NaNoWriMo

No, it's not a new form of microscopic poetry, it's a rather interesting concept that Ensign Eddie (see his blog link to your right) has stumbled upon. It's interesting, novel (both the adjective and the noun), and if I had the time I would do it. Imagine cranking out your great American novel in a month? Imagine a support group to help you do it. The next James Ellroy or James Michener might be lurking within you, or it may very well be James Garner, but you won't know until you give it a whirl. Being in grad school means I'll crank out almost this much in term papers over the next month, so I can't do it.

What's your excuse? ;-)

-D

Fair well

Last night the Texas State Fair came to a close. Although I wasn't there to see it out, I did get my requisite corny dog and I did get a walk through the creative arts exhibit.

I'm not sure why the Fair has always grabbed me. A friend said recently that the state fair was everything he liked about Texas all in one place, and I think I agree with him: cars, gadget demonstrations, animals, mechanical contraptions, farm machinery, agriculture, and people having a good time. I didn't get to try the latest fried concoctions, but that's why God makes next year.

BTW, Heroes is getting really good.

-D

To forgive

I realize this is the third post in almost as many days, but I was perusing the news today and found this article on CNN's website regarding the recent shooting.

We often view the Amish and other similar communities as being backwards due to their refusal to keep step with current society. We view the plain clothes, the horse drawn buggies, and their old country demeanor as oddities, but the end of this article (Reaching Out)caught me off guard, although it should not have. I think they've retained something that modern society lost a long time ago: the ability to see the big picture. No press conferences, no lawsuits, no political grandstanding; just common compassion for your fellow man.

They will be in my prayers.
-D

Heroes

Okay, it's bad enough that Mrs. Geek stuck the entire first Season DVDs of Prison Break in front of me one weekend when I was feeling especially competitive and thought I could knock out the complete season in one weekend (I did). It's also really bad that I actually liked the series and have begun recording it. It's even worse that I'm taking classes right now, and combine that with the fact that I have little time for much else in my schedule, I decided against my better judgement to watch the first episode of Heroes that my wife recorded last week. If you're not familiar, it's a very X-men esque show where normal people start developing abnormal powers. One man can slow down and speed up time; a high school cheerleader has amazing regenerative powers; a housewife apparently has a very violent alter ego; an artist can see the future; and yes, one man can fly. Subsequent episodes will reveal more characters, and yes, there already is a bad guy.

The show is not completely family friendly so be warned if you have impressionable kids. I am hooked nonetheless. Now what do I do? Maybe that time shifting guy can help me out.

-D

One of the best burgers in town . . .

. . . at least according to D Magazine. I was talking to my brother and he told me that D Magazine had rated a small place in Oak Cliff as the best cheeseburger in town. A friend of mine found the name, and off I was on my quest. Wingfield's Breakfast and Burgers is just what the name says it is: Eggs, a breakfast meat, and toast all wrapped together. They also do burgers, and any place that exists has humbly as Wingfeild's has got to know burgers. I phoned in my order: burger, cheeseburger, onion rings and french fries, was given a number and was told it would be about 20 minutes. I found the place easily enough and was fortunate to find a parking space right in front. I walk and and discover that the place has no dining room, which would explain the parking situation, and that I was not the only one waiting for dinner. When you walk in, there is a counter about waist high and enough space for maybe 5-6 hungry souls to stand (not sit) about anxiously waiting for their number to be called. An old air conditioner in on one end of the room (our end, thankfully) tried in vain to keep up with the heat and humidity coming from the kitchen. When your number is called, you pay and leave. Simple.

Wingfield's menu is pretty straighforward: burgers and cheesburgers available in a single, double, or triple configurations and available with and without cheese and bacon. Fries and onion rings are also available and are quite good. I looked as far back into the kitchen as my vantage point would allow, and saw a griddle covered with burger patties and workers busily assembling said burgers to send out to a grateful world. After a few minutes, my number was called, I got what I came for, and headed home.

When I got to the house, I opened the bag and was greeted by a burger that would qualify as a double in most restaurants. I was also unfortunately greeted by a bottom bun that was soggy almost to the point of collapse. I shuffled some things around, armed myself with a bottle of ketchup, and dug in (cheeseburger and fries were for the wife). Lettuce, dill pickles, mayo, and mustard instantly greeted me followed by the star of the show, the patty that was cooked almost well done. Wingfield's deals in speed, so I took it as it came and I was not disappointed. The onion rings had a strange aftertaste to them; not bad, just strange. Overall, it's one of the better burgers I've had.

