1. have you ever dated someone or had a lover who had an emotional or mental disorder? how did that work out? if you haven't dated anyone with an emotional/mental disorder, would you?
I didn't do much...she took her meds (depression/anxiety)
2. have you ever dated someone/took a lover who had a physical disability? what, if anything, did you do differently to accommodate them sexually? if you have never dated anyone with a physical disability, would you? (remember - we're not judging; some people are unable to handle a lover with a disability, and that's a personal choice!)
I haven't.
3. do you have mood swings (hormonal or otherwise) that affect your relationship? if not, have you dated someone who "swung pretty hard"?
I think that I'm pretty even-keeled, but Lynn can have her swings when things are not going well. The don't last long as long as she's on her meds.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Just Another Day in LA
There are many things that I love about LA. Today I had a meeting and one of the participants was a woman who has a typical Anglo name (let's say Mary, not Maria), a typical Hispanic surname (let's say, Martinez) but is Chinese and speaks perfect, unaccented English.
Other than that, not much going on. My cousin's older son (who's the HB's age) is sleeping over tonite. The wife took the day off to hang out with them and is totally worn out (let's here it for only having 1!). So, she's out having some quiet time while I hold down the fort. I think some jacuzzi time is going to be in order soon.
Other than that, not much going on. My cousin's older son (who's the HB's age) is sleeping over tonite. The wife took the day off to hang out with them and is totally worn out (let's here it for only having 1!). So, she's out having some quiet time while I hold down the fort. I think some jacuzzi time is going to be in order soon.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Hit the Road, 'Bert
Hearing the news of Alberto Gonzalez resigning set off that Jim Nabors voice in my head. Y'know, the Gomer Pyle one that goes, "Surprise, surprise, surprise." My sense is that W. wants the justice department to ask congress for some more authority to wiretap, or some such shit, and the last person there with a brain in his/her head figured out Al wasn't the guy to (successfully) make their case. Bush, like his daddy, is loyal to a fault, so I'm sure he wasn't thrilled with the political calculation, but I'm sure he'll get over it.
Remember before Bush stepped in it by floating Harriet Miers' name he was thinking of Gonzalez for the Supreme Court? Now THAT would have been leaving his stamp on the Court. Kind of in the same way his dad did with Clarence Thomas.
So now, any Republican with any previous ties to the justice department and who has friends in PR circles has had his/her name floated for the job. Floated being the key work if Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security when Katrina hit, is nominated.
Why Bush thought (OK, why Cheney thought) it was a good idea to have his personal lawyers (Gonzalez and Miers) supposedly representing the people at the federal level is beyond me. Big surprise (that word again) when your boss/buddy wants additional political power and for you to go justify it. Yup, lots of critical thinking and back-and-forth going on in that discussion.
So, Mr. Gonzalez will head into the private sector with some law/lobbying firm and make the big money. I'm sure there are lots of companies and causes that need a well paid yes-man.
Remember before Bush stepped in it by floating Harriet Miers' name he was thinking of Gonzalez for the Supreme Court? Now THAT would have been leaving his stamp on the Court. Kind of in the same way his dad did with Clarence Thomas.
So now, any Republican with any previous ties to the justice department and who has friends in PR circles has had his/her name floated for the job. Floated being the key work if Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security when Katrina hit, is nominated.
Why Bush thought (OK, why Cheney thought) it was a good idea to have his personal lawyers (Gonzalez and Miers) supposedly representing the people at the federal level is beyond me. Big surprise (that word again) when your boss/buddy wants additional political power and for you to go justify it. Yup, lots of critical thinking and back-and-forth going on in that discussion.
So, Mr. Gonzalez will head into the private sector with some law/lobbying firm and make the big money. I'm sure there are lots of companies and causes that need a well paid yes-man.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Weekend Stuff
Had a busy weekend, hence little posting. I can tell that you are disappointed.
On Friday night I went with my bro and and a buddy of mine and his new fiancée (awwwww) to the Angel game. The Halos won 3-0 on some fine pitching by Jared Weaver. It's always fun to go with my buddy since the tickets are free through his work and he's a regular at bar near the stadium so we drink for bar tips. Of course, that invariably means I have one too many (and don't eat enough), so I was feeling it on Saturday morning.
While the wife was good enough to volunteer to run errands etc. with the HB on Saturday, I was gone on Friday night and she was going out with a friend that night, so I figured we could all do shit together. We actually got a ton of crap done, including hanging the pictures back up in my office, getting birthday presents for my s-i-l for Sunday, cleaning windows, etc. Since the wife went out for dinner and music, the HB and I got make seafood in the house (shrimp nachos) and watch a game (Angels, again, but they got beat).
Sunday was a looooong day. I slept in a touch (though I think I had a dream about Lynn for about the third night in a row) and made breakfast for me and the HB (the wife was up at the crack of dawn and went into work for a bit). We then went to the Lone Star Steakhouse for my younger s-i-l's birthday. If there's a more boring, uninspired chain-restaurant, I don't know of it. So, we get the menus and order while my older s-i-l tells us what's good and what to order. Strange thing is that she's on some weird diet and is only eating a wedge of lettuce. Why is it the fattest person has all the diet advice? She's been on a million diets and NONE have them have worked. Why? Well, first off, NONE of them seem to involve exercise. Second, they're so bizarre that even if they were nutritionally sound (and they aren't), a person in our culture couldn't stick to it. And, I'm sorry. My grandfather was a baker, so I like good bread. But when someone tells you that the BEST part of a restaurant is their bread, the food must suck. This stuff was pretty bland and very run of the mill.
We make it through lunch and presents and decide to go bowling, which was a pretty inspired idea. The dieting s-i-l shows up with one of her grandmother's old bowling trophies which will go to the highest scorer...which is me, thank you very much. I'll treasure it forever. What's making this day go on, and on, and on is that the HB is talking constantly. Ugh.
We finally get home to relax a little bit. The HB is in a snit because he can't get the wifi on his Pokemon Gameboy to work and continues to yammer about it. He and I are about to head off to an Indian Guides pool party while my brother finishes up a platonic date. Since he's too cheap to rent a car, my wife volunteers to visit her birthday sister (again) and bring him back here.
The pool party was fun, but 2.5 hours of listening to 8-9 year olds scream and play in the pool is my limit. Even some time in the jacuzzi hasn't fully de-stressed my neck muscles. I think I'll have a drink and call it a night. I'll be up early since my bro will be up early to catch his cab to the airport.
On Friday night I went with my bro and and a buddy of mine and his new fiancée (awwwww) to the Angel game. The Halos won 3-0 on some fine pitching by Jared Weaver. It's always fun to go with my buddy since the tickets are free through his work and he's a regular at bar near the stadium so we drink for bar tips. Of course, that invariably means I have one too many (and don't eat enough), so I was feeling it on Saturday morning.
While the wife was good enough to volunteer to run errands etc. with the HB on Saturday, I was gone on Friday night and she was going out with a friend that night, so I figured we could all do shit together. We actually got a ton of crap done, including hanging the pictures back up in my office, getting birthday presents for my s-i-l for Sunday, cleaning windows, etc. Since the wife went out for dinner and music, the HB and I got make seafood in the house (shrimp nachos) and watch a game (Angels, again, but they got beat).
