The Dr. Phil of 7-11

My last name is Astle. "Just think Castle and drop the C off." Is how I recommend people remembering it. Their is an interesting story behind the origin of my last name. When I was a young lad growing up in Kansas, my Great Uncle Buck told me this. "In the old country (England) our last name is Castle, but when your great, great, great grandfather came to the country (1850's California gold rush) his fellow workers did not like the name. They told him the name reminded them of English nobility. Well, since most of his colleagues were Irish. He thought it would be a good idea to change it. Hence the C was dropped and the Astle name was born."

The other day I chatted with an old friend of mine from Kansas. We hadn't talked in years, and it was good to hear his voice. Turns out, he is a big fan of the blog. What's the best way to describe him? I say big and philosophical. The reason I say big? He stands 6'9 inches and weighs 300+, throw in the fact that he was a Division 1 offensive lineman. Well you catch my drift. The other word I would use to describe him? Philosophical. Back when I lived in Kansas, the two of us used to have long discussions about things. Politics, sports, business..etc..etc. A long time ago he told me this "A guy like you ain't gonna hit a lick in Kansas (lick is Kansas slang for fortune). You need an atmosphere that is more suited for your skills." You know how Shaq always gives himself nicknames? Like the 'The Big Diesel' or 'The Big Aristotle'..Well, I've got a new nickname for my friend..The Big Dr. Phil..

My favorite watering hole in Las Vegas? The Lodge (Fort Apache & Russell). The Lodge has all of the things a single, heterosexual guy in Las Vegas could ask for...Great food..Cold beer..Big screen televisions..Attractive wait staff..The cherry on top of the Sundae? I live within a five minute walk of the place, so if I get drunk? Stumble home. The last few weeks, i've been considering approaching them about starting a  blog about the place. I'm a big believer in Organic Growth. I see a ton of potential for it at this place. The one thing I would need more than anything for something like this to work? Cooperation.