Our hardwood floors are done. Our contractor just needs to put together some things he took apart to install the floors, like closet doors and the cover to the air return. And then the hardwood stairs go in which is a different project. We decided to just use solid white risers (the vertical part of the stairs), so I painted the MDF boards that he brought over. Thought it might take a couple hours, but with a roller and a long handle it took about 15 minutes for the actual painting.
Our deck is going, going. They delivered the new boards today.
I need to plant some fruit shrubs and trees. Seems like a good time as it's still wet and rainy. Also been working on our auction business a bit.
Played poker Tuesday night at Snoqualmie Casino. It was the first time I'd been there in three months. I came back from Las Vegas in March and was a bit frustrated and took a break. Between being out of town every weekend, finishing up work, and knowing I was going to Vegas, poker didn't fit in April or May, or when it did I met Meier in Seattle. Anyway, a very boring session. I saw two pocket pairs -- raised and flopped top set with jacks, called a raise and folded the flop with sixes -- and AK and AQ (won with both), and a bunch of nothing. Good news is I finished up a bit. A lot of times when card dead I play too many very speculative hands and wind up behind. I tightened up and just made money where I could. Bummer is that it was a very good table -- saw a number of pre-flop all-ins for $200 with marginal hands. Lots of money was being passed around. Couldn't really get much though.
Anyway, back to work on home projects.
Showing posts with label auctions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label auctions. Show all posts
Thursday, June 17
Tuesday, March 18
Long time, no blog
Eek. It's been a long time since I've blogged. Lots of stuff happening but unfortunately that leaves me little time to blog. I'll try to catch up with some short posts over the next few days.
Had a very neat experience at the end of February. In 2006 at the Jewish Day School auction, Monica won me the experience to go to a Sonics game with Seattle P-I writer Jim Moore. We finally got it scheduled for Feb 24 to see Kobe Bryant play. (Free tickets to a Sonics game isn't reason enough to go.)
Jim was kind enough to take me out to dinner before the game and we got to chat for an hour or so about Seattle sports, his background -- he actually grew up in a house not far from where we live -- and being a sportswriter. Then before the game, he had a press pass made for me and we got to walk around behind the scenes. I watched as he interviewed Jalen, a six-year-old kid on the Sonics boom squad, and the Jalen's dad. Well, at least I watched until the cheerleaders walked by about four feet away. I don't remember much of the interview after that though dad
was surprisingly level-headed and realistic about his son. The article never did run as far as I could see.
The game was a laugher and Kobe got tossed in the third quarter. But it was the most fun I'd had at a Sonics game in years.
Had a very neat experience at the end of February. In 2006 at the Jewish Day School auction, Monica won me the experience to go to a Sonics game with Seattle P-I writer Jim Moore. We finally got it scheduled for Feb 24 to see Kobe Bryant play. (Free tickets to a Sonics game isn't reason enough to go.)
Jim was kind enough to take me out to dinner before the game and we got to chat for an hour or so about Seattle sports, his background -- he actually grew up in a house not far from where we live -- and being a sportswriter. Then before the game, he had a press pass made for me and we got to walk around behind the scenes. I watched as he interviewed Jalen, a six-year-old kid on the Sonics boom squad, and the Jalen's dad. Well, at least I watched until the cheerleaders walked by about four feet away. I don't remember much of the interview after that though dad
was surprisingly level-headed and realistic about his son. The article never did run as far as I could see.
The game was a laugher and Kobe got tossed in the third quarter. But it was the most fun I'd had at a Sonics game in years.
Friday, May 4
Catching Up
Haven't written anything in a couple of weeks.
One reflection on the trip not related to the scenery. I'm amazed at the Internet connectivity we had on the road. When we travelled across country three years ago, it was mainly hit-or-miss. A few places had Internet hubs in the room and you could check-out a cable to connect and having free WiFi was a big deal. This trip I everywhere we stayed had WiFi, even if they didn't advertise it on their web site. I did in part look for WiFi access, but our priorities were location and hotels that allowed dogs and had free breakfast. WiFi in a hotel has become as common as cable television. That said, we mainly stayed in small towns in 2-star and 3-star hotels. I'm curious what the fancier properties are doing. I always found it ironic than in the "cheap" hotel you get lots for free (breakfast, Internet access, computer room) but the more expensive places want to charge you for everything. Shouldn't it be the other way around.
