Old note to self

1st note to self: Don’t try to open cream on a plane with your teeth, while holding coffee and trying to balance your laptop on your lap/tray table.

2nd note to self: Don’t sit by the guy that shakes his leg the whole flight and looks like he has to pee, which eventually makes you have to pee.

3rd note to self: If you are feeling super indulgent before bedtime and you are still quasi-drunk/tipsy/tired/euphoric, don’t eat a half bag of kettle cooked chips before you fall asleep. Although they tasted like the best thing to ever hit your tongue, like a cool winter breeze when you go outside to get the paper and don’t wear shoes and it’s really cold but it feels good and you take that breath of fresh air, like that…yeah. But in the morning and you are afraid you overslept because the time on the alarm is right but you realize that they forgot to set the clock back an hour and you realize this all week but are to technologically challenged to change it. Plus add that BBQ taste from last night, add 6 hours of night breath/Country Inn and Suites air/cigar/Red bull/Vodka/Honey Brown. That is what I had to deal with. Oh I forgot to mention, it was 5:00 in the morning. Now if it wasn’t for the invention of coffee I would’ve probably conceded and just died. But after my 8 oz. Styrofoam pure-“Columbian”-concoction I am back to normal. And then it hits you. Thanksgiving break begins now.

Iowegian

Thanks to all who participated in the 1st Annual McGillin Bar Tour. Thanks to Gus', Sluggers, The Vine, Hanrahan's, Donnelly's, and Fitzpatricks and Gus' again.

Thanks to the people that didn't know how to dance to the band.

Here are some pics.

Colin, Gram, Mack.

The whole fam-damily.

Mick and Luke a la Hanrahan's

Zach has a magnetic forehead.
So I got to see American Gothic by Grant Wood in Cedar Rapids. I actually got to see a majority of his(Wood) work. Quite amazing stuff. New Jersey Wednesday, Vegas Friday, DC next Wednesday.

Abe Fu#&ing Lincoln

So last night was officially the best. Ben Bratsche and Lucas Schnoebelen ventured out for a night on the town of Gettysburg. Now if you are familiar(as I was) with Gettysburg's history, Google it. I got the pleasure of hearing it first-hand from people dressed like civil-war soldiers, infantry, etc. Women dressed the part too.

So I will now show the pictures. Pictures say about as much as words do. But these pictures are quasi-ridiculous.

The William Walker house. Owned and operated by Stan and Judy McGee. If you ever want endless food, spirits, singing go here on November 19th, but remember to take your shoes off at the door. Screw "wedding crashers", new fad, "civil war re-enactment party crashers."

And then there was Judy McGee. Stan and Judy live in the house. Deer bologna.

This guy was 162 years old if my memory serves me correctly. (Note: As the Stan and Judy McGee house we gathered around a piano and sang songs. I would like to that my elementary music teacher Mrs. Harris for making me learn all 6 verses of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. )

2nd oldest man in Gettysburg.

Ben talking to Jeremiah Trotter about rattlesnakes. Notice the wallpaper.

Luke and Maggie McGinty. A woman doesn't get much more beautiful. And the party wasn't over when she started singing.

Bratsche, Schnoebelen, Rum Soaked See-gar, The Glen.

Luke and Abe.

This is the exact location where Abe dropped the address bomb 142 years ago. 2.5 minutes of Abe, the guy before him spoke for 2.5 hours and no one remembers what he said, that seemed to be the case in Gettysburg. The picture on the left is mine, on the right is someone elses, same angle, kind of creepy. Thanks Abe. Ben and I cheers' you.

They buried the men at cemetary at the cost of $1 a person. Whether they knew who they were or not.

Gettysburg National Cemetary. This is an illumunation of the cemetary on the eve of the anniversary of the day Lincoln gave his address 142 years beefore. The creepy part, it was a bit windy and not a single one of the paper bags caught on fire. Very awesome experience, guy playing TAPS in the cool night air. Amazing sight. The lumaniries are placed in front of each grave.

Yes that is a rum-soaked cigar I bought for $1 from a soldier in a tent while I was holding a rifle. What.

This guy couldn't play it, that's why I'm laughing, sounded like a cow dying and farting simultaneously.

Gettysburg Address (Given by Abe in 2.5 minutes)
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Saturday.

Today marks the ceremonial date of the anniversary of the Gettysburg address. Guess what I am going to do today? I am going to go to Gettysburg. Wow.

Hershey world was sweet. Lots of fun stuff there. Rides and badges and candy and the best chocolate milkshake I've ever had. Called the really chocolatey chocolate milkshake. Rivaled Serendipity.

Inaudible melodies.