If you're ever in South Dallas, look them up and make sure you call ahead as the line can be quite long, so I've heard. You can google their number.

-D

What do you get . . .

when you add a new bluetooth dongle, a laptop, a bluetooth cell phone (a cheapie Sony Ericksson ZR20a), and some spare time? I found out I've got a multifunction presentation remote and a really cool way to get all those pictures off my cell phone finally?

I think I just geeked.

-D

Farewell Summer 2006

Summer high points were our trip to Austin and San Antonio. Alamo Draughthouse, The Salt Lick and the S.A. Zoo were wonderful as were the fish and chips at the Mad Dog Pub on the Riverwalk. I would also count my short trip to the Johnson Space Center and Kemah Boardwalk in there as well.

Low points were wife being gone for three weeks and some other things that won't bear being mentioned in this forum.

Fall can go either way. I'm pulling another nine hours worth of coursework, but Fall also has the State Fair, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the start of the Christmas season.

Here's hoping.

-D

Checking In

Yes, I'm still here. I took a few weeks off to get caught up on stuff at work and things are really hopping right now. Give me another week or two and I'll be back.
-D

Summer is almost over

I figure it's time to veer away from the Ken Lay post. I apoligize for being a tad morose on it, but it was something I needed to get out of my system. It's also time to start wrapping up Summer and saying our farewells.

Summer started out with a lot of promise. In my near 40 years of existance, I've learned much from Summers, especially when one needs a break. This one started out with my film class I teach in late May. Like I said earlier, it's a good way to walk off the Spring semester. June found my wife and I spending a wonderful three days in central Texas. Mangia Pizza, The Salt Lick, the Alamo Drafthouse, the Congress Avenue Bridge, Mi Tierra, The San Antonio Zoo, and the Mad Dog were places for good food and good times with my wife. Late evenings were spent sitting out on the balcony of our hotel room while my wife tried to get to sleep. Good times.

The following three weeks saw me playing bachelor while my wife and other family went overseas to a wedding. My Dad, Brother, nephews, and myslef spent a fun two days down near Houston. The Kemah Boardwalk, Landry's Seafood, the Ferry ride, and a day spent at the Johnson Space Center. It's the first trip I've been on with them and it went way too fast.

I missed my wife, and was darn glad to be there at the airport when she got back.

July got busier as I started teaching another class, and now August harkens the start of yet another semester.

Here's hoping.

-D

Ken Lay Dies

For those of you who know me might think this is a weird topic on which to post, and you are correct. I did not know Kenneth Lay personally, I did not lose any money when Enron imploded, and thankfully no one that I know was caught up in that catastrophe. However when I saw the headline, I was struck. Admittedly it’s something on which I had to burn a few brain cells the last few days.

Here was a man who embodied the American dream. He started out humbly and with hard work he rose through the ranks. He found something about which he was passionate, and followed it. He did all that God really asks of us.

Where it went wrong, no one but God and Kenneth Lay know. The jury found him guilty and I by default ascribe to that conclusion. The sad part of this story abides in the fact that somewhere along the journey he lost focus, he got his priorities screwed up and like someone in a position of extraordinary responsibility his mistakes had disastrous consequences for those around him.

I will admit that I’m still processing this. Again, Ken Lay is not a role model for me. I’m not rich and really have no desire to become rich. I’ve seen the problems that money can cause, and have discovered that life is a lot simpler without having to watch your back. Lay’s problems are not over as I’m sure the civil lawsuits will be years in the settling. I feel sorry for his friends and family. Once again his mistakes will affect others, in this case those he loves, for years to come.

-D

Elvis has left the building

That's one of the more creative ways I can think of to say that Summer is officially over. I realize we just got through the fourth of July and here I am wanting to get out the sweaters and mittens, but it's not that really. One of the nice things about working in academia is the seasonality of it. In an earlier post, I talked about how the last two weeks in May were a nice time to walk off the Spring semester and get ready for Summer. June came and went, and in that time I was able to celebrate my 5th wedding anniversary and send my wife to England. I got to play bachelor, and realize how much I missed my wife. July is now here, and with it come my teaching duties in addition to all the other stuff that I can't keep putting off.

SMy wife is back home now, and she's finally adjusting to being 6 hours behind GMT. She's safe thankfully, and when I left this morning she was sitting in bed watching Smallville. Life is slowly returning to normal.

