Before the CEOs and Office Ho's party gets too far in the rearview mirror, a couple of points...

My buddy Ken went to see Jimmy Buffett a bunch of years ago. Now, I like Buffett, but Kenny had an excellent point. He said "Buffett is a genius because he's no more talented than a Cape Cod happy hour DJ, but he's making millions..." While I disagree with his assessment of Buffett's singer/songwriter ability, I had to laugh at his underlying premise: that the man's popularity is waaay out of whack with his actual talent. What Buffett has done is tap into something. In his case, it's the overwhelming desire of working people to say "F- my job" and just go get drunk under a palm tree.

That's what going to these Barstool parties is like for those of us who work here. I didn't check with Chisholm, Manzo, UB or the Goddess Kati, but I think I can speak for them when I say it's astonishing to see the nerve that Barstool has struck among the Cubicle Slaves of the world. None of has any delusions we're friggin' Frank Deford, but it's overwhelmingly satisfying...and a little unsettling...to meet people at these parties and hear them be able to repeat back to you something that you or the other writers have said. I don't think El Pres exactly created this subculture...of overworked, underappreciated worker drones who are just looking for a couple of laughs and a hot girl to get through the day... but he sure as hell has tapped into it.

And it's great to be part of it. The Stoolies I spent the night hanging with are the best people and the hottest women in Boston, period. Anyone who hears about these parties and doesn't get on the list should have a mirror put under their nose to make sure they're still alive.

One last thing. That Barstool cigar was the best I've ever had. The crap I've been smoking must be filled with Chinese newspapers and recycled Goodyears. Don't save it for a souvenier, smoke the damned thing while it's fresh. Otherwise, send it to me.

Viva la Stool.