Day five of seven here in Vegas.
Despite the fact I enjoy the town I'm starting to make tick marks on the side of the video poker machines to count down until I leave. A week here is too long. Tonight I have ticket for the Improv at Harrah's casino. I have not been doing much winning this trip and therefor though my evening would be better served laughing rather than crying.
I enjoy live comedy and I applaud anyone who can stand up before a crowd (an inebriated crowd in lots of cases) and deliver material they created. Writers at least are afforded a bit of time and space before their babies are judged and reviewed. A comedian's mental offering are up for immediate appraisal.
Sometimes in my crazier, or more insane moments I imagine that I could be a comedian. I make people laugh on a fairly regular basis and sometimes I even do it intentionally. I have a habit of noting the unnoticed as do many stand-ups. I'm not afraid of people or public speaking. I have read my fiction in front of groups of various sides and truly it doesn't frighten me much anymore.
And I'd love to make a living spouting off my ideas and thoughts, but guess what? If given a choice, become the next Larry the Cable Guy, Jeff Foxworthy, or Ron White. (make no mistake I'd fall into that Blue Collar Crowd type of humor), or the next Carl Hiasson, John Grisham, or Nicholas Sparks I'm joining my literary brothers.
I'd rather hammer out my diatribes in solitude than under the glare of lights. If I want a drunk heckler to point out my creative shortcomings, I'd rather print out a page and let my wife read it while I refill her wine glass. That means I'm never likely to get my own sitcom, but that's okay, because I've got my own blog.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Political Reporter Travis, Chiming In
This is the first of two posts I'm putting forth this afternoon. I really try to focus this blog on me, my life, my pursuits to peddle my fiction, and life as I live it. In a way I present myself on here much int he way I would present a fictional character in a book. I try to stay out of the mundane as well as my political and philosophical views on all issues of importance. Yeah call me a chicken, but I choose not to use my voice hear as a means dive into politics, religion, or many other explosive issues.
However, that disclaimer aside this post is political because I've had several comments and emails from those expressing to hear details of the speech Presidential hopeful Barack Obama deliver to the delegation of the American Postal Workers Union today. Senator Obama did not appear before the body of us in person but rather via live video.
Obama was welcomed by standing crowd that was already shouting YES WE CAN under the direction of APWU president William Burress. The candidate's first big reaction came when he said that under the Bush administration the Department of Labor had become the Department of Management. He promised to change that by making certain to appoint those friendly to workers not CEO's to those positions.
Obama's other pledges were to end tax breaks for companies that use overseas labor. He vowed to strengthen the protection afforded by the Family Medical Leave Act and to end the trend of privatization of all public service jobs.
Perhaps his biggest cheers came when he said he would be a president that would not choke on the word UNION. To that front he guaranteed his support of the Employee Free Choice Act which is an important piece of literature regarding unions and their rights and ability to organize.
That's it in a nutshell. Will post a blog more along my normal lines shortly.
However, that disclaimer aside this post is political because I've had several comments and emails from those expressing to hear details of the speech Presidential hopeful Barack Obama deliver to the delegation of the American Postal Workers Union today. Senator Obama did not appear before the body of us in person but rather via live video.
Obama was welcomed by standing crowd that was already shouting YES WE CAN under the direction of APWU president William Burress. The candidate's first big reaction came when he said that under the Bush administration the Department of Labor had become the Department of Management. He promised to change that by making certain to appoint those friendly to workers not CEO's to those positions.
Obama's other pledges were to end tax breaks for companies that use overseas labor. He vowed to strengthen the protection afforded by the Family Medical Leave Act and to end the trend of privatization of all public service jobs.
Perhaps his biggest cheers came when he said he would be a president that would not choke on the word UNION. To that front he guaranteed his support of the Employee Free Choice Act which is an important piece of literature regarding unions and their rights and ability to organize.
That's it in a nutshell. Will post a blog more along my normal lines shortly.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Lightning
Given a few of the comments and questions about my purpose here in Vegas I though maybe I'd better spell things out. I am not here on behalf of the United States Postal Service. The money you spent on stamps is not funding my trip. Nor does my employer endorse particular political candidates. I work for the U.S. Postal Service, but I am a member, an elected official, and a shop steward for the Amarillo Local #114 of the American Postal Workers Union. It is through the dues paying members that I am in Las Vegas serving as a delegate to the national APWU convention. It is the national body of that labor Union that has endorsed Barack Obama as they feel he will best represent the ideal and beliefs of the working class in this country.
And here y'all thought I was just screwing off and having fun while your mail was being delayed.
Also I wanted to point out to the world that frequent commentor to this blog and fine blogger and writer in her own right, Danette Haworth's debut novel for young readers was released today.
