Kung Fu Baby!

Slug Bug, Punch Buggy, Punch Beetle

So here are the semi-official rules to the game. These are from wikipedia, where several other links are available to other variations of the game.

The Punch Buggy game is highly unstandardized, with each group of players adopting their own guidelines. The following set of rules should not be considered comprehensive, since each rule will have as many variables as there are people who play the game:

• Spotting a pink convertible Beetle earns bonus punches (usually one more, in addition to the regular one).
• When calling out lime-green colored Beetles, participants may (or in some cases, must) yell "punch buggy Doublemint!" (similarly, the call for yellow Beetles is "Juicy Fruit"). These names refer to types of chewing gum of the same color, respectively.
• When calling out old-style Beetles, the spotter may opt to repeatedly yell "Slug bug, slug bug!" while punching continuously, until another participant calls the correct color.
• A Beetle pulled over by a police officer or involved in a wreck earns bonus punches. A car part that is clearly identifiable as part of a Beetle earns bonus punches.
• A VW Bus (known as a double punch buggy or double punch beetle) earns the caller two punches.
• Car dealerships are generally considered off limits, although in some areas it is acceptable if a vehicle is spotted with a registration (such as when someone has clearly already purchased the vehicle).
• All Beetles in a car hauler (an open-air trailer truck transporting Beetles) are in play.
• If there happens to be a Cadillac within sight at the same time as the "slugging", the person getting hit may call "Slap back Cadillac!". This can only be done by the person originally being hit, since it is a slap back.
• If a player cheats (for example, calling a Beetle someone else has already played), opponents get three punches and call out "Three for cheating!"
• In some areas it is custom to call "false punch buggy (or Beetle)" if the color is called wrong or if someone has already used that color in the game. "False punch buggy" allows for five punches from the victim to the assailant that called the falsehood.
• Upon a new car ride, all previously used colors come back into play.
• Drivers of a Beetle are usually exempt from the game.

As with most regional, nostalgic, and highly varied games, each group of players tend to claim their own rules as being superior. As one long-time player said:
"As I've mentioned... I've been playing Punch Buggy for at least thirty-four years. That makes me somewhat of an expert on the subject, at least in my opinion." In regards to rule variations for the Punch Buggy game, even if smaller points differ by region and players, the general premise upon which the game is built remains the same.

This is for Cordell ;)

Favorite Restaurants - The Big Texan Steak Ranch

Not all of the restaurants I like are part of some large chain or franchise. This one is a stunning exception. The Big Texan Steak Ranch is located in Amarillo, TX on old Route 66. I had the pleasure of being introduced to this historic landmark in January 2003. Having heard about its main feature, a 72-oz steak dinner, I had to give it a shot. Well, as many of you know, I went, I ate, I left very full!

Part of the ambiance of the Texan is its architecture and decoration. You don't just go to eat, you go to see a throwback to the days of yore. You don't just get a steak, you get a dining experience. There isn't just one meal or entree that really stands out, for this is unashamedly a steak joint.

Here are some pictures from outside and inside. This is a place you won't want to miss. Just pull off of I-40 at Amarillo and...come hungry!

Favorite Restaurants - Olive Garden

I have heard almost all the arguments and broohaha about Olive Garden. "It isn't authentic." "It's the worst Italian food joint." Etc. Etc. Yet, it is hard to argue that Olive Garden isn't popular. Try to get a seat on a Friday or Saturday night and, while people may bad-mouth it, they will still go.

Personally, I love Olive Garden. I don't go to get the most authentic Italian food experience this side of Tuscany. Instead I go because I: like the food, like the atmosphere, and (in reference to our local establishment) like the waiters, waitresses, and managers.

While I haven't met anything on the Olive Garden menu which I don't like, there are some items that I do really enjoy. Here are a few of them.

I Recommend:

The Salad
Ok, just admit it, many of you think of salad and breadsticks when you think Olive Garden. That's ok, everyone does! The salad is great, though the lack of bleu cheese dressing and predominance of Italian does remind one of the type of cuisine that is featured by this franchise. Nonetheless, the salad is excellent, and anyone who frequents this place will be often found with a salad bowl in front of them.



The Soup
There are times that I like to get the soup instead of the salad. Now, I know I'm not known for being a soup guy. That has been pretty well established over the years. However, Olive Garden makes a soup that even I appreciate! It is called the zuppa toscana, which, to the best of my limited knowledge must mean Tuscan soup. (Don't quote me on that...just a hunch). Anyway, this thing is the most appetizing potato-based soup this side of home-cooked clam chowder. It is basically a potato soup with pieces of Italian sausage, some green leafy stuff, and spices. All I can say is "Wow" or maybe "Fill 'er up!"

Entrees
Soup, salad and breadsticks are all well and good, (especially if the breadsticks are accompanied by a small dish of alfredo dipping sauce), but the real reason one comes to Olive Garden is for the entrees (well, entrees and desserts!). I don't have the time or space to list every entree off of the menu, so I will content myself with listing a couple.

