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Nov. 10th, 2009

'WHAT, NO TICKET??"

              IT WAS LABOR DAY AND I WAS SCHEDULED TO WORK.  THERE WAS NO REGULAR FERRYBOAT SERVICE, SO I DECIDED TO DRIVE.   IT WAS A MAJOR  HOLIDAY, SO PARKING WAS FREE.  (OR SO I THOUGHT.)     I  PARKED AT THE CURB ON MISSION ST, AND WALKED TO THE RADIO STATION.
             I FINISHED MY SHOW, AND WALKED TOWARDS MY CAR.  UH-OH.  TROUBLE.   THE 7 OR 8 CARS I PASSED ALL HAD PARKING TICKETS.  I DIDN'T KNOW THAT . OUR REVERED BOARD OF SUPES HAD CHANGED THE LAW.   WE NOW HAD TO PAY FOR PARKING ON LABOR DAY.   THEY CAN'T BE SERIOUS.  BUT THEY WERE........AND ARE.   I WALKED TO MY WINDSHIELD TO GET MY TICKET.  HMMM.
             THERE WAS NO TICKET.  I THOUGHT THE WIND HAD BLOWN IT OFF.   BUT NO......BETTER THAN THAT.   THE  METER WAS BROKEN.    OFF ALL THE METERS ON MISSION STREET THAT DAY, I HAD THE GOOD LUCK TO PARK MY CAR AT THE ONE METER THAT WAS BROKEN, SO I WAS  NOT GIVEN A TICKET.      UNBELIEVEABLE.   :)

Posted at 01:16 pm | | Leave a comment | 2 comments | Add to Memories | Share

May. 6th, 2009

NO SUNDAY NEWSPAPER? CALL THE PHILIPINES

            It's really irritating to get up on a Sunday morning, only to find your cherished Sunday morning Chronicle is not there.  This past week, It was also missing on Saturday.  So I called the newspaper.  I know the delivery guy lives only about a half hour from me.
              A woman picked up the phone.  She had a strong filipina accent. "Are you my delivery person? I asked" She replied that no, that she was in the Philipines.  "What the ........?   I call about my missing newspapers, and I'm talking to someone in the Philipines?"
               " Don't worry," she cooed.  You will receive your paper within the hour, and i will make sure you don't get billed for Saturday's missing paper."
            She was right.  An hour later, I hear the thump of the Sunday newspaper banging against the wall.  But isn't there an easier way than to call the Philipines?  
       Unbelieveable.


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Mar. 27th, 2009

FUN IN LAS VEGAS

                            The weather was perfect, and we had wanted to see the Cirque de Soleil Beatles show in Vegas for a long time.   We chose the refurbished Luxor Hotel as our home away from home.  
             At check-in we met our host for the weekend.   Paul Garcia Jr.  is also the casino manager at the Luxor, and is one of the reasons the hotel-casino has enjoyed such a resurgence of late.    Hard work, and the respect and admiration  of his  employees have a lot to do with it.
Luxor Casino Execs Paul Garcia Jr. and Arnie Cope have led the resurgence of the popular Luxor Hotel.
           The Luxor was jam packed.  Paul suggested that the college basketball tourney had a lot to do with it.  After checking into our classy room, we headed for brunch and the buffet.  Absolutely first rate.
            The Bealtes show was unbelieveable.  I can't recommend it enough.  A solid ten.
   We met Paul at a night club in the Luxor called "Cat House," which is decorated like a 19th centure bordello.  About ten o'clock the music started to cook, and we all went into the club to listen  and be a part of the action.There are several small stages in the dance area, and several girls had jumped on the stages and began dancing.   And then, a couple ladies grabbed Joy, and pulled her up on a stage.   And Joy didn't mind a bit.
            For the next half hour, Joy was on stage dancing.   And dancing.  And dancing some more.  She was having a ball.  For 30 minutes. I wish I had  had a camera.     I think next she'll want to be a contestant on "Dancing With the Stars. :)
          No, I didn't win any money.  But Paul Garcia  Jr., Arnie and the staff at the Luxor made sure we had a good time.  I recommend the Luxor highly.   There's a fresh new "vibe" at the south end of the Vegas strip.