Check out Violet Raines Almost Got Struck By Lightning when you get the chance. I'm waiting for my copy to come in the mail right now. Of course it would arrive sooner of there wasn't more than three thousand of us rabble-rousing union workers away from our workstations.
And here y'all thought I was just screwing off and having fun while your mail was being delayed.
Also I wanted to point out to the world that frequent commentor to this blog and fine blogger and writer in her own right, Danette Haworth's debut novel for young readers was released today.
Check out Violet Raines Almost Got Struck By Lightning when you get the chance. I'm waiting for my copy to come in the mail right now. Of course it would arrive sooner of there wasn't more than three thousand of us rabble-rousing union workers away from our workstations.
Take a Walk In My Booze Splashed Shoes
I am a gambler. I've said it before, but if ever a vice lands me under an overpass with only cardboard and magic marker as my writing tools it will be that that adrenaline rush of excitement I get anytime I risk a part of myself. I am not alone in my addiction. The shiny lights of the Vegas strip are powered by the millions of dollars spent gambling here. Some know when to say enough and push away from the table or slot, some do not. don't worry I am still on the right side of that equation.
I like rum. Free rum is even better. Except like in life, nothing is ever really free in Vegas. You generally have to be partaking in vice number one from above to be afforded much in the way of "free" rum.
I like Vegas. Duh given what Ive already told y'all. But guess what? I haven't mentioned the thing about the city I like best. In truth I could play poker, and do often enough right in Amarilllo, even while at my trusty keyboard. I could and have bet on sports away from Nevada. (okay not legally, but the opportunity still abounds) I can afford to buy my own rum so what is about Vegas that suckers me in? Glad you asked.
It's the mob. No, I'm not talking about Italian guys in expensive suits. I talking mob in the purest sense. The many varied, crazy, whacked out, friendly, naive, hustling, awestruck, jaded, friendly, angry, people that live work, visit and meander through Vegas.
The people from all over the world that congregate and blend together to outshine every marquee on the strip. As a writer, they are brain food for me.
A recap of my day here at the American Postal Worker National Conference and out and about in Vegas.
9 AM -- Noon- I listened to speeches from 4 different Union presidents, 2 US congressmen, and half a dozen other high ranking labor officials. Sure they all said much of the same thing, (the American worker is under attack and only Obama can protect us) but listening to these vivacious speakers and seeing the reaction they illicit from a people who span the country is a eye-opening regardless of your political beliefs. Barack Obama is schedule to directly address the assembly himself via video on Wednesday.
Noon- 230 PM- Took part in the state caucus for delegates from Texas to decide which way the state body leaned on certain issues regarding our national labor contract. Debate is another one of my favorite things and it is always interesting to see what spars emotion in others.
4ish- Took a taxi ride with what I can only describe as a Greek philosopher. For nearly twenty minutes the man spoke in his heavy Greek accent about his theory on life , gambling, drugs, sex, doctors, lawyers, and people who drive fancy cars. I say theory because he only had one that applies to all things in this world. His theory -- We are shaped by our very first experience of something.
A gambler who wins his first bet will always be a gambler regardless if he never wins again and winds up living in under the above mentioned overpass. Drugs or booze he said you basically became an addict if you enjoyed your first drunk or high. He said everyone likes sex because you can't really have bad sex unless you are forced and in his words those people will always be screwed up and never really find out what they are missing. According to Jimmy the Greek doctors and lawyers are all educated assholes whose joy in seeing human suffering stems from being left in their cribs alone as infants. His words not mine, so don't sue me. And guys with fancy cars are those who got told no by the girls they asked out in high school. Girls int eh same cars are just whores as best I could figure but by the time he got to that point he seemed quite agitated and the accent harder to understand. Interesting and somewhat expensive ride, but you can bet some of his diatribe will wind up in my fiction down the line.
8 PM until Midnight - I played in a poker tournament. I finished fifth, but could have done better had I not screwed up a few hands there at the end. But along the way I sat by a very good player from France who finished third, an obnoxious blowhard from Miami who cursed my good name upon his exit, a lovely lady from Canton, Ohio though I must confess she seemed to have trouble keeping her girls under wraps. maybe she was trying to distract my play I don't know. I outlasted her so I guess it didn't work. there were others as well from Atlanta, Baton Rouge, England, and of course the homer from Vegas who boldly calls himself a professional and tosses poker lingo around like a fat man does crab shells at he many all you can eat buffets. These guys never seem to be as good as they think but they are part of the scene that makes Vegas my kind of town ... to visit that is. Living here would not be good for my mind, body, or soul.
