Californian Refugee

Dancing Barefoot and Just A Geek

2009-03-26T20:34:00.002-06:00

   Both of these fine books by Wil Wheaton were quick reads. But that was not surprising considering how pleasant it is to read his writing. Both of these relied heavily on content from his blog (which happens to be one of the mainstays on my newsreader) and as I've come to expect, his stories were thoughtful, self-deprecating, and quite funny!

   For some reason a lot of people, particularly online, have been and continue to be excessively nasty to Wil, because he happened to play an allegedly unlikable character on Star Trek: The Next Generation when he was a teenager. Leave the guy alone - he did a great job in Stand By Me and has morphed into a solid writer as well. Plus, as a good husband and father, he is a solid role model for aspiring celebrities. It would sure be nice if more celebrities came across as real people - unpretentious and unassuming.

   Do yourself a favor and pick up these books - you'll enjoy them!

Once You're Lucky, Twice You're Good

2009-01-18T14:33:00.002-07:00

I love books like this. Sarah Lacy's description of "The Rebirth Of Silicon Valley and the Rise of Web 2.0" (as her full title states) is a tale about entrepreneurs mainly, and their quest for multiple startup successes. Because I follow most of the people she focussed on via blogs and the interwebs, there was nothing too surprising to me in the book but it was a fun read nevertheless because of the details she provided about the humans behind the legends (or in some cases legends-in-the-making).

Good stuff.

The Terror Presidency

2009-01-15T19:45:00.004-07:00

   Another relatively quick read, Jack Goldsmith's book was very well-balanced.

   Since it had been sitting on my shelf for over a year, I had forgotten what point-of-view the author was coming from, having read rave reviews about it more than a year prior.

   I was struck by the evenhandedness that pervaded this entire book. It was clear from the beginning that Goldsmith cared a great deal about doing the right thing, not necessarily what the Bush administration wanted him to do, even as the head of the Office of Legal Counsel in Bush's Justice Department.

   Definitely interesting to read five days shy of Bush's departure from the White House and Obama's inauguration.

Teacher Man

2009-01-14T07:00:00.002-07:00

   A New Year's resolution of mine is to read more books this year. I've always loved to read, and especially books (fiction, non-fiction, biography, you name it). But this past year has seen me drowning in periodicals and reading tons of blogs and online articles as well.

   So I started off the year by reading Frank McCourt's book about his thirty years in the New York school system.

   I have to admit I laughed out loud several times. His honesty and self-depracation throughout really made me like his character..him.

   I've often said that being a teacher is the most important job one can have and I stand by my criticism of the low rung on the pay scale that our society has placed the profession. If the Obama administration can do something about accelerating the work people like Michelle Rhee (in Washington, D.C.) are doing to bust the teachers unions in public schools, perhaps this will change. We'll see.

A Grand Experiment Comes To An End

2008-12-31T23:59:00.001-07:00

   I started this blog because I thought it would be a cool way to both chronicle, and discuss with others, my family's relocation to Colorado from SoCal. I posted sporadically for the first few years we were here and then made a New Year's resolution at this time last year to pick up the frequency.

   Specifically, to post at least once a day the entire year.

   And I did it.

   I got almost no comments the entire way through which is fine..but a little sad, I suppose. I touched on all sorts of topics though not surprisingly, given the goings-on in 2008, I weighed in heavily on politics, most notably the presidential campaign.

   My resolution to post daily was to force me to keep a journal of sorts. I have always had a strong memory but have a history of Alzheimer's in my family and fear tremendously the possibility of a day when someone brings up something we did thirty years ago and I can't remember it.

   So a journal has always appealed to me.

   However, it is exhausting feeling obligated to blog every single day. So that is going to end for now. Instead, when I see something compelling, whether it be serious or seriously funny, I will drop a line or 75 here and we'll go from there.

   Take care of yourselves, particularly in this challenging time we're living in right now. I hope your 2009 is a prosperous year!

Nothing Screams White Trash More Than

2008-12-31T21:04:00.004-07:00

   a rageddy mullet and a sloppy mustache. I see this ensemble and immediately think white trash.

   However, if there was a competition held between two equally disheveled gents with equivalent coifs and upper lip decorations, the edge definitely goes to the guy that emerges from a ratty El Camino!!

   Maybe it shows my age (mid 30s) but damnit - I cannot imagine going into a new car dealership and saying "Gee whiz, honey, look at that new El Camino - I can't imagine being fortunate enough to drive one of those beauties off the lot!"

   But it must have happened..How else would enough of them have gotten into circulation for them to trickle their way down to becoming to white trash what the K car was to 80's federal government workers?!

80 MPH Gusts - A Nice Gentle Breeze

2008-12-30T20:45:00.002-07:00

   I know the winter can be rough for us but damnit, we've just had brutal wind this season.

   Our neighbor's play structure, anchored with concrete footings, blew over!

   I NEED TO GET A DAMN WIND TURBINE INSTALLED and make some money on at least some of the inconvenience we face when we can't sleep due to high winds all night!

I Love A Good Headline!!

2008-12-29T22:13:00.003-07:00

In the wake of the Chargers' thumping of the Broncos for all the marbles in the AFC Worst last night, the Denver Post was full of classic headlines this morning.

My two favorites have to be "Out Rout" and "Season's Beating" - the latter being priceless IMHO!