Sunday was a looooong day. I slept in a touch (though I think I had a dream about Lynn for about the third night in a row) and made breakfast for me and the HB (the wife was up at the crack of dawn and went into work for a bit). We then went to the Lone Star Steakhouse for my younger s-i-l's birthday. If there's a more boring, uninspired chain-restaurant, I don't know of it. So, we get the menus and order while my older s-i-l tells us what's good and what to order. Strange thing is that she's on some weird diet and is only eating a wedge of lettuce. Why is it the fattest person has all the diet advice? She's been on a million diets and NONE have them have worked. Why? Well, first off, NONE of them seem to involve exercise. Second, they're so bizarre that even if they were nutritionally sound (and they aren't), a person in our culture couldn't stick to it. And, I'm sorry. My grandfather was a baker, so I like good bread. But when someone tells you that the BEST part of a restaurant is their bread, the food must suck. This stuff was pretty bland and very run of the mill.
We make it through lunch and presents and decide to go bowling, which was a pretty inspired idea. The dieting s-i-l shows up with one of her grandmother's old bowling trophies which will go to the highest scorer...which is me, thank you very much. I'll treasure it forever. What's making this day go on, and on, and on is that the HB is talking constantly. Ugh.
We finally get home to relax a little bit. The HB is in a snit because he can't get the wifi on his Pokemon Gameboy to work and continues to yammer about it. He and I are about to head off to an Indian Guides pool party while my brother finishes up a platonic date. Since he's too cheap to rent a car, my wife volunteers to visit her birthday sister (again) and bring him back here.
The pool party was fun, but 2.5 hours of listening to 8-9 year olds scream and play in the pool is my limit. Even some time in the jacuzzi hasn't fully de-stressed my neck muscles. I think I'll have a drink and call it a night. I'll be up early since my bro will be up early to catch his cab to the airport.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Saturday 8
when was the last time you...
1. went to the doctor? why did you have to go?
to get my yearly bloodwork done...my cholesterol is through the roof.
2. had surgery? for what?
Three years ago when I had my vasectomy.
3. visited someone in the hospital? who was it?
Each year the HB and I bring Halloween candy to kids at the local pediatric ward.
4. took a prescription medication? for what?
Painkillers after some dental work about a year ago.
5. injured any part of your body? what were you doing?
About 4 years ago I fractured my nose and elbow in a bike riding accident.
6. ate something that gave you food poisoning? what was it?
I cannot remember the last time I had food poisoning.
7. had a cold/allergies?
I'm sure I had a cold last winter. I don't seem to have allergies.
8. did NOT heed a doctor's advice? what did you ignore/do differently?
I've had good luck with doctors, so I tend to listen to them.
1. went to the doctor? why did you have to go?
to get my yearly bloodwork done...my cholesterol is through the roof.
2. had surgery? for what?
Three years ago when I had my vasectomy.
3. visited someone in the hospital? who was it?
Each year the HB and I bring Halloween candy to kids at the local pediatric ward.
4. took a prescription medication? for what?
Painkillers after some dental work about a year ago.
5. injured any part of your body? what were you doing?
About 4 years ago I fractured my nose and elbow in a bike riding accident.
6. ate something that gave you food poisoning? what was it?
I cannot remember the last time I had food poisoning.
7. had a cold/allergies?
I'm sure I had a cold last winter. I don't seem to have allergies.
8. did NOT heed a doctor's advice? what did you ignore/do differently?
I've had good luck with doctors, so I tend to listen to them.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Stand By Their Man
I've heard plenty of angles on the Mike Vick case. I've heard the racist one (would they go after Peyton Manning, who is white, like this?) and the appropriate punishment line (Hey man, they were only dogs. People shoot deer and other animals all the time, what's the big deal?). But, the union should have stood up for him one takes the cake.
Best I can tell, Mr. Bryant's argument goes like this: Sure, Mike Vick was wrong and should go to jail. But, the union should defend his right to work (Bryant doesn't say before, after or during his prison sentence) to show it's not a lackey of the league office. He argues that other sports unions have benefited more from being adversarial, rather than accommodating, with their commissioners.
Each salary system in the three major sports leagues (don't talk to me about hockey) has its pros and cons for the players. Baseball has no salary cap, though the Yankees, Red Sox and sometimes the Dodgers pay a tax for spending too much on players. This has led to a system with many well paid superstars playing for a few teams. Hence, while the World Series winner changes from year to year, there are some teams that start and end the season with no hope of winning. Basketball has a soft salary cap that allows teams to re-sign their own players for the most money, which leads to some stability. Football has a more complicated but 'harder' salary cap, but most contracts are not guaranteed (e.g., if a guy gets hurt he doesn't get paid), but a lot of money is paid up front and is guaranteed.
Football salaries are most closely tied to league revenue of the three in that the amount teams can spend on player salaries is directly proportional to revenues from the TV and other national media contracts, sales of apparel, etc. So, a successful NFL means more money for the players. So, why didn't the union defend the indefensible as Bryant claimed they should have? Because it would have cost the other union members money.
Let's say the union fights and wins for Vick's right to play next season after he gets out of the slam. Next thing you know, Coca-Cola or Bud says, "We are not paying tens of millions of advertising to have PETA up our asses. We are outta here." Then, what if a substantial number of casual fans say, "You know, I'm not gonna watch felons on the field." Then Fox, NBC and ESPN say to the league, "Uh, we're starting to lose money on this deal cause we can't recoup the money from big sponsors pulling out and our ratings are going down. Since you guys caused this, how 'bout a little something back?" The league makes less, then the salary cap goes down, then the players make less. So, is the union's primary responsibility to keep one guy employed or to protect the wages of the other 400 or so members?
Also, let's say the union fights and wins Vick's right to play. What team will hire him? He's an amazing talent, but the Falcons have been a .500 team with him the last four years. What owner is going to put up with protests, tougher to sell tickets, and all the other bullshit that will come with Vick for an average quarterback due a superstar's salary? Yeah, there might be one or two, but I doubt it. The union can't force a team to sign him.
Should a union fight for a member who's being denied his/her right to work under a contract. Absolutely. Those rights were fought and bargained for. Should it jeopardize the earning potential of the rest of its members to make a point so they can win some undetermined victory in the future? I don't think so.
Best I can tell, Mr. Bryant's argument goes like this: Sure, Mike Vick was wrong and should go to jail. But, the union should defend his right to work (Bryant doesn't say before, after or during his prison sentence) to show it's not a lackey of the league office. He argues that other sports unions have benefited more from being adversarial, rather than accommodating, with their commissioners.
Each salary system in the three major sports leagues (don't talk to me about hockey) has its pros and cons for the players. Baseball has no salary cap, though the Yankees, Red Sox and sometimes the Dodgers pay a tax for spending too much on players. This has led to a system with many well paid superstars playing for a few teams. Hence, while the World Series winner changes from year to year, there are some teams that start and end the season with no hope of winning. Basketball has a soft salary cap that allows teams to re-sign their own players for the most money, which leads to some stability. Football has a more complicated but 'harder' salary cap, but most contracts are not guaranteed (e.g., if a guy gets hurt he doesn't get paid), but a lot of money is paid up front and is guaranteed.