Veronica Mars is back. I really liked the stand-alone episode format a lot. The season-long or 1/3-season long mysteries were cool with their complexity but it made for a long, drawn out plot. Check it out if you haven't already before they cancel it for good.
I'm sure you've heard about Josh Hancock, the Cardinals pitcher who died in an auto accident Sunday morning. It's always sad when some dies and often called tragic when someone dies young. What happened at Virginia Tech a couple weeks ago was a horrible tragedy. As the details emerge, I'm not sure "tragedy" is really the right word for what happened to Hancock. According to the latest reports, Hancock was plastered (BA of twice the legal limit), speeding, talking on his cell phone, and not wearing a seat belt. He may also have been smoking marijuana. That sounds like a time bomb waiting to go off. I think Darwinism is the word that applies here. I feel for his friends and family for their loss, but really I blame his teammates and the Cardinals organization more than having sympathy for them.
Monica and I went to two local Humane Society auctions the weekend of April 20/21st. Humane Society of King County (which we often call "the Humane Society" had it's annual Tuxes and Tails event on Saturday which was amazing and fancy as always. Sunday we went to the Humane Society aka Happy Paws farm which wasn't so nice. I joked with Monica that we should leave before dinner and I think she was actually ready to go. The more I attend auctions, the more I think about starting an auction consulting business. It's actually sad how poorly thought out some events are.
One reflection on the trip not related to the scenery. I'm amazed at the Internet connectivity we had on the road. When we travelled across country three years ago, it was mainly hit-or-miss. A few places had Internet hubs in the room and you could check-out a cable to connect and having free WiFi was a big deal. This trip I everywhere we stayed had WiFi, even if they didn't advertise it on their web site. I did in part look for WiFi access, but our priorities were location and hotels that allowed dogs and had free breakfast. WiFi in a hotel has become as common as cable television. That said, we mainly stayed in small towns in 2-star and 3-star hotels. I'm curious what the fancier properties are doing. I always found it ironic than in the "cheap" hotel you get lots for free (breakfast, Internet access, computer room) but the more expensive places want to charge you for everything. Shouldn't it be the other way around.
Veronica Mars is back. I really liked the stand-alone episode format a lot. The season-long or 1/3-season long mysteries were cool with their complexity but it made for a long, drawn out plot. Check it out if you haven't already before they cancel it for good.
I'm sure you've heard about Josh Hancock, the Cardinals pitcher who died in an auto accident Sunday morning. It's always sad when some dies and often called tragic when someone dies young. What happened at Virginia Tech a couple weeks ago was a horrible tragedy. As the details emerge, I'm not sure "tragedy" is really the right word for what happened to Hancock. According to the latest reports, Hancock was plastered (BA of twice the legal limit), speeding, talking on his cell phone, and not wearing a seat belt. He may also have been smoking marijuana. That sounds like a time bomb waiting to go off. I think Darwinism is the word that applies here. I feel for his friends and family for their loss, but really I blame his teammates and the Cardinals organization more than having sympathy for them.
Monica and I went to two local Humane Society auctions the weekend of April 20/21st. Humane Society of King County (which we often call "the Humane Society" had it's annual Tuxes and Tails event on Saturday which was amazing and fancy as always. Sunday we went to the Humane Society aka Happy Paws farm which wasn't so nice. I joked with Monica that we should leave before dinner and I think she was actually ready to go. The more I attend auctions, the more I think about starting an auction consulting business. It's actually sad how poorly thought out some events are.
Saturday, February 10
Event Planning and Scheduling
The lack of foresight by generally intelligent people never ceases to surprise me. Monica and I spent a couple of years working on a large dinner and fundraising auction and likely will again for a different organization. So I always pay attention to how other people plan their events and take mental notes on things they do and don't think about.
And one thing people don't think about is scheduling. Monica found a charity auction for a Jewish organization she wanted to attend. But when she told me the date, I realized it was Super Bowl Sunday. I realize not everyone cares about the Super Bowl at the level I do, but on average 1/3 of the country was watching and nearly 50% of all people in the United States watched part of the game. Why schedule any event opposite that, unless it's a direct appeal to the non-football crowd?
A couple of days ago we got a "Save the Date" for Village Theatre's auction; that's the event where Monica won her walk on role in Hello Dolly and we were looking forward to going this year. They've moved the event from a March weeknight to a May weekend, where it conflicts with a couple things for us. (And they doubled the price to $200 and changed the venue from Issaquah to Seattle. Three strikes you're out.) The conflicts are somewhat specific to us, but when you pick the 3rd Saturday in May a number of people who are used to going to VT are going to have a conflicting event and you'll lose them. Not to say you can't do this, but I doubt there was much thought put into this.
