Extreme Thumb Wrestling OR Yubizumo Yokozuna

I recently became acquainted with a young lady who is without question the best thumbwrestler I have ever faced. I had considered myself a relatively formidable opponent, but I now have cause for doubt. The person in question claims to have only been beaten once, by a soccer player in Hong Kong with exceptionally well-developed digits. I am not usually THAT competitive, but after numerous defeats I began wanting just one victory, to somehow redeem myself from the shame. One fateful night a while ago I asked for a rematch. On a bridge over a busy city street the battle ensued. And I held my own for a good 60 seconds or so. But then, with a surprise maneuver my thumb was rendered temporarily immobile, and the ten count began. In a moment of panic I lost control, like a child being tickled to the brink of temporary insanity. Before I knew what had happened, I had elbowed my opponent in the face. The shock loosened her vice-like grip on my thumb, and, miraculously, at that very moment I was able to seize the opportunity my spasm had afforded me and get the coveted pin. Though the path was not entirely nobly trodden, there were no intentional fouls committed and thus my conscience is clear. When I told a friend of my somewhat tainted victory, he replied coldly, "The end justifies the means." As it happens, he too had suffered defeat too many times to count. I think he found some vicarious satisfaction in my triumph. Perhaps all the more so because it was dirty.

Location Location Location

Location Location Location, originally uploaded by Hack Rambler.

Apparently this is the place to go, judging strictly by the sign. Now I have joined the elite few who can say they've been there. And I wasn't even looking for it!

THIRTY

THIRTY, originally uploaded by Hack Rambler.

Now accepting congratulations and condolences. Thanks to all who have sent emails or posted comments to wish me a happy birthday. If you want photos, you should go to www.mindyourmillers.blogspot.com, August 18th post. I am pretty sure Mr. Miller has more pictures of me than I do. I feel loved. Thanks again, sir.

Fire in the Sky

Fire in the Sky, originally uploaded by Hack Rambler.

Besides the beach, I have also gone to see fireworks twice in the last two weeks. Both involved herds of people and hoards of alcohol. And burning. The fireworks themselves didn't impress me much, but the friendly festival atmosphere makes it worthwhile. Not many better chances to talk to lots and lots of random people. Good times.