How The (AFC) West Was Won

2008-12-28T23:35:00.002-07:00

   In a serious ass-kicking, is how.

   Kickers - the San Diego Chargers. Kickees - the Denver Broncos.

   Thank goodness the Ed Hochuli debacle in Week 2 of the season was
not the deciding factor here, though technically, if I'm being a greedy Bolts fan, if he'd gotten that call right, the Chargers would have won the division following Denver's loss to Buffalo last week, rendering this game meaningless.

   I guess, considering I'm happy with the outcome, I should be happy for the league and the fans that we got a little drama in the last game of the regular season.

A New Form Of Fuel?!

2008-12-27T22:29:00.004-07:00

   There really is no end to the gems that George Carlin created prior to his untimely death earlier this year.

   Here's a great one I saw in the "Thoughts On The Business Of Life" back page of Forbes' "Energy + Genius" special issue:

      "Energy experts have announced the development of a new fuel
       made from human brain tissue. It's called assohol."

Hard To Believe

2008-12-26T21:34:00.003-07:00

   ..though I'd love to.

   According to Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo, interviewed in U.S. News & World Report, the soda giant has pledged that by 2010 half of the company's U.S. revenue will come from healthy foods.

   Call me a skeptic, but I have a hard time envisioning Pepsi weaning itself off the sticky stuff.

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-25T23:45:00.001-07:00

To those of you that celebrate it, Merry Christmas!

Whatever you celebrate (or don't), I hope you are having an opportunity to spend time with those you love!

I'm All For It If This Means Less Shouting!

2008-12-24T22:09:00.001-07:00

Catching up on the intimidating tower of periodicals in my office at home, now that I'm on vacation, I came across this which strikes me as something we should all propagate!

A Half-Day Before Vacation

2008-12-23T22:04:00.000-07:00

   is always tough.

   A half-day, when you have to physically be in the office because of a stringent (and ridiculous) work-at-home prohibition, and you and the janitorial staff are the only souls in the building, is even more difficult.

   Thankfully it is over now. Nine days away from work can officially begin now.

Ahh..The Union..

2008-12-22T22:02:00.001-07:00

   I love the union guys that work in the building I work in. Some of them are so pro-union that they won't even say hi to you (or make eye contact, for that matter) if they know you're not a member.

   Let me guess - these guys got beat up a lot in school and now want to get back at stand-ins for those that slighted them back in the day by ignoring anyone that is not in their little club now.

   Like I've said, Bush, Obama, and any of the members of Congress that voted to bailout the Big Three should be ashamed of themselves. Mostly Bush, since he decided that since Congress wouldn'tdo it, he'd bail the automakers out as one of his parting gifts to America.

   Go clear brush already!!

Never Say Die!

2008-12-21T21:57:00.000-07:00

   So as you might have surmised, I've been catching up on Newsweek back issues.

   In the 12/15/2008 issue, I saw something that renewed my interest in taking care of myself so I live past 40.

   "Martha Naylor, 99, mows her own lawn"!!!

   Awesome!

Steve Tuttle Is My New Favorite Newsweek Columnist

2008-12-20T21:54:00.002-07:00

Steve Tuttle is my new favorite Newsweek columnist. The first article I noticed by him was on the hideous, locally-produced footwear phenomenon, Crocs. His latest effort is just as funny!

This Scumbag Is Seriously Deranged!

2008-12-19T20:20:00.002-07:00

"Blago" is nuts.

Un-Fucking-Believable

2008-12-19T19:47:00.004-07:00

Un-fucking-believable.

That shithead lame duck president of ours has just bailed out the old-thinking, union-sympathizing, American Big Three automakers. Nice work, Dubya.

All I Want For Christmas..Is A Space Shuttle

2008-12-18T20:54:00.001-07:00

It is awesome that the shuttles are going to be on display, whether they end up fetching $42M a piece privately or are just donated to worthy museums.

Our Senior Senator From The Great State of Colorado

2008-12-17T20:25:00.003-07:00

   ..has not even taken office!

   Due to President-elect Obama's selection of Sen. Ken Salazar as his Interior Secretary designate, Mark Udall (my Representative here in the Colorado's 2nd district), just elected a month and change back, will be the senior senator, with only weeks or so of seniority over whoever Gov. Bill Ritter selects to succeed Salazar.

   I am hoping he picks Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper - a guy with an awesome name and a background in brewing!!

The Bitter Cold

2008-12-16T20:32:00.001-07:00

   It has been REALLY cold this past week or so here in the Denver Metro area.

   We're talking -10F at 9AM here.

   I've finally thawed out enough to revisit it..We are due for more in the coming winds due to Arctic winds blowing through. We've had a little bit of snow but not a ton.

   Hopefully we'll have another white Christmas!

Uhh..Shopping In The Dark Is A Bit Difficult!

2008-12-15T20:34:00.002-07:00

   The power went out completely three times in the hour or so I was in King Soopers tonight grocery shopping. It was blamed on the frigid temperatures outside wreaking havoc on the electrical system in the area.

   Fortunately the store has gas generators to provide basic lighting and run a few registers but all the coolers were off and the crew in the store was counting down the minutes until they'd have to start dumping food.

   Hopefully the power was restored before they had to take that kind of drastic action!

Don't Let Your Kids Grow Up To Be

2008-12-14T22:34:00.004-07:00

   Cube Dwellers.