July 4th was good. Decided I wasn't going to just sit around the house, so I took the dogs for a walk and ran some errands. Spent the evening watching Stephen Spielberg's 1941.

This isn't the state of California, it's a state of insanity.

-D

Trip Update

My previous post made it sound like I was in a pretty dire straights. I must admit being married for five years has changed me in a way that I found rather surprising. My wife is due back this Saturday and I'm finding myself all a-twitter over the prospect.

The trip is going well thusfar. They're on the last leg and are currently touring Paris (France, not Texas). They head back to London Thursday and fly out of London Saturday morning, stop in Atlanta, then head home.

I'll post once she arrives and I've had time to assimilate all that has transpired. I realize three weeks is a relatively short time to many, but I'm realizing the subtleties that define a house versus a home.

Yes guys, I'm whipped. Deal with it.

But then if you saw my wife, you'd do the same thing.

-D

LIfe as a Bachelor

It's been six days since Mrs. Geek and the girls left and I'm feeling a little lonely. I'm a little surprised at how many of my old habits are attempting to creep back into existence. Her cell phone is working, and everytime I hear Crazy Train I leap for the phone.

They seem to be having a good time. Lots of stories and pictures will come home with them, but I can tell it's going to be a long two weeks.

-D

Update

They left yesterday and arrvied in London in fine fashion. Oddly enough, I can SMS message my wife with no problem, a pretty fantastic feat considering that travel time is almost instantaneous. When I try to call her directly though, it's another matter. Here's hoping the cell phone company gets it figured out.

The Mavs faltered a little last night. It was a good game nonetheless. Shaq made his two free throws, Dirk missed on of his. Now that the initial shock is over, the remaining games should be a ride.

Only two more games is all we need!
-D

And There She Goes . . .

Tomorrow Mrs. Geek, my mom, my mother in law, and my sister in law head off for a three week jaunt in the United Kingdom. They're actually going to Scotland for a close friend's wedding and are going to take in Paris, London, Warrick, and who knows what else while they're over there the remainder of the month. It also entails me playing bachelor for a month. I'm under threats to keep the house clean, and to text my wife's cell phone with the results of the NBA playoffs. She's packend no less than three times, and now a fourth time is in order as there is an apparent heatwave underway across the pond.

My wife is no stranger to England as she spent eight weeks over there when she was in college. She will be driving over there for the first time, so here's hoping.

I'll post trip updates as they become available.
-D

Day 4

We slept in this morning (again) and I must admit, the hotel has one of the better beds we've slept in in quite awhile. After Amy's work out, the usual packing, and dummy check we checked out and headed home. The drive went well, and we got home in fine fashion. Breafast tacos for Amy and and some Hostess Apple Pies for me. Lunch was kolaches in West.

Overall, the trip was a wonderful diversion from the usual, and a wonderful gift from my wife. Am I lucky? Yes!
-=D

Day 3

This morning started out like the other mornings: me intending on getting up early and deciding that 8am was early enough. Amy went for her workout and I got ready and tidied up the room a bit (just a bit). Amy came back, got ready, and we headed out for the San Antonion Zoo.

The SA Zoo was nice. Not as immense as the Ft. Worth Zoo but well laid out and populated with the usual assortment of monkeys, birds, and grade school kids. We left around 11 and headed into town for lunch at Mi Tierra. The place was crowded and after a 20 minute wait, our table was ready. The last time I was here I tried cabrito, very tasty but a little more than I wanted this time. I settled for a beef enchilada dinner and Amy had something similar. We went to the Mexican Market Place, then to the Panaderia (bakery) loaded up, and headed home. Amy went up for another workout and I played lazy (I think you see a recurring theme here).

Around 6 we decided to head out for dinner on our last night. Since Barbecue, Burgers, and Mexican had already been done, I thought seafood was in order and Amy agreed. Joe's Crab Shack was just a short stroll away and we arrived, put our names on the list, and decided that a 45 min wait was a little more than we wanted. A further stroll down the River Walk showed us the Mad Dog Pub. 5 minutes later we were seated and ordered: Fish and Chips being the item recommended to us by the waitress. When our food arrived we were happy to find out that she was correct. The rest of the meal was spent people watching on the River Walk: something both fun and enlightening.

Back to the hotel and Batman is running on the telvision, thanks to Amy's Ipod.

