My precious daughters and I were watching an old Betty Boop cartoon (transferred from the original nitrate to 1080p) which included a sign for an electric razor priced at “6 1/2 bits”. Knowing “two bits” represents a quarter dollar, making one bit ⅛ of a dollar, I wondered if a “bit” in computer-terminology was etymologically related. They are not. The ⅛ of a byte bit is shorthand for “binary digit”– a term which won out over such competing candidates as “bigit” or...
It is very unfortunate to see how casually bad words are spouted publicly these days. This response to an answer on Quora made me viscerally angry. Is this an “I know them when I see them” sort of filter, or does this man have a list of all the “bad” words? In any case, how dare he levy such a judgment against any element of speech between sapient beings! The sanctity of free communication must be inviolable. What could he...
My evening begins with Tinder. Ron right? r you free to hook up for coffee sometime? u seem like my kinda guy. 2 many weirdos on here tho so im gonna delete. Anyway u should text me at 123 456 7890 Spokeo is my friend. Pittsburgh burner, registered to a male. Multiple priors. At least you’re a fellow Pennsyltuckian. Yeah, too many weirdos. Tried to get taxes done tonight. Found out the 401k (early-withdrawal due to previous employer closing its...
For an “alcoholic”, there is only one problem– alcohol. At that first AA meeting, when I raised my hand and said, “I’m Quinn and I’m an alcoholic”, I bargained with myself that it was some sort of truth. Major regrettable events had transpired which, without alcohol, would have been mere forgettable incidents. I have problems associated with alcohol, like a racist has problems associated with race. So, I’m an alcoholic, right? No, I’m not– and I won’t call myself that again. I’ve...
Second night at AA. I didn’t talk much this time beyond the obligatory “I’m Quinn and I’m an alcoholic”, “Hi, Bill”, “Thank you, Bill.” I gave my number to a good looking guy, my age or (probably) younger. I am regretting this. It brings on the kind of anxiety I had when the ex-wife and I gave our number to a “friendly” waiter at Raj Mahal who turned out to be an Amway drone. That’s what AA reminds me of– a cult. Not in...
“My name is Quinn and I’m an … alcoholic.” Most of those present seemed to assume the pause before the term was because I was loathe to admit such a condition, but it was only that I wasn’t sure of the definition and did not want to misrepresent myself. I was able to explain this later, in a lengthy rant where I used the terms “modern drunkard” and “high-functioning sociopath” and essentially said “This is not going to work– for me.” Kinda brought...
Never knew what I wanted to do with my life. That’s why I’m here with, well, with her. When I first heard “La Grange”, I didn’t believe it was ZZ Top. I know them as “Legs” and “Sharp Dressed Man” and that kinda jerk-it video shit from the 80’s. But, it was. It was them. They’re good. Maybe they stole that riff from Muddy Waters or somesuch Blues master. I dunno– but it’s good, and I wanted to play it....
Fun encounter with the fairer sex this morning. Went outside my apartment to the Farmer’s Market that usually serves only to deprive me of parking on Friday night. Browsed a little, then to the java stand. The pretty twenty-something compliments my “Frozen” shirt with a giggle and asks what I’d like. “Well … I’ve been craving a BBC. A big–” [beat, anxiety on her face] “black …” [beat, eyes widen] “… coffee.” She laughs. Funny she knew the acronym– maybe she’s...
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One response to “BBC”
Quinn,
It’s been a long while since I have sat and observed your scrabble in a smoke-filled room just off from the main bar.
The bartender is lonely and serves drinks to the dust in the wind. So thirsty.
Decades have gone, yet a Q10 is still special for some reason. Changes and no changes, you live.
-Guru