Javier "undereater" D.'s Profile

Not all auto parts stores are created equal.  This one is well above the others when it comes to the knowledge base of their staff and the willingness they put forward to help their customers.  Not just in the normal "can I ring you up" and "what can I look up for you" kind of way, but in the way that counts and sets this location apart.

I've often been told that we get out what we put into it, but I always feel like I get out a little more than I have to put in every time I visit.  I went in the other day to get an owners manual for the kids truck and this is what I got in addition to the Haynes manual that inevitably comes in handy.

I was doing an inspection to be sure the truck was in good running condition and saw a hose hanging down in the back.  The kid was grounded until I could figure this one out.  She hates that, but to be sure that the little bundles that give me so much joy come back to us after a day at school, they need to have a working vehicle that keeps them free from dangers that they won't ever think about and hopefully never experience.  Something on the truck looked out of place, and that is not good.

I know a thing or two about vehicles so that tends to give me an edge on diagnosis, but never having worked on transmissions or drivetrain aside from the engine, I wasn't going to attempt to say that I knew what was going on here.  I knew that there was a hose coming off the rear differential, but not much more than that.  Brakes looked good, no hydraulic lines were busted but this was something I didn't recognize.  It came off the top of the differential casing.

I asked for the book and told the guy at the counter my dilemma and where it was located etc.  I asked him which manual he used, Chilton or Haynes, and he said he didn't but that he went to a technical college to learn how to fix cars and would, if necessary, use the big blue $300.00 manuals that the dealership usually paid for/subscribed to online.  I know these mechanical types, and the only thing they like more than turning a wrench is troubleshooting and diagnosing without getting their hands dirty.

After the manual was paid for, I suggested that I open it there on the counter and show him what was hanging where it shouldn't be.  It was as I suspected, a vent hose for the rear differential.  I still read the manual when I got home, but I felt better allowing the kids to leave for school this morning.  That's what I call service, and even though there can be a little bit of a liability issue with allowing someone else to diagnose your problem over a counter, I feel better knowing that I can get much closer to the answer without spending $100.00 getting a mechanic to "inspect" it.  Thirty dollars for a manual and a bit of free advice is much more worth my peace of mind.

I was a very active young man.  I expected to have at least one injury in my life that might have needed surgery.  It didn't happen when I was younger, it may have happened this year, but I don't know yet for sure because I went to Orthopaedic Assoc. of Round Rock.  

I was volunteering as a soccer coach when I felt a twinge in my knee.  It was unstable, it was swollen, it hurt like crazy at first.  I've had things like this happen in the past and time eventually took care of them.  I gave this one a week and while I was at my Primary physician's office, I asked him if I should be referred to someone else, and he said that he knew of an orthopedist's office that was close by that I could visit.  I was referred to Dr. Velastro.

I have never met Dr. Velastro, so I can't say anything about his services.  This review pertains specifically to the staff and the level of care (and eventually the lack thereof) that I received from the staff at the office I visited which claims to have thirteen doctors.  

I called and made an appointment with the office when I didn't see an end to my pain.  I can suffer a lot of pain, but this was going on for longer than an injury should that would heal itself.  At the time of my visit, I wasn't feeling a great deal of pain and I said so.  I visited with a physician's assistant who was a nice fellow who recommended that I give it another ten days to gauge whether or not it would heal due to a sprain or strain.

Ten days went by and my pain increased.  I called to see someone and they said that I should have an MRI.  I had to have a CT scan of my orbits to rule out any stray metal fragments from a past injury.  I got my CT scan done and the results came back negative.  Another week passed and I had my MRI.  After a several days I called to see if I could get an appointment to see someone.  There were no openings for a couple weeks.  I asked if they could work me in because by this time I was in a lot of pain and I needed a follow-up.  I needed a plan of care, I needed something, I didn't know, I am not the Doctor.  

After leaving several messages to get an appointment and find out what my prognosis was, I received a call that went as follows:

"Hello Mr D., I have your results.  Before I give them to you I have to say that I can not give you any kind of advice as to what you should do with this information.

You have a large radial tear..."

Well, that is pretty convenient that you have a disclaimer all planned out before you call... I can't expect that my demeanor was all that great considering the pain I was in, but aren't medical professionals supposed to understand this?