-D

Day 2

This morning started off pretty well, actually the entire day was a good one. We left around 10 and headed out to do some sight seeing. I was introduced to the Congress Avenue bridge and the few thousand bats that live under it. It was an interesting experience as it's one of the largest bat colonies in the area and is comprised of Mexican Free Tailed bats. You could hear them screeching at one another and the smell of guano was present, but not overwhelming. A short drive away was a statue of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Very inspiring piece of artwork.

We headed out to Driftwood, Texas. Just 10 miles from nowhere, it's a small town that is home to the Salt Lick. It's a working ranch that specializes in doing some of the best BBQ I've ever tasted. You seat yourself an the menu is pretty straighforward: no fench fries, no onion rings, no burgers. Just your choice of any or all of the best pork ribs, brisket, and sausage drenched in a homemade sauce that bears more a resemblance to brown gravy than bbq sauce, but the similarity ends there. Where other places try to overwhelm the taste of the meat and sauce with copious amounts of smoke, the Salt Lick lets the meat take the forefront and their homebrew of a sauce is the perfect backup. Combine that with potato salad, cole slaw, pinto beans, and a plate full of raw onion and homemade dill pickles and you've got one of the better meals I've had in awhile. And yes, there was white bread for soaking up every last drop of that wonderful sauce.

Next up was a stop in San Marcos and a driving tour of the former Southwest Texas State University, now titled Texas State University, San Marcos. A beautiful campus and definitely time well spent. This was followed by a short stop at a local outlet mall and San Antonio was in our sights. This was yet another test of my GPS, and it did the trick, thankfully. Unfortunatley it doesn't show you the front entrance which we had a little trouble finding. We parked, and got checked in.

The Watermark Hotel is a nice place. We're overlooking the River Walk and after a little shopping we popped into Johnny Rockets for a burger. Tomorrow is the Zoo and Mi Tierra for lunch. Dinner is still up in the air, but will be someplace close by more than likely.

-D

MMMMMMM . . . .

The Salt Lick
More to come!
-D

5th Aniversary: Day One

Sorry for the dearth in postings lately (especially to edieray).

Summer has started and Mrs. Geek and I arrived in Austin, TX today for a short, but much needed, vacation. We’re celebrating five years this Friday and we came back to where it all started, or at least Amy’s half did.

When we first started dating, it was a long distance relationship. She lived in Austin and I in the Dallas area (DeSoto to be exact). We try to hit Austin every few years to retrace some old steps and take in the general vibe of the city. Austin has a very unique feel to it, and as some would say the waters here are good.

We left this morning and thankfully had no real timeline set. After a few last minute errands, we were on the road and immediately immersed ourselves in a game of 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon. I decided to get esoteric on it and started throwing out some older silver and silent screen movie stars. In case you’re wondering, we did go from Buster Keaton to Kevin Bacon in six steps or less. No real luck with Barbara Stanwyck, but I’ll fire up IMDB for that one.

We arrived at the Econo Lodge in Austin a little after 3PM. Its humble and in a somewhat twitchy part of town, but our ultimate destination is San Antonio where we’ll take in the River Walk and some wonderful Mexican food. I figured we could add to our fun by heading down a day early, ergo the layover in Austin. A few things worth noting:

The place we’re staying in now is off the beaten path, nice, and very cheap. I’ve got free Internet and was stunned that the front desk actually knew what a WEP key was. Internet is one thing that I found striking here: Mangia Pizza AND the movie theatre we went to tonight had Internet as I discovered on my PDA. Very cool.

This trip was also my first real foray into using GPS technology for navigation. A few months back I purchased a used Ipaq from a friend and a Bluetooth GPS receiver off of Ebay. Some software and some twiddling later (thanks to Steve for the twiddling), and I now have every man’s dream: something that tells him where to go that does not possess two X chromosomes. It’s still a little buggy sometimes, but here’s hoping my luck with it continues.

We had some wonderful pizza at Mangia Pizza, then to the hotel, then to 6th street for a short shopping trip, then to the Alamo theatre which is one of those places that shows movies and serves food. We saw X-Men (stay through the credits, trust me on this one), and headed back to the hotel. Yes, there are movie establishments like this in the Dallas area, but the ones in Dallas do not show X-Men cartoons and homemade movies beforehand, and do NOT make threats of bodily harm to those who make too much noise in the theatre. This place did. Only in Austin.

I’ll try and check back in tomorrow with yet another update.

-D