THURSDAYS WITH BRIAN - Where the pavement ends and the dust begins

2005-05-08T14:41:00.000-04:00

Article by Mark Driver

(with one slight modification)

This is dedicated to everyone who isn't going to have a normal Mothers Day. That's why it won't mention it in any way.

The QWERTY keyboard is used by almost everyone with a computer. Ever wonder why the keys are in such a screwed up order? Be careful; the real story may enrage you beyond reasonable thresholds of anger. Continue ONLY if you have a strong stomach for human folly.
When the typewriter was first invented, much thought was put into the placement of the keys. The most frequently used letters were placed near the strongest fingers, enabling the highest efficiency possible from human hands to type the missives of yesteryear. It was so efficient, in fact, that people learned to type too fast. Recall that a typewriter has huge arms that fly out from the belly of the machine, strike the paper, and recoil back into the darkness from whence they came. Now, everyone has approached a typewriter and leaned on all the keys, causing the thing to completely jam up. This is what would happen to the newly efficient workers, causing broken typewriters, and lots of downtime for the purveyors of fine capitalism. Something had to be done.

The keyboard was looked at again. It was up to engineers to redesign the keyboard, this time making it as inefficient as possible, placing the most frequently used keys by the weakest fingers. This alleviated much of the jam up problem, and the wheels of democracy could once again whirl freely. Everyone got used to the keyboard. Class after class of high school students learned the virtues of the inefficient system, trying their hardest not to `hunt and peck'. It became part of the world, and everyone loved it. Enter the computer.

Free from the archaic strikings, the keyboards of the first computers were once again set up with the efficient system. Pretty soon, through sales, it became obvious that everyone liked the old keyboard better. Some could type fast with the inefficient system, some just liked a bit of familiarity with the new, scary computer technology. So it stayed, repelling all advances for improvement, and is the keyboard we have today.

Just think of how many more books could be written, how much earlier you could leave work, how much shorter you'd have to spend on a term paper if you had a proper keyboard. If we were just a little more adaptable to change (Toffler was right!), we could make things a lot easier, and I could have been done with this stupid segment of "Totally Uninteresting Facts That Only A Geek Like Me Gives A Shit About" already. Have a nice day, and try not to get too sober.

2005-05-05T03:12:00.000-04:00

From time to time.......

Occasionally, from time to time I blog about my love life and since it's been a while I figured I would do just that......

Tonight while out on the town I ran into a young lady whith whom I met recently at a party (Margartia Monday) that I had at my house. A few weeks have passed since I saw her last and I was especially excited to see her tonight. We saw each other and spent some time talking and boy did sparks fly.

I really like this girl and I have a lil crush on her. We shall see where this goes but as with the new Pope.....I am hopeful.

2005-04-19T12:06:00.000-04:00

NEW POPE......

Don't know who it is yet but I am hopeful.

2005-04-18T03:35:00.000-04:00

You never feel more alone then when you don't have anyone to talk to!

On 4/12/2005 a man by the name of Joe passed away. I may have met him once but it was in passing and no conversation of subatance was had between him and I. I know he passed because one of his grand daughters called me to inform me of the families loss.

This Saturday I drove the 130 miles to the funeral mass to be supportive of the family. I must say that besides the family being ultra supportive of me and my life I wanted to be there because personally the grand daughter and I are close.

Well those of you that know me you'll understand why funerals would bring up some aweful memories for me. Obviously I am driving there and I am thinking about things and when I got to the church the prayer cards had a verse that touched me deeply especially in regards to my situation. This card rocked me. Then when the priest was in the entrance of the church saying his blessing tears started to well. The next thing I remember was seeing the six people that I was there to support and I started to shake all over, tears now flowing freely it took me a moment to regain my composure.

Some things that struck me was the utter helplessness on the face of the widow, I could see the heart break on her face and on the faces of her family.

I want to tell this story but I don't want people to feel sorry for me. But I seriously have felt lost since this has happened and don't know what to do.

For further background see post 9/26/02.

2005-04-12T20:40:00.000-04:00

Damaged and Dysfunctional

Yes you people continue to amaze me......

The latest searches that brought you here:

1) "renee is doris and i'm basically the tony randall character"
2) "Chris Isaak fan club"

I was thinking....what does this say about you people but more importantly; what does this say about me?

2005-04-12T16:14:00.000-04:00

It Can't Happen Here

Yesterday when I was getting ready for class when an Amber Alert came across the TV. The details were that a 4 month old girl was abducted in NJ (my neice is 4 months and lives there) and for a second a little panic waved over me. As it turns out it was a different ethnicity and it was a domestic dispute but it scared me.

So, that is why I have added the Amber Alert code to my site and I encourage you to do the same.

2005-04-09T17:26:00.000-04:00

IL DUCES PRAYER

"And when I vest my flashing sword And my hand takes hold in judgement I will take vengeance upon mine enemies And I will repay those who hase me O Lord, raise me to Thy right hand And count me amoung Thy saints ."

"Whosoever shed last blood. By man shall his blood be shed. For immunity of god make he the man. Destroy all that which is evil. So that which is good may flourish. And I shall count thee amoung my favoured sheep. And you shall have the protection of all the angels in heaven."

"Never shall innocent blood be shed. Yet the blood of the wicked shall flow like a river. The three shall spread their blackened wings and be the vengeaful striking hammer of god. "

2005-04-06T19:42:00.000-04:00

Linkin ain't easy but it's necessary.......

Check out http://www.durhamtownship.com

This site offers some good photos of what we've all been dealing with.....

2005-04-06T16:06:00.000-04:00

Water, Water Everywhere......

Since we spoke last there has been major flooding where I live and for the most part the waters have gone down. The evacuations started Saturday afternoon of 4000 plus homes and now the efforts are to return to normal.

BUT, here we go again....From the National Weather Service:WET WEATHER WILL RETURN TO THE REGION THURSDAY AS LOW PRESSURE ACROSS THE SOUTHERN STATES CONTINUES TO MOVE TO THE EAST. MEANWHILE, A COLD FRONT WILL ALSO BE APPROACHING OUR REGION THURSDAY, AND SLOWLY CROSS THE AREA IN THE EVENING. BOTH WEATHER SYSTEMS WILL BRING SHOWERS

Flooding Where I live.....That is the river beyond the birch tree

2005-04-04T09:18:00.000-04:00

Aprils Fool......

The 4 days have been an interesting from a personal standpoint. I am not really ready to divulge all the details but it was pretty fun.

For now I will just say that I hate my ego.

2005-03-31T13:05:00.000-05:00

Another Country Heard From.......

From Instapundit:

CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS: "I had
sincerely intended to be the only scribbler in America who stayed out of this
most stupid and degrading argument. . . . But, once you engage for even an
instant, you are drawn into a vortex of irrationality and nastiness that
generates its own energy."

Indeed.

So, the media circus around the Schaivo- Schindler Family fued is over. I am not going to weigh in on the right to die or right to life argument. I have some thoughts on the subject but I am just now smart enough to know which is right. I guess it's a very personal decision and one that is clouded when no written legal document is available.

That said I do have one thing to say. Today when Terri passed away her husband who has moved on in his life and has a common law wife and children was in the room with her but refused to let Terri's mom and dad in the room with her when she finally succumbed. For that you Mr. Schaivo are a son of a bitch.

That's all I have to say.

2005-03-28T13:47:00.000-05:00

People amaze me......

Today I got recieved two hits on my site refferred from Yahoo.com.

1) Dry Humping Pregnant
2) Prostitutes Las Vegas NV

Sometimes it scares me what goes through peoples minds.

2005-03-26T16:57:00.000-05:00

Anniversaries.

It's a strange thing when a birthday turns into a anniversary. Just one year ago today I was celebrating the occasion of my grandmothers 95th birthday. Today I remember her on the occasion of her first birthday since her passing. Dad seems to be holding up just fine and I am doing ok too.

I just miss her and later when the sun goes down I will pour me a guinness and look at the pictures I took from her b-day dinner last year and toast to her memory.

_______

Oh yeah, the experiment ends today....I am off the wagon.

2005-03-24T19:43:00.000-05:00

Girls....all I really want is girls......