All I wanted was for someone to make a little time to give me something for the pain and give me some hope as to recovery; what I got was transferred over and over again to someone's expired voice mail that mentions a patient care coordinator that doesn't exist anymore... no kidding.

So I went to get a pair of crutches. Several more days passed.  I had been calling to get an appointment the entire time.  Still nothing.  When I did get an appointment, it was a week away and that was far too long to wait for the amount of pain that I'm still experiencing to this day.  I wanted to get in before Thanksgiving which came and went. Prior to this I was offered an appointment on the 28th because I thought surely out of thirteen doctors and however many Physicians assistants they could find something if they had tried.  They didn't find anything, did they even try?  I can't know, I only know the result: nothing.

First thing Monday I decided to call and find out if I could get an appointment.  It's been almost 20 days since I had the MRI.  I was informed that they didn't have an appointment for another week.  I said that was unacceptable and that I had been trying to get in for two and a half weeks already, I asked that they make my records ready.  They transferred me to the records department.  When records called me back, I asked if I could speak with her frankly, she asked what I needed and I told her my story.  She asked if I wanted to speak with the administrator.  I thought this might be my chance to get something accomplished.

I left a message on her voice mail at 10:00am.  She called me and I asked her what she could do.  She asked if she could schedule an appointment, to which I said I wasn't sure.  I wasn't sure because after all, should I trust my care to an office who wouldn't try any harder than they had for me thusfar?  Another day went by.  It was 4:30 Wednesday that she called and asked what she could do for me after I had to call and leave another message.  The onus was on her.  She gave me excuses, and said that there was nothing else she could do.  She could get my records ready, surely she could do that.  We'll see...  I have an outstanding bill of $431.00 and no plan of care yet and an appointment with another Ortho who worked me in right away.  They want my business, I'll go there.

I feel like I gypped the Brixton when they first opened by not reviewing them... but they don't need my help anymore.  This is a cool bar.  I don't feel out of place or anything no matter where I go, but I do occasionally feel like I could have been dressed appropriately.  Last night was one of those nights.  I don't dress badly, and I'm not overly anything-in-particular.  I just know that I am not ever out of place when I can say hello to at least two people, even if I haven't seen them in 10 or 20 years, but to summarize, I should have worn my cool pants...

I went here last night to say hello to David Yow of Scratch Acid and Jesus Lizard fame after the Yelp Party.  He is one of my scrabble buddies, I had met him when we were young (he owed me beer money), and he has always been someone that I admired for his creative contributions to music and currently to the art world.  I felt a little like a groupie, but so be it.  The man is a legend, and I love that he would make himself so accessible by being a guest bartender and there to meet and greet with fans and probably old friends.

You can't get that kind of cool by trying too hard.  This place has cool built into it.  I am sure that the quality of creative people who hang here and work here make it soar through the top of the chart you were plotting that shows how cool relates to patrons.  Okay maybe I exaggerate, the folks here are good solid conversationalists, and maybe I caught it on a good night.  I am willing to write in a bit of margin for error for the clientele.

The building is a little "run down" but I am not a firm believer in creating new spaces just to satisfy people who are obsessed with new.  I believe in recommissioning older building and using what we already have.  The only thing that I would change about this place is accessibility.  I don't see too many people being able to get into this place in a wheelchair, and I hope that's not their undoing, I just know that with a bum knee, I had trouble getting up and down the steep stairs that affront this bar.

All in all I give this place 4 stars for having good clientele, interesting decor, good lighting, a full bar, necessary vending machines, and a pool table, as well as one of the better juke box selections around town.  Be warned though, I like post punk noise.

There were a whole lot of people here!  I only had a chance to meet a few of the new folks that I have only recently friended or will friend, but I guarantee I will be putting on my stalking glasses to find them.  They made the difference in my night.  Of course it's always cool to see the people that I have known for a while and sit and catch up with regarding whatever they have on their minds.  I get a good feeling meeting the folks that I have lately, and I am happy to say.

