So far, so good on the big trip. We left LA at about 7:30 this morning. Our flight to Denver was a bit early, not that it matters as it takes 45 fucking minutes to get out of that airport. We then blazed across the high plains. Serious, were were doing between 80 and 90 the whole way, so we got to Custer, SD in about 5 hours (including two stops).
Getting here early gave us a chance to enjoy the hotel pool (and free wifi) and make it to Mt. Rushmore. We had planned anyway to go at night to see them light up the memorial, so this gives us the chance to see Crazy Horse tomorrow night. The weather is perfect (warm, clear and dry) and we could see a million stars.
Only two problems: 1) The park ranger who led the evening program said that Lincoln became president during the Civil War. WTF? 2) There were lots of things that basically said serving in the military=patriotism. The even brought up a bunch of future Iraqi/Afghan targets up on stage. I wonder if they ever do that for people who encourage others to vote? I kinda doubt it.
Off to Jewel Cave tomorrow morning. Who knows after that?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Democracy? Umb, Not Quite
It's important to remember that having an election does not make a country democratic. It's a necessary part, of course, but it's not the be-all-end-all. Let's take Iran, for instance.
You can't run for office there without getting prior approval from the unelected mullahs. Hey, someone's gotta keep the revolution pure by not allowing another revolution. This is a key strategy in that it gives the illusion of the power of the vote.
From a policy perspective, there's hardly a nickel's worth of difference between Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Rather, throwing out the incumbent would have been a symbolic victory for reformers standing up to power. Take away people's hope and street protests are what you get.
I love how those responsible for the election have said, "Yeah, there were some irregularities, but not enough to change the outcome." Really? Coming from a body that declared a winner BEFORE looking into potential vote fraud this is hardly reassuring. But, in the end, it doesn't matter. Outside of the show vote, Iran has very little democracy or respect for individual rights (especially women's rights). Unless the Mullah's are overthrown, this isn't going to change, regardless of what kinds of votes they hold.
Whether Obama should inject us into this is another question. I'm a firm believer that we should stand up for democracy first before other foreign policy considerations. In the short term it may make things awkward or difficult. However, in the long run we will never go to war with a country whose democratic drive we supported. It doesn't really matter which of the two Iranian candidates wins in terms of our interests in the region. They have the same objectives (though express them differently) and it's the Mullah's who are really in charge. We should strongly support anyone who fights that tyrannical power.
You can't run for office there without getting prior approval from the unelected mullahs. Hey, someone's gotta keep the revolution pure by not allowing another revolution. This is a key strategy in that it gives the illusion of the power of the vote.
From a policy perspective, there's hardly a nickel's worth of difference between Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Rather, throwing out the incumbent would have been a symbolic victory for reformers standing up to power. Take away people's hope and street protests are what you get.
I love how those responsible for the election have said, "Yeah, there were some irregularities, but not enough to change the outcome." Really? Coming from a body that declared a winner BEFORE looking into potential vote fraud this is hardly reassuring. But, in the end, it doesn't matter. Outside of the show vote, Iran has very little democracy or respect for individual rights (especially women's rights). Unless the Mullah's are overthrown, this isn't going to change, regardless of what kinds of votes they hold.
Whether Obama should inject us into this is another question. I'm a firm believer that we should stand up for democracy first before other foreign policy considerations. In the short term it may make things awkward or difficult. However, in the long run we will never go to war with a country whose democratic drive we supported. It doesn't really matter which of the two Iranian candidates wins in terms of our interests in the region. They have the same objectives (though express them differently) and it's the Mullah's who are really in charge. We should strongly support anyone who fights that tyrannical power.
It's Trip Time!
Tonight we pack up for a trip to the Black Hills/Badlands in South Dakota. We're going to fly to Denver and make the drive, while hopefully finding some interesting shit along the way. Hopefully, we'll be able to find some time to meet up with some of our friends in Denver, without a big tornado like the one we ran into last year.
I like alternating the city with national park trips. Even though we're going to spend a ton of time driving, seeing new and different things is always worth the adventure. My task tonight is to find some of those things along the way.
I'm looking forward to seeing the BIG STUFF, but also maybe hiking or fishing with the HB. And seeing a HUGE thunderstorm.
Last night the wife, of course, decided that she really wanted to stay an extra day as she finds it impossible not to change her mind. The airlines had a different idea, so we're sticking with the original plan. For now. Really.
I like alternating the city with national park trips. Even though we're going to spend a ton of time driving, seeing new and different things is always worth the adventure. My task tonight is to find some of those things along the way.
I'm looking forward to seeing the BIG STUFF, but also maybe hiking or fishing with the HB. And seeing a HUGE thunderstorm.
Last night the wife, of course, decided that she really wanted to stay an extra day as she finds it impossible not to change her mind. The airlines had a different idea, so we're sticking with the original plan. For now. Really.
