Thursday, December 01, 2005
I'm Back!
Fall quarter officially ended for me yesterday at 2:43pm pst. Yee-HAW. What a grueling quarter it has been...last year I escaped classes the required a lot of homework....well I think I made up for it this quarter...both classes lots of homework. One class required reading two textbooks and writing four papers and a final group project, the other class, two textbooks, three novels and 3 papers, plus a brain draining essay exam.
In my October 22nd post I mentioned I had seen North Country and was planning to see Capote. I'm glad to report that I did indeed make it to see Capote. Now that I have time for personal endeavors, (how I ever thought that working full-time and going to school full-time was a good idea I don't know), I hope to get back on track with my movie marathon...I'm a bit behind.
Talk to you soon!
In my October 22nd post I mentioned I had seen North Country and was planning to see Capote. I'm glad to report that I did indeed make it to see Capote. Now that I have time for personal endeavors, (how I ever thought that working full-time and going to school full-time was a good idea I don't know), I hope to get back on track with my movie marathon...I'm a bit behind.
Talk to you soon!
Monday, October 24, 2005
Good Night, and Good Luck
Plot Summary from IMDB -
"Broadcast journalist Edward Murrow looks to bring down Senator Joseph McCarthy."
This film should be required viewing for every US History class. Though the events of this film happened over 50 years ago they still resonate today. The words spoken by Murrow, "We cannot defend freedom abroad while deserting it at home", could be just as easily uttered today with the same meaning. As could, "We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty." This film is proof that history does repeat itself. You owe it to yourself to see this movie.
Official Site: Good Night, and Good Luck
"Broadcast journalist Edward Murrow looks to bring down Senator Joseph McCarthy."
This film should be required viewing for every US History class. Though the events of this film happened over 50 years ago they still resonate today. The words spoken by Murrow, "We cannot defend freedom abroad while deserting it at home", could be just as easily uttered today with the same meaning. As could, "We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty." This film is proof that history does repeat itself. You owe it to yourself to see this movie.
Official Site: Good Night, and Good Luck
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Another One Bites the Dust
So I can cross another movie off the list. I went to see North Country this evening. Expect some remarks soon and I'm still working on posting something about Good Night, and Good Luck. Tomorrow am planning to see Capote will keep you posted.
Tired now must sleep!
Tired now must sleep!
A History of Violence
Plot Summary from IMDB -
"Based on the graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, A History of Violence is the tale of Tom Stall. Tom is a loving family man and well-respected citizen of a small Indiana town. But when two savage criminals show up at his diner, Tom is forced to take action and thwart the robbery attempt. Suddenly heralded as a hero who took the courage to stand up to crime, people look up to Tom as a man of high moral regard. But all that media attention has the likes of mobsters showing up at his doorstep, charging that Tom is someone else they've been looking for. Is it a case of mistaken identity or does Tom have a history that no one knows about? Either way, someone's about to find out if there's a history of violence."
I liked the set up for this film but was ultimately disappointed in the outcome...no spoilers here you'll have to see it for yourself. It is a very engrossing film and the imagry is spectacular. Draw your own conclusions. I will say it is not for faint of heart, there is quite a bit of blood.
Official Site: A History of Violence
"Based on the graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, A History of Violence is the tale of Tom Stall. Tom is a loving family man and well-respected citizen of a small Indiana town. But when two savage criminals show up at his diner, Tom is forced to take action and thwart the robbery attempt. Suddenly heralded as a hero who took the courage to stand up to crime, people look up to Tom as a man of high moral regard. But all that media attention has the likes of mobsters showing up at his doorstep, charging that Tom is someone else they've been looking for. Is it a case of mistaken identity or does Tom have a history that no one knows about? Either way, someone's about to find out if there's a history of violence."
I liked the set up for this film but was ultimately disappointed in the outcome...no spoilers here you'll have to see it for yourself. It is a very engrossing film and the imagry is spectacular. Draw your own conclusions. I will say it is not for faint of heart, there is quite a bit of blood.
Official Site: A History of Violence
Thursday, October 20, 2005
The Constant Gardener
The Plot Summary from IMDB -
"Based on the best-selling John le Carré novel and from the Academy Award-nominated director of "City of God." In a remote area of Northern Kenya, activist Tessa Quayle (Rachel Weisz) is found brutally murdered. Tessa's companion, a doctor, appears to have fled the scene, and the evidence points to a crime of passion. Members of the British High Commission in Nairobi assume that Tessa's widower, their mild-mannered and unambitious colleague Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes), will leave the matter to them. They could not be more wrong. Haunted by remorse and jarred by rumors of his late wife's infidelities, Quayle surprises everyone by embarking on a personal odyssey that will take him across three continents. Using his privileged access to diplomatic secrets, he will risk his own life, stopping at nothing to uncover and expose the truth - a conspiracy more far-reaching and deadly than Quayle could ever have imagined."
What struck me most about this film is that by nature it is a political thriller, even nouveau film noir, but it does not hit you over the head with the car chase, shadowy figure, shoot 'em up conventions atypical of the genre. This is a smart film that relies on strength of story, not flashy tricks, to convey it's message.
If you are looking for a smart, powerful and thought provoking experience go see this film.
Official site: The Constant Gardener
"Based on the best-selling John le Carré novel and from the Academy Award-nominated director of "City of God." In a remote area of Northern Kenya, activist Tessa Quayle (Rachel Weisz) is found brutally murdered. Tessa's companion, a doctor, appears to have fled the scene, and the evidence points to a crime of passion. Members of the British High Commission in Nairobi assume that Tessa's widower, their mild-mannered and unambitious colleague Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes), will leave the matter to them. They could not be more wrong. Haunted by remorse and jarred by rumors of his late wife's infidelities, Quayle surprises everyone by embarking on a personal odyssey that will take him across three continents. Using his privileged access to diplomatic secrets, he will risk his own life, stopping at nothing to uncover and expose the truth - a conspiracy more far-reaching and deadly than Quayle could ever have imagined."
What struck me most about this film is that by nature it is a political thriller, even nouveau film noir, but it does not hit you over the head with the car chase, shadowy figure, shoot 'em up conventions atypical of the genre. This is a smart film that relies on strength of story, not flashy tricks, to convey it's message.
If you are looking for a smart, powerful and thought provoking experience go see this film.
Official site: The Constant Gardener
Monday, October 17, 2005
Gay "Football" Season
This is the time of year when Hollywood releases their best efforts in hopes of getting Oscar nominations early next year. This year I've compiled a list of movies and am determined to see them all. You may view my list by clicking here. The list is still evolving and I'm sure that it will change. Also once I see a movie I remove it from the list. I'm sure there are many that are not on my list and some that shouldn't be there. If anyone has any suggestions let me know.
So far I have seen the following films -
The Constant Gardener
A History of Violence
Good Night, and Good Luck
I hope to offer a review or at least my opinion on the films as I see them. Obviously I'm a little behind on the three above but will hope to have something knocked out in the next couple of days.
Go Team!!
So far I have seen the following films -
The Constant Gardener
A History of Violence
Good Night, and Good Luck
I hope to offer a review or at least my opinion on the films as I see them. Obviously I'm a little behind on the three above but will hope to have something knocked out in the next couple of days.
Go Team!!
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Patches...We Don't Need No Stinking Patches!
So I ripped the last nicotine patch from my arm at 11:36pm Friday October 7, 2005. That's right done with the patches. Saturday the 8th...a little dicey but now not so bad.
It's been a long time....almost a month since my last post. To tell the truth I've been busy with school and work. Plus I think that last couple weeks on the patch were starting to get to me. Was feeling depressed, blah blah blah. Anyway things are better now. Work still sucks, but doesn't it always? Uh...the answer is yes! Glad to be back in school. Classes this quarter so far are interesting. American Film as Literature and Media and Messages. Even better is my schedule. That is one good thing about work...I'm allowed to juggle my schedule around school.
I got about 150 more pages to read for class. I'll try to be more frequent with my posting.
OH...here's recent picture of the Gizmo. I call it "The Giz in Repose"
It's been a long time....almost a month since my last post. To tell the truth I've been busy with school and work. Plus I think that last couple weeks on the patch were starting to get to me. Was feeling depressed, blah blah blah. Anyway things are better now. Work still sucks, but doesn't it always? Uh...the answer is yes! Glad to be back in school. Classes this quarter so far are interesting. American Film as Literature and Media and Messages. Even better is my schedule. That is one good thing about work...I'm allowed to juggle my schedule around school.
