MD Eastern Shore Dove Hunt

Yesterday was my first real dove hunt and it was a blast.  Very early action seemed to indicate I had been placed in a hot corner of the field.  That turned out to be true but only in regards to ambient temperature.  There was a slow but steady stream of doves to the sunflower field we were surrounding but most headed straight to the group who had set up decoys and a mojo.  The rest of us were left to clean up the stragglers and escapees.  Despite their success the guys with the decoys didn't seem shy about taking longer shot at birds heading toward other shooters, which began to irk me a bit as I sizzled in the noonday sun with two dead birds in the dust at my feet. 

They eventually got loaded up and left and the rest of us were able to spread out a little and get more consistent shooting.  Around 4 PM we thought it was over but rather than coming in off the corn birds starting coming in off the woods providing another couple hours of slow but steady shooting.

I found my 20g/32" O/U well suited to the task, though I should have tightened up the second choke as the birds began to fly higher later in the day.  In the future I might choose a semi since a third shot was sometimes an option.  As the day wore on we had to adjust our location and shots to avoid dropping birds in the corn where they were surprisingly hard to find.

The variety of shots presented was amazing and I made a few excellent shots, and even more astounding misses!  I calculate my shell to bird ratio at 3.6 to 1 but would have guessed higher walking off the field yesterday afternoon.  All in all a very memorable day!

A Key West Tale

Over winter break senior year in high school my two best friends and I found ourselves together in the Keys. One of my friends spent his winters there, and us two visited with our parents. One day we decided to borrow a car and make the trip to Key West. As was our practice we picked up a 12 pack of Michelob around 10AM and headed south. I was driving my Dad's diesel VW Rabbit and was able to toss three consecutive beer bottles over the top of the car hitting passing road signs at 60 mph! I was truly in the zone that day.

Upon arriving at KW we poked around the shops, had t-shirts made and drank more beer at Sloppy Joe's (heady stuff for 17 year old kids). While shopping at some of the vintage and eclectic boutiques it began to dawn on us that the clothing seemed to lack gender. Is this a women's store or a men's? Both or neither? We also started to notice men on the street that seemed a little different in a way we could not quite put our finger on.

One of our stated goals for the trip was to score some weed. We reasoned that it would certainly be killer stuff given the location of the buy. We eventually ran into a crusty character that was willing to help us. You know the guy; skinny, dirty jeans and a tee shirt, scruffy blond/gray beard, crumpled ball cap, sandals. He gave us walking direction to our "meet" and we headed off, both nervous and excited about our clandestine undertaking in this tropical backwater.

After walking several blocks and making a few turns we found ourselves in a large courtyard straight from a movie set; old crumbling stone walls and benches, tall grass, vines covering everything and a huge tropical tree dominating and enclosing the cloister. Our man showed up directly and offered up a sample of his wares. I don't remember being particularly impressed with the visual or olfactory appeal of his herb but we were determined buyers without another option. A deal was struck and he promptly exited the courtyard.

We proceeded to smoke a goodly amount of our new Key West Weed and were a little perplexed by the occasional sparks that it produces from my buddy's African Iron Wood bowl. We nodded our heads and rocked back and forth approvingly proclaiming the weed "OK" through long smoky exhales. The truth was that it was a pulverized bag of unidentifiable crap that barely gave us a buzz and was certainly cut with a variety of dried vegetation and possibly gun powder or crumbled sparklers.

Oh well, live and learn. Like Fat Freddy Freak we got ripped off on the weed, but the experience was worth the price of admission.

Rogue squirrels exist!

My Dad had a violent rogue squirrel in his back yard menagerie. He watched it chase the birds and bully the other squirrels, all the while doing a slow burn. One day a wood duck entered the D.U. wood duck nesting box installed on one of his trees. He then saw the rogue squirrel follow it in. A noisy ruckus ensued. All went silent and the squirrel emerged from the box, literally bathed in blood. It was the proverbial straw. My Dad immediately fetched my 10/22 and dispatched the troublesome nut muncher. Serenity was restored to the back yard eco-system.

A forensic study of the wood duck box turned up multiple dead bird pieces and parts in various stages of mummification. My brother joked about the sociopathic squirrel building an altar with mementos, newspaper clippings, candles and shards of broken mirror but Dad was not amused.