The venue was dark and loud, two things I would have expected about its reputation and all the other places that existed beforehand.  As a matter of fact, I hadn't been into that building in more than 15 years.  It was nothing to do with the bar/club or whatever, it's been me.  Somewhere during life, I forgot how much fun it was to hang in a bar of this kind.  The signed posters on the walls brought that back for me.  I had seen (My Life With) The Thrill Kill Cult on that very stage, but it was long before most folks made their way to Austin, and probably before some Yelpers were even born...  Yikes!  That was the scariest part of darkening those doors again: trying to remember the shows that I had seen there and how long it had been...  I won't go down that road, you might just die from the fright...

The evening was decidedly tamer than other days with us there at Elyseum's 10 year anniversary night, but I can just imagine the debauchery that must be going on while the rest of us are finding the trendy bars, or following our inner hipster, or relaxing like the oldies on a patio somewhere.  I appreciate that lifestyle still exists here in the Riverside district that I am certain I had a hand in creating all those years ago.  Carry on, carry on...

I was blown away by the noshes at this event: pate' L'etelier, Phara's for their dolmades and hummus, and Batter Blaster with new chocolate pancakes (!), Pop Chips, Cornucopia's bottomless generosity with Yelp, and SugaPlump Pastries, Eristoff Vodka.  Wow, there was plenty to go around and just enough to snack on.  Love the fact that there was candy everywhere and some new sunglasses and the regular swag grabs.  Having vendors at the party is always a way to go; my lady was just talking about wanting a new pair of slouchy boots, and Goodie Two Shoes, if you're listening, I hope you draw my name! Same goes for you T-Mobile, one can never have too many cell phones on hand when one falls into the toilet or gets run over etc.  

The entertainment was great, I found myself singing along with some of my favorite 80's tunes and everyone seemed to enjoy the burlesque.  The highlight for me (and part of the party's namesake) was getting to see the full-length Thriller video with Yelpers filling in with the live dance.  Too cool, I only wish that I wasn't on the injured list, because you bet your ass I would have been up there dancing.  Everyone was having a great time dancing their troubles away by the end of my night, it was a very good sight to behold.

One last thing, I got a free high five owed to me for checking into this event that I never cashed in, but I didn't feel like I deserved one, Kelly S., you definitely deserved one for such a rad 80's themed costume party.  Maybe that check-in offer was supposed to be paid out, but I definitely feel like I owe you one, not the other way around.

The times they have changed in the past five years, the food has gotten better, the air sweeter, and my reviews come later.

I make my response on the tails of those who are more eager but my words are weighty.  They anticipate all the things that have gone on from years past, of destroyed circles and hard feelings, drunken debauchery and late night after parties.  The rebirth of Yelp every year anew comes just in time for some and can be welcomed by all.  Some things are just destined to get better; this is one of those things.

Seeing this event reminded me of years past, and I did welcome that.  Without the dramatics and incest of the old guard, this new serpent wends its way through her rebirth, wide-eyed and unspoiled.  You might stop me here and tell me about some new thing that would shake my opinion.  Do not.  I want to see it from just far enough away.  I want to feel more like the guy that some know, and others think they know, all can hear from, and few have the chance lately.  I want to be someone you will ask about and not quite understand.  I inject myself as a man of mystery not for the sake of being mysterious but because I want you to be the focus.  I want you to be the stuff poems are written about and tales regaled to include. There were many good times of old.  None can dispute the strong base this community owes its life to, some events were indeed necessary evils.  New leaders, new followers and longer winded writers who know just how to to tell the stories of events like these.

Please go forth and write til your fingers bleed, consider the depth but do not forsake the levity.  Know that by this all things can be recounted, and with love and tolerance the best is yet to come.  Cast not an eye to the past again, lest ye be turned to a pillar of salt, or become bitter to think that it has all happened before and none is worth experience from here forward. That, my friends, is untrue.

This is a true destination on the square in San Marcos.  It is hard to talk about acoustics but it's not like talking about music, or dancing about architecture for that matter.  The acoustics here are great and the architecture is appropriate.  This renovated theater on the square didn't have to change much to become an awesome music venue.  There is plenty of room in the pit in front of the stage, and a balcony surrounds the back of the theater.  The stage would do well to welcome traveling acts who play the college circuit, and with a capacity of 1000 it could certainly pack them in.

This venue us spacious and yet intimate.  It reminded me of the Austin music hall when it still had a soul.  Before it got too big for its britches. According to its owners who are devoted to music and musicians, this venue boasts a state of the art sound and lighting system that is as good as what can be found anywhere.

