I’ve got to make a test of a new set up for this Web site, and tech support tells me the first part of this will take 24 to 48 hours to resolve. During this time, I won’t be able to update or add or remove any files from the host server. Then, after the first part, there may be another day or two that I need to test some things before continuing. So Total Bullgrit will be static for a little while — let’s plan on it being 5 days.

When I next update, I hope this site will be all new and improved. If the test fails to do what I want it to do, we’ll just be right back to like it is now. <crosses fingers>

See ya in a few days.

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com

Cowgrit has been talking about needing/getting a GPS for the minivan for a few weeks now. I’ve never had a situation that couldn’t be solved by checking mapquest.com before leaving home or opening a map in the vehicle, so I’ve thought of a GPS as just a silly gimmick for people who think they look cool by having an overpriced gimmick in their car.

Although I thought it was silly, I never said “no” to the idea. I just told her to look them up, pick one out, and buy it. I’d support her decision to get one, but I wasn’t interested enough to do any research or thinking about it myself. I’ve got far more important things to think about, like a new video card for my computer or finding the new Iron Man action figures.

But there’ve been a few instances lately where Cowgrit really could have used a GPS. (She’s not as handy with a map as I am.) So, at last, we went to the store and looked at their gadgets. We got a Tom Tom GPS.

Of course, I was the one nominated to open the box, read the instructions, and set it all up. Fortunately, it’s very easy to start, and apparently very easy to use. Cowgrit also asked me to connect it to the computer and make sure all the maps and stuff were installed up to date. I did so, like a good husband. And in doing all this, I discovered some special voices to download and install in the device.

I downloaded and installed Darth Vader, C3PO (misnamed “R2D2”), Yoda, and a Dalek (from Dr. Who). Cowgrit is just not appreciative of these voices, but I’ll definitely use them when I’m driving the van. (I’m even considering taking the GPS for “a few test drives” in my car.)

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com

We stopped by the mall in my hometown around 7:00 Saturday evening. As a teenager, back in the 80s, I remember the local mall being the main hang out. It was always full of people on the weekends, and it was a place to see and be seen.

It’s gone through a major makeover since then, and it looks really good. The decor is modern and clean. There are, or have been, many and varied stores in this mall, including, currently, the only book store in town. But it’s virtually vacant now days.

I took the above photos standing in the middle of the main corridor, looking down the two main wings (there’s three wings total) at the anchor stores. There were a total of five people in the hall in the top image, and just two people (sitting on the bench) in the bottom image.

Walking down the halls, I noticed all the smaller stores had zero customers, and the larger stores had just a handful scattered about. I don’t know how the stores survive.

In my my current town, on a Saturday evening, these images of the mall would show 20 to 30 people in the halls. Every store, no matter how small, would have at least one customer, and cash registers all over would be taking in money.

I doubt my old home town mall will still be open in five more years. It’s a nice place, with a good location in the town, but it’s still just dying. I’m really saddened to see this happening.

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com

We went to my hometown for the day, to visit my mom. On the way, I noticed that a landmark beside the road was gone. For as long as I can remember, the Solid Gold Crazy Horse Gentleman’s Club has existed on the main highway about a third of the way between my current town and my old home town.

I’ve never been in the building — never even been in the parking lot — but I see it every time I go to and come from my hometown. It’s just one of those perennial landmarks you notice because it’s just obvious. But now it’s gone. The building has burned to the ground. There’s only chunky ash and a charred back wall left of the building, although the sign in the parking lot looks undamaged.

I always notice the sign because they sometimes have very interesting names of the guest girls announced on it. My favorite guest girl’s name was “Tess Tickles.” If the sign doesn’t announce a girl’s name, it advertises some event that sounds very fun: various wrestling challenges or “beauty” contests. But now there is no information on the sign at all.

Will they rebuild, or is this landmark gone forever? Will the new building look like the old building? It’s kind of a sad thing, really.

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com