Spring Fever?

This has been the longest winter in my memory, so here are some random photos of the Summer Game, taken at Wrigley Field in 2007 or 2008.

Inspecting The Troops Is More Fun When You're Royalty

"The Last Great American Roadhouse"

Here are some crappy photos I took at the FloraBama. Included are a blurry outside shot, my friend with what I can only assume was an off-duty stripper, and a fantastic Mullet.

The Flora-Bama Lounge and Package (aka The Flora-Bama), located on Perdido Key Florida, is a beachside oyster bar, beach bar, and Gulf Coast cultural landmark, touted as being America's "Last Great Roadhouse". The Flora-Bama takes its name from its location on the Florida - Alabama border line. The bar is in fact located all within Florida, with the Alabama line being about six feet from the western outside wall. Contrary to what some might describe it as, it is not a nightclub. It is a beach bar.

Widely known as a place where "you can have a millionaire sitting next to a biker," this unique make-up of bar patrons is one of the contributing factors to its large appeal and attraction. Locals mingle with tourists rather easily and on large holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, cars line the highway for miles in both directions as the bar draws such a large crowd. The Flora-Bama first gained national attention when former Oakland Raiders quarterback and NFL MVP Kenny Stabler referred to the Flora-Bama as "the best watering hole in the country
Despite being closed for many months while repairing and rebuilding after Hurricane Ivan, the Flora-Bama's crowd swarmed right back to the bar as soon as it reopened its doors. There is live music to be had every day of the week, with usually at least five bands playing on Saturdays. It is still a spot likely to attract celebrity visitors, with faces such as Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Kid Rock, and Kenny Stabler sometimes seen amongst the patrons.

This photo is notable only for the discarded bras hanging above the dancefloor.

Where Was This When I needed It?

Finally, A Practical Gift Idea. A Home Vasectomy kit.

K. Fimster

We lost a friend last night.


Paul was many things- some consistently, some at different times: A dreamer, a pragmatist, a scoundrel, a father, a son, a salesman, a writer, a tinkerer, a promoter, a wastrel, a wanderer, a friend. He was at times infuriating, engaging, inspiring, hilarious and kind.

While nearly all of us feel we've suffered injustice in our lives, Paul suffered very real injustice and it nearly defeated him, but ultimately, he chose to live on with optimism and joy.

He was the common thread that bound the fabric of the lives of many of us, and many of my most treasured friends are known to me only because Paul brought us together either directly or indirectly.


Also, bless the Sisters of Sacred Heart Convent in Cullman Alabama, for their kindness and loving grace. They have my eternal love, respect and gratitude for their part in a spirit restored.

"Crazy Heart"

I saw this last night with my brother. I've always liked Jeff Bridges, and I'm really hoping he wins the Oscar for this one. He deserves it.

Jim Croce "Lover's Cross"

I was just a baby when Buddy Holly died, but when Jim Croce was killed in a small plane crash just 50 miles from my home in Louisiana, I was old enough to be stunned.

I think I was aware that the concert was happening, and at 15, I'm not sure there was a practical way for me to attend, it just never occured to me that the chance would never come again.


I honestly don't think history has given this guy his due. He was a brilliant songwriter.



Article from the Shreveport (LA) Times (September 22, 1974)

Success Escaped Croce Until Death

NATCHITOCHES, The Jim Croce legend lives on.

On the night of September 20, 1973, a fiery plane crash in Natchitoches killed Croce and five of his entourage. It has only been since his death that Croce has achieved the level of success which somehow escaped him during his lifetime.

That Croce was a talented man has never been disputed by critics. His talent consisted of singing, songwriting and instrument playing. He will be remembered not only for his songs and style but also as being a man who put the term "junkyard dog" in the English vocabulary.

Croce's death has been compared to the February 3, 1959 plane crash in which Don McLean made so much of in his "American Pie" as the beginning of the end. That Iowa crash claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson.

The comparison should never be made. Holly, Valens and Richardson had already made stardom. Croce was still seeking his.

The September 20 concert at Northwestern State University, Croce's last, was a vivid account of his life. He told the audience of his life as a truck-driver, construction worker, tractor operator and his many nights in playing in dimly-lit dives and staying in cheap motels.

His final performance was brilliant. His songs were good, his guitar playing was great and his story telling was fascinating. His voice had a quality that was much better live than on records. Despite his performance, Croce was not called to do an encore.

The audience gave polite applause and proceeded to leave the building. There was no standing ovation, hysterical applause or calls for Croce to come back on stage for a few more minutes.

Croce's closing comment was, "See you later."

Snow is still a novelty at my house

This has been one hell of a long, cold winter. I'm ready for it to be over.

Random yet profound Demotivator

I sometimes tell folks I used to be an "Area Manager" for Wendy's. When they ask: "where?", I tell them "the area around the french fry machine".

This pretty much sums it up.