Free bourbon samples

If that headline didn't get your attention I think you need another shot...

Summer is almost here so it's time for us all to get together for another one of our (in)famous Sip 'n Surf events! It's been a while since I hosted one of these babies so bring your friends and coworkers to blow it out.

The usual drill...

Date: Wednesday, June 4

Time: 5pm- 8pm (or whenever the "juice" runs out)

Location: Downing Street Pub (2549 Kirby Dr @ Westheimer, next to Taco Milagro)

Deal: Samples of Woodford Reserve Small Batch Bourbon, Drink specials featuring Woodford

Fine Print: Must be 21 years of age

You know how to sip. The surf part comes from the free WiFi at Downing Street Pub. Several companies will be displaying its high-tech wares like new cell phones, HDTVs, Blu-ray payers and more. Come check out the stuff and hang with friends.

Building New Media Room...Need to Sell Things

Next Saturday's radio broadcast should be interesting as Home Media Professionals will build out a new home media room in my house during our 3 hour show. Tune in and log on to our videoconference to listen and watch. We'll have manufacturer reps and experts to talk about products, design and installation so you can upgrade or redo your home.

Before I let this team into my house I need to clear some space. I joke that I live in a Dave & Buster's with all of the games we have. Apparently my kids don't have enough things to occupy their time besides Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii so we also have a pool table, air hockey table, full-size original Galaga and Ms. PacMan game cabinets and more. But it's time to clean house.

Before I put this on craiglist this week, let me know if you are anyone you know is interested in an authentic, working Galaga arcade game and cabinet. It stands 5 1/2" feet tall and takes up about a 6 sq. ft footprint (2' x 3'). It works and sounds great plus doesn't need any quarters. Send me an email for more details and a price. Let's make a dealio.

Saturday Triumph and Tragedy

I just spent a very long day working from the very north of town to way down south.

Before I began broadcasting my weekly radio program from Seabrook at 11am, I woke up in The Woodlands early this morning to emcee the 5th annual CB&I Triathlon. This is an extremely well-organized event and the weather this morning at the 7am gun was perfect - water temp was 76 degrees and the air temperature was no more than that.

It has been my job to start the many "waves" of the race (age divisions), keep the athletes excited as they enter and leave the transition area, and provide a "play-by-play" and running commentary at the finish line. I run marathons but don't have the stamina for triathlons and have the utmost respect for the participants.

I watched as kids as young as 12 crossed the finish line and grandparents finishing the swim-bike-run event with big smiles of accomplishment. But tragedy would mar the normal euphoric feelings expected by all the finishers.

A 51 year-old man died shortly after being pulled from the water, the first leg of the race. I've participated in many races and have acted as the emcee/host for many others; this was the first time something like this has occurred in the events I have been at and it is hearbreaking.

While the 900+ participants were entering and leaving the transition area, race officials were running to the water's edge asking spectators to clear space for emergency vehicles. As I was roaming near the near water with a handheld microphone one race official ran up to me asking me to calmy alert the family of the runner. He gave me the gentleman's race number which I quickly cross-referenced to find his name on the official entry list.

Because of the always cautious conditions of a triathlon with runners, bikers and swimmers crossing paths, I wanted to make sure the race continued as normal but had to make sure spectators were not running or gathering around the stricken runner near the shore. I kept a safe distance from the lifeguards and on-site emergency personnel though I could see a crowd of about 15 people circling the athlete while someone performed CPR.

Two ambulances were quickly brought in and about 30 minutes later the gentleman was put in one of the vehicles and taken away. An employee of the Community Associations of The Woodlands went to the hospital with the man. About an hour later I found out the gentleman passed away.

Life is fragile. My prayers are with his family.