Football salaries are most closely tied to league revenue of the three in that the amount teams can spend on player salaries is directly proportional to revenues from the TV and other national media contracts, sales of apparel, etc. So, a successful NFL means more money for the players. So, why didn't the union defend the indefensible as Bryant claimed they should have? Because it would have cost the other union members money.
Let's say the union fights and wins for Vick's right to play next season after he gets out of the slam. Next thing you know, Coca-Cola or Bud says, "We are not paying tens of millions of advertising to have PETA up our asses. We are outta here." Then, what if a substantial number of casual fans say, "You know, I'm not gonna watch felons on the field." Then Fox, NBC and ESPN say to the league, "Uh, we're starting to lose money on this deal cause we can't recoup the money from big sponsors pulling out and our ratings are going down. Since you guys caused this, how 'bout a little something back?" The league makes less, then the salary cap goes down, then the players make less. So, is the union's primary responsibility to keep one guy employed or to protect the wages of the other 400 or so members?
Also, let's say the union fights and wins Vick's right to play. What team will hire him? He's an amazing talent, but the Falcons have been a .500 team with him the last four years. What owner is going to put up with protests, tougher to sell tickets, and all the other bullshit that will come with Vick for an average quarterback due a superstar's salary? Yeah, there might be one or two, but I doubt it. The union can't force a team to sign him.
Should a union fight for a member who's being denied his/her right to work under a contract. Absolutely. Those rights were fought and bargained for. Should it jeopardize the earning potential of the rest of its members to make a point so they can win some undetermined victory in the future? I don't think so.
Camping Adventure
Well, didn't hear from the HB's camp, so I'm assuming he'll make it back with all limbs this afternoon. Unfortunately, some fog rolled in last night, so unless they were above it I don't think that he had the great star gazing experience. How did I know the fog rolled it? Because the wife and I took advantage of the evening without him to go out for some fancy food. It was a bit on the snooty side in that the maître d' informed us that we could only have a patio table for 90 minutes. Well, you stuck-up shit, we made the reservation, so we'll keep the fucking table as long as we need it. Also, we won't be darkening you doorstep any more than we have to if your wait and kitchen staff have their shit together (our reservation was for just when they were opening for dinner).
The patio there is great and relaxing and the food was excellent. Our waiter was pleasant enough and pretty much on top of things. He wasn't your typical actor/model/waiter, rather he's a pro (been at the restaurant for 10+ years). After dinner we drove home separately as I had picked up my wife at her work which is close to the restaurant. I had quite the pleasure of listening to the Angels tear the Yankees a new one (18-9, yes, you read that correctly).
After playing with the dog and winding down some, it was nice to have sex when we felt like it, not when the HB decided to finally stay in bed. Sleeping in a bit felt good as well.
The patio there is great and relaxing and the food was excellent. Our waiter was pleasant enough and pretty much on top of things. He wasn't your typical actor/model/waiter, rather he's a pro (been at the restaurant for 10+ years). After dinner we drove home separately as I had picked up my wife at her work which is close to the restaurant. I had quite the pleasure of listening to the Angels tear the Yankees a new one (18-9, yes, you read that correctly).
After playing with the dog and winding down some, it was nice to have sex when we felt like it, not when the HB decided to finally stay in bed. Sleeping in a bit felt good as well.
WW #39
1. Lola was looking at the responses to a question on popsugar.com, where 90% of women had never had a one-night stand. have you ever had a one-night stand? did you see that person again?
Nope, never had one.
2. what is the strangest or non-traditional place you've had sex?
My grad school office.
3. is there something non-traditional (spanking, bukkake, bondage, midget porn, foot fetish, etc.) that turns you on? what is it, and have you had anyone freak out on you due to the fact that it turned you on?
I'd say tit fucking, but never freaked anyone out.
Nope, never had one.
2. what is the strangest or non-traditional place you've had sex?
My grad school office.
3. is there something non-traditional (spanking, bukkake, bondage, midget porn, foot fetish, etc.) that turns you on? what is it, and have you had anyone freak out on you due to the fact that it turned you on?
I'd say tit fucking, but never freaked anyone out.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Vick Pleads Guilty and Misc
We'll start with the miscellaneous. The HB is off to his first overnight camping trip without me today through his day camp. He's going to have a great time. The mom of a friend of his is totally freaking out, as in, "We can't carpool on Tuesday...I want to see my son get on the bus that morning." Nice way to teach him to be independent of mommy. He gets on the fucking bus without you EVERY morning (the other dad usually drives the boys and me or my wife picks them up). Fortunately, not my problem. It'll be a great night to camp because we are not having the usual evening/morning fog so the skies are clear. Well, as clear as they get in LA during the summer. We have been seeing a lot of stars at our house, so I'm sure they'll see tons more with some elevation away from the city lights.
So, after the perfunctory, "I want to clear my name in court! I'm innocent!" declarations, Michael Vick will plead guilty to something on Monday. Whether it will be to conspiracy, gambling, dog killing or something else, we just don't know. He'll probably get a year or so in the federal pokey and perhaps, though I doubt it, more from the state of Virginia (I don't think they have the same goods on him as the feds).
The thing that strikes me about this, and other athletes getting in trouble with the dudes they grew up with, is why is it the newly rich athlete who tries to keep it real with his hommies by trying to prove that the big money doesn't change him (which it clearly must) instead of him saying, "Look, I've got more money than I'll ever be able to spend in my life. Instead of us doing this stupid shit, how about I send you guys to school to learn how to manage and invest it so we'll all get rich?" It's always the player trying to stay in the street instead of trying get his buddies out of there. Maybe a lot do and it doesn't get the same run in the papers/internet. If you know of any of those, post a comment.
So, after the perfunctory, "I want to clear my name in court! I'm innocent!" declarations, Michael Vick will plead guilty to something on Monday. Whether it will be to conspiracy, gambling, dog killing or something else, we just don't know. He'll probably get a year or so in the federal pokey and perhaps, though I doubt it, more from the state of Virginia (I don't think they have the same goods on him as the feds).
The thing that strikes me about this, and other athletes getting in trouble with the dudes they grew up with, is why is it the newly rich athlete who tries to keep it real with his hommies by trying to prove that the big money doesn't change him (which it clearly must) instead of him saying, "Look, I've got more money than I'll ever be able to spend in my life. Instead of us doing this stupid shit, how about I send you guys to school to learn how to manage and invest it so we'll all get rich?" It's always the player trying to stay in the street instead of trying get his buddies out of there. Maybe a lot do and it doesn't get the same run in the papers/internet. If you know of any of those, post a comment.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Saturday 8
who was the last person you sent a:
1. holiday card (of any type)?
Lynn...probably for a Wicca holiday earlier in the year.
2. birthday card?
My wife.
3. sympathy card?
My uncle after his wife/my aunt died earlier in the year.
