Mama's House

EJ's & Sara's Wedding Registries

2010-04-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

In case you were all wondering what to get them.

Target
Macy's
Crate and Barrel

I think we all know what EJ wants.

Why Kids Should Be Consulted Before Any Piercings

2010-04-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

Annette (seeing that Angelynne has noticed Vanessa's tongue ring): Angie, what does Vanessa have on her tongue?
Angelynne: Balls.

Geeking Out Over The iPad - Sorta

2010-04-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Austin (with iPad in hand): I really want an iPad.
Wayne: So get one.
Austin: Well I have to buy a vacuum.
Wayne: Get both.
Austin: Can't.
EJ: Which vacuum cleaner are you looking to buy? A Dyson?
Austin: Yeah, a Dyson.
EJ: The one with the ball?
Austin: Yeah!
EJ: Yeah that vacuum cleaner is so awesome!
Wayne: Is this conversation really happening?
Austin: Yeah it really is awesome! It can really suck.
EJ (with a dejected tone): I really wanted one but had to settle for a different one.
Sara: A different one that gets the same job done.
EJ: But the Dyson pivots on a ball.
Austin: And it truly has amazing suctioning power.
EJ (doing his best Charlie Brown): I really wanted a Dyson.
Austin: I'm getting a Dyson.

Update this people....

2009-09-16T00:51:00.000-07:00

I just thought since we all don't hang out or talk as much we should start updating and using this site again.... I'll start by wishing Mehran a Happy Birthday!! Any plans?

Is That Poison Ivy?

2009-03-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

That was a question frequently asked as Mehran, Lindsey, and myself continued the new tradition of going out for a post-holiday hike.

Our first post-Christmas hike took place Saturday morning at the Sage Ranch Loop.

This is one of my favorite hikes to take my 5 year old grandson on. It's a short easy hike, with lots of spectacular rock formations to either view or carefully climb around on. There are picnic tables amongst an oak grove, which makes for a nice picnic spot. Highly recommended.

Mehran picked Sage Ranch, saying it was right by Tita Malou's. Ummm... not so much. We actually got a little bit lost driving our way to the trailhead. That's right, we got lost in a car, with printed directions, on our way to go hiking out in the wilderness. Not the best of starts. Granted we got lost because we came to a fork in the road.

View Larger Map

Instead of going left we went right. After a few winding miles steeply up, and after a couple of jokes about just getting out of the car to start our hike, Lindsey finally looked up directions on her iPhone and got us back on track with a newly scratched bumper on Mehran's car. The way over there isn't all too difficult so long as you keep in mind that you'll pass three of the largest white horses you'll ever see. Trust me on that.

So we get there, park, and come to this signpost.

Mehran being the honest man he is, did pay the iron ranger. We make our way up a paved road only to find more parking up there. Also up there is a bulletin board which we took a look at and that look would pretty much define our hike. On that board was a warning to be on the lookout for leaves of three and to leave them be. Apparently poison oak (what we would from then on refer to as poison ivy) is a presence to be wary of when hiking. Who knew?

No longer blissfully ignorant, we stopped at every damn plant we came across, took a close look, counted the leaves, and debated if it was poison ivy. Mehran and Lindsey were pretty adamant that 90% of the plants we encountered were poison ivy while I was fairly certain that none of it was. Yeah, I think we all can see where this is going.

Now poison ivy isn't that big of a deal really because the trails are usually cleared pathways which usually prevents one from coming into physical contact with any of the surrounding plants. Of course, that comes with the caveat that one actually stays on the trails.

Can you see what's coming now?

Long story condensed, we go off the trail; Lindsey and Mehran are extra careful in avoiding any skin contact with plants, which at times meant hands inside of sleeves and arms shielding faces from suspicious plants (every plant to Mehran and Lindsey); me recklessly going through the brush; taking in a view of Simi Valley; spotting a boulder teetering precariously above Simi Valley; and hiking to said boulder before turning back.

I would like to say with sweet irony that it was Mehran and Lindsey who ended up getting a skin rash but there was instead a bitter truth for yours truly.

EJ's Best Man

2009-02-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

EJ still hasn't picked a best man and has let it be known that the position is open to all candidates. He has implied if not explicated that he will choose his best man on the basis of how those candidates treat him in the lead up to the wedding.

Unfortunately, Jade and myself have been declared ineligible for this competition by the future Mrs. EJ. It may have something to do with bachelor party ideas that included a boat and taking it out to international waters. Therefore, I'll continue to treat EJ in the same crappy manner as I've always had. But any of the competing candidates should feel free to contact either Jade or I for bachelor party ideas.

Family Talk

2009-02-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

Jayden playing basketball in his backyard as Annette and I watch on.

Me: Your kid actually shoots the ball the right way sometimes but he needs to learn how to do it consistently.
Annette: Yeah, my brother actually wants him on his team of 7 - 8 year olds and he's coaching his kids that right now. I wish my dad were still around because all he did with my brothers was teach them how to play basketball.
Jayden: Yeah Mom but he's dead now.

Apartment Warming!

2009-02-13T17:44:00.000-08:00

It's been almost half a year and we're finally ready! Come by for FREE food!

Who: Karen & Co, Joni & Co.
What: Read the blog title!
Where: Reseda, CA 91335
When: Noon - 3:15 PM (pending, 3:45 PM the very latest =D)
Why: FREE food! No alcoholic beverages available nor wanted. (We're responsible apartment owners =P)

Notice: Everyone is welcome. However, if you make a mess, then you must either clean up after yourself or help with our security deposit. Thank you!

Crazy Cat Cousin: UPDATE

2009-01-25T16:19:00.001-08:00

UPDATE: Austin has already adopted a cat so forget the talking sense into him. The focus now turns to what that cat's name should be. Austin is trying to decide Flo and Chloe. I'm leaning towards a name that makes a statement like, Kitty That Took Away Austin's Manhood or KiTTAAM for short. Any other suggestions?

Austin is considering adopting a cat. Yes, a cat. Can somebody please talk some sense into the guy?

Poll: Who Do We Want Getting Married Next?

2009-01-12T17:03:00.000-08:00

Now that EJ has finally manned up, the question turns to who we should next pressure into getting married? A few thoughts before I put up the poll.

