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had that conversation where you know that the other person really knows that someone that has done him/her wrong will get their day? That day came for me yesterday.

I used to work for a company that supplied a service on a business to business basis. As you will see in the post previous to this, I had a very bad accident at my workplace and fractured my ankle and am awaiting a date now for surgery. I am in need of some work on the ankle and the knife is the only way to get better at this point.

Anyways...back to the story. My boss (insert negative comment here) fired me while I was on crutches put me on the street knowing full well that I was 110% incapacitated and in no position to get another job in sales. In short, I was costing them money because they are self insured and my fall was going to cost them mucho dinero.

Am I wrong in thinking that there could be a possibility of an accident for everyone that is at work, everyday, at any time? Of course there is. So, when the company that you get hired by pretty much treats you like you are the solve all-end all of their problems, and then something like this happens-you will be labeled as the "problem child employee" thereafter. From my standpoint, that is what I could assume that they were thinking. That is just my opinion and I know that most of the time it isn't safe to assume, but today I will.

Well, that dog had his day. When someone wrongs you and you don't think that they will get theirs in return-trust me, they do adnd will. What goes around does come back around and on this day he had his--on the one year anniversary of my injury.

He was fired.

So...it looks like I am not the bitch anymore...

The Trade Up...and how it sucks...

2006-01-09T22:30:00.000-06:00

As some of you know, I currently and for the past year have been battling an ankle/foot/lower leg injury that was sustained in the office that I worked at here in Chicago. I attended a routine Dr.'s visit today and he said that he wanted to immobilize my leg for the next 10-14 days.

I know that to the readers of A Table For One...there are many questions. Those questions will go unanswered today because you would have to listen to me spew a years worth of pain and agony on you. That isn't why I am here. I wanted to you all to see what I traded in and what I got in return...

Foot race anyone? Wish me luck for the next week and a half to 2 weeks...

TT

Seven Jeans and Camo...WTF?

2006-01-05T00:00:00.000-06:00

As a guy, there are a few things that we notice in life. Here is what catches my eye.

1. Sexy Women
2. Sports
3. Sports Cars

Sounds like a typical man huh? Guess again. I actually like to shop and had the pleasure of hitting a local outlet that has some very nice stores in it. This outlet is in a very nice town about an hour away from where I was staying in MA.
For example:

Barney's
Off 5th (Saks outlet)
Sony
Bose
Nike
Reeebok
Theory
North Face
Puma
Adidas
and so on..you get the point.

So here is the scene the other day that I wanted to tell all of you about. My dad decides that he would like to get out (when I am home, it means that I drive) and venture to Sony for a look at a new Surround Sound system by Sony for his TV. He is partial to Sony, so don't comment about that because I could give a shit what you think about my dads preference.

My father and I are making our way back to the truck and he says,"Hey look at her!"
I turned and looked and I had no clues that this could even happen, or that it would ever happen in my life. But then again, anything is possible in this life...
I look over and I see this woman that has her coat open, breasts practically exposed, and the sexiest figure sitting in a pair of Seven Jeans and wearing a pair of spikes. My comment back was "I can't believe what I am seeing..."

These are a few of the things that jumped out at my father and I:

O.k., I will admit that I know that there is someone for everyone, but this just didn't fit. He was around 400 lbs. and she was dressed very sexy for the outlet, which many of the women were. I guess my question that was, and has been burning in my brain is; Why is he coming to the outlet shopping in full "savage orange camo gear" wearing a doo-rag with flames on it and she is dressed so nice? I also would like to include that his friend was in black and white camo gear as well. They both had black Timberlands on and had the pants and jackets to match in the respective colors. The friend left the doo-rag at home.

I know that there is someone for everyone in this life, but what was she thinking as well? I mean she was hot! My father noticed her first at 66 years old, and I am thinking to myself-this is either fashion at its worst, or all this guys laundry was dirty... She was hot, he was not. The friend was like the cherry on top of that whole picture. You just had to be there. I guess that it could have gotten better if he was pushing a baby carriage, but maybe that was left at the double wide. I wish them luck. Really. But, I hope that she schedules an appointment for an eye exam.

I looked up this meaning and I took the line that was best suited for this scenario.
Here it is:

camouflage n.

2: fabric dyed with splotches of green and brown and black and tan; intended to make the wearer of a garment made of this fabric hard to distinguish from the background.

I hope the wearer of the orange and his friend in the black read this meaning and maybe wear a pair of jeans with those boots next time. It really did work for my dad, cause the images of them were hard to make out and enhanced the site of the woman that was holding "orange camo's" arm. I hope that they know one other thing too--it isn't hunting season at the outlets this time of year and there aren't any deer or any wildlife around for miles...

My thoughts: Don't wear camo to the mall or outlets, because the best you are going to do for dinner reservation's is Denny's and the Big Slam.

If you don't like my opinion, TFB...

TT

Tag, I am it...

2006-01-03T21:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, you know that you have made it in the blogging community when you have been tagged...

I have been slapped on the ass by the hot Victoria Secrets assistant from MD for a little info about The Thinker...so here goes.
Check out this MD hottie....here.