And how was your Monday?
I like rum. Free rum is even better. Except like in life, nothing is ever really free in Vegas. You generally have to be partaking in vice number one from above to be afforded much in the way of "free" rum.
I like Vegas. Duh given what Ive already told y'all. But guess what? I haven't mentioned the thing about the city I like best. In truth I could play poker, and do often enough right in Amarilllo, even while at my trusty keyboard. I could and have bet on sports away from Nevada. (okay not legally, but the opportunity still abounds) I can afford to buy my own rum so what is about Vegas that suckers me in? Glad you asked.
It's the mob. No, I'm not talking about Italian guys in expensive suits. I talking mob in the purest sense. The many varied, crazy, whacked out, friendly, naive, hustling, awestruck, jaded, friendly, angry, people that live work, visit and meander through Vegas.
The people from all over the world that congregate and blend together to outshine every marquee on the strip. As a writer, they are brain food for me.
A recap of my day here at the American Postal Worker National Conference and out and about in Vegas.
9 AM -- Noon- I listened to speeches from 4 different Union presidents, 2 US congressmen, and half a dozen other high ranking labor officials. Sure they all said much of the same thing, (the American worker is under attack and only Obama can protect us) but listening to these vivacious speakers and seeing the reaction they illicit from a people who span the country is a eye-opening regardless of your political beliefs. Barack Obama is schedule to directly address the assembly himself via video on Wednesday.
Noon- 230 PM- Took part in the state caucus for delegates from Texas to decide which way the state body leaned on certain issues regarding our national labor contract. Debate is another one of my favorite things and it is always interesting to see what spars emotion in others.
4ish- Took a taxi ride with what I can only describe as a Greek philosopher. For nearly twenty minutes the man spoke in his heavy Greek accent about his theory on life , gambling, drugs, sex, doctors, lawyers, and people who drive fancy cars. I say theory because he only had one that applies to all things in this world. His theory -- We are shaped by our very first experience of something.
A gambler who wins his first bet will always be a gambler regardless if he never wins again and winds up living in under the above mentioned overpass. Drugs or booze he said you basically became an addict if you enjoyed your first drunk or high. He said everyone likes sex because you can't really have bad sex unless you are forced and in his words those people will always be screwed up and never really find out what they are missing. According to Jimmy the Greek doctors and lawyers are all educated assholes whose joy in seeing human suffering stems from being left in their cribs alone as infants. His words not mine, so don't sue me. And guys with fancy cars are those who got told no by the girls they asked out in high school. Girls int eh same cars are just whores as best I could figure but by the time he got to that point he seemed quite agitated and the accent harder to understand. Interesting and somewhat expensive ride, but you can bet some of his diatribe will wind up in my fiction down the line.
8 PM until Midnight - I played in a poker tournament. I finished fifth, but could have done better had I not screwed up a few hands there at the end. But along the way I sat by a very good player from France who finished third, an obnoxious blowhard from Miami who cursed my good name upon his exit, a lovely lady from Canton, Ohio though I must confess she seemed to have trouble keeping her girls under wraps. maybe she was trying to distract my play I don't know. I outlasted her so I guess it didn't work. there were others as well from Atlanta, Baton Rouge, England, and of course the homer from Vegas who boldly calls himself a professional and tosses poker lingo around like a fat man does crab shells at he many all you can eat buffets. These guys never seem to be as good as they think but they are part of the scene that makes Vegas my kind of town ... to visit that is. Living here would not be good for my mind, body, or soul.
And how was your Monday?
Monday, August 18, 2008
A Blast From The Past - My Town Monday
A fifteen minute car ride south of Amarillo gets you to the town of Canyon, Texas. Canyon is home to West Texas A&M University and on the corner of that very campus you will find the largest history museum in Texas, Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
The museum pays hearty homage to the area and it's inhabitants through the ages from the creatures of old to the dynamics of the people today. As a former student at WTA&M I have strolled the displays often but last Thursday I went to see a specific display on temporary loan.
As a hunter, a proud Texan who fully understands the pivotal role firearms played into the formation and foundation of the west, and a person who believes in the 2nd amendment to the constitution, I was eager to see this display and learn more about Samuel Colt's legacy.
I won't go into details of the man's legacy but he took gun manufacturing and technology to new heights and much material can be found about his accomplishments. Nor do I wish to go into the politics of gun rights and ownership for this post. So let's take a closer look at the the display and museum.