A related and more recent story. My Dad did a slow burn over the course of months watching a horny male guppy that tirelessly pursued his female tankmates. According to him he never gave them a moments rest. My Dad is old school and does not tolerate perversion or condone promiscuous behavior. About the fourth or fifth time I heard the story of the randy guppy it ended with his capture and release to the wilds of the local sewer system.

Fin, feather and fur beware, he is watching.

High School Wood Shop

In my tiny high school the "slow" students shared certain classes with the rest of us, like shop, home economics, gym and music. Anyway, in wood shop the wood for projects was stored in a cool, dark crawl space under the school. You got to it by opening a heavy steel lattice gate at the end of a dead end hallway. Our shop teacher left the open padlock hanging on the gate.

I got the bright idea to paint a bunch of rocks with metallic gold paint and scatter them in the wood storage area. Then my buddies and I started acting very secretive during class (there was little structure or supervision) and whispering about the gold in hushed yet excited tones. But the special ed'ers were on to us. Eventually we let it slip that the gold was in the wood storage room. From afar we watched the enthusiastic treasure hunters assemble and disappear around the corner and down the dead end hallway.

When we arrived at the wood room door they had found the "gold" and were overjoyed. They were rich! But their celebration came to an abrupt end as the metal gate slammed shut behind them and the lock snapped closed. They rushed to the gate and clamored to escape. It was kind of like the asylum scene in Silence of the Lambs. After a couple minutes of taunting we left them in their dank, dark prison.

Maybe a half hour later the shop teacher tracked us down and asked us to please not lock Franny and Kenny in the wood room. I think he was trying to keep a straight face.

At the Skeet Field

Today I headed to the skeet club w/ my Dad's 20-gauge Citori Skeet Gun and three boxes of shells. I shot two rounds of skeet and a round of 5-stand. Could have used a 12-gauge for 5-stand , but it was a lot of fun. You shoot from five different "stations" like a round of trap but the targets are thrown from 8 different traps in a variety of directions and angles.

Always fun to see the characters at the skeet field. There were three different "McIntoshes" today; longish gray hair, big beard, top notch equipment, a superior attitude and a line of BS a mile long. One was noting the angular momentum that the springing teal were exhibiting today. Pfffft!

Michael McIntosh
Hunting & Shooting Author
(sans pipe & Indiana Jones hat)

There were also the "Dandies" with their tooled leather accoutrement, Indiana Jones hats and plethora of gear and gun-luggage that hints at fly-in grouse hunting trips to Alberta and a lengthy resume of clays-shoots attended. I usually gravitate toward the "Old-Timers" when I shoot, I prefer their sedate yet deliberate pace and general lack of banter. And of course there were the usual staffers who cast an appraising and impatient eye on all non-regulars who don't "know the drill". (I know the drill on the range, thats universal, but their sign-in and payment drill changes every time I visit)

I ended up shooting with a group that included a freshly imported limey. He was a decent shot but begged off on the last round so he could chat up the lone lady in the group. Expected behavior from those buggering blighters. He could not get over the huge herd of deer calmly grazing near the woodline, nearby but well out of shotty-gun range.

Lyman Boats

I was raised around these thing in the Lake Erie Islands. I just dug up and scanned a few pics. My family's (and my wife's family's) first boat was a 15' Lyman. This picture was taken a year before I was born and shows our dog Boots on the stern.



After a couple of other so-so boats (a Thompson and a Dumphy I think) we had two more Lymans (below). Number 1 shows my Dad and me bringing home our 19 footer. He cleaned it up and painted it a beautiful blue w/ red boot stripe. BTW thats "my" boat in the lower right corner of the shot, a 16' alumium boat that flew.



Next he moved up to a 22 footer, it offered a lot more room inside plus a cuddy cabin and teak decks. It was Dads pride and joy. Pics 2-4 show the 22 footer during one of our two week boat trips. Yep, thats me in #4.

These trips took us across Lake Erie, up the Detroit River, across Lake St. Claire, up the St. Claire River, up Lake Huron and then across the Georgian Bay (out of sight of land). Great trips replete with lots of nautical sight seeing, snorkeling, and excellent bass and pike fishing. Here's the route.



As a charter captain in the early 80's I had the chance to run a couple of 26 footers that were still in service despite the rise in fiberglasses popularity. they were essentially enlarged versions of the 22' model, sometimes with a small wetbar and fridge.