It's much more fun to pressure someone currently in a long (and by long, I mean at least a year), committed relationship; so that leaves Mehran, Roland, and myself out. Seeing that tradition still has it such that it's the man's obligation to do the proposing, it make sense to apply pressure to one of the guys; so that makes Faye off limits. And I think it's more fun if we limit our peer pressure to family; so that takes Jason off the hook. So by that set of criteria we're left with Darryll, Austin, and Oliver.

Get to voting.

Family Talk: Softball

2009-01-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

austinrf: Any news on the softball front?
austinrf: I have started training... I am going to be in tip top shape.
austinrf: I just need basic softball mechanics
Bruin7089: haha
Bruin7089: I just got the papers in the mail
Bruin7089: Our team so far is:
Bruin7089: Faye
Bruin7089: Jason
Bruin7089: Annette
Bruin7089: Jade
Bruin7089: Brian
Bruin7089: Annie
Bruin7089: You
Bruin7089: Me
Bruin7089: Sara is part time
austinrf: We need to re-think our pitcher approach
austinrf: EJ?
Bruin7089: EJ and Joni depend on what night we play
austinrf: ah
Bruin7089: Karen might also play
Bruin7089: and we definitely need to rethink pitching
austinrf: EJ is our Andruw Jones
austinrf: you'd think he'd be good
austinrf: or atleast decent
Bruin7089: dude
Bruin7089: you gotta go there
Bruin7089: why you gotta go there?
austinrf: I went there
Bruin7089: I'm about to call you our Eric Gagne
austinrf: hahahahahaha
Bruin7089: maybe Jason Schmidt
austinrf: OH FUCK NO
austinrf: I am furthest thing from Schmidt
Bruin7089: We put up with your prima donna antics
Bruin7089: and you don't even play
austinrf: Schmidt = pussy ass bitch
Bruin7089: due to "injury"
austinrf: Injury is over
austinrf: rehabilitated
austinrf: I am a bad ass softball playing machine

Looks like Austin is already getting up for softball. Is everyone else getting ready for a new season?

Jayden's First Game

2009-01-07T14:09:00.001-08:00

FYI: Jayden's first game is at Mason Park on Sunday January 11th @ 1pm.

Papa's Death Anniversary

2009-01-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

Mama informed that people are going to come over tonight to pray for Papa. It's going to happen sometime after work hours. Mama will also be making arroz caldo for dinner. So dinner and a prayer tonight everyone? I'll make sure the heat is on.

Happy New Year! And Oh, Something Else Too!

2009-01-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

Well if you follow me on Twitter you already know the big news. This is my account of how it all played out.

I arrive at Uncle Joji's with Mama and my mom way before everyone else does. We settle down and watch a little Deal or No Deal in progress with Tita Evie. It happens to be a very exciting episode, not so much because it prompted a game theory discussion between EJ and myself (it's all about expected value people!), but because the contestant was on her way to becoming the second person in the show's history to win one million dollars.

During the show, which was tediously drawn out, an opportunity arose for some good-natured ribbing. The opportunity presented itself in the form of a commercial for diamond jewelry. You probably all know the one I'm talking about, the one with the Israel, Antwerp, Bangkok references which always makes me think of a certain movie. Don't know the one yet? Well it's also the one that says, "You have a friend in the diamond business."

Anyway with EJ sitting next to me it was too good of yet another opportunity to needle him about his relationship with Sara about taking it to the next step. Basically I told EJ that I have a friend who can help him get a better deal than George Thompson by taking him to downtown LA if he wanted to get a ring anytime soon for someone special. And how did EJ respond? Like it was any other attempt by me at humor by goading him into marriage. He politely laughed it off with a slight hint of annoyance.

The night continued and EJ eventually left for Sara's to celebrate New Year's Eve with her and her family. Now for the critical part of this story. There wouldn't be much for me to post if not for the fact that Jayden went along with EJ and was told by Annette to return before midnight.

So EJ returns with Jayden and Sara in tow. We ended up playing video games to kill the time - Little Big Planet, not that impressive. Just before midnight we switch the tv to Dick Clark (the man was physically falling apart before our eyes and his speaking ability has sadly degraded) and Ryan Seacrest surrounded by "celebs" (what was Lionel Ritchie doing there with Taylor Swift, some Disney chick, and The Jonas Brothers?). We counted down with Dick Clark wondering if he was going to live to see 2009, popped some noise makers, kissed loved ones, drank some champagne, and shouted Happy New Year! Yet another celebration of a overrated lame "holiday."

And then things seemed to get even lamer when EJ popped in a DVD to the PS3. At first I thought he was popping in a movie but the tv showed that it was a slideshow featuring EJ and Sara. I then thought it was the Christmas gift EJ told me he was making for Sara on Christmas Eve and he was belatedly presenting it to her. Other first responses were:

"When I saw it was a slideshow of EJ and Sara, I thought, 'Ok, party over, let's all go home now.'" - Anonymous Cousin #1

"Why the f*** is EJ showing this now?" - Anonymous Cousin #2

"Wow, we get to see an awesome slideshow of EJ and Sara." - Sarcastic Cousin #1

"Well this is a great way to start the new year." - Sarcastic Cousin #2

"This family is kind of lame." - Oliver's girlfriend, Linda

On the menu screen of the DVD though, there was an option for either the slideshow or "a love poem." I shouted for love poem, thinking that it might at least be very embarrassing for EJ. But EJ said later for obvious reasons.

So the slideshow went on and many a pictures where shown of EJ and Sara with some lovey dovey background music. Most of us were politely paying attention, meaning we weren't really paying close attention at all and then all of a sudden a black background with white text (helvetica font I think) appears on the tv and with my polite attention I make out the words out of the corner of my eye, "Will you marry me?"

I start pointing at the tv, ~~screaming like a teenage girl sighting her favorite Jonas brother~~ cheering like a man watching his football team scoring a touchdown, telling everyone to pay more than polite attention to the tv screen. Jaws hit the floor with an audible thump. A "What the...!" was sounded out along with a full version of "OMG!". Sara said something along the lines, "Are you being serious?!" More cheering and clapping as everyone gets over the shock and up-to-speed of what's happening. I'm yelling at Sara to say yes! Then EJ gets down on his knee and pops the question as he slides the engagement ring on to Sara's finger. People say Sara said something along the lines of, "About time," or "Finally," - don't know if that was in response to the DVD or to EJ on bended knee. More cheering and clapping. Congratulations abound. Best New Year's day EVER!