4. email?
I guy in my Rotary Club.
5. snail-mail letter?
Three people in my Rotary club who don't have e-mail.
6. package in via post?
Lynn's son's birthday present.
7. thank-you note or email?
Someone in my community who thanked the Rotary Club for a grant.
8. a blistering voicemail?
Not my style, though I did leave on for a client indicating that if she wanted her project done on time she had better get me a particular set of data ASAP.
1. holiday card (of any type)?
Lynn...probably for a Wicca holiday earlier in the year.
2. birthday card?
My wife.
3. sympathy card?
My uncle after his wife/my aunt died earlier in the year.
4. email?
I guy in my Rotary Club.
5. snail-mail letter?
Three people in my Rotary club who don't have e-mail.
6. package in via post?
Lynn's son's birthday present.
7. thank-you note or email?
Someone in my community who thanked the Rotary Club for a grant.
8. a blistering voicemail?
Not my style, though I did leave on for a client indicating that if she wanted her project done on time she had better get me a particular set of data ASAP.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Look Mom, The Constitution Works!
For years the Bush administration has been arguing for special powers to lock up enemy combatants in the War on Terror. Part of their argument had been that US courts are not setup to handle these kinds of cases, so they setup kangaroo courts. This was what happened in the Padilla case, a US citizen who was arrested on US soil and classified as an enemy combatant. It was one thing to deny rights to citizen of another country captured overseas, but as a US citizen is presumed to have some rights Cheney, I mean Bush, didn't think so. So, after getting bitch-slapped by the Supreme Court (and dropping some of the more outlandish charges), Mr. Padilla (and two others) got their day in court. And they were found guilty.
The Feds have had pretty rotten luck in these federal cases against supposed terrorists. The evidence has been flimsy, bordering on entrapment, so juries haven't been buying it. The Government would argue that they couldn't use all of their good evidence since doing so would give up state secrets. So, we should just trust that they have the goods on these people and let them rot in some gulag. Riiiiiiight.
However, Padilla changes all of this. Even without the "dirty bomb" charge, he was convicted in open court. Hm....funny how when the government has good evidence, people who seek to harm us can be convicted in open court. Perhaps this will open the way for others who are stuck in Gitmo, or who knows where else, to have their day in court. The Padilla case shows that the odds aren't stacked against the government, they just have to get off their asses and prove their case. I don't think that's too much to ask.
The Feds have had pretty rotten luck in these federal cases against supposed terrorists. The evidence has been flimsy, bordering on entrapment, so juries haven't been buying it. The Government would argue that they couldn't use all of their good evidence since doing so would give up state secrets. So, we should just trust that they have the goods on these people and let them rot in some gulag. Riiiiiiight.
However, Padilla changes all of this. Even without the "dirty bomb" charge, he was convicted in open court. Hm....funny how when the government has good evidence, people who seek to harm us can be convicted in open court. Perhaps this will open the way for others who are stuck in Gitmo, or who knows where else, to have their day in court. The Padilla case shows that the odds aren't stacked against the government, they just have to get off their asses and prove their case. I don't think that's too much to ask.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Letting Your Kid Play With Broken Glass
Unlike many Libertarians, I'm in favor of the death penalty under certain circumstances. You know, like the person actually being guilty of the crime. Having said that, as a country we do a shitty job of administering it. Some courts will do anything to prevent it from being carried out (like the 9th Circuit) and others just can't wait to do the injection/pull the switch (see Texas).
Then I read how Alberto Gonzales now has the right to shorten appeals times. OK, it's only by 6 months, but still. This guy doesn't give two mierdas about the rights of individuals (see the Patriot Act). What makes you think that he has an innocently convicted criminal's back?
All this makes a modicum of sense if the only people being sent to the chair/table are those with solid DNA evidence against them. But, that's not the case. Often times it's just a forced confession or a jail house squeal. The process should be fixed and sped up (for the sake of the victims' families if nothing else), but I don't think Gonzales is the guy to do it right.
Then I read how Alberto Gonzales now has the right to shorten appeals times. OK, it's only by 6 months, but still. This guy doesn't give two mierdas about the rights of individuals (see the Patriot Act). What makes you think that he has an innocently convicted criminal's back?
All this makes a modicum of sense if the only people being sent to the chair/table are those with solid DNA evidence against them. But, that's not the case. Often times it's just a forced confession or a jail house squeal. The process should be fixed and sped up (for the sake of the victims' families if nothing else), but I don't think Gonzales is the guy to do it right.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Remembering Merv
I'm sure that you saw that Merv Griffin died the other day. While I'm not a big talk show or game show fan, the guy knew how to make a buck (and then some).
My wife and I have vacation friends, let's call them Jack and Katrina. We started vacationing with them close to 20 years ago, and while we don't go with them as often now that we have kids, we still have a great time traveling with them. Several years ago, we decided to meet them in San Antonio, then drive to Austin, then drive to New Orleans.
I'm not a big fan of San Antonio. The Riverwalk is too tourista and soulless (I prefer St. Mary's Street). We took the obligatory trip to The Alamo. On the way there Jack is needling me a little about Davey Crockett leading all of these Tennesseans to fight with the Texans there. So, we get there and there is a memorial to all of those from the Volunteer state (fighting at the Alamo is one reason it got the nickname)--all 12 of them. I got tons of shit after that (What, a bar closed and the last stage coach was heading west?). Later on we went to the Lone Star brewery (don't be jealous...the beer's just a shitty at the brewery). The tasting room is filled with animals heads and they try to pass it off as some sort of natural history museum. Regardless, we got our free beer, went outside and had what might have been the first discussion of Kandinsky ever held on the premises.
After San Antone, we drove to Austin. That is a great fucking town and highly recommend that you go if you haven't. We made a trip to the LBJ Library. Pretty interesting stuff since he had such a long political career. One document stuck out. It was from McGeorge Bundy. He had just gotten back from Vietnam (this was in 1964) and he basically said, "We can never win this thing, we should just get the fuck out." And, 8 short years later, we did. We also took a short trip to the hill country to do some wine tasting. Yes, wine tasting in Texas (OK, we drank a lot on our vacations with them). We headed to one place that was little more than a shack, tasted some wine and asked the owner/vintner why he was making the stuff there. He said something about the Ph in the soil and felt that he could make a pretty good $5 bottle of wine. He was right. We then meandered up the road to a much more ostentatious place. Big Georgian looking house with a curved driveway. Once inside, we saw all of the awards the wine had (supposedly) won. The employee poured us some tastes and we asked why Mr. Smith had a winery. Well, it turns out that he's a big time Austin lawyer, and a bunch of years ago he and the missus toured France, and boy, if the Bordeaux region didn't look just like their ranch outside of Austin. So, they should be able to grow good grapes there. The wine was piss. Before leaving town, a waiter at a big bar over looking Lake Travis turned us on to Banana Blender Surprise and we checked them out at a club/bar on 6th Street.