I have been meaning to share a story with you about a writing class I am taking. It's a fairly simply and aside from my punctuation I am doing a good job. Right now I have an A. But that is not what this class is about. There is this young lady that sits near me and I am not kidding you when I say she is just the most adorable thing I have seen in a long time she has this cute little nose that wrinkles when she laughs and even when she is "dressed down" she looks beautiful.

Normally I would ask her out or I would do something to put us in a situation where we could be alone and get to know eachother. But I am 27 and I think she's around 18 or 19.....I just feel like a dirty old man. It's a shame because I think she is in to me but the last time I dated an 18 year old I was 22 and I think those days are over.

But dam is she hot.

oh well.

2005-03-24T03:58:00.000-05:00

Maybe I am drunk..........

It's only 4 am est and perhaps I am just intoxicated. I had three things to accomplish tonight, (1) go to class (2) go to a bartenders meeting @ work (3) have a date.

well 1 & 2 were canceled because of this (from the national weather service):

HEAVY SNOW WAS FALLING IN THE NORTHER PARTS OF ______ AND _____ COUNTIES IN PENNSYLVANIA AND LIGHT SNOW ELSEWHERE. THE SNOW FALLING A AT A RATE OF TWO INCHES PER HOUR.

I did go out on the date but she was a dud....oh well, who cares.........

For those of you keeping score spring arrived two days ago......

So, can we all agree....WHAT THE FUCK?

2005-03-21T19:59:00.000-05:00

Jet Lag

A temporary disruption of bodily rhythms caused by high-speed travel across several time zones typically in a jet aircraft.

Those two words sum up my day today. Vegas was great, I won some money and it was full of reminders of the last time I was there with some people who I would be leaving sooner than planned. It was a very exciting time and I will never forget it. Life seems to be full of memories of better times for me. Maybe because they just seem better because I can't get them back.

I have alot of work to do in the next few weeks and I just can't seem to get the motivation. I just can't seem to see myself in a position I was just a few years ago. But I have a lot of hard work to do in order to figure out what move I need to make next. It's a move that is going to take me away from the friendships I have gained here in PA and take me to a place where new friendships will be gained and lost. I have a lot of friendships lots of love in my heart but I sometimes feel lonely. I need to get over this damn jet lag. I need to make some moves and some decisions and the first move is going to be.........(to be continued).

2005-03-15T10:15:00.000-05:00

Vegas BABY

So the TWB road show continues this week in Las Vegas NV. If you are going to be in the area check out our schedule below and come see a show or two.

As lead singer in this band I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who came out to Tinks in Scranton, PA and saw our show. The set was shorter than expected but we had fun none the less. For all of our fans on the east coast we will be on stage once again March 20th at the Pocono St. Patricks Day Parade festivial.

To our fans on the west coast this will probably our last trip out west for a while so try and catch us if you can.

Today the band is in studio for a promo that we are doing and then it's off to get ready for what should be several great shows in Vegas.

See ya,
-Brian

2005-03-06T05:10:00.000-05:00

There once was a man from Nantuckett.......

Actually he is from out west and he and I have been blogger friends for a couple of years now and without knowing it he has made an impact on my life. For some reason everytime I catch up on what is going on in his life I get a feeling that there is some wisdom that he shares that was meant for me. Now I know that it's not planned by him but I do know that I am happy to call him a friend eventhough we've never officially met.

I'd imagine an afternoon with him to be very interesting and have lots of stories to tell me....most of them would start off "when I was your age..." I am not knocking his age but merely recognizing that his experiences of his youth could help me along in my daily exploits. I think that IF we were neighbors that I could call on him anytime and just have a chat and maybe go out for a couple of pints and talk about current events, baseball and perhaps love.

Anyway, now you know my thoughts on him AND he knows why I did what I did.
As I get home from tending bar this evening I sit here in my home with a beer in hand and toast you on your breithlá!

To Rick:

I make a toast to your coffin.

May it be made of 100 year old oak.

And may we plant the tree together, tomorrow.

Cheers Rick!

2005-03-05T13:45:00.000-05:00

[FOR IMMEADIATE RELEASE]

Thursdays With Brian "Workin for a Livin Tour '05"

March 5, 2005 - Three weeks ago our Brian Devaney, Founder of TWB has once again found gainful employment. With the news that he is working yet again his tour manager Brian Devaney was pleased to announce the a slight change in the tour. The new tour name is "Workin for a Livin Tour '05"

The tour dates are as follows:

3/12/05 - Scranton, PA. St. Patricks Day Parade (Two Shows)
3/16/05 - Las Vegas, NV. Stardust Hotel and Casino (opening for Chicago)
3/17/05 - Las Vegas, NV. Nine Fine Irishmen (inside New York, New York Casino)
3/17/05 - Las Vegas, NV. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
3/18/05 - Las Vegas, NV. Tropicana Casino and Resort
3/19/05 - Las Vegas, NV. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (opening for Billy Idol)
3/20/05 - Pocono Mts PA. (time and location TBD)

Brian Devaney, with assets of upwards of US$100.00, is a 27 year old college student who groups his "turn on's" in six segments comprised of 25 criteria. A wholly-owned subsidiary of No Help From Russ Productions, Brian Devaney, based in Northeast, Pennsylvania, provides a variety reasons for dating him, such as humor, maturity, a pair of eyes that could melt the ploar ice caps; cooking skills; sensitivity; "equipment" management, and other specialized services, to as many as 1 woman at a time. No Help From Russ Productions is a diversified bar hopping, humor and ditch digging company with operations statewide.

For more information and bookings contact Brian Devaney at devaney_brian@yahoo.com or call 212-479-7990.

2005-03-03T19:12:00.000-05:00

Spring has Sprung

There might be 10 inches of snow on the ground but spring is here.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E

Pittsburgh 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 6 0

NY Yankees 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 1

and with that the 2005 baseball season is offically underway.

If you live in the New York metropolitan area and listen to WFAN 660 AM you know that Al Leiter is blaming talkshow hosts for him not being with the METS any more.

I suggest clicking on the talkshow hosts link to listen to the rebuttal. Realplayer required (Free).

2005-03-01T02:38:00.000-05:00

Storm Closings and such......

So this is my third winter in Vacation Land USA and I think the most distressing thing I have encountered was this from www.wbre.com/schoolclosings.asp

Gate of Heaven: 2 Hour Delay

Now I am not a betting man (unless I get odds) but it seems to me that if the gate of heaven is delayed by two hours the line is gonna get awefully long!

Then I found out that the Gate of Heaven was this

I hope the people who pass away tonight don't get confused.....

2005-02-28T21:00:00.000-05:00

Where y'at?

bold the states you've been to, underline the states you've lived in and italicize the state you're in now...

Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii / Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C /

Go HERE to have a form generate the HTML for you.

2005-02-28T19:42:00.000-05:00

"Casinos and prostitutes have the same thing in common; they are both trying to screw you out of your money and send you home with a smile on you face."

Dateline Atlantic City, NJ - Pennsylvania Man loses his ass at the Tropicana Casino and Hotel. While the unidentified 27 year old was reported to be disappointed that he didn't even have a winning streak at the tables he had a very good time and issued the following release.

[FOR IMMEADIATE RELEASE]

Thursdays With Brian "Out of Work Bartender Tour"

FEBRUARY 28th, 2005 - After a lack luster performance in Atlantic City, NJ Thursdays With Brian is pleased to announce more dates on the Out of Work Bartender Tour 2005. "Last was our first show with the new band and while the groups was a little rusty we have worked out the kinks and look forward to our next performance." Said, Brian Devaney Tour Manager for Thursdays With Brian.

The tour dates are as follows:

3/12/05 - Scranton, PA. St. Patricks Day Parade (Two Shows)
3/16/05 - Las Vegas, NV. Stardust Hotel and Casino (opening for Chicago)
3/17/05 - Las Vegas, NV. Nine Fine Irishmen (inside New York, New York Casino)
3/17/05 - Las Vegas, NV. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
3/18/05 - Las Vegas, NV. Tropicana Casino and Resort
3/19/05 - Las Vegas, NV. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (opening for Billy Idol)
3/20/05 - Pocono Mts PA. (time and location TBD)

Brian Devaney, with assets of upwards of US$100.00, is a 27 year old college student who groups his "turn on's" in six segments comprised of 25 criteria. A wholly-owned subsidiary of No Help From Russ Productions, Brian Devaney, based in Northeast, Pennsylvania, provides a variety reasons for dating him, such as humor, maturity, a pair of eyes that could melt the ploar ice caps; cooking skills; sensitivity; "equipment" management, and other specialized services, to as many as 1 woman at a time. No Help From Russ Productions is a diversified bar hopping, humor and ditch digging company with operations statewide.