   I hate the cycle - you grow up learning, from observing your parents, that you want to be different; you want to chart a new course for your life instead of merely going to college, getting a stable job, getting married, having kids..and...turning into your parents.

   Though I hope, as I'm sure my parents and your parents did, that my kids will not aim to be everything I'm not, my message to my kids during their formative years, will be different.

   I am going to wholeheartedly encourage them to pursue their passions. They will be advised by me to NOT take a "safe job" (as if those exist anymore, anyway), but to take an exciting one. It is a lot easier to live with no money and do something you are invigorated by than to chase the (formerly) almighty dollar and then get so accustomed to a lifestyle that you are forced to stay in something that bores you to tears just to continue to make X dollars a year.

   I am going to implore my kids to pursue their interests and not worry about money when they are first getting started..

A Retro Theatre Experience

2008-12-13T21:14:00.002-07:00

   On a popular podcast I was listening to today, the hosts were reminiscing about the good old days of drive-in theaters.

   I think I only ever went to see a movie at a drive-in once. I can't recall what was playing but my brother and I were both young and our parents were still married so it must have been the early '80s. I remember walking to the snack bar and back and thinking that the whole scene, with all the cars and the two giant screens, was pretty spectacular.

   The two drive-ins we had in the town I grew up in are both long shut down. One quickly became a swap meet and the other remained a place where miscreant teenagers with beater cars would go "jumping."

   A quick look on Google Maps shows that at least pieces of both remain today. The swap meet one looks to have been taken over by the neighboring auto junkyard, though it looks like one of its two screens might still exist, and the other appears to be used as a parking lot for something..I'll have to investigate a bit in a few months when I head out that way.

   Wouldn't it be awesome if someone opened a new one just for the hell of it?

Celebutard

2008-12-12T21:45:00.004-07:00

I heard this on this past weekend's episode of Five Hundy By Midnight and laughed out loud. I do feel a bit bad, though, for the retarded community as they should never be compared to the kind of celebrities for which this term was coined.

Some Senators Apparently Have Backbones!

2008-12-11T23:25:00.001-07:00

Hooray is all I can say on this.

Let those piss-poorly run businesses fail.

Election Reflection..A Couple Of Odd Similarities

2008-12-10T21:44:00.002-07:00

Both President-Elect Obama and Sen. McCain are left-handed, a strange statistical oddity that I noticed during their first debate.

But perhaps stranger is that both were born outside of the continental United States (Hawaii and Panama Canal Zone, respectively) - interesting since being a natural born citizen is a prerequisite to being eligible for election to the office of President.

Just What Illinois Needs..More Shady Politicians

2008-12-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

What's this make? Governor Scumbag number two-in-a-row? Or are they up to three now?! Incredible.

A Lovely Parting Gift

2008-12-08T22:42:00.004-07:00

Unfortunately the gift of which I speak was generated by an anonymous coworker parting their cheeks and leaving me a rather fragrant fart for me to enjoy on my elevator ride down to the ground floor on my way out the door from work this evening.

Could you please hold it until you're outside at least? I know dropping it outside when it is snowy and sub-30F and therefore would likely cause a large vapor cloud to encircle you, is probably what you were attempting to avoid at all costs, but please have the courtesy to spare the air on the vator!

A Little Parking Lot Courtesy

2008-12-07T22:37:00.003-07:00

   Dear King Soopers shopper,

      Would it kill you to push your empty shopping cart ten feet from your car to the designated cart return area when you're done with it?

      Apparently this is asking for a tremendous effort on your part as not only did you feel it necessary to leave your cart two inches off my bumper but you also inspired others to follow your example.

      Next time you find yourself in a similar situation would you please extinguish your cancer stick, set down the slim jim you're stuffing down your piehole, and put your shopping cart back where it fucking belongs?!

      Thanks much,
         A fellow shopper

I Want To Brew!

2008-12-06T22:15:00.002-07:00

After a trip to the Mile High Monks' monthly meeting tonight, cut short by work obligations, I am super-fired up to brew another batch of homebrew.

I think it is going to be another round of the brown ale that was such a hit last time.

Friday Night Code Monkey

2008-12-05T23:49:00.001-07:00

My Mountain Dew IV drip is all set to go and so am I as I code like a freaking beast tonight. Side projects are keeping me mentally stimulated with work dragging a bit as of late.

To Throw Or Shovel..That Is The Question

2008-12-04T21:26:00.002-07:00

   Uhhh..even with a south-facing driveway if you get enough snow it WILL stick!

   So I was faced with a dilemma this morning - whether the snow level on the driveway constituted firing up the snowthrower for its first action of the season.

   I opted to just shovel as we only had an inch or so.

   But we have a ton of snow forecast next week so I think the thrower will be getting the call very soon!

Another Snowy Night!

2008-12-03T23:39:00.003-07:00

I love this weather cycle we've been having here in the last week - one day of snow, one day to melt, an unseasonably warm day, and then repeat!

And what is even sweeter? A south-facing driveway! (Those of you that live in snowy climates know what this means!)

Palin Effect?!

2008-12-02T22:34:00.002-07:00

Could it possibly be that 2012 Republican presidential candidate Sarah Palin's presence on the campaign trail, on behalf of Sen. Saxby Chambliss, got him over the hump and into the winner's circle?!

Gots To Build A Wind Turbine!