I got about 150 more pages to read for class. I'll try to be more frequent with my posting.
OH...here's recent picture of the Gizmo. I call it "The Giz in Repose"
Monday, September 19, 2005
Kicking The Habit - Part 6
It's been awhile since my last post...no I didn't fall off the face of the earth or start smoking again.
I've been on the 14mg patch for over a week now and am gearing up to "step down" to the 7mg patch this Friday. I will say that the adjustment from the 21mg patch to the 14mg patch did cause a day or two of irritability...but not too bad.
So there's the update on that....got some other things to share but no time to post right now.
Stay Sweet, TTFN, FF, and all that!
I've been on the 14mg patch for over a week now and am gearing up to "step down" to the 7mg patch this Friday. I will say that the adjustment from the 21mg patch to the 14mg patch did cause a day or two of irritability...but not too bad.
So there's the update on that....got some other things to share but no time to post right now.
Stay Sweet, TTFN, FF, and all that!
Friday, September 02, 2005
Kicking The Habit - Part 5
So it's now been four weeks...yeah that's right FOUR WEEKS since my last cigarette!
I wish I could say we were 1/2 way through the weaning period...but no! Although we are almost done with Step 1. This step is six weeks on a 21mg patch. At the end of six weeks you "step" down to 14mg for two weeks and then another "step" down to a 7mg patch for another two weeks and that's it.
I'll post again when I start Step 2. In my opinion this will be another hard step. The first being stopping the act of lighting a cigarette and inhaling it. As you may remember from previous posts that this had a few ups and downs. However, even though no smoking is involved there has been no reduction in nicotine. Step 2 will be the first decrease in nicotene, so I'm sure there will be issues.
I wish I could say we were 1/2 way through the weaning period...but no! Although we are almost done with Step 1. This step is six weeks on a 21mg patch. At the end of six weeks you "step" down to 14mg for two weeks and then another "step" down to a 7mg patch for another two weeks and that's it.
I'll post again when I start Step 2. In my opinion this will be another hard step. The first being stopping the act of lighting a cigarette and inhaling it. As you may remember from previous posts that this had a few ups and downs. However, even though no smoking is involved there has been no reduction in nicotine. Step 2 will be the first decrease in nicotene, so I'm sure there will be issues.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Katrina - What A Bitch
My heart goes out to everyone affected by Hurricane Katrina. I can not even imagine what you must be going through. I have been glued to CNN all day and each picture and story more heartbreaking than the last.
On a positive note there was a report that people as far away as Oklahoma and Arizona were offering people displaced by the storm a free place to stay. Help is pouring in form all directions. This is the America I'm talking about. Why does it always take a tragedy to bring us together.
Here's how you can help
Craigs List
American Red Cross
Mercy Corps Northwest
On a positive note there was a report that people as far away as Oklahoma and Arizona were offering people displaced by the storm a free place to stay. Help is pouring in form all directions. This is the America I'm talking about. Why does it always take a tragedy to bring us together.
Here's how you can help
Craigs List
American Red Cross
Mercy Corps Northwest
Facelift
Hope you all like the new look....yeah still a blogspot template. I did customize it a little. Oh yeah and a random picture of Gizmo. Enjoy!
Monday, August 29, 2005
Two Cents
All over the blogosphere debates are raging about the war in Iraq, right vs. left, blue vs. red, etc, etc. I’m no expert or analyst I’m just an average citizen with an opinion. Here it is.
On terrorism and Iraq...
Why is this argument still marched out in defense of this war?? This war has nothing to do with terrorism. This war was started under false pretenses, i.e. WMD. It was only after not finding any did the focus shift to terrorism and finally spreading democracy became the main focus.
That is what angers me about this war. When the reason we went to war turned out to be non-existent...like everyone except The White House had been saying all along...what’s the next move? Play the terrorism card...then play the spreading freedom and democracy card. Iraq is not the only country in the world that is not a democracy. Oh yeah...those other countries don't have any wealth or natural resources we can exploit.
On everything else...
Yes you can disagree with the government and still love your country. Isn't that the point of democracy anyway...not this "new" freedom of speech in which you are free to say anything as long as it supports the current administration. I am so sick and tired of the “America: Love or Leave It” attitude. Whatever happened to America: The Great Melting Pot, or Land of the Free and Home of the Brave? It’s easy to stay silent. It takes bravery to speak out.
The most upsetting thing is how divided we’ve become. There seems to be no middle ground on any issue. No one is willing to listen to any other point of view. I’m not pointing fingers, right, left, Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, it doesn’t matter. There is no discussion it is either one way or the other.
How far does the pendulum have to swing before it comes back towards the center? I came across a great quote the other day:
I’m tired of all the arguing. I’m tired of all the self-righteousness. I’m tired of this “Stepford” mentality to blindly follow the leader and don’t ask any questions. I’m tired of people being held up as moral beacons because of their job title instead of their deeds. I'm tired of the people that have had all the rights and all the power in this country for centuries are now screaming from the roof tops about how "marginalized" they've become. I’m tired of terms like “moral majority” and "liberal media".
I’m so tired I’d love to take nap but am afraid of what I’ll wake up to.
On terrorism and Iraq...
Why is this argument still marched out in defense of this war?? This war has nothing to do with terrorism. This war was started under false pretenses, i.e. WMD. It was only after not finding any did the focus shift to terrorism and finally spreading democracy became the main focus.
That is what angers me about this war. When the reason we went to war turned out to be non-existent...like everyone except The White House had been saying all along...what’s the next move? Play the terrorism card...then play the spreading freedom and democracy card. Iraq is not the only country in the world that is not a democracy. Oh yeah...those other countries don't have any wealth or natural resources we can exploit.
On everything else...
Yes you can disagree with the government and still love your country. Isn't that the point of democracy anyway...not this "new" freedom of speech in which you are free to say anything as long as it supports the current administration. I am so sick and tired of the “America: Love or Leave It” attitude. Whatever happened to America: The Great Melting Pot, or Land of the Free and Home of the Brave? It’s easy to stay silent. It takes bravery to speak out.
The most upsetting thing is how divided we’ve become. There seems to be no middle ground on any issue. No one is willing to listen to any other point of view. I’m not pointing fingers, right, left, Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, it doesn’t matter. There is no discussion it is either one way or the other.
How far does the pendulum have to swing before it comes back towards the center? I came across a great quote the other day:
Admittedly "fascism" is a harsh word...but think about what is going on. Just today I saw on the news that a group I've mentioned before has now shifted their focus from cable TV to Starbucks. Apparantly cable TV isn't the downfall of America as originally thought. It's Starbucks, specifically one quote by one author that was used as part their "The Way I See It" series printed on their paper cups. I'm no huge fan of Starbucks but come on!"When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in a flag, carrying a cross." - Sinclair Lewis
I’m tired of all the arguing. I’m tired of all the self-righteousness. I’m tired of this “Stepford” mentality to blindly follow the leader and don’t ask any questions. I’m tired of people being held up as moral beacons because of their job title instead of their deeds. I'm tired of the people that have had all the rights and all the power in this country for centuries are now screaming from the roof tops about how "marginalized" they've become. I’m tired of terms like “moral majority” and "liberal media".
I’m so tired I’d love to take nap but am afraid of what I’ll wake up to.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
F.R.A.P
Uh...that would be Frenetic Random Ass Post. It's been almost a week since my last post so I'm just spilling it all.
Kicking the Habit...
Glad to say still smoke free and have surpassed the two week mark and am about a day and half away from the three week mark.
The Giz....
The Giz is doing great!! We've started home schooling her. So far she knows "sit" and "down". She went to a BBQ last friday at a co-worker's house and had a German Shepard on the run. She's such a bad-ass! Although will have to nip that in the bud...don't want her to be a bully...she has little dog syndrom for sure.
Goings on...