UPDATED UPDATED!! http://www.wnbc.com/news/5356289/detail.html
UPDATED!
It's kind of hard to think that Hilary Clinton will be the next President of the United States. Obama needs to start campaigning.

Fun game: http://www.rubytooth.com/media/26424/

T-shirts for the fun- http://www.phatrags.com/menstshirts/

Best game in the world: http://www.3form.net/mansion_impossible/

Going to Hershey World Tonight. Should be a blast!

Random Joke:
Two women friends had gone for a "girls night out." They both were very faithful, loving wives... however, they had gotten a bit over enthusiastic on Margaritas at the Rio. Incredibly drunk and walking home, they needed to pee, so they stopped in a cemetery. One had nothing to wipe with so she decided to take off her panties and use them. Her friend, however, was wearing expensive panties and didn't want to ruin them... luckily she had squatted next to a grave that had a fresh wreath with a ribbon on it... so she proceeded to wipe with that. After the girls completed their "business" they continued toward home. The following day, one of the husbands was concerned that his normally sweet and innocent wife was still in bed and hung over. He phoned the other husband, and said "These girls nights out have got to stop! I'm starting to suspect the worst! My wife came home with no panties!""That's nothing!" said the other husband, "mine came back with a card stuck to her butt that read: "FROM ALL OF US AT THE FIRE STATION... WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!!"

Wikipedia: Coralville, IA. See the deep history of where I am from.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coralville,_Iowa

Here is a hard game: http://www.infinential.com/bombpanik/
Try to hover over all relevant circles. Caution, addictive.

So I traded in the Vibe for a Chrysler Sebring convertible, nothing like a convertible. Just turn on the heat and put down the roof.

Here are my next 5 weeks. PA, Iowa City, NY/NJ, Vegas, DC. Christmas.

Yo.

Fun pictures from all over the world: http://www.woophy.com/map/

Pencilvania.

UPDATED!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Vibe is leaving and who knows what we'll get. Also wanted to mention a scenario that I enjoy.

You know when you are walking down a hall and you are headed right for someone and neither of you break the path you are on. Well here is what I do, I head right for them, proper code would be to apply American road rules, you on the right, them on your left.
However occasionally you have the "run right into each other", when this happens you
A) Put your head down and try to figure out who will go what way.
B) Laugh, almost touch, say some half-hearted apology and part ways.
C) Do the stutter step in the direction you think the other person won't go.
This leads to more issues.
I. Stutter step 1- The single step aside and the pass
II. Stutter step 2- The multiple step confusion (almost a dance) and the pass
III. Stutter step 3- The mutliple step confusion, arm movements, and the pass
IV. Stutter step 4- (Most robust) The multiple step confusion, arm movements that lead to physical contact, and the placement of other person forcefully.

This is something that you can discuss amongst your peers. I would say the best way to avoid these scenarios is to
First, pay fu$%ing attention.
Second, keep your head up, good posture, eyes focused and walk straight.

Earlier post:
So I have a 2006 Pontiac Vibe that is officially horrible. It leaks in rain and finding out this morning, freezes from the inside(thank you Harrah's for making ice scrapers that fit in your wallet). Entreprise, I'm coming back for something else, better be leather interior and not leak. Went to Lancaster, PA for outlet mall shopping last night and was quite happy with the town and its surroundings, barring the seeping water and bad drivers.

I found out this morning that I am in the same county as the teen that killed his girlfriends parents, quite re-assuring to know there are teen murderers lurking about.

New Addiction: Tasty little crackers. TLC, can buy at Target.

Site of the day http://www.doogle.org/
Blog of the day http://xa-das-5.blogspot.com/
Deal of the day http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?page=proframe&prod_id=1497893
(Best Christmas present ever. I bought 3 of them for people. They are the softest pillows and are really good for lots of things. And by lots of things I mean sleep, perverts.)
Never thought I would see this link http://shop2.mms.com/customprint/
Beatboxing http://www.devilducky.com/media/38243/


So I am on my umth week of travel and looking forward to the holiday that is rapidly approaching. Next Saturday is the 1st annual McGillin Bar Tour. Should be a blast. Anyone and everyone is invited.

Mr. Blue Sky...please tell us why...

Bansky.

Looks like one of my favorite things, non-trendy, is finally creeping into the US mainstream. That is Bansky. Don't know who Bansky is? No one does. He is amazing. The next Andy Warhol. Just Google him. He is also in this month's edition of Esquire. Long live Bansky. May he never be caught.

I would like to thank the Country Inn and Suites for the Suite. Thanks for Nera at the front desk for accecpting my charm and flashy wit.

I am officially coming down from my Sudoku addiction. I have finished 4 books of it and have acheived blue belt status. Sudoku, I will one day prevail.

Must see movie: Kung Fu Hustle. Great.

