Page 315 – The Points Of Life

Pardon the Interruption

Sports Reporter

thepointsoflife

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July 9, 2014

Pardon the Interruption, but I’m not Mike Wilbon but I do know more about futbol than George Farah.

The world witnessed ThePointsOfLife correctly predict the World Cup final matchup and now, once again, I put the psychic hat on.

I couldn’t make it to Rio for the final because I was waiting for my Mongolian work visa to arrive and luckily it did. Instead, I’m leaving the peace and tranquility of Anytown, USA for the second best place to watch the final besides the Marcana- Chicago. (Everyone drink, I said Chicago.)

To get there I’m paying an exorbitant $2.50 thanks to Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and to be well rested for the game, I’m redeeming my Hilton HHonors points to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, rated the best hotel in the United States. This will be my second Waldorf stay in a matter of weeks, the first being in Shanghai.

But enough points talk: the sole heir to the throne of Zamunda is ready to make his prediction, starting with this analysis:

Messi had a below average game today though he did manage to find the back of the net on PKs. He didn’t get too much help from his teammates and it is still uncertain if Di Maria, Messi’s favorite complimentary player, will be able to go.

Contrast that to the Germans who obliterated the Brazilians turning the beautiful game into a children’s AYSO game and it is no surprise that Vegas is picking Deutscheland to triumph. But in the words of Lee Corso, “Not so fast my friend.” Let’s not overlook Germany’s stumbles along the way and the inevitable implosion of the Brazilian side given their pressure to perform, injuries, and suspensions. Furthermore, recall Argentina’s own embarrassing defeat 4 years ago to Germany in the World Cup and Messi’s squadoosh during the entire tournament.

Clearly, revenge will be a motivator.

Next, two facts must not be overlooked:

1. No European team has ever won the World Cup when it is hosted in South America.

2. This basically will be a home game for Argentina.

And, if that’s enough don’t underestimate another motivating factor for Argentina- the opportunity to win the World Cup on the turf of their rival country, Brazil.

Final Score: Argentina 1 Brazil 0

We’re on a 23.5 break till the next post, so goodnight George, goodnight Canada!

Brasil (950) — They’ll be partying in Sugarloaf after Argentina wins

I Found Hidden Valley

thepointsoflife

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July 8, 2014

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Why do you travel? Is it for food, drink, or the combination of both, culture. I have written extensively about the best places in the world for pho.

Montana may not be the best place in the world for pho but it does get the ranking of #1 in the world for Ranch.

Ranch is everywhere here. It’s a standard item next to the salt and pepper at the dinner table, on the bar rail next to the Tequila, and in the gas station that serves to go drinks.

It is an oddity to see so much Ranch in so many places especially since half the world has never heard of this indispensable condiment. But I love it on my pizza, on my wings, and even as a satisfying drink.

None of the locals have told me the reason why Ranch is so prevalent nor do I know how Ranch relates to travel and points besides to say the real hidden valley is here in Montana and it’s worth taking a dip.

Anytown, USA

thepointsoflife

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July 7, 2014

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Kramer had it right when he installed a screen door on his New York apartment giving him “the cool evening breezes of Anytown, USA.”

That’s what comes to mind as I check out from the in your face lifestyle of the US and go back to a more pleasant time when strangers said hello on the street, people left their doors unlocked, and most notably, enjoying the libations of a local brew.

A local told me there was a measure in the state house to ban open containers of alcohol but it was shot down because one of it’s biggest opponents, the governor, “liked to have a beer on the way home from work.”

Whether this be true or not, there are no open container laws in the town’s I’ve visited making the commute from one quaint town to another nice and easy. (I am not the driver.)

The lax regulations apply to just about everything. The airport has basic security, the bank teller knows your face and doesn’t ask for ID, and the honor policy applies for paying your tab at the brewery.

And somehow there is no crime, no terrorism, and no apprehension that this way of life is under attack.

If the vehicles were removed from the street and a picture was taken, my guess is that you could not tell what year it is.

Man vs. Nature: Into the Wild

thepointsoflife

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July 6, 2014

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We all saw when it came to man vs. himself who triumphed. Even though I didn’t complete the hot dog challenge successfully, I contest that there was victory in defeat.

Today man challenged nature and nature came out on top by a long shot. The day began by psychologically preparing myself for a hike through the woods with the reward of a lake and fresh caught fish upon completing the hike.

