Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - Recently, Tucson began their annual gem and mineral show. The show started on January 29, and runs through Feb. 13.

As a result of this ridiculous event, which draws people from around the world to worship dirty rocks, your beloved webmaster has found it nearly impossible to update any of the three websites he is responsible for.

So, what does this mean to you, the avid kbartram.com reader? Unfortunately, it means you will have to be patient. The stupid rock show is almost over. Thank God, or Buddha, or Allah, or whom or whatever you may consider Holy, for small favors like the end of the rock show and for my ... never mind.

Over the course of the next week, all the lovely specimens will have to be picked up and shipped out to the next unfortunate bunch of suckers running transportation logistics for the next rock show wherever that may be.

After that shit's all completed, we'll have a few days of "normalcy" before Tucson hosts the "Fiesta de los Vaqueros," which roughly translated is the Cowboy Festival, or Rodeo. Sounds fun, huh? Well, it's not. During the parade, Thursday, Feb. 24, I can't get into work until noon because the Tucson Police block the street that leads to my office!

What a logistical nightmare! However, I've got it all planned out. It won't be that bad, and I get an extra two hours for myself on that day! After that's over, things should finally level out a bit and get back to normal, and not a moment too soon, I might add!