Wed 11.05.08 - The afternoon after the Presidential Election 2008, Alex's Bar's Jackie O and Alex Hernandez give their opinions on the Election.

Video by Jenifer Hanen and captured with a Nokia N82.

Photo by Ms. Jen with a Nokia N82 on Tues. 11.04.08.

I'd like to make something clear to all of you who have friends that work in the wonderful world of bartending. Let me start of by saying that my tone is not malicious but maybe I gotta explain it to you like you're twelve. Not that it's something to be ashamed of because no one handed you a bar patron handbook. (and that's pay-tron, not pah-tron like the tequila.) The thing I speak of is money. First off, if you don't have it don't venture out to the bar. That's rule number one. Unless of course you're a lovable sleezebag and your friends live to buy you beverages because it even makes them appear cooler. Secondly, just because you know the bartender from yoga class or High School it does not entitle you to a lifetime supply of hooch when they're working. Unless you hear the words "I got it" come out of your faithful companion's mouth be prepared to pull out some cash. And then once he's comped or paid for your shot... still pull out some cash. The exception of course is when you open a tab right away WITH your credit card. (Just because you guys went naked ice blocking once doesn't mean you won't forget to pay your bill.. in fact, even more reason to be cautious.) To put this all into perspective, think about where you work. Now imagine your friends yelling at you from across the room to get you more of what you're selling and then expect it at no charge. A little annoying isn't it? Point being, your friend the whiskey slinger does not own the product that is being sold. The owner does. Now if the owner is your best friend that may be a different story. But you'll have to ask him about that.

A sincere congrats to the organizers of last night's Long Beach Loop, who provided a nearly seamless night of fun, drinks and adventure for fans of music and Jäger alike. Ten dollars got you a wrist band and a lei from Jägermeister; the wrist band got you admission all night on the Big Red Bus ("I feel like I'm on vacation!" said one rider) as well as the door cover at the Pike, the Prospector and Alex's Bar; the tag from the Jäger lei got you one ice cold shot of Jäger. While I didn't make it to Alex's for Valley Arena (enjoying too much beer and coversation in the dining room at the Prospector) or dios malos (same again), what I did catch--the always lovely Year Zero at the Pike, Greater California turning in what sounded like a Yo La Tengo cover (???) at the Prospector, and later Free Moral Agents melting the minds of everyone in attendance at the Prospector--was unquestionably one of the best nights out I've ever had in these parts. Bravo to all bands, bartenders, bus drivers and bar owners who participated in the event. Let's have another one again soon!

Mon 09.08.08 - Video of Alex telling us about the plight of Long Beach cab drivers in this time of high gas prices... ;o)

Video'd by Ms. Jen with her Nokia N82 camera phone.