Four jobs you've had in your life:
1. In family restaurant flipping eggs and burgers
2. Footwear Manager for MVP Sports in MA.
3. Asst. Manager for Allen Edmonds Shoes
4. Financial Recruiter for the last 8 years

Four movies you would watch over and over
1. Godfather Part I
2. Star Wars...any one
3. Scarface
4. Black Hawk Down

Four places you have lived
1. Massachusetts 5 different towns)
2. New Hampshire (College living)
3. Chicago (present)

Four TV shows you love to watch
1. ESPN Sports Center
2. That 70's Show
3. Entourage (HBO)
4. Desperate Housewives

Four places you have been on vacation
1. Disney (Florida)
2. Aruba
3. Cancun, Mexico
4. Montreal and Quebec Canada

Four websites you visit daily
1. Blogexplosion
2. Google
3. Yahoo Sports
4. MSN Games

Four of your favorite foods
1. Chicken Parm
2. Pizza (thin crust)
3. The Cobb Salad from Weber Grill Chicago
4. Moms sweet potato with walnuts and cinnamon

Four places you would rather be right now
1. In the hospital getting this fractured ankle operated on so that I can walk like a normal human again
2. In my bed in Chicago
...in MA now and I need my bed back
3.Costa Rica on the beach
4. In the Azores...with a and some

Four Bloggers you are tagging:
Will update later today.....will look around and see who the next 4 victims are..

That is all for now...
TT
**This post has been certified as a post.

XXX rated...just kidding!

2006-01-03T16:30:00.000-06:00

First off, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I am looking forward to 2006 and being able to bring some interesting stories and writings.

To sum up 2005, I realize that the blogging community as a whole is a great way to meet new people.

Today you are going to meet my newest "Renter" and a fellow online friend. I met her via blogexplosion.com in the (SB)"shout box."

Her name is Angie (ANG) to most and she is a hot shit...stuck in the 80's and still holding on to her white laced skirt that she throws on every time she hears "Like a Virgin" by Madonna...she will give you a run for your money. She wears her heart on her sleeve and I can also say that she still has her pants pegged as well. We have done all that we could as her friends, but we love her just the same.

She is located in the left sidebar, and the thumbnail is the same as in this post. I would like everyone to check out her blog called "Ficken Chingers" and check out her post on a very scary "Edward Scissorhands", and Tater with the HUGE red lips >)... (disclaimer...Angie wears the color lipstick that is the color of Taters lips)

Thanks for stopping by and I wish peace, wellness and prosperity in 2006 for all.

TT

She is BACK!! Check out the new look as well....

2005-12-25T17:30:00.000-06:00

My friend is here for her second tour at "A Table for One'" She was our second renter and she was a great guest and we appreciated the "large tip" that she left.

This week I received a call from a supporter, Melissa from "Jetting through Life" looking for a cozy place to shack up. I let her know that Chicago is very cold now and that she may just want to crank up the heat and all..but that didn't turn her away. She said that Ohio isn't much better considering when she booked this room for the week, it was snowing where she lives. She insisted on shacking up here for the week...(It must be the reputation that we have for the world famous sticky buns or something...)

She is here and located in the LEFT sidebar. Please show this veteran blogger her due and stop over to her sight that is nothing short of funny, fun, and hysterical.

Here is a picture of what you have to click on and her site description and rating:

Jetting Through Life
I am just a normal person trying to get by in my every day life. At times I think my life is really boring, but it's truly what you make of it. So my blog is daily thoughts and happenings... This is who I am... Take me or leave me...

Most users rated this blog : Personal

What users liked about this blog : Good writing

Average Review Score : 84%

Melissa has been a strong supporter of my other sites and I thank her for that! :)

TT

Gift suggestions for Mom, what I should have asked for....

2005-12-22T19:30:00.000-06:00

I receive this email the other day from my mother.

She says "

Mom
to me
Hide options
Dec 21 (1 day ago)
From: Pete K
Mailed-By: gmail.com
To: XXX@gmail.com
Date: Dec 21, 2005 10:34 AM
Subject: xmas
Reply Reply to all Forward Print Add sender to Contacts list Delete this message Report phishing Show original Message text garbled?
(My name) are you there.? I asked you for a list of suggestions....
So I sent her what I wanted. Then I was thinking about how shitty this past year has been. We have seen the rich get richer, the middle class still humping away everyday and we have seen and heard of the loss of life overseas.
Personally, I think that I should change my list to my mother.
re: X-mas gifts.
These are things that are warranted after a bad year.
Dear Santa,
Here are some of the things that I could use to make my life easier and more comlete in 2006.
Map of beaches in Hawaii for one month trip:
For my office:
For the Living Room
For the Bedroom:
Thank you and enjoy the milk, opps sorry - the Heineken and salted pretzels. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you've made your list and have checked it twice.
Oh yeah, and on your way out, check your feet for reindeer , the stuff is nasty and will definitely stink up your place.
Merry Christmas,
TT

Some Christmas fun...

2005-12-22T00:00:00.000-06:00

This is a result of looking through some old 3 1/2 inch floppy's. Be safe this holiday season and buckle up.

