Throwing Quarters blog/podcast

Parenting Manuals need my chapter

2010-03-09T08:00:00.006-05:00

In a world fraught with contradicting advice to parents, let my advice read loud and clear.

If your child is over 1 year old, or for all you minivan driving, month-loving, suburbanites, 12 months, take the binky away and close up shop on the boobies.

Last week, after a great Friday, I stepped outside and took a fresh air getting walk. On my walk I discovered a mother and her son. I stopped and chatted. I learned, they too, were out getting some fresh air on a glorious sunny day in Cleveland.

This mother and son seemed like every other ordinary mom-son combo, except that this mother's son was about 3, almost 4 and was sucking on a pacifier like some porn star to Ron Jeremy. As we parted ways I couldn't help but just shake my head. Why would this parent allow that pacifier after age 4 [that's 48 months for all you hippies out there]?

I wish I could say that this woman is the only woman I've seen letting their child suck on a pacifier. Out in suburbia, this seems to be a trend.

As parents we have an obligation to raise children to be productive members of society. Children need to be active participants in their own lives.   After age 1 [that's 12 months for you hippies] the pacifier is a 'shut up' tool. Instead of teaching your kids how to be quiet when appropriate, and doing what they are told with out back talk, you shove that pacifier in their mouth to shut them up. How is this teaching manners? How are you helping your child learn proper behavior? These parents are teaching their children to be socially retarded.

I am just disgusted with this trend of not harming your child's psyche. I can hear all you sheep parents out there, "...child will get depressed if I take that security away..." or "...my child won't know how to handle it well.." Guess what? It's called life. Get used to it.

If we let our kids hold onto their pacifiers, it can give them a false sense of entitlement, and not to mention all the dental problems that go along with this whole argument.

So why such a big deal over pacifiers? Well it's just like what the Republicans call a pot, a gateway drug. Ask George W. Bush, he knows.

If you don't tell your child no, the it will get even harder when they learn how to talk. You have to teach your kids things like, no, just like you teach your kids, yes.

There was this book about potty training your child in 24 hours I once read. I said, "..Often it is the parent who isn't ready rather than the child..." I think this holds true for this whole binky thing.

Often, 1st time parents have a hard time letting go of the baby phase as they grow into the toddler phase. Again, often times it is the first born with the biggest sense of entitlement, because all those parents read what to expect when your expecting and study it like some born-again Christian studies the Bible, and thumps it like some televangelist.

So to all those parents who might be reading this and say, "This guy has no clue" let me say this. I am the father of 2 kids and I have a 11 year old step-daughter from my first marriage. My first, Audrey, just celebrated her 8th birthday [96 months for you month-loving hippies] and I also have a 6 month old [today]. My oldest, on her first birthday, was taken off a bottle and onto a sippy cup. Her pacifiers were unceremoniously thrown away, and that was the end of it. No cute ceremonies, or stories of placing them on the Christmas tree so that Santa can use them for all the babies. No. We said no more, and that was that. What is wrong with telling your child no? Jesus Christ, get some balls!

Was it a long few weeks as she adjusted? You bet your ass it was, but it was a matter of resolve. Did my daughter slip into a deep depression and start cutting her wrists while she wore black lipstick and listened to Marylin Manson through the incense cloud? No. You can see the affects of the quick change today. She can handle change like no other child on this Earth. She has small bouts of shyness that is quickly overcome. She isn't a baby and order off the kids menu all the time either. She was potty trained in just 1 day [for you hippies, that's 24 hours]. She is a well adjusted, great kid. She is the best behaved kid I have ever seen. She can interact with adults and with other kids.

I not only talk the game, but I'm the fucking world champion.

**picture credit here**

#happyinCLE

2010-03-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

So have you heard of this magazine called Forbes?

Did you know that they have a need to put down Cleveland?

No?

Great. Well guess what? Forbes sucks. No, I am not going to link the story because it will pad Forbes' statistics.

If you are twitter you have seen the hashtag, #happyinCLE. It was started by the Convention and Visitors Bureau to prove that there are plenty of happy people in Cleveland.

I am told that whomever wrote that whole article never even came to Cleveland to check it out. So here is my letter back to Forbes.

Dear Forbes,
  I understand from the outside looking in that Cleveland doesn't seem to be as appealing as other cities across this great nation of ours. Sure, the Cleveland Browns haven't won a championship since 1964, the Cleveland Indians blew it in the 9th inning in 1997, and the economy that was once based on the steel mills has all but eroded.
  What you don't seem to have a grasp of is that Cleveland is resilient. We look at things a little different than your crap colored glasses. Let's look at some good things that Cleveland has gone for it.
  Our food scene has been written up in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Bon Appetite Magazine. Michael Symon has not only opened doors for other Cleveland chefs, but according to Chef/Owner of Rocco Whalen, "He's built bridges and highways." The Cleveland Cavs were your only excpetion, but if that is the only exception you see, then I'll politely tell you to go throw yourself off the nearest skyscraper.
  Cleveland is home to the largest theater complex outside of Broadway. Cleveland is committed to becoming the model for a green technology.
  More importantly, Cleveland is where I CHOOSE to make my home, and have a family. By telling your dwindling subscribers that Cleveland is miserable, you are telling me I have made a mistake for living here, and that my friend is just a jerk move.
  So the next time you want to put Cleveland on a list for not being awesome, maybe you should actually send a reporter here and see how the people in Cleveland get along. Maybe actually doing research would be better than reading wikipedia and throwing out some facts about Cleveland that were relevant 30+ years ago.

Sincerely,

Adam, btw, I wish I had a subscription to cancel, but I guess I'm glad I never gave you my money.

For those of you who want to support the Cleveland cause there are 2 great t-shirt companies selling t-shirts basically telling Forbes to eff off.

Fresh Brewed Tees

The C.L.E. Clothing Company

Principles

2010-03-01T08:00:00.003-05:00

It's one thing to have principles and tell everyone you know about them. It's quite another to actually live by certain principles.

I have said over and over, I will not ever buy another General Motors vehicle. Ever. The press has understated Ford's ability to weather the recession storm with out the help of the American taxpayers. There is hardly any coverage about this point, but this does not go unnoticed to me. It's a lesson in business. Change your business model if it proves to be failing. So a year before the big recession hit, Ford was making plans for a change. They stopped making mini vans, and started to reinvest in smaller more fuel efficient cars.

In early 2010, Ford started to reap the rewards of it's change, although the mainstream media is still not reporting on the great things they are doing. Ford's Fusion won Motor Trend's Car of the Year. The last time Ford has won this award was in 2002 when the Thunderbird's re-emergence came to be.

Well in early 2010, in the year of change for me, I was able to help Ford continue it's growth. I was able to buy a brand new car, the 2010 Ford Fusion. It's filled with goodies.

I could go on and on about how awesome this car is, but I want to mention how awesome Ford is. Not only is the dealer I worked with amazing, by helping me pay off the new car and getting me a decent rate on a new loan for the new car, despite my struggles to help build my credit, but Ford as a company has a great social media presence. I tweeted on my way home that I bought a new Fusion. They tweeted me the next day to congratulate me.

