Recently in Adolphus Category

Today marks 75 years since the day that the Cullen-Harrison Act, which raised the legal limit in alcohol from .5%, called near-beer, to 3.2%, and was the first step towards the end of the 14-year prohibition on alcohol, was passed. And while alcohol was still relatively easy to find during Prohibition, Chicago had around 20,000 speakeasies, the new tax on alcohol bolstered our economy. Our good friends in St. Louis, Missouri are celebrating, so why don't you? Raise a toast of Adolphus tonight, or you can get out!

You can read the article over here at CNN, or read some more history here.

I will never drink Adolphus light again.  Carlos Mencia you are now #1 on my list.  You will be joining Dr. Phil and Larry the Cable Guy.

In just two days, we will be uniting to form the MANY ROLES OF KURT RUSSELL.  For those of you who missed the first post, we will be uniting to form the MANY ROLES OF KURT RUSSELL at Amanda's house in Los Feliz this Saturday night.  Here's her address:

3424 Lambeth Street
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Here's a "Breakdown" of who's coming and which Kurt Russell they will be portraying:

- Minister of Media and Technology will be Jack Burton from "Big Trouble in Little China." 
- Minister of MOM will be Snake Plissken from "Escape from L.A."
- Minister of Competition will be solar explorer, Col. Jonathan 'Jack' O'Neil from "Stargate."
- Minister of Rousing will be Dean Proffitt from "Overboard."
- Minister of Interior Design will be Coach Herb Brooks from "Miracle."
- Minister of Letters will be Michael Zane from "3,000 Miles to Graceland."
- Minister of Defense will be McCabe from "Vanilla Sky."
- Future Minister and IFS blood relative Ryan Maughan will be Stephen 'Bull' McCaffrey from "Backdraft."
- Longtime Friend of IFS and forever welcome Guest Member Ben Persons will be Captain Ron from "Captain Ron."

That's nine Kurt Russells by my count, just shy of double digit Kurt Russells.  Now, I know that Health/Trade will be attending the party - so if he dresses up as a Kurt Russell, then we'll have ten Kurt Russells total.  Also, Philanthropy is attempting to shift his work schedule around so he can make it as well.  International Affairs, Maritime, Athletics and Shwayne, we haven't heard anything from you four so please comment on this post with your status.  Younger/Taller/Athleticer and Letters will be coming down from SB, and Media will be coming up from the OC, so finding a ride should not be a problem.  Also, here's some last minute costume suggestions that should be easy to throw together:

- As Jeff Taylor in "Breakdown," Kurt wears a Ralph Lauren polo tucked in to khakis, and cool sunglasses:

- Kurt wears a tux in "Executive Decision" and a black suit in Poseidon (granted, you'd have to jump in a shower for this one).
- Wyatt Earp - we still  need one.  Calls for a taller man with a strong mustache and a cowboy outfit, so I'm thinking Esteban.  Whoever takes this role, the all black getup would be the right way to do it.
- "Dark Blue" would be easy.  Black collared shirt, leather jacket, light blue jeans and black sneakers:

Anyways, just some ideas.  Like Competition commented earlier, this seems destined as Kurt Russell made a strong appearance on South Park last night.  I hope everyone can make it.  The more Russells the better. 

- Rousing

Ministers, it's time.  It's time to transform an exciting idea into a harrowing reality.  On October 27th, we will unite to become the MANY ROLES OF KURT RUSSELL.  Most of you know about this concept, and hopefully you are excited to be a part of it.  For those of you who are out of the Russell-loop (Shwayne), here's a few reasons why we will soon be uniting to become the MANY ROLES OF KURT RUSSELL:

1) Kurt is HANDSOME

2) Kurt is STRONG:

3) Kurt is NICE:

So, now that you know the WHO (KURT RUSSELL) and the WHY (ABOVE), here's the WHEN, the WHAT/WHERE and the HOW:

WHEN: October 27, 2007.  The Saturday evening before Halloween.
WHAT/WHERE: Halloween Party at Amanda's home in Los Feliz.  Call me for directions.
HOW:
1) Choose one of Kurt Russell's roles (some costume suggestions included as well): Stargate (buzz cut, army fatigues), Tombstone (strong mustache), Backdraft, Escape from New York (eye patch), Escape from LA (eye patch, surf board), Soldier, Captain Ron (hawaiin shirt, speedo), Breakdown, Poseidon (tuxedo, step in the shower), Big Trouble in Little China, 3,000 Miles to Graceland (Elvis costume and machine gun), Miracle, Death Proof, and many more - full listing and pictures here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000621/. 
2) This has to be an organized process, otherwise, we'd have 8 Captain Rons showing up to the party.  So, when you have selected your Kurt Russell role, please comment on this post with your name and your desired role.  This will be a first come, first serve basis; if someone has picked Captain Ron, then you CANNOT be Captain Ron.  Maybe you can be Stargate or Vanilla Sky instead.
3) Create your costume and wear it to the party.   All costumes will require strong hair (some of you have this, some of us will need wigs - modified mullet wigs should work).
4) Take pictures with the other Kurt Russells at the party.  These pictures will be very strong.

