Break Me Off A Piece Of That Crazy Japanese KitKat Bar

Thanks to Donald who brought me a bunch of crazy KitKat flavors from his trip to Japan:

Apple vinegar, apples & carrots, green tea, white chocolate (the most boring flavor in this group), the "I don't know WTF this is" according to Donald (which we determined is something with rice puffs and perhaps red beans) although the picture on the box suggests a meatball enveloped by a tater-tot, plums, dark chocolate with butter cookie, and... yes... soy sauce KitKats.

Just one missing ingredient: Hell Fire

Your Prayers May Be Rendered Invalid

After receiving a warning from beyond, I decided to observe the fast for the entire month of Ramadan. The month of fasting is followed by a communal Eid al-Fitr prayer service, followed by uncontrolled eating.

This year, several area mosque organizations arranged for a joint gathering and rented out the exhibition center for a crowd of what looked like several thousand believers, with a few doubtfuls mixed in.

Perhaps I need to consult with my favorite Saudi cleric to be certain, but I suspect that the prayers of thousands may have been rendered invalid by the banner of a liquor-sipping barelegged seductress in a house of games-of-chance in clear sight. In other words, Gamblin', Liquor, and Whores.

Mid 90s Turkish-Mexican Nicholas Cage

The artist who drew this portrait of me in Mexico in 1999 may have thought that I was Nicholas Cage from Kiss Of Death (1995).

Or perhaps someone from a Soviet propaganda poster from World War II. But of course, in Soviet Russia, portrait draws YOU!

Gamblin', Liquor, and Whores. And SEO

As a software engineer working mostly on the web, I have had to deal with the black magic art of SEO. But few people know my true love is the arts that include literature, music, and cinema.

So it was a pleasant confluence of concerns when I found out that I have fine-tuned the SEO value of the term Gamblin', Liquor, and Whores -- which I intend to make the name of my first yet-to-be-released album of the best music you will have ever heard -- as a way to find this very blog.

I suppose I can now also put SEO Expert on my software engineering resume.

Free Hi-Def Monitor with Gamer Chair

My generous neighbor decided to give a free Hi-Def monitor with a gamer chair to the first lucky person who wants it.

Reflections on Humanity, Economics, and Whores

While I appreciate honesty on the part of people who ask something of me, I do not think "Why lie, I need beer" or "Need cash for weed" merit my donation. Sorry, I can't support your bad habit. Unless...

This guy went for the unexpected. He also got points for politeness ("please"). I gave him a dollar for the privilege of taking his photo. Later I pondered that if he got someone to donate the full amount, he would have to sacrifice on quality in one of the two items he is requesting. (If I'm wrong about that, I would be interested in further information.)

See also: Reflections on Limitations

Coffee Receipt Of The Beast

While waiting to get some schmancy coffee drinks at a sidewalk espresso stand, I told a friend that I was considering not observing the ritual fast in the holy month of Ramadan this year.

According to Islamic tradition, it is said that during this month, the gates of hell are locked and the devils are chained.

My friend paid for our coffees and pointed out that the receipt had a warning for me.

Let him that hath understanding calculate the total of our bill.