I would also like to say Merry Christmas to all new and returning visitors. I don't know what the fuss is about this year. I mean is an eight year old supposed to know that you are Jewish? I have many Jewish friends and I respect them, and wish them a Happy Holiday Season as well. I just don't get this, and why this year?

With everything going on in the world today, is this that big of a deal? So you may offend a few people...that isn't going to take care of the larger issues in the world and in our government. Let's face it, if you say "Happy Holidays" to me I am not going to tell you that I believed in Santa and celebrated Christmas all my life and you should say "Merry Christmas" and not "Happy Holidays." I just wouldn't be that offended.

So if you don't like that I am not "PC" then you can read the button and...

anyways, Merry Christmas...

TT

Music Review: The Riptones/Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

2005-12-19T20:44:00.000-06:00

Show: House of Blues
Opening act: The Riptones

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

I arrived at the House of Blues at around 8 p.m. and met some friends from the suburbs of Chicago that came in for the show. They were camped near the front of the stage and the opening act was to go on at 9 p.m. I decided that when you are a in a place like the HOB, you are part of a "captive" audience. I was told that the coat check was $5.00. I tied my jacket around my waste. I was then told that beers were $5.50...I decided to drink very slowly. Thank god for the togo cup on the walk over. I felt like I was held captive to the price. I am by no means cheap, but 5 bucks for someone to watch my coat for 3 hours and then a tip as well? It just didn't seem right. It is a cool place to see a show none-the-less.

A little after 9 The Riptones took the stage and started the show with some "beer drinking" music as they called it. I have never listened to their CD's, but after hearing songs like, "Wine", "El Camino", and "Don't Touch my Hair", I am a fan. I will tell you that I have heard Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on CD, and the $27.50 for the ticket was worth seeing just the Riptones. They rocked. As a non album owner the Riptones music, I have added them to my list of gifts that I would like for Christmas.

Honestly, I was really into the music and when they played "Don't Touch My Hair", I thought that the lead singer was being sarcastic when he yelled it out before the song started because they are have hair that reminds you of actors from "Happy Days" that no one would be able to touch. Then I was thinking...that is the name of the song, pretty cool.

The bass player, Earl, rocked his upright bass all night. He was a showman and showed amazing stage presence for the band. The lead guitarist, Michael Krasovech was AMAZING! He had a laid back presence, which was like a firecracker waiting to explode. All you had to do was wait for his time to shine and he lit the place up. Well, Krasovech did just that, exploded some amazing licks for the packed crowd at many different times. The Lead, Jeb Bonansinga was hitting the mic like a new age Johnny Cash. He was very thankful of the crowds’ applause, and the reaction from the packed house. Between him and Earl, they were awesome. The drummer reminded me of Rick Okasik from the cars. He hit the beats crisply, and I think got better during "El Camino" and "Don't Touch my Hair." They were great and a perfect headliner for BBVD.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy took the stage with a 6 piece horn section, a drummer behind the Plexiglas, a pianist, an upright bass player and a lead singer that rocked the house for the annual Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Christmas Party. They put on a great show that included the bands trumpet player, Glen Marhevka who just didn't quit. The horn section had some sweet moves on stage and even came up to the front edge and played for the crowd.

The upright bass player, Dirk Shumaker sang a great Christmas song and was very sharp in the gray suit and hat on stage
.

I can't say enough about the horn section, because they are just jaw dropping at points and a must see.

The lead singer, Scotty Morris was very easy to understand and perfect on the guitar. He’s the type of lead singer/guitarist that makes a connection with the crowd and keeps everyone involved. When the band broke into, "Sweet Home Alabama" the place wents nuts! Thanks BBVD! I have been looking forward to seeing them live because I have been a fan of the Swingers soundtrack.

BBVD has a few songs on it including, "You & Me & The Bottle Makes Three Tonight, Baby", "I Wan'na Be Like You", and a favorite sing along during the show, "Go Daddy-O." You won't be disappointed if you get a chance to see them. If you live under a rock and have never heard music before, you won't go wrong with The Riptones, or Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Cheers,
TT

What a weekend...

2005-12-18T23:50:00.000-06:00

I have so much to get to from the past 2 days, I don't know where to start...

I will have a review if a kick ass concert at the House of Blues in Chicago that I attended on Saturday night, sometime on Monday. I will elaborate on the picture below probably even more over the next few days.

This is how I felt on Sunday...(All Day!!) It is now 12 midnight CST and I am just back on line. I had internet connection issues and also router problems. I am also not a duck either.

I am heading to bed because I am tired and feel as though I was hit with a Mack Truck from last night out and managing this one (me) person IT department today.

Till Monday...

TT

New neighbor...and LuLu

2005-12-16T11:30:00.000-06:00

Just over a week ago I heard a new tenant moving in two doors down in my high-rise. I also heard that he had a beagle. I am a huge dog lover and I was looking forward to meeting him and his dog. He (the owner) is David and he is a software guru and just arrived here in Chicago for a new job. He is a cool guy in his upper 20's that is pretty laid back and just likes to chill. He had asked to borrow the wine opener last week and that was the first time that we met. We had met again and we had talked about getting a beer at some point and yesterday he email me and I let him know that I was having dinner delivered and that he was more than welcome to come over. Well, I decided that I would head to his place and invite him and of course the dog. I showed up and let him know that he was invited and hanging at my place would be cool. He had said to me that here in the city is a tough place to meet new people and I agree 110%. Chicago is a beautiful city, but it has its clicks.