2008-12-01T22:40:00.002-07:00

After a night of horrific wind, that kept the whole family awake, tossing and turning, it is clear to me that I need to get off my ass and build or buy a wind turbine. Otherwise I will continue to hear the wind howl as I lay in bed and imagine bushels of dollar bills blowing through the backyard and down the hill!

Like I Said..

2008-11-30T23:11:00.003-07:00

   Forking Bolts..Need I say more?

   Pathetic, pathetic, pathetic. With only a very few bright spots (see Weddle, Eric), today's loss to the Falcons, in San Diego no less, was not pleasant to watch.

   The Broncos' win in New York, over the Jets, served as notice that San Diego is not going to win the AFC West and therefore will not be participating in the post-season this year.

   OK, OK, I know they have STILL not been mathematically eliminated, but can you honestly tell me that you think they'll pull it off? As in, hello 7-9 division winner?! I think that scenario is even a bit too far-fetched for this apologist.

How Many Rounds Of Leftovers Is Too Much?

2008-11-29T23:57:00.003-07:00

After what seems like 75 servings since Thursday's initial serving, I am officially declaring that I am done with the mountain of leftovers. Let this serve as my official concession - leftovers, you are the better man.

Black Friday Becomes A White Night

2008-11-28T20:54:00.003-07:00

   First of all, I'd like to propose a new interpretation of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving that reputedly puts U.S. retailers "into the black" of profitability each year. I say we all acquire black out curtains (like those featured in all Las Vegas hotel rooms) and we sleep all day. I know this might wreck our economy, but hey, last I checked it was already thoroughly fucked. And, the upside of this new way of celebrating Black Friday is huge - we are all physically recharged and ready to bust ass through the end of the calendar year. I am planning on celebrating in this fashion starting next year. Of course my wife might veto this but I guess we'll just have to wait and see..

   As for THIS Black Friday, I spent the majority of it going up and down a 20 foot ladder hanging the blasted Christmas lights on the house. Though for years now I have firmly refused to hang up lights on the second stories of our houses, I realized that in order to get the ground floor done more quickly it would be easier for me to climb on to the roof and work from above. Once I did this I saw that it would be trivial to do most of the second story from up there. Of course this went splendidly until I got to the last ten feet of rain gutter that was inaccessible from the lower roof. After much swearing I finally gave in, leaving four clips with no lights attached up there as it got too dark, cold, and windy to finish.

   Not four hours later we are presently receiving our first substantial snow of the season! Impeccable timing? I ask you..

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T09:23:00.002-07:00

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have what I have.

I hope you are spending today with those you care about the most!

Let ShitiGroup Fail!

2008-11-26T21:25:00.001-07:00

Why the fuck are we bailing out these (latest) idiots?!

Can someone please riddle me this???

Does the GOP REALLY consider Palin an asset?

2008-11-25T21:22:00.002-07:00

After her stellar performance as the Republican Vice Presidential candidate this summer and fall, does the GOP REALLY consider Palin an asset?

I Had A Dream...

2008-11-24T06:15:00.001-07:00

I had a dream recently..I was the CIO of a big telco. We had just recently rolled out a new advertising campaign touting our stellar new technologies to allow workers to get their stuff done out in their backyards and even at the beach. And then I decided, just for the hell of it, with no publicly stated rationale behind it, that all of our IT workers in the company need to work in the office 5 days a week.

And then I woke up from my dream and realized that I am not actually the CIO but rather just a worker bee for this company. And damnit, I was so enjoying my dream that I am late for work - gotta get in my cube before the hall monitor takes attendance!

Another Week..Another Loss

2008-11-23T23:50:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is sad but true. My beloved Chargers have lost YET again.

This is not good. Of course, it never helps when the refs fuck you once more.

Good Riddance..

2008-11-22T19:38:00.001-07:00

A bit late, I know, but I couldn't resist one more kick down..

Though I will shed no tears as a result of Sen. Ted Stevens' departure, in disgrace, from the Senate, I will miss the opportunity for more discussion of the "series of tubes" that make up the Internet.

Coming To America - (A) Better Place!!

2008-11-21T19:35:00.001-07:00

NIIIIIIICE...I had hoped it was only a matter of time that Better Place landed on our shores!!

Three Stories Worth Reading Regarding The Proposed Big 3 Bailout

2008-11-20T22:34:00.003-07:00

   Here are three disparate stories, each of which suggests a saner approach to moving forward than just handing out cash to losers, as the Big 3 have demanded...errr...requested.

   Not all auto companies operating in the U.S. are failing - and these folks working in and around Honda's plant think badly run businesses, beholden to unions, should be allowed to fail. Concur.

   Seth Godin suggests encouraging entrepreneurs to return the U.S. to the good old days of lots of car companies and lots of options for consumers - good call!

   And finally, Michael Moore, whom I expected to be overly sympathetic to the union, and therefore all for bailing out the Big 3, has a refreshingly even-keeled take on a controlled receivership of some sort.

Big 3 Dinosaurs Need To Head Straight To The Tar Pit!

2008-11-19T08:37:00.003-07:00

   I don't even know where to start with this idiocy..

   For starters, the CEOs, the "leadership" of these massive companies, might have thought a little harder about the importance of appearances before they (corporate) jetted out to Washington with hands extended. Congressmen were not impressed..