This is not the first time I have interacted with Ford on twitter. I commented on how awesome it was that Mike Rowe from Discovery's Dirty Jobs is the spokesman for Ford. They tweeted back, they thought so to and appreciated my comments.

With Toyota stumbling on their quality, Ford has always had a stigma of producing poor cars. Everyone always has those stories, my Ford did this, my Ford did that, but with every bad story about a Ford there are 10 good stories that no one ever talks about.

Ford's quality has always been great, and now with the media darling that is Toyota currently in crisis mode over it's quality of production, Ford will still be unnoticed and underrated by the mainstream media.

You know what, I kind of like it that way. They are just going to put their head's down, keep putting out a great product, and engaging their customers in new ways. I will be there with them, behind the wheel of my new Fusion.

Next up in a few, getting my poor wife out of her GM and into a Ford Flex.

I'm not dead

2010-02-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

I'm just poking my head in to tell you that I am not dead, just sick.

I came out of hiding long enough to get a post up over here. Go comment. Until I can check in again, work is doing great, loving the new job.

ok bye

Overnight w/ Vodka Logic [Part 2]

2010-02-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

After Vodka Logic had her claim ticket for her luggage and an address to have them drop off the luggage, we headed back to my place.

The plan was, at this point, to find a place to eat. In Cleveland there are many many places to choose from, but I didn't want to drive too far.

Laura has read many of my blogs talking about food, and Bar Symon has just redone their menu, so I decided we are going there. It is close. There is probably not a wait. And in the eventuality we get drunk, my wife is nearby to pick us up and drive us home after she is done with her practice.

So have you ever had beef tongue? Me neither. That's why when I saw it on the Bar Symon menu, I had to try it. Vodka Logic looks over the menu and then looks at me and asks, what is a perogi? I looked at her and was flabbergasted. What? Was that a question? Sometimes I take my heritage for granted. My family is Slovak. Perogi are pretty much a staple in my house around Christmas time. So seeing my reaction, and a hearty suggestion she try them, and what better place than Cleveland? The Cleveland Classic was in the kitchen just for Vodka Logic.

So by the time the first round of cocktails got to the table, dinner arrived. I was famished so I dug in, after Laura and I took photos of the food of course.

The [blurry] Cleveland Classic

Beef Tongue Sandwich w/ Chips

I know that looks yummy right?

So during dinner we got a phone call at the table. Guess what? Laura's bag finally made it to Cleveland. So I stopped drinking after the second drink, and prepared to drive Laura through Cleveland, then back out to the airport to get her lost bag.

It is in my humble opinion that if you want to see a city, have someone who lives there show you around. If you live in a place and don't know anything about it, then learn. Be proud of your town.

As we exited the restaurant, with 1 extra sausage in hand, because Laura only could handle 1 of the 2 she got, so we set off down the historic Lake Rd into Cleveland.

Laura commented on the houses. How cheap they were. People don't realize how inexpensive the Midwest is. She saw this in the tab she picked up at the restaurant. Our meal could have easily cost over $100 in New England. In Cleveland, a miserly $60.00.

As we drove down I was sharing some facts about Cleveland. Lake Effect snow, electric rail road to the burbs, and even where the celebrities live. I think at one point I was overloading her, because she said, damn you know a lot about this city.

I know I do. I also tend to ramble when I have someone new to show around. I love my city, and I think Laura saw this. We arrive in downtown and I drove her through Playhouse Square, the Gateway District, by E 4th Street, and then to I-71 south to the airport.

Baggage claimed and off to bed.

Now Laura did not come into town w/o bringing gifts for the Mrs. and I and also for the kids. Patriots gear for the kids. Shot glasses for the Mrs. and I. How awesome is that? Seriously.

So Friday was the tourist day. Laura's only request was to see the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. So I obliged. Audrey spent her day off with her mom, as she hadn't seen her for the week on the account of play practice, and the wife, Laura, Addison, and I went to the Rock Hall.

I hadn't been there in a while, and to all those Clevelanders who haven't been, get there, it is a great place. Time was getting tight for Laura's flight home, so what were we to do for lunch. I know I wasn't going to stop at the Rock Hall's cafe. That would be a waste. Why visit a cafe when you can dine at one of Bon Appetite's Top 10 Restaurants?

Off to the Greenhouse Tavern we went.

I think this lunch menu is one of Cleveland's best kept secrets. Small, inexpensive, and flavorful.

I didn't get a good photo of my lunch as I wolfed it down so fast, but Laura was able to get this shot off before her hunger monsters got a hold of it.

The Greenhouse French Dip

We finished our lunch and realized that Laura had to get to the airport to head off to Indianapolis on the 2nd leg of her tour of the Midwest.

But what is a trip to Cleveland without a proper send off?

Come back soon Vodka Logic. You only saw part of this great city!

Overnight w/ Vodka Logic [Part 1]

2010-02-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

So it was no secret that Laura from Vodka Logic was coming to town. Her flight was scheduled to come in on Wednesday afternoon. With the snow storms that hit Cleveland then hitting the East Coast, her flight was canceled. Then rescheduled. Then canceled again. Then rescheduled. Again.

During this time a study came out from Forbes Magazine. Cleveland was #1 on the worst winter weather list. Boston was #2. Funny, Laura was coming from Boston. To Cleveland. During winter storms.

Seriously. I can't make this crap up.

Finally, Vodka Logic made it to town Thursday night. Her flight was 20 minutes early, but not to worry, we would end up waiting around the airport for another hour.

As you know US Airways is known as the airline that can land in the Hudson River, but not as an airline that can get your bags from destination A to destination B.

The baggage claim belt came to life, and died in a meager 10 minutes. Everyone who had a bag on the belt, got their bag and left. Then we look around. There are 4 people there who had not gotten a bag, and they were still standing around. Waiting. For a bag that wasn't going to be there. Laura and I were a few of those people.

Laura got in line to make a claim, I took a seat. I was pretty pissed for her.

Just want to put it out there. If I have to pay to check my luggage, it had better be there when I get there. Airlines are jacking up fees, and losing luggage. It is one thing to lose luggage when it is free, I get what I pay for; but when I am paying you to put my bags on the my airplane and then take them off, and I don't get my bags, then why do I have to still pay you?

I digress.

There is a part 2 of this story, and it has a happy ending. Come back tomorrow for the conclusion. You will not want to miss it. The rest of the story needs it's own blog post.

A Lonely Luge

2010-02-13T12:07:00.001-05:00

The Winter Olympics are something I am always drawn to. I love skiing, curling, speed skating, and even the cross country events. To tell you the truth, I am drawn to the competition, no matter now boring or trivial the sport might be.

As exciting as the competition might be, Friday, as the games were about to open, we were struck with tragedy. Some say it should have never happened. Some say it was just another danger of a sport.

Georgian luger, 21 year old, Nodar Kumaritashili lost control of his luge and was thrown off hitting an unpadded metal pole at nearly 90 miles per hour. They say it isn't the fall that kills you, it's the sudden stop. As hard as it might be to imagine what that would be like, it's hard to watch. I learned of the crash via Twitter while having lunch with the Wife and Laura from Vodka Logic. I wanted to know more, and I was sure that I would get the news I wanted from the news once I was able to watch.