Not much to report. I found out that our office is moving...AGAIN. I've been with this company for five years and this will be the 5th office I've worked in. At least this one we have signed a three year lease...so guess won't have to do this again for three years. On a positive note I will have my own office...uh wait...not only will I have my own office but it is a corner office. A CORNER OFFICE. Don't ask cause I don't know. Actually aside from the corner office I'm excited about the new office space it is by far the best one we have had so far. There is a patio right off the kitchen complete with tables and chairs, there is a fitness center and showers in the buidling that we can use for free there is also a ping-pong table! There is a deli and Tully's coffee right next door and the best part it will decrease my commute by at least 1/2. I won't even have to get on the freeway if I don't feel like it is that much closer!!!
That's about it.
Kicking the Habit...
Glad to say still smoke free and have surpassed the two week mark and am about a day and half away from the three week mark.
The Giz....
The Giz is doing great!! We've started home schooling her. So far she knows "sit" and "down". She went to a BBQ last friday at a co-worker's house and had a German Shepard on the run. She's such a bad-ass! Although will have to nip that in the bud...don't want her to be a bully...she has little dog syndrom for sure.
Goings on...
Not much to report. I found out that our office is moving...AGAIN. I've been with this company for five years and this will be the 5th office I've worked in. At least this one we have signed a three year lease...so guess won't have to do this again for three years. On a positive note I will have my own office...uh wait...not only will I have my own office but it is a corner office. A CORNER OFFICE. Don't ask cause I don't know. Actually aside from the corner office I'm excited about the new office space it is by far the best one we have had so far. There is a patio right off the kitchen complete with tables and chairs, there is a fitness center and showers in the buidling that we can use for free there is also a ping-pong table! There is a deli and Tully's coffee right next door and the best part it will decrease my commute by at least 1/2. I won't even have to get on the freeway if I don't feel like it is that much closer!!!
That's about it.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Kicking The Habit - Part 4
Well it's been a week since my last "Kicking The Habit" post. I am please to report I am still cigarette free!! I'm well on my way to the two week mark. The hostilitiy issues seem to be dwindling as I'm not nearly as inpatient and short with people. I'm also happy to report the CRAZY food cravings seem to going away. I don't feel the need to constantly eat. All in all I'm doing pretty good...a lot better than I expected.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Karma...Sweet Beautiful Karma
This is kind of a long story but bear with me.
The lease on our apartment was up on June 30th and we opted to renew for another year. We asked if there were any 4th floor apartments available. We were informed that nothing was open right now but that apartment 307 would be coming up at the end of July. If we wanted that apartment we could transfer our lease. Sweeeeet!!
The manager starts talking up this apartment to us and telling us how great it is and that it has a great view of Lake Washington, overlooks the pool area instead of the parking lot, plus it has vaulted ceilings and they are going to put in hardwood floors and all this stuff. The apartment wouldn't be avail until probably mid-July but even though our lease was up June 30th we could go ahead and renew and then just transfer it to the new apartment in August no big deal. Double Sweeeet!!
Flash forward to a few weeks later. (You should look at this post if you haven't already). What you don't know is that on the very same day that the bathroom ceiling came down we also found out that we would NOT be moving into apartment 307. What you say? How can this be? I'll tell you. We did not get apartment 307 because the idiot leasing assistant (not the manager) who is about as smart as a box of hair rented it to somebody else and I quote. "I'm really sorry, I forgot we were holding that apartment for you guys and I rented it on Saturday." All I have to say is that it's good thing this exchange happened on the telephone, had it been in person she would have lost a limb. Coupled with the ceiling incident and then having to deal idiot girl AND finding out that we would not be movin' on up like George and Wheezy. IT WAS NOT A GOOD DAY!
After calming down a day or two we figured the least they could do since they gave away our apartment was to make some improvements to our current apartment. We called up the manager, who was falling all over herself apologizing, (we were like whatever, save it) we then calmly informed her of our demands. We requested a new stove, new dishwasher, new washer, new dryer, all new blinds throughout, and new insides for both of the toilets cause we were tired of jiggling the handle all the time..oh yeah and they could paint one of our walls a lovely green color. She could not grant our requests without getting approval from the "head office". Okie dokie we'll be waiting for your call back then. After a couple days I got a phone call and wouldn't you know it they agreed to EVERYTHING.
So here's where the story goes from good to SPECTACULAR. Oh but first, we got all the new stuff and it is GREAT!!! Especially the washer, dryer and dishwasher they are super quiet!! LOVE THEM!!!
Monday night we are sitting around watching TV and I see flashing lights go by the window and then a moment later another set of flashing lights and then another. What the hell's going on? So I stepped outside to investigate and there are FIVE fire trucks in the complex. I can't see any flames or see any smoke, but it smells like something is burning or has burned. I keep standing out there hoping to find something out and then all of a sudden the fire trucks start to leave. They were only there maybe 10 or 15 minutes. I'm thinking it must have been a false alarm.
The next day I am coming home from work and what do I see but one of the balconies is charred. Are you ready? Guess what apartment it is??? Yeah that's right 307...the very apartment we were supposed to get. Naturally I was curious to know what happened. Turns out the new tenant in 307 was smoking on the balcony and caught it on fire! I about died I couldn't believe it this was the coolest thing I heard all year!
Not only did they spend about $2,500.00 on new appliances and other improvements to our apartment but the person they rented 307 to SET THE PLACE ON FIRE!!! I can't wait until I have a reason to go the office....you so know I am bringing this up. It's too good.
DISCLAIMERS: 1). There were NO injuries, none whatsoever, zero, zilch. Otherwise the story isn't nearly as good and I'm an asshole. 2). There was no structural damage to the building only cosmetic.
The lease on our apartment was up on June 30th and we opted to renew for another year. We asked if there were any 4th floor apartments available. We were informed that nothing was open right now but that apartment 307 would be coming up at the end of July. If we wanted that apartment we could transfer our lease. Sweeeeet!!
The manager starts talking up this apartment to us and telling us how great it is and that it has a great view of Lake Washington, overlooks the pool area instead of the parking lot, plus it has vaulted ceilings and they are going to put in hardwood floors and all this stuff. The apartment wouldn't be avail until probably mid-July but even though our lease was up June 30th we could go ahead and renew and then just transfer it to the new apartment in August no big deal. Double Sweeeet!!
Flash forward to a few weeks later. (You should look at this post if you haven't already). What you don't know is that on the very same day that the bathroom ceiling came down we also found out that we would NOT be moving into apartment 307. What you say? How can this be? I'll tell you. We did not get apartment 307 because the idiot leasing assistant (not the manager) who is about as smart as a box of hair rented it to somebody else and I quote. "I'm really sorry, I forgot we were holding that apartment for you guys and I rented it on Saturday." All I have to say is that it's good thing this exchange happened on the telephone, had it been in person she would have lost a limb. Coupled with the ceiling incident and then having to deal idiot girl AND finding out that we would not be movin' on up like George and Wheezy. IT WAS NOT A GOOD DAY!
After calming down a day or two we figured the least they could do since they gave away our apartment was to make some improvements to our current apartment. We called up the manager, who was falling all over herself apologizing, (we were like whatever, save it) we then calmly informed her of our demands. We requested a new stove, new dishwasher, new washer, new dryer, all new blinds throughout, and new insides for both of the toilets cause we were tired of jiggling the handle all the time..oh yeah and they could paint one of our walls a lovely green color. She could not grant our requests without getting approval from the "head office". Okie dokie we'll be waiting for your call back then. After a couple days I got a phone call and wouldn't you know it they agreed to EVERYTHING.
So here's where the story goes from good to SPECTACULAR. Oh but first, we got all the new stuff and it is GREAT!!! Especially the washer, dryer and dishwasher they are super quiet!! LOVE THEM!!!
Monday night we are sitting around watching TV and I see flashing lights go by the window and then a moment later another set of flashing lights and then another. What the hell's going on? So I stepped outside to investigate and there are FIVE fire trucks in the complex. I can't see any flames or see any smoke, but it smells like something is burning or has burned. I keep standing out there hoping to find something out and then all of a sudden the fire trucks start to leave. They were only there maybe 10 or 15 minutes. I'm thinking it must have been a false alarm.
The next day I am coming home from work and what do I see but one of the balconies is charred. Are you ready? Guess what apartment it is??? Yeah that's right 307...the very apartment we were supposed to get. Naturally I was curious to know what happened. Turns out the new tenant in 307 was smoking on the balcony and caught it on fire! I about died I couldn't believe it this was the coolest thing I heard all year!