So these boats are a "family affair" for me and owning one would be a labor of love. I'd rather sand, paint, varnish and polish that kill my free time watching stick and ball sports all winter anyway.

More Trout

As spring approaches thoughts turn to the trout of "the Gun". Here's one I caught last spring. On the large side for the gun at around 14". Notice the slight hook developing in his jaw.

Starbucks - The Wal*Mart of coffee shops

I used to enjoy a cup 'o joe at a variety of hip local coffee shops. Generally featuring ratty but comfortable furniture, lots of magazines, quirky patrons, hotty worker bees and a slightly bohemian atmosphere. Oh, good java and reasonable prices too.

Not so many of those around now that Charbucks has spawned it evil seed across our land. Damn you and your McCoffee to hell Starbucks!

There are more horses asses than horses

I don't know who first told me this, but it is a truth that has stuck with me. The latest example is one Ken Bender of Aliso Viejo, CA. After having listed my Oris XXL Chronograph on Time Zone's Sales Corner website Mr. Bender began sending me somewhat abrupt messages.

Mr. Bender's emails are bold
My replies are in standard type
(My asides are in parenthesis)

----- Original Message -----
From: "ken bender"
To: Steve
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 9:15 AM
Subject: watch


> still have the watch?


(A sentence fragment rec'd from a stranger is the first sign of an asshole, but who knows, good manner cost me nothing. )

-----Original Message-----
From: Steven
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 7:21 AM
To: ken bender
Subject: Re: watch


Yes, lots of interest but no sale yet.

Thanks,
Steve


is that your best price?

Ken Bender
ACme VENTURES
Managing Partner
Aliso Viejo, CA

(At this point I politely replied that my price was firm. In fact I may have offered to throw in a second strap. )

(Hey Ken, capital letters and punctuation are all free in this digital age!)

 From: "Ken Bender
> To: Steve
> Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2006 1:17 AM
> Subject: oris
>
>
> > I will take the watch.....so as soon as you reduce again....e-mail me
> >
>


(Frankly I don't appreciate being "worked" like a rube by the Managing Partner of ACme VENTURES. Will he take the watch or not? If I reduce it by 50 cents will that cement the deal? Does he think reading the words "I will take the watch" will give me such a woody that I will do something irrational? I know this guy is a "no sale" but decide to play the part of the rube and act confused. )


 -----Original Message-----
> From: Steve
> Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 6:53 AM
> To: Ken Bender
> Subject: Re: oris
>
>
> Ken,
>
> I'm a little confused, do you want the watch at $775 or not?
>
> Thanks,
> Steve


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Bender
To: "Steven
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 10:21 AM
Subject: RE: oris


> or not
>
> Ken Bender
> ACme VENTURES
> Managing Partner
> Aliso Viejo, CA

(What a arrogant fucking prick. Would it kill him to type out a couple sentences and politely bring this "negotiation" to a close? Of course not. But thats probably too much to ask from a high-energy heavy-hitter like the Managing Partner of ACme VENTURES. Still, I would get no satisfaction from reprimanding this crass, abrasive, self-centered lout, so why not just send off one more email and allow him to confirm what an ass-hat he is. )

-----Original Message-----
From: Steven
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 12:09 PM
To: Ken Bender
Subject: Re: oris


I understand, its a lot of money for a watch.

Have a great weekend,

Steve

(Gee Ken, I know its a lot of money. Maybe when your ship comes in you too can own an Oris XXL)


$775 is nothing for a watch....but for an oris...

I just bought a panerai and zenith last month....
have several oris watches...but love this one and the arteiler

Ken Bender
Acme VENTURES
Managing Partner
Aliso Viejo, CA


(Dance for the puppetmaster you fucking nut-munch!
There are two kinds of people I cannot tolerate; liars and braggarts. And Mr. Ken Bender has shown himself to be a shallow, rude, arrogant braggart. Utterly 100% predictable. Of course his response begs this question. If, Mr. Bigtime, you have the coin for Panerai's and Zeniths and bucket loads of Oris's then why are you busting my balls over a watch that is being sold at what you should know is a very reasonable price?