As the Wife and Audrey got ready for their play, I watched The NBC Nightly News as they showed the footage of the crash. My mouth dropped to the floor. Tears came to my eyes. This athlete's death was shown on nationwide television. Again they showed the crash in slow motion. Slow enough to see the fear in the athlete's eyes. In less than 0.01 seconds, he was dead.

Now technically he did not die on impact, but to show this video not only during the 6:30 Nightly News, but also at the top of the Opening Ceremonies. Over. And over. And over. It was classless, inappropriate, and showed a disrespect to this athlete that is completely unimaginable. Would they have shown the video over and over if it were an American?

The analysts say it was his lack of experience on the track and this particular track is said to be the fastest and most challenging track in the world.

I am disgusted with NBC for even showing this video. As exclusive as it might have been, it was inappropriate to show this horrific death.

It was probably the scariest thing I have ever seen.

So as I sit here, excited to watch the competition unfold, I am reminded of how precious life can be.

I got a new job in less than a week....

2010-02-11T08:00:00.005-05:00

...and I really feel like a dick for it too.

There are a ton of people out there who are jobless, my mother is one of them. My friend Kasey is another. Both of whom read this blog.

So I want to say it now, I am sorry for getting a job when I already had a great job. I am. My job with Verizon Wireless was fantastic. But now with my new adventure, I find myself biting my tongue about how awesome of an opportunity it is, because people close to me are having a very hard time. Depression. Guilt. Thoughts of inadequacy. You name it, you'll have it.

So I am just very very sorry, but I am also not very sorry at all either.

I know what it is like to not have a job, and I was told a long time ago when I was working in the Radio Industry, to always be looking for your next opportunity. So that is what I am always doing. Always. Many people learn the need for a solid network about 1 pink slip too late. Make that change on your terms. It is no secret that companies are cutting back. Be looking. Be ready. On the day I resigned from Verizon Wireless, it was the same day that Verizon Communications announced layoffs on it's wireline side. Keep your eye on the business. If it looks solid, start looking. If it gets shaky, step up your efforts so you are ready.

You also need to be really honest with yourself. Are you really someone that is worth something to the company? Really? I know I know, that is very hard to self assess, but you need to start getting honest. Stop saying that your shit doesn't stink, because in the end, your shit is just as smelly. The issue is, is your shit easy covered up by oust? Are you that squeaky wheel? They say it gets the oil, and I usually say it's the oil to help you lubricate your exit.

So as I lack the words to blog as of late, it really as a result of me trying to stifle my excitement for the next part of my career because there are many of you looking and trying to even get interviewed. I feel bad for you. What do you want me to say? Hang in there? Well hang in there.

Some people say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. In the words of Ron White I say, find the person who's life is giving them vodka, and have a fucking party.

In a way I am sorry. In another, I am not. I am staying in control of my destiny. I suggest you get in control of yours too.

********

In case you missed it, I was asked to be a guest on a podcast yesterday. Check out my interview on Kelly's Podcast "Speaking from the Crib". I had a blast. Enjoy that.

My wife has a new blog and I can't seem to find the words

2010-02-08T09:36:00.000-05:00

Why is it that when I have time to write, I can't figure out what to write about? Or when I do want to talk about something, I cannot find the words?

This whole process is frustrating.

Oh and by the way. Have you checked out my wife's blog? She finally got on there last night and posted about a new reality TV show.

Go check it out and follow her.

I'm not here today

2010-02-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

Today I am posting over at Real World: Venus vs. Mars. On the agenda, He said, She said on the topic of casual sex. Here is a sneak of what I said,

"...talking with some dude from 'i need to get my pee pee wet.com' then having a drink and doing it, is NOT casual sex. That is creepy. That is dangerous...."

Get over there now and see the whole story

Vacation Day 3 [Last chance to sleep in]

2010-02-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hopefully as you read this, I am fast asleep. See since starting the 2 week vacation before the new j-o-b starts, I haven't been able to sleep in. Monday, the perfect time to do so, I was up at 7am. Tuesday I was UP AND OUT THE DOOR by 7:30am. Today, I hope I am still asleep. You see this post is auto posted for 8am EST. Let's hope I don't beat it here.

Anyway, for those of you who like to read what I write, go check out a new blog I am a part of. Yesterday I wrote about child support. Tomorrow I am a part of a debate. Did I win? You decide tomorrow, but in the end, the debate was over casual sex. Go see what I said tomorrow, seriously, I offended my counterpart. Seriously. I got the e-mail. It was awesome.

So, there is not much to say right now. Life is quiet. I am planning an itinerary for when Vodka Logic comes to town. We need to hit some places where food is sold. Hit the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Give her a guided tour of MY city. Watch the final dress rehearsal of the play my wife and kids are in.

In the mean time, I was talking with Audrey about her roommate for a few days. Hope Vodka Logic likes 7 almost 8 year olds.

I meant to say this yesterday

2010-01-30T09:25:00.001-05:00

So, if you follow me on Twitter, you already know.

For those who don't, I will cut to the chase. I got a new job. I'm changing careers. I'm starting anew.

For those who have followed me since I began my blogging journey, you caught me at a time where I wasn't in love with working in retail. You have followed that progression through the years until now. I have written about customers of retail, employees of retail, and if you knew where to look, you will also know that this blog has bitten me in the ass. I'm glad to say that it is all over now.

Yesterday, I wrote a 2 line letter to my managers. This is my official resignation of my posistion at [employer redacted]. My last day of work will be February 13, 2010.

To say it felt strange to resign from a position I really loved would mean I was saying that writing with my feet is neat and legible.

It was weird. My assistant manager was shocked. My colleague who was there was shocked. Everyone was shocked.

I was the leader of the pack to some. I was a niusance to some. In the end, I'm glad to say I got along well with everyone.

At the end of the day, I sat down with my manager. I could see that she was trying to hold herself together. She as where I was going. Its a question that she allowed to ask, due to the non-compete clause I signed. I told her.

She said she was really happy for me. She also said, that she appreciated my two week notice, I am only required to work through Sunday the 31st. I would be compensated my unused vacation time. She said it would give me time to spend with my family and get my head in my new role. I could see the tears shrink wrapped to her eyes on my way out.

To say that I appreciate it would be a severe understatement. Its like saying that Tone Loc WASN'T a musical genius. I mean does it get any better than funky cole medina or wild thang? You're singing it now, I can hear ya.

So as I have stated before, this year is my year of change. My changes happen because I am making moves to make them happen. No longer will I sit idle and allow others to shape my career. I will shape my career.

Here is to saying good-bye to all I have worked with. We will stay in touch.

Here is to new beginnings.

Slainte

*this blog was composed and posted on my Droid® so excuse any blaring spelling errors, I couldn't find my spell check.