Baltimore.

So I make record time to Baltimore and in the best mood I can be in. The flight was aided by the comfort of the Quiet Comfort 2’s provided by BOSE. Thank you Diners Club points. I take the shuttle to the rental car joint to be plopped into a Pontiac Vibe. I automatically feel metrosexual when I sit down and onward I push. I refer to my book, “1000 places to see before you die”. The only location in Baltimore is Obrycki’s. Obrycki’s is about 20 blocks east of Camden Yards, home of Cal Ripken Jr., in a side street alleyway. I am glad I made it here this week, Obrycki’s closes for the winter on Saturday. I proceed to get the Seafood sampler, and I quote from the menu, “Our famous backfin crab cake, broiled crab imperial, broiled jumbo shrimp topped with crab meat and fried clam tidbits, served with the vegetables and your choice of potato.” All I can say is that is was, for lack of better terms, fricking amazing. I ate until I felt I had grown larger. And then I ate some more. So as I sit sipping my Obrycki’s lager and typing this, I must say that I have grown to love my new job role, I am able to apply myself a lot more to my work and I am able to be allowed many opportunities to see these great places and meet wonderful new people.

St. Michael's church in Baltimore.

Painting on side of building. Dumpster adds character.

Home of Ironman Cal Ripken Jr.

Since when does Hooters have a baggage claim.

Bridge in New York.

Molson Canadian. A man's beer.

New York, New York (Upstate)

So this is just a blog today sans photos. I have been traveling for a month straight and absolutely love it. It is what I'm supposed to be doing right now in my life. I can feel it in my bones(or is that from the treadmill at the Residence Inn?)

My favorite new band is The Magic Numbers, Aqualung still takes a close second.

So my sitting next to Miss USA on the plane hasn't been topped but came close on Monday. I sat next to 4 Raider cheerleaders on my flight to Cincinnatti. Let's just say that it was a good flight. Not quite as good as seeing Shaq but they were prettier.

Great beer ad: http://www.bigad.com.au/movie.html


Where is Luke today: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=saratoga+springs,+new+york&ll=43.080299,-73.780746&spn=0.088262,0.224396&hl=en

Weekend.

<-------Yes that is a bottle of champagne taped to my hand.












Matt Hicks has the strongest forehead in the world. We were at the plaza and he said, "I feel really strong right now." I said, "prove it." Then he did this ------------------------------------>

Celebrity.

So on night 2 at the hotel I have already achieved celebrity status. I was priority club member of the day. So I got a bazillion reward points and a stack of drink tickets. Thank you to the Green Mill for serving me at length. Thank you Jacob Leinenkugel for your great brew.








My name emblazoned in the upper eschelon society of the Holiday Inn.

So I return for 2 days to Kansas City and will be ready to have a good time and cheer on the Chiefs.

If you have a free minute, I usually put links on the blog. These aren't the run of the mill links, these are quality fresh links that will make your sides ache and your mouth feel like you just ate a handful of Jolly Ranchers.

This is something I aspire to do.
http://www.devilducky.com/media/14339/

This is for any soccer fans.
http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?search=ronaldinho&v=aRHk8ol0vTw
Ronaldinho style.

This is an infamous Press Your Luck video.
http://www.smithappens.com/video_pressyourluck.php
I love this one.

Casey Bohr is the best.

Day 2 Wisconsin

If you ever eat at Ricky D's in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, get the Ricky D. If you eat at Mancino's get the stramboli grinder.

If you ever go to a karaoke bar called O'Leary's in Eau Claire, Wisconsin get up and sing, because you are automatically better than everyone.

If you ever get hit on by a woman in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the best way to get rid of her is tell her you have bird flu.

Only in Wisconsin can you buy a beer called
"Moose Nut"

On the left is the baddest band in KC, Big Woody.
They are bad-asses. And they are always at O'Dowds. And that is a good thing. Because O'Dowds always has Strongbow.

Here are some fun links:

http://www.ownapieceofamerica.com

This is pretty cool, I own land in 19 states now.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2005/10/30/MNG2NFF7KI1.DTL&o=2

This one is just off a bit.

This picture is from Saturday before Halloween, self-explanatory.

Love to love to love you.....

http://blueballfixed.ytmnd.com/







"Kissing a bottle of Courvoisier is like kissing an older woman, and by older woman, I mean, a bottle of Courvoisier."
-Luke Schnoebelen







Song of the day : Bob Seger, Turn the Page


Canadia was a blast, Cuban cigars were great, beer was great, hotel was incredible.

Wiscaaaansin.

I'm here. King size bed. Yukon rental truck-suburban tank. Nap:30. Mankind is not supposed to wake up during the 3'o'clock hour.
More tonight.