And that, my dear readers, is my account of how EJ proposed to Sara.

Congratulations once again to EJ and Sara! Now instead of wondering when EJ was going to ask Sara to marry him, we can now begin counting down the days until EJ and Sara get married (soon as Sara picks a date of course), which is a much nicer way of passing the time.

Sorry, it's the only pic I could come up with of the two.

Other Notes:

If Jayden had not gone with EJ to Sara's and if Annette had not insisted that he be returned before midnight, EJ would have proposed to Sara at Sara's place. Very fortunate for us indeed.
EJ hid it very well up until the very last moment. Nobody had a clue.
Sara says to expect a summer wedding in the year 2010. Making this over/under officially closed. Congratulations to the 7 voters who said they would marry before 2012.
In EJ's love poem, he says he loves her more than Cal. Now that's when you know it's true love people!
EJ and Sara have been dating for 6 years.

Poll: Roland, Going or Staying?

2008-12-29T15:10:00.000-08:00

Simple question, not to be confused with either whether he should go or stay, or, whether you want him to go or stay. It's what do you think Roland is going to do? Does he stay here in Cali or does he go back to Florida? What say you?

Family Christmas Wishlists

2008-12-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

So far we have the wishlists of:

Vanessa
Joni
Lindsey
Oliver
EJ

Surprisingly, or not, the two people, Melanie and Annette, who suggested that we use this blog to publicize what everyone wants for Christmas have yet to do so themselves.

Not much time left for shopping people.

Christmas Day

2008-12-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

AKA Austin's housewarming party date. That's right, everyone's favorite family McDuck, Austin, is holding his housewarming on Christmas day. Details are scarce - like where exactly his place is - but are sure to be found out at least the night prior. So save the date.

Lindsey's WishList

2008-12-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

I know you all care about me and all want to get me gifts..after all don't forget I am the youngest cousin. Forget the kids... Anyways, here's my wishlist.

-Rock Band 2

- A good book. Still exploring what genre of books I like, so I'm open to most any kind. Nothing cheesy, please.

- 13" Mac Book...for any of you that feel like splurging on me. Haha.

- Or just a general Visa gift card.

- Or just cash..you know can't have enough money as a poor college student.

See you all Christmas eve.

Oh yeah, another cousin adventure hiking? Wayne, Mehran...find trails..and actual trails this time cause I'm only going to be home for like 5 days, so plan ahead.

Joni's Xmas Wish List

2008-12-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

Please feel free to gift one or more of the following items:

Marriott gift certificate $50.00
Orbit optical trackball $30.00
Costco membership $50.00

Thank you very much.

-Jonili Soller

P.S. Please don't get stuck in my electric fireplace (it doesn't lead out to the roof).

Set Your DVRs/Tivos

2008-12-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

Everyone's favorite, former significant other, Faye's Pete, will be appearing on television's Judge Joe Brown on January 13. It seems that another ex of his is suing him for something or another - probably for being an all-around sucky boyfriend who annoys family.

Family Talk - Kissing

2008-12-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

Annalynne: Eww Jayden! Don't kiss me! I don't want to get married!
Annette: Anna, people get married by going to a church and having a wedding ceremony, you don't get married just by getting kissed.
Me: Yeah, but kissing is how you make babies.

Christmas - Secret Santa

2008-12-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

So it's all been set - except for the food.

Christmas Eve at Uncle Joji's place.

There's also a gift exchange and it has been set so no backing out Austin - I tried, for the both of us, but to no avail. Each person has been set up with two other people to get gifts for. It's a secret Santa so I guess you're not supposed to tell whomever you're supposed to get a gift for that you're getting a gift for them - sorry for that mishmash of words posing for a sentence.

Anyway, for the sake of convenience and to make sure people have a chance of actually getting you what you would like, this is your chance to make it known what you would like to get from your Secret Santa. So tell Secret Santa what you would like and may I humbly suggest you use Amazon's wishlist.

De La Hoya v. Pacquiao

2008-12-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

Uncle Joji is ordering up tomorrow night's fight between the man from the East LA barrios and the man from the Manila ghettos - paraphrased from an actual promo. It's the Golden Boy versus Pacman! It's the man who is eating deer and kangaroo meat in preparation for the fight versus the man who ran away from home when his dad ate his dog - true story!

Coverage starts at 6pm.

Family Console Count

2008-12-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

Forgot that Austin and Lindsey have a Wii. So that makes the count,

Wii - 5
Xbox 360 - 4
PS3 - 3

I have no idea why the Wii is tops in our family. I thought this was a family of hardcore gamers who cut their teeth on the likes of Contra, Sonic the Hedgehog, and GoldenEye.

Three's Company

2008-12-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

Because Austin and Lindsey had no idea what I was referring to when I mentioned that Lindsey's roommate situation reminded me of a bad sitcom, from Wiki:

The story centers on Janet Wood, Chrissy Snow (later Cindy Snow and Terri Alden), and Jack Tripper living in an apartment complex owned by Mr. and Mrs. Roper (later by Bart Furley and managed by his brother), in Santa Monica, California:, their misunderstandings, social lives, and struggle to keep up with rent.

Jack is studying to be a chef at a technical college and happens across Janet, a florist, and Chrissy, a secretary, in need of a new roommate. Due to Stanley Roper's intolerence for co-ed living situations, even in a multi-bedroom apartment, Janet tells him that Jack is gay. Helen Roper figures out Jack's true sexuality in the second episode, and does not tell her husband, her bond with the three roommates grows until the Roper's departure, and she often sides with them over her husband.

Hiking Haiku

2008-12-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

In celebration of the hike.

Up and up we went

Through a train tunnel we ran

Onto private land

Hiking at Chatsworth Park

2008-12-02T14:02:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving night, Lindsey and Mehran decided to go for a run sometime before Lindsey left back for San Diego. Interested, I suggested that, instead of jogging around a neighborhood or even the park, we should try out Runyon Canyon where you can get a nice view of Los Angeles and the occasional celebrity. But Mehran shot down that idea saying that he didn't want to drive far for a jog.