Family can be such a pain [Guest Post from Vodka Logic]

2010-01-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone,

Last week I said I gave my brain a day off. Well it really enjoyed it's vacation, so let's hope it return tomorrow. Until then, here is a post from a good blogger buddy of mine from Boston. She asked that she not be linked for fear her family might find her. If you would like her link, just shoot me an e-mail

Sincerely,

The hollow shell of a body that is sorely lacking it's brain

----------

Firstly thanks Adam for letting me use your blog to vent some painful feelings. As the poem says I have been hurt yet again by my family. More specifically my sisters. For some reason I don't fit in, am not welcome in their lives. I have been through this with them before and was told I was selfish and one even called me offensive. That is one comment I can not shake. I do not have the same sensibilities, beliefs even interests as my sisters. I used to but things change...

They have read my blog, they separated themselves from it, canceling any connections they had with it. Apparently a few sharp words and naughty poems makes me offensive and a risk to be associated with. [I kid you not]

I have put my heart on my sleeve with some of my poems and they have never asked if I was ok, did I want to talk. [but I am selfish]

Anyway the following poem is what came out of me this morning. I don't need any more drama so Adam said he would let me post on his blog.

Pain is the only way.
That makes me write,
What I want to say.

Here I am alone again,
The black sheep strikes.
A broken chain.

I'd like to say I do not care,
I'm just not able.
All I say will seem unfair.

I'll hear the flack,
Be chastised
Told it's me that is slack.

Swatted away from above
Mistreated by family
Whom I love.

Grind it down into the dirt,
And bury it deep
I'll take the hurt.

My pain and sorrow
It will fade,
Lucky for me there is tomorrow.

9 lists of 8

2010-01-20T08:00:00.008-05:00

Because I am coming off a hectic weekend, and 2 relaxing days off, I gave my brain a day off.

My new found Canadian Buddy, Will tagged me in a game of lists. 9 lists of 8. They are predetermined lists. But I need a break for now. At the end, you get a chance to play along.

8 TV Shows I watch:
Law & Order: SVU-This is where I get all my knowledge on crime.
Myth Busters- I love how nerdy Adam and Jamie are to get to the bottom of Urban Legend
Glenn Beck- I know I know. But like I have tweeted before, part thinks he is full of shit, the other thinks he might be right. I hope he is full of shit, but something tells me he isn't.
Local News on WKYC-TV-When it comes to the news in Cleveland, I turn to our NBC affiliate. The weather reports are pretty accurate, but they don't scare me with their 8 million Doppler Radars.
Top Chef-I am not what you would call a foodie, and frankly I hate the word. I am a guy who likes to cook and likes to eat. I don't criticize restaurants, I don't tell you to stop going there. If I write about it; it was good. If I am quiet, then I think it sucked, but I am not so entrenched in my opinions of a place to tell you that it sucked. Top Chef really let's me spend time with Audrey and show her food is something to get excited about.
ESPN First Take-Although I am not your typical guy, I am still a guy. I like to see what they are saying about my Browns
Iron Chef America-Michael Symon is from Cleveland. I always watch when he is on.
Diners, Drive In's, and Dives-This season is featuring 7 or 8 Cleveland area restaurants. Check that show out.

8 Favorite Places to Eat & Drink
Bar Symon-Goes without saying I like Symon. He's a Cleveland dude. The fact he opened a restaurant in my home town, I think it goes without saying I love the place and will support it in anyway I can.
The Greenhouse Tavern-Although I have only been there once, I loved the wings, beef tartar, and wine. It may be a 'green' restaurant, but political buzzwords aside, it's fantastic. It's run by two great people Jonathon Sawyer, and Chef's Widow.
B-Spot-Symon's new burger joint. I love burgers. I love Symon. Enough said.
Swenson's-See B-Spot but strike the word Symon and just plug in burgers.
Fiesta Jalapeno- The Mexican joint across the street. Love it.
Melt-Coming up on Diners, Drive-In's, and Dives on February 8th. Grilled Cheese and Beer.
My Kitchen-I have made plenty of great meals at home, but I love it when Wifey and I are in the kitchen together, but it doesn't happen too often.
My Mom's house-Who doesn't love their mom's cooking?

8 Things I look forward to:
Sexy time with the Wifey-Do I really need to explain that?
Eventually a 'by' line in a published book, article, magazine and then getting a check made to my name as a result.-C'Mon, I've been published 3 times, but never got paid for it!
Comments on my blog posts-A bloggers wet dream is getting a shit ton of comments. Don't make me beg.
The end of my work days-Work has been tough recently and I usually like the overtime, but as of late, I love going home to the family as fast as possible
Getting my car fixed-Hopefully it will be fixed by the end of the week
Addison being potty trained-Changing diapers is shitty, and yes, that pun was intended.
Change-for the good. It may include, but is not limted to, becoming independently wealthy, getting a full time gig that will pay me to write, having smart kids that will take care of me when they get rich.
A visit from a certain blogger who started this whole list thing-Vodka Logic is coming to town!

8 Things that happened yesterday:
Baby woke up a million times, thus trumping something I was looking forward to-2 guesses as to what that was.
I called to see how much it was going to cost to fix my car-I really wish I was more mechanical to know when I was getting raped up my ass. At least the inmates in prison can see it coming.
Watched a ton of news-I love the news.
I forgot to put out the garbage for the garbage truck for the 2nd week in a row-I have a feeling it is going to get stinky.
I did the dishes-I am domesticated.
I read a lot of blogs-But only commented on a few.
Laughed- I seem to do this a lot when I am not at work
Watched the Wifey sleep- And I tried to figure out what she sees in me. She is so much cooler than me.

8 Things I love about Winter:
The Cold-The Wifey gets closer when it is cold. That's why the house is kept at 52 during the summer.
Snow!-Although I haven't skied in years, I always watch the ski forcasts.
Cozy fires-I need a fire place
Emergency Snow Warnings-It means it's going to be a fun day behind the wheel.
It's when Addi was conceived-We did it a lot that winter.
The hush on the street when the snow falls-The snow on the ground just mutes all the noise cars make
The last day of cold before it turns into spring-I like it when it ends.
That first snow fall-It's always amazing

8 Things on my wish list:
A portable mixing board-It would really help with the podcast
A night without the kids-I want to take the lady out to a good dinner at one of the 8 places we love to eat, maybe a movie, and then maybe do it like teenagers after words without worry the kids will hear/walk in.
A new car-More specifically a Ford Taurus SHO. Sexy car.   I want it loaded.

A new laptop-More specifically a 15" Mac Book Pro
A happy and prosperous life and family- Like anyone else.
A new house-Need a bigger house with a yard.
A Superbowl win for the Cleveland Browns-Need I say more?
My own airplane-So I could have breakfast in San Fransisco and dinner in NYC. Lunch on board.

8 Things I am passionate about:
My wife and children-They are the most amazing people in my life
Sales-Sales is not about hitting a number, it is about forming and cultivating relationships.
Writing-I like to write, and I think I am ok at it. Sometimes I think I suck, but sometimes I really do think I am awesome. Average it out, and I am just ok.
Reading-Read to escape and learn.
Music-Especially not the shit you hear on the radio. Local, grassroots shit. The demo tape made in a garage is my favorite. Gritty, honest, and usually awesome!
Food-I hate boxed dinners
Coffee-Local coffee houses are awesome, but few and far between thanks to Starbucks.
Learning-Whether it be about myself, or anyone else, I am a fan of the human being.