For more information and bookings contact Brian Devaney at devaney_brian@yahoo.com or call 212-479-7990.

2005-02-24T15:41:00.000-05:00

SNOW

feh.

2005-02-23T15:52:00.000-05:00

MY JOB CAN KICK YOUR JOBS ASS

I seriously love my job. I have for a few months now been working for a Talent/PR/Marketing/Advertising Agency doing a variety of things. My strong suite is sales and selling I am a doin'. What I love about it is that I compelete the sale,hand it off, get a check and go home. I just got a nice check, that is why I am happy and that is why yours truly will be making an appearence in Atlantic City this weekend!!!! ONE SHOW ONLY!

I haven't been behind a bar in over two weeks. It feels like a month. The only thing I miss about that is the $300.00 in cash every shift.

Anyway tell me.....why is your job better than mine?

2005-02-22T02:28:00.000-05:00

I sometimes wonder.

I know that someplace and somewhere in the world someone is reading this site. I know because I get hits. What I wonder is if someone that knows me reads this. Wouldn't it be funny if an old friend who didn't know how to make a connection again used this site to catch up on my life? Maybe a former love who's own curiosity about my life keeps them coming back.

The possibilities are endless. There are people in Virginia Beach that I would love to connect with. Corpus Christi, New Orleans, Los Angeles,Orlando,and Tampa are all cities that contain people that I sometimes wonder about. Tonight I am thinking of two people that are out there somewhere who I wish I could connect with in a way "just the way it was" (when it was good). I have a childhood friend "Matt" who I literally was joined at the hip with until I left New York. I wonder what he is up to? Is he alive? Geeze. I don't know. Maybe I should hit the blogs and see if I can find him.

The other is a young lady, "Stacy". Before I met her I never knew the phrase "love at first sight" would actually mean something to me. Unlike "Matt" I know what "Stacy" is up to. Every now and then I get an e-mail (sent out en masse) with a change of address or phone number. I have a feeling that I was just never taken out of the address book and so I get to resurrect the angry God of "couldas & shouldas" if even for a moment I let her back into my life. Sometimes I wonder if it's her attempt at starting a dialogue. I am able to deduce that she is most likely in love given the tone of the e-mail and that she is living with him. The bottom line is that I wonder if she wonders about me ever. Hmm, I wonder if she knows the depths I went to [deleted]. Some would say contact her.....but I just don't want to right now.

What makes me curious about all of this wondering about others is I wonder if they (anyone) wonders about me. I wonder if there is anyone out there that starts out a story "There was this guy....." and it be about me.

I have been reading a lot lately sometimes the right words helps me get through the winter doldrums. One writer I have discovered is Ruth Evelyn and she will on my behalf tell all of you just how I am,in case you were wondering about me like I am about you this evening.

I have more fun. I meet more people. I notice more, so I experience more. I say more. I listen more. I cry far fewer tears of sadness and more tears of joy. I live in gratitude. I love unconditionally. I learn more, so I teach more. I give more meaningfully and receive more gratefully. Relationships are better. Dilemmas are resolved more quickly. Wine tastes sweeter, food more palatable, the scenery is more colorful. I spend more time in a state of Peace and Joy.

I hope you all is well with you too.

2005-02-22T00:39:00.000-05:00

SAY IT WITH ME...FLOGGING MOLLY!!!!!

Got this from THESE FELLAS

2005-02-17T02:02:00.000-05:00

STOCK PRICES

I have been thinking for most of the night about the 1920's and the great depression. Mostly when it comes to the rise and fall of a certain stock. What happens when a company all of a sudden becomes less valuable? What set of events puts everything into motion? Why is something of the utmost value to a stockholder one day become a dog the next?

I guess I am talking in circles......I guess I am talking about her and I.

Her and I. The dynamic duo. The terrible twosome. The left and right hand. The sunrise and sunset. It's quite sad. Without much fanfare and perhaps without her even realizing the her and i that was him and her is not what is is anymore. It makes me sad to think that perhaps me being where I am and her where she is are two completely different points and it took a variable that I never saw coming to put a wrench into the works of something great.

Actually, it is something I realized a while back. See, there was a time not too long ago when life was status quo.....Him and her and she and I. Then out of nowhere the him and her ended and it became she and him. At the same time Her & I were left out in the cold.

Perhaps I can explain it this way :

Once there was A&B and C&D

Then it became A&C

With B alone and D alone.

A&C are perfectly happy with what they have and B is moving in her own direction and then there is sad little D. Left out in the cold. I am not sure when D's (my) stock price fell to the basement but I can tell you that it was around 12am 2/17/05 when I called my broker and disclosed my desire to sell most of my shares in C.

I say MOST instead of ALL because the situation is this. I have no desire to cause a scene or make hay about the rise and fall of this particular relationship I am not in a place where I feel like fighting for this or just fighting in general. I'd perfer to just let things fizzle out. It's easier on me and that way I can play it anyway I want and ALWAYS to MY advantage.

But the story can include this line : " I find it unrealistic to see a day where I can see myself being a person that could have the feelings at the same level for her (C) that I did before this day in history." I can however, gaurantee that I will NEVER talk TRASH about her (C). I will however talk of a growing apart and a general change in attitude while expressing love for what came before the day I realized that the dynamic had changed.

I guess hockey wasn't the only thing called off today.

SIGH.....

2005-02-14T14:34:00.000-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

To every valentine I ever knew:

Having loved you once I love you still.

-RM

2005-02-09T15:58:00.000-05:00

Political Endorsement.........

As Corpus Christis favorite son I officially endorse Kinky Friedman (The Republic of Texas favorite son) for Governor.

Make the lone star shine again!

2005-02-09T14:55:00.000-05:00

Money.Money.Money. I have had a couple of comments via this site and e-mail in regards to my spending on social activities so I figured I would reply en masse.

I agree that I spend alot during the week, but keep a couple of things in mind.....

I never spend more than I can afford.
Those figures include tip.
I buy people drinks.

That being said it's still ALOT of money.

2005-02-08T23:22:00.000-05:00

Kindred Spirit

Like two souls connected by mutual love of booze......

I am taking a month off.....she is not drinking either. Of course the difference between my site and her's is that hers doesn't suck!

In other news here is some $$ saving math fer ya.....

Wed $50.00
Fri $75.00
Sat $50.00
Sun $40.00
= $215.00*

*avg amount I spend a week at the bar OR amount I've saved thus far!!!

It's been enlightening: I have not missed drinking one bit which confirms to me that it's not that I need to drink I just like to.

2005-02-07T15:18:00.000-05:00

It's all over but the cryin' now.......

Well I gave my notice at my bartending job today. My last shift is at 6 pm. I am kinda holding out hope that they call me and say not to bother to come in at all.

I doubt it. I will most likely get treated like shit.....I swear if I get any guff from a select few I will walk out the door.

2005-02-06T14:21:00.000-05:00

Breaking up is hard to do..........

This past week my bar manager called me to his office because he had a few things to go ver with me.

I kinda had a feeling what this was all about but I didn't let it show. I had taken the liberty of scheduling a vacation to Las Vegas in March and apparently ready to deny me my vacation request because it's "prime time" for our restaurant. Normally I would think about the effect I was having on staffing but one thing you, dear reader, need to understand is that two of the three shifts I am taking off are the WORST in all of human history. Being the low man on the totem pole I have to work the service bar on Fridays and Saturdays where I basically stand around all night and do a whole lot of nothing.

The third shift is one of my best which should be easy to fill. But apparently the boss thinks that my presence is vital to the restaurant and he was less than thrilled that I was not going to be in town for this one particular weekend.

Another thing that you need to know about me is that I am in school full time and I hold down another job at an advertising agency in addition to the bar. I currently have NO days off. NO time to accomplish anything productive.

That being said, I expressed to the people at work that I was entertaining the idea of asking for either the Friday or Saturday shift off thus giving me at least SOME off time during the week.

