USMB Coffee Shop IV

[Foxfyre]

Goodnight darlinks. I really do love you guys.

And we continue to pray and/or send good vibes and/or keep vigil for:

Harper (Save's granddaughter),
Pogo’s friend Pat and special comfort for Pogo,
Freedombecki and Becki’s hubby,
GW's daughter, her friend Sachendra, and Sachendra's husband Bob and son Gary.
Noomi!!!
Nosmo's mom,
Ernie's stop smoking project,
Sherry’s Mom,
Rod, GW's partner,
The Ringels in difficult transition,
Boedicca's Dad,
Foxfyre's friend Dana and Aunt Betty,
Etherion and his grandma,
Gracie and Mr. Gracie in a difficult transition,
Kat's mom and her sister,
Saveliberty for wellness,
Ringel's Gizmo,
Hombre for wellness,
All of us and those we care about who are looking for work,

And the light is left on for Alan, Noomi, Freedombecki, Oddball, and all others who need to find their way back.

Christmas City, Bethlehem PA

 

[Ernie S.]

I had fun tonight! Doc's had it's Christmas party tonight. We hired stand in bartenders and security and staff was on the outside of the bar tonight. Several had WAY too much to drink. One guy, not a regular at all, bothered me from the first moment I saw him. I told security to keep an eye on him because my spidy sense is pretty damned spot on. Sure enough, he got belligerent, then tried to walk out on a $40 tab. Security stopped him outside and it got a bit physical until he saw that there were 4 guys that would hurt him if he didn't come back inside, pay his tab and tip his bartender heavily. So he's back inside and seemed calmed down when he threw a punch at the head of security. My guy managed to dodge the punch and I grabbed the guy and took him to the floor. the way I had him he couldn't reach his right pocket but was surely trying. I patted him down and felt a knife in his pocket. My security guy was about to turn out his lights when I told him "I got this, just take his knife."
The guy calmed down so after telling him quietly that if he decided to come at me he would not be walking out the door, I let him up so he could pay up. Instead of reaching for his wallet, he went for my security guy. They both hit the door and ended up in the men's room. I figured I would let my guy enjoy himself, so I blocked the door. Sure enough, 30 seconds later, my guy pushed the ass out the door of the restroom with blood streang from his nose and into the arms of the other security guy who just happens to be over 6 foot and 400 pounds. He paid his tab, and was escorted out the door. SOB can't find his car keys. After a search, we found them up against the wall. They probably got loose when we took his knife.
For once, we didn't offer to give the guy a ride or call him a cab, preferring to leave him at risk of a very expensive Alabama DWI.
I'm fine and and feel somewhat younger. Everyone else is fine and the only injury is a bloody nose.
Funny that when I had this guy down, my partner is telling me to get out of the situation. He was concerned about the 67 year old tussling with a guy half his age until I told him I was having a blast.

 

[Kat]

Glad you are okay, Ernie!

 

[saveliberty]

Packers win! Let's all group hug!

... and in dramatic fashion too.

 

[saveliberty]

I had fun tonight! Doc's had it's Christmas party tonight. We hired stand in bartenders and security and staff was on the outside of the bar tonight. Several had WAY too much to drink. One guy, not a regular at all, bothered me from the first moment I saw him. I told security to keep an eye on him because my spidy sense is pretty damned spot on. Sure enough, he got belligerent, then tried to walk out on a $40 tab. Security stopped him outside and it got a bit physical until he saw that there were 4 guys that would hurt him if he didn't come back inside, pay his tab and tip his bartender heavily. So he's back inside and seemed calmed down when he threw a punch at the head of security. My guy managed to dodge the punch and I grabbed the guy and took him to the floor. the way I had him he couldn't reach his right pocket but was surely trying. I patted him down and felt a knife in his pocket. My security guy was about to turn out his lights when I told him "I got this, just take his knife."
The guy calmed down so after telling him quietly that if he decided to come at me he would not be walking out the door, I let him up so he could pay up. Instead of reaching for his wallet, he went for my security guy. They both hit the door and ended up in the men's room. I figured I would let my guy enjoy himself, so I blocked the door. Sure enough, 30 seconds later, my guy pushed the ass out the door of the restroom with blood streang from his nose and into the arms of the other security guy who just happens to be over 6 foot and 400 pounds. He paid his tab, and was escorted out the door. SOB can't find his car keys. After a search, we found them up against the wall. They probably got loose when we took his knife.
For once, we didn't offer to give the guy a ride or call him a cab, preferring to leave him at risk of a very expensive Alabama DWI.
I'm fine and and feel somewhat younger. Everyone else is fine and the only injury is a bloody nose.
Funny that when I had this guy down, my partner is telling me to get out of the situation. He was concerned about the 67 year old tussling with a guy half his age until I told him I was having a blast.