8 Words I often use:
[in no particular order]
Awesome.
Happy.
Please.
Thank-You.
Fuck.
Hello.
Cock.
Shit.

8 Things I learned from the past:
That the freedom America has wasn't exactly fought for, but negotiated.-Read Zinn's book; A People's History of the United States of America then follow it with McCullough's biography on John Adams.
That it could be worse-A childhood story that my Grandpa read to me. It's a philosophy to live by.
Abstinence only programs do not work- I was in a school district that taught us what a condom was, and also what spermicidal lubricant was, and also how to put on a condom, by demo-ing it on a banana. I look back on that day in health class in 9th grade as the information I use most often. They also said that the only form of birth control that was 100% effective was abstinence. As a result of this class I abstained until I was nearly 21, although I almost had sex when I was 18, but stopped short. I have only had 2 partners. Knowledge is power.
Prohibition created NASCAR-Google that.
The 60's looked scary as hell-I watched a documentary on 1968, and it was fucked up.
History repeats itself-I am working hard on not repeating my mistakes.
Humans will eventually be extinct-And it doesn't matter how many windmills we put up. Eventually we are all going to die.
Gravity is awesome-Sir Isaac Newton. Thanks for discovering it!

8 Things I want/need:
To be idolized by my children-Really, my kids need to think I am awesome
Money-It's tight right now.
Clarification on how we are NOT helping Haiti-I have seen interview after interview of American's telling the government get involved in the recovery effort. We have Marines, War Ships, and a TON of American Aide on the ground. We cannot just wave a magic wand.
I need the celebs to raise money for things in their own country-For instance. When disaster strikes, Hollywood, the fashionable cause monger they are, gets involved. I have not seen 1 PSA from then helping out the people of this country since Katrina. Why can't Clooney raise money to help average guys like me pay off their debt?! I don't care what you think, but if you want to use your celebrity for something, help us out, don't tell us what you think.
Motivation-Seems I am lacking some motivation as of late. I don't know what it is.
A new couch-Anyone who has sat down on this thing has had a hard time getting out of it. It sucks you in.
A new TV-The one I have is sweet, but it is also 300 pounds.
A new car-For either my wife or for me. Just want a new one

I am supposed to tag 8 people. I say eff that. I like breaking rules. If you want to play along, let me know in the comments section. I will come check it out and comment on it.

Throwing Quarters Podcast Season 3 Episode 1

2010-01-18T10:05:00.001-05:00

As promised, we did it. Episode 1 is in the can. Hope you enjoy it. It was certainly a ton of fun.

Take a listen. It should be up in iTunes shortly. If you are impatient you can just listen below!

Important Dates that were mentioned.
Video Shoot for Vendetta Point. February 21, 2010 @ 2:30pm at Peabody's. Free to public. Just show up and look good

CD Release Show for Vendetta Point. April 3, 2010 @ 7:00pm at Peabody's. $6.00 at the door, free if you contact Jim or Ken or Me.

I want to thank Vendetta Point for stopping by, and as promised in the podcast, here are all the links you need to know.

Vendetta Point and Vendetta Point Twitter
Jim Skirtch
Ken Obloy
Kasey Crabtree and Kasey's Twitter
Dan Ryan
Mrs. Throwing Quarters

During the Plugs I mentioned a community theater in Avon Lake, Ohio. You can find them here.

Here is the hour of mayhem!

You can also find us on Stitcher Podcast Radio from your iPhone, BlackBerry, or Droid.

Mark you calendars. Our next Episode is February 21, 2010.

Throwing Quarters Podcast Season 3 Live 8pm EST

2010-01-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today is the day. The Throwing Quarters Podcast goes live at 8pm EST.

Starting at 7:30pm EST we have a pre-show. It will include some great music from Dave Ritz, Auralis, Adam Taylor, The Ohio Sky, Philo, Ryan Humbert, and Love Drug.

8pm EST Live! With Adam, Kasey, and Dan

Guests this month: Vendetta Point

*If you do not see the uStream Feed and Chat Feed below, please click here to go to the direct show page*

Live Videos by Ustream

It's coming

2010-01-15T10:45:00.000-05:00

Changing requires planning. It requires discipline. It requires forward thinking. It requires support.

This week I make a huge change personally. It has been the source of my seemingly ever ending sour mood. It has caused me sleepless nights and early mornings. It has me distracted.

What is it that is changing? My podcast.

Since April, my podcast has been a labor of love. My baby. I have planned and executed everything on it. From booking my guests, to reaching out and looking for new ones, I was in charge of it all.

This year it's changing. This anxiety started after our first meeting on the format. Kasey and Dan came over and we talked about how and what this whole thing is going to look like, sound like, time tables, etc etc etc.

Planning.

After the meeting I kept going over and over in my head. Is this right? Am I sure? Oh my god this is really happening! With change comes doubt. Always doubt. Keeping my resolve, and having faith in myself that I can guide this process through is something I must do.

I have no doubt that this is something that is going to happen. The wheels are in motion. The ustream feed is set up, but not all the technical bugs are worked out. The soundbites I want to use are not edited yet. I. am. freaking. out.

I am sure after this Sunday, it will all go off without a hitch. The camera will work and provide a picture, but I am still a little sketchy on how it is working. It seems that I can get it to work one day, but not the next. The computers webcam works like a champ, but my hand held is a 50/50 shot.

So needless to say I am a little worried. I am excited. I am nervous.

I am giving up a small level of control to make something better. Let's hope it all works out.

Worst case scenario is that you can hear us but not see us.

After all, this is a radio show first.

A poem that doesn't rhyme, but poetry nontheless

2010-01-12T21:04:00.000-05:00

I am staring at a blinking cursor on my computer screen.

I'm blank.

I have Pandora pumping in the headphones.

Fake It-Seether

I feel like I am faking it.

My smile.

Myself.

Not depressed, just craving a change.

Tired of hypocracy.

Tired of bullshit.

Just tired.

2010 is going to be a year of flux.

I crave the challenge.

Sonic's are about as great as dog meat by comparison

2010-01-10T08:00:00.029-05:00

Strong statement? I think so. It was intentional. Over the last few months, there has been such a hubbub about Sonic's. You know the Drive-In Restaurant chain that serves you right in your car. What a novel concept. Not. Cleveland just opened their first one in the area to rave reviews. I knew years ago that this chain wasn't all that it says it is. It's novel and you all know when the novelty wears off. You realize that you have been to this drive in so many times, you realize that what you are eating is close to dog food. I think some people of Cleveland think this is a new concept. Many know that those people are wrong.

These Drive-Ins are a slice of Americana. Drive in restaurants date back to as early as 1936, but didn't really reach the height of popularity until the 1950's after the end of WWII.

