Match Em!
 With all this trivia that has been floating around in my head and life of late, I had to find an outlet. What I've come up with should prove to be lots* of fun.
The game is Match Em, and as the name suggests, it is a matching game. I consider it accessible trivia, because even if you don't know each and every one, you can usually reason out at least a few correct answers. The game also tracks the average score of everyone who has played for a given data set. Examples of data sets currently included are Painters and Paintings, States and Nicknames*, Car Makes and Models, and much more. So try it out. Let me know if you have problems or questions. (Please to note: it hasn't been tested on any Macintosh browsers. If you try it out on one, let me know if it works.) The part of this whole shebang that I am excited about it the ability to add new data sets easily. For this, I was hoping that I could call on you, dear reader, to help out. What matching sets can you come up with? Send me (via e-mail or the contact page)* anywhere between 7 and 14 matching items in a given category. In about a week, I'll add all [appropriate] submissions to the game. |
| Sunday August 12 2007 | File under: games, coding |
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Filler
| It's been a busy time for me recently. On the work front, I've been housesitting and mixing concrete (don't worry, not together). On the fun front, it I spent some time at the Anacortes Arts Festival*, checked out the always wunnerful Spoonshine show, did another fun trivia night at the Back Porch Cafe, and learned to play guitar hero.
Since I've been so busy*, I haven't been able to give the old blog the time it deserves. And because I don't want anyone who visits to be overly disappointed, I thought I'd throw up this little filler post. Don't worry, I've got a few posts brewing that will be ready soon. In the meantime, see how many of these robits you can name. Our team did about as well as we did on the last picture identification round: badly. (Oh, and I neglected to get the actual right answers, but I figured you either know you know them or you don't, so the answers are rather superfluous.) |
| Wednesday August 8 2007 | File under: Anacortes |
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Dream Science Circus
 I consider myself somewhat of a circus arts snob. I've seen enough shows in my life to know what is good, creative, skillful, and professional. I've dabbled with enough of the skills to have the respect for those who do what they do well. While every show is different, many are too often the same. That is not the case with Dream Science Circus.
This is the third year Dream Science Circus has come through Anacortes, each time to a positive reception. This year, they performed in the depot, rather than their circus-style tent of years past. The new venue was probably easier for setup and had more comfort for the audience, but the loss of the tent did take away from the atmosphere a bit. The performers, though, did a great job conveying an other worldly atmosphere. As for skills, there was juggling, lots of acro-balance, contact juggling, vignettes, aerial acrobatics, and more. The emcee, while good, drew out the in between bits a little too long for my liking which led to the whole show running a bit long, esp. for some of the children in the audience. I could have done without the plot all together, but like I said, I'm kind of a snob like that. What was best about the show, for me, was the familiarity with the people. The circus is based out of Bellingham which has a close knit circus arts group of which I am lucky enough to be on the fringes of. To see performers on stage that I've juggled with and seen improve over the years is just plain neat. Did I mention that I like circuses? |
| Sunday August 5 2007 | File under: Anacortes, juggling |
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Kwik-E-Mart
 As most of you already know, the Simpsons Movie opened this past weekend. And as most of you might suspect, I went and saw it on opening night. I'm giving it a thumbs up! Good plot, good inclusion of the characters we have come to know and love*, and lots of good jokes. All in all, it was just like paying $10 to watch a good, long episode without commercials. Anyway, I enjoyed it muchly.
