Book Lovers' Poll
 

I saw something similar in a national event ten years ago. Our opponents were using a convention called "Albert Two Clubs" (which sounds like the nickname of a made guy from Jersey), but they quickly reached the right grand slam bid. We were minus on that board b/c most of the other partnerships didn't bid it correctly (most of the bids split between 6NT and 7H).

Under our opponents' system, the initial response under four spades was completely artificial (except for one natural bid, which I think might have been three clubs), showing specific point ranges and major suit distributions. It was an alertable bid, at least at the time. I have no idea now.

Hell, I'm not even sure I can play spades anymore.

CDF (former ACBL member)

Halle does Horror
 

New Halle preview for "Gothika"Link

CAT-sup and Need Help
 

I have been super busy these past few days and playing catch-up each late night without the opportunity to reply.

1. FUCK YOU Fugee -- I do not live in Wisconsin or have a cat infestation. I have overwhelming pussy. Short-hair. Speak into my dictaphone.

2. I need FB help. My step-uncle died yesterday. He was way cool. Loved riding the motorbikes and such. Let's just say that he and my aunt would send an x-mas card each year with a pic of them in leather at bike week. I don't do death well. OKay, I have trouble, um, feeling. I don't handle emotion well. I want to do something cool to honor him. Anyone know of a motorcycle ride I can sponsor in his honor? Something for kids or cancer or the heart association or something? No fucking jokes, please.


3. Hey Gwinky, do the chick hockey sweaters come with fight straps?



T(the last dude on QE has nothing on my "to self" mumbling)F

edit: Who needs fake ID? I got into bars at 14 and always dated dudes old enough to buy. Besides, we could cross the border and drink at 19 in the legal way -- not as much fun but much cheaper when you could get a Loonie for like $0.50 American.

CAT-sup and Need Help
 

I'm sorry about your step-uncle.

http://www.timeforlife.org/fundraising_ride.html
http://www.americanmotor.com/events.cfm

CAT-sup and Need Help
 

much-oh grassy-ass.

And thanks. I appreciate your help.

I will try them both.

I was kinda freaked when I was on a conference call and the receptionist came into my office and mouthed "your dad is holding....somebody died." True to my profession, I called him back later and said "this is a $50mil deal Dad, priorities you know." It wasn't sudden...but then again, it was.

It sucks is all I can say.


And, it would seem, I am 14% lazy. It informs me I am "not lazy enough to need help with a depanting. But that's cool."


people lazier than you (98%)
people just as lazy as you (0%)
people less lazy than you (1%)




Clearly I need to work on my slacking off.

FB Bridge Club
 

I have new crushes on str8 and Flinty, and a renewed crush on Chevy. Not that I've ever played at such a lofty level, but I do love to play. The SFC and I mostly play when we're with family, since none of our friends play. If any of you are ever in Stumptown, let me know and we'll break out the card table.

tm

Completely unrelated NB: Gordon Jump = Mormon.

7 bucks and a pack of smokes
 

I'm premium work? Wow, Fringey... I don't know what to say. I never thought you'd give me credit.

Goofy Post of the Day
 

I not only called you a bus. I offered to throw myself under you. If you're going to make obscure references to private conversations, you really should make the effort to misdirect the crowd, nutknuckle.

Tax(beep, beep)wonk

You can be the President; I'd rather be the Pope.
 

Oh man, you owe the whole fucking board a drink after that one, Sparky.

(Wish I could be) Lazy Test
 

If I were a trust fund baby, I would definitely not be a GA. I'd spend my time shopping, reading and writing checks to charities.

Because I may be the wealthiest person in the Fugee dynasty since they got off the boat, there is no trust fund in my future and I am only 50% lazy. Sigh.

Also, the book I would most like to see published would be authored by Fugee and have an Oprah's Pick cover blurb (not because I like Oprah but I'd want the sales). Alas, I am too lazy to sit down and write it.

Flinty is a doofus
 

str8

Hey, no argument from me, I am a doofus. In fact, I aspire someday to be a geek, and god willing, move out of my parents' garage and kiss a real live woman too.

your ever hopeful pal,

Flinty

Mystery Lovers' Hibernation Recommendation
 

Have you read Diane Mott Davidson (caterer protagonist, recipes included; the "lightest" of all the books), Jonathan Kellerman, Faye Kellerman, Sara Paretsky (I look forward to new books by all of them), Patricia Cornwell (but only the Kay Scarpetta ones, the rest stink)?

I'm partial to a group of non-Grisham legal thriller writers: Robert K. Tanenbaum (Manhattan ADA), Perri O'Shaughnessy (Tahoe sole practitioner), William Bernhardt (Okla. sole practitioner), Lisa Scottoline (all female firm), and Steve Martini (CA defense lawyer).

These writers all have a core group of characters that flow through the series.

None of these books will ever be described as great literature but the authors can tell a good story and they are good for hibernation.

Speaking of literature, the dead author from whom I would like to see a new book (hoping his estate finds a hidden mss.)** is the great Canadian author, Robertson Davies. If you've never read any of his work, I highly recommend it. "Leaven of Malice" is my favorite but they are all good.

**An Amazon search indicates the posthumous publication of volumes of his letters as well as other earlier books I've not yet read. Oh joy!

Book Lovers' Poll
 

Given the relative complexity/density of Sayers Dunnett etc. I can't think of anything historical fiction-y or mystery. However, if you are willing to branch out a little into semi-fantasy (or whatever genre it is; I don't recall anyone really having a lot of superpowers or anything) the George RR Martin books are long and fairly complex. It starts with A Game of Thrones and there are three books out with another that is supposed to be released sometime next year. Julian May's Galactic Milieu trilogy is dense (in a good way) also. It starts with Jack the Bodiless. I'd summarize the plots but it's been a while so it'd probably be more useful for you to look on Amazon if you are interested.

There are some cute mystery series but they tend to be ones that you can read in one sitting -- Karen Kijewski's Kat series; Julie Smith's series set in New Orleans. Definitely much fluffier than Dunnett, George etc.

I am (obviously) tired but if I think of anything I'll post.

Bachelor/BB4
 

dammit. i forgot this was on. dammit. i heart fat bob so wanted to see it. why dont you people remind me of these things? Synopsis please

but I am guessing it was on at the same time as BB4. ALl I can say is that Manolo Blahnik's stock just went up, a lot. That both of these gals are even bigger clanging assholes than I had thought, and I am glad the jury didnt congratulate them. and that Jun's Not Boyfriend appears to be the total stereotype. The show just left a really bad taste in my mouth. I may hav to go out for it next season to ensure it is good. Maybe Thurgreed would like to try out with me, and we can pretend we dont know each other and form a secret alliance, but pretend we hate eachother. if it would be pretending. . .