Anyway, he said that he would come over and I told him to bring the dog. So David and my new friend LuLu came over and she owned the joint.

She is precious and loves getting her tummy rubbed and the attention from people. She is well behaved and a just loves stretching out on the carpet. She and her owner are welcome anytime.

Queen on the couch...

TT

My Morning Email Rounds...

2005-12-15T16:29:00.000-06:00

I have a daily routine that consists of getting up, grinding the daily java and sitting and reading my emails. I usually get between 15-25 emails every morning. I don't know if this is a lot or a little compared to everyone else that is "at home" all day. They range from Overstock emails to friends sending me funny shit and other stuff. I do get important info as well, and that is what I respond to first.

Then after raking through the lot of emails, I head on over to the lovely SP*M folder. (I starred that because I DO NOT want any more) I think that for the next week I am going to save all that type of mail that I receive. Today I was graced with the following:

Sent from (of course)"anonymous"

"Do you want to increase your sperm production by 500%?"
"Do you want to have the best sex of your life and maintain a long lasting erection?"

O.k. you get the point...

But I was thinking, as I always do.

If I am a healthy male that thinks that I am in fine working order, then why in whoever's name would I "need" 500% more? This is what popped in my head after reading that.

I will be the first to admit that some of the emails that come in are funny and then there are the ridiculous ones...

500%? Are you kidding me?

TT

China meets A Table For One...

2005-12-13T22:28:00.000-06:00

All the way from China to rent a space at our table...
<<-------ONEMANBANDWIDTH

This is the home of one American Professor in China his moments of insanity, loves, losses and wanderings through the Middle Kingdom. You are always welcome there. This is a virtual table where a place will always be set for you and laughter and generous helpings served up in this all night Chinese take-out.

Take a minute and click on my friend OMB, "OneManBandwidth" it is worth a stop. The link to his blog is located on the left side under the delicious pastries...

Thank you for renting,

TT

My current debate...What is the true meaning?

2005-12-12T14:42:00.000-06:00

Just the other day I was speaking with a guy friend from back home that said that he has friends and he has acquaintance's. I asked him for his explanation of the differences and he did.

I want your explanations or if there is a difference at all. Where do you draw the line in the sand between the two?

Word and Meaning:

Friend:

noun 1: a person you know well and regard with affection and trust; "he was my best friend at the university" 2: an associate who provides assistance; "he's a good ally in fight"; "they were friends of the workers" [syn: ally] [ant: foe] 3: a person with whom you are acquainted; "I have trouble remembering the names of all my acquaintances"; "we are friends of the family" [syn: acquaintance] 4: a person who backs a politician or a team etc.; "all their supporters came out for the game"; "they are friends of the library" [syn: supporter, protagonist, champion, admirer, booster] 5: a member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers) [syn: Friend, Quaker]

TT

This post has been certified as a no BS post!

The Daily Path...

2005-12-07T16:30:00.000-06:00

I walk into the living room and I hear, "Today’s forecast...low in the 20's and brisk, dress warm if you are along the shore.” I grab all the necessary accessories, hat, gloves, and warm coat and head on a journey that wouldn't end. See, I am a nomad in a big city where there are movers and shakers on every block and the sense of security is amazing because of all the people. I see the Italians with their Mercedes dispensing heavy amounts of condensation that drip from the dual exhaust to the freezing surface of the ground. I see the old timers sitting in the old fashioned diner talking shop. I ponder what they are discussing together. Is this conversation about today, yesterday or of years past? I continue walking. I see firemen and policemen, and I grin with lips turned upward because the cold hurts my teeth if opened. I am friendly, and that is a personality trait I wouldn’t know how to abandon on any day.

It begins to snow, just lightly, and I see the formation on car tracks on the street. I consider walking along the street because the sidewalks are slippery. Instead I decide to tuck myself in close to the side of the many establishments which are open for business. I smell all kinds of foods, the typical fast food, french fries, and some essence of steak. I see people who are coming and going from a local hotel -- in and out-- out and in--through a revolving door. The number of people that enter and exit staggers me. I keep walking.

I see a beautiful woman with a suitcase speaking to another woman and then all of a sudden she yells out, “Tell me you didn’t do that with my husband!” I keep walking and say to myself, “and you think your rolodex is filled to the brim?” I have seen and heard the problems in people’s lives. They are hard to escape sometimes, especially if you care for someone that is affected.

I make a sharp right turn and am blasted with a dynamic gust that feels so cold it has temporarily stripped me of all my clothes. It is so cold that the term, “it went right through me”, isn’t far from reality.

I see two Golden Retrievers approaching and then passing. I wish they were inside where it is warm. I realize they have to walk with their mouths open and that makes my own teeth ache. I look back at them and they take a quick left and are out of sight. They were beautiful. I continue this journey to a destination unknown and realize I want a dog.