   From Rep. Gary Ackerman of New York:

      "It's almost like seeing a guy show up at the soup kitchen in high hat and tuxedo. It kind of makes you a little bit suspicious."

   Rep. Brad Sherman of California piled on:

      "Let the record show, no hands went up," Sherman said. "Second, I'm going to ask you to raise your hand if you are planning to sell your jet in place now and fly back commercial. Let the record show, no hands went up."

This Is A Perfect Example Of The Problem I Have With Party Loyalists

2008-11-18T17:54:00.001-07:00

I have enjoyed following the presidential election coverage, with Roadkill Refugee as a source, but it is totally lame to call the Connecticut senator "Benedict Lieberman" just because he is operating (barely) outside the box of "the Democratic party."

Too Smart To Do It

2008-11-17T21:13:00.002-07:00

I just don't see how Mark Cuban would be dumb enough to do this when he clearly knows better. I'd be surprised if this doesn't turn into a black eye for the SEC.

Gotta Love a Tie!

2008-11-16T23:45:00.002-07:00

Somehow it seems perfectly fitting that two dogshit teams would both be unable to score even a field goal in the fifteen minute overtime period and thus would end up with a tie - the first in the NFL in six seasons.

Are You Kidding Me?!

2008-11-15T22:37:00.002-07:00

What the fuck is wrong with our country?!

Oh yeah, we didn't let the South secede.

Our First Snow...FINALLY!

2008-11-14T18:38:00.003-07:00

Though not a ton (the streets are just wet), we finally received our first snow of the season!

I don't know what is harder to believe - that we did not have any snow until November 14th or that it is already November 14th! How did that sneak up on me??!

A Solid Game And No Class From The Loser

2008-11-13T23:39:00.001-07:00

   What a great, close game last night on NFL Network!

   The Jets looked like they were going to give the Pats a whacking up until the fourth quarter when they gave their entire lead back. After Brett Favre led yet another steady march down the field in overtime and Mr. McFeely kicked the winning field goal for the Jets, all eyes were on midfield and what sort of handshake the Emperor..errr..Belichick would give Mangini. Even worse than when New England was previously beat by Belichick's protege, the classless one appeared to barely make contact with Mangini and then pull away desperately.

   What a fucking sore loser!!!

Keep Your Religion Where It Belongs - OUT OF MY GOVERNMENT!!

2008-11-12T19:45:00.001-07:00

I don't know how many times we need to tell these thick-skulled thumpers...THERE'S THIS THING CALLED SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE!

Veterans' Day

2008-11-11T19:12:00.001-07:00

On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank all of our veterans for the immense sacrifices they have made in the past and continue to make today, in their tireless efforts to make our country safe.

Thank you, thank you!

Let It Snow?

2008-11-10T21:16:00.001-07:00

It is forecast that we will receive our first snow of the season tonight..I'm always skeptical..We'll see.

Everything In An NFL Game Should Be Reviewable

2008-11-09T21:14:00.001-07:00

   I'll say it again because I think it definitely bears repeating - everything in an NFL game should be reviewable!!

   And yes, this was prompted by yet another set of ridiculous calls in this week's Charger game (vs. Kansas City).

   Though the Bolts ultimately prevailed, the bad calls, on both teams, were again obvious and frankly, unacceptable.

   If you're going to have replay, get it fucking right.

King Of The Hill Cancelled!

2008-11-08T21:17:00.001-07:00

A long, very funny life has come to an end..

I still remember the first time I saw "King Of The Hill" - it didn't take long before my friends and I were all quoting it, impersonating Hank, Bobby, and especially Boomhauer! My wife (girlfriend at the time) even participated, busting out a stellar Luanne impression!!

Spinal Tap - 20(?) Years Later

2008-11-07T21:18:00.001-07:00

I can't recall precisely what it was that reminded me I should drop "This Is Spinal Tap" into our Netflix queue but I did so all while mentally calculating that it had been at least twenty years since I last watched it.

And, I hate to say it, but though the classic moments still proved laugh-inducing, I have to admit I was disappointed. It is not the hilarious movie I once thought it to be..Oh well, some things age better than others, right?

Thursday Night Smorgasbord

2008-11-06T21:47:00.002-07:00

   A couple of awesome posts, followed by a headshaker...

   My kids both think mustaches are hilarious for some reason. If you need any help finding facial hair amusing you should be all set with this great post from the Art of Manliness.

   Did you really think I could go another day, so close to the just-completed (well, technically still going strong as neither Missouri nor North Carolina has reported who officially carried them) election, without waxing political?!

   Creative graphing is super-cool in my book.

   And finally, is it even possible that the whole Palin situation gets even worse? Memo to the governor of Alaska - before you create your exploratory committee for 2012, PLEASE memorize the continents and where you'd find them on a map.

Proposition H8te Passes In California

2008-11-05T22:45:00.002-07:00

   My brother summed it up just about perfectly - he is in the unusual position of being proud to be an American but ashamed to be a Californian.

   This proposition was backed by the Mormons and the Catholics and they should both be ashamed of themselves. Last I checked, religion had no place in our government and even if you don't personally understand or agree with the lifestyles people lead, outright discrimination is un-American.

   I am FIRMLY of the belief that with advances in technology it is only a matter of time until it is proven scientifically that being gay is genetic. Once this is determined, history will be VERY unkind to those that have chosen to discriminate against homosexuals as they will then find themselves in the uncomfortable position of being legitimately compared to those who discriminate based on race or gender.