My first reaction. Utter disappointment. Not only was the price of admission increased because of the display but no pictures were allowed of the colt artifacts and while I found certain items intriguing my expectations were not met. I wanted to see more items of historical significance, more story behind the items on display and less on the when and chronology of the way Colt formed his legacy. I already knew many of these tidbits. And while there was a nice collection of firearms from the colt's personal collection the items on display were no better than Panhandle Plains Historical Museum's normal display on weaponry, of which I will get to later.
Maybe my expectations were too high, but that display aside, I a wonderful day at the museum with my wife and young sons. It's always fun to watch them learn and discover new things. Let me take along.
PPHM pays considerable homage to the oil and gas heritage of the Texas Panhandle and to that affect there is a huge oil pump rig that stretches both floors of the facility. It is visible from the street via the glass front. Here is the base.
As expected my boys were excited by the dinosaurs and impressive displays of skeletal fossils. Most of which were unearthed in the Panhandle area.
Without the windmill, the early settlers never could have sustained life and livestock in this area.
As I stated PPHM has a nice display of weaponry and many of the pieces give detailed descriptions of the former owner or owners an the weapons involvement in their life. (click to enlarge the last picture of the.45 peacemaker revolver to see what I mean) The writer in me likes those little details. They get my mind to churning and I can better visualize the time and place. From the outlaw west days up to WWII the museum has guns, knives, swords, and bayonets on display. The place is a goldmine for any historical researcher wanted to get good visuals and a sense of how things were.
There are many more displays and various art galleries but for the sake of brevity and my readers eyes I will wait and do a second post on the museum in a future installment of My Town Mondays.
POSTS FROM MY FELLOW MY TOWN MONDAYERS
Robyn - Sacramento, California
Penelope the Cat -- Houston, Texas
Patti Abbott- Detroit, Michigan
Debra - Peninsula, Ohio
Reb - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Terrie Farley Moran - New York City, New York
Mary Nix - Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Barbara Martin - Toronto, Canada
Gina Black - Santa Monica California
Joshua - St Louis, Missouri
Kimberly Willis Holt - Around the block in Amarillo,Texas
PreTzel - Branson, Missouri
Barrie Summy - Killbear Provencial park, Canada
David Cranmer - Cameroon, West Africa
Clair Dickson - Ann Arbor, Michigan
The museum pays hearty homage to the area and it's inhabitants through the ages from the creatures of old to the dynamics of the people today. As a former student at WTA&M I have strolled the displays often but last Thursday I went to see a specific display on temporary loan.
As a hunter, a proud Texan who fully understands the pivotal role firearms played into the formation and foundation of the west, and a person who believes in the 2nd amendment to the constitution, I was eager to see this display and learn more about Samuel Colt's legacy.I won't go into details of the man's legacy but he took gun manufacturing and technology to new heights and much material can be found about his accomplishments. Nor do I wish to go into the politics of gun rights and ownership for this post. So let's take a closer look at the the display and museum.
My first reaction. Utter disappointment. Not only was the price of admission increased because of the display but no pictures were allowed of the colt artifacts and while I found certain items intriguing my expectations were not met. I wanted to see more items of historical significance, more story behind the items on display and less on the when and chronology of the way Colt formed his legacy. I already knew many of these tidbits. And while there was a nice collection of firearms from the colt's personal collection the items on display were no better than Panhandle Plains Historical Museum's normal display on weaponry, of which I will get to later.
Maybe my expectations were too high, but that display aside, I a wonderful day at the museum with my wife and young sons. It's always fun to watch them learn and discover new things. Let me take along.
PPHM pays considerable homage to the oil and gas heritage of the Texas Panhandle and to that affect there is a huge oil pump rig that stretches both floors of the facility. It is visible from the street via the glass front. Here is the base.
As expected my boys were excited by the dinosaurs and impressive displays of skeletal fossils. Most of which were unearthed in the Panhandle area.
Without the windmill, the early settlers never could have sustained life and livestock in this area.
As I stated PPHM has a nice display of weaponry and many of the pieces give detailed descriptions of the former owner or owners an the weapons involvement in their life. (click to enlarge the last picture of the.45 peacemaker revolver to see what I mean) The writer in me likes those little details. They get my mind to churning and I can better visualize the time and place. From the outlaw west days up to WWII the museum has guns, knives, swords, and bayonets on display. The place is a goldmine for any historical researcher wanted to get good visuals and a sense of how things were.
There are many more displays and various art galleries but for the sake of brevity and my readers eyes I will wait and do a second post on the museum in a future installment of My Town Mondays.
