Fairweather Zealot

There is something to be said for a hole-in-the-wall bar. It might not have the best beers, and it might not have the MTV Real World cast and it might not have pollo fri diablo on the menu, but there is an honesty to it. I got experience this on Friday night when my wife and I went out with her brother into Philly. After a delicious dinner at Dmitri’s, we were going to meet up with his Mummers’ troop at a local pub. Yes, I went to a Mummer’s meeting, for which I’m sure I’ll hear about from several people.

The place – Ray’s Tavern on 8th and Federal, near the Italian Market. Now, there are some bars that are local places and there are some bars that are LOCALS places – Ray’s is definitely the latter. I’m a beer snob, so walking into a place that offers Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap usually doesn’t happen. But after a few minutes, I figured what the hell – and it was worth it. Ray’s makes up for in comfort what it doesn’t have in beer selections – the bartender was a genuinely friendly guy who took care of the whole group as though they were family, and Annabelle, the portly English bulldog, patrolled the bar and the backroom like a friendly sentinel. Scratch her back and you had a friend for life.

I probably would never had gone into this place if it hadn’t been for Mick, but I’m glad that I did. I got to see a different side of most of Shari’s old friends – including golden “Bo Peep” dresses, conversations about sparking nipple clips and a straight man talking about using “silver lamè″ on their outfits. Beat that night out, folks. But more than that, I got to see the inner workings of what really goes on with the Mummers – as an outsider looking in, but still a good look. Granted, this was the beginnings of this year’s extravaganzas, but it was interesting enough to get me interested. No, you won’t see me walking down Broad St. carrying a golden parasol anytime soon, but you will probably see me on the sidelines this year (as long as the weather holds – I’m still a fairweather zealot, after all).

The night also provided the best opportunity for me to get to know my brother-in-law better. We’d had the typical family conversations at the parties, but only once had gotten to hang out before – and that was in a loud, dark bar, so conversation was limited. This time, I got to know Mick better. It helps that we escaped from my wife’s clutches at the bar to walk the short block to Geno’s Steaks for a provolone without. There’s something about sharing a cheesesteak over a PBR in a dark bar that makes for camaraderie. Too bad he wouldn’t play darts later at the Dark Horse – but I did hit my best throw of darts ever – 2 double bulls and a single bull. That’s 125 points in cricket, folks. Awesome.

Links »

• Billionaires for Bush
• Movies that would be better with Leatherface in them…
• Leave it to Bush (flash)

One of my best friends is a Navy SEAL, and I haven’t heard from him in months since he deployed “somewhere with some sand”. I’ve tried corresponding with him, but haven’t heard back. But it appears that a picture of him has surfaced – I got this from my sister, although it might be on my home email, too. It appears that Chris is in Iraq (in Najaf, of all places), although it is nice to see a picture of him helping kids out. Word is that he will be home in two weeks. Godspeed, Chris. I’ll have a cold beer waiting for you.

Update »
It seems that the picture was two weeks old – and Chris is back with his family in the States. Great news – now I have to get the stories and figure out where we are going diving.

Well, it’s Friday and I can’t wait for the weekend. I spent all day yesterday and will spend all day today working on a 14-part presentation for a client we are trying to get to sign, and although it’s been fun, it’s a lot of work. Hopefully, I’ll be able to put up some of the creative later and get some feedback.It has been a good process – taking some initial ideas and working with a copywriter (new to our organization) and a project manager to develop themes and catch-phrases, concepts and designs. I have to say that I’m not used to having to spend as much time working my ideas through with other people – I usually develop a bunch, and go with the ones that the ‘client’ likes. Having two other people involved has been a growing experience – and a blow to my ego (can I help it if I still think I’m right on one or two of the designs they don’t like?). Then the client comes back with a completely different view than ANY of us expected. Of course, she’s nuts, but she IS the client. We’ll win her over, I’m sure…

Links»

• A new creative from the folks at Jib Jab (the guys who brought us This Land) – It’s Good to Be in D.C.
• Thank God they didn’t ask her to baby-sit (and there was a machete lying out in the yard? Who the hell IS this family?)

I have to show off this picture by a co-worker Chris Atwood.

Click on the image to see the full-sized version.

Janus I, Year I A.D.

Well, it’s the dawn of a whole new millenium, the age of Aquarius, blah blah blah. It doesn’t feel any different, although there seem to be a lot of zealots running around here. Not sure what the hubbub is, but I think it has to do with that guy I met the other day from Nazareth. Nice guy, but a little bit of a downer. Said something about he’s going to die for my shins. Seems an odd choice, but with the Romans, who knows.

Anyhoo, these zealots are crying and praising the lord. The only lord I know is Lord Cestus, and he’s a prick. Him and those goats … not that I’m supposed to mention that to anyone. Darn Romans. But I keep seeing those followers running around proclaiming a new religion being borne. I don’t know which god they’re talking about, but I have an idea that these folks are going to create a heap of trouble…