I played against the sweetest older lady, but she shocked me with a suggestion she made.  We were just about at the end of the game.  There was an open T, so I added CU and spelled Cut.  Next turn, she went out.  I counted up my remaining tiles, which included an N.  Then she says with a straight face 'you could have played that N in there.  And proceeds to spell the word for me.  C-U-N-T'.  Of couse I knew that, but it just didn't seem like the right word to play.  And besides, CUT was actually worth more points.  In another blow to my ego, I got AX/OXed.   

Next up I'll be writing about my interview for Average Joe IV.  I didn't go looking for them, they contacted me.  Either way, I'm not going to be on the show. 

She was endearing, calmly intellectual, and best of all, there was that crazy mixture of red in the gold of her hair.  It was almost as if I had been looking for that color hair for decades. . .maybe longer. 

But that hardly compares to the four Seth sitings in the past two weeks. I met two _other_ Seths at a party a few weeks ago. Then, last monday, I did a user research interview (that's the work that I do) with a guy whose middle name is gordon, first name: Seth. Piece that together and let me know what you come up with. Something close to Seth Gordon. And, just this past week, I was talking to some people and they said 'Hey Seth', as another Seth walked by. So, cumulative Seth count for the week, myself included is 5.

And, for those of you that are curious, my name is _way old school_. I'm not trying to get biblical, but. . .according to the bible, Seth is Adam's third son - after Cain and Able. Lived from 130 to 1042. about 912 years. That was a very long time back then. If people lived to be over 900 years old today, the social security system would go bust much quicker than expected But, I'm pretty sure the original Seth predated taxes.

And, speaking of serves, I got served at LA Scrabble Club #44. For as much trash as I talk about scrabble, I'm not much of a player. This was my first outing at club, and it showed. Two things were against me: I didn't play well, and the other players were much much better. I debut with a record of 0-3. But, I did manage to play a bingo (utilized). One woman in particular was not an especially good sport to the newbie (me). I'm going to have to study up a bit so I can come back and drop mad tiles on her azz!

But, way more exciting than scrabble was the trip to Vegas two weeks ago. Our man on the scene (who can't be mentioned by name, lest he show up in Google) had it all worked out, as we knew he would. We were so styled out the entire trip, I can't even tell ya. There is no better way to do Vegas. Aside from all the group fun, I won $10 in blackjack and negotiated a mostly full bottle of Dom at Drais for the bargain price of $20 (inquire within for story). Wish I could tell you more, but you know the rules. What Happens in Vegas, stay in Vegas!

Checked out the LA Modernism show this weekend and saw some really amazing things, including a cocktail set (6 cups and a shaker) for $45,000. And, it had a sold tag on it. It was a beautiful set, and for about a fraction of a second, I thought that maybe it really could be worth that much. Then, I stopped being stoopid.

Oh, and my NADs are pumpin this week - bought a new stereo. The neighbors looked really excited when they saw me carry in 4 foot tall speakers last week. My apartment is too small for big speakers, but it don't bother me none. You'll have to come over one day and jam out. Did you read the story about Shrek the Sheep that went 6 years without a shearing? In unrelated news, I got a haircut today.

So, still working on furnishing my place. I think I've been saying that for a few years now. This time around, the bed is the hangup. Maybe your opinion on style will help, maybe not. Vote anyway.

	1) Island	2) Classic	3) Fortified retreat

And, an odd tale from the city center. I was standing around minding my own business and a little scrawny white dude comes up to me, probably about my age. He looks like he's tweakin' a bit, so I'll refer to him as tweaker. I wasn't really in the mood to be hassled, but I figured I'd hear him out. Seemed like a nice enough fellow.

Twe - "Do you speak English?"
Me - "Un Poquito" (not sure how convincing my response was)
Twe - "Do you know where the salvation army is?"
Me - "Que?" (still pretending I don't speak English)
Twe - "I'm from Santa Monica, LA and I know I look like hell, I've been up all night. . . .but if you'd buy me a hamburger, man, that'd be great" (I guess at this point he assumes I speak English)
My Mom - "Ah, Santa Monica, my son just moved there" (She blows my cover)
Me - "Here ya go dude, here's few bucks. Drinks on you when I see ya in Santa Monica, K?"