Needless to say they didn't want to hear that. My boss basically put me on notice and told me that if I wanted to go find another job bartending somewhere else that his feelings wouldn't be hurt.

Which brings me to my decision which I almost made instantly on Friday when this new was delivered to me, Tomorrow will be my last day at this establishment. I have a few leads on jobs at places that would actually see value in having me as part of their staff.

The one take away from my experience at this place is that I can walk away saying this: They might not like me but they never said I am a bad bartender!!!

I am actually excited.......two shifts left!!!!

2005-02-06T02:08:00.000-05:00

DRY AS A BONE........

Well last call has come and gone and I have spent my first and second sober night at the bars.

It feels good.

2005-02-05T02:46:00.000-05:00

Still going strong........

This says it all ......

GO EAGLES!!!!!!

2005-02-02T22:01:00.000-05:00

An American President

If you are like me and watching the State of the Union you saw this mans body language when he looked at Sgt. Norwoods parents......you now know why I love this President.

Simply touching.

2005-02-02T21:57:00.000-05:00

Points to ponder

I am not sure what disturbs me more. The fact that the bar in my house is taunting me

OR

Finding that someone found my site by searching for this : i need to find out about age difference permitted in pennsylvania while dating

Still no drinky.

2005-02-01T23:28:00.000-05:00

T-minus 650 hours and counting..........

Bring on day 2. It's been 42 hours since my last drink and all is well. Some of my "peeps" seem to think that this little 28 days experiment will ruin my "street cred" with the little "G's". I reject that hypothesis. I think my title as co-"robo-drunk" will rein FOREVER.

To my darling Tullamore Dew: I miss your sweet nectar and you warming effects.
To my princess Yeungling Lager: you will always be my love.

In 27 days all of us will get together for a naughty lil three way....promise.

2005-02-01T02:06:00.000-05:00

Let the drying out commence! DAY 1

I am a bit of a drinker. I would not say that I have a problem but it occured to me that perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea to detox for the next 28 days.

I know it's going to be hard especially for a bartender but the girls at work don't think I can make it 28 days. I have racked up $120.00 in bets so far and now since I have some skin in the game I am NOT going to break down.

I will keep you posted with my progress!!!!!

2004-11-27T02:32:00.000-05:00

Truly giving thanks......

7lbs. 4oz. 19 in. Erin Rose Devaney came to this earth on 11/24/04.

I am one proud uncle. I am one blessed man.

Life is sweet!

2004-11-15T13:24:00.000-05:00

Dancing in heaven

With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person which almost went unnoticed last week. Larry La Prise, the man who wrote "The Hokey Pokey," died peacefully at age 93.

The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin. They put his left leg in, and then the trouble started................

2004-11-12T02:57:00.000-05:00

Are you kidding me?

Severe Weather Alert from the National Weather Service

... THE FIRST MEASURABLE SNOWFALL OF THE SEASON IS POSSIBLE FOR PORTIONS OF THE SOUTHERN POCONOS AND FAR NORTHWEST NEW JERSEY...

ONE TO TWO INCHES OF SNOW IS A POSSIBILITY OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN OF FAR NORTHWESTERN NEW JERSEY AND THE SOUTHERN POCONOS FROM LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT. LOW PRESSURE MOVING NORTH FROM DIXIE TO THE MID ATLANTIC COAST WILL SPREAD PRECIPITATION INTO THE REGION IN THE FORM OF RAIN BEGINNING LATE TONIGHT OR FRIDAY MORNING, AND THAT RAIN IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE TO SNOW AS COLD CANADIAN AIR MOVES SOUTH AROUND A STRONG AND STATIONARY HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM.

IF THIS SITUATION EVOLVES AS PRESENTLY FORECAST, THIS WOULD NOT BE A MAJOR WINTER-TYPE WEATHER EVENT. IT WOULD, HOWEVER, BE THE FIRST MEASURABLE SNOWFALL OF THE SEASON, SO PEOPLE IN FAR NORTHWESTERN NEW JERSEY AND THE SOUTHERN POCONOS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR DETERIORATING TRAVELING CONDITIONS FROM LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT....

2004-10-26T03:17:00.000-04:00

Twenty-Seven

It's a strange number. It's even stranger when you've just become that age, yes today I am twenty seven years old. For my birthday I really only want one thing. I want to meet the right girl and have her like me for who I am and have me like her for who she is (long distance need not apply). I am a fairly picky guy but seriously I am getting older and if I want to reproduce I need to get on the ball.

Either that or a blow Job.......and I will have to consider it a sucessful day.

2004-10-21T02:19:00.000-04:00

DAMMIT

I really don't want to talk about it but as I said to my buddy who is a die hard Red Sox fan.......

"39 Pennants, 26 World Series Championships.......on this day it doesn't mean shit......The Red Sox are the Champs and they deserve it".

So, for probably the first,last and only time you will hear this "objective" Yankee fan say these words : "GO SOX".

I can't wait to see the fall out that comes from General Steinbrenner. Here's a hot tip on the next race.....Put all your money on "it's goona get ugly".

Cheers,
Brian

2004-10-19T03:55:00.000-04:00

HA HA.......

I got a hit today for "Republican Party Rubber Bands".

I'm not sure what that means...

2004-10-18T01:28:00.000-04:00

Things I am sure I wasn't meant to find out......

So this weekend was great in many respects. M now calls me clutch and I scored more than a few points. I got to have Three meals with my Dad and one of my brothers. I got to have drinks with some good friends and The Yanks par playing some pretty good baseball (save the loss they just suffered). Yep we are on to game five which is this afternoon in Fenway. Should be a good one Moose is on the mound and lets hope we can close em out tonight.

So, all this good stuff is happening and I come to discover that someone in my life - a blast from the past, if you will- is coming to visit me. Now I was cosidering being coy in my post today about her visit and use code words that only I'd know but really I am an adult and if she should happen to read this then so be it.

Quite a few years ago we started dating during what was the most difficult time in her life and while I was there for her a certain degree of laziness took over and she went elsewhere for the things I was not giving her. It was nearly a lifetime ago and that part of the story is merely background for you dear reader. Now that I am back in Pee-ay (two years) she and I have kept in touch but nothing has happened (phyisica) between us. I could point to a phone call where she talked to me about being one heck of a guy and possible marriage material and then of course there was a night where I drank one too many and we got nowhere as to why we are not together.
Now let us fast forward to a few weeks ago where I met her new boyfriend. He seems like a nice enough guy and she is happy and honestly I am cool with that. It doesn't bother me in the slightest bit. However here is the thing with her........She is a friend so as a friend I think positive things about her and I don't have a single bit of bad blood in me towards her but I am at a point where I am better off with her at arms length because when we are together it's very hard for me to not think about how I wish things were different between us.

Now here's the rub. In the not too distant future she is coming up to visit me. Here. On my turf. When she made the arrangements for us to hang out she told me that one of her brothers was coming up with his wife so I got the impression that she was not staying with me. My hunch was all but confirmed when I found out that the boyfriend might be coming up with her.

Shit.

Now I get myself all in this panic that in the one night we are hanging out I need to prove to her that 1) the new man doesn't bother me and 2) that my life is all champange and caviar.

Inner Calm.
Just now it hit me. I don't need to go out of my way to prove anytihng to her becuase I am getting on just fine and really her new man....who cares. She tells me he's a good guy and I am sure he is.

So really, who cares......I've got nothing to prove to anyone.

With that......Goodnight.

2004-10-16T02:45:00.000-04:00

Ok, so it's not that I miss the girl. But I was thinking today about how our hours were the same and how I would get a call when she was done work. Then she would come down to town to see me or I would head up on the mountain to slip into the house and climb into bed with her. I really miss that.

I don't think I miss her as much as I miss the idea of her on her way right now to see me. Because a year ago that was indeed the case..........

Oh well. As they say in latin "Post hoc ergo propter hoc".

If nobody tells me what that means I will tell you Monday.

2004-10-15T14:27:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure what this means.......

Fact: Today would have been my moms birthday
Fact: I am terribly sad that it is instead the 3rd birthday since her death.

Here comes the confusing part:
Today hasn't been as challenging as I anticipated and the only thing I can figure out is that some progress is being made. I have found myself in conversations with the older and younger who have lost parents and we have all come to the same conclusion. When you lose a loved one the hole in your heart never closes but it does get smaller. The pain never goes away you just learn to deal with it.