I prefer to leave this question unasked though. It is gratifying to know that the Managing Partner of ACme VENTURES danced for the puppetmaster and didn't even know it. )

My Latest On-Line Dickweed Customer

I believe the attached messages are in correct chronological order. I go out of my way to be accomodating and give these people the benefit of the doubt but I get sick of these piss ants that just have no shame. This guys wearing (supposedly) a $3K watch and he's busting my balls for $25 so that he "feels better".

Read On...

From: ADRIAN To: STEVE
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 10:47 AM
Subject: panny bracelet
Do you think it will fit a PAM 111? do you just have 1 or multiple bracelets?
Thanks!
Adrian
XXXXX Marketing USA


----- Original Message -----
From: STEVE To: ADRIAN
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 9:52 AM
Subject: Re: panny bracelet
Yes, it should fit, it is designed to fit all 44mm lugs. If not you can return it less $5 shipping. I just have the one bracelet.
Thanks,
Steve


---- Original Message -----
From: ADRIAN To: STEVE
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 11:10 AM Subject: Re: panny bracelet
Thanks, Steve - how do you know that links are actually Ti/SS vs. the brushed/polished SS? I was geting ready to buy one on e-bay for $169 that looks like yours, but is described as all SS...
Regards,
Adrian
XXXX Marketing USA

----- Original Message -----
From: STEVE To: ADRIAN
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 10:23 AM
Subject: Re: panny bracelet
It was sold to me as ti/ss. The bracelet is relatively light weight as are the brushed portions of the links when disassembled. The brushed portions also appear somewhat darker than the polished portions. That's really all I have to go on.
Steve

----- Original Message -----
From: ADRIAN To: STEVE
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 11:35 AM
Subject: Re: panny bracelet
Thanks, Steve, I know, it's hard to tell...since TI content is not that important to me, I'm willing to help out a TZ fellow and offer you the going $175 (which is actually the cash I have available in my PayPal), instead of going the e-bay route. Let me know if interested.
Best Regards,
Adrian
XXXX Marketing USA



Steven XXXXXX wrote:
Payment rec'd. I should be able to ship today. Thanks!


From: Adrian
To: Steven
Sent: Friday, June 03, 2005 4:12 PM
Subject: Re: bracelet


Got it, thanks Steve - are links removable via pins? How many did you take off dor you 7 1/2 wrist? Wanted to double check before I touch it :0)

Thanks – Adrian

Steven wrote:
My wrist is only slightly less than 7.5". With all links in it fit a little loose, with one pin out it fit a little tight.

Hope you enjoy it,

Steve

Hi Steve - well, had the watchmaker put it in, a bit of a tight squeeze @ lugs end, but I can live w/that...what I'm disappointed about is that it's NOT Titanium, just brushed steel, and you can tell it when looking at titanium watch. All Steel aftermarkets go from $125-150 on e-bay, so if you can see it in your heart to kick me back $25, I would feel much better about the deal...:0)

Appreciate the consideration – Adrian

(Rather than immediately tear this guy a new asshole I chose to ignore this message)

You know, Steve, I at least expected some kind of reply to my previous e-mail...its purpose was not to be "sour grapes" about possibly over-paying for an item, that would be my own fault, but when item is represented as "titanium and steel" and it's "steel only", then it's an issue of mis-representation, and an ajustment would be in order.
It surprized me that you njust ignored my "plea", as you did offer a return on the "fit" issue...anyways, I'm still hoping you'll do the right thing...
Regards - Adrian

(BOO FRIGGITY HOO)

Adrian,
I chose to ignore your request for a further $25 discount (in addition to the original $50 I gave you) because I found it inappropriate and as a result somewhat embarassing and upsetting.
Please review your statements made before the sale (in red below). You were prepared to buy a similar all SS bracelet for $169 (plus postage I would guess) elsewhere, and you further stated that the Ti content was not that important to you anyway. For my part, I fully informed you as to the reasons I thought it was titanium. You claim the fit was "tight" but that is somewhat subjective, apparantly your jeweler was able to fit it to your watch.
Frankly, your email(s) impress me as an attempt to find fault with the bracelet in an expressed attempt to "guilt" me into sending you money. I feel that we both entered this transaction with our eyes wide open and got exactly what we expected. Despite your statements prior to the transaction and despite the fact that the bracelet fit your watch, if you would like to return the bracelet I will refund your purchase price of $175 less shipping. That is assuming the bracelet has not incurred any wear in the interim and that your jeweler did not alter it when fitting it to your watch. Please let me know if this is the case.
Steve