Posted at 01:57 pm | | Leave a comment | 1 comment | Add to Memories | Share

Mar. 20th, 2009

Casino Update and other goodies

                 
             I tried my hand at Cache Creek's recent blackjack tournament.  A lot of fun.  I figure I finished about 19th out of 254 players.    No, I didn't win anything, but it was a good experience, and i learned a lot.  Congratulations to Cache Creek for running a really first class tourney.   And it didn't cost the players a dime.  Compliments of the Casino.  Time to practice and get ready for the next one, which is coming soon.
          Congratulations to Christian and his fine staff at Cache Creek's  classy  C2 Steak and Seafood House..  They were honored with inclusion to DiRona's guide to America's finest restaurants.  As one who has dined there, it is an honor well deserved.
                  I stopped into the River Rock Casino recently.  It was a sad looking group of dealers.  The casino made the decision to change their policy regarding dealer tips.  Up to this point, the dealers were allowed  to keep their own tokes, but according to the casino manager, it was strictly a "business decision"  to make the dealers share their tips with all the other dealers on their shift. .   As one of the disappointed dealers confided in me: "This decision will cost some of us over $20,000 dollars a year."
       A bit of good news from River Rock.  Manager Robin Waters  told me they would be using "no smoking" signs on certain tables if they are requested by players.  This is great news for both the employees and the players.  There's nothing worse than playing a table game and having the player sitting next to you light up.
                                 I've been riding to work on the new Bauer luxury bus the past two weeks.  Just checkin' it out, and yes, it is free this month.   Nice idea.  Big leather seats, TV's, computer hookups, and service from a hostess, just like on an airplane.  So far, they've suffered from lack of a good "game-plan" and lack of advertising. I hope they make it.  More later.
                             I'm off to Las Vegas. " What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."  Well not everything. :)


Posted at 02:30 pm | | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Share

Feb. 6th, 2009

SHORTS OF ALL SORTS

                  A couple night's ago, two of my favorite shows were on the tube.  Warriors basketball vs. the San Antonio Spurs, and  the great drama "24."    So what was I watching?   "The Bachelor."  Yes, The Bachelor.   The silly reality series about  25 women fighting for the affection of one "bachelor," in this case a guy named Jason.  Now, I have to admit, that Jason seems like a nice guy, and I have to admit, is a good looking dude.  And yes, my girl friend Joy has a crush on Jason, so now you know why I was watching that show.  (the things we guys do to keep women happy.)   And I'm embarrassed to admit, I enjoyed the program,  and we're making  bets to see which girl he'll pick.  In my opinion, most of them seem like airheads. :)
                            OK,  Joy has her TV "crush," and I have mine.  Her name is Carrie Ann Inaba.  She is one of the judges on "Dancing With The Stars."  And up until now, it was believed she had a boyfriend.  She did, but she dumped him recently, and says she is "looking."  I thought she was about 28, but she is 41.  Hmmmmmm.  
                                     Speaking of "Dancing with the Stars," my spies tell me that Jewel will be a contestant.  We should know by Sunday.  The next edition of the show starts March 9th..
                                                It was announced that Clay Aiken will be a judge on the "America's Next Top Model" show.  Clay Aiken?  Are you kidding me?
                           I was a huge fan of the "Sex and the City"  show on HBO.   And then came the movie. Well, good news.  All four of the leading  ladies have been signed to reprise their roles.   The first Sex and The City set box office records for an "R" rated comedy.
                                           I have accepted an invitation from Cache Creek Casino to be a participant in their annual Blackjack tournament in a couple weeks.  Time to start practicing. :)
                             Have a great weekend.

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Jan. 15th, 2009

I AM NOT 'JOE THE PLUMBER'

                       The bathroom sink was stopped up.   I noticed it when I was brushing my teeth before going to work.  Joy was in the adjoining bath, and yes, hers was also plugged up.  "No problem,"  I said.  I'll take care of it after work."
          At 5pm, I went to the drug store and bought a bottle of "liquid plumber."  This should take care of the problem before Joy gets home from her bank job.   I poured a half bottle down the drain.  Nothing.   Nada.  OK, I dumped in the entire bottle, and waited a few minutes.   Still no luck.   I decided to get serious.  Back to Longs for a plunger.

