Geez, I spend 24 hours off the boards and look what happens -- all hell breaks loose.
I always tell the truth so here it is...
1. Last year, Block had a room booked when I decided to go and since we were going to be working together all weekend, I crashed with him. Block paid for the room and refused to accept payment from me.
2. I tried to get a room at the main Hyatt or the Drury next door and they were both sold out so I booked a suite at the Hyatt Place in Dublin. Of course I invited Blockhead to stay with me as he did for me last year and he doesn't snore (and loves to spoon!). When Lil' Keith decided to come at the last minute, I invited him to crash as well (Keith snores loudly and won't be invited back!). 'Tis true that I paid $31/night for 3 nights and got a car for $11/day on Hotwire.com. {Insert Jew comment here, Alex}
3. There was a cute girl working at the hotel named Evelyn. She was about 24 and more than a bit flirtatious. Lil' Keith and I met her the night before when she nearly had to call the Popo because I was brawling in the hotel lobby with two businessmen who were messing with Lil' Keith (Story to be elaborated on at a later date).
4. On Friday night, Alex, Flexington, Ripitup, Tony, Lil' Keith, Blockie and me went to dinner at a steakhouse and then back to the hotel lounge area to chill out and drink. It was a lot of fun as I recall. Ripitup did my highlights between shots of whiskey and everyone was laughing and having a great time, except for Alex who at times, seemed to have other things on his mind.
5. With Tony holding the vidcam, we watched in great entertainment as Lil' Keith and Blockie battled for the affections of this young woman alternately trying every trick in the book (think Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Live!). At some point Flexington joined in, and Evelyn had 3 suitors each with their own style, while Tony and I had a running commentary on the action and who was leading!
6. At some point, Blockie used the word 'Negro' in his own inimitable style (half-jest). In all fairness, Alex had used derogatory versions of 'Jew' and 'Kike' all day.
7. Alex seemed to take offense to the 'Negro' comment, but it was hard to tell as the booze had been flowing and neither Block nor I could tell if he was really upset or just pretending.
8. Alex challenged Block to say it again.
9. Block asked Flexington if he was offended and Flex said "No".
10. Alex again challenged Block to say it again.
11. Block told Alex he watches too many movies and told him to relax.
12. The moment seemed to blow over when Alex apologized and said he was only kidding.
13. Evelyn went home alone.
14. Considering that we all wanted to hang out together, it didn't seem to make a difference whether we went to a bar or a hotel lounge, but neither Block nor I had any desire to repeat the prior year's visit to Club Karma or other freakshow.
15. JPegg caught up with us on Saturday at the expo and hung out with Alex and Flex while Block and I did our thing. After the Expo closed, Alex and Flex said they were gonna try to score some ducats to the Arnold Finals. I jokingly called them "Schmoes" and they went off to try to get tix. Block, Lil' Keith, JPegg and I had a great dinner at Mongolian Grill and bumped into legends such as Layne Norton, Ed Coan, and Zab Judah.
16. We dropped JPegg off at his car and headed back to our hotel to chill (around 10pm). Blockhead and I were pretty beat and Lil' Keith had to be at the airport at 4:30 am. Alex & Flex met up with Rip & Tony and they texted us to meet up with them either at their hotel or a bar. Around that time, Blockie noticed on Getbig that Danielson was "leaking" word out of Columbus (even though he wasn't there) that "Special Ed is a dick in real life" and "everyone hated him".
17. Seeing how neither Lil' Keith, Block, Rip, Tony, or myself had any contact with anyone on Getbig over the weekend, it seemed to me a bit odd indeed for "someone" to be "leaking" such bad information.
18. And then Block and Lil' Keith told me that Alex had been grumbling about me all day and had been texting Danielson all day and night from the expo and the lounge the night before.
19. At which point, hanging out with someone badmouthing us behind our backs and trying to stir shit up on the message boards seemed to be the last thing any of us wanted to do. Block passed out and I drove Lil' Keith to the airport at 4am.
20. I called Rip on Sunday and she made me aware of Alex and Danielson's "special relationship".
21. On Monday or Tuesday, I called Alex and we talked it out. He seemed to regret the whole mess and said he wanted to be more positive going forward, which I think he has been.
22. JPegg, Flexington, Rip, Tony & Lil' Keith have nothing to do with any conflicts. They were all supercool and everyone got along swell.
23. Alex and I have spoken several times since the Arnold and I think we both are looking forwards and not backwards.
24. Shane (Block) has proven himself as a bodybuilder, nutritional/precontest guru, and all-around great guy to everyone that knows him. He is a talented and funny guy who is very loyal to his friends and will give you the shirt off his back (especially his MD shirt!). No thanks!
25. Alex is a very intelligent and driven guy who wants to kick back and have fun but who is a bit more serious in real life. Alex won't just give you the shirt off his back -- he'll print up 5 extras to promote 'Big Nation'. Thanks again!
* THE END *