A Big Win!

2008-11-04T23:59:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to Barack Obama, who will become our 44th President!

Winning both the Electoral College and the popular vote is impressive. I'm excited for him to get started and am optimistic that he'll be able to effect at least some positive change in the next four years!

A Sign Of The Times In Dixville Notch?

2008-11-03T23:38:00.002-07:00

Considering that before tonight Dixville Notch, NH had not leaned Democratic since 1968, perhaps this is an early glimpse of the success nationally that Barack Obama may have by this time tomorrow night? Let's hope so.

Eric Schmidt and Warren Buffett

2008-11-02T08:44:00.002-07:00

I just read a really encouraging article in today's Denver Post Business section where Google CEO Eric Schmidt sounded much like Warren Buffett in his statements about the rich paying more in taxes because they should care about the common good.

Gotta love two rich guys willing to pay for the good of their countrymen!!!

Return To Caching!

2008-11-01T14:23:00.002-06:00

After quite a lengthy break from geocaching (time has just flown by on the weekends lately), the kids and I set out this morning in pursuit of several nearby caches.

Though we only managed to find one of the three we sought, we still managed to explore a cool, old cemetery, and play in the park along the way.

Halloween!

2008-10-31T23:22:00.001-06:00

   We made a somewhat last minute decision to take the kids trick-or-treating in our new, sparsely developed neighborhood, rather than our old one.

   It turned out very well. Not only did they acquire a TON of candy from a couple densely populated cul-de-sacs nearby but it was also unseasonably warm and we wrapped up the evening with a fun party at a neighbor's house.

   Halloween was meant to be celebrated on a Friday!!

W Getting Alzheimer's?!

2008-10-30T22:24:00.001-06:00

I just came across this.

It is an oldie but still relevant. Just think about the deer in the headlights look in the press conference he gave a couple of weeks ago when he and King..err..Sec. Paulson tried to ram that first piece-of-shit bailout bill through Congress.

Nothing Like A Dumpster Fire

2008-10-29T23:45:00.001-06:00

...to liven up a Wednesday night! Gotta love living in a construction zone!

Gratitude

2008-10-28T23:13:00.001-06:00

A great post on an always upbeat blog!!

Another Gem From Mark Cuban

2008-10-27T10:29:00.002-06:00

Another gem from Mark Cuban:

"The reality is that for most businesses, they don’t need more cash, they need more brains."

Pumpkin Patch, Round 2!

2008-10-26T23:35:00.003-06:00

Today I got an opportunity to hit another pumpkin patch, this time in Goleta, with my brother and his kids. Though definitely smaller in size than the one we went to last weekend in Ft. Collins, this one had almost all the same components (pumpkins, of course, corn maze, hayride, animal exhibit, etc.). Yes, they were lacking the pumpkin shooter but I give them a pass because they are surrounded by houses on two sides and roads on the other two sides.

The big difference, however, is that they charged only for pumpkin sales, not for the hayride OR the corn maze, both of which the Colorado pumpkin patches seem to use as profit centers! Very curious..

A Lovely Wedding!

2008-10-25T23:39:00.003-06:00

   This afternoon/evening was the main event - my stepbrother and his fiance were married in a lovely ceremony, at a lovely site, surrounded by family and friends.

   Good, heartfelt toasts were given, delicious food and tasty beverages were consumed, and it truly appeared that everyone had a grand time!

   Though I've missed my wife and kids on this solo journey to represent my branch of the family at the festivities, it has afforded me great opportunities to catch up with people that I usually have only fleeting, disjointed conversations with, as I try to keep track of the kids and what they're up to.

   I will be happy to be home with them at the end of the weekend but this has been a wonderful trip too!

Remind Me Again Why Anyone Would Want To Live In L.A.?!

2008-10-24T23:12:00.003-06:00

   Today was a looong one. I worked a half day and then drove like mad to DIA, hopped on a plane to LAX, and then rushed to get my rental car and point it north on the 405 freeway to Santa Barbara.

   2:00 PM on a Friday afternoon and already the freeway is just creeeeeping..Though it did not take the full three hours it took our family to make the same drive this summer on our vacation, it still took me a good two and a half to get where I was going, most of which was spent running the following phrase through my head "Why the hell would anyone live in L.A.? What could possibly be sooo great about this place that after dealing with this sort of life-wasting commuting twice a day, every day, would make you still want to live here?"

   I just don't get it. Have I mentioned lately that I love Colorado?

Don't Look Now, It's Cheney In A Skirt!

2008-10-23T22:34:00.002-06:00

   About all I can say about this is "Holy shit!"

   The fact that McCain picked this genius as his running mate is reason enough not to vote for him and his poor judgment skills. Remember the last 8 years? We've had quite enough of a president with poor judgment.

   Remind me again - is it November 4th yet?!

Time To Winterize

2008-10-22T23:34:00.002-06:00

   How did late October sneak up on me already?!

   We've had several nights (and a day and a half) of frigid, winter-like temperatures yet it it not even Halloween yet!

   I had to wrap our external pipes with foam insulation and need to put a layer of Winterizer on the lawn so I can water it in before we get our lawn aerated and our sprinkler system blown out for the winter!

