The Bar 2014 Edition

[VultureChow]

My big new deal went public less than an hour ago.

Seven news articles already. We were given less than 2 hours notice before the tenant sent out a press release. So we're in a spectacularly pleasant panic right now.

[Joeln]

Rock n Roll VC!

[^Rhino!]

My big new deal went public less than an hour ago.

Seven news articles already. We were given less than 2 hours notice before the tenant sent out a press release. So we're in a spectacularly pleasant panic right now.

Congratulations! Now is when you separate the chaff from the grain. You measure public perception by the amount of kudos and interest you get. Then you capitalize on that interest. Never forget to do two things, though, and you'll be just fine:

1. Tell the truth. And 'no comment' to the press is a kind of comment all its own. It means that either: you don't want to discuss it (it's embarassing) or 'I don't know". Choose the latter meaning, and it's perceived as honesty.

2. Don't promise what you can't deliver. Realistic timetables that are met with a significant amount of energy are much better than last-minute last-ditch efforts. When you don't have a timetable, say so. I'll never forget during the Flood of 1993, we said that we'd do everything possible to get US 54 open in Jefferson City as soon as possible. From the time the contract was let until completion, a mere 14 days. The public thought we were the cat's meow, because we got a contractor that kicked ass and took names. He had three crews working 24/7 Monday through Sunday, and took home a completion bonus for getting it done two weeks ahead of 'schedule'.

Dont panic. Ride the wave. You're in the banzai pipeline now. The ride will thrill you, so remember it. Success once tasted is addictive.

[VultureChow]

My big new deal went public less than an hour ago.

Seven news articles already. We were given less than 2 hours notice before the tenant sent out a press release. So we're in a spectacularly pleasant panic right now.

Congratulations! Now is when you separate the chaff from the grain. You measure public perception by the amount of kudos and interest you get. Then you capitalize on that interest. Never forget to do two things, though, and you'll be just fine:

1. Tell the truth. And 'no comment' to the press is a kind of comment all its own. It means that either: you don't want to discuss it (it's embarassing) or 'I don't know". Choose the latter meaning, and it's perceived as honesty.

2. Don't promise what you can't deliver. Realistic timetables that are met with a significant amount of energy are much better than last-minute last-ditch efforts. When you don't have a timetable, say so. I'll never forget during the Flood of 1993, we said that we'd do everything possible to get US 54 open in Jefferson City as soon as possible. From the time the contract was let until completion, a mere 14 days. The public thought we were the cat's meow, because we got a contractor that kicked ass and took names. He had three crews working 24/7 Monday through Sunday, and took home a completion bonus for getting it done two weeks ahead of 'schedule'.

Dont panic. Ride the wave. You're in the banzai pipeline now. The ride will thrill you, so remember it. Success once tasted is addictive.

My motto has always been under-promise and over-deliver. Our 50% partner, who I am sure did not read the talking points memo we sent out, his motto is "Fuck you! I do what I want." I can't wait to see what asinine thing he says to the press without our knowledge.

[FIGJAM]

After he does, tell the press he was your emotionally challenged hire!!!

[unjonharley]

[^Rhino!]

VC, make sure you have the handle on two other words:

plausible deniability

Then all is well. "Fuck 'em, I'll do what I want" is what an outlaw biker would say. You keep the stink at arm's length, and then you don't smell quite so bad.

[VultureChow]

He's a short little man from NYC.

SO I just found out what he did.

He went to the paper and gave an interview with a reporter where he took full credit for the deal (that he fought us on every step of the way).

Outright lied about a few things.

And brought up a controversial measure that could have just quietly slipped into the background as this took over the news cycle.

[VultureChow]

So I am clearly on the drunk side of the sobriety spectrum now. I sent out a bomb of an email before I started at my local bar, and the asshole hasn't responded. Called him on his bullshit and called him a rank amateur. I've gotten several congratulatory emails from people copied on the email.

So tonight, I'm pouring. What's your poison?

I've been saving a very expensive bottle of cognac for the completion of this partnership (or the opening of this tenant whichever comes first) If I come out alive, I will get an identical bottle and bring to the M&G.

[FIGJAM]

Kinetic Steam Works = Amazing!!!

[media]

[FIGJAM]

[media]

[gaminwench]

You go get 'em, VC ...


Ooooooh, steamy things

[Joeln]

Lagavullin for me....Get em VC!


Cool stuff Figjam.