We then drove to New Orleans. On the way, we stopped at the Players Casino off of Lake Charles. It's a shitty riverboat casino on a lake totally polluted by the petrochemical plants that line it. So, we sat down and played. We were all doing well, especially Katrina. By this time, we had also had a few drinks. She was playing with her chips and Jack asked what she was doing. she looked down and said, "Fingering Merv." Hilarity ensued and every time we won a hand we made some joke about fingering, or otherwise abusing Merv. The rest of the trip was OK. It was ungodly hot, even by New Orleans standards, but we drank a lot and heard some good music.
But, when I think of Merv Griffin, I always think of Lake Charles, LA. RIP, Merv.
My wife and I have vacation friends, let's call them Jack and Katrina. We started vacationing with them close to 20 years ago, and while we don't go with them as often now that we have kids, we still have a great time traveling with them. Several years ago, we decided to meet them in San Antonio, then drive to Austin, then drive to New Orleans.
I'm not a big fan of San Antonio. The Riverwalk is too tourista and soulless (I prefer St. Mary's Street). We took the obligatory trip to The Alamo. On the way there Jack is needling me a little about Davey Crockett leading all of these Tennesseans to fight with the Texans there. So, we get there and there is a memorial to all of those from the Volunteer state (fighting at the Alamo is one reason it got the nickname)--all 12 of them. I got tons of shit after that (What, a bar closed and the last stage coach was heading west?). Later on we went to the Lone Star brewery (don't be jealous...the beer's just a shitty at the brewery). The tasting room is filled with animals heads and they try to pass it off as some sort of natural history museum. Regardless, we got our free beer, went outside and had what might have been the first discussion of Kandinsky ever held on the premises.
After San Antone, we drove to Austin. That is a great fucking town and highly recommend that you go if you haven't. We made a trip to the LBJ Library. Pretty interesting stuff since he had such a long political career. One document stuck out. It was from McGeorge Bundy. He had just gotten back from Vietnam (this was in 1964) and he basically said, "We can never win this thing, we should just get the fuck out." And, 8 short years later, we did. We also took a short trip to the hill country to do some wine tasting. Yes, wine tasting in Texas (OK, we drank a lot on our vacations with them). We headed to one place that was little more than a shack, tasted some wine and asked the owner/vintner why he was making the stuff there. He said something about the Ph in the soil and felt that he could make a pretty good $5 bottle of wine. He was right. We then meandered up the road to a much more ostentatious place. Big Georgian looking house with a curved driveway. Once inside, we saw all of the awards the wine had (supposedly) won. The employee poured us some tastes and we asked why Mr. Smith had a winery. Well, it turns out that he's a big time Austin lawyer, and a bunch of years ago he and the missus toured France, and boy, if the Bordeaux region didn't look just like their ranch outside of Austin. So, they should be able to grow good grapes there. The wine was piss. Before leaving town, a waiter at a big bar over looking Lake Travis turned us on to Banana Blender Surprise and we checked them out at a club/bar on 6th Street.
We then drove to New Orleans. On the way, we stopped at the Players Casino off of Lake Charles. It's a shitty riverboat casino on a lake totally polluted by the petrochemical plants that line it. So, we sat down and played. We were all doing well, especially Katrina. By this time, we had also had a few drinks. She was playing with her chips and Jack asked what she was doing. she looked down and said, "Fingering Merv." Hilarity ensued and every time we won a hand we made some joke about fingering, or otherwise abusing Merv. The rest of the trip was OK. It was ungodly hot, even by New Orleans standards, but we drank a lot and heard some good music.
But, when I think of Merv Griffin, I always think of Lake Charles, LA. RIP, Merv.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Roving Into the Sunset
As you probably heard by now, Bush's brain/Svengali/alter ego is leaving the White House to further avoid being subpoenaed and get a seriously lucrative consulting position in a lobbying firm...I mean, spend more time with his family. I don't want to hear any crap about W's cabinet crumbling. It's not unusual for White House aides who came in with the president to leave before him, especially a two-termer like George. The media's making a extra big deal about this because of Rove's (supposed) influence over the president.
How much of a difference will this make in Bush's remaining time in office? Well, not much in Iraq. He's in too fucking deep to change course now. But, Rove's resignation may take some of the political considerations out of W's policies on immigration and health care. Since many Republicans will be running away from Bush in '08, he actually has the opportunity to do what he thinks is right (not to be confused with what the country thinks is right), not what he thinks will elect more Republicrats. Of course, the big question is whether the devil we don't know is better or worse than the one we do.
How much of a difference will this make in Bush's remaining time in office? Well, not much in Iraq. He's in too fucking deep to change course now. But, Rove's resignation may take some of the political considerations out of W's policies on immigration and health care. Since many Republicans will be running away from Bush in '08, he actually has the opportunity to do what he thinks is right (not to be confused with what the country thinks is right), not what he thinks will elect more Republicrats. Of course, the big question is whether the devil we don't know is better or worse than the one we do.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
MLK Hospital Shuts Down
The shutting down of the MLK ER (and soon, the hospital) should be a cautionary tale for those who want the government more involved in our health care system. The hospital was created in the aftermath of the 1965 Watts riots so there would be a first class health care facility for the people who live in south LA. Read the LA Times' the Pulitzer Prize winning series here (requires a free login that will not add to your spam).
The hospital is overseen by the LA county board of supervisors (B)S). The BOS is made up of 5 people who represent more than 2 million people each (but that's for a different conversation). Because it was conceived as a 'black' hospital (forget that now south LA is populated by far more Hispanics) politicians and journalists were loathe to criticize how it's been run. It receives more money per patient than any public hospital in CA, but delivers the poorest care.
The hospital was opened with politics and race in mind (although the area desperately needed it) and it was run with little oversight from the BOS because they didn't want to be seen as questioning the black leadership of the hospital. Even to this day, some black politicians scream that the hospital is being picked on due to racism. Uh, what about the racism of providing this minority community substandard care? Now an area that needs more hospital beds and more emergency services will have less. Why? Because politics trumped health care.
Now when I hear/see more people arguing for more government run health care, I can't think of MLK's troubles and the cluster-fuck at the veteran's administration. Just two examples of how big government is incapable of delivering good health care on a large scale.
The hospital is overseen by the LA county board of supervisors (B)S). The BOS is made up of 5 people who represent more than 2 million people each (but that's for a different conversation). Because it was conceived as a 'black' hospital (forget that now south LA is populated by far more Hispanics) politicians and journalists were loathe to criticize how it's been run. It receives more money per patient than any public hospital in CA, but delivers the poorest care.
The hospital was opened with politics and race in mind (although the area desperately needed it) and it was run with little oversight from the BOS because they didn't want to be seen as questioning the black leadership of the hospital. Even to this day, some black politicians scream that the hospital is being picked on due to racism. Uh, what about the racism of providing this minority community substandard care? Now an area that needs more hospital beds and more emergency services will have less. Why? Because politics trumped health care.
Now when I hear/see more people arguing for more government run health care, I can't think of MLK's troubles and the cluster-fuck at the veteran's administration. Just two examples of how big government is incapable of delivering good health care on a large scale.
WW #38 (sorry I'm late)
1. what's the shortest amount of time you've ever had sex (with a partner, that is)?