POSTS FROM MY FELLOW MY TOWN MONDAYERS
Robyn - Sacramento, California
Penelope the Cat -- Houston, Texas
Patti Abbott- Detroit, Michigan
Debra - Peninsula, Ohio
Reb - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Terrie Farley Moran - New York City, New York
Mary Nix - Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Barbara Martin - Toronto, Canada
Gina Black - Santa Monica California
Joshua - St Louis, Missouri
Kimberly Willis Holt - Around the block in Amarillo,Texas
PreTzel - Branson, Missouri
Barrie Summy - Killbear Provencial park, Canada
David Cranmer - Cameroon, West Africa
Clair Dickson - Ann Arbor, Michigan
Friday, August 15, 2008
Roundup
Tomorrow I head back to Vegas. Six days this time on "Official" or at least work-related business. Pray that both my liver and my bank account can take a week's worth of Sin City abuse.
My buddy that went to Seattle a few weeks brought me this magnet for my roll around toolbox at work.
The picture isn't super clear but it says WORK is for people who don't now how to PLUNDER. I'm starting to acquire a good collection of paraphernalia that plays off the word Plunder, but the one I really crave is a published novel bearing my name and the words Plundered Booty, but of course I wouldn't be one to argue of said publisher told me they were changing the name to Tampered Hiney or even Stolen Derriere though in my opine that is a bit too French sounding for a bunch of retched car dealers from Oklahoma.
What else is on my mind today?
The Olympics for one thing. I know millions of people enjoy it but I simply cannot get into all the gymnastic hub-bub. Matter of fact I take issue with any and all sporting events that are decided solely by a judge's score card. Gymnastics, diving, figure skating, ballroom dancing. I can appreciate the grace, skill, and even athleticism involved, but I much prefer head-to-head battle.
That is not to say I wasn't rooting for the two American girls, Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson last night, but I'd like to see a bit more boxing (yes I know it often comes down to a score card, but at least each combatant has a crack at their opponent) archery, field hockey, judo, wrestling. I want action over artistic impression.
My wife had to head back to school today to get her classroom prepared and the boys go next Thursday. It will be nice to be back in the routine again, though I doubt my wife feels the same.
I will have my laptop with me in Vegas and I plan to blog nearly everyday including a My Town Monday.
So how about y'all? Got any last of summer trips planned. Have a favorite summer Olympic sport NBC isn't showing? When does school start in your area. Received a cool gift lately?
My buddy that went to Seattle a few weeks brought me this magnet for my roll around toolbox at work.
The picture isn't super clear but it says WORK is for people who don't now how to PLUNDER. I'm starting to acquire a good collection of paraphernalia that plays off the word Plunder, but the one I really crave is a published novel bearing my name and the words Plundered Booty, but of course I wouldn't be one to argue of said publisher told me they were changing the name to Tampered Hiney or even Stolen Derriere though in my opine that is a bit too French sounding for a bunch of retched car dealers from Oklahoma.What else is on my mind today?
The Olympics for one thing. I know millions of people enjoy it but I simply cannot get into all the gymnastic hub-bub. Matter of fact I take issue with any and all sporting events that are decided solely by a judge's score card. Gymnastics, diving, figure skating, ballroom dancing. I can appreciate the grace, skill, and even athleticism involved, but I much prefer head-to-head battle.
That is not to say I wasn't rooting for the two American girls, Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson last night, but I'd like to see a bit more boxing (yes I know it often comes down to a score card, but at least each combatant has a crack at their opponent) archery, field hockey, judo, wrestling. I want action over artistic impression.
My wife had to head back to school today to get her classroom prepared and the boys go next Thursday. It will be nice to be back in the routine again, though I doubt my wife feels the same.
I will have my laptop with me in Vegas and I plan to blog nearly everyday including a My Town Monday.
So how about y'all? Got any last of summer trips planned. Have a favorite summer Olympic sport NBC isn't showing? When does school start in your area. Received a cool gift lately?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Messing Around
animals better book boys couple daddy father five-nine foot gamble game grease hair hank happen junior least love lust momma neither petty plundered protect reading rust simply since story tale teenage things told words zybeck
created at TagCrowd.com
Just playing around with word clouds. The one from above is taken from my recently completed novel, Plundered Booty's, introduction.
And this one comes from the last chapter.
already bathroom better blue cabana cardboard careful caribbean case choose course cozy destination details dream drove endless enough everything expect fifty-five final fiona folded foot form grande hope horse hose interest islands join junior law life lifted living love man money morgan mountains named note odd passport pirate points pull rented rest roberts sail satisfy seaside seen since skin smile sparkle stall stay stolen sun took traveled treasure trinidad true until waited wake wanted waves
created at TagCrowd.com
And since I'm just screwing around today here is a cell phone snapshot of my highly nutritional lunch.
A handful of pills for my bout with poison ivy, a package of chocolate donuts, and a good Ol' DP to wash it all down. Yum.
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