I see a local coffee shop with my name on it, so I step inside and immediately feel the warm air from the vent above. I am greeted by the staff who is kind and relaxed. I order my coffee, Christmas Blend, with room for cream, and a slice of pumpkin bread. I receive my coffee, look around, and there is a friend from a long time ago. I see him, but he doesn’t see me. I approach him and I say hesitantly, “Eric?” He turns, and while squinting from the sun coming through the window, he says, “Could I be seeing things, it’s been…20 years or so?” I admit out loud that it has been 20 years. I think to myself, where has the time gone between old friends? I ask, “What are you doing here? What are you doing in town?” He says he has moved here for a new job and is here for awhile. He insists that we sit together and catch up. Eric was a high school classmate who went away after senior year to Colorado for college. I haven’t seen him since. He is single and temporarily in corporate housing. He is looking for a place to live and asks if I know of any nice places. We sit and drink our coffees and exchange stories about what we did as close friends years ago. We talk of the girls we dated and the other fun times.

We exchange phone numbers and emails and then depart, going in different directions. I think to myself… I have been here over a year and haven’t run into anyone that I knew from my past. That seems odd to me.

My next stop is the local used books store. I have warm coffee in hand and a semi-full belly.

I am greeted by Lily, who welcomes me to the store and says, “If you have any questions or are looking for something, let me know.” I nod in acknowledgement and smile, teeth exposed due to another warm place.

I find a book on Greco-Roman times that looks as though it has been well read in the past. This is like a cue that the book filled with small font and pictures may teach me something. I look at the chariots and the armour that was worn and I drift back in the couch and read, and read some more. While looking at the pictures and descriptions I think about how this is what I came from in years past. What was this like? What were the pains in their society? What did they come “home” to after being in battle? I am reading and not seeing the words. I backtrack, realizing that I didn’t comprehend any of what I read, and need to read it again. I sink deeper and I am holding this book for at least 30 minutes when Lily comes over and says, “That book has come and gone from here a few times and I would be willing to give you a discount.” I agree, make my purchase, and depart. I really haven’t left the used book store because the thoughts are still in my head. I will return to reality in just a minute, but I don’t…
(To be continued)

Back in 1975...

2005-12-01T16:30:00.000-06:00

Making a connection from then to now.

This is where it all started for me. I was sitting in this amazing car. It was chocolate brown, white leather interior and it was stunning. It rolled into the driveway and has the length of a steamship, and the highly visible V8 under the hood. Here I am and I am hearing and remembering that the car had "every conceivable option" and I was thinking that this is a great day for all of us who are car enthusiast.

I was 8 when all this happened. I had no clue what a V8 was, and better yet I thought that my father had an option to return it if he didn't like it. That is the truth. I loved this car. It had a bench seat in the front and back and it was white leather. It was soft and had an armrest that split the middle front so that driver as well as passenger had a place to rest the elbow. It was a place for other things that I will explain later.

The ride of this car was amazing. It would float down the road like an early 90's Lincoln town car with no shocks all around. It had a moon roof that would have accommodated the landing of the Aurora 7 in 1962. In 1962 the capsule orbited the Earth for 4 hours and that is how long it took to walk around this automobile.

I come to remember my father handing over the reigns to my mother to take my brother and me to church on Sunday's. This was a treat because I boldly remember my mother had a lead foot in the 70's and 80's and when we went around that rotary with faces pressed against said glass....you always chose the right position to sit in, depending on direction of travel. I remember the speed around the rotary was the same as on a straight road, so it felt like you were pulling 4 G's and the inertia would have you pressing against the side of the car till the road became straight again. How I miss church...

I have many memories of that fine ride. It is a classic if you have one in the garage these days. My last memory that I have of that car came in the summer of 1975 and my dad had only owned the car for a few months. I was 8 at the time. I was very into baseball and was the catcher on VFW Post 1399. I was the catcher for my best friend Mark who designated me to catch his roaring fastball. Looking back, I was the Doug Mirabelli for Tim Wakefield. It was a great game and I was learning the traits of all fine catchers. I was backhanding the ball at the plate on balls that were down and I was also learning to back up first on throws from the infield. Mark and I made a great pitcher/catcher battery that was a power house in the league, and we were also best friends. As they say, great things come to an end and that day at Academy Ave was the day that it all changed as a catcher and memories of the 75 Bird. I was at the plate and displayed the signals (yes we had signals) to Mark and he delivered the pitch. It was hit to short and I flipped the mask off and headed down the first base line (which was sloped to the right) to back up the throw and all I remember was that I was laying in the dirt back at home plate with massive amounts of blood coming from out of my face. The batter had let go of the bat and about 15 feet down the line it caught me across the face after it slipped from his hands. I remember getting picked up by parents and delivered to the 75 Thunderbird and laying my head in the armrest that were once white and now covered in blood. The last thing that to this day that I remember saying to my father was that "I am sorry about bleeding on the white leather interior" while crying in pain. At this point, I blacked out don't remember anything else about that car except that I liked the car a lot and that I was sorry for ruining my dads pride and joy at the time.

