I know there are a couple of Chicago hockey readers, and I will acknowledge the Dells has some very cold rinks. And then there are a couple of hockey dads who grew up playing in upstate NY, which has cold and great hockey.
But this weekend I watched one of our forwards play a tuff shift. Head to the bench and puke in a trash can, and then make it out for his next shift. The coach running the forward lines didn't even know. Seems this young man gives his all and it isn't unusual for him to have to toss a little bile into the trash can between shifts. How's that for leaving it all on the ice (or trash can)?
And then there is my daughter. She likes her skates tight. Like size 6 feet in size 1 1/2 skates tight. Very tight skates often equal cold feet. Very cold feet. While the center was puking in the can my daughter was getting a foot massage from the defensive line coach. Nice full service coaching. She lost a toenail during the game due to cold. That didn't bother her so much as having the floating nail jammed in with her toes in her skate's very tight toe box.
Toenails popping off, kids puking in trash cans, and a couple of wins. Aspen tuff.
What you got Chicago?
Monday, January 29, 2018
Thursday, January 25, 2018
a must read for builders, home buyers, and architects
When you hear the word system be leary. When you hear lighting system run.
If you want to jump to the punch line --- our lights still don't work 'right'.
Things you need to know.
If you have a basic light switch, when something goes wrong the process to troubleshoot the lighting issue is as follows:
1. check if bulb is burned out (solves 99% of issues)
2. check breaker (solves .75% of issues)
3. Check switch ( solves .24% of issues)
4. check wiring (solves .01% of issues)
Pretty simple, straightforward and inexpensive to fix.
Things get a bit tricker with a dimmer on the switch--make sure that not too many lights are running through a single switch which may result in humming and the switch overheating and burning out.
Now let's move to a lighting system.
Did you know that lighting systems switches radically change the voltage and amperage of electricity going to lights? Yea I betcha didn't (I've run into installers of these systems who didn't know that). So first off you have to make sure the light bulbs, light fixtures and lighting system switches are all compatible. And you have to make sure your electrician, architect, general contractor, and interior designer are all aware of these compatibility issues, and communicating with each other to insure compatibility. And this reduces flexibility to make adjustments to any part of the system down the road.
Did you know that the lighting system uses WiFi to communicate? Did you know that it taxes your router? Did you know that the software for lighting software has to be updated? Did you know that the hardware that communicates between light switches and router needs to be updated? Did you know that these updates can occur a lot? (yea you knew that cause you have a phone which needs to have its OS updated at least every year). And updates can be pushed into system at anytime breaking the whole thing.
Programming switches in lighting systems brings in another huge level of complexity. Yes you can have really cool lighting 'scenes' customized into each switch. As a matter of fact each wall unit allows for up to 6 different lighting scenes (switches). Did you know that when you customize a lighting scene it can be designed so that the same button that turns lights on does not turn those same lights back off? Let me give an example --flip the switch on and 12 lights go on--flip it off and 8 of those 12 lights turn off. And then there is the all off button (for floors or the whole house). Sounds great right? But it's next to the button that turns on and off the light for the stairs. If you press the all off button instead of the stairs button then every light in the house turns off--usually at night with your wife in the shower. Do this enough times and your you find your fancy lighting system is cause for divorce (or at least buying expensive gifts to say I'm so sorry I turned off every light in the house while you were in the shower).
Let's look at trouble shooting a lighting SYSTEM
1. Check if bulb is burned out
2. Check if bulb is right type of bulb (frequently only 1 type works)
3. Check if fixture is right for the lighting system
4. Check programing at switch
5. Check programing at hub
6. Check router
7. Check for software update (did router update with pushed software patch for example that interferes with lighting system communication)
8. Check for WiFi hardware update
9. Check for interference with WiFi from other systems (AV, HVAC, computers, security)
10. Check breaker
11. Check switch hardware on wall
12. Check switch in utility closet which overrides WiFi switches
13. Check wiring
The cost for a lighting system vs. light switches is incomparable. My advice is don't add complexity where it isn't really needed. And this is a LOT of complexity without a lot of benefit. And if your GC or architect mentions a plumbing 'system' fire em on the spot and instal and outhouse. It will never fail.