Bailout Sleuth

2008-10-21T22:54:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Mark Cuban, I am now reading Bailout Sleuth.

Palintology - The Study Of Inconsistency In A Cluttered Mind

2008-10-20T20:47:00.004-06:00

So much for federalism...So let me get this straight - the federal government (the Supreme Court, in this case) should overturn Roe v. Wade and let the states decide how to handle abortion laws but the Constitution should be amended to ban gay marriage. OK, I see the consistency there..

Eventually People Show Their True Colors

2008-10-19T17:55:00.001-06:00

The newly-affixed "Nobama" bumper sticker on our neighbor's car prompted this post.

Enough already with the negativity - I have not seen any "McSame" or "McLame" stickers on anyone's car. It appears to be only the desperate Republicans that have gone negative in such a blatant manner. If you are a supporter of the McCain-Palin ticket how about putting one of their stickers on your car and not an anti-Obama one?

The Pumpkin Patch - An Annual Tradition

2008-10-18T19:49:00.002-06:00

This afternoon we hit up a pumpkin patch in Ft. Collins.

I love our annual tradition - though we have a gone to a different patch each of the four years we've been here in Colorado, we've gone with the same families and had a grand time every time!

Warren Weighs In

2008-10-17T17:16:00.001-06:00

This should give some hope to the doom-and-gloomers.

Newsflash - The Bee Gees Are Good For Your Heart!

2008-10-16T17:56:00.000-06:00

Awesome!

Sen. Angry Crybaby For President

2008-10-15T23:18:00.002-06:00

Yes, I speak of Sen. McCain, who made me generally despise him this evening. He has revealed himself to be the smirking, snide, generally nasty man that his detractors have long claimed he is. All the qualities I admired in him previously have been overwhelmed by his performance tonight. After begging for an apology from Sen. Obama regarding comments made by someone (Rep. Lewis) not even affiliated with Obama's campaign, McCain seemed to take offense at the suggestion that anyone other than upstanding citizens would attend his own rallies. Obama was too much of a gentleman to point out the obvious - much of the inflammatory rhetoric is coming from not only his campaign, but..wait for it...his own running mate! Yes, the incomparable Gov. Sarah Palin.

I am now going to go hide under a rock until Nov. 4th with my sample ballot and the text of the numerous propositions on the CO ballot.

John Cleese On Sarah Palin

2008-10-15T17:48:00.000-06:00

This really needs no introduction - just classic.

Nothing Like Failing To Learn From History..

2008-10-14T21:47:00.001-06:00

It is great to see that despite countless opportunities to learn from the past, the Bush administration sees no reason to start now.

A Sham Holiday..

2008-10-13T20:59:00.002-06:00

   Today is Columbus Day here in the States, a holiday to comemmorate Christopher Columbus' "discovery" of the New World. The only problem is, there were already people living here.

   So you know what? Though I love Italians (and have several in my extended family), this holiday is an insult to Native Americans and should be abolished in favor of something legit like Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Oh wait, that already exists..except that it is sparsely recognized..

   Rant over.

A Weekend About As Good As It Gets!

2008-10-12T22:30:00.002-06:00

Well, starting out a weekend at GABF figured to only go downhill from there. However, my resurgent Chaaaargers managed to drub the hated Belichick-led Pats solidly in San Diego this evening. It doesn't get much better than that, in my estimation!

So goodnight and good luck!

GABF - It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This!

2008-10-11T21:10:00.003-06:00

   After missing the Great American Beer Festival last year, for the first time since moving to Colorado four years ago, it was even more sweet to actually make it to the Saturday afternoon Member's Session today with a good friend!

   And it didn't disappoint. From a tasting of the impressive Dogfish Head World Wide Stout, poured for us by Sam Calagione himself, to the mosh pit..err..civil line for a fleeting shot at 1/2 oz of Samuel Adam's Utopias (we got it and DAMN that is something special - it took about twenty glass rinses to get it to stop tainting subsequent tastes!) we made the most of the four hours of sampling.

   In the curious hop aroma department, we encountered Green Flash's Imperial IPA, complete with strong marijuana tones, but a taste of pure hop juice! We also encountered the hop aroma that Jeff and Greg at Craft Beer Radio affectionately refer to as "cat pee!" Though I had been skeptical when I heard them mention this as an attribute, I got a full blast in the face and knew precisely what they meant! Fortunately, the beer tasted nothing like it smelled!

   Though we had all manner of tasty brews, from bourbon barrel-aged porters and stouts, to Scottish ales, reds, ambers, to a couple of sour beers that exceeded expectation, to our old standby IPAs and double/imperial IPAs, the most interesting of all was Harrison's Brewpub's Butterscotch, which smelled exactly like its name implied. It tasted good too, but curiously did not have much at all in the way of butterscotch flavoring which made us wonder whether there really was butterscotch in the recipe or if the aroma was achieved with some interesting grain bill.

   In any case, it was a splendid return to a stellar event!!

   I can't wait for next year!

Michael Clayton Reminds You To Be Ethical

2008-10-10T22:15:00.002-06:00

   In a desperate attempt to return to getting a good deal out of our Netflix subscription, my wife and I finally got around to watching a movie tonight after the kids went to bed.

   George Clooney's "Michael Clayton" was the feature fare and though not amazing, it was a good solid film. I am not a credentialed film critic and I don't like people giving away plots so I won't go there, but the one thing it left me with was how much the underlying theme echoed what is going on in our country (and world, arguably?) today with respect to corporate greed and power.