I am fond of creating 180 degree elbow movement.

 

[boedicca]

Howdy USMB Coffee Shop PEEPS!

Hiya Boe. How's everything in your part of the world?

Rather Groovetabular, hun.

I decorated our house a week ago, and am really enjoying a calm and cozy Christmas season. It's the first time in a few years that we haven't had a construction or painting project - or some family or work drama to conflict with holiday enjoyment.

Right now, I'm diggin' on the Carpenters' "Close to You" special on KQED. Funny enough, our first Christmas in our house, the same special was on while I decorated our tree.

Sounds great. We're looking forward to a quiet and uncomplicated Christmas this year. The kids won't be home and though we'll miss that, it does definitely allow for more free time to just be. I am looking forward to a Christmas in which everybody is well, we have no serious pending issues, no major complications, etc. Dinner with local loved ones Christmas Eve, a come and go thing at my sister's Christmas Day and then just kick back. I'm looking forward to it.

We're doing something similar - family party at my brother's house (we have a brand new baby nephew this year - can't wait to snuggle the cute little peanut!). Then mr. boe and I have a quiet day on our own for Christmas. Rather a change as we usually host the family party, but as we did Thanksgiving this year, we have some free time. We're going to go to the movies and have Chinese food.

 

[boedicca]

Just watched the musical version of a Christmas carol with Albert Finney. I must admit it brought a tear to my eye. I saw the Disney animated version with Jim Carey the other day, and was mesmerised by the graphics.

the Albert Finney one is my favorite.

Yea, it almost made me want to give away my gold sovereigns. But I am not quite that weak in the head.
I remember thinking at the end of the film, Scrooge will be counting the cost on boxing day.
In any case my sovereigns are to pay for my funeral, because I don't want my sister to have to pay for it.

I'm looking into either a simple pine box or a cheap cremation service, total funeral cost for less than $600, as for burial It depends where we end up and which VA Cemetery is closest.
If I knew my time had arrived I would simply head into the mountains in the dead of winter, find a nice spot, lay down and never wake up again. Now that's what I call recycling.........

Neptune Society is a good, low cost alternative. My folks have already set this up for themselves. mr. boe and I are going to do that as well.

 

[Ringel05]

Just watched the musical version of a Christmas carol with Albert Finney. I must admit it brought a tear to my eye. I saw the Disney animated version with Jim Carey the other day, and was mesmerised by the graphics.

the Albert Finney one is my favorite.

Yea, it almost made me want to give away my gold sovereigns. But I am not quite that weak in the head.
I remember thinking at the end of the film, Scrooge will be counting the cost on boxing day.
In any case my sovereigns are to pay for my funeral, because I don't want my sister to have to pay for it.

I'm looking into either a simple pine box or a cheap cremation service, total funeral cost for less than $600, as for burial It depends where we end up and which VA Cemetery is closest.
If I knew my time had arrived I would simply head into the mountains in the dead of winter, find a nice spot, lay down and never wake up again. Now that's what I call recycling.........

Neptune Society is a good, low cost alternative. My folks have already set this up for themselves. mr. boe and I are going to do that as well.

My parents used them also and they're not really all that cheap, I saw the contract afterwards something like $2800 each. Granted that's cheap based on the typical cost but no, my idea of a cheap funeral is wrap me up and deliver my body to the Soylent Green plant........

 

[Ringel05]

Howdy USMB Coffee Shop PEEPS!

Hiya Boe. How's everything in your part of the world?

Rather Groovetabular, hun.

I decorated our house a week ago, and am really enjoying a calm and cozy Christmas season. It's the first time in a few years that we haven't had a construction or painting project - or some family or work drama to conflict with holiday enjoyment.

Right now, I'm diggin' on the Carpenters' "Close to You" special on KQED. Funny enough, our first Christmas in our house, the same special was on while I decorated our tree.