The chianti braised short ribs are absolutely delightful. If they weren't bordering on the pricey side, I would be inclined to get them every time I went to eat. The meat is so tender and juicy that it almost reminds one of dessert (well, at least it does me...remember, I'm the steak guy!). The attendant vegetables and potatoes serve to round out this particularly exquisite expression of culinary art.


The veal parmigiana is an example of the wonderful tomato-based pasta and meat line of entrees. While different than homemade sauces, the marinera/spaghetti/lasagna sauce is very nice. It goes well on all of the entrees it is served on.

I could list many other wonderful dishes which compete for my attention. The five-cheese Ziti is good, as is the seafood alfredo. You know, even the lasagna and spaghetti is great. So, don't be afraid to explore the possibilites afforded by the entree menu

Dessert
For a good restaurant (in my opinion) to really be classed that way, it must serve up the same quality of desserts as it does entrees. Here Olive Garden does not disappoint. I will list a couple of examples off of the menu, but really, you should try them all.

The tiramisu is the perfect compliment to a cup of coffee. (Speaking of which, I really like the flavor of Olive Garden's coffee...very nice!) I think my favorite part is the frozen custard section, but the espresso flavored lady's fingers are a nice touch as well. Though I think light or heavy should describe things other than food, the tiramisu would be classed as a light dessert.

On the other side of the coin, consider the black tie. It is rich, brash, bold and says "chocolate mousse" like its going out of style. While I am not a chocoholic, this fine piece of work has snagged me more than a few times. This, along with the cheesecake, holds down the "heavier" end of the menu.

So there you have it...a few pics and comments about another favorite restaurant. More to come!

Favorite Restaurants - Panda Express

In my experience, Chinese restaurants (and Asian in general) can be very hit and miss. Usually, they are local and unique to a certain city or town. My luck has probably run about 50-50. However, there is a fast-food Chinese stalwart that has always hit home runs for me. It isn't particularly fancy, it is almost assuredly not authentic (at least as I understand Chinese food), but when I have a hankering for some Chinese, I think Panda Express. My usual fare is the 3-entree meal which includes three entrees (bet you never would have guessed that) and chow mein, fried rice, or a combination of both.


I Recommend:

Kung Pao Chicken
I am sure there are as many varieties of Kung Pao chicken as their are Chinese restaurants. Panda's is the perfect combination of spicy (via the dried red chili peppers), nutty (compliments of the peanut tribe), and vegi (yes...there are some of those healthy yellow and green things in there). If you choose to eat the peppers, be prepared for a decent kick in the mouth as they pack a bit of a zing!


Mandarin Chicken
This is probably my favorite chicken dish. It consists of small chicken strips, initially cooked in some kind of teryakki (however you spell that!). There is a mandarin sauce that most people choose to put on it, thus inspiring the name for this delectable dish. My preference is to eat it without the mandarin sauce, simply enjoying the taste of the chicken.



Orange Chicken
This entree forms a runner up to the first two, at least for me. It is very good in its own right, but perhaps lacks that certain something to be listed in the top two. The chicken pieces are breaded and the orange sauce is already applied. The last time I was at Panda, the mandarin chicken was going to be a few minutes, so I opted for the orange chicken. I wasn't disappointed.

Favorite Restaurants - Outback Steakhouse

It will come as no surprise to many of you that I like steak. You will then not be surprised that I like Outback Steakhouse. Sure, it is a chain restaurant, but hey, when you're traveling, isn't it nice to know what to expect for a meal? I like the atmosphere at Outback. It is simple, rustic and down-to-earth. From Washington to Florida, one can expect good food at a reasonable price.

I Recommend:

Tassie's Buffalo Chicken
I like chicken and I like buffalo sauce. Outback's version is different than the average, their buffalo sauce having a unique flavor. Scrumptious!


Prime Minister's Prime Rib
This is probably one of the best examples of prime rib I have had outside of privately owned restaurants. It always seems to be a good cut and is not too salty.


Mum's Chopped Steak
This is a good meal for a good price. It consists of a chopped steak hamburger placed atop a mound of mashed potatoes and drizzled in a wonderful marsala sauce. I even got one for free one time! (But that is another story ;)


Sydney's Sinful Sundae
So, you start out with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Next you drizzle hot fudge and toasted coconut over it. Finally, you put a dollop of whipped cream on top and add some strawberries. What's not to like?

Another Favorite Car

There is another car that turns my head when I see one go by. It is called the Chrysler Crossfire. As with several of the other cars I like, I've not had the chance to drive one of these. But, based on their appearance, I'd say it would make my Top 10 list.

