Quick note: if you want to download or print the picture below, do it today! The archive version of this page has a smaller version. Until Geocities decides to pump up our disk space, I can't keep the larger images online indefinitely.

So we're going to be selling our shoes in Ocean City pretty soon - should be real fun. We're hoping at least 300 or so, 500 would be good, and 1000 would be superb. We're bringing a total of about 1400 with us, so any of those numbers is realistic. It will certainly be a change from selling shoes at my desk!

I've been working on the logistics a bit, buying an easy-to-assemble gazebo/tent, arranging a table and chairs, renting a trailer to transport the shoes, etc. Now I am working on the decorations. It will be a bit expensive, but it is hard guage how important the advertising will be to our success. So, I don't want to cheap out. One great place for linens and cloths and things is Pasaya, which has very good prices by American standards. I've been to the store in Thailand, and the stuff is gorgeous. I'm also trying to figure out what kinds of signs to order. I think we'll use The Online Sign Shop, but I haven't ordered anything yet. If you know of anyplace better, drop me a line.

Have a great weekend.

I have to say, I am not a big coffee drinker, but I love Starbucks. I like them so much I bought some of their stock, and most of life is just a long resistance before breaking down and giving them another $4.50 for some liquid bliss. In the fall it was Pumpkin Spice Latte, in the winter it was White Chocolate Mocha (extra hot) and the occasional liquid sin of Chantico. Now it's warm, which is Frappuccino time.

Frappucino is an ice blended coffee drink, which can be flavored further with Mocha (chocolate), Caramel, or chocolate chips (called Java Chip, I believe). It can also be topped with whipped creme and maybe a little chocolate sauce, depending on your barista.

Now, they've gone and done it. They took a near perfect drink, and made it even better. It's not an original metaphor, but it's a bit like crack with crack sauce. The drink was damn near irresistable, and then they made it Abrogato. It was quite a challenge to say that word, Abrogato, as if I'd been using it my whole life, when the cashier and I both knew Starbucks management just made it up last week. But I ordered it.

So, what is Abrogato style, you ask? It's the crack sauce. Take your normal Frappuccino, then drown it in either Mocha or Caramel sauce, then add a shot of Espresso. Aaaaiii!!! The espresso makes the entire drink a little more liquid, and thus easier to swallow down in large delicious gulps. The sauce allows for 12 flavor combinations instead of 4. This is an ingenious way to pump up same store sales! Did I mention I own stock?

Anyway, it will truly be a delight to try Mocha + Caramel, Coffee + Mocha, etc. If you find yourself near a Starbucks on a hot day, you might want to give it a try. If you see me cowering in the corner with a frightened look, throw me a fiver and help an addict out.

OK, I'm back. Daily updates, all that jazz. Mostly quick hitters, things I want to pass on, some links, and my deepest fears and desires.

First, I'd like to update on the poker scene: I am not playing much. When I play, I tend to win, but I am not playing much now since I am focusing on Chabah as my primary source of secondary income. Poker has been good though, in my own small way - I've made about $1000 since March in very limited play.

Last week was my birthday, so I'm a year older and a year nastier. I got some appreciated money from my relatives, which I used to earn some more money playing poker. So, I took my easily-won $100 and laid claim to being the best father ever. Argue with the evidence:

I bought the bike. See you tomorrow.