I am not all that old, but what I wouldn't give to live in that time. Drive your land yacht with the tail fins to the drive in and order a burger, fries, and a vanilla coke. It's no secret I am a burger fanatic. They are lovely. Probably the most simple of concepts, but yet, no two burgers ever taste the same. The All Ohio Burger from The Greenhouse Tavern is heads and tails different from the Bar Symon Burger at Bar Symon, or even more different still than the Fat Doug at B-Spot and both the Bar Symon and Fat Doug are made by the same chef. Burger King vs. McDonald's. Wendy's. You get the picture. Simple yet diverse.

The burger dates back to around 1885 when the Menches brothers were vendors at Erie County Fair. They ran out of sausage for their sandwiches so they decided to use beef instead. This of course is just one of the many stories about how the hamburger was invented. There are too many to mention, but I would like the think that the legend of the Menches Brother's is the most true account. 1. Their Story is believable. 2. They are from Akron, just a hop, skip, and a jump from Cleveland, Ohio.

I tell you these stories to tell you yet another story. Akron is not just home of the brilliant inventors of the hamburger, but it is also home to the first ever Swenson's Drive-In.

Last night I experienced Swenson's for the first time, and boy, it was everything everyone said it was. The concept is not much different than that of Sonic, except they forgo the speaker boxes in the car stall. Their menu is printed on paper and not a monstrosity of lights and color much like a McDonald's drive thru. The car hops run to your car and use pencil and paper to take your order and don't rely on a squawk box. They don't use a call button, but just have you turn on and off your headlights. You know, the way it was before there was all that impersonal technology. I know I know, a shocking statement coming from a guy like me, but that's a different blog for a different time.

Swenson's is a slice of Americana placed right into my car seat. Wifey and I ordered a double cheesburg which was fantastic. After I ordered Wifey one-upped me when she ordered a slice of bacon on her burger. Why the hell didn't I think of that?

Along with a burger we order vanilla cokes. How wonderful is it to have a real vanilla coke. Not that crap in a can that they sell at your local grocery store. Despite the several inches of snow on the ground, Swenson's was busy. Plenty of cars in the lot. The car hops were right there and attentive. Just to illustrate this point, I must tell you this. I pull the car in. They saw me pull in and by the time I slid my fat assed SUV into the parking spot, the car hop was running to the car, and by the time I had the car in park, she was ready to take my order. How unbelievable is that!

To tell you this burger was the best burger I ever had would be a lie. It was good, juicy, well done, but not so good I would say that it was the best burger in the world. But it sure beats the shit out of Sonic, McDonald's, Wendy's, Jack in the Box, Burger King, Arby's, and even Whataburger.

Swenson's burgers are amazing, truly amazing. I could live on these burgers, but I'm pretty sure I would develop a heart condition and then die, but at least I would die happy. If you are in Cleveland, coming through Cleveland, or once thought about wanting to come to Cleveland, you need to mark this place on the "must visit" list. Forget Sonic's. Find a Swenson's!

I like local

2010-01-08T13:31:00.001-05:00

I've been bored for the last few years. Food choices, retail shopping choices, entertainment options. All those categories I have started to grow tired of going to the same god damn place. If we can't decide on a good restaurant to go out to, we go to Fridays. It's good, but I'm bored. If we can't find it at Wal-Mart or Target, we don't seem to buy it. If it's not playing at a local regal cinemas, it seems that we don't go.

This is plaguing Cleveland. I think we do things because it's what we have always done.

This Christmas season, inspired by Chef's Widow, I focused not on getting great gifts for my wife, but getting great gifts for the wife you can't get anywhere else BUT Cleveland.

I got the wife a couple scarfs from Proper Tea for Christmas. Proper Tea is a locally owned and operated clothing company by Danielle DiBenedetto. When I first heard of Proper Tea it was on a local morning show. It was impressed and ever since I was on a mission to get the wife some scarfs. The only down side is that they were hard to get. She, at the time, did not have an online store [now she does] so I was boutique hopping. I finally got my hands on both scarfs this Christmas when she set up a temporary boutique in the same outdoor shopping mall I work in. I met her and happily plunked down my cash for them. She also sold me another gift for the wife. A long shirt, or dress depending on how tall you are. I was nervous about that, but my wife has a good eye for design and she also loved it.

A customer of mine had a unique purse. It was a cigar box with a handle. It was awesome. I asked her where she bought it, thinking my wife, a purse freak, would love one. She said she made it. I asked her if she sold them and she said, "thought never crossed my mind until now." Three days after our encounter, she walked in with 2 purses to show the wife. I bought them both.

People who open stores locally, I need to help them. Their wares are usually just as good as what you would buy in the store. Why not buy from your neighbor if you can?

2009 was hard for many people. There are those who have lost their jobs, like my friend Kasey, or like my Mom, but both are not sitting around feeling sorry for themselves. Kasey started a blog and is trying to make her own destiny rather than waiting for it to come to her, and my mom is doing the same thing.

My mom makes jewelry. She is what I was call a jewelry freak. She has a jewelry safe bigger than most jewelers. If she cannot find what she wants, she makes it. Well after her recent job loss, she turned to her craft to pass the time between checking e-mails and making phone calls. After 3 days we had tons of jewelry. Why not sell it? She always has gifted these pieces off to family, but now that she has so much invested into her jewelry, it doesn't make sense to give it away. So she has turned to sell it. If you care to check it out, she has 6 item for sale in her Etsy store. She sold one within a week of opening, so let's hope this is the beginning of a new path for my mom.

I like buying local now. A whole new world has opened up for me in Cleveland. From drab boring Midwest city to culinary mecca of the Midwest, Cleveland is transforming in front of my eyes. Cleveland has more little boutiques than I can mention, and so many great places to dine.

Now if only the Browns could get their shit together and resign Cribbs to a respectable deal, and the Cavs keep LeBron after we win the NBA Championship.

Michael Symon is NOT a bastard

2010-01-08T12:14:00.002-05:00

Not too long ago, I was at a blogger event at the Greenhouse Tavern. During this time I met some of the Cleveland Blogger Elite. From Cleveland's a Plum, Chef's Widow [who hosted this event], and many many more. I also met Michael Symon. If you went back and read that blog, you will notice that I called him a bastard to his face for reading this humble blog, but not commenting on it.

Well a few posts later I went to his new restaurant and wrote a little piece about THAT. Well later that day, the Iron Chef commented on the post.

So this is my public retraction of previous comments that Michael Symon is a bastard. Well honestly, I never really thought he was, but it just kind of came out.

Chef, thanks a bunch, and can't wait to try the new menu at Bar Symon.

Another Whine-fest or A Needed Payday

2010-01-07T09:26:00.000-05:00

I haven't written about my beloved Browns this season because there has not been much to say. They ended their season 5-11 after a 1-11 start. I am excited to see next year. I am excited to see what Mike Holmgren will bring to my Browns. I am going to be excited if we can keep the players that make a difference. I am going to be excited if we don't get blown out right out of the gate.

Well for those who don't know, Mike Holmgren was the football genious behind the resurgence of the Packers and also the Seattle Seahawks. Mike Holmgren is now the president of The Cleveland Browns. He said he is going to have a meeting with Eric Mangini [coach] and also has reached out to Josh Cribbs [the most under valued player in the NFL].