So on the morning of our run, I looked up other hiking trails that were nearby. And found quite a few of them but settled on doing one of the Chatsworth Park ones, which was described as such:

Chatsworth Park consists of a south section and a north section which are separate. There is no direct trail connection between them. However, they both have hiking trails up to Santa Susana Pass, so a long hiking loop can be made.

Now I wanted to hit the Chatsworth Park South one but because of my stupidity we ended up at Chatsworth Park North, which ended up being a good thing.

View Larger Map

The above is where we started out our little journey. We began jogging due west on the paved path but quickly decided to get on the a dirt trail, which lasted all of 20 feet before we ran into a chain link fence with no apparent way to get to the other side, none that Lindsey could find any way. Disappointed, we turned around and decided to get back on the paved path but it became obvious that the paved path only followed the perimeter of the grassy park so we decided to get back on the dirt trail yet again. We soon came upon a fork in the trail, one seemed to ascend more directly up the hillside while the other not so much except it had this yellow sign cautioning us against mountain lions (I tried to find an image of the sign online but apparently people are too afraid of mountain lions to linger and take a picture to post online.) Lindsey takes the lead and goes the way of the mountain lions.

Soon the dirt trail went back to the paved path again so Mehran decides to turn his back to the paved path and make his way up the rocky hillside. Lindsey and I follow. I quickly learn why hiking boots are manufactured as my sneakers were not exactly the best choice of footwear to handle the rocky and broken beer bottle climb. But we come up on three kids, apparently one acting as a lookup, two of them with bikes, so I figured it wasn't as hard as I was making it out to be. A brief climb up and we make it to the train tracks.

View Larger Map

Now the train tunnel curves slightly so there's a bit of a blind spot and it's really dark in there but you can make out the light hitting the wall. So it's decision time again. We can either continue going up the mountain or go through the train tunnel. It not exactly being my finest moment, I suggested that we go through the tunnel and that any approaching train would make enough noise from a far enough distance that we could get out of the tunnel either by racing through it or turning back. Persuaded, we go through the mountain instead of climbing it. The tunnel was a lot longer than I expected and a lot rockier but I'm here now posting about it so it went alright. Lindsey and Mehran, physically fit and not wanting to tempt fate with a train, wasted no time in getting through the tunnel but I, in my sorry physical state, dawdled, hoping for a train.

At the other side of the mountaintop we found a lot of burnt shrubbery apparently from a fire and a little bit of a view of the northwest part of the valley (not the one pictured but close enough.) At this point we decide to find our way back to the car but not by going back where we came from - where's the fun in that? We start our descent diverted somewhat by a fenced off area. In finding our way we came across a sheltered area that had the rusted, springy skeletal remains of a mattress and a parka that Lindsey avoided stepping on but not me.

We find our way around the fence but we also find ourselves with another rocky path that requires having both our feet off the ground at times, not exactly jumping down from one rock to another, but we weren't exactly walking down either, which was made all the harder by carrying a damn water bottle. A few times, Lindsey and I joke that we would like to find our way down alive. At the end of our descent, we found ourselves at the edge of the mountain side and the park. The park and the mountain side were separated by thick brush that had dried off and provided a minor obstacle to get through.

We were now at Chatsworth Park, but not Chatsworth Park North but Chatsworth Park South. Who said the two weren't connected? Forget the part of the direct trail connection and the tunnel "shortcut" we took.

View Larger Map

Once past the brush we tried to figure out the quickest way back to the car. So instead of going through the park we decided to stay on the dirt road pictured above and cut our way across to Chatsworth Park South. The thing is, it's fenced off. No problem says Lindsey, as she suggested that we crawl under the fence at this gap between the road and the fence. My mind quickly wandered to whether Lindsey was making extra money as a coyote. With my mind wandering I found myself following Lindsey and Mehran under the fence. Of course, we come upon another fence this time, instead of an empty lot, this fence is protecting a residence and has barbed wire on it. But it also has a gap that Lindsey has spotted (apparently she has a real talent for finding a way around or through a fence.)

Before we could worm our way underneath, a man came out from his metal workshop/nuclear bunker and warned us, yes, warned us that by crawling under that fence we would be on private property. Now understand hisI don't think it's an exaggeration to say that by his tone, he meant to tell us that by crossing over to the other side of the fence he could and would have his way with us. And by having his way with us, I refer to this - click at your own risk.

So we ask the guy how we can get to the other side of his property hoping he would let us through. His response? "Turn around and go back." So we turned around and went back. Why? Because you don't mess with crazy, especially angry crazy people of a different race.

Back at Chatsworth Park South, Mehran noticed that it was empty and wondered why. I thought that there may have been people at a part of the park we could not yet see - the tennis courts and basketball court - but once they came to view I noticed that the adjacent parking spaces were occupied by garbage dumps. I assumed that the park was closed for the holidays for some odd reason. Instead, security accosted us and asked how we got there and why we were there. We told security that we got lost hiking starting out at Chatsworth Park North. Convinced, we were escorted out of the park but before so we asked why the park was closed and were informed that the park was now privately owned and closed to the public.

Having not heard about the park being sold to a private owner I decided to look it up and it doesn't appear to be quite that way. Instead, I found this:

A popular park in the San Fernando Valley is closed after tests showed the soil is toxic. Officials found dangerous amounts of lead in Chatsworth Park South and now they're trying to determine if it can ever be reopened.

Chatsworth Park South is closed to the pubic, and has been since mid-February, when a park visitor found dozens of tiny lead pellets along a hiking trail.

One hour after having started our little jog/hike/climb/descent/brush wading/fence crawling/train tunnel running/avoiding getting killed by angry private property owner/being escorted out by security, we found ourselves back where we started. And it was a fun workout.

Family Talk: Teaching Math

2008-11-30T17:47:00.000-08:00

Scene: Playing a trivia game and the question was how many inches on a yardstick?

Wayne

There's three feet in a yard.

Lindsey is about to answer by touching the screen.

Wayne

(interrupting)

I said there's three feet to a yard.

Lindsey, with finger still hovering above 24 inches, hesitates.

Wayne

There's 12 inches per foot.... And three times twelve is?

Lindsey

Oh yeah.

Granted, Lindsey was under the influence.