From the types of shows they had sandwiching our dance party, I am fairly certain that this is the next discovery for the jaded Austinite looking to roadtrip far enough away to not feel like Austin, but not so far that one might fear for their life in the backwoods of some other small town at a honky-tonk where the room gets quiet when you walk in and order a cosmo.  

*Screech!*  

"What, ain't they got beer whar yore frum city slicker?"

You will not be disappointed by TMT.

I don't remember getting swag that awesome. - 8 stars for a rad watch that says Time to Yelp occasionally throughout the day.

I remember getting there late and not caring that there was face painting, cotton candy - pure sugar - bleh. - 2 stars

I can't remember the last time I saw as many elites having that much fun. I am a selfless person, so I love seeing people having a good time. - 10 stars

I am totally impressed there was a spare battery in the packaging of the sweet Elite watch, and if you've read this far you are kicking yourself for throwing away the insert and packaging, or you have a spare battery like I do. - 8 stars

I remember a time when Yelp events had food. - 2 stars for serving some of the best weenies and curry sauce, but lifeless hummus and nothing else.

I remember a time when there was a bit more sophistication to these parties, can we get some of that back? - 2 star because that needs improvement.

I can't remember having a day at the fair party for those who enjoy that sort of thing. - 6 stars

I'd say it's kind of a wash at a total of 4 stars.

This is one of Vegas' best kept secrets by the locals.  The Station Casinos have a campaign that states, "We love locals" and the feeling is certainly mutual.  Everyone I talked to was from down the road, across town or had been going there for years and it's not hard to tell why.

Everything from the lobby, the lobby bar, the spa, the casino, bowling alley, movie theater and the amenities are top notch, truly.  The restaurant at the casino entry from the hotel could definitely use some work, but the rest of this place more than makes up for their lackluster service.

Firstly, the design of this hotel from the curb is strikingly subdued in its vernacular treatment.  The dominance of muted colors that blend with the mountains is inspiring in its grandeur, almost as if the casino had sprung from the earth and disregarded the garish tendencies of the rest of Las Vegas.  If you are someone who appreciates nature and the value of water features in the desert that isn't Belaggadocio, then I would recommend this hotel to you.  An entire side of the hotel features a mountain view in every room that is a welcome shift from the clanging bells and buzzing lights of the strip, this should not be missed at check-in.  If you appreciate the natural beauty that Clark County has to offer, this resort will be right for you.

Second, the amenities are incredible for the price.  The rooms feature spa tubs, if you aren't into bath-taking while on vacation, you will be after this stay.  They are big enough for two, deep enough to stretch in and will recharge you after a day of gambling.  That shouldn't detract from the attention the designers spent on the beautiful floor to ceiling marble showers with heavy glass doors and its superior fixtures.    The beds are incredibly soft and are fit with sheets that will make you reevaluate what you have at home.  The hotel was smart in its design, and gave each door to the hallway its own hall, heavily insulated walls, thickly insulated window treatments with hidden valances, and solid core doors.  All of these mean quiet sleep any time of day or night, a must when you are on a winning streak and have to stay at the tables well past bedtime.

Last, but certainly not least and to further the amenities is the spa and casino.  This spa is incredible, from its welcoming staff at the spacious entry.  The lighting is mostly natural and soothing in its pale tones and indirect placement.  For the men, there is a lounge with a big television,  tea and fresh fruit are left out for your enjoyment.  They will give you a big plush terry robe on your way into the spa, one of my favorite things...  There is a huge bathing room, showers, and wet and dry sauna which are finished in the same beautifully rich pallet of warm oranges and browns as the rest of the hotel.  Complimentary lockers and spacious changing areas with individual private showers for getting the sweat and sauna smells off the body, all toiletries included.  :-)

The casino is outfitted with all the gaming tables you could ask for and boasts the best Keno in Vegas.  They can boast whatever they like, the high ceilings and opulent finish make the game play feel luxurious.  Per the standard, all you care to drink while you are at a gaming table, and friendly staff who are happy to have you sidle up to their table specifically.  