Despite all that happened around that time, I think back and can imagine that my dad was the Don Corleone of his time in that ride.

It would rival the modern day rides of hip hop stars and cruisers of the strip in LA and other cities.

I also think that the modern day Thunderbird is a classic after driving my dad's. It is a nice machine that is extremely comfortable and even better when you have the top down.

I know that my father has visions of getting my mother her own someday and I am sure that he would like it for her in a nice shade of pink...

Thank you for the memories and to you my parents, for I am forever grateful.

I will be home soon for Christmas.

TT

I just wanted to share a piece of my childhood.
What defines your childhood to the present day?
Any one ore more events?
Please comment and let me know.
TT

Words without speaking...

2005-11-30T15:11:00.000-06:00

She was sitting in the corner, reading so diligently and focused that a load noise wouldn't have disrupted her from her focus. Even the waiter had to pause while she came out of the trance of her book. She looked up at him after he asked her what she wanted and she replied "I will have tea, oh yeah, and a lemon on the side, please."

At that very moment, he could read what she was saying by the look that was displayed on her face through her eyes. She had a radiant sense about her, a sense that would make the ordinary man stand still. Time stood still. Her eyes were beautiful, hazel green in nature, which made the conversation flow with ease.

I think that she didn't realize that they were as tranquil as she thought and she really didn't have to speak at all. When she did, it was complimented with her facial expressions and the reality that she was "real."

While back in her novel, she paused before refocusing in the book and her sight wandered my way. Sitting in the corner, we connected like an architect drawing a straight line on newly created draft. This connection wasn't a complicated one as the 38 story building that would be built in the years to come, but a soft sense that we liked what was traded in the visions. She reciprocated with a turn of the corner of the mouth and a raise of the eyebrow, and then back into her book.

After the exchange of non verbal pleasantries, and the arrival of her "tea with the lemon on the side", she decided to come over and ask "do you mind if I sit?" I offered the chair to the left of me and she asked where I was from and if I have lived in the area long. I let her know that I was new in the city and that I enjoyed the coffee and atmosphere here. The espresso was the best I have had since back in the old country. She said that she liked tea over any coffee drink and included that she like flavored versions as well. In her description of her likes and dislikes, I could just about read her mind before the words exited her mouth. With even a better view, her eyes were stunning; they were the kind that you would like to stare at. I know that staring wouldn't be polite, so I look away while I speak to her connecting at various interludes. She had a shape that showed the top of the eyelid curve in that defined her look and expression when she spoke.

She sipped her tea and we talked about the news, weather, and what we did for a living and after all that time of conversation and expressions, I knew that she was someone that I would like to meet for coffee/tea again.

Suddenly she looked up and without saying a word, I put up one finger and she stopped. Without words, spoken words, not a sound could have told me that a future meeting would occur. I took pen to paper napkin and gave her my number. She stood, I stood, and she pushed her chair back and looks up and smiled. On her exit, she asked me "has anyone ever told you that you have beautiful eyes?" I said "I am at a loss for words...because I have been thinking that about your eyes since you first ordered your tea." She leaned in, connecting with me and turned her head and kissed me on the cheek and said, "I promise that you will see them again soon." "I will call you" was uttered as she walked away.

TT

What do eyes do for you?

PT 2 **Presidential influences, post presedential terms...

2005-11-28T18:31:00.000-06:00

I have read the current article in Esquire magazine on former President Clinton, and have this review of it. This is also a follow up of the previous post on “two term presidents and their legacies.”

After reading this article closely, and in some spots reading it two to three times, I have formed an opinion on this former president. I believe in the current age of politics, war, genocide, and peace keeping missions, that the power of a former president can speak very clearly as it has for Clinton. He has moved beyond the impeachment hearings and the heart procedure to rally nations and leaders in foreign lands to assist in the Clinton Global Initiative.

After reading this article by Joe Conason, I am tranquilized in my thinking that a man of former power can create a “separate world movement” of his own. There are points of the article that amaze me that Clinton has the stamina to travel to multiple countries and visit with world leaders looking for their support in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

I believe that what Clinton is doing is for the good of mankind, and he does as well. He has taken his post presidency and made the most of it. He has learned from President Carter as Clinton says “He (Carter) declared that he was interested in and where he thought he could make a difference. They were superficially disparate, but all helped people have a better life. He eradicated river blindness in Africa, he worked on the green revolution to help people become more agriculturally self sufficient, he advanced human rights and monitored elections…He has things that he plans to do, and things that come up.”

Conason goes on to say that Clinton’s “things that have come up have spanned from disaster relief efforts, to scholarship drives for 9/11 families to helping Harlem’s small businesses.” Clinton has made a business of maintaining and growing relationships from the past and moving them forward where he can make a difference. There is one thing that Americans don’t see in this; it isn’t a movement for just things in the United States, but more on a global level.