Family Consoles

2008-11-30T13:43:00.001-08:00

EJ recently purchased a PS3 making the family count:

PS3: 3 (EJ, Annette, Oliver)
Xbox 360: 4 (Wayne, Darryll, Austin, Lindsey)
Wii: 3 (Annette, Joni, Tita Malou)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T07:57:00.001-08:00

Today we give thanks! So have at it, what are you thankful for this year?

This Just In

2008-11-22T14:55:00.000-08:00

View Larger Map

Austin has taken up a 1 year lease on a tiny 1 BR condo in Glendale's Adams Hill. Congratulations are in order. Congratulations Austin! Housewarming date is TBD.

March 20 - 22

2008-11-20T11:06:00.001-08:00

Keep your calendars free.

Thanksgiving Update

2008-11-17T06:57:00.000-08:00

Updated to include what Faye and Roland have promised to bring. That only leaves Joni, Mehran, and Oliver who have yet to say what they'll bring.

Turkey - Mark & Tita Agnes
Tri-Tip - Tita Evelyn
Vegetable Casserole - Faye
Pansit - Jade & Annette
Arroz Caldo - Mama & Lindsey
Mashed Potatoes - EJ
Mac & Cheese - still trying to find the right recipe
Caesar Salad - Tita Evelyn
Balut - Jade & Annette
Stuffing - Faye
Drinks - Vanessa has the liquor and Roland thought it was the easiest thing to bring so he'll be bringing drinks of some sort.
Desserts - Austin and Faye have promised us desserts and I'm thinking of providing one as well.

Over Or Under

2008-11-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Somebody - no Sara, it was not EJ - asked, "What if you don't think they're going to get married?" The answer is simple, you vote "over."

Remember, picking "push" (meaning you think they'll marry in 2012) is a bitch move.

Rock Band Is Still Better

2008-11-10T13:19:00.001-08:00

But this is genius advertising.

Roland Is In Town

2008-11-10T12:32:00.001-08:00

In case any of you were wondering when he was getting into town.

Family Tidbits

2008-11-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

Roland is making a return visit to interview with Medtronic. A permanent stay in the works?
Tita Elma moving in with Mama? Well she's definitely moving out of her current home but no final destination has been picked yet.
Tita Linda is here with us until January something, with plans on visiting relatives in San Francisco, and is currently visiting Uncle Joji's.
Jayden is having trouble subtracting 29 from 42. "Regrouping is a bitch," says Jayden. That would be an accurate quote if Jayden were cool like that, but he isn't.

Prop 8 Protests

2008-11-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I don't really get it so hopefully someone can explain it to me. I'm not out there protesting any of the votes I made that didn't go my way and in California, that's a lot of damn votes that didn't go the way I would have liked them to have. I'm not out there organizing a protest against President-elect Obama even though I strongly oppose many of the policies he says he supports. Nor do you see me slowing down traffic because Propositions 1A, 2, 3, 4, and 9 went the other way. Don't those propositions have the same importance?

Perhaps it's because Prop 8 affects a minority. But doesn't me being on the "losing end" of those other votes make me a minority?

I suppose one could argue that it is more personal on a emotional level.

I still don't see what good protesting does though, it can't change the votes that have already been cast and counted, which is a good thing. And isn't it a little disrespectful to the political process? At the very least the protesters come off as sore losers. What these protesters should be doing is putting their energies toward something more constructive that will ensure their next attempt at legalizing gay marriages is a successful one. And if trends mean anything, then they should be successful next time.

Austin's Twitter

2008-11-07T05:49:00.000-08:00

I swear to god a pack of ducking monkies can run @metrolink better than they can. Fucking idiots I swear.

Well, it is governed by a bunch of government agencies, so what do you expect? Don't tell me you actually expect government to make sure something runs efficiently. You poor, naive socialist.

Happy Election Day!

2008-11-04T04:58:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Save your stubs.

Here is my presidential election prediction.

291 - Obama
247 - McCain

If McCain can somehow take over Pennsylvania and its 21 electoral votes, then all bets are off with either Colorado or Nevada deciding the election. Of course, I could be way off, but I do expect it closer than what the polls suggest and I'm still holding on to a bit of hope that Sen. McCain can pull it off.

Voters' Guide to The Propositions

2008-11-03T18:02:00.000-08:00

Most people say the trickiest part for them when voting is deciding how to vote on the various state propositions. So I thought I'd help out by showing how I intend to vote and how the major parties want us to vote.

Wayne says:
Prop. 1 - NO
Prop. 2 - NO
Prop. 3 - NO
Prop. 4 - YES
Prop. 5 - NO
Prop. 6 - YES
Prop. 7 - NO
Prop. 8 - NO
Prop. 9 - NO
Prop. 10 - NO
Prop. 11 - YES
Prop. 12 - YES

Republicans say:
Prop. 1 - NO
Prop. 2 - NO
Prop. 3 - NO
Prop. 4 - YES
Prop. 5 - NO
Prop. 6 - YES
Prop. 7 - NO
Prop. 8 - YES
Prop. 9 - YES
Prop. 10 - NO
Prop. 11 - NO POSITION
Prop. 12 - YES

Democrats say:
Prop. 1 - YES
Prop. 2 - YES
Prop. 3 - YES
Prop. 4 - NO
Prop. 5 - YES
Prop. 6 - NO
Prop. 7 - NO
Prop. 8 - NO
Prop. 9 - NO
Prop. 10 - NEUTRAL
Prop. 11 - NO
Prop. 12 - YES

So there you have it, I disagree with my fellow GOPers on 8 and 9 while I agree with the Dems on 7, 8, 9, and 12. Note the bipartisan support on 7 and 12. Of course, I'm also interested in how you're all voting, so let me know in the comments.

Family Talk

2008-11-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

austin (9:02:14 AM): HAHAHHAHA
austin (9:02:19 AM): Darryls costume = hilarious
Bruin7089 (9:02:24 AM): no shit
Bruin7089 (9:02:58 AM): He looks more like Candy Pimp than King Kandy
austin (9:03:04 AM): lol seriously

Thanksgiving Entertainment

2008-11-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

Both EJ and Lindsey have requested Rock Band 2. I'll be happy to help oblige, but I was wondering what DLC would you like to play? Check out the list, make your suggestions, and we'll see what can be done. Maybe put up a poll, take up a collection, and select the most popular or something.

And damnit Austin, no Roam. Unless that's what the people want.