Sounds great. We're looking forward to a quiet and uncomplicated Christmas this year. The kids won't be home and though we'll miss that, it does definitely allow for more free time to just be. I am looking forward to a Christmas in which everybody is well, we have no serious pending issues, no major complications, etc. Dinner with local loved ones Christmas Eve, a come and go thing at my sister's Christmas Day and then just kick back. I'm looking forward to it.

We're doing something similar - family party at my brother's house (we have brand new baby nephew this year - can't wait to snuggle the cute little peanut!). Then mr. boe and I have a quiet day on our own for Christmas. Rather a change as we usually host the family party, but as we did Thanksgiving this year, we have some free time. We're going to go to the movies and have Chinese food.

Will the Chinese staff serenade you with Christmas carols?

 

[boedicca]

Howdy USMB Coffee Shop PEEPS!

Hiya Boe. How's everything in your part of the world?

Rather Groovetabular, hun.

I decorated our house a week ago, and am really enjoying a calm and cozy Christmas season. It's the first time in a few years that we haven't had a construction or painting project - or some family or work drama to conflict with holiday enjoyment.

Right now, I'm diggin' on the Carpenters' "Close to You" special on KQED. Funny enough, our first Christmas in our house, the same special was on while I decorated our tree.

Sounds great. We're looking forward to a quiet and uncomplicated Christmas this year. The kids won't be home and though we'll miss that, it does definitely allow for more free time to just be. I am looking forward to a Christmas in which everybody is well, we have no serious pending issues, no major complications, etc. Dinner with local loved ones Christmas Eve, a come and go thing at my sister's Christmas Day and then just kick back. I'm looking forward to it.

We're doing something similar - family party at my brother's house (we have brand new baby nephew this year - can't wait to snuggle the cute little peanut!). Then mr. boe and I have a quiet day on our own for Christmas. Rather a change as we usually host the family party, but as we did Thanksgiving this year, we have some free time. We're going to go to the movies and have Chinese food.

Will the Chinese staff serenade you with Christmas carols?

I hope so! We're looking forward to rousing renditions of "Jinger Bears" and "Deck the Haws (rif bows of hawry)".

 

[Foxfyre]

Howdy USMB Coffee Shop PEEPS!

Hiya Boe. How's everything in your part of the world?

Rather Groovetabular, hun.

I decorated our house a week ago, and am really enjoying a calm and cozy Christmas season. It's the first time in a few years that we haven't had a construction or painting project - or some family or work drama to conflict with holiday enjoyment.

Right now, I'm diggin' on the Carpenters' "Close to You" special on KQED. Funny enough, our first Christmas in our house, the same special was on while I decorated our tree.

Sounds great. We're looking forward to a quiet and uncomplicated Christmas this year. The kids won't be home and though we'll miss that, it does definitely allow for more free time to just be. I am looking forward to a Christmas in which everybody is well, we have no serious pending issues, no major complications, etc. Dinner with local loved ones Christmas Eve, a come and go thing at my sister's Christmas Day and then just kick back. I'm looking forward to it.

We're doing something similar - family party at my brother's house (we have brand new baby nephew this year - can't wait to snuggle the cute little peanut!). Then mr. boe and I have a quiet day on our own for Christmas. Rather a change as we usually host the family party, but as we did Thanksgiving this year, we have some free time. We're going to go to the movies and have Chinese food.

Hands down, Hombre's favorite Christmas movie. We have to watch it at least once during the season. (And we own the DVD)

 

[Ridgerunner]

We had a eagle theme going on awhile back and I just ran into a short little blurb in one of our local stations web site... 20 years ago I lived and worked near a nice sized creek called the Big Walnut... I knew of several locations along the crik where if you were lucky and stealth enough you could see a clutch of the Eagles along the crik banks...

Officials: Indiana bald eagle may be 1 of oldest in US

 

[saveliberty]

Despite my best efforts I had to order the vehicle from the factory and it was not built. Back in early November I submitted the order, but it was never picked up for production. My customer's lease was ending mid December. For what ever reason this vehicle was always built with a sunroof and the customer did not want that, hence the order.

We were going to pay for their lease for another month, but I was still concerned it may not get built by then either. I went on a 600 mile search and found the exact vehicle in Virginia. We put the customer in a rental car until it got here at no charge. Trailered the vehicle, so there were no miles on it, no charge to the customer. Five days after their lease turn in, the vehicle shows up this morning.

Had to deliver it in under two hours per customer request. The vehicle required some adjustments from the factory (quasi recall stuff), cleaning, fueling, lease approval, insurance policy issued, plate transferred, equipment activated paperwork produced and signed.