V-Dubbin'

One of the joys in life that I discovered after moving from Alaska, was that of me, my car, and the open road. During the last few years, I have been blessed with the chance to drive my car through 36 of the 50 states. While Hawaii seems out of the question, the others may one day be host to a crazy Alaskan and his '98 V-Dub!

The red states are ones I have driven through,

The yellow ones are yet to be explored!

Top 5 - Cars

Growing up, I used to always try to pick my favorite of anything. Here are my top five cars, though I won't say top five of all time, because my knowledge of older ones is quite limited. For instance, after watching Pixar's Cars I thought the Hudson Hornet looked really cool...but I don't know much about it.

The Fine Print:
This is the Top 5 list excluding the New Beetle. Since I own and drive a New Beetle, I am extremely biased. It takes the spot above the Top 5!

No. 5 - Jeep Wrangler

Ok, I'll admit it. I have always liked Jeeps. While not really fond of the Cherokee line myself, I do like the Wranglers. Why, I don't really know. They are definitely one of the first SUV's. They do have a great history, especially in WWII days. Maybe it's because I have driven one, or maybe because I took a short road trip in one. Really, I'm not entirely sure. If I needed to go on back country roads more often, I think I'd end up with one of these.

No. 4 - Dodge Charger and Charger R/T

Since its introduction (or re-introduction), the Dodge Charger has grown on me. At first I considered it simply another retro model, and not being really familiar with the original Charger, it left me unconcerned. What happened was this: I began noticing that I was doing double-takes every time a Charger went by. I began scanning Chrysler and Dodges dealerships for Chargers as I drove past. This last March I had the chance to ride in one and was not disappointed. The best part is that it is a 4-door, while its main competitor (as I see it) is the 2-door Ford Mustang. A practical sports car? Sweet!


No. 3 - Mini Cooper S



I am beginning to notice a pattern in my favorite cars. Here is another retro car, descended from a long and successful lineage in British racing and driving. This is another car that I have found to be a head turner. I notice them when I am on the freeway, the highway, or the driveway. They are rather iconic and unique. This would definitely be my Beetle replacement, if no New Beetles were available. They are reportedly quick and feisty, and I would LOVE to take a road trip in one.


No. 2 - Aston Martin Vanquish



I was introduced, at least to the best of my knowledge, to the Aston Martins by none other than that quintessential British spy, James Bond. Prior to seeing these cars in the movies, I hadn't really seen much of them. I still know little about them and their performance, but they sure do make a sweet looking ride! I'd drive one in a heartbeat, but I wouldn't want to own one. Gas prices, insurance, and the constant "worry-factor" would preclude it from my "want to own" list, not to mention the aquisition price!


No. 1 - Ferrari 360 Modena and 575 Maranello



I make no apologies for placing two Ferraris in first place. Since I first saw a picture of a 360 Modena, I have been in love. Have I ever driven one? No, or you surely would have heard about it by now! Do I know much about them? Not really. The extent of my knowledge is that gleaned by occasional and very random test drive articles. But this I know, it is definitely a Ferrari...and that means one thing: Suh-WEET! The 575 Maranello is a close second to the Modena for me, and shares the same numero uno spot. Like that Aston Martin, I wouldn't want to own one, for the same reasons listed, but oh what a sweet set of cars they are!


Grand Prize Winner! - New Beetle



Ok, so how does one make a Top 5 list and then list a sixth car? Well, it is quite easy really. Just add another picture... For me, the New Beetle holds a place that is quite distinct and unique from other cars. It is unpretentious and practical (unlike the Ferraris and Aston Martin), is a retro re-introduction of a well known and loved car (like the Mini Cooper and Dodge Charger), and has tons of headroom* (like the Jeep Wrangler). It is not without its faults, weaknesses and foibles. However, I would drive a New Beetle until the whole thing fell apart...(wait a sec, isn't that what I'm doing?). Anyway, I love these little cars, and the only things I would replace my '98 New Beetle with would be an '07 New Beetle in Salsa Red. See, I told you I was biased!

* The headroom comment is based on the author's experience and refers to the front seats only. The backseat headroom falls under weaknesses!

Favorite Verse/Book of the Bible

I wanted to do a short poll (poll-itto?!...heh, heh) on people's favorite book of the Bible and maybe their favorite verse as well. Let me know yours and then I'll post mine...

Presidents' Day Weekend - Part 19

And the Presidents' Day weekend finally draws to a close. The moon rises and the Veendam pulls away from the dock...

Presidents' Day Weekend - Part 18

After getting "skunked" our first two nights at Mallory Square, we finally got a real, honest-to-goodness Key West sunset. I guess the third time really is a charm...

Presidents' Day Weekend - Part 17

An Auto-portunity

The re-introduction of the new Ford Mustang and the same with the Dodge Charger have positioned both of these vehicles as direct competitors. As we were walking the docks at Key West, I happened to see these two parked next to each other and, voila!, a photo opportunity!

Presidents' Day Weekend - Part 16