   Please try hard to lead your life ethically and be nice to people. If you do that the world will be a more peaceful, prosperous place and you know what? You'll make more money because you'll have more customers that want to purchase your goods or services and who will actually be able to afford to do so.

Please Tell Me It Is November 4th Already!

2008-10-09T18:18:00.003-06:00

   From CNN:

      "One small additional point, my friends. Do you know how many times the political pundits in the last two years have written off my campaign? Huh?" McCain asked. "They were wrong when I supported the surge and said I was finished; when I said I would rather lose a campaign than lose a war. And some of them are wrong now.

      "We'll win, and we'll win the state of Wisconsin, and we'll win this election," he added.

   Unfortunately, Sen. McCain, it is clear that at this point you would rather lose everyone's respect for your integrity and morals than lose a campaign. You and your running mate have made some despicable statements about Sen. Obama, and like Sen. Biden, I think you're chickenshit for not saying these things to his face when you had a chance to do so on Tuesday night!

The Post-Debate Analysis - A Clear Win By Obama

2008-10-08T23:34:00.001-06:00

Well said - I was going to do a whole post-debate analysis but Roadkill Refugee already did the job for me!!

This Has To Stop!

2008-10-07T17:04:00.001-06:00

Like I said - Palin's a pile of shit.

I'm Done Being Nice - Palin's A Pile Of Shit

2008-10-06T21:56:00.003-06:00

Who does she think she is? And what has she accomplished that gives her the right to speak with such authority on the matter?

Please Run On Your Own Merits!

2008-10-05T09:00:00.004-06:00

   It is pretty clear that the Republicans are in full-on desperation mode considering they've resorted to almost exclusively running a campaign against Obama, as opposed to running on McCain's own merits. In response, Obama has taken his formerly optimistic, encouraging advertising and made it mainly anti-McCain. The voters are the losers when this happens.

   This is the kind of drivel I detest in politics and makes me wish it was November already.

   Pleeeeease tell me that Tuesday's debate will be substantive and not just an accusation fest!

Birthday Party Fun!

2008-10-04T22:13:00.001-06:00

   Finally a break from the political nonsense!

   My son had a terrific birthday party today and it served as a great reminder that something's clearly trump others in matter of importance.

   There is nothing like seeing the huge grin on your child's face to jolt you out of the fixation you've established on greedy people making piss-poor decisions on their constituents' behalf when, in fact, they are far less concerned with representing their folks back home than they are just trying to get re-elected so they don't have to get a real job ever again.

   Oh wait - I'm falling back into the morass!

   Happy Birthday Big Guy!

Mmmm - Smells Like Bacon!

2008-10-03T11:46:00.004-06:00

   I love that at the height of the discussions among the Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns about reforming governmentin Washington, with a specific focus on earmarks, both fucking houses of Congress saw fit to pass the bailout bill, complete with pork attached.

   I don't care how beneficial funding for arrows, cyclists, movies, race tracks, rum, and wool is to folks in the home districts of the reps that tacked this shit in - this stuff DOES NOT belong in a financial crisis bailout bill. If these causes are worthy of funding then they can stand on their own in bills specific to them.

   We need to throw all these fucking bums out!

The Hopes And Dreams Of Our Graduating Class..or Notes From Tonight's Debate

2008-10-02T22:40:00.003-06:00

   Newsflash - Gov. Sarah Palin is not the moron some supposed she was following her pathetic interviews with Katie Couric. In fact, she was just robotically reciting the McCain campaign's talking points.

   She did, however, get her ass handed to her by Sen. Joe Biden this evening.

   She reminded me, scarily, of George W. Bush and his inability or unwillingness to listen. Palin repeatedly said things that made it clear she was not listening or if listening, not processing, what Biden had just said. And she did her best to not answer any of Gwen Ifill's questions.

   She also didn't do McCain any favors, in my opinion. She talked about herself and Alaska an awful lot. But then again, she is definitely running harder for (unelected) President than Biden is.

   Palin is clearly not ready for primetime and her folksy demeanor just turned my stomach, frankly. I want to know that our vice president is someone with significant skills and judgment, not someone that is just a down-home regular person. I want someone from the top of the heap intellectually and I'm quite certain she is not. The more I listened to her pontificate, the more Palin reminded me of that high school graduation speaker everyone knows that, while probably sincere and well-intentioned, just comes off as too self-important and lofty in their proclamations about the greatness the Class of XXXX is bound to achieve.

   Please, for our kids' sake, don't vote for McCain because whether he or his supporters want to acknowledge it, the actuarial facts don't lie and he may well gift us all the first President from the great state of Alaska, free of charge and without the inconvenience of an election.

Is Palin's Unscripted Idiocy A Ruse?

2008-10-01T17:50:00.001-06:00

   Here's a conspiracy theory for you.

   Do you suppose the Palin unscripted idiocy that we've seen is an elaborate ruse?

   Seems like some ultra-low expectations going into tomorrow's VP debate would not be looked upon unfavorably by the McCain-Palin campaign..

   I'm just sayin'..

Why Would Anyone Work For That Nutjob??

2008-09-30T17:25:00.001-06:00

And now for really important commentary...

The press conference was too painful for me to reference directly so this will have to suffice for now!