Steve - thank you for reply, I'm sorry I made such a big deal about it. I guess, after wearing watch for a while, the way the steel-only blends in (or does not) w/titanium case got to me, overcoming initial excitement of wearing the Panny on a bracelet...oh, well, that's what happens when you act on impulse, won't bother you again :0)
Adrian
XXXXX Marketing USA

18K/SS Rolex Submariner: Before & After

Before According to the seller he was the original owner. The watch had been his daily wearer for ten years and then spent ten years in a lock box. It had never been serviced. The dial, hands and bezel were in pretty good original condition, the crystal was chipped and the crown was missing an o-ring. The watch wound and ran properly.





The bracelet was beat . In addition to the numerous scratches it had one big ding and a couple of bent center links. Rolex would not refinish it as part of their service.



After Rolex NYC did the following work: complete movement service, replace crown & stem, new luminova dial and hands, sapphire crystal. I stuck with the original bezel insert. The result was a watch head that was essentially like new!



Next to my rescue came Justin from the Animal House Forum who got my bracelet looking as good as it could and certainly better than I expected. Thanks Bro!



I’m loving this watch!

The Chinese Canadian

Over the last few years I have done business, via the internet, with people from many countries; Turkey, Spain, China, UK, Peru, Canada, Hong Kong (I know, technically China), The Philippines, Switzerland, Singapore, Germany and Midway Island. Despite my uneasiness these transaction have gone smoothly. I have found however that individuals in Canada and the UK, specifically Scotland, display a certain hard-edged arrogance that has me avoiding any deal that might involve them. I recall the Scot who did not feel the watch I sold him was up to snuff. He did not seem interested in the full refund I offered him; he seemed more interested in an admission of guilt and apology than anything else. Which was not forthcoming because he was full of shit. Since then I’ve found Canadians and Brits to be abrupt, demanding and generally less than helpful. My aversion to doing business with the British and their subjects was brought sharply into focus during a recent exchange of emails with one Mr. Ron Yo, a Canadian as you can clearly tell from his name.


A few days ago I listed a watch along with some strap, bracelets and buckles for sale at a watch "sales corner". I got a pretty good response and w/in 48 hours had over $300 in my paypal account and had already shipped the items in padded envelopes. It all went like clockwork except for Mr. Ron Yo of Canada. Our exchange of messages follows. I’ve been around the net long enough to know that shipping overseas and exchanging currency will get you hammered so I was not my usual accommodating self w/ Mr. Yo.

Ron Yo, the Chinese Canuck’s words are italicized. Mine are in normal font. (My asides to you are in blue and/or parenthesis)

Subject: Bros Rubens
Will take your Bors Rubens if it is still available. Shipping to Canada is required. Will use Paypal. Thanks
Ron

That would be great, but do you know what, if any, requirements there are to ship crocodile-skin products from the US to Canada?
Thanks,
Steve

Steve,
I have received many croco and gator straps from the States vis airpost, the senders just marked it as a strap of $10 or even lower value and so far there is no trouble at all. May be you can consider to do it this way. Thanks
Ron in Canada

OK. My Paypal id is SteveXXX@XXX.net, just to clarify; I cannot accept credit-card funded payment with my basic Paypal account, it needs to be funded by a bank withdrawal or PP balance. If we're good to go, I'll look for your payment and should be able to ship today.
Thanks,
Steve

(This is always stated in my FS: ads but I’ve found I need to clarify it for idiots who just don’t pay attention.)

Hi Steven,
Sorry, I can't do that in with my Payapl account. Why don't you upgrade that?
Ron

(Why don’t you mind your own damn business Ron?)

Ron,
I don't do enough business on line to make it worth my while. It's no big deal on a strap of course, but it can add up on a $1K or $2K watch! If you are interested in mailing a bank check or money order please let me know.
Thanks,
Steve

Steven,
Can you honor a check in Canadian dollars issue by a Canadian Bank in your place? if yes, work out the amount in Cad and give me your address and account payable. Thanks
Ron

(How much work do you think I want to do to sell a $35 strap $10 below it’s street value?)

Sorry but I would need payment in US dollars. If it is not worth the hassle for you I understand.
-Steve

Reserve it for me. I wll send you money in US later. Give me the name payable and your address. Thanks
Ron

Thanks Ron,
Info is:
Steve xxxxxxxx
12 XXXX Drive
XXXXX, XX 12345
USA

Noted. I mean money order. OK?