Josh Cribbs is coming off a terrific season personally. He holds the record for most punt returns for touchdowns, he is The Cleveland Browns MVP, and he is what I would call the classiest person in football. He doesn't whine. He doesn't bitch and moan. He goes out, puts his heart into the game, and goes back to the locker room and is quiet. Yes, he was not happy about his contract. Yes, he may have held out at the beginning of the season. Yes, he needs to get paid more.

Yesterday The Browns made him an offer. To give you perspective, he is currently under contract. Originally it was a 6 year deal valued at $6.77 million. So that is about $1.13 million a year. He has 3 years left on his deal. Obviously the fans want to give Josh what he wants. A pay increase. He deserves it. We won 5 of our games on the legs of Josh Cribbs. He deserves more. So the offer yesterday was, $1.4 a year for the rest of his contract and we can talk about it in 3 years. Josh rejected the offer and then tweeted about it. Saying it was a slap in the face. Looks like he isn't coming back next year. Sorry to the fans that they have to go through this.

This is a frustrated Josh Cribbs. It shows. There is no secret there. But this has me in a precarious bind. So I stand behind the player or the organization? I am not a fan of the owner Randy Lerner, but he has begun to warm me over with a football genius in Mike Holmgren. I have always been a fan of Josh Cribbs when I watched him run back multiple kick off's for touchdowns but they were called back because of a stupid holding penalty. So what do I do? Why not play both sides?

On behalf of the organization, we don't know how much room they have to offer Josh Cribbs a proper raise. Mike Holmgren is playing GM and president. He is walking into a crappy situation started with Phil Savage, enhanced by Kokinas, and now it seems to reach a head on his desk. Mike has been in town 2 days. He's already trying to deal. He went to Cribbs first. Get Cribbs a deal was his goal. But the long and short of it is, Josh is under contract for 3 more years. He is giving him a short term deal in order to take a step back and breathe.

On behalf of Josh Cribbs, he is a players player. He goes out and plays the game. He came in as an undrafted player from Kent State, a school not known for it's football program. He was a QB and was converted to a WR and special teams player because he was fast. He deserves every penny he gets because he plays. He helps the team win. He is the reason we won 5 games this year.

So what is there to do? Any other year I would side completely with Josh Cribbs, although that is not my history. This guy needs a payday. But this time, in a time of financial hardship all around, and my family's struggle to keep the bill wolves away, I don't agree with Josh Cribbs? He got a 20% pay increase and he is rejecting it. I say take it. I would take a 20% pay increase any day! Josh is living in a city who sees recessions first and gets out of them last. The people that fill that stadium to watch him play probably couldn't afford the $40.00 ticket [Cleveland has one of the lowest ticket prices in the league]. They want him to do well. To reject a 20% pay increase in a city that isn't getting one is pretty shitty move. Seems like a baby move. We can't expect him to be patient forever, but I think 20% is fair right now. Who knows what will happen?

I am sure this situation will continue to play out. If you want to follow Josh Cribbs on twitter, you can, just click here. What do you think?

The Glorious Inglourious

2010-01-05T08:00:00.005-05:00

I watch movies. Netflix, as of late, have been my best friend [outside my wife of course]. It has allowed me to watch movies instantly or get movies in the mail. I watch movies to be entertained, I watch movies to learn, I watch movies to break up the everyday monotony of life.

The latest movie that has been in my DVD player was Inglourious Basterds. The 2009 Quentin Tarantino film starring Brad Pitt and many many others. I would have never known that Mike Myers was in this film. Had I not read Wikipedia, I would have never known that the actor who played Hans Landa won an award at the Cannes Film Festival for best actor. Had I not watched this movie, I would have a number of other things to talk about, none of which would have been as interesting as this blog is or isn't.

It's rare I watch a movie twice within 12 hours. I have done it, but the last film that got me to watch it twice in 12 hours was ID4 [Independence Day]. I have watched Pulp Fiction on back to back nights, but that doesn't count because it was the only movie in the house when I forgot to pay the cable bill, so by default I watched it a few times.

Watching a movie that many times over and over, you learn a directors style, methods, and personality. There is no secret that Tarantino is a great story teller. From the cubist nature of Pulp Fiction from the flashback story telling of Reservoir Dogs, to the blaxploitation style of Jackie Brown, to the double feature movie Grindhouse, Tarantino has a romantic eye for movie making. He makes movies the way they did way back when. Before digital cameras, flash animation, special effects, and computer animation. He doesn't make movies. James Cameron makes movies. Tarantino makes films.

Inglourious Basterds, Tarantino's latest creation, brings gritty, often uncomfortable subjects of Nazi Germany into your living room. His characters seem to leap off the screen and into your lap. You can feel the nuances of Col. Hans Landa, to the vengeance of Shosanna Dreyfus all while giving you a very coherent film.

This film pulled me in. This film made feel what it would be like hiding from the SS and Gestapo, or what it would feel like to be scrutinized my the enemy while I was far behind enemy lines. This film may be a work of fiction but Tarantino brought the Holocaust and the evil of the Nazi's into my living room, and in the end, it doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth. The conclusion is perfect and poignant and at times this movie is laugh out loud funny.

As far as the look of the film, it brought me so close, I could smell the perfume on Bridget von Hammersmark, or the sweat on her shoes as Landa interrogates her. I could smell the stale cigarette smoke in the tavern as the British agent meets with his contact in a bar with a room full of Nazi's. I smell the blood on the hands of the "Apache" as the scalped the heads of the Nazi's as they killed them. I could feel the rage of the "Bear Jew" and I could sense the uncomfortable feeling you get when you are stuck between hiding your friends or turning them in to the Germans to save yourself.

This kind of emersion doesn't happen very often.

Wifey didn't see the appeal of this film as I did. To her, this was, "A bloody and gore-y film that wasn't a bad movie". Why do they need to put that in the movie? That was unnecessary. Why do you make me watch these movies? I am going to strap you to the couch and make you watch one of 'My' movies with me, she says. I wouldn't mind being strapped to the couch, but that is another blog for another time.

To me a well made movie can be as bloody and gore-y as necessary, as long as it does something other than shock you. Blood isn't in this movie just because Tarantino knew a good make-up guy. He put it in in order to tell the story. In order to put you there. In order to see the glory in the Inglourious.

No BS at B Spot

2009-12-29T08:00:00.006-05:00

I want to apologize. There was supposed to be a post yesterday wrapping up the holiday shopping season with a rant about dickhead teenagers. Well it never posted and when I went back to investigate, it isn't there.

Maybe I was too tired to correctly put it up and in my sleepy stupor, I forgot to upload it into blogger. Who knows? What DO know is that I went out to dinner with the Wifey and Addi and it was great.

Now I am accused of waxing poetic about food. My co-workers who read regularly often tell me that I am always writing my best when I write about food.

Well, this post is no different.

Our restaurant of choice was B Spot. Michael Symon's latest creation. Burgers, Beer, Brats, Bar Snacks, Bad Ass Milkshakes, and god knows what else you can think of that starts with the letter B.