Father's Day
I had a great Father's Day weekend. On Saturday the three of us saw Up. I generally like the Pixar movies and this one was also very good. Plenty of kid laughs and stuff for the grownups. It's their first one that I can remember that they don't go out of their way to use animation tricks. Also, the opening cartoon with the clouds making babies was very cool.
On Sunday we went to brunch by the beach and then caught the opening at the Annenberg Space for Photography. OK, the name's a bit pretentious, but they had some great exhibits. The HB also liked the free cookies. They had some table tops where you could manipulate the images, like CNN does with the election maps.
I got some good prezzies as well. The new Green Day CD and Guitar Hero: Metallica. I was able to twist the HB's arm to play that with me for a while. He's starting to get into music more, but mostly top 40 hip-hop for now. I don't know at what age I was when I started negotiating radio stations with my parents, but I would imagine it was pretty close to his.
We went to my parents' for dinner (brisket...drool). It gave us a chance to work on details for their 50th anniversary party. Also, with the wife's mom passing, I reminded them that I don't have their do not resusitate instructions or other shit like that. They said that their going to update stuff with their lawyer soon and will send me copies. Also found out where some of their key records are on the computer and that the safe with their papers is unlocked. WTF?
I hope that you and yours had a great Dad's Day.
On Sunday we went to brunch by the beach and then caught the opening at the Annenberg Space for Photography. OK, the name's a bit pretentious, but they had some great exhibits. The HB also liked the free cookies. They had some table tops where you could manipulate the images, like CNN does with the election maps.
I got some good prezzies as well. The new Green Day CD and Guitar Hero: Metallica. I was able to twist the HB's arm to play that with me for a while. He's starting to get into music more, but mostly top 40 hip-hop for now. I don't know at what age I was when I started negotiating radio stations with my parents, but I would imagine it was pretty close to his.
We went to my parents' for dinner (brisket...drool). It gave us a chance to work on details for their 50th anniversary party. Also, with the wife's mom passing, I reminded them that I don't have their do not resusitate instructions or other shit like that. They said that their going to update stuff with their lawyer soon and will send me copies. Also found out where some of their key records are on the computer and that the safe with their papers is unlocked. WTF?
I hope that you and yours had a great Dad's Day.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The NZS2 is Off
The NZS2 and his mates (all 50 of them) are in SF right now (according to the leader's Tweet). Being a sucker for such things, I told the leader that we would take in a French/German/Belgian student for the night when they get back as his/her flight is leaving for home the following day. I've had a chance to meet many of them, so I'm sure it'll be fine.
Got a funny letter from his school warning the students about hazing. Is that really an HS problem? During the summer? Very odd.
Oh, this year's Wrecker family trip is to...Black Hills/Badlands! We leave next Tuesday. The more I think about it we're going to be doing a LOT of driving for the number of days we're gonna be gone (back on the Saturday). But, we'll see cool shit and get to see friends in CO.
The HB's been asking me to take him fishing more, and I think we'll go ocean fishing next time the nephew sleeps over (he wants to go as well). So, last night he asks me if I'll take him hunting. WTF? So, I asked him why he wants to hunt an animal. He's not gun-crazy and he doesn't really want to kill anything. I think he has this romantic vision of it, as opposed to the mind-numbing boringness of it all. My rule is that he has to ask three times before I'll do something like this with him, so we'll see if he brings it up again.
Now that the NZS2 is gone, I'm hoping that the wife and I will get in some more 'date nights'. Side benefit of having two NZSs? All of their female friends think the HB is adorable, so lots of new babysitters, especially this summer as our regular one travels quite a bit.
Got a funny letter from his school warning the students about hazing. Is that really an HS problem? During the summer? Very odd.
Oh, this year's Wrecker family trip is to...Black Hills/Badlands! We leave next Tuesday. The more I think about it we're going to be doing a LOT of driving for the number of days we're gonna be gone (back on the Saturday). But, we'll see cool shit and get to see friends in CO.
The HB's been asking me to take him fishing more, and I think we'll go ocean fishing next time the nephew sleeps over (he wants to go as well). So, last night he asks me if I'll take him hunting. WTF? So, I asked him why he wants to hunt an animal. He's not gun-crazy and he doesn't really want to kill anything. I think he has this romantic vision of it, as opposed to the mind-numbing boringness of it all. My rule is that he has to ask three times before I'll do something like this with him, so we'll see if he brings it up again.
Now that the NZS2 is gone, I'm hoping that the wife and I will get in some more 'date nights'. Side benefit of having two NZSs? All of their female friends think the HB is adorable, so lots of new babysitters, especially this summer as our regular one travels quite a bit.
Monday, June 15, 2009
LAKERS!
The Lakers polished off Orlando last night in what was their best game of the series. No excuses about missing open shots as LA played suffocating D and did not allow Orlando good looks at three-point shots or for them to get into a rhythm.