Thanksgiving Menu Update

2008-11-02T18:45:00.001-08:00

UPDATE TO THE UPDATE: Updated to include EJ's comment.

What we have:

Mark & Tita Agnes - Turkey
Wayne - Mac and cheese w/bacon (pending successful trial runs)
Annette & Jade - Pansit
Vanessa - Liquor
Tita Evelyn - Tri-tip and Caesar salad
EJ - Mashed potatoes and soda

Another breakdown:

Main Dishes
Turkey
Tri-tip

Side Dishes
Mashed Potatoes
Mac and Cheese w/Bacon
Pansit
Caesar Salad

Drinks
Hard liquor
Soda

That looks solid to me but still not quite Thanksgiviney enough to be called biggest meal of the year. But we have yet to hear from Austin, Lindsey, Mehran, Oliver, Faye, and Joni. So we're probably going to get there eventually. And what follows is a Thanksgiving wishlist of sorts.

What else we would like to have:
Yams
More sides
Desserts

Another main dish like a ham or a beef roast of some kind for the non-turkey eaters would be nice. More sides are needed (potatoes please). Vanessa is planning on bringing a bottle of hard liquor with a mixer or two, so if anyone else wants something other than that to drink.... Non-alcoholic drinks are needed as well as desserts.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! All Hail King Kandy!

2008-10-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

Vote However You Like

2008-10-29T14:40:00.001-07:00

Actually, it would be nice if you think first then vote.

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-10-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Last year's Thanksgiving went pretty well, people seemed to fill up nicely on all the offerings and hardly any leftovers at all (which is a good thing to some but not others), as the following contributions were made:

Annette: Pansit and snacks

Melanie: Mac and cheese and jams

EJ: Mashed potatoes

Faye: Ham dinner package

Mehran: Chicken enchiladas

Oliver: Chips and homemade dip

Vanessa: Pie

Wayne: Turkey

This year's Thanksgiving will be held at EJ's - I think. I know Annette wanted it there so that the kids would have something to do and I did ask EJ about it. But before he got back to me, I told Tita Malou about Annette wanting to have it there and she said that Tita Evelyn already said she would host it this year. So is that confirmation? If only EJ would take time away from gloating for a bit we could maybe get a hard confirmation.

Anyway, it is left up to us, the cousins, to once again plan out the Thanksgiving meal. Tita Malou figured that we should prepare enough food for 30-35 (that's not counting the kids because they don't eat all that much anyway especially since they'll have each other to play with all day) people this year. It should also be taken into account that it's probably going to be a late lunch with sporadic episodes of eating until everyone leaves after dinner. Don't forget that some of us though will be having one meal at EJ's while having another meal with their significant other's family. Though it is Thanksgiving so everyone is expected to eat quite a bit. So count on 50 or so servings. Of course, because of the number of dishes that will be at hand, those would be small servings rather than individual servings that can make somebody full.

I know the above may be confusing but you all have common sense and can figure it out on your own.

If it is at EJ's, then it would probably be best that EJ cooks the turkey this year. Aside from turkey, it might be nice to have a ham and/or roast beef as well, to give us the trifecta of poultry, pork, and beef. Those would be the main dishes of course. Now on to my favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal.

So what about side dishes? Potatoes are a must. I'm giving some thought to doing some sort of roasted potatoes dish. But it would be nice if someone else also did mashed and or scalloped potatoes. You can't have enough potatoes I say. I'm also thinking of making mac and cheese w/bacon.

What else can we have for sides? Cranberry sauce (does anyone in our family even like that stuff?), some sort of mushroom dish, a salad? We need more vegetables I suppose. Let's figure it out, just throw out whatever suggestions you have, whether it's something you'd like to make or something you would like someone else to make and bring.

Now on to dessert. The only dessert maker I know in our family is Melanie. So what will it be? Cookies, cheesecake, tiny muffins? Of course, someone else can always go out and just buy a pie and some ice cream.

What about drinks? Soda is a must, but is this going to be a dry event? Or are we going to have a Thanksgiving themed ale or perhaps some cider to imbibe on?

So what will Thanksgiving be like this year people?

UCLA v. Cal

2008-10-25T08:39:00.001-07:00

I Stand Corrected

2008-10-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

Apologies to Lindsey - sorta. Since I've gotten back from Las Vegas, I've seen not once, but twice, white rice cooked with brown rice. So yes, apparently you CAN cook brown rice and white rice together. Of course, it's best to keep in mind the adage that just because you CAN, doesn't mean you SHOULD.*

*I don't know if that really is an adage but I don't have the most recent edition of the adage dictionary on me that I can verify it in. If you have it, feel free to look it up and get back to me.

Happy Birthday Sister!

2008-10-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

Got back last night after a near 7 hour trip back from Las Vegas. It wasn't what would be described as a perfectly fun-filled extravaganza - what trip is? - by any stretch of the imagination. But in spending a weekend with them I got to know Karen better and came to know her sister - probably a more pleasant experience for me than they. And best of all, even after what is now 25 years of getting to know her, I came to know my sister a bit more. Connecting with my sister over the weekend got to the point where I was subconsciously adopting her sense of humor by cracking the type of jokes she likes to make - not necessarily something I want to make a habit. In the end I'm happy she dragged me out to the desert oasis.

Happy 25th Joni!

P.S. Aside from the getting to know people better thing, I did take away another memory from this Vegas trip that revived somewhat similar older memories in Cambridge and Hotel Fig. More on this later after I get my hands on the incriminating photos to ~~destroy~~ share.

Family Talk

2008-10-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

The latest on Lindsey's newest boyfriend.

