Manic March

Being let go by the Express-News ended a streak of being a full-time print journalist locally for 18 years. But being a freelance writer feels like a full-time job. Some of the more adventurous perks remain, such as the ability to cover a wide array of special events.

Many of these events most recently took place in March: The grand grand opening of Alamo Beer Company on the near East Side, the opening of San Antonio Beer Week, and the Freetail Brewing/Pinata Protest collaboration concert.

Then there was my annual coverage of South by Southwest interactive. The 2015 edition couldn't measure up to last year's session, in which I had all-platinum access. But that just means I had to cram a lot more into a lot less time.

I polished all that off with a short but fun-filled (i.e. booze and food intensive) trip to New Orleans (fifth time there) to see my friend/ex-colleague Natalie Chandler. Needless to say my March kept me on my toes.

The things I do for journalisting, education and that rare (for me) jaunt for rest and relaxation.

A blog without a name

The end of March and this is, what, only my third blog of 2009? How disappointed all your faithful readers must be. All three of you. So much to say, yet not enough time or energy to elaborate. So here's a scattering of thoughts...

* Mindy and I enjoyed our quick New Orleans trip. The town is slowly but surely getting back to that same ol' Crescent City I've come to know, love and hazily recall through alcohol-fueled weekends.

* My NCAA tournament bracket went kablooey. Pitt, Memphis, Louisville -- anytime you all really wanna play hard enough to reach the Final 4, let me know. I am now counting on a Villanova-UConn showdown. Oh well, I guess otherwise I'll look forward now to the Frozen Four, the new baseball season and someone knocking off the Lakers.

* It's a year my inner geek looks forward to so many cool, titillating flicks -- a year that has begun with Watchmen, Monsters v. Aliens and I Love You, Man. A year that will include a reenvisioned Star Trek prequel/sequel, X-Men, Transformers, G.I. Joe, something about 2012, Year One, Inglorious Basterds, Terminator, Seth Rogen needing a chill pill and...holy crap, someone is suggesting Naked Gun 4! My inner geek runs giddy with joy.

* Farewell, Battlestar Galactica. The finale was incredible. Not totally satisfying, but an awesome attempt nonetheless. Hey, someone (a Star Trek: Next Generation alum, no less) was bold enough to create a not-so-cheesy sci-fi show that boasted plenty of grit, bleak action and philosophy. It was a cool homage to a TV childhood favorite of mine and game-changer for current fare. So say we all. (Caprica -- eh I'm not so sure of yet.)

* I'm thinking it won't be too long before we see the finale of Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles and where the hell is my final Pushing Daisies episodes, ya bastards?!

* Michelle Bachmann and Glenn Beck, sit down, shut the hell up and chill the f#$@ out.

* Newt Gingrich. New Catholic. Muhahaha! Yes, our church really welcomes a guy who had an extramarital affair AND who told a hospitalized wife not once BUT TWICE she was dumping her.