Two minutes to spare and they drove away mad....

 

[Ernie S.]

I had fun tonight! Doc's had it's Christmas party tonight. We hired stand in bartenders and security and staff was on the outside of the bar tonight. Several had WAY too much to drink. One guy, not a regular at all, bothered me from the first moment I saw him. I told security to keep an eye on him because my spidy sense is pretty damned spot on. Sure enough, he got belligerent, then tried to walk out on a $40 tab. Security stopped him outside and it got a bit physical until he saw that there were 4 guys that would hurt him if he didn't come back inside, pay his tab and tip his bartender heavily. So he's back inside and seemed calmed down when he threw a punch at the head of security. My guy managed to dodge the punch and I grabbed the guy and took him to the floor. the way I had him he couldn't reach his right pocket but was surely trying. I patted him down and felt a knife in his pocket. My security guy was about to turn out his lights when I told him "I got this, just take his knife."
The guy calmed down so after telling him quietly that if he decided to come at me he would not be walking out the door, I let him up so he could pay up. Instead of reaching for his wallet, he went for my security guy. They both hit the door and ended up in the men's room. I figured I would let my guy enjoy himself, so I blocked the door. Sure enough, 30 seconds later, my guy pushed the ass out the door of the restroom with blood streang from his nose and into the arms of the other security guy who just happens to be over 6 foot and 400 pounds. He paid his tab, and was escorted out the door. SOB can't find his car keys. After a search, we found them up against the wall. They probably got loose when we took his knife.
For once, we didn't offer to give the guy a ride or call him a cab, preferring to leave him at risk of a very expensive Alabama DWI.
I'm fine and and feel somewhat younger. Everyone else is fine and the only injury is a bloody nose.
Funny that when I had this guy down, my partner is telling me to get out of the situation. He was concerned about the 67 year old tussling with a guy half his age until I told him I was having a blast.

I am fond of creating 180 degree elbow movement.

If I get behind someone it's lights out. I'm not eager to see anyone more hurt than they need to be, but I've found I'm prepared to do a lot more than bust up an elbow if I have to.
Anywhere you have alcohol and hormones, you're likely to have a scuffle at some point. In nearly 3 years, we've had 3 or 4 punches thrown, but this was our first down on the floor brawl.
I have gotten hold of one guy in the past as was able to overpower him but nobody got down on the floor. Another time, let's say, I was able to control a situation without actually laying a hand on the young man. That is the one that scared me most.
So this one left under his own power and not in cuffs. That's the goal. Getting involved and getting a weapon away from him while discreetly keeping possession of mine was very satisfying for this old man..
I'm so glad, I don't drink. All my regular staff had been partying and some were past rational. Keeping everyone safe (including the idiot, for the most part) was my goal. They are all skillful at diffusing a situation when sober, but seem to think diplomacy is enhanced by copious amounts of alcohol. Trying to extricate a 100 pound bar maid from between a 180 pound man and a 400 pound bouncer amped by bourbon and Cuban coffee is a job best performed while sober.

 

[Foxfyre]

Despite my best efforts I had to order the vehicle from the factory and it was not built. Back in early November I submitted the order, but it was never picked up for production. My customer's lease was ending mid December. For what ever reason this vehicle was always built with a sunroof and the customer did not want that, hence the order.

We were going to pay for their lease for another month, but I was still concerned it may not get built by then either. I went on a 600 mile search and found the exact vehicle in Virginia. We put the customer in a rental car until it got here at no charge. Trailered the vehicle, so there were no miles on it, no charge to the customer. Five days after their lease turn in, the vehicle shows up this morning.

Had to deliver it in under two hours per customer request. The vehicle required some adjustments from the factory (quasi recall stuff), cleaning, fueling, lease approval, insurance policy issued, plate transferred, equipment activated paperwork produced and signed.

Two minutes to spare and they drove away mad....

Well the Christmas spirit doesn't work all that well for some folks I guess. You certainly went well beyond what anybody could expect. . .

 

[saveliberty]

Most of mine were Judo choke outs, except for the knife which required a leg sweep and elbow adjustment.