Shortest time during penetration? Blow job? Tit fucking? I was 16 once, so I'd say pretty quick (<2min)
2. what's the longest amount of time you've ever had sex?
Please see the above. About an hour (to which the wife commented, "When are you going to be done?" since we were running late getting to a wedding).
3. what's the longest you've gone without sex?
Since I was 16, probably about a year during my first year of college
Shortest time during penetration? Blow job? Tit fucking? I was 16 once, so I'd say pretty quick (<2min)
2. what's the longest amount of time you've ever had sex?
Please see the above. About an hour (to which the wife commented, "When are you going to be done?" since we were running late getting to a wedding).
3. what's the longest you've gone without sex?
Since I was 16, probably about a year during my first year of college
Friday, August 10, 2007
More Travel
Well, I did get more drinks last night before we landed in LA at about 11:30.
When I first started consulting, and especially when the wife and I lived in the Boston area, I traveled a bunch. I wasn't in the fly out every Sunday, come home Thursday night mode, but I would be gone about 25% to 30% of the time. Part of that was because I was building a national practice, the other part was that I just hated being in Boston.
I enjoyed seeing different cities and the perks and upgrades were nice. Though, I made a point of calling friends at midnight when I was stuck in some airport so I could remind them how glamorous my life was.
When my wife got pregnant with the HB I cut way back on the traveling. I didn't want to be one of those guys who only saw his kids on the weekends and it's not as if my wife doesn't also have a real career. Moving back to CA helped since I was flying back here a lot. Also, and it sounds quaint now, but a lot of data that I used to go and collect I can have sent to me via e-mail or the web. Given all that, I still get a little edgy if I don't head out of town (either for business or pleasure) once a month or so.
When I flew a lot I was better at it. Switching time zones didn't bother me and I could sleep in just about any bed. Now that I don't do it as much (and, let's be honest, I'm older) I'm not as good at it. The trip I went on was a long, but quick one. I left LA Wednesday afternoon and flew to Hartford (btw--Hartford has some cool attractions, like the Mark Twain house). My flight landed at about 1am and I had an hour to drive. I got to the hotel and since it was so late they had given my room away. So, I got the bonus upgrade to a HUGE suite that was handicapped accessible...which means that it had a gigantic shower to boot. My head hit the pillow at about 2:30 and I don't think I slept a wink, even though I was exhausted. I took a sleeping pill, but that just gave me dry mouth. I don't even remember yawning.
So, I got up around 8, did e-mail etc. and took a 10am call. My presentation was at 1, so I had plenty of time to prepare. It went fine (they're interviewing consultants like it's fucking American Idol or something, so I'll know if I get to sing again in about two weeks) and I got my car at about 3 so I could drive the hour to Providence, RI, where I was catching my plane home (with a stop in Phoenix).
When my wife and I were in Boston, we used to love going to Providence. It's not a big city (pop around 250k), but it has great theater, lots of good Portuguese food and plenty of good art and music since with Brown and RISD there. The airport is pretty small and easy to navigate. So, I get on my flight and the number of little kids on there is amazing. Basically, all the kids who had the good sense to get out of RI, since there aren't many jobs there, and move to the southwest had just finished the week with grandma and grandpa and were flying from the heat and humidity back to the dry heat. I hadn't seen this many kids even on flights to Orlando (hell in the US, sorry Lola). This made for a VERY long flight...but at least Mr. Southwest didn't forget the Jack Daniels. And, you've read about the rest of the flight in my previous post.
I'll write more later today.
When I first started consulting, and especially when the wife and I lived in the Boston area, I traveled a bunch. I wasn't in the fly out every Sunday, come home Thursday night mode, but I would be gone about 25% to 30% of the time. Part of that was because I was building a national practice, the other part was that I just hated being in Boston.
I enjoyed seeing different cities and the perks and upgrades were nice. Though, I made a point of calling friends at midnight when I was stuck in some airport so I could remind them how glamorous my life was.
When my wife got pregnant with the HB I cut way back on the traveling. I didn't want to be one of those guys who only saw his kids on the weekends and it's not as if my wife doesn't also have a real career. Moving back to CA helped since I was flying back here a lot. Also, and it sounds quaint now, but a lot of data that I used to go and collect I can have sent to me via e-mail or the web. Given all that, I still get a little edgy if I don't head out of town (either for business or pleasure) once a month or so.
When I flew a lot I was better at it. Switching time zones didn't bother me and I could sleep in just about any bed. Now that I don't do it as much (and, let's be honest, I'm older) I'm not as good at it. The trip I went on was a long, but quick one. I left LA Wednesday afternoon and flew to Hartford (btw--Hartford has some cool attractions, like the Mark Twain house). My flight landed at about 1am and I had an hour to drive. I got to the hotel and since it was so late they had given my room away. So, I got the bonus upgrade to a HUGE suite that was handicapped accessible...which means that it had a gigantic shower to boot. My head hit the pillow at about 2:30 and I don't think I slept a wink, even though I was exhausted. I took a sleeping pill, but that just gave me dry mouth. I don't even remember yawning.
So, I got up around 8, did e-mail etc. and took a 10am call. My presentation was at 1, so I had plenty of time to prepare. It went fine (they're interviewing consultants like it's fucking American Idol or something, so I'll know if I get to sing again in about two weeks) and I got my car at about 3 so I could drive the hour to Providence, RI, where I was catching my plane home (with a stop in Phoenix).
When my wife and I were in Boston, we used to love going to Providence. It's not a big city (pop around 250k), but it has great theater, lots of good Portuguese food and plenty of good art and music since with Brown and RISD there. The airport is pretty small and easy to navigate. So, I get on my flight and the number of little kids on there is amazing. Basically, all the kids who had the good sense to get out of RI, since there aren't many jobs there, and move to the southwest had just finished the week with grandma and grandpa and were flying from the heat and humidity back to the dry heat. I hadn't seen this many kids even on flights to Orlando (hell in the US, sorry Lola). This made for a VERY long flight...but at least Mr. Southwest didn't forget the Jack Daniels. And, you've read about the rest of the flight in my previous post.
I'll write more later today.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Travel Blues
I was really going to make a reasonable post...but right now I'm stuck in Phoenix (with their free wifi) while waiting for a flight with people coming from Birmingham to get on my flight to LA (the last one of the night). I haven't slept in about 48hrs and there was nothing but screaming kids on my flight from Providence to Phoenix. I need (another) drink.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
756
Right now I'm watching Barry Bonds talk to the media after breaking Hank Aaron's home run record. He's being surprisingly humble, thought a little edgy when asked if the record is tainted or when asked what he would say to his former trainer (Greg Anderson) who is stewing in jail while he doesn't rat on him.
I'm a huge baseball fan. I can clearly remember watching Aaron break Babe Ruth's record against the Dodgers (hitting it off of Al Downing). I've had many a discussion with other baseball fans about the legitimacy of Bonds breaking the record given his (alleged) steroids use. My thoughts are:
1) I think he used steroids and shit. I also think that many of the pitchers he faced did as well.