If you want to jump to the punch line --- our lights still don't work 'right'.
Things you need to know.
If you have a basic light switch, when something goes wrong the process to troubleshoot the lighting issue is as follows:
1. check if bulb is burned out (solves 99% of issues)
2. check breaker (solves .75% of issues)
3. Check switch ( solves .24% of issues)
4. check wiring (solves .01% of issues)
Pretty simple, straightforward and inexpensive to fix.
Things get a bit tricker with a dimmer on the switch--make sure that not too many lights are running through a single switch which may result in humming and the switch overheating and burning out.
Now let's move to a lighting system.
Did you know that lighting systems switches radically change the voltage and amperage of electricity going to lights? Yea I betcha didn't (I've run into installers of these systems who didn't know that). So first off you have to make sure the light bulbs, light fixtures and lighting system switches are all compatible. And you have to make sure your electrician, architect, general contractor, and interior designer are all aware of these compatibility issues, and communicating with each other to insure compatibility. And this reduces flexibility to make adjustments to any part of the system down the road.
Did you know that the lighting system uses WiFi to communicate? Did you know that it taxes your router? Did you know that the software for lighting software has to be updated? Did you know that the hardware that communicates between light switches and router needs to be updated? Did you know that these updates can occur a lot? (yea you knew that cause you have a phone which needs to have its OS updated at least every year). And updates can be pushed into system at anytime breaking the whole thing.
Programming switches in lighting systems brings in another huge level of complexity. Yes you can have really cool lighting 'scenes' customized into each switch. As a matter of fact each wall unit allows for up to 6 different lighting scenes (switches). Did you know that when you customize a lighting scene it can be designed so that the same button that turns lights on does not turn those same lights back off? Let me give an example --flip the switch on and 12 lights go on--flip it off and 8 of those 12 lights turn off. And then there is the all off button (for floors or the whole house). Sounds great right? But it's next to the button that turns on and off the light for the stairs. If you press the all off button instead of the stairs button then every light in the house turns off--usually at night with your wife in the shower. Do this enough times and your you find your fancy lighting system is cause for divorce (or at least buying expensive gifts to say I'm so sorry I turned off every light in the house while you were in the shower).
Let's look at trouble shooting a lighting SYSTEM
1. Check if bulb is burned out
2. Check if bulb is right type of bulb (frequently only 1 type works)
3. Check if fixture is right for the lighting system
4. Check programing at switch
5. Check programing at hub
6. Check router
7. Check for software update (did router update with pushed software patch for example that interferes with lighting system communication)
8. Check for WiFi hardware update
9. Check for interference with WiFi from other systems (AV, HVAC, computers, security)
10. Check breaker
11. Check switch hardware on wall
12. Check switch in utility closet which overrides WiFi switches
13. Check wiring
The cost for a lighting system vs. light switches is incomparable. My advice is don't add complexity where it isn't really needed. And this is a LOT of complexity without a lot of benefit. And if your GC or architect mentions a plumbing 'system' fire em on the spot and instal and outhouse. It will never fail.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
aspen loses this one by a landslide
I've got two great dogs. They are super duper athletic, strong, quick and agile. They also have serious 4 wheel drive, 4 feet on the ground (most of the time) with claws to provide great traction. I've seen them charge up and down 50 degree pitches with no problem.
But the streets of Aspen seem to be a bit much for them. In a season with no snow why are most streets covered with two inches of ice?