[Aurelia]

VC, I don't drink unless there is a cause..so now that there is I am bringing Grande Marnier

[trilobyte]

I disagree with your thinking on No Comment, Rhino... if a person is sticking to a policy of not making comments, then it fucking means no comment. Thinking it means anything else is newsy-rumorblogosphere bullshit and reading into the tea leaves. And if it's a person who makes the kind of habit of arbitrarily not sticking to a no comment policy, their incompetence is a strong indicator that whatever they say/don't say should be taken with a grain of salt. I'm constantly getting hit up by the newsy-rumorblogosphere types trying to fish for details on projects. No comment means no comment.

Congrats on the big deal, VultureChow! Great motto too, btw, it's served me well over the years. Woohoo for drinks! I'm having a VVC at the moment (vodka and vicious chemicals) *clinks glass*

Aside from just being a good time for a beverage, I'm celebrating the completion of one of the two Rawr coats. Pandorra's been sewing up a storm, and rocked mine through the home stretch a little while ago. She still has buttons and few minor details to do on hers, but that should be easy enough to knock out tomorrow night. I got a bunch of great pics of the project's progress as well as the finished piece, but I want to hold off from posting too much before we wear them out at the Morris Burner Hotel on Saturday night.

Cool KSW clip, Figgy, I hadn't actually seen that piece up close. A couple friends of friends had worked long and hard on them, and I think they've been a part of a couple Survival Research Lab shows. They had a great little setup with the full-on steam engine at Maker Faire - they occasionally bring that with them to the playa, but I'm not sure if it's coming out this year. On a related note, as I perused the honorarium description list last night, I couldn't help but think that this is gonna be a great year for steampunks on the playa.

[Elorrum]

Good morning bar!

[Patsh]

Good morning, Elorrum! (and any other wayward wanderers through The Bar!)

Happy Friday to ALL!!!

It's Friday.jpg

[AntiM]

I can tell it is summer, my ghee is all melty.

[Aurelia]

Good Morning All !

There is sometimes a good reason to consider reading tea leaves. It very well could be a form of creative musing.

Double negatives are confusing . I spent a while attempting to clarify what you were saying Trilo.

Patsh and Elorrum enjoy the weekend. It promises good times already.

xoA.

[MyDearFriend]

Ha, where is my

I am up early on my day off, waiting for a plumber to come fix a leak. Utterly and totally resenting the fact that I am up & dressed.

[Joeln]

Patsh I don't know if my halting gait could be called wandering...
But I made it for another day - another cup

[Aurelia]

MDF, isn't it great that a plumber will come and take care of the problem!

Joe, what is halting your gait ? I ask as I am considering my gaited decrease.

xoA.

[trilobyte]

I was saying that I disagree with Rhino regarding the use of the "no comment" statement.

Hooray for Friday! The cat's excited, she's been running and jumping all over the loft like she's got flubber in her paws. I'm off to fetch some caffeine and brekkie, busy day ahead!

[ygmir]

*wanders in, makes CCC*
I'm with ya Trilo.

super congrats to VC!! yay you!!

Hi MDF!! yeah I had to go fix a leak at one of my rentals last evening.....of course it breaks late afternoon, and underground , next to the road! And me, not able to shovel yet! luckily a friend agreed to help. Then, to find whomever put the pipe in, used the wrong type, and didn't backfill correctly, so, I'm sure this is not the last leak. I'll hope to have time at some point to put a new line in.

Hi Elorrum,AntiM, Joeln, ASD, Patsh.

*strokes Juke, heads for IBBOD*

[media]

[MyDearFriend]

Yggy, wow, thanks for not shoveling!

We have to shut off the water to my whole building to shut off my ancient bathtub, yep, back in 1901 they had no idea...
So I sympathize with plumbing issues.

Here is a happy song, that made me think of you Yggy!!!

[media]

[Patsh]

Great song, MDF!!
Yup, good one for Yggy...

meanwhile,

[Captain Goddammit]

Yeah you strive to get ahead and become a landlord... then it turns out not to be so easy, right?!
I had the same leaking water supply line issue at my rental, and a $1000 water bill to go with it.
Got tired of continually repairing the line and got a buddy with a backhoe to come dig it up for me and replaced the whole thing.
Overall, I LOSE money month to month on that place. The trick will be to cash in on the slowly escalating property value after it's gone up enough but before I die and effectively did it for nothing!

[Aurelia]

Thank You for the fine song MDF ..cannot wait to share it.

[ygmir]

hahaha a..great one MDF!!!

Yeah CAp'n........well, I have no change at a retirement account. so, rentals are it.
I'll work on 'em till I can't then, hire out or sell I guess.
Luckily, the tenants there pay the water, so, are very quick to call if there is a leak.

[Joeln]

Rentals....sounds like we all have our sob stories there.
Mine involves roof, gutters, fascia...
Putting every dime of rent into savings so I can pay for it.