I am a burger fanatic. I love to make them on the grill, I love to eat them with various toppings, and I enjoy fresh ground meat. Now many would think that people would automatically like Michael Symon's restaurants because they are supposed to. He's a well known chef. It must be good. Well I am not one of those people. I think his restaurants are fantastic because he isn't trying to recreate anything from space to space. He has 4 very different restaurants. Lola, fine dining; Lolita, or Lola v1.0 as I like to call it; Bar Symon, casual; B Spot, Burgers. The only restaurant I have not been to is Roast in Detroit. But when you look at it all, he uses fresh ingredients and that is what makes the food good.

The B Spot is going to be addicting. There are so many burgers to choose from, I would have no choice but to go back over and over and over and over again.

Now, I have a special attraction to meat topped with meat. My burger concoction was called the Fat Doug. Burger, Cheese, Pastrami, Cole Slaw, Mustard, all on a bun. It was lovely. Cooked to a perfect medium rare, it was amazing. Jenn had the Symon Says. I forgot what was on it, but it looked great and there were no complaints on the other side of the table.

I think the best part of the dinner was the sides. Jenn ordered the chili cheese fries, which were awesome. I ordered the Chips with Parmesan fondue and rosemary. It was a suggestion from a twitter friend Tom Noe. He's a food writer and he replied to a tweet and suggested it. I got it and boy was he right! I love fried food. I love cheese. I love fried food smothered in cheese.

Besides the food, Symon really showed his personality with this place. He has a disclaimer. This is not a fine dining restaurant. Don't be mad that you can't get a reservation. Don't whine, and by god don't throw names around. I think this is important based on some reactions I get when I talk to people about Bar Symon. People want to make reservations because they want a seat. Well, these restaurants are not downtown, nor are they fine dining. Get over it, wait in line like us common folks.

Best line on the disclaimer, #7, If you are reading this and making funny faces, drink your favorite bourbon, beer, or what ever, and relax, because you are too uptight for this place.

B Spot. No Bullshit.

Party Like a Rockstar

2009-12-22T10:48:00.000-05:00

I wouldn't be telling you the truth if I told you that this weekend was all about helping the people of retail. It wasn't. It's Tuesday, the week of Christmas, and this past weekend was awesome.

This year has been filled with more ups than downs, more good than bad, and more sweet than sucky. This past weekend was just another example of the awesomeness of this year.

Let me start off over a month ago. You know, way back when the December train was just leaving the station. I looked ahead at my schedule and I noticed that I had a Sunday off and also the last Saturday before Christmas. I was pissed the hell off. Who gives a commissioned sales rep the day off on the busiest Saturday? Well my disappointment turned to excitement just 3 short days later.

I was Facebook chatting with, my friend, Kasey Crabtree. Just, know you, typing the shit [or whatever you call it when you just BS on Facebook. I think it's called wasting time]. She invited Jenn and I to go and see Trans-Siberian Orchestra [TSO] on the 19th. That just so happened to be the last Saturday before Christmas. That just so happened to be my day off. The chances of this happening are like 31:1.

Now I have heard stories of Kasey and TSO. Late night parties. Going to other cities to see them. I mean she waxed poetic about it because she has been doing it for like 11 years. I mean you could sit there and say, I saw them in Montreal in 2000 and I was front row center. She would yawn at your story and say, well I have VIP passes and the band knows my name. [I was paraphrasing as if Kasey were me].

So when she offered to take Jenn and I, what was I going to say? No? Oh no. The answer was yes, and I put it in all caps. So you knew it was serious. That particular day was also Kasey's birthday and she said she would rather spend it with Jenn and I that evening at TSO. So I was down.

Flash forward to last Sautrday. Jenn is fighting with her inner self about what she should wear and I was dressed and ready to go. The baby was ready for grandma's and I was just glad that we were going out.

Now after hearing the stories Kasey told, I was honestly expecting to just go and see the show in a good seat. Honestly. That was it.

When we met Kasey at the Q, she went to will call and got our 'tickets'. Our tickets were a laminate that said VIP and the tickets to our seats were wristbands that said VIP 7:30. I was amazed, but then again, I was just expecting to see the show from a better seat than I had last year when I paid for them.

So we give Kasey a hug and realized we forgot her birthday card at home. I was a little mad at myself. So then Kasey said, "before we head to our seats let's take a walk upstairs in catering."

What?

Yeah, so we walked over to an elevator, you know the elevator down a short hallway that looks accessible and also off limits? Yeah, that elevator. We get on. We head up to catering. It was surreal. I have been backstage many times before with other concert venues, but never for a show this big.

Catering at a show this big was awesome. It was located behind the stage on the luxury box level. It was very rockstar. We helped ourselves to dippin dots and just shot the shit for a minute. I was still kind of blown away that we got this far and no one questioned why I was there. It was quite the opposite. All the security guards were talking to Kasey. "Hey Kase". "Happy birthday Kasey", "who do you have with you tonight Kasey?" At every moment Kasey introduced me as a blogger and podcaster and also a good friend of hers and then she would say, and this is his awesome and very lovely wife who is cool with everything.

It was awesome.

As we went back to the same elevator we ascended to catering in, we descended to the 1st level. The only indication as to where we were going was a piece of gaffer's tape that said, Stage, next to the 1 button.

The doors open. This is much like how I would imagine going to heaven would be like.

My wife's mouth was just hanging open at the wonderment that was the backstage area. This was her first time backstage at a huge show. Kasey commented on the moment Kate Hudson walks backstage in Almost Famous. You need to soak it in. Backstage there was chocolate fondue, candy, red bull shots, you name it, it was probably there.

We literally walked through the stage to get onto the floor to find our seats. We got all those looks of, who are they? How'd they get backstage? You know, the looks you give people who walk out from behind the stage and you wish that you were them.

Our seats were in the VIP section that was elevated behind the soundboard. They were amazing seats. A good friend once said, if you go to a show and want to hear the concert as it is meant to be heard, sit behind the guys who are mixing it. Same goes for the lights. Just so happened to be that they were both in the same spot.

Once the show started, there was no doubt we had the best seats in the house. It was exciting. The house lights dimmed. The stage came to life. The show has started.

Throughout the show, the band often goes into the first few rows. I have always wanted to be the guy in the front row they slap hands with. Why? I have no idea. Well, the rear platform, near where we were sitting, was better than that. Why? Well because it allowed us to get this close to the performers.

she was standing on the chair next to me!

Then she got on the platform and ascended to the amazing heights to close the show!

After the show, the room cleared out, and we were still there. Talking to the lighting crew guys and then we went backstage again.

I had an opportunity to meet the drummer Jeff Plate and he handed me a card for his side project. I can't wait to play some of this stuff on my podcast.

I just realized that this blog is getting long and drawn out so I will end it before I tell you that the after party with the band was awesome [for as long as we were there, but we had to exit early on an account of feeding a baby].

I just wanted to thank Kasey and I encourage you to go visit her newly launched blog. She launched it on the very Saturday we ventured into the Q to see TSO.

For all you twitter peeps, I will have a new list of people to follow from the band TSO.

I am tired just reliving this in my head, and I left out a bunch of stuff. Whew!