I was just in St. Louis and the threat of sleet had trucks out laying down tons of salt to prevent icing. Chicago was equally aggressive about salting. Aspen doesn't use salt for some strange reason--probably to protect cars from rust and maybe help the water table BUT
I bet there are as many if not more visits to the ER for injuries due to slipping on ice as there are resulting from skiing accidents.
Damage to cars due to accidents from icy conditions.
Pain and suffering to dogs that blow out their ACLs trying to navigate the ice.
So how about a little bit of salt on a nice sunny day after a storm? It can't be good for business to have people heading to the ER with broken wrists instead of to the hills to go skiing. I am sure there will be some huge city liability as well when some car skids into a pedestrian at a crosswalk and kills them but couldn't stop due to the ice (oh yea and a very preventable loss of life).
If my dogs can't handle the ice (and they can't) then no one can. Buy some salt (not Mag chloride liquid which is just a mess) and put it down every now and then. The only loser will be the doctor at aspen valley hospital who casts wrists and repairs shoulders and the vet who repairs dogs ACLs.
I was just in St. Louis and the threat of sleet had trucks out laying down tons of salt to prevent icing. Chicago was equally aggressive about salting. Aspen doesn't use salt for some strange reason--probably to protect cars from rust and maybe help the water table BUT
I bet there are as many if not more visits to the ER for injuries due to slipping on ice as there are resulting from skiing accidents.
Damage to cars due to accidents from icy conditions.
Pain and suffering to dogs that blow out their ACLs trying to navigate the ice.
So how about a little bit of salt on a nice sunny day after a storm? It can't be good for business to have people heading to the ER with broken wrists instead of to the hills to go skiing. I am sure there will be some huge city liability as well when some car skids into a pedestrian at a crosswalk and kills them but couldn't stop due to the ice (oh yea and a very preventable loss of life).
If my dogs can't handle the ice (and they can't) then no one can. Buy some salt (not Mag chloride liquid which is just a mess) and put it down every now and then. The only loser will be the doctor at aspen valley hospital who casts wrists and repairs shoulders and the vet who repairs dogs ACLs.
Monday, January 15, 2018
on a lighter note
First off Whit is home, and a fast learner with crutches. Yea Whit. I fear the longer term challenges are sadly more mental than physical for the whole family. I will keep thinking SERENITY NOW for them while considering making some no handgun bumper stickers.
This list is best read while whistling along to always look on the bright side of life (thank you monty python)
1. I get to pay for my health insurance with a credit card--and its so expensive that I will earn enough mileage points to pay for a round trip ticket on United.
2. My son told me he listened to the entirety of Pink Floyd's The Wall while at school on Friday. The boy has great taste in music right? Who cares that 1 hour and 21 minutes of his school day was spent listening about evil mothers and rotten teachers.
3. I am spending so little time skiing that I am able to spend more time doing chores.
4. My son's science class assignment was to create his own periodic table representing information in a similar fashion as the data in a periodic table. We are lucky enough to have a president whose tweets lend themselves to a periodic representation. Thank you President Trump for helping with my son's science homework (that has got to be the first time that was ever uttered).
5. In an effort to go green (er) my dogs have taken to eating a lot of snow and ice resulting in massive diarrhea which means I don't have to use plastic poop bags anymore, just a quick hose down of their rears.
6. My daughter has 5 hockey games this coming weekend--thank goodness there is no snow to make me wish I was anywhere else than running the scoreboard at the rink.
7. Due to lack of snow the big mountain ski team has spent a lot time in the parks--my daughter can now throw a 180 or 360 at will. Cool right?
8. My wife is traveling again for work---more daddy rules means more captain crunch and simpsons on TV.
9. The financials on many of the companies I've looked at buying are so bad I don't have to waste time doing any significant due diligence.
10. Green (er) part 2--my son has stopped using shampoo and severely cut back on showers.
This list is best read while whistling along to always look on the bright side of life (thank you monty python)
1. I get to pay for my health insurance with a credit card--and its so expensive that I will earn enough mileage points to pay for a round trip ticket on United.