Not only did they spend about $2,500.00 on new appliances and other improvements to our apartment but the person they rented 307 to SET THE PLACE ON FIRE!!! I can't wait until I have a reason to go the office....you so know I am bringing this up. It's too good.
DISCLAIMERS: 1). There were NO injuries, none whatsoever, zero, zilch. Otherwise the story isn't nearly as good and I'm an asshole. 2). There was no structural damage to the building only cosmetic.
Monday, August 08, 2005
The Beautiful Pacific Northwest...and A Little Excitement
Sunday was such a gorgeous day that we decided to drive to Mt. Rainier. It's to believe that in just over an hour from the city and you are surrounded by nature. I love the Northwest!! Enjoy these photos from our drive.
This is the "postcard" view we enjoy on a clear day. In fact this picture probably is on a postcard somewhere. I didn't take it, just grabbed if off the net. That's Mt. Rainier in the distance. See...this is proof...it doesn't rain here ALL the time. Actually we have had an entire week of clear blue skies, sun and temps in the 80's. The forcast for this week is more of the same! Did I mention I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Northwest?
Here is a view of Mt. Adams on the way to the Sunrise Visitor's Center at Mt. Rainier. Mt. Adams is not visible from Seattle, but easily visible from Yakima, in eastern Washington state. This is an added bonus enroute to Mt. Rainier.
Further along...here is a Mt. Rainier looming ahead on the road to Sunrise.
And finally here is Mt. Rainier from Sunrise.
Here's Chuck and The Giz settling in for the ride back home.
Completely unrelated to Mt. Rainier but a little exciting none the less. This is two of the five fire trucks in the parking lot of our apartment complex. We are not sure what exactly is going on. I'm hoping we find out soon...I'm hoping all is well in Building 3 where the trucks seem to be concentrating. More details as they become available.
This is the "postcard" view we enjoy on a clear day. In fact this picture probably is on a postcard somewhere. I didn't take it, just grabbed if off the net. That's Mt. Rainier in the distance. See...this is proof...it doesn't rain here ALL the time. Actually we have had an entire week of clear blue skies, sun and temps in the 80's. The forcast for this week is more of the same! Did I mention I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Northwest?
Here is a view of Mt. Adams on the way to the Sunrise Visitor's Center at Mt. Rainier. Mt. Adams is not visible from Seattle, but easily visible from Yakima, in eastern Washington state. This is an added bonus enroute to Mt. Rainier.
Further along...here is a Mt. Rainier looming ahead on the road to Sunrise.
And finally here is Mt. Rainier from Sunrise.
Here's Chuck and The Giz settling in for the ride back home.
Completely unrelated to Mt. Rainier but a little exciting none the less. This is two of the five fire trucks in the parking lot of our apartment complex. We are not sure what exactly is going on. I'm hoping we find out soon...I'm hoping all is well in Building 3 where the trucks seem to be concentrating. More details as they become available.
(EDIT - 08/09 - 9:01AM: Turns out the balcony on apartment 307 caught fire, not sure if it was an unattended BBQ or what the deal actually is...but interesting indeed!!)
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Saturday, August 06, 2005
Kicking The Habit - Part 3 or No People Were Harmed In The Writing Of This Post
In my last post, Kicking The Habit - Part 2, I was trying to make it to the 24 hour mark without having a cigarette. Well I am happy to report that I MADE IT!!! In fact it's been 51 1/2 hours since my last cigarette. I won't lie there were some tense moments, but I made it through. The crankiness seems to be getting better although flare ups are still pretty common. All in all I would say that I'm doing pretty good. Chuck would probably disagree cause most of my crankiness seems to be directed toward him...sorry!
I'm probably going to gain a ton of weight though. I had the stoner munchies like crazy last night. We went to the store and bought frozen pizza, doughnuts, cookies, tortilla chips, ice cream and taquitos. Today I had doughnuts for breakfast, chips for lunch and frozen pizza for dinner. Oh well I'm not going to feel guilty about it. Granted not best things to be putting into your body but better than inhaling smoke. Once I am over the cigarettes for good then it's back on the diet wagon and eating healthy.
As hard as this is (and I realize I have only just begun..I mean 51 1/2 hours is hardly anything) I already realize this is probably the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am starting to feel the difference. I haven't needed to take my allergy pill for the last couple of days. My teeth are starting to look better thanks to not smoking and the twice daily use of my Sonicare.
Well wish me luck...tomorrow is another day...just to be on the safe side if my number is on your caller-id it would still be cool if you pick-up!
I'm probably going to gain a ton of weight though. I had the stoner munchies like crazy last night. We went to the store and bought frozen pizza, doughnuts, cookies, tortilla chips, ice cream and taquitos. Today I had doughnuts for breakfast, chips for lunch and frozen pizza for dinner. Oh well I'm not going to feel guilty about it. Granted not best things to be putting into your body but better than inhaling smoke. Once I am over the cigarettes for good then it's back on the diet wagon and eating healthy.
As hard as this is (and I realize I have only just begun..I mean 51 1/2 hours is hardly anything) I already realize this is probably the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am starting to feel the difference. I haven't needed to take my allergy pill for the last couple of days. My teeth are starting to look better thanks to not smoking and the twice daily use of my Sonicare.
Well wish me luck...tomorrow is another day...just to be on the safe side if my number is on your caller-id it would still be cool if you pick-up!
Friday, August 05, 2005
Kicking the Habit - Part 2
Today is NOT a good day. I want a cigarette so bad. If you read Part 1 you know that I am trying to quit. You also know that I am on the patch but have been smoking up to 5 cigarettes a day. Well my friends I haven't had a cigarette since 7:30pm last night...that is over 19 fucking hours. No cigarette before I went to bed last night, no cigarette when I got up this morning...none all day.
Now if you read any of the comments posted under Part 1 you will see that I posted back and was all positive and damn near a ray of freak'in sunshine. Well I am here to tell you the ovewhelming urge to mame and kill others is back...OH it's back HARD. I have NO patience for people today. I'm at work so it doesn't make it any easier. If anyone comes up to me and talks for longer than 5 seconds I just want to punch them in the face. I don't even care what they are talking to me about. They could be saying I look good, or they are going to give me money, or take me out to lunch, buy me a car...don't care. Still wanna punch 'em.
There are two people here, one male and one female, that the actual sound of their voice.....even when I was smoking...drives me completely and totally C to the R to the A-Z-Y...CRAZY. Okay, so for the female it is mostly the sound of her voice, but the male it's not only the sound of his voice but the stupid shit he says. The other day he said "yummers." As in, "Have you ever made homemade carmel corn? It's Yummers." Uh that's right people, yummers, what a fucking knob! So, wouldn't you know it, today of all days, both of them decide to engage in a conversation WITH EACHOTHER just on the other side of my cube wall. In all seriousness I had to leave the building. This is NOT good. I can't be smack'in up co-workers. Although these two need some smack'in up (did I mention yummers?). I'm too pretty to go to jail....plus my ass would probably be traded for a carton of smokes...where would that get me? I'm trying to quit...HELLO!
I don't want to smoke but I don't want to be this cranky either. Maybe I'll start abusing prescription drugs, just until I quit smoking. Then it's off to Betty Ford. That'd be pretty cool hanging out with doped-up/cracked-out celebrities like in 'Postcards From The Edge' and then Shirley MacLaine would be my mom...how cool would that be?? That ain't gonna happen so I'll probably end up punching someone. If your phone rings it could be me making my one phone call...PLEASE pick-up!
I'm really really really going to try and get through this day and hope that tomorrow is better. If I hold on until 7:30pm I can say I haven't had a cigarette in the last 24hrs. That's pretty cool...24hrs people!! That's like a whole day!
Now I feel better! (still wanna punch someone though)
Now if you read any of the comments posted under Part 1 you will see that I posted back and was all positive and damn near a ray of freak'in sunshine. Well I am here to tell you the ovewhelming urge to mame and kill others is back...OH it's back HARD. I have NO patience for people today. I'm at work so it doesn't make it any easier. If anyone comes up to me and talks for longer than 5 seconds I just want to punch them in the face. I don't even care what they are talking to me about. They could be saying I look good, or they are going to give me money, or take me out to lunch, buy me a car...don't care. Still wanna punch 'em.
