Archive for November, 2009

Stop Sign

I sent the following email to Mayor Francis Slay. I also sent it to the St. Louis Streets Department and the Clayton/Tamm neighborhood.

Dear Mayor Slay,

I realize most democrats are focused on health care reform and other social services these days. But I think public safety should also be a consideration.

I discovered this beauty of an intersection from the backseat of a cab on the way home from a Halloween Party.

Sure I drive. But I decided to leave my car in the Central West End that night after consuming several beers and an over-priced martini.

Last Saturday, I found the tree still blocking the view of the stop sign. I can’t tell you the intersection but I can give you directions.

If you’re walking out of Arena Liquor on Hampton, there will be a BBQ joint across the street. I think it’s called “Smokin Al’s,” or something.

Anyway, the stop sign disguised as a shrub tree is a few blocks east down the side street.

I would say, “You can’t miss it,” but it’s like playing a game of I Spy.

And please don’t judge me for using a liquor store as a landmark. I was unsure if I had enough beer for the day, so I walked up to Arena Liquor for a 12-pack. You know, for a back-up.

I almost needed it, too – had we not opened the bottle of sake at sundown.

On a side-note, could you please speak with Congressman Lacy Clay regarding the health care reform bill? Tell him that his constituents would appreciate a pork project to study why some men wet the bed after drinking too much.

Thank you in advance for your attention to these important matters. And as always, carry the one.

Benny

We run like a river. Run to the sea.

No Parking

Every Breeder’s Cup weekend, I’m reminded of how Frankie Dettori jacked me out of a big score in the 1998 Classic. I know everyone remembers the stretch drive of that race, but let me vent for a second.

I was having a good day. And then I let everything ride on a 6-1 shot named Swain.

Sure, the horse had only raced in Europe before being shipped to Woodbine. And I had never heard of his jockey, Frankie Dettori, either. But I can read a Racing Form.

At the 1/8 pole, I was on my way to the windows to collect – until I saw Dettori keep going to the left-handed whip – while his horse kept running to the right.

I haven’t ridden many horses in my life – but I think if your horse is running to the right – and you want him to turn left – you would use a right-handed whip.

But not Frankie – he kept hitting the horse on the left-side like he wanted something from the concession stand.

Swain finished third that day. And I left the track broker than a 1970’s child actor.

In case you’ve never seen it – here’s the stretch drive.

SOB’s 2009 Breeder’s Cup Picks:

Juvenile Turf
1. Becky’s Kitten
2. Buzzword
3. Interactif

Turf Sprint
1. Diamondrella
2. California Flag
3. Silver Timber

Sprint
1. Gayego
2. Zensational
4. Fleeting Spirit

Juvenile
1. Noble’s Promise
2. Aikenite
3. Lookin At Lucky

Mile
1. Justenuffhumor
2. Goldikova
3. Delegator

Dirt Mile
1. Chocolate Candy
2. Bullsbay
3. Mastercraftsman

Turf
1. Spanish Moon
2. Conduit
3. Dar Re Mi

Classic
1. Einstein
2. Summer Bird
3. Richard’s Kid

I made these picks for a friend heading to an OTB tomorrow. But, hey, if you have access to a wagering establishment, take a shot.

I would just shy away from the Frankie Dettori mounts.

Have you ever gone to get a haircut – noticed the only stylist available was the Indian woman that always hums Hindu songs in your ear – and then went home and cut your own hair?

Me neither.

The Rangers had a homecoming in Harlem late last night. And the Magic Rat drove his sleek machine over the Jersey state line.

Best Costume of the Night

“I told that Kraut a fuckin’ thousand times, I don’t roll on Shabbos!”

I went to the Halloween street party Saturday night in the Central Rear End. This guy had the best costume.

I went as a drunk version of myself. For my big finale, I waved good-bye to the crowd as I fell into the backseat of a cab.

Stupid martinis.

Oh, and I didn’t start my new exercise program on Sunday.

Shocker.

- The Big Lebowski – A few scenes with The Dude and Walter. NSFW

Oh baby don’t it feel like heaven right now. Don’t it feel like something from a dream.

©2011 The Summer Of Benny, All Rights Reserved