As usual, the Laker defense, led by Ariza's steals, got them going on the 16-0 run that ended things. Balanced scoring (5 guys with 10+ points) made things easy for them on offense. They were also faster to the ball and out-rebounded the Magic.
The media, always looking for the easy story took to comparisons. Is Phil Jackson a better coach than Red Auerbach because he now has 1 more championship (10 to 9)? Does Kobe belong in the same breath as Michael Jordan?
For the first, the answer is yes. When Auerbach and the Celtics were dominant there was no free agency. Once you had a player you had him for life. Russell, Cousy, Jones, Havlicik, etc weren't going anywhere. This isn't to discount what he did. Keeping guys that motivated for that long is no mean feat. But, from year to year he knew who he was going to have, could mold them to play his style and discipline them more easily. Jackson had a different cast around his stars pretty much each year. He's won with a dominant big man (Shaq) and without.
I'm a huge Kobe fan, but I'm not ready to put him on the same level as Jordan. Magic Johnson, yes, but not MJ. Bryant has just learned to really get his teammates involved (see the number of assists he had in the Finals). If he keeps doing that and gets a couple of more rings, then he'll prove it. In the meantime, he is the best player in the game and we should enjoy him for what he is and quit worrying about who he is not.
LAKERS!
As usual, the Laker defense, led by Ariza's steals, got them going on the 16-0 run that ended things. Balanced scoring (5 guys with 10+ points) made things easy for them on offense. They were also faster to the ball and out-rebounded the Magic.
The media, always looking for the easy story took to comparisons. Is Phil Jackson a better coach than Red Auerbach because he now has 1 more championship (10 to 9)? Does Kobe belong in the same breath as Michael Jordan?
For the first, the answer is yes. When Auerbach and the Celtics were dominant there was no free agency. Once you had a player you had him for life. Russell, Cousy, Jones, Havlicik, etc weren't going anywhere. This isn't to discount what he did. Keeping guys that motivated for that long is no mean feat. But, from year to year he knew who he was going to have, could mold them to play his style and discipline them more easily. Jackson had a different cast around his stars pretty much each year. He's won with a dominant big man (Shaq) and without.
I'm a huge Kobe fan, but I'm not ready to put him on the same level as Jordan. Magic Johnson, yes, but not MJ. Bryant has just learned to really get his teammates involved (see the number of assists he had in the Finals). If he keeps doing that and gets a couple of more rings, then he'll prove it. In the meantime, he is the best player in the game and we should enjoy him for what he is and quit worrying about who he is not.
LAKERS!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Penultimate Day with the NZS2
The NZS2 leaves us tomorrow afternoon. It's been great having him, especially for the HB. Though, as the wife and I were talking last night, we both agree that it's time for us to get our 3 person family unit back. After all, we did have only one child for a reason.
I've promised to take him to a baseball game, so today's the day. I got some reasonable good tickets and it will be a nice day for it. The wife's psyched as she's a big baseball fan. The HB? Well, he'll probably bring a book.
The NZS2 will got to school tomorrow (they're in session through Thursday) to turn in some final stuff and say goodbye to some friends. Then I'll take him to the airport where he'll meet up with some other exchange students. Exchange students are converging from all over the western US here to begin a one-month train tour around the country (yes, be jealous). Since he'll be all packed up, he'll move in with the second host family when he gets back.
The HB's sad that he's going, but we'll see him plenty before he goes back to NZ. Having the experience of living with another family will be good for him as well. I need to write that family a long letter about him, quirks an all, so they'll be prepared. As well as a letter to his mom and dad letting them know how much we've enjoyed having him.
When we get back from the game we'll watch the Lakers. I don't have a good feeling about this game. Orlando's got to be mad over how they pissed away the last game, so I think they'll play better tonight. I'm sticking with my Lakers in 6 prediction.
I've promised to take him to a baseball game, so today's the day. I got some reasonable good tickets and it will be a nice day for it. The wife's psyched as she's a big baseball fan. The HB? Well, he'll probably bring a book.
The NZS2 will got to school tomorrow (they're in session through Thursday) to turn in some final stuff and say goodbye to some friends. Then I'll take him to the airport where he'll meet up with some other exchange students. Exchange students are converging from all over the western US here to begin a one-month train tour around the country (yes, be jealous). Since he'll be all packed up, he'll move in with the second host family when he gets back.
The HB's sad that he's going, but we'll see him plenty before he goes back to NZ. Having the experience of living with another family will be good for him as well. I need to write that family a long letter about him, quirks an all, so they'll be prepared. As well as a letter to his mom and dad letting them know how much we've enjoyed having him.
When we get back from the game we'll watch the Lakers. I don't have a good feeling about this game. Orlando's got to be mad over how they pissed away the last game, so I think they'll play better tonight. I'm sticking with my Lakers in 6 prediction.
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