There are two people here, one male and one female, that the actual sound of their voice.....even when I was smoking...drives me completely and totally C to the R to the A-Z-Y...CRAZY. Okay, so for the female it is mostly the sound of her voice, but the male it's not only the sound of his voice but the stupid shit he says. The other day he said "yummers." As in, "Have you ever made homemade carmel corn? It's Yummers." Uh that's right people, yummers, what a fucking knob! So, wouldn't you know it, today of all days, both of them decide to engage in a conversation WITH EACHOTHER just on the other side of my cube wall. In all seriousness I had to leave the building. This is NOT good. I can't be smack'in up co-workers. Although these two need some smack'in up (did I mention yummers?). I'm too pretty to go to jail....plus my ass would probably be traded for a carton of smokes...where would that get me? I'm trying to quit...HELLO!
I don't want to smoke but I don't want to be this cranky either. Maybe I'll start abusing prescription drugs, just until I quit smoking. Then it's off to Betty Ford. That'd be pretty cool hanging out with doped-up/cracked-out celebrities like in 'Postcards From The Edge' and then Shirley MacLaine would be my mom...how cool would that be?? That ain't gonna happen so I'll probably end up punching someone. If your phone rings it could be me making my one phone call...PLEASE pick-up!
I'm really really really going to try and get through this day and hope that tomorrow is better. If I hold on until 7:30pm I can say I haven't had a cigarette in the last 24hrs. That's pretty cool...24hrs people!! That's like a whole day!
Now I feel better! (still wanna punch someone though)
Saturday, July 30, 2005
New Blog - "The Moveelvr Project"
I have a new Blog!! I'll still keep this one for updates and ramblings about my personal life.
I've created the new one as an experiment to help with my creative writing. Thought it might be interesting to document the entire process.
So give The Moveelvr Project a look see.
I've created the new one as an experiment to help with my creative writing. Thought it might be interesting to document the entire process.
So give The Moveelvr Project a look see.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Update on The Giz
She is doing much much better. We did take her back in because it seemed like she was getting worse and they did chest x-rays to make sure it hadn't worked itself into pnuemonia. The chest x-rays came back fine...but there was an incidental finding....she has 2 staples in her stomach. I tell you she is a vaccum we should have called her Hoover. The only thing we can think is that she picked them up at Chuck's office. There was some concern because she is so small that possibly they would not pass correctly. However, the vet said that it is amazing what dogs are able to pass. As proof I offer you this lovely story about another Chuck. (thanks dooce)
So...are you ready....for the last few days we had to collect Gizmo terds and sift through them looking for the offending staples. The things we are willing to do for our pets. GREAT NEWS last night about 7:30pm Pacific Standard Time 2 staples, a small screw from a pair of eyeglasses and a piece of a nose pad, again from eyeglasses were recovered from Gizmo dung. Chuck's an optician and works at a vision clinic, hence all the eyeglass components. That is one lucky dog my friends!
She is doing just fine. The cough is reduced to just momentary fits and she is back to her old spunky and spastic self. I offer the following photo taken this morning that I call "Watcha doin' Dad?"
I know, I know she is so freakin cute it is hard to look at her for long. Love you Gizmo glad you're feeling better but please stop chewing on my fingers....I beg you, for the love of GOD!!
So...are you ready....for the last few days we had to collect Gizmo terds and sift through them looking for the offending staples. The things we are willing to do for our pets. GREAT NEWS last night about 7:30pm Pacific Standard Time 2 staples, a small screw from a pair of eyeglasses and a piece of a nose pad, again from eyeglasses were recovered from Gizmo dung. Chuck's an optician and works at a vision clinic, hence all the eyeglass components. That is one lucky dog my friends!
She is doing just fine. The cough is reduced to just momentary fits and she is back to her old spunky and spastic self. I offer the following photo taken this morning that I call "Watcha doin' Dad?"
I know, I know she is so freakin cute it is hard to look at her for long. Love you Gizmo glad you're feeling better but please stop chewing on my fingers....I beg you, for the love of GOD!!
Exact Change
Have you ever been behind and elderly person at a store and noticed that they always have exact change? Here is my query. If they're always giving exact change how do they get change in the first place? Are they minting it at home to supplement their social security? Are those old guys you see at the beach with metal detectors on to something? Are they melting down their jewelry? Were they depression era kids and started saving change in 1929? Is this a well kept uber-secret of aging, the ability to shit change? Is "fiber supplement" a code word for crapping pennies?
If anyone can provide any insight into this phenomenon please share!!
(also stay tuned for an update on The Giz)
If anyone can provide any insight into this phenomenon please share!!
(also stay tuned for an update on The Giz)
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Kicking the Habit - Part 1
I’m trying to quit smoking. This endeavor started out well enough. Saturday morning got up and smoked a cigarette and didn’t smoke another one until 6 hours later and then another one before I went to bed. That’s only 3 for the entire day. Before you start considering me for sainthood I should tell you that I did chew the nicotine gum in between actual cigarettes.
I also have to tell you that only having 3 cigarettes was not that bad EXCEPT, and this is one FUCKING HUGE except, for the gum part. You have to really have your shit together and plan for this gum. First you can’t eat or drink anything 15 minutes prior to chewing the gum. Once you are chewing the gum you can’t eat or drink anything. Here’s the kicker though…you don’t actually chew the gum. You pop in your mouth and bite down on it up to 15 times until it starts to taste peppery…YUM! Then you “park” it (their instruction not mine) between your cheek and gum until it stops being peppery and then bite down on it a couple more times until the peppery starts and then “park” it again in a different spot. You repeat this process until you bite down on it and there is no flavor. This usually takes about 30 minutes. So if you’ve been keeping track that is 45 minutes. This sucks because on the package they tell you make sure and drink plenty of water. So all of a sudden your sitting there and you get a craving but you’ve just drank a glass of water and now have to wait 15 minutes before you can start the gum….this REALLY sucks!! Then you can’t drink anything while chewing for 30 minutes. Now the taste is peppery like I said….you WANT to drink water…it’s not spicy or anything just tastes like ass, but you can’t drink water for another ½ hour.
Fuck the gum, I switched to the patch on Monday. This seems to work much better. No restrictions on eating and drinking and you can do whatever you want whenever you want. It gives you a slow steady stream of nicotine for 24 hours. This is much better for avoiding the cravings and then having to go through a 45 minute process. CRAP!!
However, as I’ve long hypothesized it is not so much the nicotine that has me hooked at this point. I can get busy doing something and not smoke for hours and hours. I am confident it is the habit itself, the actual act of smoking not the need for nicotine to satisfy a craving. I find that I am not jittery or “jonesing” or anything like that. It is after I eat that I automatically want to light up, when I get in the car, when I am bored, etc. When I cheat and do smoke, it does nothing for me and I actually don’t enjoy it, but it’s so hard to break that habit. Not a having a cigarette with my cup of coffee in the morning is KILLING ME!!! Although I had one today and really wish I hadn’t…I got the patch baby!!
Now I’m at work and I’m a little bored and REALLY want to smoke to just to pass the time. However, I did not bring any cigarettes with me…Ah…check me out thinking ahead!! Other people smoke here but I’m not going to ask to bum a smoke…I have my pride.
I’m only working a ½ day today, see below, so I’ll probably have one when I get home….I SUCK!
(Editorial Comment: Sorry for the extra amount of cursing, but I am trying to fucking quit smoking and I have a sick dog).
I also have to tell you that only having 3 cigarettes was not that bad EXCEPT, and this is one FUCKING HUGE except, for the gum part. You have to really have your shit together and plan for this gum. First you can’t eat or drink anything 15 minutes prior to chewing the gum. Once you are chewing the gum you can’t eat or drink anything. Here’s the kicker though…you don’t actually chew the gum. You pop in your mouth and bite down on it up to 15 times until it starts to taste peppery…YUM! Then you “park” it (their instruction not mine) between your cheek and gum until it stops being peppery and then bite down on it a couple more times until the peppery starts and then “park” it again in a different spot. You repeat this process until you bite down on it and there is no flavor. This usually takes about 30 minutes. So if you’ve been keeping track that is 45 minutes. This sucks because on the package they tell you make sure and drink plenty of water. So all of a sudden your sitting there and you get a craving but you’ve just drank a glass of water and now have to wait 15 minutes before you can start the gum….this REALLY sucks!! Then you can’t drink anything while chewing for 30 minutes. Now the taste is peppery like I said….you WANT to drink water…it’s not spicy or anything just tastes like ass, but you can’t drink water for another ½ hour.