And the kicker! This week I was emailed about two fun events. One is about Jews and chocolate with lots of chocolate samples (yum) and the other is a presentation at EMP about the music behind the Disney theme parks. I'd like to go to both and Monica would like the chocolate one. However both are the evening of February 14th. As my financial planner said "Remember, February 14...and don't think you can get away with doing something early and skipping the special notes, cards and flowers on the 14th." Personally Valentine's Day is my least favorite holiday, but even I recognize that most people are going to have plans that night.
With only 365 days and thousands of events, obviously there are going to be conflicts. But you think you'd think reasonable people would try to avoid major conflicts, whether "major" is the significance of the event or the sheer number of people impacted by it.
And one thing people don't think about is scheduling. Monica found a charity auction for a Jewish organization she wanted to attend. But when she told me the date, I realized it was Super Bowl Sunday. I realize not everyone cares about the Super Bowl at the level I do, but on average 1/3 of the country was watching and nearly 50% of all people in the United States watched part of the game. Why schedule any event opposite that, unless it's a direct appeal to the non-football crowd?
A couple of days ago we got a "Save the Date" for Village Theatre's auction; that's the event where Monica won her walk on role in Hello Dolly and we were looking forward to going this year. They've moved the event from a March weeknight to a May weekend, where it conflicts with a couple things for us. (And they doubled the price to $200 and changed the venue from Issaquah to Seattle. Three strikes you're out.) The conflicts are somewhat specific to us, but when you pick the 3rd Saturday in May a number of people who are used to going to VT are going to have a conflicting event and you'll lose them. Not to say you can't do this, but I doubt there was much thought put into this.
And the kicker! This week I was emailed about two fun events. One is about Jews and chocolate with lots of chocolate samples (yum) and the other is a presentation at EMP about the music behind the Disney theme parks. I'd like to go to both and Monica would like the chocolate one. However both are the evening of February 14th. As my financial planner said "Remember, February 14...and don't think you can get away with doing something early and skipping the special notes, cards and flowers on the 14th." Personally Valentine's Day is my least favorite holiday, but even I recognize that most people are going to have plans that night.
With only 365 days and thousands of events, obviously there are going to be conflicts. But you think you'd think reasonable people would try to avoid major conflicts, whether "major" is the significance of the event or the sheer number of people impacted by it.
Wednesday, January 31
Paramount Studios
After our Wednesday adventures, we were hoping this trip wasn't jinxed. Thursday turned out fine. Running on limited sleep, we picked up our cousins Sonny and Sheri and drove to Paramount studios for a tour. We won a VIP tour in an auction last year and were excited to finally be able to redeem it. Paramount used to have tours open to the public but after 9/11/01, they discontinued them. Not sure if they've restarted public tours. Either way, it's pretty exclusive; they had to have our names at the security gate so we could get on the lot. There were only 14 people for the 10 AM tour, split into groups of 6 and 8.
The tour started with some info about the history of Paramount and RKO (?) and we saw us a number of historic photos of Paramount artists. We saw all of the Oscars the studio had won. Then we then got to ride around the lot on a golf cart and see various sound stages and were told what shows were shot where. Trivia tidbit -- Cheers and Fraiser were both filmed in stage 25, also the location for The Lucy Show and Bosom Buddies. However, if a show is off
the air, there's nothing to see but a plaque.
We drove by a tree that was used in a few episodes of Brady Bunch. One of the guys on our trip was a huge BB fan and had to have his picture taken several times near the tree. He was so excited, you'd have thought Marsha, Cindy, and Jan had walked by.
Next we got to walk on the set of The Insider. Neither of us have ever watched but if you do you'll recognize it in the picture below. We got it just before the kicked us out so Cojo could film a segment. He's even creepier looking in person than he is in that photo if you can believe that.
Then we went in the back entrance (our guide was great) and into the control room for the Insider to see how they put together various segments of the show and watch the download from New York.
We saw Dr. Phil (the man, not the TV show). He's taller in person. But the highlight for me was getting to walk through the stage where Dirt is being filmed. Dirt is new on FX this season, and has some high-end, hip LA offices and homes. It was something to be able to walk through it all. It does kill the illusion of multiple locations scattered across LA to see them all the sets together. Here's Monica on Lucy Spiller's (Courteney Cox) couch. Watch Tuesdays at 10 PM (9 Central) and for every indoor scene, we've been there.
