the matthew Z project

the boys of Bubbler

Recently Bubbler Tuesday has been getting a lot of questions…what is it, where did it come from, why do you have them?  Well, all but the where did it come from can be answered here.  For the where, you have to think back to the year 2003.  The Space Shuttle Discover disintegrated over Texas during re-entry. Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Ðindic is assassinated in Belgrade. The US led coalition force invades Iraq. U. S. president George W. Bush lands on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, where he gives a speech announcing the end of major combat in the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. A banner behind him declares “Mission Accomplished.”  SARS. Voters recall Governor Gray Davis from office and elect actor Arnold Schwarzenegger to succeed him. You get the idea, a lot of bad and crazy things were taking place. 

With all this though, there is some good. An instant cable series hit, premiered on FX called Nip/Tuck! The first episode was aired July 22, 2003. With all the things going on in the world, this is what we pay homage to.  Initially Jeff T. was the one who watched this.  One day over beers he told me about it.  Well fast forward to season three when they moved the series from the summer to the fall.  This couldn’t have been a better choice.  Tuesdays were when they wanted it to air, and Tuesdays were when we wanted to watch it.  It all came together and this started Bubbler Tuesdays!  Jeff had 2 shot glasses.  Although we only had 2, we would wash and pass.  This took some extra time, but ensured no germs!  We’re all germaphobes.

Bubbler Art

This third season brought about many changes for us.  Most notably was who.  Jeff, Amy, Missy, and me turned into Jeff, Amy, Missy, Dan, Shawn, Kyle, Josh, and me.  We would grow steady for a while. We would pre-party before the show began and then on commercials we’d discuss the show while pouring more shots.  We drank and shortly after we’d all head home.  We did this for a while but then life took us all on many different paths.  Some of us moved away, others just couldn’t fit it into the busy schedules. Bubbler Tuesday ended before we ever knew what we had.

Enter Shawn LaMere, round two. September 4th, 2009.  Long story short, Shawn’s girlfriend Ann called to tell me he was in the hospital with a brain tumor. The suspense.  The drama.  Whatever, he’s fine now.  They removed the tumor and he’s all good.  Maybe even better.  After his recovery was well under way, he said something along the lines of “we need to bring back Bubbler!”  Better words have never been spoken.  He’s a true renaissance man, sort of. 

Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.  Bubbler Tuesday is an event unlike any other.  I challenge you to try one.  Go ahead, don’t be scared! 

Thank you Nip/Tuck.  Thank you Captain Morgan. Thank you Bubbler shot glass inventor. Most importantly though, I want to especially thank the wives, girlfriends, and fiancees of the men of Bubbler Tuesday.  Without your support, none of this could transpire the way it does each week.  We love you just a little bit more for this.  The way you allow us to let loose each week, keeps us on track and more sane, and helps make the world a better place. For that, I toast to you!

matthew Z