The more Kurt Russells, the better, so I hope that all of you can make it.  Please comment with your picks, and with any questions that you may have.  Hope to see you all there.

- Rousing

Today I made a first step towards investing in the stock market.  After asking around the office about good blue chip stocks, I gathered a list of potential companies I might like to invest in.  I invested in 2 shares of Budweiser stock.  About 100$.
I'll add more stocks to diversify the portfolio eventually, but I think investing in an old American company with a proven track record, quality product, and a bulletproof marketing strategy seems like good investment sense.
But until I can afford one share of Google stock (about $550), I'll be rooting for the Clydesdales to pull home a wagon of profit.
I know that based on the current consumption patterns within our organization, I can count on Americans to continue drinking Beer.  So tip back a cold one with me and keep an eye on that ticker. Stock Symbol: BUD

Just a reminder to all ministers...  "Chico the River Wild" is just a month away.  We are still planning on taking our next meeting on the road for Memorial Day weekend. Reservations have been made at the finest hotel Chico has to offer and reservations have been made at the world famous Sierra Nevada Brewery.  Be sure to pack a swimsuit, a bowling shirt, a healthy appetite, and a thirst for microbrew because you'll use them all. 

The exact dates are May 25th-May 28th.  A large passenger van will be rented and depart Los Angeles Friday night to return Monday evening for all Southern California ministers.  I'm posting this a month in advance to remind all ministers to get off work, turn in your homework early or pacify your girlfriend.  Mark your calendars!  This will be a great journey and I expect all ministers within a thousand miles to be there.  Mahalo.

So this was initially going to be a marathon info update, but as I was perusing through some new photos I dug a little deeper and found some jems that represent some major events that have occurred up until the upcoming 500th post (crossing my fingers). When I look at some of the photos that have been taken, it wets my appetite for the next party, the next meeting, the next trip, the next visit, the next buffet after a party, the first wedding...holy shit, the first wedding.

But first, a little marathon info update:

Most importantly, the date of the marathon is April 29th, from Big Sur to Carmel, 26.2 miles. If you are planning on attending, which I know some of you are, give me a call so that we can talk about the housing situation. About my training: after drinking myself into the flu and tearing a silver dollar sized blister on one foot and a quarter sized blister on the other during the Super Bowl weekend, training was postponed for a week. But I am proud to mention that since then, training has commenced, and is going strong, real strong. My weekdays consist of going to work around 8:30, running an average of 8-10 miles during lunch, back to work till around 6, then to the gym for weights and more cardio on the bike or elliptical. On the weekends I tend to drink too much to run the next day. On Tuesday I ran the farthest I have ever run, 16.7 miles at an average 8:30 minute mile pace. Although I did not adequately prepare for running this great of a distance (it was kind of a spur of moment thing for that days run, thus I did not load up on carbs or liquids the day before or even that morning) I rose above the cramps due to the 80 degree heat and poor preparation, and the muscle and joint aches to finish at a good average mile time, knowing that with better preparation I can shave some time. I leave this update feeling very confident in the way my training is going.

Before the photo collage, Old Kings Road tomorrow night with Jordan if any of you are up for it (note: no harsh words in this post, just a simple invitation, didn't want to hurt any of our sensitive members).

2007 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade I attended, where were you Curtis? I thought I saw you a couple of times but it wasn't you. All the same. These guys in the yellow body suits where my favorite.

Curtis and I with seasonal facial hair at Forbe's Island and Pier 39 during Christmas. Amanda was present, but I felt more like Curtis' date except for when they started hooking up while I was in the bed. Amanda insisted I sleep on the bed and not on the floor.

Thanksgiving 2006 at the Mesa House, my stuffed 24 lb. beauties. Josh would have been proud. Just like the pilgrims.

IFS Grapes of Wrath. Just the beginning. They didn't know what they were getting.

Through Curtis' and my eyes.

Nova and I at the Chargers game. Sorry about your face Rams. Thanks Morgan.

Halloween 2006.  

Allergies and the resulting patch test.

IFS the Exodus.

Baez and I's stunning win at the inaugural S.L.O.W. boccee ball tournament, with thanks to Simone in the first game.

2006 Solstice Day Parade. This man is getting married in a couple months?

Me at the grassy knoll. X marks the spot...oh god I'm going to hell.

IFS Vegas. Chuy (damn picture won't load but try this link Download CIMG0272.JPG).

Halloween 2005. The greatest Halloween ever.

Two times. Minister of Athletics, I had to remind you all why.