Odd that the only person that solicits me the whole trip is from Santa Monica. And, I wasn't wearing anything that'd give me away. Well, I was wearing my "Mojito?" Hobson's Choice shirt, but I doubt he noticed that.

During our hikes through the forests, we saw most of the crazy critters which are unique to this environment / sloths, monkeys, lizards, bats, poisonous frogs, and tropical butterflies and birds. My mom kept making monkey jokes about me. She cracks herself up. During one of the tours, the guide pointed out two sloths that were in the same tree and explained how they are very territorial and will fight to protect their space. One sloth is dislodged from the tree and falls to the ground. One of the other people on the tour asked if they had a rehabilitation program for these dislodged sloths. He must have been a Harbin goer from Marin.

I'm working on the job front and have a good lead that I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for. Common' now, cross with me. I've found that in certain situations, it's easier to make a decision and follow through, then sort it out later. Otherwise, there's the risk of getting stuck in a rut. You're welcome to come visit, I'll wipe down the aerobed for ya and fill it with that nice ocean fresh air. I've decided that this time around, I'm going to properly move in and invest in furniture and accessories. You may not see me on MTV cribs, but know that I'm doing well.

But, my official LA experience starts around 4/1. I have all my stuff down here now, but I'm outta town for the next little bit. I leave at midnight tomorrow for a trip to Costa Rica with my mom. That's gonna be big time fun - the trip of a lifetime for both of us. Catch ya on the flipside.

But, the big action of course happened in LA under the auspicies of Klizza. If you're ever out in the evening and see a large reserved booth with a bunny pillow in the center, it's probably safe to assume it's for Hef and his bunnies. How do I know this? Because we were there. I'm not much of a star seeker, but I did enjoy that one. And, you'd be surprised at how much effort it takes to get within shooting (photo) of the Hollywood sign. We spent about 4 hours walking and 1.5 hours driving trying to get to that thing. Wouldn't surprise me if it was on the move as we tried to track it down. But, as the sun was setting, we finally caught it. Have some pictures to post up in the next few days.

A few days before flying out here, I had a very interesting conversation with London. She asked me if I had any particular life goals or if there was something that I really wanted to do. You'd think I'd have a list of things ready to rattle off, but I didn't, and I still don't. I said something to the affect that I leave myself open and welcome to opportunities and seize the ones that I believe will take me somewhere. Open yourself to life and the world, and things will happen.

Then, just a few days later I was talking to Beth about something similar and she was telling me how there was a time when her timing for everything was perfect. Nothing to over analyze, nothing to over think, her touch was just golden. She was in the zone. That's how I feel now - in the Zone! Remember, I moved to San Francisco on a whim. 10 days after I really started thinking about, I was out here. I don't view my life as a puzzle that I'm trying to piece together. That would require having a picture of a finished puzzle in mind. It's more of an amorphous blob that can assume any number of successful shapes. This philosophy has worked for me so far, and I plan to stick with it. Two quick stories of it in action at Sundance.

Let the Church Say Amen - Oh, where to start. The first film that we saw, Let the Church Say Amen, was very good, but dragged in a few places. It was about the members of a congregation in DC and how their unyielding faith helped them through their darkest hours. Believe in the lord and he will deliver. But, the most amazing thing was that some of the main characters in the documentary were at the screening and stayed around to meet and greet the audience. So, while the film on its own was good, the experience of the film + people was incredible!

My friend and I were on our way to get a cup of tea, and passed a few members of the congregation. I went over and wanted to thank them for sharing their stories. Next thing I knew, 6 of us were standing around in an impromptu prayer circle in the lobby of the hotel, holding hands, and giving thanks. We made the moment last several minutes. It was a very powerful and moving experience for me.

Second Film - There was only one film that I decided in advance that I really really really wanted to see. But, I wasn't able to get advance tickets and all four shows were sold out. I was determined to get in, even if it meant milling around outside with my finger on my forhead asking for a 'miracle'. I got to the midnight showing about an hour early to try to get late release tickets. I was given a number - 47. Somebody told me that only about the first 30 people would get in and that 40+ was a real long shot. I was hanging out, shooting the breeze and somebody offered up their place in line. They were 15 or so. But, I wasn't the one that got it. So, 47 I remained. But, another person offered up their place, and I pounced it - 23. I was as good as in. It all worked out and I made it in. So, where do I sit? One seat over from the Director/Producer. I told him about my Halloween costume and we chatted for a few minutes. Once the film started, he fell asleep. For once, I watched attentively the entire time. Afterwards, shook his hand and thanked him taking on the subject matter that he did. He then went up and did some QA with the audience. And, he brought two of the stars of his documentary with him.