I guess this is progress.

Sometimes I think I am a walking/talking psychological case study.

2004-10-15T01:26:00.000-04:00

It's just one of those things that doesn't get easier.......

This is a bit of a rerun but...well deal with it. I don't care what you think.

She would have been 60 today. But instead it's the 3rd birthday since she passed.

Please do me a favor. Call your Mom. Now. For me. Tell her you love her. Don't give her a reason. Just do it because you can.

I love you Mom. I miss you.

2004-10-11T04:30:00.000-04:00

Bless This Mess.......

Pardon our appearance while we have a little makeover......

Stay tuned.

2004-10-11T04:16:00.000-04:00

Is this mike on???

Testing the NEW comments section.....

2004-10-11T04:01:00.000-04:00

Broken Links......Happy Hearts.......

Well it's nice to hear that you are still out there and comments are not needed by you brother M because I know the love you send!

Met a girl tonight......but considering I am an ineligible bachelor it won't go anywhere.

Good night sports fans.

2004-10-10T03:10:00.000-04:00

Start spreadin' the news.......

"The 2-1 hit sharply to Jeter....he fields, fires, got him. Game Over. American League Division Series over. The Yankees win. THHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEE YANKEES WIN!!!!

Bring on the BO SOX!

2004-10-10T02:38:00.000-04:00

Baseball as it should be.........

Yanks come back, finish off Twins
Bombers rally to win ALDS, move on to LCS against Sox
By Mark Feinsand / MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS -- Goodbye Minnesota, hello Boston.
The Yankees finished off the Twins on Saturday with yet another dramatic comeback, taking a 6-5 decision in 11 innings at the Metrodome to win the American League Division Series, three games to one.

New York advances to the AL Championship Series for a second consecutive year for a rematch of last year's memorable seven-game series against the Boston Red Sox.
"I think that's what everyone expected," said Derek Jeter. "I've said all year that I'd love to play them, because that means we're there."

Alex Rodriguez scored the game-winner on a Kyle Lohse wild pitch, sending the Yankees to the ALCS for the seventh time since 1996.

In Joe Torre's nine years as manager, the Yankees are now 17-7 in games in which they had a chance to close out a series.

"That's what makes him the best player in baseball," said Gary Sheffield. "The little things, extra-base hits, stolen bases, to do the things that he does, he's a special guy. I'm proud of him."

Ruben Sierra made the victory possible with a three-run home run in the eighth, capping a four-run inning that tied the game at 5.

"He's come up with a lot of big hits, which is tough to do when you don't play every day," Jeter said. "He has a great attitude, and when he gets an opportunity to play, he makes the most of it. He couldn't have come up with a bigger hit tonight."

Javier Vazquez allowed a run in the first, but the Yankees battled back to tie it up in the third on Hideki Matsui's RBI single against Johan Santana, who was pitching on three days' rest.

The Yankees were patient against Santana, raising his pitch count as the left-hander labored through inning after inning.

"I think they had a different plan in this game. They tried to wear me out," said Santana, who beat New York in Game 1. "They were taking some pitches, taking full counts. The last couple times, they were swinging early. I stayed with it the whole time."

Vazquez, making his postseason debut, settled down after allowing the two hits to start the game, holding the Twins without another hit until the fourth.

Vazquez walked Torii Hunter to start the fourth, then Sheffield misplayed a ball hit by Justin Morneau, losing it against the backdrop of the Metrodome roof. The ball fell about 20 feet behind Sheffield, putting runners at the corners on Morneau's double.

"I felt like a helpless child," Sheffield said. "I didn't see it as soon as he swung. I looked at [Miguel] Cairo, who ran back like it was going to be right over his head, so I ran in."

Corey Koskie's sacrifice fly to left scored Hunter to give the Twins a 2-1 lead, but Minnesota broke out against Vazquez in the fifth, starting with Henry Blanco's solo home run.

Vazquez retired the next two batters, but two singles and a pitch into Koskie's elbow loaded the bases for Lew Ford, who roped a double to left, scoring two runs to give the Twins a 5-1 lead.

With a four-run cushion, Ron Gardenhire turned to his bullpen, satisfied with the five-inning performance from Santana. The southpaw allowed one run on five hits and three walks, striking out seven. The Yankees put baserunners on in each of the 12 innings against Santana in the series, but only one of 19 came around to score.

Vazquez also left after five, though his line wasn't as good as Santana's, allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks, striking out six.

Grant Balfour dominated New York in two innings of work, but Juan Rincon had trouble in the eighth. Sheffield reached on an infield single to start the inning and Matsui walked. Bernie Williams lined a single to right-center, scoring Sheffield and bringing the tying run to the plate.

"Skip told us in the dugout to just get one run at a time," Sheffield said. "I knew I was leading off, so I just had to get on base. If we could score one, we could score another. We just kept fighting."

Rincon struck out Jorge Posada for the first out, but Sierra drilled a 2-2 pitch over the baggie in right field, tying the game at 5.

"I knew it was gone," Sierra said. "I was trying to make contact with something close to the plate. He was throwing away most of the time, but I was hoping he'd throw something close that I could get in front of."

"It's just 25 guys with a lot of heart. We were like a college team there in the eighth inning, cheering each other up," Rodriguez said. "It was a fun to be part of such a community."

Tom Gordon tossed two scoreless innings, while Joe Nathan pitched part of the eighth and then the ninth for Minnesota, which then called on Lohse, who answered the bell with a perfect 10th.

After Mariano Rivera sat the Twins down in order in the 10th, A-Rod belted a double down the left-field line with one out, putting the go-ahead run at second with one out.
"I was just looking for a pitch that I wanted to get in the air," Rodriguez said. "I wanted to get my money's worth. The pitch was pretty good and I pulled it hard down the left-field line."

A-Rod stole third to move within 90 feet of home, then scored when Lohse uncorked a 2-2 wild pitch that got by catcher Pat Borders, allowing Rodriguez to slide in and give the Yankees a 6-5 lead.

"This game, we have to go get it. It was not going to come to us," Rodriguez said. "The game was kind of coming to a stalemate and with Mo out there you have to take advantage of that. I felt like, why not take a chance? The wild pitch was beautiful."
"Statistics are one thing, but trying to win a game is another thing," said manager Joe Torre. "Statistics will probably be what a lot of people look at when they look at A-Rod after he's finished playing, but you really have to appreciate how talented he is. The instinct he has really works for him, and today was a perfect example. He manufactured that last run all by himself."

Rivera closed out the game, finishing off the Twins and setting up what promises to be another historic week against the Red Sox.

"Every day, every game like this, you think you've never seen one like it and all of a sudden, another one pops up," Torre said. "I couldn't be more proud of the ballclub. There's no secret formula other than playing nine innings, and today it was 11."
Now, the Yankees will have two days to rest up and get ready for the next chapter in the greatest rivalry in sports.

"I am going to enjoy the next two days and sleep the next two days," Rodriguez said. "We'll worry about Boston on Tuesday."

2004-10-08T11:44:00.000-04:00

who needs therapy when I have this......

So I have a confession to make. This isn't something that affects anyone but me and additionally I do not want any comments on this one. One of the nice things about this type of forum is that it has and anonymous feel to it. If I were to get comments (especially from those I know) then I would hold back.

So here goes nothing.

Two years ago (as you know) my mother passed away. It was basically a complication due to a bowel obstruction. Two weeks prior to her death she drove from Texas to Pennsylvania with me. I guess I should say that my mother was not a small woman and the seat belt was rather tight around her abdomen and when she was lying in a coma the doc said that it could be a twisted bowel or something else.....we'll never know. No autopsy was performed. But because of this I wonder if I never moved home and she never came down to Texas and my seat belts weren't too tight would I not blame myself for her death? I wonder if I never moved to Louisiana would the one woman (other than those in my immeadiate family) still be talking to me. I also wonder why every woman I ever loved has left me in some fashion. These are the things that I think about during the quiet times at night when it's just me a God in the conversation. I love my life and I love God. He is not a spitful person and he doesn't give us things that we can't handle. I don't blame him for these things but I am known to blame myself. I know that it's the reason I have a fear of relationships with women. I just wish I could meet a girl and lay the cards on the table and just ask for her patience. But I know that would cause her to run so fast I would never get the chance. I don't transfer my fears onto a new relationship but I certainly think about it.