2. My son told me he listened to the entirety of Pink Floyd's The Wall while at school on Friday. The boy has great taste in music right? Who cares that 1 hour and 21 minutes of his school day was spent listening about evil mothers and rotten teachers.
3. I am spending so little time skiing that I am able to spend more time doing chores.
4. My son's science class assignment was to create his own periodic table representing information in a similar fashion as the data in a periodic table. We are lucky enough to have a president whose tweets lend themselves to a periodic representation. Thank you President Trump for helping with my son's science homework (that has got to be the first time that was ever uttered).
5. In an effort to go green (er) my dogs have taken to eating a lot of snow and ice resulting in massive diarrhea which means I don't have to use plastic poop bags anymore, just a quick hose down of their rears.
6. My daughter has 5 hockey games this coming weekend--thank goodness there is no snow to make me wish I was anywhere else than running the scoreboard at the rink.
7. Due to lack of snow the big mountain ski team has spent a lot time in the parks--my daughter can now throw a 180 or 360 at will. Cool right?
8. My wife is traveling again for work---more daddy rules means more captain crunch and simpsons on TV.
9. The financials on many of the companies I've looked at buying are so bad I don't have to waste time doing any significant due diligence.
10. Green (er) part 2--my son has stopped using shampoo and severely cut back on showers.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
brother-in-law shot
Yes you read that right. Coming home Thursday from walking the dogs I was greeted with the news that my brother-in-law Whit MacLaughlin was shot coming home from work Thursday night.
link to story Whit shot by mugger
Sadly this kinda stuff happens all the time. So much so that we stop giving it much attention. When it hits your family you take notice in a whole different way, and it makes your want to scream WTF.
Why mug anyone these days? No one carries any cash, and using the credit cards it a pretty good way to get caught. Taking the victimes phone is even stupider. In this case the mugger took Whit's phone and the find my iphone feature morphed into a capture my mugger app. Whit was IDing the mugger in the trauma ward before even being admitted to the hospital.
But that is not the WTF. WTF NRA. WTF 2nd amendment evanglistist. WTF about not being able to have an evidenced based argument.
To paraphrase Lynyrd Skynyrd handguns ain't good for nothing but putting a man 6 feet in a hole.
The declaration of independence was signed in Philadelphia not far from where Whit was shot. It states that 'we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.' A heavily armed society infringes directly on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. While I don't believe we should be taking away people's shotguns (2 rounds max) or single shot rifles, handguns and rifles with magazines are good for one thing ---putting a man 6 feet in a hole. Having a society full of people a trigger pull away from taking your life absolutely contradicts the words and intent of the declaration of independence.
Let me take a minute to poke some holes at the 2nd amendment advocates:
1. How often do you hear of a 6 year old kid stabbing their 4 year old brother to death? Every home has kitchen knives readily accessible, yet kids are not stabbing each other to death. Shooting each other, ya betcha.
2. When was the last mass shooting that didn't involve a high capacity rifle and or handgun? I'm not sure I can name a single one.
3. Ratio of good guys shooting the bad guys and saving lives vs criminal gun deaths--- I can't give you this number because the NRA has successfully lobbied Congress to prevent the study and creation of a database of gun violence. What does that tell ya?
4. Guns are necessary to protect citizens rights against the government. Don't be stupid like Whit's mugger--if you want to fight the US government you do it either at the ballot box or with IEDs. Taking an AR-15 to fight the US army is as stupid as walking around with a stolen iphone in your pocket.
I have a number of Aspen friends who hunt. I am not telling you to switch to a bow (although that is a very sporting choice) but I am telling you an unwillingness to improve your aim and supporting an unrestricted approach to the second amendment costs lives, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I hope you don't come home to the news that a family member has been shot walking home from work. And I hope that you would be willing to entertain a real conversation about limits on guns.
link to story Whit shot by mugger
Sadly this kinda stuff happens all the time. So much so that we stop giving it much attention. When it hits your family you take notice in a whole different way, and it makes your want to scream WTF.