Fuck the gum, I switched to the patch on Monday. This seems to work much better. No restrictions on eating and drinking and you can do whatever you want whenever you want. It gives you a slow steady stream of nicotine for 24 hours. This is much better for avoiding the cravings and then having to go through a 45 minute process. CRAP!!
However, as I’ve long hypothesized it is not so much the nicotine that has me hooked at this point. I can get busy doing something and not smoke for hours and hours. I am confident it is the habit itself, the actual act of smoking not the need for nicotine to satisfy a craving. I find that I am not jittery or “jonesing” or anything like that. It is after I eat that I automatically want to light up, when I get in the car, when I am bored, etc. When I cheat and do smoke, it does nothing for me and I actually don’t enjoy it, but it’s so hard to break that habit. Not a having a cigarette with my cup of coffee in the morning is KILLING ME!!! Although I had one today and really wish I hadn’t…I got the patch baby!!
Now I’m at work and I’m a little bored and REALLY want to smoke to just to pass the time. However, I did not bring any cigarettes with me…Ah…check me out thinking ahead!! Other people smoke here but I’m not going to ask to bum a smoke…I have my pride.
I’m only working a ½ day today, see below, so I’ll probably have one when I get home….I SUCK!
(Editorial Comment: Sorry for the extra amount of cursing, but I am trying to fucking quit smoking and I have a sick dog).
Under the Weather
Poor little Gizmo has come down with the dreaded Kennel Cough! This has been extremely rough on her and the Dads. She is hacking and hacking and did I mention hacking. She's been to the doctor and is on antibiotics and cough supressent. She does seem to be improving and will probably be no worse for wear. I can not say the same myself. It's so painful to hear her cough so much.
Here she is all snuggled up napping after a healthy dose of cough syrup.
Here she is all snuggled up napping after a healthy dose of cough syrup.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
It's A Girl
So it's been over a week since my last post....hey I got other shit going on...see below.
We have a new addition to the family. Her name is Gizmo. She is so named because I am fairly sure that is at least part magwai, at least she sounds like she is. She makes this little gurgly clicking noise that sounds just like one....no joke!! This is thankfully the only resemblence to the aforementioned magwai. Water does not have the multiplying effect as full-breed magwai and feeding after midnight so far has not been detrimental.
This is Gizmo and Grandma. I tell ya this kid is already spoiled rotten! Within in mere minutes of being introduced Grandma whisked little Gizmo off to the pet store and returned with numerous toys and goodies.
Needless to say postings may be infrequent for awhile as we are in the midst of full frontal assault potty training. Holy moley what a chore!! However after only 5 days of having her home we are making progress. Next mission: Chewing on fingers, ears, shoes, pant legs, etc. BAD. Chewing on chew-toys and her own tail GOOD!!
As further proof to the cat that she has not been replaced I offer the following picture. She was the first child and while much of our energy is focused on Gizmo right now we still love her. Now maybe she will stop with the icy stares and the plotting to kill us in our sleep.
Gotta go....so does Gizmo....GOOD GIRL!!!!
We have a new addition to the family. Her name is Gizmo. She is so named because I am fairly sure that is at least part magwai, at least she sounds like she is. She makes this little gurgly clicking noise that sounds just like one....no joke!! This is thankfully the only resemblence to the aforementioned magwai. Water does not have the multiplying effect as full-breed magwai and feeding after midnight so far has not been detrimental.
This is Gizmo and Grandma. I tell ya this kid is already spoiled rotten! Within in mere minutes of being introduced Grandma whisked little Gizmo off to the pet store and returned with numerous toys and goodies. Needless to say postings may be infrequent for awhile as we are in the midst of full frontal assault potty training. Holy moley what a chore!! However after only 5 days of having her home we are making progress. Next mission: Chewing on fingers, ears, shoes, pant legs, etc. BAD. Chewing on chew-toys and her own tail GOOD!!
As further proof to the cat that she has not been replaced I offer the following picture. She was the first child and while much of our energy is focused on Gizmo right now we still love her. Now maybe she will stop with the icy stares and the plotting to kill us in our sleep.Gotta go....so does Gizmo....GOOD GIRL!!!!
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
No Free Breakfast Today
The morning started out well enough. It's Tuesday and that is a work from home day. I'm usually pretty excited about that in and of itself. However, today was extra special because it was the first of our brand spanking new "Quarterly Team Building Breakfasts."
I awoke extra early in anticipation of the aforementioned breakfast, eating FREE food and getting PAID to do it.....SWEET!! That shit doesn't come along everyday and you gotta jump on it!! As I was saying I was up at 5am to make sure I got some things out of the way and got ready to go. I logged on to my computer and started going through my e-mails like I always do first thing in the morning. While getting through a good majority of them by 7:30 I set the computer aside, finished my cup of coffee and was about to get in the shower. Here's where the trouble starts.
As I walk down the hall toward the shower I pass the "other" bathroom...the one in the hall that I don't shower in. I hear water dripping. I stop and turn on the light, there is water dripping from the exhaust fan and the ceiling is bulging. The cat is sitting on the edge of the sink just starring up at the ceiling and then back at me like, "What did you do?" Like it's my fault. I go back out into the living room and call the office. Now it's only 7:45 so I know the office isn't open but am hoping that the voicemail system will direct me on what to do in case of an emergency. Luckily it does.
The maintanence guy shows up about an hour later...was I freaking out the whole time...YES! He takes a look and then goes upstairs to see what is going on. He comes back down and says that the toilet upstairs was leaking. JUST FUCKING GREAT!!! Luckily the leak was in the pipe between the valve and the toilet so it was only water....whew!!! By now the ceiling is distended to the point of bursting. So he does the only logical thing and takes a screwdriver and jabs it into the ceiling and water comes gushing out. Luckily I got the smart one (with all of his teeth) and he had put a large bucket underneath. Check this out.
Yeah my ceiling is taking a leak!! So it only gets better. I swear at least 5 gallons of water came out. So he tells me that he's going to have to cut that part of the ceiling out and put up new drywall. Obviously since it is all soaking wet this will have to wait until it dries completely for fear of mold. Supposedly some one is supposed to be dropping of a de-humidifier to put in there and he is going to check back in a day or two to see if it is dry. So meanwhile my bathroom looks like this.
Yes I do realize that it could have been worse. It could have come home to a fallen ceiling and water everywhere. So I am grateful that I was home and was able to prevent an even bigger fiasco. But why today, why on the day of free food?
I awoke extra early in anticipation of the aforementioned breakfast, eating FREE food and getting PAID to do it.....SWEET!! That shit doesn't come along everyday and you gotta jump on it!! As I was saying I was up at 5am to make sure I got some things out of the way and got ready to go. I logged on to my computer and started going through my e-mails like I always do first thing in the morning. While getting through a good majority of them by 7:30 I set the computer aside, finished my cup of coffee and was about to get in the shower. Here's where the trouble starts.
As I walk down the hall toward the shower I pass the "other" bathroom...the one in the hall that I don't shower in. I hear water dripping. I stop and turn on the light, there is water dripping from the exhaust fan and the ceiling is bulging. The cat is sitting on the edge of the sink just starring up at the ceiling and then back at me like, "What did you do?" Like it's my fault. I go back out into the living room and call the office. Now it's only 7:45 so I know the office isn't open but am hoping that the voicemail system will direct me on what to do in case of an emergency. Luckily it does.
The maintanence guy shows up about an hour later...was I freaking out the whole time...YES! He takes a look and then goes upstairs to see what is going on. He comes back down and says that the toilet upstairs was leaking. JUST FUCKING GREAT!!! Luckily the leak was in the pipe between the valve and the toilet so it was only water....whew!!! By now the ceiling is distended to the point of bursting. So he does the only logical thing and takes a screwdriver and jabs it into the ceiling and water comes gushing out. Luckily I got the smart one (with all of his teeth) and he had put a large bucket underneath. Check this out.
Yeah my ceiling is taking a leak!! So it only gets better. I swear at least 5 gallons of water came out. So he tells me that he's going to have to cut that part of the ceiling out and put up new drywall. Obviously since it is all soaking wet this will have to wait until it dries completely for fear of mold. Supposedly some one is supposed to be dropping of a de-humidifier to put in there and he is going to check back in a day or two to see if it is dry. So meanwhile my bathroom looks like this.