Again, I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

DSCN0210 — Looking like a legitimate fisherman

DSCN0214 — Gone Fishin with Kenny, Chuck and EJ

Results:

The hike: Decent timing going up and down but the view didn’t compare to Table Mountain.

The fish: 0 caught

The wild: 1 dog tamed

The outcome: Yeah, my hiking days with mother nature are over.

Alex the [points] Redeemer to Rio

thepointsoflife

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July 5, 2014

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Once an idea enters my head, even if it is far-fetched, it becomes very difficult for me not to let it go. This morning, afternoon, or evening, depending where in the world you are Argentina defeated Belgium in the World Cup. Next up for Messi and the blue and white is the winner of the Netherlands and Costa Rica. I’m cheering for Los Ticos but this World Cup really hasn’t seen any significant upsets with the brackets going as many have predicted.

While Brazil and Germany didn’t dazzle their way through the tournament, they are, nevertheless, in the seminfinals. Therefore, it is likely that the Dutch will beat Costa Rica and it will be an Argentina vs. Holland semifinal.

So putting on my Tony Kornheiser psychic hat, I am going to say that thee Germans will advance because no home cooking can make up for the absence of Neymar and Silva for the Brazil side. Likewise, Germany has a capable goal scorer in Muller and who doesn’t like to yell out Schweinsteiger at every opportunity.

Which brings us back to Messi who will score 3 against the Netherlands and to the displeasure of all of Brazil, see Argentina in the Marcana.

You are probably saying that my analysis is much better than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith but are also wondering what this has to do with points and travel. As I wrote, the beauty of points and sports is that you are able to go to events last minute where prices would be cost prohibitive for even someone that got in early on the GoPro IPO.

The ‘low fare’ for a one way flight this Thursday to Rio is $1789.

Compare this to an AA rewards flight of $77.

No surprise that all the points hotels are sold out, but enough of the luxury, this is about futbol not fancy. One of the hostels provides free caiparinhas every night anyway!

So the only problem left is, you guessed it, the f@&king visa!

Oh and getting a ticket to the game.

Brasil (904) — Argentina Blue! (photo courtesy of Michael Jeries)

Go Argentina!

Simply the Best: March 2014

TPOL's Best

thepointsoflife

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July 4, 2014

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After each month I’ll post The List of the Top 7 posts for that month and add in an honorable mention for those that should’ve gotten more love. Obviously, each recap requires a needed book plug for that soon to be released Everyone’s Advice Is Wrong . . . Including Mine right at the top followed by my upworthy pic of the post and a memorable quote.

Since I am ecstatic to have just joined Prior2Boarding.com and have seen my daily numbers quadruple in one day, I am going to have to catch everyone up by going way, way back to March 19th when this all began.

1. No One Listens to the Professor

2. ThePointsOfLife Infomercial

a restaurant under the water — “The following is a paid advertisement for Enjoy #ThePointsOfLife. It does not represent the views or opinions of your friends and family.”

3. 30 Days to Maldives

a hot tub on a deck overlooking a body of water — Friends ask me all the time how I travel everywhere for next to nothing. After reading ThePointsOfLife Infomercial you should know the answer is points.

4. Pho No

5. Swamp Water

6. Final 4 Free

7. All this can be yours if the points are right . . .

Man vs. Himself: My 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest

thepointsoflife

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July 3, 2014

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Man vs. Himself: My 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest

In AP English we learned that all novels have the following protagonist vs. antagonist:

Man vs. Man

Man vs. Nature

Man vs. Himself

What Mrs. Frillici could not anticipate was yet another antagonist- Man vs. Food (a TV show that was recently taken off the air for the predictability of being stupid on social media). Nonetheless, as the 4th of July is here meaning it is time for the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. I’m personally boycotting the formal contest until Kobaysahi returns to glory and have used his techniques in the past to guide myself to the Big Mac Eating Contest championship.

I was in the middle of nowhere in Montana when I arrived at Lawdogs Saloon appropriately named as the establishment is run by a former sheriff. I overheard a fellow patron ask about a food eating contest and my ears perked up. Moments later, I found myself signing up for the Double Lawdog challenge: 2lbs of dog, 2 buns, and a mound of chili cheese fries that must be completed in an hour.