Why mug anyone these days? No one carries any cash, and using the credit cards it a pretty good way to get caught. Taking the victimes phone is even stupider. In this case the mugger took Whit's phone and the find my iphone feature morphed into a capture my mugger app. Whit was IDing the mugger in the trauma ward before even being admitted to the hospital.
But that is not the WTF. WTF NRA. WTF 2nd amendment evanglistist. WTF about not being able to have an evidenced based argument.
To paraphrase Lynyrd Skynyrd handguns ain't good for nothing but putting a man 6 feet in a hole.
The declaration of independence was signed in Philadelphia not far from where Whit was shot. It states that 'we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.' A heavily armed society infringes directly on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. While I don't believe we should be taking away people's shotguns (2 rounds max) or single shot rifles, handguns and rifles with magazines are good for one thing ---putting a man 6 feet in a hole. Having a society full of people a trigger pull away from taking your life absolutely contradicts the words and intent of the declaration of independence.
Let me take a minute to poke some holes at the 2nd amendment advocates:
1. How often do you hear of a 6 year old kid stabbing their 4 year old brother to death? Every home has kitchen knives readily accessible, yet kids are not stabbing each other to death. Shooting each other, ya betcha.
2. When was the last mass shooting that didn't involve a high capacity rifle and or handgun? I'm not sure I can name a single one.
3. Ratio of good guys shooting the bad guys and saving lives vs criminal gun deaths--- I can't give you this number because the NRA has successfully lobbied Congress to prevent the study and creation of a database of gun violence. What does that tell ya?
4. Guns are necessary to protect citizens rights against the government. Don't be stupid like Whit's mugger--if you want to fight the US government you do it either at the ballot box or with IEDs. Taking an AR-15 to fight the US army is as stupid as walking around with a stolen iphone in your pocket.
I have a number of Aspen friends who hunt. I am not telling you to switch to a bow (although that is a very sporting choice) but I am telling you an unwillingness to improve your aim and supporting an unrestricted approach to the second amendment costs lives, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I hope you don't come home to the news that a family member has been shot walking home from work. And I hope that you would be willing to entertain a real conversation about limits on guns.
Friday, January 12, 2018
fun things --aspen style
Travel
Saturday I drove my daughter to and from hockey games in Vail. I returned driving through snow. total miles 210.
Sunday I drove my daughter to and from hockey games in Eagle. I left in a bunch of ice and snow.
total miles 155.
Sunday I flew to St. Louis to help my mom out with some stuff. time between returning from hockey and getting to airport to pack bag---3 minutes. Time I arrived at airport before flights --28 minutes. Time spent arguing with ticket agent to let me on plane when I was checking in less than 45 minutes before flight --5 minutes. Number of stops to get to St. Louis from Aspen --1 stop in Denver. Fun-----oh you betcha.
Return flight on Wednesday from St. Louis by was of Chicago. Delay--yup. Seatmate on flight smelling worse than any of the homeless people I served in Chicago over 15 years---you betcha. And he was angry and drunk too. But after take off and seat belt light came off (1 hour) I was able to move into an empty seat next to a guy. Nice guy. Modest guy. Asked about maybe going for a ride with me someday. He likes to ride road bikes. And his son skies with my son. Sure maybe a ride. His name is Scott Mercier ----yea that one. The one who refused to dope ---with US postal service. Humm think he might punish me just a bit for crowding him on flight. I think yes. Another one of those ohhh too modest Aspen folks. no dope scott
Skiing
Yesterday I skied with my wife. I gotta say I am starting to find skiing a bit dull. Is it me or the conditions? Great question and a bit of luck gave me the answer. I got off the gondola and ski patrol was announcing that they had just opened up Walsh's. I was maybe the 10th person all season down it. Steep, fresh deep powder (a bit heavy but who the heck cares) big flying superman turns. huge shit eating grin as snow blew in my face and flew from my tails.