Yes I do realize that it could have been worse. It could have come home to a fallen ceiling and water everywhere. So I am grateful that I was home and was able to prevent an even bigger fiasco. But why today, why on the day of free food?
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Transfer Session
Tuesday I spent the morning at AlphaCine in Seattle watching the transfer of our film footage to digital video. We're transferring to DV to edit and then will conform the negative to what we editted. It was first time I got to see the footage. It looked great!! I can't wait to start editting and get this thing done so people can see it. Also excited to learn more about Final Cut Pro...I dabbled with a little last quarter but just on a small video project for a class. Seeing the footage kinda breathed new life into and sort of made it seem real.
Stay tuned for more updates...
Stay tuned for more updates...
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
I too salute RMOG
These are a series of radio ads for Budlight called "Real Men of Genius." Not all are winners but a couple of them are hilarious. See below for lyrics to "Mr. 80 SPF Sunblock Wearer" and then listen to it on the Budlight site. Also check out "Mr. Supermarket Produce Putter Outer" and "Mr. Giant Taco Salad Inventor."
Today we salute you
Mr. 80 SPF Sunblock Wearer
(mr. 80 SPF sunblock wearer)
There are 24 hours in a day
You're wearing 80 hour protection
If the sun fails to go down...
You'll be ready.
(don't forget the moonlight)
Your coconut-scented force field
blocks out all the sun's rays
and any stray rays
from another sun
in another galaxy.
(you're a star)
30 SPF?
Please...you might as well be wearing cooking oil
(something smells delicious)
So crack open an ice cold Bud Light
Mr. 80 SPF Sunblock Wearer
In fact, feel free to crack one open at high noon
In the middle of the Sahara Desert
(mr. 80 SPF sunblock wearer)
Another funny little tidbit offered by the people at Budlight...on the landing page there is a little blurb about "You know your 21 if...." the blurb changes every time you go to the site...the one I got this morning, "You know your 21 if you remember watching Menudo videos on Saturday morning TV" or "You questioned, does Smurfette just own that one dress?" - Priceless!!
Today we salute you
Mr. 80 SPF Sunblock Wearer
(mr. 80 SPF sunblock wearer)
There are 24 hours in a day
You're wearing 80 hour protection
If the sun fails to go down...
You'll be ready.
(don't forget the moonlight)
Your coconut-scented force field
blocks out all the sun's rays
and any stray rays
from another sun
in another galaxy.
(you're a star)
30 SPF?
Please...you might as well be wearing cooking oil
(something smells delicious)
So crack open an ice cold Bud Light
Mr. 80 SPF Sunblock Wearer
In fact, feel free to crack one open at high noon
In the middle of the Sahara Desert
(mr. 80 SPF sunblock wearer)
Another funny little tidbit offered by the people at Budlight...on the landing page there is a little blurb about "You know your 21 if...." the blurb changes every time you go to the site...the one I got this morning, "You know your 21 if you remember watching Menudo videos on Saturday morning TV" or "You questioned, does Smurfette just own that one dress?" - Priceless!!
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Logo a No-Go - Addendum
ABC News ran a story this evening about the launch of LOGO and the impending conservative backlash that is anticipated. A spokesperson for the group "Concerned Women for America" was quoted as saying "Now they are taking their activism a step further to indoctrinate our children through a special gay network that will portray homosexuality in a positive, appealing way, legitimizing the homosexual lifestyle for children in millions of American homes.” They also called the launch of the new channel "A sad day for America"
(focus people...FOCUS!!)
With all that is going on in the world a gay cable channel is the least of our worries. The great thing about TV is that if you don't like what your watching you can change the channel. Isn't that why God made the remote control to begin with?
(change the channel and FOCUS)
Gay people are everyday people earning a living, paying taxes, voting, buying groceries, buying cars and houses. In short we are just as much productive members of society as anybody else. Can't we have a cable channel...is that too much to ask? I think there is room in your cable box for one itsy bitsy gay channel...that you don't even have to watch.
Thanks for listening and for the love of God.........FOCUS!!!
(focus people...FOCUS!!)
With all that is going on in the world a gay cable channel is the least of our worries. The great thing about TV is that if you don't like what your watching you can change the channel. Isn't that why God made the remote control to begin with?
(change the channel and FOCUS)
Gay people are everyday people earning a living, paying taxes, voting, buying groceries, buying cars and houses. In short we are just as much productive members of society as anybody else. Can't we have a cable channel...is that too much to ask? I think there is room in your cable box for one itsy bitsy gay channel...that you don't even have to watch.
Thanks for listening and for the love of God.........FOCUS!!!
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Logo a No-go in Seattle
MTV's newest channel LOGO the first gay cable channel in the US launches tomorrow, June 30th, in the following cities: Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia and Atlanta. After many queries Comcast digital cable in the greater Seattle area is not carrying the channel on initial launch.
As dissapointing as this may be to all the boys and girls in the Seattle area I must remind you that there already is a gay network on cable....it's called Bravo. Bravo is truely the channel for every gay. As evidence I offer just a wee sample of their programming: Boy Meets Boy, Blow Out, Inside the Actor's Studio, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Manhunt....I rest my case. Now if soft-core porn is your niche then check out QAF or The L-Word on Showtime. Also, one can not forget Lifetime: Television for Women and Gay Men.
Until LOGO is a GO....I say Bravo...Bravo.
As dissapointing as this may be to all the boys and girls in the Seattle area I must remind you that there already is a gay network on cable....it's called Bravo. Bravo is truely the channel for every gay. As evidence I offer just a wee sample of their programming: Boy Meets Boy, Blow Out, Inside the Actor's Studio, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Manhunt....I rest my case. Now if soft-core porn is your niche then check out QAF or The L-Word on Showtime. Also, one can not forget Lifetime: Television for Women and Gay Men.
Until LOGO is a GO....I say Bravo...Bravo.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Hit Me Baby One More Time!
THIS IS NOT ABOUT BRITTANY SPEARS!!!
I'm referring to the TV show on NBC. Now I don't want to oversell this...but it is the best show EVER! Every week they dig up some has been from the 80's to belt out their one hit. Previous fossils have included Tiffany, The Knack, Loverboy, Howard Jones...need I go on?
Upcoming guests include Animotion, who according to the NBC website, "Some time in the middle of recording their third album for Polygram Animotion mysteriously, spontaneously disbanded!" What?!?! Also on tap is Juice Newton...I shiver with antici........pation.
The one distraction is the host which is a scarecrow looking guy with a scottish accent that looks like he shot out of Tommy Tune's uber-gina. Apparently he is "big" in the UK. However this should not discourage you from checking out this show.
'In the midnight hour I cry more more more'
I'm referring to the TV show on NBC. Now I don't want to oversell this...but it is the best show EVER! Every week they dig up some has been from the 80's to belt out their one hit. Previous fossils have included Tiffany, The Knack, Loverboy, Howard Jones...need I go on?
Upcoming guests include Animotion, who according to the NBC website, "Some time in the middle of recording their third album for Polygram Animotion mysteriously, spontaneously disbanded!" What?!?! Also on tap is Juice Newton...I shiver with antici........pation.
The one distraction is the host which is a scarecrow looking guy with a scottish accent that looks like he shot out of Tommy Tune's uber-gina. Apparently he is "big" in the UK. However this should not discourage you from checking out this show.
'In the midnight hour I cry more more more'
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Playing Chicken With A UPS Truck....
Living near Seattle I'm used to freeway traffic and the delicate art of merging. So after a long day of work which was extra special due to all the visiting corporate wonks in the office I felt that I could not possibly be forced to cook a meal. Off to Taco Bell we went. Here is where the saga begins.
We head for the border and all the cheesy fried goodness that awaits. I make the turn to get on to I-405. First you should know that I am a firm believer that during non-peak traffic times if you are merging onto the freeway you had better be at the speed limit by the time you hit the bottom of the ramp. The people that hit the bottom and merge onto the freeway going 45mph deserve any road-rage, middle fingers and honks that come their way.