If you should decide to go to Vegas for more than a 24 hour tour like I failed to mention (this was actually my third time to Vegas in a year), stay at this resort.  You won't be disappointed if this is your destination.  If you have an aversion to the strip, or if you just want something a little slower than the touristy areas of downtown, you can pair relaxation with gambling here at the Red Rock.  The cherry on top is the amazing desert air and lack of humidity.  Getting away from the humidity is a huge plus in my book, that I wish I could have bottled and brought back to Texas with me.

Yes, it is possible to eat too much Vegas buffet and eat too many pieces of sushi and literally whatever healthy options you can find.

That's when I decided I needed some good ole fashioned breaky to slow down the good stuff that I had stuffed myself with at the buffet.

Holy mother of all that is holy!!1!  The portions here are astounding!  From the monstrous hot chocolate to the chicken and waffle platter, I felt like a tiny little man in front of these gargantuan plates of "twisted farm food".

 On my first trip (to Vegas and HHAGG) I noticed a sign that asked me to tweet my presence at this funky eatery to receive a special surprise.  Special surprise is right, I was given a PBR in a paper sack!  Quite the shift in gears from free cabernet at the roulette table, and might I add, welcomed.  I ordered one of the hashes which was brought promptly in a ten inch cast iron skillet.  

"Was this heaven?"
I had to pinch myself.

So much for dieting.  

It was our second trip to Vegas that sealed it for me.  I ordered the scrambles with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and goat cheese.  This is one of my all time favorites, I will eat sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese on anything, but it felt special mixed into my egg plate that was complete with a biscuit and home fried potatoes.  As a side I had to have their bacon.  The word straight from the owner's mouth was that it comes from a company that has been in business at least a hundred years and was chosen on its merit of being some of the nicest honey cured bacon in the land.  I'm sold.  

Did I mention you could wear one of their flapjacks as a helmet and tie it under your chin?  Yep, they are as big as your fat head.  

Hash House a Go Go has hundreds of reviews but I'm fairly certain I am the first to suggest wearing their food as protective gear.  Somebody make a Hash House a Ga Ga reference before I blow a gasket, I am in need of some good jokes.  This restaurant, however, is no joke when it comes to serving hearty portions of delicious breakfast food, and this foody is a slave to the twisted farm food frenzy for life!

I don't get enough opportunities to eat here, let's face it, if you like Truluck's, neither do you.  My sweetheart asked me if I wanted to go Wednesday evening and so we were off...  

We arrived just after happy hour, but luckily every Wednesday for a while, they are offering 50% off bottles of wine.  Well if you know one thing about me, you know I like my wine.  I went for a Napa Cabernet, can't go wrong with a true Napa (usually).  This time was no exception.  The wine was good, and we decided to go for the appetizers.  This has been our thing lately, tapas everywhere we go.  At this restaurant, you might still get a bill that's a bit higher than other places, but the food is great and in smaller portions; perfect for someone watching his weight, but just enough to satiate.

We ordered the spicy fried shrimp which was deliciously golden brown and was served with honey, no tiny shrimp here for that... these were big and juicy, splayed out and honey brown.  In addition to the shrimp, we ordered the goat cheese trio, a plate of varying degrees of creamy lactose-free goodness.  The bread to spread it on was warm and freely flowing.  One was plain with honey and crisp apple slices, the next had a port wine reduction and olives and the third had bacon bits, together they sang to my stomach with varying degrees of salty sweet and savory accents all to themselves.  Our third app was the crab cake sliders, not my favorite, and could have used some salt (note there was none on the table).  They were, however, nicely stuffed and mild in flavor with the tiniest of garnish, nothing to complain about, just not as flavorful as what I had hoped to get.

Our waitress was attentive and unobtrusive.  I think she definitely knew the proper amount of interjection and suggestion.  She saw to my sponge-like bladder and brought what seemed like three bottles of chilled water to the table in our short stint at the restaurant.  The piano man crooned as we talked about our dreams and problems that were washed over with fanciful flavors and drown in the squeezings of some of the finest Napa vine fruit.

I recommend Trulucks for its lighting, service and the desserts, I almost forgot!  We had a couple of their cupcakes, man, how awesome were those!  One carrot for me and a deep rich chocolate for my honey, they were awesome.  Go there, get the apps, have a bottle of wine, can't go wrong with that...