"Joe the Plumber's" job is safe, I'm stickin' to my day job

         It's now 6 pm.  I'm doing the sucking thing with the plunger when girl friend Joy comes walking in.  A couple small hair balls appeared, but still no luck.  "Why don't you try liquid plumber?" Joy asked as a suggestion.  I told her I already tried that.  But I had an idea.   I had heard that you could straighten a wire coat hanger, and use it as a substitute for a snake device that plumbers use.  I got almost the entire coat hanger down the drain, and was pushing and pulling, and finally.......SUCCESS.   I think.     The water started flowing down the drain.   I was proud.  I saved a plumber bill.  "Joy...just call me Joe the Plumber.   Check your sink. The water should be gone."
           Joy was excited: "The water is all pouring onto the floor.  You poked a hole in the pipe.  I think you better keep your day job."    We both laughed.   The next day I called "Joe the Plumber."
      


      




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Jan. 8th, 2009

ROCKIN' NEW YEARS EVE AT RIVER ROCK

                            A lot of people consider New Years Eve to be amateur night.  And for a long time, I have been one of them.  And then I received an invitation from River Rock Casino to be a guest at their New Years' Eve VIP party.
             Hmmmm.  I checked with girl friend Joy.  (She's the boss.)   "It sounds like fun," she cooed.   OK, It was a "go."
             We arrived at the quaint Geyserville Inn at about 7pm, checked in, and grabbed the casino shuttle for the ten minute trip to River Rock.   A red carpet greeting  had been laid out, and we were instructed to follow it into the VIP room.  Waiting to greet the revelers was River Rock CEO Shawn Smyth.  The affable Smyth made everyone feel welcome, and the room  was filled with a boutiful array of culinary delights. 
           After a glass of champagne, we could hear the sounds of one of my favorite Bay Area bands; "The Unauthorized Rolling Stones."   They  look and sound like the real deal.  I know how Joy loves to dance, so I knew I was in for a workout.   Amid the sounds of "Satifaction" and other Stones favorites, we could hear the happy screams of the revelers who were among the winners of the tens of thousands of dollars that River Rock gave away that evening.  And according to casino exec Jennifer Menicucci,  they're going to do it all again on January 16th.  Good thing I didn't throw away my party hat. :)

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Dec. 31st, 2008

Wachovia Securities Holiday Party

           What makes a great holiday party?  Number one is a group of  fun, interesting people.  And a classy venue helps.  And let's not forget a great band.   And yes,   delicious munchies and fine wines.


Wachovia partiers pause for a group photo.


Party organizer Bonnie Johnson flanked by Jason Warren and yours truly.

                      All of the above and more were a part of the festive Wachovia  Securities'  holiday bash at the plush City Club in San Francisco.  Organized by Wachovias' own  Bonnie Johnson, and hosted by the generous duo of Kevin and Ann Kitchin,  almost 200 people partied and danced the night away to the jazz-based sounds of Greg Gotelli and  sultry vocalist Darlene Langston.
                                 And my girl friend Joy?  She was spoiled beyond belief.  She arrived with Wachovia execs in a Hummer limo.   I hope she doesn"t expect treatment like that on a regular basis. :)

Imagery by Kentaro

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Dec. 11th, 2008

JULIE SHANNON-MUSIC MIXOLOGIST


Santa's Christmas music elf Julie Shannon

             Julie Shannon has been with KOIT for 18 years, and she knows music, and that includes Christmas music.  When KOIT began playing several weeks of Christmas songs five years ago, Julie was the natural choice to select the music.   Judging by the favorable listener response, Julie is doing a terrific job.  She also selects the music during the rest of the year.  She is also part of the KOIT "more music" morning team.
                   When not at KOIT, Julie can often be found behind the wheel of her spiffy Mini-Cooper S.

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Dec. 8th, 2008

FILIPINO-AMERICANS CHRISTMAS PARTY

                     The hotel banquet room was packed.  Everyone had their dancing shoes on.  The dee-jay was primed and ready.  And yes, yours truly and Joy were there.  It was the Filipino-Americans of Northern California (Marin County chapter) annual Christmas celebration.
                   After dinner, people were ready to party.  For the next three-plus hours, the  floor was filled with dancers. " YMCA," " Celebration," " Twist & Shout," and most of the big disco hits were played by DJ-singer Al dela Cruz.   And one of the highlights of the fun-filled evening was the dancing of the hula-girls.  Yes, hula girls.


And wow; they were good. I lived in Hawaii for five years, and I think I know a good hula when I see one, and these pretty Filipinas really knew their stuff.  They  received a well-deserved "standing-o."   I was asked to be a "volunteer" dancer, but I declined.  I forgot my hula skirt. :)
                 About halfway thru the evening, the atmosphere became even more festive.  We received word that Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao had defeated Oscar De La Hoya.
            

Imagery by Kentaro

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