Rather than write the play by play here are some pics and videos to commemorate the occasion and celebrate the 4th of July.

DSCN0200 — The Jalapeno Cheese Hot Dog was a bad idea

In the end, I lost the challenge hitting the wall of fries at the 20 minute mark but learned a lot for the next life challenge:

1. Do not get spicy jalapeno cheese hot dogs.

2. Fries are a killer

3. Fries are a killer

4. If you are in Elliston, Montana opt for the burger challenge. There are no fries.

5. Running a marathon was easier.

Happy 4th of July!

The Prison of Posh

Professor

thepointsoflife

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July 3, 2014

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The problem with staying at upscale hotels is that they try to protect you from your own shadow.

“Don’t take a taxi off the street, you may get mugged,” the bellman at the Intercontinental in Joberg told me.

“You need a security guy with you if you are going to go to see the River Plate soccer match,” the Park Hyatt Buenos Aires cautioned.

“Don’t even look out the window!” the manager at the Caesar Park Ipanema warned.

Two out of the three above are true but the message has been the same everywhere I stay in style, “Hide your kids, hide your wife.”

Thus the conundrum: stifle yourself with 5 star amenities or risk death by breaking free.

That is not an exaggeration if you believe the mocking eyes of the concierge that proclaims, “You don’t stand a chance on the outside.”

Softened by the swanky points lifestyle, you have lost your travel swagger and all that is left is a shell of your former travel self. How did you ever stay at a 40 person hostel in Europe? How did you go on a nonguided tour of the city? How did you ever take the local bus not a private car from the airport?

Putting the dead bolt on the hotel door and connecting to the $35 a day Wi-Fi you type in travel.state.gov and the name of your host country to check the State Department’s travel warning.

Your fears are confirmed when you read, “Beware of pickpocketers and locals targeting tourists.”.

A quick ring to room service and you are dining in this evening.

Danger averted.

Points opened the world of travel to me because it eliminated the fundamental hindrance of gallivanting across the globe- money. But the more skilled I became at the points game the more I realized that I was doing a disservice to myself. What I found besides well appointed rooms and rain showers both onboard and on the ground was that I had lost sight of the reason I traveled in the first place- adventure.

It is true that there is a certain element of danger from leaving your palazzo to intermingle with the peasants but this is justified by the people you meet, the trouble you encounter, and the bad decisions that, without exception, lead to great stories.

“Yeah hi, room service? Yes, cancel that order. I am going out tonight.”

a plane parked at an airport — There’s more to life than loungin.

Simply The Best: Joining the Big Leagues with my 100th Post

thepointsoflife

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July 2, 2014

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Signing that letter of intent to play football at the University of Michigan, being passed over by the Detroit Lions, and getting that max contract from the Detroit Tigers, all have one thing in common: it’s the best day of a player’s life.

The same can be said about ThePointsOfLife joining the BoardingArea family as part of their spin-off site Prior2Boarding. While I have built an obscene amount of followers on my own on by force or threat of force (308 on Facebook, 647 on Twitter, 80 on Instagram, and 5 on Tumblr), I’m delighted that I got the call-up to join the majors.

Although it may have been possible to reach 10 Tumblr followers doing it solo, I’ll gladly take a Lebron pay cut to join a winning team. The viewership of BoardingArea is unbelievable and the level of support from bloggers and the development team on the back end is second to none.

It is no coincidence that this is also my 100th blog post, a milestone that is amplified by this great opportunity.

Judgment Day

Moving to Mongolia

thepointsoflife

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July 2, 2014

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It’s judgment day today for my World Cup Expat dreams, the day I send off my passport to the Consulate of Mongolia to obtain my work visa.

Sending off my passport for visas, extra pages via agency or on my own always gives me anxiety.

1. Will my passport get lost in the mail? The OfficeDepot man suggested USPS so I ran out of there right away.

2. Did I fill out the application correctly? Are my passport photos too angry? Is my penmanship, that of a serial killer, going to delay the processing?

3. Where do I even send this application?

3. Will they process my application on time? Will it arrive at my house on time before I leave?

5. Do I have enough blank pages for the few countries I will visit before my migration?

I’ve already discussed at length my visa problems in Sudan and most recently MJ’s in China.

Judgment Day is here and I hope it goes well.