(Whatever)

Hi Steven,
Running around like hell this morning but can't find an agency issuing an MO in here with reasonable handling charge. It doesn't make sense to pay high for this small deal. I am very sorry that I have to call off our deal. Sorry for taking up your time and hope that you have a second buyer on the line. Best regards.
Ron

That's OK, sorry we couldn't work it out.
-Steve

(Phew, dodged a bullet with that moron!)

(A day later I re-listed a few remaining items, including the Bros Rubens strap at reduced prices. In the case of the strap I reduced it from $35 to $30. A few hours later I heard from Ronal Yo)

If it ever goes down to $ 25, find me. $ 10 can cover the handling fee of the MO. Thanks
Ron

OK

You will receive my MO, may be next week. Say it is a $ 10 strap in the Customs form. My address:
Ron Yo
12 XXXX XXXXX
Canada
LXXR 9XXXB6

(I bet this idiot thinks "OK" means I will sell it to him at $25)

No problem, 30 USD right?

No, 35-10=25. You can go back to our mails to find that out.

Ron

(Somehow in his muddled brain "OK" meant that I was indeed willing to cover his $10 money order fees. Plus he’s getting arrogant, go back to our emails indeed.)

Ron,
Thanks for your interest but I think it would be best if both moved on.
Thanks,
Steve

(I fully expect to receive a $25 money order next week. I intend to ship Mr. Yo ½ of a Bros Rubens crocodile strap at that price.)

Movie Reviews Old and New

Master and Commander, The Far Side of the World starring Russell Crowe is a well done and seemingly accurate portrayal of life aboard a British Navy sailing ship in the early 1800’s. It starts off slow but the action builds. No Academy Awards here, just a fun guy-flick worthy of a $3 weekly rental.

The Bourne Identity Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne, a CIA operative who is fished from the Mediterranean with a bad case of amnesia. Jason’s memory may have left him but his skills have not. This movie follows his action packed trip across Europe searching for his past while staying one step ahead of his former employer. This is a must see for any lover of espionage thrillers.

The Bourne Supremacy picks up two years after the Bourne Identity’s end. The CIA has taken a renewed interest in Jason and, still struggling with an incomplete past, he must stay alive and figure out why. Not quite as good as the original Bourne thriller but well worth picking up on DVD.

Big Fish is the story of a young man’s struggle to truly know and understand his larger than life father. While stylized depictions of the father’s tall tales are the centerpiece of this movie, the present tense story line is engaging and poignant. This is a movie with appeal beyond the usual fans of producer Tim Burton.

Unforgiven Upon watching Unforgiven last week I realized I had already seen it in it’s entirety and forgotten it. With luck I will be able to forget it again. Unforgiven garnered multiple Oscars on it’s release. It was touted as a masterwork by Clint Eastwood; the story of a reformed gunman who is drawn back into his murderous profession on the promise of a better life for his young children. Supposedly a complex tale of redemption it is in fact a cut below some of Eastwood’s early Spaghetti Westerns. I consider The Academy to be unforgiven.

The True Gentleman

The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.

- John Walter Wayland


Phi Alpha

Barnes & Noble

Last night I stopped by Barnes & Noble to pick up a couple of magazines. As is the case most evenings, the threadbare easy chairs and wooden benches were mostly full of slackers and tightwads treating the place like a lending library.

As I walked toward the front of the store with the long rack of magazines to my left and the chairs and benches full of “shoppers” to my right, I felt the building but not overwhelming pressure of what promised to be discrete flatulence. I tested the waters. A slow steady stream was released as I passed the Travel and Hobbies racks and entered Men’s Interest. In a moment of hubris I let my guard down. The result was a very consistent, high pitched sound that at first took me by surprise, as much for it’s quality and clarity as for it’s unexpected appearance.

Quickly gathering my wits about me, I clutched my International Wristwatch and Mercedes Classics and took the next available right hand turn into the sanctuary of Non-Fiction and, with a satisfied grin, proceeded to the front of the store.

Brown Trout

This native brown trout was caught on June 7th using a sulfur emerger. It was caught in the fly-only catch-and-release section of the Gunpowder River in Northern Maryland. He's in the 10-12" range.