Lindsey (6:32:13 PM): he thought you were going to call him retarded
Lindsey (6:32:16 PM): he's special
Lindsey (6:33:27 PM): special like geometry for the 3rd time
Bruin7089 (6:33:38 PM): wow
Bruin7089 (6:33:44 PM): You've got a keeper there
Lindsey (6:33:48 PM): and he rode the short yellow bus
Lindsey (6:34:02 PM): he's a keeper alright.
Lindsey (6:34:08 PM): oh yeah no helmet required
Bruin7089 (6:34:36 PM): anything else about your boyfriend you'd like to share?
Lindsey (6:34:57 PM): he's got a big weiner he says
Lindsey (6:35:06 PM): i dont know what a penis looks like you know

Cousin Night Out

2008-10-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

Lindsey (she's the young lady in the background pictured to the left in case you forgot what she looks like) is in town the weekend of her dad's - that would be Uncle/Tito Wilson for those of you who, like me, refer to all the elders as either Tita or Uncle and subsequently forget who is who specifically - birthday and proposes a cousin night out to either Friday's or Candlelight so she can walk herself home - her words, not mine. The only restriction is that it can't be on the night of her dad's birthday which falls on Saturday. So perhaps some time after Joni's birthday dinner? It is an early dinner after all and it might be nice to round out the night over at Candlelight afterwards. Sound good to everyone? Let me know so we can set this thing in stone.

Help Faye Cure Cancer!*

2008-10-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

*It's actually diabetes not cancer which makes it seem all the more doable but less important. But still feel free to donate... to Faye, not EJ.

In case you didn't get the email.

Greetings!

I'm writing to you to ask for your support in a very special cause.

This year, I'll be taking part in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walk to Cure Diabetes along with a half-million other walkers across the country. Our goal: To raise $105 million to help fund research for a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.

Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes, is a devastating, often deadly disease that affects millions of people--a large and growing percentage of them children.

Many people think type 1 diabetes can be controlled by insulin. While insulin does keep people with type 1 diabetes alive, it is NOT a cure. Aside from the daily challenges of living with type 1 diabetes, there are many severe, often fatal, complications caused by the disease.

That's the bad news... and yes, it's pretty bad.

The good news, though, is that a cure for type 1 diabetes is within reach. In fact, JDRF funding and leadership is associated with most major scientific breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes research to date. And JDRF funds a major portion of all type 1 diabetes research worldwide, more than any other charity.

I'm writing to ask for your support because now more than ever, EACH of us can be a part of bringing about a cure. Each of us can make a real difference

Won't you please give to JDRF as generously as you're able?

Together, we can make the cure a reality.

Thank you,

Farrah-faye Valencia

You can donate here.

Dodgers v. Phillies

2008-10-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

Go Dodgers!

Joni's 26th

2008-10-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

Karen would like you all to help celebrate Joni's upcoming birthday by joining them on October 24th at Maggiano's in Woodland Hills for a 6:00 pm dinner. Leave a comment if you can make it that Friday.

Proposition 2 - Standards For Confining Farm Animals

2008-10-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been a growing public awareness about farm animal production methods, and how these practices affect the treatment of the animals. In particular, concerns have been expressed about some animal farming practices, including the housing of certain animals in confined spaces, such as cages or other restrictive enclosures.

PROPOSAL

Beginning January 1, 2015, this measure prohibits with certain exceptions the confinement on a farm of pregnant pigs, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs. Under the measure, any person who violates this law would be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment in county jail for up to six months.

FISCAL EFFECTS

[T]his measure would require more space and/or alternate methods for housing pregnant pigs, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens. As a result, this measure would increase production costs for some of these farmers. To the extent that these higher production costs cause some farmers to exit the business, or otherwise reduce overall production and profitability, there could be reduced state and local tax revenues. The magnitude of this fiscal effect is unknown, but potentially in the range of several million dollars annually.

Additionally, this measure could result in unknown, but probably minor, local and state costs for enforcement and prosecution of individuals charged with the new animal confinement offense. These costs would be partially offset by revenue from the collection of misdemeanor fines.

Proponents say Prop 2:

Prevents cruelty to animals.
Improves our health and food safety.
Supports family farmers.
Means better conditions for neighbors and communities near factory farms.
Protects our air and water resources and safeguards the environment.
Is better for mitigating and reversing the effects of climate change.

MY TAKE:

Ever heard of free range chicken? This proposed piece of legislation is just that. Apparently, not enough people are buying products that are marked free range, which is probably why they are people pushing for this particular legislation. I'm going to assume that there aren't much buyers of free range products because it's more expensive. And since there aren't enough buyers, not enough farmers thought it wise to switch to free range practices. Simple supply and demand at work.

So if the market doesn't demand a particular product/support a particular agenda, what does one do? Make it the only legal alternative I suppose. Damn you animal rights fascists!

MY VOTE:

No on Proposition 2.

California Proposition 1A - Safe, Reliable High-speed Passenger Train Bond Act

2008-10-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

I recently received my absentee ballot in the mail, nearly a full month before I have to cast my votes. I thought I would share how and why I'm going to vote on each measure. Hopefully, this gets the rest of you interested in voting and if you should disagree with any of my votes I would hope you would leave a comment explaining why and maybe you'll even persuade me to change my vote.

The following comes from the Legislative Analyst's Office.

BACKGROUND

The authority estimated in 2006 that the total cost to develop and construct the entire high-speed train system would be about $45 billion. While the authority plans to fund the construction of the proposed system with a combination of federal, private, local, and state monies, no funding has yet been provided.

PROPOSAL

This measure authorizes the state to sell $9.95 billion in general obligation bonds to fund (1) pre-construction activities and construction of a high-speed passenger train system in California, and (2) capital improvements to passenger rail systems that expand capacity, improve safety, or enable train riders to connect to the high-speed train system.

The High-Speed Train System. Of the total amount, $9 billion would be used, together with any available federal monies, private monies, and funds from other sources, to develop and construct a high-speed train system that connects San Francisco Transbay Terminal to Los Angeles Union Station and Anaheim, and links the state’s major population centers, including Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Valley, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Orange County, and San Diego.

Other Passenger Rail Systems. The remaining $950 million in bond funds would be available to fund capital projects that improve other passenger rail systems in order to enhance these systems’ capacity, or safety, or allow riders to connect to the high-speed train system. Of the $950 million, $190 million is designated to improve the state’s intercity rail services. The remaining $760 million would be used for other passenger rail services including urban and commuter rail.

FISCAL EFFECT

Bond Costs. The costs of these bonds would depend on interest rates in effect at the time they are sold and the time period over which they are repaid. While the measure allows for bonds to be issued with a repayment period of up to 40 years, the state’s current practice is to issue bonds with a repayment period of up to 30 years. If the bonds are sold at an average interest rate of 5 percent, and assuming a repayment period of 30 years, the General Fund cost would be about $19.4 billion to pay off both principal ($9.95 billion) and interest ($9.5 billion). The average repayment for principal and interest would be about $647 million per year.

