Burger Eating Contest

Boomerangs, a local joint, had a burger eating contest last weekend.  I knew that they make great angus burgers.  The real attraction was unlimited beer for the duration fo the contest.
I entered with little expectation that I might be a contender to consume 2-1/2 pounds of angus burger (plus fries, bacon, etc.).  However I knew that I could make up for it by drinking the (included) beer.

The winner finished in 10 minutes, 22 seconds.  Second place was over 16 minutes, third was 26 minutes.  Some might say that I finished last, since I ate only 1/2 pound of burger.  But I drank over seven pints of beer, exceeding my expectations by at least two pints, and came home with four half-pounders as leftovers!

Here's a photo and a link to the Boomerangs site

Where I learned to make Philly Steak Sandwiches

Golden Wheel-In ... Where I earned 85¢/hr!

This cowboy rode proudly atop the roof of a place that was originally called "Cottman Drive-In" and later renamed Golden Wheel-In.  In the neighborhood we just called it "The Custard Stand".  Located at the corner of the Philadelphia street where I grew up, they opened in the spring of each year, and closed shortly after labor day.
Half of the premises was devoted to selling frozen custard (what we now call soft ice cream); I worked mostly at the other end as a grill man.  Those skills come in handy ... the best place to get a Philly Steak Sandwich in San Diego is from my own kitchen!

My friend Neil sent this photo, saying it was found on the Internet.  I was surprised to discover that Bruce Clark, a nostalgic co-worker, has created a website devoted to our old employer.  The Golden Wheel In - Cottman and Large, Philadelphia PA
Frankly, I had long-ago forgotten about my work experiences there.  Bruce's photos and descriptions brought back a lot of memories.  I've sent an email to the address on GoldenWheelIn.com ... hope it finds its way to Bruce.

Give The Lady A Hand!

George wins this year's "Good Samaritan Award"

Good thing I was there to give this poor woman a boost.
(Outside of a shopping plaza in Palm Springs.)

La Quinta Art Festival

We stopped at this self-proclaimed "Best in the USA" art festival before driving home from the desert.  Artists from across the country set up tents to display their work.  Not a craft fair, this was definitely upscale stuff, and the upscale clientele had their upscale checkbooks out!

Jimmy Connors Teaches a Group Lesson

A dozen people were treated to something priceless ... a group lesson with legendary star Jimmy Connors.  All we could do was watch from next to the practice courts at Indian Wells Tennis Center.

Note, one of the great features of the BNP Paribas Open is the practice courts.  It's possible to get up close and watch your favorites work out with their coaches.

Gloria's Hero ... Roger Federer

Roger Federer draws a huge crowd, even if he's just practicing.  When Gloria sees him, she becomes speechless.  I hesitate to think where her imagination is taking her....

I captured this photo by propping the iPhone under a fence/windscreen right behind the maestro.


We enjoyed nice seats on a shaded balcony with option to retreat to an air-conditioned suite.  This year's weather was unusual, we retreated to the suite to get warm!

Palm Springs Follies

Everyone should see the Palm Springs Follies once.  Repeat visits are purely optional for young people; at our age they help to refresh the memory.

An amazing collection of geriatric show-people who simply can't bring themselves to retire.  Still good looking, entertaining, and fun.

Special guest performer was Lou Christie; you might remember his big hits  Lightnin' Strikes, I'm Gonna Make You Mine, Two Faces Have I, and others. 

I Was Strangled on the way to Palm Springs

We were on our way to the tennis tournament when Gloria attacked me!