The William J. Clinton Foundation has brought the HIV/AIDS epidemic to the forefront of his efforts at this time. Clinton has also received generous assistance on a global level from many leaders. His foundation has “negotiated agreements to drastically reduce the cost of HIV/AIDS drugs and diagnostics-an achievement that is already saving hundreds of thousands of lives and promises to save more.” Clinton has clinics in Africa that are helping save lives through his foundation. He is hoping to have as many as two million patients treated by the end of 2008.

The direction that Clinton has taken after being the “leader of the free” world has indeed made the world a better place to live in. He has “partnered” with former president Bush to assist with the Tsunami aide as well as most recently, efforts for Katrina victims.

With ongoing support around the world, and with the kindness and generosity given to Clinton and his staff, he is the person to create a movement like this. He really has become a government of his own, without the scandals, and bureaucracy that hold true in the current day administration.

Clinton is looking for his efforts to continue through the Clinton Global Initiatives for the next ten years.

This is an article that is a must read and shows and tracks Clinton through the days before this summit in Manhattan. He is truly a person to admire for his post heart condition efforts to make the world that we live in a better place. Mostly at this point, to save lives around the world from a disease that has taken far too many.

TT

My after though on this and open for comments are:

Has President Bush allocated 100% of his efforts on the war, verses the other issues that effect Americans and others around the world?

What are the possibilities for a “3rd term president?”

*************************************************************************************

For more info:
www.clintonfoundation.org/index.htm

When corporate america does something stupid...

2005-11-26T00:00:00.000-06:00

I have been watching TV today off and on and I had a chance to see some of the malls opening early today for "Black Friday." This is the day that retailers make a "profit" and are in the black for the day.

It seem that "Black Friday" could put some stores like a Wal-Mart in Michigan in the red.

There were customers that we lined up to enter the store and the video tape that I watched amazed me. I am still amazed at the scene. It brought me back to my younger days where concert goers that attended The Who were trampled to death. Customers were lined up to get in and get a laptop at a deeply discounted price. There are ways to make what happened today, not happen at all. I saw women and men being pushed to the ground and stepped on as people behind them made their way into the store. I did see one person help an elderly lady up, but other than that, I didn't see anyone else. I never once saw an employee of the store in the video. It was a very dangerous situation.

If this item was in such demand, did anyone take the time to set up a security system? Like giving out numbers? Allowing early entry to the store based on when you lined up? How about a lottery drawing or wristbands maybe?

At what point does a corporation consider "security issues" nixed based upon previous "Black Friday" occurrences? Are one or two lawsuits is built in to the budget for instances like this?

This was purely a "safety issue" and people were injured because it wasn't handled properly. Shame on Wal-Mart, maybe things will change in the future.

Have a safe holiday season and remember, stand clear of the stampede.

TT: Tip for holiday shopping, do it online. No lines, no waiting.

TT

This Bed and Breakfast is open and we have our first visitor

2005-11-25T13:00:00.000-06:00

I have decided to take part in the "Rent My Blog" feature through blogexplosion.com. After putting up the For Rent sign and combing through the over 20 blogs that wanted to be the first visitor here, I have chosen "A Neurotic Closet Bitch" from Mesa, AZ.

I like the writing, the template, and the off the cuff stories that are available.

Here is a short description on her Blog:

A Neurotic Closet Bitch
Diary of a psychologically analytical, neurotic closet Bitch. Musing of a retired bad girl, who unwittingly stumbled into life as I know it today. Contains day to day, bad girl tales, psycho babble, chalk FULL of verbose banalities! Mature audiences only.

Most users rated this blog : Original
What users liked about this blog : Good writing
Average Review Score : 90%

I am asking that everyone that stops by, click on her thumbnail on the left and pay her a visit.

Thanks
TT

Check out her thumbnail she gets my vote for best looking female blogger...
Thanks for hanging out for the week!

About me and my other projects

2005-11-24T22:45:00.000-06:00

I was thinking...

I have spent the majority of my time working on the other blogs that I have and instead of "Renting" space to myself, I figured that I would show you what the thumbnails looked like and supply the links to my other sites.

I am living in Chicago and enjoy photography and also would consider myself a sports junkie. My friends that know me well would say that if there is a game on TV, I am in front of it. I also like to read and listen to music, those of which will be featured in the side column.

Today in Sports and has taken on a bundle of changes over the weekend. I've had this blog going since the summer and had very heavy baseball coverage during the playoffs. Check or the new layout and leave a comment on it.

Chicago Sunsets started because I am going through some medical issues that keep me at home and out of work (Broken ankle). I am able to see the sunset daily (when it does show) and enjoy taking these shots of the sunset in the Western sky. This blog gets a lot of traffic and comments as well. Just click on the link and stop by and leave a comment and rate my blog.

A Table For One was set up for more writing and creative work and I have made many changes to the template. The template designer, Caz, has emailed me after seeing his template take on all these changes and commented on them by saying "It looks AWESOME!! Thanks for sharing the link. I really love what you have done with it. I am very impressed. Keep smiling and have a great day.-Caz."

Please click on his link on the side or bottom of the blog if you are looking for a new template that you can modify. Let him know that you were at A Table For One as well, I sure the he would love the referral.

Hope everyone had a nice holiday.