2) I believe that he would have broken the record whether he used the shit or not. He is an amazing baseball player. But, he's a cheater.
2) Steroids make you strong, but don't help your hand eye coordination.
3) All sports records are relative to the era. He'll still hit more than other steroid users, such as Maguire, Sosa, Palmiero, etc.
Given all that I have some mixed feelings about him having the record, but the scoreboard doesn't lie. For all those haters out there, remember that Alex Rodriguez is about 6 seasons from passing him.
I'm a huge baseball fan. I can clearly remember watching Aaron break Babe Ruth's record against the Dodgers (hitting it off of Al Downing). I've had many a discussion with other baseball fans about the legitimacy of Bonds breaking the record given his (alleged) steroids use. My thoughts are:
1) I think he used steroids and shit. I also think that many of the pitchers he faced did as well.
2) I believe that he would have broken the record whether he used the shit or not. He is an amazing baseball player. But, he's a cheater.
2) Steroids make you strong, but don't help your hand eye coordination.
3) All sports records are relative to the era. He'll still hit more than other steroid users, such as Maguire, Sosa, Palmiero, etc.
Given all that I have some mixed feelings about him having the record, but the scoreboard doesn't lie. For all those haters out there, remember that Alex Rodriguez is about 6 seasons from passing him.
(Last) Saturday 8
1. hairstyle?
Hm....that's a good one....I guess it depends on what you mean by change. Length of sideburns or hair? If so, than 6 months ago. How I brush it? Ages ago.
2. residence?
8 years, 1 month.
3. your job?
Well, my job didn't really change, but I left my old firm and started my own two years ago.
4. your significant other?
It will be 24 years in November.
5. your circle of friends?
I wouldn't say it changes much, but it does evolve over time.
6. your favourite food? and what was the new discovery?
I'm always experimenting with new dishes. I would say the orzo salads worked their way into my life last summer.
7. your favourite vacation spot? and why should we go?
5 years ago we took the HB to Yosemite for the first time. You should go (and should either stay in a nice place like the Ahwahnee or the Tenaya Lodge or backpack, don't stay in the campgrounds which are way too crowded) because the park contains some of the true rock stars of nature. You'll never forget it.
8. your favourite movie or television show ... from what to what?
Hm....that's a good one....I guess it depends on what you mean by change. Length of sideburns or hair? If so, than 6 months ago. How I brush it? Ages ago.
2. residence?
8 years, 1 month.
3. your job?
Well, my job didn't really change, but I left my old firm and started my own two years ago.
4. your significant other?
It will be 24 years in November.
5. your circle of friends?
I wouldn't say it changes much, but it does evolve over time.
6. your favourite food? and what was the new discovery?
I'm always experimenting with new dishes. I would say the orzo salads worked their way into my life last summer.
7. your favourite vacation spot? and why should we go?
5 years ago we took the HB to Yosemite for the first time. You should go (and should either stay in a nice place like the Ahwahnee or the Tenaya Lodge or backpack, don't stay in the campgrounds which are way too crowded) because the park contains some of the true rock stars of nature. You'll never forget it.
8. your favourite movie or television show ... from what to what?
Monday, August 6, 2007
How Much Do You Need?
Came across this in yesterday's NY Times. Basically, it describes people who, under normal circumstances, would be considered rich, but don't feel or act like it because everyone else around them is too.
My wife and I don't have as much money as the people in the article, but we aren't that far off. Part of it is that we're house rich. We bought at a good time here and my business got better quick so we were able to pay it off. While it might take a few years since CA real estate is taking a breather, every house on my block will soon be worth $1 million. I don't say this to brag--we live in what most people would consider a middle-class neighborhood--but as an example of what the article talks about. We could cash out the house, move to Bend, Ore or Kansas City and be living large.
But we won't. Why? Well, because we really love living in Southern California (well, at least I do). Also, because we're like our parents. We plan on raising the HB in the same house with neighborhood kids around. Unlike the people in the article, we're not worried about having the biggest house, the fanciest cars, etc. You'd make yourself nuts doing that here. It's not about the money you make, it's whether you use it to live your life or if you live your life to make it. I prefer the former. The people in the article seemed to have lost track of that.
My wife and I don't have as much money as the people in the article, but we aren't that far off. Part of it is that we're house rich. We bought at a good time here and my business got better quick so we were able to pay it off. While it might take a few years since CA real estate is taking a breather, every house on my block will soon be worth $1 million. I don't say this to brag--we live in what most people would consider a middle-class neighborhood--but as an example of what the article talks about. We could cash out the house, move to Bend, Ore or Kansas City and be living large.
But we won't. Why? Well, because we really love living in Southern California (well, at least I do). Also, because we're like our parents. We plan on raising the HB in the same house with neighborhood kids around. Unlike the people in the article, we're not worried about having the biggest house, the fanciest cars, etc. You'd make yourself nuts doing that here. It's not about the money you make, it's whether you use it to live your life or if you live your life to make it. I prefer the former. The people in the article seemed to have lost track of that.
Damn Nature
So, on Sunday we did head to Santa Barbara. The destination was the botanical gardens and its hiking trails. It was cool that day. Low 70s according to the car thermometer and we had an easy drive up the coast. We finally get to the gardens (after some directionally challenged navigation by my wife) and the parking lot was eerily empty. I walk up to the gate and hear a distant voice say, "We're closed." The woman with the voice appeared and kindly told us that because of the fires over the ridge the gardens were closed in case they had to evacuate (it's a small and windy road up there). Fuck.
So, we drove down to the main drag (State Street) for some lunch and poked into a couple of shops (definitely an advantage of having a son rather than a daughter). Downtown SB is ok, but a bit touristy and commercial for my tastes. At least a few of the places had music coming out of them. The drive home sucked as there must have been some wrecks on the freeway earlier in the day that were still messing up traffic. But, we got to listen to the Angels beat the A's, so all was not lost.
So, we drove down to the main drag (State Street) for some lunch and poked into a couple of shops (definitely an advantage of having a son rather than a daughter). Downtown SB is ok, but a bit touristy and commercial for my tastes. At least a few of the places had music coming out of them. The drive home sucked as there must have been some wrecks on the freeway earlier in the day that were still messing up traffic. But, we got to listen to the Angels beat the A's, so all was not lost.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
It Was a Beautiful Day in My Neighborhood
One of the knocks on LA is that people are disconnected and it's not really one city. If you believe the latter, you should see this place when the Lakers or Dodgers are winning. As for the former, it's complete bullshit.
Friday night, the HB had a friend over from the neighborhood in the afternoon to hang. He's a great kid from Indian Guides, so let's call him IG. The HB invited to spend the night so they could have a 8/9 y.o. porno fest (read Pokemon Gameboy). I had to have IG home the next morning by 10 since my wife was off to the Indian Casino with her mom and sisters. So, we pack up and head over there. Turns out that an older (13) kid near them was coming over to give IG some skateboarding lessons. Well, this dude shows up with two other friends, so IG's younger brother and the HB get lessons too. We give the older kids $10 each for their time and the HB appears, for the time being, to have an interest in a physical activity. I'm thinking we'll get him a board today.