Ave Maria

Gratia plena

Maria, gratia plena

Ave, ave dominus

Dominus tecum

Benedicta tu in mulieribus

Et benedictus

Et benedictus fructus ventris

Ventris tuae, Jesus.

Ave Maria
Ave Maria

Mater Dei

Ora pro nobis peccatoribus

Ora pro nobis

Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus

Nunc et in hora mortis

Et in hora mortis nostrae

Ave Maria

There. It's off my chest. Now lets have some growth!!!!

2004-10-01T01:58:00.000-04:00

It seemed like a good idea......

At 2:00 pm Marisa called me and told me that after a long night of drinking last night and an equally long day of sleeping she and our friends Melissa and Sarah were going out and I would be going out too.

Marisa got to my house and I was half dressed so she spent considerable time yelling at me to get ready and we hit the night life at about midnight.....sans Melissa or Sarah(they never showed up). The two of us were like bumps on a log.....tired, bored, and not really "into" being out at a bar. Our BIG night out is Wednesday night......tonight we talked about how much sleeping was about to happen when we got home. That being said, GOODNIGHT.

2004-09-30T22:47:00.000-04:00

No Debate About It

Bernie Williams' walk-off homer in the ninth Thursday night put the Yankees over the Twins to clinch New York's seventh straight AL East title.

Start Spreading the news......

2004-09-30T16:40:00.000-04:00

Confessions of a bachelor (part one in a series)

Pants Vs. Pantless ratio while home alone would shock you.

And to think in just 4 weeks I will be 27. My mother would be proud.

2004-09-29T11:19:00.000-04:00

mmmmm, Fajitas....

Dear Don,

I am looking forward to seeing you and the rest of the gang for your most delightful Chicken Fajitas. Please have the captain and corona on standby.

-Brian

Dearest Rosie,

I know that this might come as a shock to you reading about my affair with another but you need to understand that we are 1,800 miles apart and I can't simply drop everything and run to you every time I have the urge.

Please know that you will always be my first love and that the "other" place is simply filling a void that is in me since I left you.

Love Always,

Brian

2004-09-28T23:15:00.000-04:00

The things that matter.

When it comes to leadership character counts. When I look at John Kerry the candidate I don't see a man that will work for the American people as much as he will special interests. I don't see a man that will have the first clue on how to keep this counrty safe and I further believe that if John Kerry were elected president that more blood will be shed on Americas shores by the acts of feckless thugs.

The main issue in this election in my opinion is the war on terror. Now realistically I acknowledge that no man who sits in the Oval Office can stop a terrorist attack but I do feel safer with George W. Bush in office. I I know that he is not going to back down when it comes to my safety and I know that he is not going to seek the permission of the international community to defend our nation. There is no consensus building with nations when it comes to this issue.

2004-09-25T02:42:00.000-04:00

The Cheapo depot

So, I am intoxicated. There is this guy (no this isn't gay erotica) who is a rather prominent business man where I live who was out at the bar tonight and once I got done my lady and I joined him at the bar for a drink. Well being TIPS certified (Training for Intervention Procedures) which is basically a "how to deal with drunks 101" I noticed that this guy was WAY drunk and I offered my condo for his lodging pleasure which he accepted. Now I am heald captive in my room while this RICH as shirt GOOD TIPING alcoholic sleeps one off.

G'night.

ps. John Kerry is a pussy

2004-09-23T17:16:00.000-04:00

So, do you come around here often?

Well the rumors are true I am trying to make a come back. It's been a heck of a summer. But now I have broadband, a semi-operational computer and the urge to see if I can make this pig of a web site sing.

This summer pretty much sucked. When I was at work the weather was nice and it rained on my day off. My Grandmother passed away and right now my father is lying in a hospital bed recovering from reconstructive knee surgery.

For the next few weeks this site will be dedicated to drunken ramblings and politics.

2004-09-22T18:14:00.000-04:00

The Prodigal Son Returns

After a bit of a break from blogging I am back. Highspeed internet and a marginally functional computer.

Did ya miss me?

A whole update soon!!! (like tonight).

2004-06-23T01:11:00.000-04:00

Don't worry....the band will play on.

And I will dream of HER....

2004-06-23T01:09:00.000-04:00

oh yeah

I am going to bed.......

Peace out mothafucka

2004-06-23T01:05:00.000-04:00

Reality Check

Ok, so I am not 21 anymore.

Ok, so I can't hang like I used to.

Ok, so I am just wasting time with this girl.

Ok, so I can't figure out how to tell the one that I really like (love) that I am ready for the games to end.

Ok, so I am drunk.

2004-06-23T00:50:00.000-04:00

Thoughts

I wonder if the State Police could even find us.

I guess beer drinkin, story tellin fun isn't a crime....OH THATS RIGHT THE BAND IS HERE......

my bad.

2004-06-23T00:17:00.000-04:00

B -agressive - B-E - Agressive

So far so good....nobody has been hurt and the band hasn't even started yet.....god I love being in the middle of NOWHERE.....

PS....MY liver is sore.....

Further details as events warrent.

2004-06-22T19:35:00.000-04:00

Shock and Aw with a twist (of lime).

Tonight I am hanging out up at the lake....all alone. Stoli has deployed the 7th division and Corona is calling up some reserves. I have my defenses....the 5th fleet of Jameson has been activated and I am heading out on the town to round up some troops....

We will be posting all night. Stay tuned.

2004-04-22T15:53:00.000-04:00

May They Rest in Peace

This week the two bartenders (one I know & one I sort of know) passed away in different parts of PA but on the same day. So I just wanted to give them both one last tip to send them on their way.

They both know a man in trouble
When they see one
And they're both willing to listen when he talks
Anger and depression,tearful confessions
Jesus and bartenders hear it all
Jesus and bartenders hear it all

They hear things that men don't tell their wives
Sinful secrets whiskey brings to light
One man offers comfort from the cross
The other only comfort on the rocks

They both know a man in trouble
When they see one
And they're both willing to listen when he talks
Anger and depression,tearful confessions
Jesus and bartenders hear it all
Jesus and bartenders hear it all

Well,if you're at the end of your rope
Either one will serve

They both know a man in trouble
When they see one
And they're both willing to listen when he talks
Anger and depression,tearful confessions
Jesus and bartenders hear it all
Jesus and bartenders hear it all

Jesus and bartenders hear it all

2004-03-30T16:35:00.000-05:00

Promises, Promises

I just read my last entry and realized that a month has passed and I have not updated like I promised.

There are two very good reasons.

1. Computer is still broken. The douche bag that charged $67.00 an hour to fix my laptop didn't fix it.
2. Phone bill has not been paid in a while.

The computer is now at HP getting an overhaul and should be back to me whenever they feel like sending it.

I wonder if anyone bothers to even check this site anymore?

2004-02-12T14:40:00.000-05:00

That bandwagon is a little too full for me

Living in the Philadelphia TV market is very interesting when ever a sports team starts doing well that go NUTS. Take for example our St. Joes Hawks they are 21-0 and poised to go undefeated this season. But it is incredible to me that in past years you would have thought St. Joes didn't even have a b-ball team the way the news covered them. Now it's a different story. The city is wrapped up in hawk-mania, it's quite amusing.

Anyhow, I just wanted to drop in to say hello. Now that I finally have money the computer is in being fixed. They say it's either a bum battery or systems card. Hopefully by monday I'll be back up and running at the command bunker.

OH SHIT.....I better pay my phone bill.

2004-01-22T14:18:00.000-05:00

It's not that I don't care it's just that well......

I don't really care.

Got a lot going on lately. Lots of it has to do with arguing with my girl friend and it's really no fun. It also has to do with the fact that my iggles blew it AGAIN. I can't say that I am shocked or anything I mean after all it is a Philly team.

Alright that's all for now.

I've got freshmen to harrass.

2004-01-15T22:59:00.000-05:00

Still kickin

I don't have internet. I guess you have to PAY AOL.

Oh well. More soon. I promis it won't be a month before my next update.

Be good ya'll

2003-12-17T15:01:00.000-05:00

2003-12-16T01:38:00.000-05:00

It doesn't get easier

First off: Sorry for the gap from last post to this post. For some reason I am having "issues" with my laptop again and probably won't get them resolved till after I get back from Mexico.