TT

**I have just about completed the book featured on the left "A Million Little Pieces" and will do a write up on that in the near future. This book is a must have so far.**

Presidential influences, post presedential terms...

2005-11-22T00:00:00.000-06:00

I will be the first to admit that I am not very political. I was always told that if I wanted a voice in conversations or about government, then I had to vote.

I voted.

I vote all the time. Every time there was a vote on issues or new or amended articles on the local, county, and presidential election, I voted. I agree that if you don't vote, you really don't stand a ground in any political conversation. Like I said, I am not political and I don't want my opinions to be expressed that I am "getting political" here. I do have something on my mind that is political in nature, but I guess it is just a thought to ponder.

Here are some of my thoughts that will support my questions at the end of this post.

Title: Two Term Presidents and the worldly influences of a current living former President

I liked President Reagan and what he ultimately stood for. He was a man that wanted to revolutionize the people of America have the citizens reduce their reliance on the United States Government. He held 2 terms in office with Vice President George Bush Sr. and faced challenges of major proportions. President Reagan was shot on January 20, 1981, just 69 days after taking office and was back at work showing the American people that he had a job to do. His popularity with the people soared. He was very responsive to US/Soviet relations and was responsible for signing a treaty that would eliminate intermediate-range nuclear missiles. Reagan was a doer, he wanted the tax code fixed, he wanted international relations to shine, but most of all he wanted to fulfill his campaign pledge of 1980 to "restore the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism."

He did that for his country, and in my opinion one term was better than the other.

Let's fast forward to another 2 term president, President William Jefferson Clinton.
This is another President that I admired for the growth in the economy and in the aspects of American culture that he wanted to fix or enhance. He was passionate about education upgrades, the protection of jobs for parents of sick children, heavier restriction of handgun sales, and the strengthening of environmental rules and regulations. In 1998, President Clinton was the 2nd president to be impeached by the House of Representatives. He was tried by the Senate and was found not guilty for his indiscretions with a White House intern. He went public and apologized and continued to have unprecedented approval ratings as president.

Clinton overcame personal issues as well as the balancing the budget. He was the first president in decades to propose a balanced budget, and achieved a balanced surplus.

I remember President Clinton for many things during his presidency, but mostly the dynamic economic growth and the way that consumer confidence continued to grow during his presidency.

I went to my mailbox the other day to pick up my mail and in there was the December issue of Esquire magazine. On the cover is President Clinton. The title under his name is "Bill Clinton, The most influential man in the world starts getting his hands dirty." So open it up and the title of his article that is on page 25 says "The Third Term", and this gets me thinking of many different things. I look at the picture and it shows a thinner Clinton with the look of a heart patient, whom has thinned down and is worn on the outer edges. Here are my thoughts to the cover and the title and things that I wonder if others think of these options as well.

After seeing a man go through a major medical procedure, and works hard in post public service; this is an honorable man that should influence government as long as he can. I believe in Clinton and his recent efforts. I have seen exposure of a man that seems at time as though he is still in office. He was aggressive with former President Bush in getting Americans to donate funds for Katrina victims. I can't seem to go to a book store without seeing his book front and center. He has exposure like no other living president that I can remember after JFK.

Here are my burning questions.

Should we as Americans be able to elect a president to a 3rd term if approval ratings are high? If not, how does a former president like Clinton affect world events?

TT

**As I mentioned, this just came in the mail and I intend on doing a follow up of the article in the next few days. I will hold my Republican/Democratic/Independent status quiet and speak of my opinions and of facts.

When the rubber hits the road...

2005-11-20T21:30:00.000-06:00

This is a term that my father used within the family structure and still does to this day. I don't know if it was passed down, or if it is from his love affair with automobiles.

I have taken this phrase and the meaning that he always gave us and turned it into what happens to us in everyday life. His meaning for this saying was that "when push came to shove and it is going to happen that is when the rubber hits the road.”

I have pondered this saying for years, until about 5 years ago. I many conversations with a manager that I worked with, he had a saying that really summed it up for me. We would talk strategy and what we should say in certain circumstances and at the end of the conversation, he would say, "it is what it is, and you can't change it." He was right.

Circumstances that happen in our lives everyday are what they are and we are the ones that are responsible for them and what the outcomes are. I guess when the rubber hits the road; honesty and integrity in a person are what truly shine.

Do you or your family have any sayings that make you think like that? What are they?

Until tomorrow...

TT

Breaking the Ice...

2005-11-16T15:04:00.000-06:00

First off, I would like to say thank you for stopping by A Table For One.
A Table For One will show you everything from short stories to the random images that run through a mind of the creative.

A Table For One is a place where you have nothing else to do but think. A place to discover the thoughts that need to be heard and the places that the creative mind wanders. Their are thoughts of friends, travel, experiences, and many more that will move you in the days and months ahead.

We will discover that the imaginary friend that lives in us is still alive and that they help you the way. I am glad to bring you the inner most and deepest thoughts from the core of the mind.

This Blog will feature the thoughts and writing of The Thinker.

This site has been modified with the permission of Caz. Thank you for allowing me to express a vision through your work at A Table For One.

TT