First person to figure out who these people are and let me know, Guinness, my treat! Here's a hint, I'm the smiley one in the glasses + sweatshirt. Tell me who the other guys are. The guy with the dreads is from Baltimore.

I left the theatre with the biggest smile on my face. Shuttle was waiting outside, hoped on, hoped off at Mountain Resort stop. But oops, that's not where I was staying. We're at Treasure Mountain. Turns out to be over a mile away. I could have hoped a cab, but I was brimming with so much energy, I decided to walk it. I'm a trooper like that. Notice the weather conditions?

Thanks for listening. Time for me to warm my ears, drink some Gatorade, and have some roast beef and gouda on Carr's crackers. it's about 3:30 am. Can't wait to do it all again tomorrow.

If that were all, it wouldn't have been a big deal. But, that was just one of about 14 comments that tested my ability to remain composed under duress. I held the fort though. Much better than when I was in elementary/middle school, when I'd lose my composure at just about anything. Even the thought of losing my composure would make me lose my composure. I've since stabilized.

There was an older man standing on the corner. He kind of looked like Luigi from Mario Brothers. I took one glance and knew things weren't right. He had a pretty serious bloody cut above his right eye and was using his shirt as a bandage. He was way disheveled and shoeless. I rolled down the window to check and see how he was doing. He told me he'd lost his cellphone and asked me to call him a cab - that's all he wanted. He kept saying that he wasn't a bad person. I did him one better than a cab, I called 911 (and was put on hold before I had a chance to speak). I told the dispatcher about the disoriented man, and in about 5 minutes, 3 cop cars and an ambulance arrived. A bit of overkill, but at least they were prompt. One of the officers had a Hillary Clinton hairdo, another looked like a Wookie.

I didn't stick around to get the story of exactly what had happened, but I'm sure there was one, probably alcohol related. If I hadn't detoured, it could have been a long long time before anybody drove by. It was just strange. I'm sure this was a sign of some sort, but it's going to take me a day or two to put it into context.

As the officer was taking down my contact info, one of his colleagues said 'nice setup' as he eyed my radar detector.

Mary Ellen, you and your snaggle toof better stay back. The short version of the story is this. . .last time I was in Vegas, I met a very nice woman my age and her much older mother (about 55 years old) with a tattoo of her name on her neck, a tongue piercing, and not so many teeth. Umm, she had a few too many drinks (before we all met). The story culminates in her make a very much unsolicited and unappreciated advance towards me. After that, I left the bar and ran back to the safety of my room.

So, New Years! Thank goodness that holiday isn't coming around again for another 360 days. I'm usually a low key kind of guy, I certainly don't stand out in a crowd. But, this NYE/D was a little different. A shiny silver skintight singlet with matching cape and disco hat has a way of drawing attention. 4 inch moonboots complete the look. Like I always say, 'shoes make the man'. There is something very liberating in being ridiculous.

You can only know yourself once you go beyond yourself. that sounded kind of philosophical, right?

After sleeping in the next day, I woke up and took a fantastic weekend drive. The road conditions were great, and I was able to drive without anybody in front of me for most of the outing - perfect. 84 West is probably my favorite curvy scenic road in the area. Rivals some of my favorites in Shenandoah, VA. By good fortune, I pulled into a great ol' time market in Gregorio. They had some ol' timers playing holiday music, blue grass style. I stopped in for a listen and a single Irish coffee - bringing my weekend total for Irish coffee consumption up to, oh. . ., about 8 or so. That's way too many, but I was in the holiday spirit. Happy Chrismukkah!

Even though my name is not explicitly listed, I am a contributor to a group record that goes into The Book. 1773 Yahoo Yodelers set the world record by Yodeling for over a minute. I was one of them. If you are able to get ahold of the sound clip and listen closely, you might be able to hear the bassline that my grumbling monotone helped reinforce. Feel free to yodel along - it's contagious.