After the shred-a-thon, we were off to the annual summer block party that's put on by the families on the cul-de-sac. We haven't seen our neighbors as much as I would like this summer, partially because we're so out and about, so it was cool to hang with them, drink home brews, let all of the kids play, etc. It was scheduled from 2:30 to 6:30, but someone brought out a portable fire pit and it was still going strong when the HB and I left at 9:30. All very neighborly and enjoyable.
My wife had a great idea for today--head to Santa Barbara. While we were getting ready, we heard from my nephew's mom and he's going to join us. Should be very fun.
Friday night, the HB had a friend over from the neighborhood in the afternoon to hang. He's a great kid from Indian Guides, so let's call him IG. The HB invited to spend the night so they could have a 8/9 y.o. porno fest (read Pokemon Gameboy). I had to have IG home the next morning by 10 since my wife was off to the Indian Casino with her mom and sisters. So, we pack up and head over there. Turns out that an older (13) kid near them was coming over to give IG some skateboarding lessons. Well, this dude shows up with two other friends, so IG's younger brother and the HB get lessons too. We give the older kids $10 each for their time and the HB appears, for the time being, to have an interest in a physical activity. I'm thinking we'll get him a board today.
After the shred-a-thon, we were off to the annual summer block party that's put on by the families on the cul-de-sac. We haven't seen our neighbors as much as I would like this summer, partially because we're so out and about, so it was cool to hang with them, drink home brews, let all of the kids play, etc. It was scheduled from 2:30 to 6:30, but someone brought out a portable fire pit and it was still going strong when the HB and I left at 9:30. All very neighborly and enjoyable.
My wife had a great idea for today--head to Santa Barbara. While we were getting ready, we heard from my nephew's mom and he's going to join us. Should be very fun.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
The Big 5-0
No, not me. Rather, my best friend's parents celebrated their 50th anniversary tonite with a big shindig. Of course, my standard joke is, "50 years? To the same person? What a lack of imagination." On the way home, the wife and I were teasing the HB that we will be 80 at our 50th, so he'll have to do all the work planning our party. Then again, my parents 50th is in two years, so I gotta get on it (it's not as if my brother will do shit about it).
The party was fun. I've known them for just about my whole life, so I know many others in their family as well. They are a couple that have their health and have spent their retirement years very well. He's an MG collector, so they've been all over the world meeting other collectors and racing their cars. They had a video loop showing them throughout their lives and on their recent adventures.
The bad news about the whole thing was that we got back kind of late. I've been pretty horny all day but my wife told me that she had work to do after we got back. I'm thinking nuthin is going to happen. Oh well.
The party was fun. I've known them for just about my whole life, so I know many others in their family as well. They are a couple that have their health and have spent their retirement years very well. He's an MG collector, so they've been all over the world meeting other collectors and racing their cars. They had a video loop showing them throughout their lives and on their recent adventures.
The bad news about the whole thing was that we got back kind of late. I've been pretty horny all day but my wife told me that she had work to do after we got back. I'm thinking nuthin is going to happen. Oh well.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Godsmack
For my last birthday present (sniff), my wife got us tickets to see Godsmack at the Wiltern Theater. OK, I STRONGLY hinted that I wanted to see them a couple of months ago.
The wife and I met as undergrads. At the time I was program director at the campus radio station and her roommate had a show. The wife joined her for a shift one night and got hooked. Since we were also taking some of the same classes we got to know each other and once we extricated ourselves from other relationships, REALLY got to know each other. But, I digress....
We are both really into music, though probably more so then. In those days we listened to a lot of punk and metal (still do, to an extent). Since I was able to get tickets to just about any concert through the radio station, we saw a lot of great, and not so great, bands. It kind of sucks that we don't have the opportunity to go hear as much live music any more, especially rock.
Back to Godsmack, they played well, but there were a couple of thing that were weird. First, at the beginning of the show they played a video to AC/DC's For Those About to Rock which showed them just being regular guys, with their kids, loving their fans, etc. Seemed like victory lap thing that a a 20 y.o., rather than a 10 y.o. band would do. Also, they seemed, well, in too good of a mood. The wife and I joke about one band we saw in a blues club. The lead singer was chatting between songs and he said, "We are so happy to be playing the blues for you tonite." What? HAPPY to be playing the blues? Godsmack just seemed a little too happy for playing most of their songs. Lastly, the final 20 minutes of the show was spent doing a medley of covers and just goofing around (more *fun* stuff) when they could have been playing some more good songs off of IV. Overall, we dug it and it feels good to have 'heavy' ears again.
The wife and I met as undergrads. At the time I was program director at the campus radio station and her roommate had a show. The wife joined her for a shift one night and got hooked. Since we were also taking some of the same classes we got to know each other and once we extricated ourselves from other relationships, REALLY got to know each other. But, I digress....
We are both really into music, though probably more so then. In those days we listened to a lot of punk and metal (still do, to an extent). Since I was able to get tickets to just about any concert through the radio station, we saw a lot of great, and not so great, bands. It kind of sucks that we don't have the opportunity to go hear as much live music any more, especially rock.
Back to Godsmack, they played well, but there were a couple of thing that were weird. First, at the beginning of the show they played a video to AC/DC's For Those About to Rock which showed them just being regular guys, with their kids, loving their fans, etc. Seemed like victory lap thing that a a 20 y.o., rather than a 10 y.o. band would do. Also, they seemed, well, in too good of a mood. The wife and I joke about one band we saw in a blues club. The lead singer was chatting between songs and he said, "We are so happy to be playing the blues for you tonite." What? HAPPY to be playing the blues? Godsmack just seemed a little too happy for playing most of their songs. Lastly, the final 20 minutes of the show was spent doing a medley of covers and just goofing around (more *fun* stuff) when they could have been playing some more good songs off of IV. Overall, we dug it and it feels good to have 'heavy' ears again.
R.I.P. Bill Walsh
While Lola may disagree, the most significant cultural passing (at least in the US) this week has not been of some fancy European film director, but of Bill Walsh. His teams made the NFL much more entertaining to watch and was one piece of making it the country's most popular sport. Before his offensive innovations, teams either ran the ball twice, threw once, then punted (like the Cowboys), or they relentless threw long bombs (like the Raiders and the Chargers). Walsh's primary innovation was to spread the field and use short timing passes. This balanced the offense (equal number of runs and passes) and kept defenses on their heels. He wasn't the first to think of this, but the combination of those offensive ideas plus his almost manufacturing like commitment to quality (he would practice plays repeatedly until they were executed perfectly) took it to a new level.
Now, at least half of the league runs some variation of his West Coast offense. Partly because the NFL always copies success, and partly because so many of his assistant coaches are now head coaches in the NFL. So, next time you are watching football and you see a team marching down the field due to a mix of short, crisp passing and running, think of Bill Walsh.
Now, at least half of the league runs some variation of his West Coast offense. Partly because the NFL always copies success, and partly because so many of his assistant coaches are now head coaches in the NFL. So, next time you are watching football and you see a team marching down the field due to a mix of short, crisp passing and running, think of Bill Walsh.
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