Since the Simpsons Movie is kind of a big deal to me, I tried to think of ways to make it special. I immediately* discounted the idea of dressing up like Prof. Frink. Camping out for tickets was also out of the question due to the 105 degree heat. Luckily, one of the 12 or so 7-11s that have been converted to a Kwik-E-Marts is in the Las Vegas area. (I've heard confirmed reports of others in Seattle (thanks, Siri) and Washington D.C. (thanks, Izak) Bingo. Most notable at this particular Kwik-E-Mart was the number of other slack-jawed gawkers roaming around with cameras. Good thing there was lots to take pictures of. Life-sized replicas of many characters were placed around the store, although the Jasper from the freezer had been stolen. There were Simpsons-themed foods and drink available as well. The Buzz Cola was sold out, but there were Squishees a-plenty. I enjoyed a nice sprinkled donut. There were also little subtleties around that made it quite fun, like dashing uniforms for the employees and other quirks. On my way out, I struck up a conversation with the cashier* who told me how well the promotion is working for 7-11. He said that in the Las Vegas area alone, they made over $30,000 in two weeks off the sprinkled donuts alone. Not bad at all. |
| Thursday August 2 2007 | File under: travel, movies |
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110 in the Shade
 A few nights ago, Emily and I went up Red Rocks Canyon to the Super Summer Theatre. The venue is gorgeous with the red rock cliffs surrounding a grassy lawn and professional stage. Everyone brings their blankets and chairs, along with picnic dinners, and enjoys an evening outdoors watching legitimate theater. Because it is a couple thousand feet higher than Vegas, the temperature is bearable, some might even say pleasant*. 110 in the Shade was the name of the play we saw, not a description of the weather where we were seeing it. And I guess I should call it a musical instead of a play. There was lots of singing. It immediately brought to mind that Simpsons episode about painting the wagon red. Hilarious. It also struck me as completely the opposite of what kind of experience one might expect to have in Vegas. Rather than high gloss, air-conditioned casino entertainment, it was more old-timey community-oriented fun. While the atmosphere was spectacular, the temperature was bearable, and Pei Wei hit the spot, we opted to beat the crowds and head out early before we found out if Lizzie hooked up with Sheriff File and if Starbuck made the rains come. I imagine it all worked out. All in all, it was an awesome evening. |
| Monday July 30 2007 | File under: travel, misc |
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Bling Bling
 Gambling with other people's money is good times, esp. when it forces you to try new extremely intimidating games. Chris, with his convoluted craps plan, was the big winner for the night (although we quickly deviated from his plan, but it worked out great). "Daddy needs a new graphing calculator" drew a few looks from the table attendents, but it was worth the extra 5%. His take...drum roll please...$33.50 (plus the initial $10). I'll take the appropriate action and finally utilize that donation box on IHJ.
Taking second place on the winner list was Sarah who doubled her money on quarter slots (not to mention the free Bud Lite that Emily got from the appropriately*-dressed cocktail waitress). We found an old school machine with actual reels and an honest to goodness pull-arm and let the money roll in. Unfortunately, it wasn't old school enough to have the coins come tumbling out. We had to deal with a printed ticket instead. On the converse side of things, both Julie and Andrew walk away empty handed. Julie, since we couldn't find a $.25 slot machine with hearts on it, we put your dollar on a machine with dolphins (appropriate, eh?) but it went away just as quickly. Since we didn't conform to your specifications, however, you are off the hook on payback. Andrew, your bet gave us the least trouble because 17 seconds after it was placed, it was gone*. Because it was so easy, I will let you off the hook for paying me back if you agree to put it towards future debts accrued on the frisbee golf course. As for the only bet that requires research, synthesis, and understanding, we will have to wait until February to find out how Ryan did. It does give me a reason to follow football this year, though. Go Steelers!! All in all, a great night at the casino. The only downside is that Emily has now become afflicted with the "There's No Way I Can Lose at Craps" bug, which we all know will come back to haunt her. As for me, I think my own personal Gamblor* has been sated and Senior Tuesdays at the Northern Lights Casino will tide me over until my next Vegas Vacation. |
| Sunday July 29 2007 | File under: travel, misc |
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Spot the Irony
 Anyone? Anyone? Well, I got a good chuckle out of it, at least. |
| Saturday July 28 2007 | File under: travel, pics |
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Get Rich Quick (or Gambling By Proxy)
 I once again find myself in the Las Vegas area. "Who goes to Las Vegas in July on purpose?", you ask. Good question. In its defense, the weather has been quite exciting with thunder storms, flash floods, and temperatures that have more or less stayed below the 100 degree mark. But enough pleasantries; let's get down to business.