Like I was saying, I make the turn onto 405, I can see off in the distance a UPS truck in the right lane...now this is not just the average brown panel truck this is a full on semi with not one but two trailers. Due to the extreme curvature of the ramp you really have to gun it on the straight of way to make sure that you hit the all important 60mph mark by time you hit the bottom. Feeling like Marty McFly trying to go Back to the Future. I finish the curve and stomp on the gas...alternately looking at the speedometer and looking in the rearview to keep track of the UPS truck. I'm about 2/3 of the way down the ramp and my speed is about 53mph...right on track to reach the holy of holy 60mph by the time I hit the bottom. I'm in great shape...the UPS truck is still about 2 or 3 car lengths behind me and as I continue to accelerate I'm increasing the distance.
Then...are you ready for this...the UPS truck guns it. I hear the rev of the huge engine, like a freight train...I look in my rearview mirror and sure enough he is right on top of me. I look down at the speedometer I'm flying at 66mph. I look in front of me and I'm running out of lane....FAST!! In one of those movie moments when time slows down and everything happens in slow motion..which made perfect sense since I was already channeling Michael J. Fox....I yell in ultra slow motion....Fuuuu$#%^*#$(%^(#kkkkk....exactly like Ralphie when he shot his eye out.
I slam on the brakes as this behemouth freakin truck goes barrelling by...think the opening scene of Star Wars with the Star Destroyer. So after an eternity the truck passes and I fall in behind. Naturally this pisses me off and jump over in the left lane...also you must know that this was non-peak traffic time and the left lane was wide open the UPS could have jumped over there at any time. So I jump over there and pass the UPS truck that nearly caused our death and dismemberment. Naturally once I pass him I get back in the right lane and reduce my speed to 50mph causing the truck to slow and making him FINALLY go into the left lane as if to pass me. Then just has he is about even with my back bumper I hit the gas so he can not pass me. He then gets back in the right lane behind me. As I approach my exit I slow back down so that he can clearly see me...I roll down the window stick out my arm and flip him the bird with all the anger I can emote from a single extended digit. Gives a whole new meaning to "What can brown do for you?" I'll tell you what brown can do for you.....almost make you go brown in your pants....yeah try to send that overnight!
After recovering from that nightmare it only gets worse once we get to Taco Bell. I order two steak quesedillas and the drive-thru worker repeats back to me 2 chicken quesedillas. I say no 2 steak...he says 1 steak, 1 chicken. NO TWO STEAK, NO CHICKEN. So you want 2 steak and a chicken...NO TWO STEAKS. Then he says how many chicken...I say ZERO and then are you ready for this...he says are you sure? What the....??? Am I sure....what the hell??? Yeah I'm freakin sure I'm placing the damn order.
So here's the cherry on the shit sundae that this quick trip to Taco Bell had become. After being burned in many a drive-thru we always check our order before leaving the parking lot....but not like those annoying people that do it while still sitting at the window and take all freakin day and you can see your food sitting getting cold while they're rummaging through their bag. We pull out of the drive-thru area making way for the next customer, but always...always check before leaving the parking lot. So Chuck is checking the bag and says damn it, pull in they forgot my chalupas. You can imagine that after the quesedilla incident and the near death by UPS it does not bode well for the Taco Bell staff.
Chuck storms into the Taco Bell...I stayed in the car for the safety of those in the restaruant...which if you think about it was probably not a good ideas since my fuse is about 3000 times longer than Chuck's, but whatever. So he's gone for a few minutes and comes back out and says "okay let's go" all like he's in a hurry. I have this crazy thought that he was so pissed he robbed the joint or something....but no. Come to find out....the damn chalupas were in the bag the whole time!!!
Not only did we almost die on the freeway then almost strangle the Taco Bell guy we end up looking like the big jack asses. The next time Yo quierro Taco Bell....Just Say NO!!
Long story short......I hate Chicken!!!
We head for the border and all the cheesy fried goodness that awaits. I make the turn to get on to I-405. First you should know that I am a firm believer that during non-peak traffic times if you are merging onto the freeway you had better be at the speed limit by the time you hit the bottom of the ramp. The people that hit the bottom and merge onto the freeway going 45mph deserve any road-rage, middle fingers and honks that come their way.
Like I was saying, I make the turn onto 405, I can see off in the distance a UPS truck in the right lane...now this is not just the average brown panel truck this is a full on semi with not one but two trailers. Due to the extreme curvature of the ramp you really have to gun it on the straight of way to make sure that you hit the all important 60mph mark by time you hit the bottom. Feeling like Marty McFly trying to go Back to the Future. I finish the curve and stomp on the gas...alternately looking at the speedometer and looking in the rearview to keep track of the UPS truck. I'm about 2/3 of the way down the ramp and my speed is about 53mph...right on track to reach the holy of holy 60mph by the time I hit the bottom. I'm in great shape...the UPS truck is still about 2 or 3 car lengths behind me and as I continue to accelerate I'm increasing the distance.
Then...are you ready for this...the UPS truck guns it. I hear the rev of the huge engine, like a freight train...I look in my rearview mirror and sure enough he is right on top of me. I look down at the speedometer I'm flying at 66mph. I look in front of me and I'm running out of lane....FAST!! In one of those movie moments when time slows down and everything happens in slow motion..which made perfect sense since I was already channeling Michael J. Fox....I yell in ultra slow motion....Fuuuu$#%^*#$(%^(#kkkkk....exactly like Ralphie when he shot his eye out.
I slam on the brakes as this behemouth freakin truck goes barrelling by...think the opening scene of Star Wars with the Star Destroyer. So after an eternity the truck passes and I fall in behind. Naturally this pisses me off and jump over in the left lane...also you must know that this was non-peak traffic time and the left lane was wide open the UPS could have jumped over there at any time. So I jump over there and pass the UPS truck that nearly caused our death and dismemberment. Naturally once I pass him I get back in the right lane and reduce my speed to 50mph causing the truck to slow and making him FINALLY go into the left lane as if to pass me. Then just has he is about even with my back bumper I hit the gas so he can not pass me. He then gets back in the right lane behind me. As I approach my exit I slow back down so that he can clearly see me...I roll down the window stick out my arm and flip him the bird with all the anger I can emote from a single extended digit. Gives a whole new meaning to "What can brown do for you?" I'll tell you what brown can do for you.....almost make you go brown in your pants....yeah try to send that overnight!
After recovering from that nightmare it only gets worse once we get to Taco Bell. I order two steak quesedillas and the drive-thru worker repeats back to me 2 chicken quesedillas. I say no 2 steak...he says 1 steak, 1 chicken. NO TWO STEAK, NO CHICKEN. So you want 2 steak and a chicken...NO TWO STEAKS. Then he says how many chicken...I say ZERO and then are you ready for this...he says are you sure? What the....??? Am I sure....what the hell??? Yeah I'm freakin sure I'm placing the damn order.
So here's the cherry on the shit sundae that this quick trip to Taco Bell had become. After being burned in many a drive-thru we always check our order before leaving the parking lot....but not like those annoying people that do it while still sitting at the window and take all freakin day and you can see your food sitting getting cold while they're rummaging through their bag. We pull out of the drive-thru area making way for the next customer, but always...always check before leaving the parking lot. So Chuck is checking the bag and says damn it, pull in they forgot my chalupas. You can imagine that after the quesedilla incident and the near death by UPS it does not bode well for the Taco Bell staff.
Chuck storms into the Taco Bell...I stayed in the car for the safety of those in the restaruant...which if you think about it was probably not a good ideas since my fuse is about 3000 times longer than Chuck's, but whatever. So he's gone for a few minutes and comes back out and says "okay let's go" all like he's in a hurry. I have this crazy thought that he was so pissed he robbed the joint or something....but no. Come to find out....the damn chalupas were in the bag the whole time!!!
Not only did we almost die on the freeway then almost strangle the Taco Bell guy we end up looking like the big jack asses. The next time Yo quierro Taco Bell....Just Say NO!!
Long story short......I hate Chicken!!!
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Michael Buble - Must See
So I just returned from a Michael Buble concert in Seattle. What a GREAT show. If you have heard of him and like his style and voice you should see a live show. What an amazing performer. I cried, I laughed, I laughed so hard I cried. He was so gracious and humble...I don't care if that's part of his act I fell for it. If lovin' him's wrong I don't want to be right!!I implore you to check it out if he is coming to your town or a town near you! You will not be disappointed.
Friday, June 17, 2005
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