What I'm reading right now

Rules for Old Men Waiting by Peter Pouncey.

About a quarter of the way into it. Wow, what a read, so far. First, let me say I'm an avid reader - I read 64 freakin books last year, only surpassed by my wife, Pam, and my friend, John Bayless, both of whom can read a book a night. I usually like biographies, historical fiction, Ludlum/LeCarre-esque spy fiction.

I'm not usually one for this sort of Mitch Ablom feely introspective stuff. This one, however, grabbed me. A dying Scotsman looks back on a rich life after his wife passes. He remembers rugby matches, foxhole battles and more as he figures out the rules for living when you only have a short time. It's a man's book, no doubt.

It makes you analyze your daily routine and, most importantly, give credence to list-making. I like me some lists. Without them, I'd be like Peter Griffin in Family Guy when he wishes for no bones and becomes a massive, useless blob of fat.

Well, the inevitable Family Guy reference is here, so that means it is time to go. Anyway, read this book. It's something worthwhile.

i've got that going for me, which is nice....

Blogging, baby! Why not, right? We use XML feeds with the webiste I edit, GoToRenoTahoe.com, so I went ahead and signed up for a site.

First thing, about the name...it was originally going to be a blog containing casino tips, as I managed the slot departments of several Nevada casinos for about six years. But then I thought....nah. Why not just set up something my friends and family can check in on me.

I'm a writer (yes, perennially working on that Great American Novel), but I get to write for a living, so I'm legitimate any way you look at it.

I've got to have a quick non-sequitor right now. I'm watching VH1 Classic - yes, I'm that demographic at the ripe age of 32 - and I've got to say Jethro Tull were some odd cats, especially Ian Anderson. Don't believe me? Just look here.

All right, blogs are supposed to be pithy and interseting, and the news editor in me tells me to stop now. So, I will. Catch you soon.

Thomas in front of a B-17 from WWII. Reno-Tahoe Int'l Airport, June 2004. 

A classic Thomas and Alex shot from June 2004. 

Couple of Giants shirts for the boys back at the Crowne Plaza room. 

Yeah, dog! We got our butts whupped. It was pretty much the start of the May/June skid that sent the Gigantes reeling. I've got that effect on teams, you know. 

Lance Neikro is the son of Joe Neikro and nephew of Phil, knuckleballer for the Braves during the terrible 1980s. Lance plays a pretty good first base and sure can hit better than dad and Uncle Phil. Check out the ball at the top of the screen.  

My view from club level. Sat right in front of Duane Kyuper and Mike Krukow, KNBR broadcasters for the Giants. "Grab some pine, meat!" 

Me at the Giants v. Nationals Saturday, May 7, 2005. Pacific Bell Park is now called SBC Park.