Answer is the conditions were taking away some of the fun---bring back the snow and the fun comes with it.
And it's snowing today.
Warning --tomorrow's post is deadly serious.
Saturday I drove my daughter to and from hockey games in Vail. I returned driving through snow. total miles 210.
Sunday I drove my daughter to and from hockey games in Eagle. I left in a bunch of ice and snow.
total miles 155.
Sunday I flew to St. Louis to help my mom out with some stuff. time between returning from hockey and getting to airport to pack bag---3 minutes. Time I arrived at airport before flights --28 minutes. Time spent arguing with ticket agent to let me on plane when I was checking in less than 45 minutes before flight --5 minutes. Number of stops to get to St. Louis from Aspen --1 stop in Denver. Fun-----oh you betcha.
Return flight on Wednesday from St. Louis by was of Chicago. Delay--yup. Seatmate on flight smelling worse than any of the homeless people I served in Chicago over 15 years---you betcha. And he was angry and drunk too. But after take off and seat belt light came off (1 hour) I was able to move into an empty seat next to a guy. Nice guy. Modest guy. Asked about maybe going for a ride with me someday. He likes to ride road bikes. And his son skies with my son. Sure maybe a ride. His name is Scott Mercier ----yea that one. The one who refused to dope ---with US postal service. Humm think he might punish me just a bit for crowding him on flight. I think yes. Another one of those ohhh too modest Aspen folks. no dope scott
Skiing
Yesterday I skied with my wife. I gotta say I am starting to find skiing a bit dull. Is it me or the conditions? Great question and a bit of luck gave me the answer. I got off the gondola and ski patrol was announcing that they had just opened up Walsh's. I was maybe the 10th person all season down it. Steep, fresh deep powder (a bit heavy but who the heck cares) big flying superman turns. huge shit eating grin as snow blew in my face and flew from my tails.
Answer is the conditions were taking away some of the fun---bring back the snow and the fun comes with it.
And it's snowing today.
Warning --tomorrow's post is deadly serious.
Friday, January 5, 2018
new years resolutions and record breaking snow
A kinda interesting observation. In NYC and Chicago the first couple of weeks of January the gyms had about 200-300% more people than 'normal'. Everyone makes their resolution to eat right, drink less, and work out. And for about 10 days they are on it. And then they drift away and by the middle of February you are back to the same old gym rats.
In Aspen the gym population surges maybe 20-30% post new years. Seems the folks out here that are committed to working out work out. Resolutions are not made about working out in Aspen. They might revolve a bit more around the drinking, drugging and pooping on the floor of Bootsy Bellows (all of which should be done less or maybe even not at all).
There was a recent article in the paper talking about our recording setting snowfall---19 in total for Nov and Dec and nothing a week into January. Maybe not an all time low but pretty close. The snow conditions stink, but at least there are fewer people around post holiday opening up a bit more room on the limited terrain that is available.
And when you mix crap snow with argro parents who are paying for their kids to be on a big mountain freeride ski team as a coach you feel you have got to justify-explain what the kids are doing. So they shot a video of the big mountain team in action (my kids are missing because one was playing hockey and the other sailing during the shoot). Still enjoy.
AVSC big mountain team--drop into no snow
In Aspen the gym population surges maybe 20-30% post new years. Seems the folks out here that are committed to working out work out. Resolutions are not made about working out in Aspen. They might revolve a bit more around the drinking, drugging and pooping on the floor of Bootsy Bellows (all of which should be done less or maybe even not at all).
There was a recent article in the paper talking about our recording setting snowfall---19 in total for Nov and Dec and nothing a week into January. Maybe not an all time low but pretty close. The snow conditions stink, but at least there are fewer people around post holiday opening up a bit more room on the limited terrain that is available.