So, I am .057% contributor! Please treat me with the respect and reverance due a world record holder! I am hoping they send me some sort of membership card that's good for something - like discounts on Guinness at the bar.

Remember when you were a kid and would read the Guinness Book of World records looking for records you might be able to break? I knew I was never going to get in for any of the sporting events or physical triumps. And, I lacked the genetics and strength of mind to set records in the freak of nature categories (longest ear hair, polydactylism, or affixing 153 clothes pins). There were a few areas which I always thought were accessible, like pogo sticking, tree house sitting, even the sleep depravation category. But, now I can stop looking - I'm IN. Dreams can come true.

Lots of good times coming up this week. Going for a soak tomorrow, then Brunch and a Boogie at the EndUp. Monday it's off to Thunderhill Raceway for my first outting on the track. Not going to be racing, just getting some basic chalk talk on theory and some hands on laps with an instructor. Gotta work on my flow. Giddyup, I won't be needing the radar detector for this one!

I've worked out an interim temporary solution, so I'm back in touch. I'm trying to hold out for the upcoming WNLP (Wireless Number Local Portability) to take affect. "Hello wireless carrier customer service, It's time to play let's make a deal."

And, speaking of social networking, here's an article by Ethan Watters that I frequently reference. It certainly goes a long way to describe the life I live and love in SF. I Can't find the original, but here's a reprint of In My Tribe. It begins. . .

You may be like me: between the ages of 25 and 39, single, a college-educated city dweller. If so, you may have also had the unpleasant experience of discovering that you have been identified (by the U.S. Census Bureau, no less) as one of the fastest-growing groups in America -- the ''never marrieds.'' (continue)

You'd be surprised at the responses. One of my favorite was the girl who told me that moving the tiles made her feel naughty. I had to explain to her that scrabble guy was my contribution to restoring family values to a holiday gone out of control. With all the vinyl clad women and thong bearing guys around, I wanted to wear something that was appropriate for the whole family. I think she was just looking for an excuse to say the word naughty and I happened to be standing there. If the guy dressed as a piece of toast was standing there, she probably would have said the same thing to him.

This picture? Shaz and I pole dancing - trying our best to restore family values.

Here are some of the highlights

Outting 1 - Opel

Saxathong - just sounds good
Qheylenetious - When the meaning of a word is on the tip of your tongue, but you can't verbalize it. This word spaned the entire width of the board - 13 characters.
Gipaf - a costume so obscure that nobody can guess what it is
Facetious - I always thought this word was spelled differently. You'd think for all the times that my 3rd grade teacher (Mrs. Garnes), asked me if I was being facetious, I would have learned how to spell it. Turns out she just didn't understand the difference between facetiousness and Wry.

Outting 2- Space Cowboys

Quapsadry - a team of people that can resolve a quandry
Feeva - for the flava of a Pringles
Poonzasa - sorry, can't help ya with this one, you should know
Weepyhead - somebody that's been out too late and is starting to wind down.

I'll be out and about in SF this weekend in my scrabble guy gittup. I know you may have seen it last year, but Scrabble Guy II has more playable area, more letters, more blanks, Higher Scores!

Mummy - '82	Mommy w/eye patch (her eye is all better now)
Kiss Fan - '79	Freak - '95

Photo by Lisa Browning

Wondering how I'm doing on the road trip? I know it's the same perspective as the last photo, but I didn't have many options. I'm not gonna trapse out into the middle of the interstate where people are cruising 75+ mph to get an interesting shot. You should see all the exotic road kill in TX/NM/AZ - I didn't want to be part of it.

Last night, I stayed in Carlsbad San Diego with Mike and his cool as can be son, Nick. We had a nice boys night out on town - Mike and I had a beer, and Nick had 'kids milk'. 3 year old Nick has more charm than Mike and I put together. Don't know how he does it, but I should be taking notes.

I fear that I am underdelivering on my bold claims about taco bell consumption. In reality, I've probably only had 4-5 servings. But, I have exceed expectations on Dr. Pepper. The first night on the road, I drank a one liter bottle and a sugar free redbull. I didn't realize how much i was tweaking 'til I got out of the car and my hands were shaking. But, that didn't keep me from falling asleep 5 minutes after putting my head on the pillow.