Last time I passed this way, I talked to a few people about my idea of gambling by proxy. This time, I want to make that dream a reality for us all. The concept is this: for all of you who aren't able to make it to casinos, whether because of time, geography, or overbearing spousal reasons, I offer you my time and location* so that together we might both become rich. The rules go like this. You name the amount, game, and bet (e.g. $10 on roulette 15) and I will go place it. I'm thinking the games that lend themselves to this would be roulette, craps, slots (please be as specific as you like with the type of machine), and blackjack (although you would have to accept my decisions*. If you lose, you pay me the amount lost. Kind of like if you were here, but without having to deal with the crowds, stress, and heat. If you win, we split the winnings 75/25 (yes, the bigger amount is for you*). The concept here is to allow anyone to be a part of the BdW experience, to participate in this adventure that I am on, to have a little innocent fun while on your government-mandated 15-minute coffee break at the office. The action and outcome will be documented here. And besides the excitement and fun this will create, you will be helping to support BdW (web hosting ain't free, ya know.) So get your bets in by Friday night and then leave the rest to me. |
| Wednesday July 25 2007 | File under: travel, misc |
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On Open Letter to Greyhound
Dear Greyhound Inc.,
 I've been a customer of yours for several years. You always come through in a pinch, even if it isn't the best deal or the most convenient travel experience. But a bad options is often better than no optional at all, and I appreciate the service you provide. In my years traveling, I've noticed a few things that I wanted to ask about and a few possible suggestions. I would love to see you become a viable travel option for everyone, not just the bums and winos.
My first question is this: How do you manager to get at least one crazy person or drunk on every bus? Do you focus your advertising campaigns at half-way houses and mental facilities? Is there some sort of discount that you don't offer the general public? Or maybe it is just the camaraderie they feel with the Greyhound employees. Do you keep a staff of these folks on call in case a legitimate crazy doesn't show up? If so, where can I find the application for this position. I do a great crazy. That brings me to my next question: Do you offer performance benefits on an inversely proportional basis? There must be some incentive that gets your employees to be so indifferent. I've never seen people on duty be so unconcerned with getting the job done properly and in a timely fashion (besides road construction crews, of course). I know this may sound like a new idea, but it is actually well accepted in the business world today: reward employees for performance rather than the lack thereof. With this simple change in policy, you might find that buses will start being on time, facilities will start to resemble a place you wouldn't be afraid to take your mother, and people won't be so horribly belligerent from having been treated so poorly. Who knows, you might even become a company your stock holders wouldn't avoid like the plague. With a little work and thought, I'm confident that you can be a company with the value and reliability that will compare with, say, Guatemala's bus transit systems. But I will say this: I've never seen a live chicken on any of your buses. |
| Tuesday July 24 2007 | File under: transportation, open letter |
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Bike Portland!
Portland likes bikes. Or at least they recognize the value in accommodating and encouraging them. I've never seen a city that is as bike friendly as Portland is. There are bikes racks in front of most establishments, often overfilled. I even saw a neighborhood that blocked off a parallel parking spot and filled it with bike racks so the sidewalk wouldn't be clogged. In the space it takes to  park one car, there was space for over a dozen bikes. There is space for bikes on the buses and the MAX (the light rail public transportation), also often filled. But what has impressed me most about the biking scene in Portland is the number and quality of bike routes.
In my short time in Portland, I've probably ridden over 50 miles. The difference riding on designated bike routes makes is huge. Often these routes are on lesser traveled residential streets so you don't have to contend with traffic. When the routes do follow major roads, there is a lane set aside for you, painted and everything. Every time the route makes a turn, there are signs pointing the way and updating the distance (and estimated time) to the major landmarks. And for people not terribly familiar with the area, there is even a route planner. All the encouragement and accommodation seems to be working. You see bikers everywhere you go, ranging all the way from spandex clad aerodynamic racer types to little old ladies with their groceries. Seeing all these cyclists is so inspiring to me. Whether it is their intention or not, the positive environmental impact of pedaling across town instead of pedal-to-the-metalling across town is huge. I count my miles bicycling among my favorite experiences here in Portland. It kept me in shape, showed me the city, and saved the planet all at the same time. Yes, I agree with sentiment often heard around the city, on billboards, bumber stickers, and store windows: Bike Portland! |
| Sunday July 22 2007 | File under: travel, transportation |
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*Chris...again on Cover Story of the Skagit Valley Herald
*Chris on Cover Story of the Skagit Valley Herald
*Horge on I Wanted To Be a Millionaire
*Horge on Losing a Phone In Puerto Vallarta
Recent Content:
*Cover Story of the Skagit Valley Herald
*An Eating Contest Champion I Am Not
*Sleeping Around 2018-2019
*I Wanted To Be a Millionaire
*The Real Food Show (with Minor Media Mentions)
Websites du Friends:
* Wren and Della
Della and my juggling website
* The Real Food Show
A circus-inspired elementary assembly show to teach kids about healthy eating
* Della Moustachella
Della's performance website
* The Fun Bags
Della and Sadye's Performance Troupe
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