The Straight Eye for the Straight BJR

23 August 2003


Not since BJR first penned the words "Call Me Ishmael" there been so much to write, despite the lack of whales of any color.  The life of BJR continues to resemble a best selling epic of, well, epic proportions.  We're still debating between whether a Jackie Collins mini-series, reality TV show, or trilogy of motion pictures involving hobbits will best communicate the splendor of BJR.  If the reality TV angle wins out, proposed titles in consideration range from "The Straight Eye for the Straight BJR" to "Alaskan Idol" to "BJR wants to be a millionaire."

MS150
Despite a knee injury just days before the 180 mile bike ride between Houston and Austin, BJR teamed with his primary care physician and local pharmacist to dope his blood so full of painkillers that the ride seemed much easier this year.  This year's ride was also unique in that the animals along the road talked to BJR and Pink Floyd constantly played in the background.  Thanks to everyone who donated money for the cause and the effect.

Buy High, Sell Whenever You Feel Like It
The BJR estate has been sold.  In the month of May, BJR handed over the keys to the 1911 Cypress palace to a young couple eager to own a piece of BJR memorabilia.  However, you would think that memorabilia would not be subject to inspection, relator's fees, and taxes.  I am now living in a fantastic apartment, having moved from WASP neighborhood #1 (Westlake) to WASP neighborhood #2 (Tarrytown) in Austin.  My new mailing address is:

Bryan J. Rollins
2706 Greenlee
Garage
Austin, TX 78703

And, in answer to everyone's question:  Yes, it's a nice garage.  Also, my home phone number no longer works, so call my mobile. 
(512 422 5271)

Tour De Midwest
It's been mentioned before that growing up in Alaska has made BJR "culturally midwestern."  So it's no surprise that BJR's recent travels have included Kansas City, Chicago, Minnesota, and Omaha (the annual pilgrimage to the College World Series).   Yet again BJR watched an amazing Stanford baseball team make it farther than expected, only to fall in the finals against Rice.  Along with a $1 bet to Scott Griffin, the loss cost BJR emotionally as well as physically from smacking his forehead with blunt objects during the final game.

We Are Family
BJR's cousin Gayleen's wedding was a great excuse to get to spend some time with my Dad's family in the Sierra Mountains of Northern California.  As always, Uncle Cy took everyone swimming in the river, which is both exhilarating to the heart and more challenging for other body parts.  The wedding went off without a shotgun, and BJR even managed to avoid dancing. 

The Prodigal Son Returns
Possibly the biggest announcement of the Spring/Summer BJR Fashion Season has been a change of professional occupation.  While leaving <The Company> was a difficult decision, I am excited to announce that BJR has returned to Reactivity to run business development.  Being back with Glenn, John, and Brian is like returning home to find that your family has been doing a lot of amazing things while you've been gone, including launching a killer product, having kids, buying houses, and contracting rare diseases.

BJR Can Die Happy Now
July 26, 2003 is a day that will live in the annals (stop snickering) of Sports Television History.  During the middle innings of an Astros-Cubs game at the Juice Box (Minute Maid Field in Houston), All Star shortstop Jeff Kent, upset about the umpire's loose interpretation of the strike zone, "used a word that umpire's don't like."  Quickly ejected from the game, Kent did the honorable thing and chest bumped the umpire, adding additional fines and suspensions.  But all this is trivia when weighed against the fact that during SportsCenter's coverage of the subtle yet straightforward conversation on the field, BJR could be seen in the highlight film sitting in the fourth row.   The fact that BJR managed to appear on his favorite television show without public nudity, attacking a first base coach, or throwing a chair onto the field, provides a keen sense of mixed disappointment and relief.

BJR web site
Don't forget to visit the BJR web site (http://www.bryanjrollins.com) for past issues.  Coming soon, we'll have a customer support site where you can type in complaints and we will send those complains directly back to you for resolution.

BJR
BJR does not currently endorse any of the candidates for governor of California.   BJR Void where prohibited.  Tax, title, and license may apply to BJR.  .