 

[Foxfyre]

I had fun tonight! Doc's had it's Christmas party tonight. We hired stand in bartenders and security and staff was on the outside of the bar tonight. Several had WAY too much to drink. One guy, not a regular at all, bothered me from the first moment I saw him. I told security to keep an eye on him because my spidy sense is pretty damned spot on. Sure enough, he got belligerent, then tried to walk out on a $40 tab. Security stopped him outside and it got a bit physical until he saw that there were 4 guys that would hurt him if he didn't come back inside, pay his tab and tip his bartender heavily. So he's back inside and seemed calmed down when he threw a punch at the head of security. My guy managed to dodge the punch and I grabbed the guy and took him to the floor. the way I had him he couldn't reach his right pocket but was surely trying. I patted him down and felt a knife in his pocket. My security guy was about to turn out his lights when I told him "I got this, just take his knife."
The guy calmed down so after telling him quietly that if he decided to come at me he would not be walking out the door, I let him up so he could pay up. Instead of reaching for his wallet, he went for my security guy. They both hit the door and ended up in the men's room. I figured I would let my guy enjoy himself, so I blocked the door. Sure enough, 30 seconds later, my guy pushed the ass out the door of the restroom with blood streang from his nose and into the arms of the other security guy who just happens to be over 6 foot and 400 pounds. He paid his tab, and was escorted out the door. SOB can't find his car keys. After a search, we found them up against the wall. They probably got loose when we took his knife.
For once, we didn't offer to give the guy a ride or call him a cab, preferring to leave him at risk of a very expensive Alabama DWI.
I'm fine and and feel somewhat younger. Everyone else is fine and the only injury is a bloody nose.
Funny that when I had this guy down, my partner is telling me to get out of the situation. He was concerned about the 67 year old tussling with a guy half his age until I told him I was having a blast.

I am fond of creating 180 degree elbow movement.

If I get behind someone it's lights out. I'm not eager to see anyone more hurt than they need to be, but I've found I'm prepared to do a lot more than bust up an elbow if I have to.
Anywhere you have alcohol and hormones, you're likely to have a scuffle at some point. In nearly 3 years, we've had 3 or 4 punches thrown, but this was our first down on the floor brawl.
I have gotten hold of one guy in the past as was able to overpower him but nobody got down on the floor. Another time, let's say, I was able to control a situation without actually laying a hand on the young man. That is the one that scared me most.
So this one left under his own power and not in cuffs. That's the goal. Getting involved and getting a weapon away from him while discreetly keeping possession of mine was very satisfying for this old man..
I'm so glad, I don't drink. All my regular staff had been partying and some were past rational. Keeping everyone safe (including the idiot, for the most part) was my goal. They are all skillful at diffusing a situation when sober, but seem to think diplomacy is enhanced by copious amounts of alcohol. Trying to extricate a 100 pound bar maid from between a 180 pound man and a 400 pound bouncer amped by bourbon and Cuban coffee is a job best performed while sober.

There aren't too many things done better when drunk and most of those are not to be aspired to.

 

[Ernie S.]

My knife required a different response. Thankfully, there were no loud noises and everyone walked away.

 

[Ernie S.]

Most of mine were Judo choke outs, except for the knife which required a leg sweep and elbow adjustment.

This guy was about lights out when he stopped struggling. I really don't want anyone more damaged than necessary

 

[saveliberty]

Despite my best efforts I had to order the vehicle from the factory and it was not built. Back in early November I submitted the order, but it was never picked up for production. My customer's lease was ending mid December. For what ever reason this vehicle was always built with a sunroof and the customer did not want that, hence the order.

We were going to pay for their lease for another month, but I was still concerned it may not get built by then either. I went on a 600 mile search and found the exact vehicle in Virginia. We put the customer in a rental car until it got here at no charge. Trailered the vehicle, so there were no miles on it, no charge to the customer. Five days after their lease turn in, the vehicle shows up this morning.

Had to deliver it in under two hours per customer request. The vehicle required some adjustments from the factory (quasi recall stuff), cleaning, fueling, lease approval, insurance policy issued, plate transferred, equipment activated paperwork produced and signed.

Two minutes to spare and they drove away mad....

Well the Christmas spirit doesn't work all that well for some folks I guess. You certainly went well beyond what anybody could expect. . .

We called in the zone representative weeks ago and still no help. I have never gone that far away for a vehicle ever. For the most part dealers will not trade that far away. For me, it was a victory to get exactly what they wanted before Christmas, given the problems out of my control. Tomorrow morning I will recontact them and see what I can do to make them happy. Yep, customer service still goes on.