Requenes.com

How to Make a Good Martini

I won't say I make the world's best martini, or even a superb martini, but I do make them better than most you buy at a bar. And since I don't charge $15 for mine, I'd say you're in for a treat when I hand you one, in all its cold, clear goodness.

I Thought of This

My idea for caffeine test strips has been realized.

For All Intensive Purposes

Two days ago, someone at work sent out a near-company-wide e-mail describing Clinton-Obama nomination scenarios. It was addressed to all analysts and portfolio managers, with instructions to NOT FORWARD OUTSIDE THE COMPANY! I'm not an analyst or a P.M., so I don't know why I got it. I'm glad I did, though, because of one particular phrase it held.

"If Obama wins there [in Pennsylvania] - it is probably over for all intensive purposes"

Oops! "For all intensive purposes." I love that, and feel so superior (I'm embarrassed to say).

Avis: We Try Harder (to Screw You)

I'll make this short. A recent car rental from Avis, Austin Bergstrom International Airport. Cost of three days' rental: $66. Added fees and taxes: $38 -- an additional 57 percent! Including $10.50 because I didn't have a receipt to prove I had filled up the tank. Apparently, the gas gauge pointing well above 'F' doesn't count.

Max's Day in Court

None of the other defendants in Room 4 of the Traffic Violations Bureau, Manhattan North, Judge Schiavo presiding, had asked to cross examine the police officer who had given us all tickets, but I did.

I (Too) Feel Bad About My Neck

"Has anyone ever told you you have a beautiful neck?", the somewhat cute upperclass-chic asked me as I waited to be fitted for a marching band uniform. Uh, no. "I wonder why," she answered sarcastically. Thanks. And ouch. How do you come back from that?