Anyway, I am at my Dads tonight (a little iggles bonding with my bros') and we got a letter from a distant family friend who didn't know my mom had passed away. It was a tough letter to read partly because she is living with the idea that my mom is still alive and secondly because she lost her husband in March and thirdly because of the sorrow she will feel when she gets word from us about our sad news. I am hoping that perhaps she and my dad can spend some time together as a support group for each other.

The woman said something very profound in her letter "Things don't get easier.....just different." In one sentence she summed up my feelings about the last year and change that I have been living without my mother to call on the phone and tease about something.

That's all.

Sleep warm y'all.

2003-12-04T02:30:00.000-05:00

Insomnia

So she's been sick this week.

So she would usually sleep over just about every night.

So I'am having trouble sleeping in my own bed alone.

So I've just slept on the couch this week cause I can't sleep in my bed.

So what? That doesn't mean anything?

Does it?

2003-12-03T01:43:00.000-05:00

E-mails to send

For some time now I have been struggling with an idea. The idea is whether to contact some people who in my life have taken a back seat. From time to time I look through my phone book and look at the numbers that I no longer dial and wish that I had the courage to dial them and I also wish that they would call me. With some of these people I know me contacting them or them calling me would cause more discomfort than anything else.

In my circle of friends (even those that I never talk to) I send out occasional e-mails that I try and make funny and try to update people with my life. But at the end of the day it's so much more than that. E-mail is a very comfortable way to make an uncomfortable situatuiin easy. With an e-mail you can think about what you want to say and choose the right words to say it. The idea I have been wrestling with is if I should send a little e-mail and include those I talk to everyday as well as those I never talk to as a simple way to say "hey, remember me? Remember when you couldn't imagine what life would be like without me? Remember all those talks we had? Remember when I believed in us and our friendship? Yeah, me too. I wish it could be like that again. I wish we cared about each other now like we did then."

Oh, well. Some people play leading roles in your life while others have walk on parts. I guess the part the shows the true measure of the impact the person had on you is that you still think about them. That you are willing to forget all the ill will that has passed and say "I remember when...." and still manage a smile.

Sometimes my life resembles a Jimmy Buffet song too much.

Before you can write the words you have to find them. I still haven't found the words and I still don't know what I'd do if I found them.

________
6 1/2 hours of classroom education left untill finals week.

No pressure.

2003-11-30T02:42:00.000-05:00

It was bound to happen

Well the day has arrived that, as I leave the bar( the one I drink in, not the one I work in) I realized that it's too cold to go out sans jacket. It makes me sad because just on Thursday when I was 2.5 hours south it was 63 degrees and I was golfing.

But now that all that turkey day stuff is over I must decide what to do about the Fire Company. Over the past few months I have come across some organizational differences that I am not too sure that I can live with. So, I must decide if I can live with them or take my ten years experience and suspend them. Additionally, I must decide wether to blow the whistle or not.

Oh, the decisions.......

2003-11-27T22:27:00.000-05:00

W

I have been looking for the words that can adequetly express my feelings about our presidents visit to Baghdad.

That my friends is a commander-in-chief.

Merry Thanksgiving to all.

2003-11-27T03:52:00.000-05:00

Stricken from the record

That's cool.

PS. I'm just kidding.
PPS. My regrets to those that just said "huh?"

2003-11-25T22:51:00.000-05:00

V is for VACATION

That's right. I officially have 3 days off from school and this time it's not because I am too drunk to get out of bed.

But these 3 days are a tease because two weeks after we get back I have 30 days off!!! Those 30 days will include drinking, friends, christmas, missing T while she is in Arizona, and then the sunny beaches of Mexico. That's right Thursdays With Brian is going to hide from winter in Puerto Vallarta for a couple weeks!

Ok, time to drink me a beer and patiently wait for T to get off from work.

A busy couple of days coming up. Dinner in Philly tomorrow night/ then drive 2 more hours back to my apartment/ then to my aunts for a little turkey action.

In case I don't get a chance to catch up with ya'll - "GOBBLE, GOBBLE."

2003-11-24T23:28:00.000-05:00

Man what a beautiful day.....err,wait.....

Ah, fall in V A C A T I O N L A N D U S A

According to the National Weather Service our high temp was 60 degrees and sunny, a very nice day for November 24th.

Well tonight, it's snowing.......not very hard but enough to coat the ground and such.

That's all for today. Sleep well.

2003-11-24T15:06:00.000-05:00

Not that I am counting

137 days till opening day.

L E T S GO Y A N K E E S

2003-11-24T14:02:00.000-05:00

Thanks Rog

By Roger Clemens
Courtesy of MLB.com

This entire season was like a long closing act.

I had the opportunity to say thank you to a lot of fans around town, living and going about New York City. People knew that I was going to retire, and while some of you out there urged me not to, everyone has thanked me for everything that's happened since I've been here wearing pinstripes.

Now, I'd like to thank all of the baseball fans out there. Not only the ones in New York, Boston and Toronto, but in all baseball cities and towns all over the world.

I don't have to look any further than my World Series experiences in New York to know how much the fans have meant to me. Being able to close out my first one against Atlanta in 1999, to be able to celebrate at Yankee Stadium with the fans, it was one of the most memorable moments of my career. Then, to have the parade, to be able to go out and have the celebration, wave and thank all of the fans that supported us, everyone should be able to experience that just once.

I want to thank all of you fans, because it works both ways. You give me the inspiration when I go out to pitch. It's been great support, even when I was a visitor here. People have always expressed how they enjoyed watching me work, they just couldn't cheer for me because I was wearing another uniform.

Once I got traded to the Yankees, the fans were unbelievable, and it's been that way for the full five years. I hope you all know that I've given my all, I haven't taken anything for granted. Every time I've gone out there, I've tried to do something special that day. Some days worked out better than some others, but you have all taken time out of your schedules to come watch me pitch, and I always tried to give something back.

I've tried to leave a lasting mark, something special behind in each of the three cities in which I've played. I pitched my entire career in the American League East, where fans really come out to support their team.

Boston was a great experience as well. I played 13 wonderful years up there, we had some teams built around strong hitting and we went 1-2-3 deep in the starting rotation, so I never felt as if I was going at it alone.

Toronto is more of a hockey town than a baseball town, but the Blue Jays have some great tradition with a couple of World Series championships. It was a little different than what I expected for the two years I was there, and I was able to teach some of their young kids what it takes to win, guys like Carlos Delgado and Shannon Stewart. My family and I loved our time up north, and are grateful to have had the chance to experience it.

I got to experience Toronto, play two wonderful years for Mr. (Paul) Beeston. Then, out of nowhere, I get a call at midnight from Joe Torre, welcoming me to the Yankees. I had no idea what I was walking into, because you don't know if you'll be able to pick up where they left off and continue to win. To come into an atmosphere with guys who know what it takes to win and are willing to sacrifice that, it's great. New York isn't for everyone, but it's certainly agreed with me. It's the most incredible place to play. If you want to win, this is where you want to be.

It was meant to be. My sisters told me stories that when I was young, I would wear a Yankees hat and jacket, and that I was destined to play here. In college, guys called me 'Goose' after Goose Gossage. My mom says that everything comes full circle, so I guess that's true. As much as I loved Boston, what happened there was a blessing in disguise.

With the Yankees, I've always had that same feeling I had with the Red Sox, that there were so many solid guys around, that if you weren't able to get it done on a particular day, someone else would be there to pick you up. We thrive and feed off one another. People look at the Yankees as a bunch of superstars, but you'd never know it from the way these guys handle and carry themselves.

The fans are second to none in New York, which is why Mr. Steinbrenner always tries to put a great product on the field. We're always trying to do something special on that field for them, and they can appreciate that.

At the time I played in Boston, I never could have imagined that I'd wear these pinstripes some day. When you're coming up, you always assume that you'll start and finish with the same club. That didn't happen, and it turned out to be a blessing for me, because I got to experience Toronto and New York.

Being here, I've had an owner that wants to win worse than I do, which, as a player, is all you can ask for. Playing for Mr. Torre, it's been incredible. He's been so much fun to work with, to watch him teach and pass along his experience to the younger players, it's inspiring.