More Movie Reviews

Tomb Raider I have picked up this DVD at Blockbuster more than once and always returned it to the shelf, convinced that it would be a ludicrous adventure wanna-be. However when it aired on network TV I put two hours aside and gave it a watch. If you are looking for a fun escapist adventure movie, Tomb Raider fits the bill. Aside from the pleasure of watching two hours of Angelina Jolie, the plot was somewhat plausible if you are apt to suspend reality only slightly, and importantly I think, the stunt and action sequences were well done and believable.

GOTHIKA The name of this movie really bears no relationship to it’s plot. In this thriller Halle Barry is a psychologist in a mental hospital who finds herself confronting spirits and solving a mystery. Gothika is well done, full of suspense and again, watching Halle Barry for two hours is pretty easy on the eyes.

Movie Reviews


Harts War and The Recruit bear many similarities. Both are mediocre examples of their particular genre (WWII prison camp and CIA intrigue, respectively). Both star Colin Farrell playing a know-it-all, somewhat holier than thou 20-something. Both feature a marquis actor phoning in a secondary role (Bruce Willis and Al Pacino). And both are best left on the video store shelf.

Blackhawk Down If you like lots of soldiers running around constantly shooting you will like BHD. Having seen a TV documentary of the actual event, the “plot” was a bit of a repeat for me. BHD is a fairly accurate on-the-ground account of the battle peppered with the usual duty/honor/bravery cliches, but mostly soldiers running around shooting.

The Quiet American is a winner. Michael Cane plays a jaded British journalist in late 50’s Vietnam. Brendan Frasier plays the idealistic US emissary who befriends him. Personal, political and military intrigue follows. But it is Cane’s performance, the exotic setting and the characters’ underlying symbolism that make this movie.

Letter to a Blood Sucking Car Dealer

Dear Ms. Wilcox,

I am contacting you regarding my recent service experience with my 2001 Chevy Impala.

In the Spring of 2002 I had my air conditioning repaired. I was told that road debris had punctured the condenser and that the $500 repair would not be covered under warranty. Experienced mechanics at my place of employment informed me that there was no way that road debris could travel from the road to the condenser and cause this problem. Bxb Bxll was inflexible would not re-consider these charges.

Last week I had Bxb Bxll look at my steering column. I was told that it was making loud crunching noises because the original lubricant had worn out and needed to be replaced with a special lubricant. I was further advised that the car was out of warranty at 41000 miles and that although this is a common problem it is not a recall “yet”. I was told that if it did become a recall item I would not receive a refund for the repair.

At the same time I asked Bxb Bxll to investigate my non-working cigarette lighter. At that time I told them the problem was not a blown fuse. Bxb Bxll confirmed that it was not a blown fuse and that the console would have to be removed to ascertain the problem. For this I was charged and additional $32.00 “diagnostic fee”!

I feel that the service department at Bxb Bxll endeavors to “stick it” to the customer whenever possible. Whenever possible they choose to interpret the facts in favor of Bxb Bxll and General Motors in an effort to get more of the customer’s money. Their response to my objections has always been to explain how Bxb Bxll is right and I am wrong.

Aside from the time, expense and inconvenience I have experienced with my year old Chevrolet, I feel Bxb Bxll has exhibited customer exploitation over customer service in the worst tradition of the auto industry.

Sincerely,

My watch collection is in it's "happy place"

A place of equilibrium. A place where I don’t feel like something is missing.
All are mid-range Swiss automatics, 39mm in diameter or more, and there the similarities end. In reverse chronological order:

My most recent acquisition was the Eterna KonTiki Chronograph. I have bought and sold a list of chronographs on the way to this one.
I find nearly every feature and dimension of this watch perfectly to my liking.



I am a big fan of Oris watches, especially the XXL line.
I would love to wear an XXL Chronograph but find the 44mm dimension too large.
Instead I’ve opted for the World Timer.
It provides an interesting complication in a more wearable size along with a great looking strap.



I loved the Omega Broad Arrow at first site.
The blue hands and markers in concert with the cream dial are the stars of this show.
The construction, heft, fit and finish of this and most Omegas are impressive.



I have owned this Omega Seamaster Professional for over two years!
For me that is quite a long time.
It is worth having a small collection if only for the joy of strapping this Seamaster back on.
It is my favorite and most versatile watch.