Books, watermelons, and Xbox Live

This blog is in bullet form.

Skip down to anything that strikes your fancy.

Literary Drunk-I was in California last weekend, and I walked to a local bar that has great pilsner. I met a woman who edited, and contributed to a book called Bombshells. It is about war from women's perspective.  I was wary of it to a degree. I am so used to aggressively ignorant opinions about the war and America, but I found the book absent of a political agenda. I was sincerely moved by the stories, and recommend it. For those interested, it is listed here: http://www.amazon.com/Bombshells-Stories-Poems-Women-Homefront/dp/0978848934

Anyway, the evening was fun and unexpected. Most time at bars you, have grunt conversations. Jesse, and her boyfriend ( a purple heart recipient) were delightful. I spent less time with him, because he became the impromptu bartender, and worked behind the bar most of the night. The following day, he carried the flag for the VWF in a local parade. Unfortunately, he has to take eight vicodin a day.

The beer was great, the conversation even better.

Halloween in April-I love Halloween. It's the only holiday that doesn't mean anything. No one ever says, 'Halloween has gotten so commercial', or 'I really didn't do Halloween right this year'. Last year, I topped off a watermelon, hollowed it out, and made a jackolantern out of it, or jackomellon, as my nephew calls it.

Last week I did another in a bid to have mini-Halloweens in the summer.

They look great. The monster green skin, with blood red interior.  I plan on setting one out on my porch, complete with candle from time to time. I'll keep candy around just in case.

Online Play, the good-I love Halo. I am the guy who can, and does order, the same meal for months on end. I am perfectly content with a three year old game. What makes it extra special are my friends, and clanmates online. 'P' who is always thoughtful enough to send me party invites. "R' for being an obviously good guy. "SS" more making me laugh.  "C N" for his.

Online Play, the bad-Xbox live can be a cesspool. I hope the racial, and misogynist crap I hear is merely adolescent thoughtlessness, rather genuine hatred. I wish Microsoft trolled matches and booted idiots. I think it's irresponsible profiteering for them not to. As unfortunate as it is, I have often thought there should be gender masking, and racial masking, until we get dumbass unmasking.