For: Another Time & Place

Venice the Menace

Out in California for the weekend. Things got started off with a bang last night...may they continue to continue...

Cinnamon Chasers

Pulled these guys off the hype machine a couple days ago. I really like the track below and 'Cuts Like Fire.'

The Season of Honorable Men

Time to dive in to some personal chat: Let's roll.

In life we are all given choices, opportunities, chances, etc, etc, etc. I have been fortunate and unfortunate in many such circumstances to choose who I surround myself with. We are all given such opportunities - - To make choices as to who we identify and relate with. I have straddled the fence over the last decade as to what kind of man/woman I want to be around. Without too much MommaDrama or BS chitter-chat, allow me to say this: Over the course of the past few weeks, I have been incredibly lucky to have some amazing characters surround me. It has been truly magnificent.

I think sometimes our egos and oddly-wired minds tell us the worst possible things. There is a lyric from a Third Eye Blind song that goes, "I would walk with my people, If I could find them." Hot damn! What a line. I have always wanted to find my people. And I want to walk with them. Whether you are Jesus H. Christ and your people are the poor, needy and downtrodden, or your Tim Duncan and your people are the citizens of San Antonio - with whom you would never abandon for a better salary, a better city, or a LeBron James fiasco, every person has their people.

A long-time friend of mine is bound for Argentina as of this weekend to teach English. In our youths, we would ride bikes to the market to munch on junk food, build forts, wrap houses, spit cuss-words when the parentals were out of ear-shot and we would hoop with a b-ball, and jam with our Dads' guitars. This may not have much to do with being honorable in terms of the aforementioned, but it is a small glimpse in to a world that I was lucky enough to share with someone who I consider an honorable man.

There are more out there. Everyone's mission in life, while it may seem unimportant, is to find your people. Find the people who care for you, make you think, challenge you, make you laugh, and aren't afraid to share. Sharing is vital. Don't share candy bars or baseball cards, but share who you are. Let them know who you are and what you are about. And listen - Listen to them & what they are about. Some of the biggest problems in today's world (I believe) -- root from people failing to listen. Always, always try to genuinely listen to people. Everyone's favorite word is 'ME' - Work on changing that. And maybe - just maybe - you might find your scenery changing - and suddenly, low and behold - you may find yourself in the company of honorable men. Keep it. Dig it. Cherish it. Embrace it.

The Afternoon. It MOVES. M-O-V-E-S.

Having chosen to forego viewing the State of the Union Address, Suburbanprotocol.blogspot.com and I ventured to historic Spurs, Texas yesterday in the deep afternoon to hit numerous happy hours.

Stop #1: The VFW Post 76, nestled along the river in a large, large, white house that looks like it belongs in To Kill A Mockingbird. The skinny: This place kicks hard bun. I had 2 Modelo Especials for $2.50, a whopping total of 5 bones. Additionally, they have a jukebox that plays 3 songs, for $1! That is magnificent. I am so tired of jukeboxes that feed the corporate scheme. My selections: (1) Garth Brooks' cover of "Night Rider's Lament" and Al Green's "Let's Stay Together." My lady friend and I ventured there with her family a few months back in the warmer months and listened to the same Al Green tune. *Touching* - But the bumblebees were a problem outside. Anyhow, I am ranting. Let's move on!

Stop #2: We drove to Josephine St. and ventured in for a look. No bar to sit at. See ya!

(However, I like a restaurant that has each table equipped with Worcestershire, AI & KetchUp. I recommend their CFS.

Stop #3: The Liberty Bar, which is under a new name - but the same ownership. As we all know, this Spurs, Texas joint is a staple to the city with it's leaning frame and authentic locale. We had an order of fried jalapenos, on the house and the following beverages: A black & blue, a G&T, and some whiskey-colas. The bartender snubbed us a bit, but all is fair in love and war.

Stop #4: Olmos Pharmacy Open Mic Night. We both got to play a couple of jams, amongst Bud Light drinkers and winos. A real classy time. Heard some amazing viola and vocals from the closing act. Some friends came and joined.

Stop#5: Broadway 50/50. It was fun. The arsehole wouldn't let me play the guitar there when he was on break.

Stop#6: Taco Stop.

And finally, #7: I tracked mud in the house. Mom came and told me about it this morning. But -- it was not a big deal -- just a small rule violation.

Going to Cali tomorrow for the weekend. JAWN HAS GOT TO SURF!

Sports, Man. S-P-O-R-T-S.

Big Mel & Bernard

Home Again

Went camping this weekend in a land known as Pike Davis, a stones throw North of Lyndon B. Johnson towne. I had a medium-to-medium-good time. The highlight was the Starbucks camping coffee and the Bluebonnet burger (fried bacon) at the Chrome Cactus on the way out this morning.