And when you mix crap snow with argro parents who are paying for their kids to be on a big mountain freeride ski team as a coach you feel you have got to justify-explain what the kids are doing. So they shot a video of the big mountain team in action (my kids are missing because one was playing hockey and the other sailing during the shoot). Still enjoy.
AVSC big mountain team--drop into no snow
Monday, January 1, 2018
I found my calling
my higher calling----my job---my passion ---my mission in life is................
to be a bouncer-doorman.
I worked the door at Shlomo's for the AVSC event Saturday and it seems I finally found what I was meant to do. Namely say No. My wife and kids would tell you I have been practicing the big No for years around the house but now I got to put it to work. Fantastic.
"My kids are inside, can I go in and find them? " No.
"I was on the Super G team--we won let me in." No.
"I am screwing the captain of the super G team. Let me in." No.
"I am setting up the lights for the party tomorrow let me in"No. Wait leave me your wallet and you can go in. (see how flexible I can be).
"I'm dale Earnhardt Jr." Yes you are and No. Wait I've got a wrist band---then Ok.
"I'm a fucking Kennedy and Shlomo has a table for me." No. After Shlomo dressed me down anyone who said they were a Kennedy got in (new secret password) including one guy with more grey chest hair than anyone should show off (shirt and ski jacket undone to navel) and one older women who flipped me the bird while rolling past me at 20 mph.
Best look might have been Bode Miller with child in one hand and bottle (baby bottle of milk) in other.
Toughest question I was asked. "on a scale of 1 to bumping how bumping is this party' ohhh its bumping and the answer is NO unless you pay for a ticket.
On the plus side I was able to direct many No's to another volunteer who sold them a wrist band of fun which allowed them to join the party. We raised an additional 2k with a firm yet friendly approach to access to the best party of the year.
I was also offered a job working security. I gave that a firm maybe.
And I got to work Lesley and Huner Hill who were most excellent and maybe even find a backup sailing teammate for my son (the youngest Hill).
Happy and healthy new year to you ---and there is no snow. My daughter spent the day in the park mastering her 180s and 360s but for the rest of you out of town skiers skip CO for now---its bare.
to be a bouncer-doorman.
I worked the door at Shlomo's for the AVSC event Saturday and it seems I finally found what I was meant to do. Namely say No. My wife and kids would tell you I have been practicing the big No for years around the house but now I got to put it to work. Fantastic.
"My kids are inside, can I go in and find them? " No.
"I was on the Super G team--we won let me in." No.
"I am screwing the captain of the super G team. Let me in." No.
"I am setting up the lights for the party tomorrow let me in"No. Wait leave me your wallet and you can go in. (see how flexible I can be).
"I'm dale Earnhardt Jr." Yes you are and No. Wait I've got a wrist band---then Ok.
"I'm a fucking Kennedy and Shlomo has a table for me." No. After Shlomo dressed me down anyone who said they were a Kennedy got in (new secret password) including one guy with more grey chest hair than anyone should show off (shirt and ski jacket undone to navel) and one older women who flipped me the bird while rolling past me at 20 mph.
Best look might have been Bode Miller with child in one hand and bottle (baby bottle of milk) in other.
Toughest question I was asked. "on a scale of 1 to bumping how bumping is this party' ohhh its bumping and the answer is NO unless you pay for a ticket.
On the plus side I was able to direct many No's to another volunteer who sold them a wrist band of fun which allowed them to join the party. We raised an additional 2k with a firm yet friendly approach to access to the best party of the year.
I was also offered a job working security. I gave that a firm maybe.
And I got to work Lesley and Huner Hill who were most excellent and maybe even find a backup sailing teammate for my son (the youngest Hill).
Happy and healthy new year to you ---and there is no snow. My daughter spent the day in the park mastering her 180s and 360s but for the rest of you out of town skiers skip CO for now---its bare.
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