What the fans have always done for me, being a power pitcher for 20 years, is to help get me going. When you take center stage out there, whether you feel good or bad, once you get on that mound, that crowd can really light you up and elevate your game. I talk about momentum a lot, and they can give that to us. If I'm trying to strike a guy out, the crowd can get me going and pump the team up.

And it's not only in New York. I find it almost comical when we go on the road, to hear and see the amount of Yankee fans that are everywhere. The following we have on the road is incredible. I love seeing the looks on the faces of our new players when they realize that we have fans in every city.

I'll miss the competition the most. I still know I can compete at a high level, which is why I came back. I didn't come back for a farewell tour or as a favor to someone, I came back to win. I came back to lead a staff, to be a number one guy, and I got that opportunity.

I'll miss the one-on-one confrontations between the pitcher and batter, working with Jorge Posada, and just competing. I'll miss the noise from the crowd when I get two strikes on a hitter, striking a guy out in a big situation. That's the bottom line. Fans come out to get away from their work, to relax and cheer you on. That makes it fun for us, because if the crowd wasn't there, we wouldn't be playing.

I want to thank each and every one of you for making this whole ride as memorable as it's been. I couldn't have done it without you.

2003-11-23T23:38:00.000-05:00

Not this time

Had a fatal tonight. Not much to say about it.....sadly our patient had some pretty catastrophic internal injuries and no nobody in the world could have made the difference.

So, we all said a prayer.

That's all.

2003-11-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

Call me uptight.....

Maybe I am just a little uptight or conservative or whatever but I have some issues with public displays of affection. Now don't get me wrong I don't mind holding T's hand in public or even the innocent peck here and there. But the hanging all over someone, making out in public that is what gets me.

I bring this up because T likes to do the stuff I dislike. I actually think she does it because she knows I don't like it. There are just things that cross the line of affection that I think are all too private to be done in public. These are just some things I think about as I sit here waiting for MJ to arrive at the Santa Barbara Airport

This Just In

I have a new job. Bartending (of course). Now I am slinging drinks for the masses near another ski resort. Lucky me.

Gotta run. See ya.

2003-11-19T15:31:00.000-05:00

The Blonde Hitchhiker took off her Daisy Dukes and..

I think the next thing I will sell on e-bay will be the chance to kiss my royal Irish ass.

2003-11-17T02:33:00.000-05:00

Announcements

find out more at bartend.meetup.com

2003-11-13T21:57:00.000-05:00

RENT ME/ BUY ME

Just don't tell my girlfriend.

Click HERE

2003-11-12T19:36:00.000-05:00

Thanks

Nothing says THANKS to our veterans like having them prove they still got it!

2003-11-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

Adult-hood

When does one become an adult? I mean here I am 26 years old going to college full time and prior to that I was pulling
down some nice coin in Texas. But the thing is everywhere I look and I see friends that are my age and I think "adult" but when I see myself in the mirror I see "Child". I wonder if I will ever feel or see "adult" when I look at myself in the mirror. I think of all the things that I want RIGHT NOW that are more or less adult things but instead I am continuing in a pattern that is not very adult-like. I know that the things that I want to acheive are not really realistic to think about until the spring of 2005 when I graduate.

Case in point: All my friends are in a committed relationship that seems to have some direction. I am dating a wonderful woman spending time with her we do all the things that couples do. But here's the rub. She moved here from the west coast and it is no secret that she is going to go back in the not too distant future and our relationship will most likely end
because I am not going to have a long distance relationship and thus I will be single yet again. I do not look forward to her leaving and I do not look forward to saying goodbye but I know that I love spending time with her. Right now it's perfect and we get along great. Neither one of us will admit to each other what this realtionship really looks like because we don't want to. I think an adult would own up to the realtionship and call a spade a spade.

Maybe the first step into adult-hood is saying this stuff out loud. I guess. But maybe not.

I am going to shut up now.

2003-11-09T05:02:00.000-05:00

Home at last

Another weekend making irresponsible people even more irresponsible.......and taking their money.

Typical last call antics. Almost fights from these NYC wanna be wise guys.

I am very tired and very angry.

2003-11-08T13:29:00.000-05:00

THURSDAYS WITH BRIAN WELCOMES VISITOR 2400

If you are reading this you are probably our 2400th visitor. Congratulations!!!! To mark the occasion you are
the winner of a $200.00 shopping spree at your local Daves Naughty Time Playland Boutique. And one free session with a therapist of your choice for having the misfortune of finding this site.

Thanks for playing and as always here at TWB "We're Sorry."

2003-11-06T01:52:00.000-05:00

M E M O R A N D U M

To: Everyone
From: Brian
RE: Introduction

Everyone this is Scott. Scott this is everyone.

2003-11-03T00:54:00.001-05:00

New Photos up. Check them out. All the cool kids are doing it.

2003-11-03T00:08:00.000-05:00

Relationship Tips Part 1 in a Series

It's a well known fact that being a bartender reaps many a benefit. Cops remember the free beer you slide them when they pull you over for speeding. Customers LOVE it when you have "their" drink made by the time they sit down and the ladies.....well, make a few cocktails that you insist are "just for them" and it's better then any line a chump on the other side of the bar has for them.

But when your girlfriend comes over be sure to hide the frisbee that you use to keep the phone numbers you get from women.

2003-11-02T05:17:00.000-05:00

Feh

Nothing to really post about. Got home from work a while ago. I passed on a oppertunity to "hook up" with two women bacause I am in a realtionship and can't do that to my girl. But man were they hot. I mean REALLY hot.

Anyway, made some good coin for a nights work and invented a drink. It's called

"Fuck Me Eyes"

3 parts watermellon pucker
1 part triple sec
balance pineapple juice

It made all the girlies go woooooo! Ok I really need to get some sleep.

2003-11-01T16:34:00.000-05:00

10-45

I wish I could describe to you the sound my pager makes when I am being called to a fire or scene of an accident. It is the most disturbing noise you would ever want to hear especially early in the morning.

This is what happened the other morning. 10 second piercing beep followed by. RESPOND 10-45 ___________ & __________ streets ___________ borough Station 45, Station 33, ALS 19, Rescue 80. 10-45 with entrapment your time out 06:35.

Incase you haven’t figured out a 10-45 is an auto accident.

Prior to our arrival the police advise that the victim is seriously injured and time is of the essence. So, serious is the accident that Med-E-Vac is going to have to fly the patient to the nearest trauma center. One of the hazards of living in rural Pennsylvania is that level 1 trauma centers are not always a stones throw away. Upon our arrival we find tractor trailer vs. small sports coup. We are going to have the take the roof and possible displace the front end of the vehicle in order to free the victims legs. Our patient is in very bad shape. We hear Med-E-Vac has a 6 minute ETA and will be landing at the high school. 11 minutes later the patient is extricated. Now comes the hard part. We must put him on a back board and we establish an airway as he is having serious respiratory problems. Oh, did I mention he is unconscious? Yeah, he is which makes it more difficult because we don’t know what is hurting him. We load the patient into the ambulance and make the 2 minute trip to the high school and the flight crew stabilizes the patient further. 5 minutes later our patient is off for his 18 minute flight to the trauma center. At this point as I watch the helicopter fly off I think that poor man has a 20% chance of survival at best, I say a prayer to myself.

In emergency services we use a term called the golden hour. The "Golden Hour" is the first 60 minutes of care rendered to a trauma patient. Defined by emergency medical personnel as the first 60 minutes of intensive care during which it is possible to save the life of an injured or traumatized person. Care given in this time period may be the difference between life and death. It doesn't mean the patient will survive, but it increases the odds. I feel good about the job we did. I feel horrible for the people on the other end of the phone when calls will be made by the state troopers to shatter worlds. But maybe just maybe some comfort can be taken that in their darkest hour we were at our best and worked as fast and as hard as we could. All of us. Volunteers. Because we love it.

Like I said I don’t know if our patient survived. I know I will find out. Someone will see me at the station and say hey remember that accident on Thursday? (like I could have forgotten) and then I’ll know. I probably won’t tell all of you what happens.

I don’t want you to think that I enjoy seeing other in pain. That I relish pulling up in front of a home that’s burning. Because I don’t. But the thing is - bad things happen to people and as much as I don’t want to see those things happen if they do. I want to be there.