After the tour we grabbed some lunch in the Paramount cafeteria, where once upon a time the stars ate, then went back to our hotel to crash.
The tour started with some info about the history of Paramount and RKO (?) and we saw us a number of historic photos of Paramount artists. We saw all of the Oscars the studio had won. Then we then got to ride around the lot on a golf cart and see various sound stages and were told what shows were shot where. Trivia tidbit -- Cheers and Fraiser were both filmed in stage 25, also the location for The Lucy Show and Bosom Buddies. However, if a show is off
the air, there's nothing to see but a plaque.We drove by a tree that was used in a few episodes of Brady Bunch. One of the guys on our trip was a huge BB fan and had to have his picture taken several times near the tree. He was so excited, you'd have thought Marsha, Cindy, and Jan had walked by.
Next we got to walk on the set of The Insider. Neither of us have ever watched but if you do you'll recognize it in the picture below. We got it just before the kicked us out so Cojo could film a segment. He's even creepier looking in person than he is in that photo if you can believe that.
Then we went in the back entrance (our guide was great) and into the control room for the Insider to see how they put together various segments of the show and watch the download from New York.
We saw Dr. Phil (the man, not the TV show). He's taller in person. But the highlight for me was getting to walk through the stage where Dirt is being filmed. Dirt is new on FX this season, and has some high-end, hip LA offices and homes. It was something to be able to walk through it all. It does kill the illusion of multiple locations scattered across LA to see them all the sets together. Here's Monica on Lucy Spiller's (Courteney Cox) couch. Watch Tuesdays at 10 PM (9 Central) and for every indoor scene, we've been there.After the tour we grabbed some lunch in the Paramount cafeteria, where once upon a time the stars ate, then went back to our hotel to crash.
Wednesday, January 24
Off to California
Yes, I know the Super Bowl is in Miami.
At an auction last fall, Monica "won" a walk on role on The King of Queens. (I quote "won" because you don't really win an auction; if you get an item it simply means that you bid more than anyone else in the room -- or on the Internet for online auctions -- thought the item was worth.) We're heading to Los Angeles for the weekend so she can make her screen debut. As most of you know, she made her stage debut last spring after similarly winning a walk on role in the local theater's auction gala. But this is National TV so it's an order of magnitude bigger. Since people always ask -- no she won't have a speaking role (SAG rules), she'll just be in the background of a scene or two. From what I hear we'll be at CBS studios in Culver City all day (10-9) on Friday for rehearsal and filming. The studio audience arrives at 5PM and I'm hoping it doesn't take 4 hours to get it right, but we'll see. They do say lots of food and drink are provided. I'm bringing a book all the same. I guess we'll get to see how a TV show comes together. I'd be more excited if it were a show we watched regularly, but Monica is pretty psyched.
We don't know exactly when the show will air. Currently KoQ is scheduled to return to the air on April 9 and we think this is the second episode once they're back from hiatus. But it could be the first or CBS could change their mind. Watch CBS.com and here for updates.
From another auction, we also have a VIP tour of Paramount studios planned for Thursday morning.
More on Monday.
At an auction last fall, Monica "won" a walk on role on The King of Queens. (I quote "won" because you don't really win an auction; if you get an item it simply means that you bid more than anyone else in the room -- or on the Internet for online auctions -- thought the item was worth.) We're heading to Los Angeles for the weekend so she can make her screen debut. As most of you know, she made her stage debut last spring after similarly winning a walk on role in the local theater's auction gala. But this is National TV so it's an order of magnitude bigger. Since people always ask -- no she won't have a speaking role (SAG rules), she'll just be in the background of a scene or two. From what I hear we'll be at CBS studios in Culver City all day (10-9) on Friday for rehearsal and filming. The studio audience arrives at 5PM and I'm hoping it doesn't take 4 hours to get it right, but we'll see. They do say lots of food and drink are provided. I'm bringing a book all the same. I guess we'll get to see how a TV show comes together. I'd be more excited if it were a show we watched regularly, but Monica is pretty psyched.
We don't know exactly when the show will air. Currently KoQ is scheduled to return to the air on April 9 and we think this is the second episode once they're back from hiatus. But it could be the first or CBS could change their mind. Watch CBS.com and here for updates.
From another auction, we also have a VIP tour of Paramount studios planned for Thursday morning.
More on Monday.
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