Operating Costs. When constructed, the high-speed train system will incur unknown ongoing maintenance and operation costs, probably in excess of $1 billion a year. Depending on the level of ridership, these costs would be at least partially, and potentially fully, offset by revenue from fares paid by passengers.

PROPONENTS of the proposition say it will:

Ease Congestion on the highways and in the airports
Create new jobs
Save energy
Clean and protect the environment

MY TAKE:

Well what the proponents say is all well and good and who wouldn't want to get from San Diego to San Francisco in about 4 hours time? But my main complaint about this proposition is that California taxpayers could be paying a lot for nothing.

There is no guarantee that the other $35 billion or so (remember the total cost of $45 billion is only an "estimate" and some estimate that the costs could indeed be a lot higher) needed to complete the high-speed rail project will be funded. It is assumed that the additional necessary funding will come from "any available federal monies, private monies, and funds from other sources" when "no funding has yet been provided." So how exactly is this thing going to be paid for? More issuing of bonds perhaps? Or maybe even an increase in taxes?

Of course, I'm assuming that the bonds will be issued before all of other necessary funding is accumulated. But even if that's not the case, why vote yes for the authority to issue these bonds before we get the rest of the funds? I suppose you could argue that this would encourage investors. But I really believe the only thing that encourages investors is a return profit on their investments, not a mere sharing of costs, and I don't think this proposition achieves that.

MY VOTE:

No on State Measure 1A.

A Roundup Of The Dodgers Sweep

2008-10-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

For the first time in two decades, the Dodgers popped champagne corks in October.

Yup, two decades since their last postseason success and I've been a fan through all those years which seemingly makes this all the more special.

(AP Photo/Francis Specker)

On a night when the old stadium rocked like a giddy teen, the Dodgers shed the baggage of a 20-year postseason series drought by tossing the darling Chicago Cubs back into irrelevancy with a sweeping 3-1 victory.

Players threw their caps in the air and wrestled each other to the ground. Fans stayed in their seats rocking and waving.

In keeping with a new Dodgers victory tradition, Russell Martin later led the players back to the field to spray champagne on the fans, and why not?

Perhaps, the celebration was a little over the top for merely advancing in the playoffs but it has been 20 years since a playoff series victory and for a fan for all those years to finally see it again it was wonderful.

(AP Photo/Francis Specker)Russell Martin and Matt Kemp celebrating among the fans in the Left Field Pavilion, how cool is that?

Even for those who had been paying attention, who had understood how well the Dodgers had been playing the past month, the ease in which they dispatched the sad little Cubbies had to be astonishing.

Eight game losing streak, 4 1/2 games out of a playoff spot just a little over a month ago, and now this? Awesome.

If you're looking for that one moment the Dodgers turned their season around. That one trade, that one signing that one managerial decision that transformed this bunch from playoff outsiders to the first team to advance to the Championship Series you won't find it.

"Its right here, no question," says Don Mattingly grinning from ear to ear and bouncing up and down like a 47-year-old hitting coach trying to dance to hip-hop.... "It was this song. I don't know what it is, but I like it."

As Mattingly closed his eyes and bent his knees to the rhythm of M.I.A.'s Paper Planes, saying "Stay in the box baby, just stay in the box...."

Dodgers third baseman Casey Blake played the song prior to the team's 6-2 win over Arizona on Aug. 30 after the team was on an eight-game losing streak. The song was played from then on, before and after games, as the Dodgers went on an eight-game winning streak and won 22 of their last 30 games.

Not exactly sure how appropriate this song is but whatever works. I present to you the Dodgers' rallying song of '08:

The Cubs, whose 97 victories just sort of evaporated into thin air, never knew what hit them. The Phillies or Brewers stand warned. The Dodgers spent so much of the year limping or dragging through the schedule, right up until losing eight consecutive games -- with Manny -- in August.

But the longer this group plays together, the more special it looks.

(AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

Close Out Game Today

2008-10-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

Go Dodgers!

20 Questions

2008-10-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite word?

What is your least favorite word?

ED's Note: "No?"

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

If you won the lottery what would you do with all that money?

I would hate the give a mouse a cookie syndrome to go down

Shelby GT 500e

What sound do you love?

What sound do you hate?

What is on your iPod?

If you have or had a TIVO/DVR, what is or would be on it?

What turns you on?

Women rocking the librarian glasses

What turns you off?

What quality do you most appreciate in a friend?

flakey

If you were to star in a movie, what kind of film would it be and who would it co-star?

Tina Fey

What is your favorite curse word?

What was your favorite cartoon growing up?

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

cooking channel

What profession would you not like to do?

ED.'s Note: Oh, I wouldn't say that would be the absolute worst.

What 3 things would you take with you to a desert island?

Which 3 people (living or dead) would you invite to a dinner and what would you serve?

What would you like said at your funeral?

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

To Texas Or Not To Texas?

2008-10-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about moving out to Texas. Darryll has said he would put up with me for a little bit. I'm also beginning to think that a change of scenery might do me good. It just seems like I've been stuck in a rut and pretty much unwilling to get out of it since taking the bar exam. Perhaps being stuck out there with Darryll and Co. will get me going wherever that is supposed to be. It wouldn't necessarily be a permanent move but that doesn't mean I'm going out there with plans on moving back.

Obviously, I would miss family that is here, which would include not only my mom and my sister but also the rest of you guys, my cousins.

Basically, should I go to Texas and get on with the rest of my life already or should I stay here and somehow, someway (a way and a how I have yet to find after all this time patiently afforded to me) find my way out of this rut I've gotten myself into?

Anyway, no plans have been made yet for me to leave, but I'm seriously considering it and would appreciate advice or any other input whatsoever from you guys because I'd like to make my decision based on as much information as possible and I value what you guys think.

Dodgers v. Cubs

2008-10-01T14:31:00.001-07:00

None of that today please.

As for why I love postseason baseball more than any other postseason,

Even if your team wins a baseball game 20-0, you'll suffer at least 24 mini-defeats before the game is over. That's the minimum number of things that can go wrong for a baseball team in an 8 1/2-inning victory. If you want to count each time your hitter gets a strike or your pitcher throws a ball, that bumps the total into the hundreds....

On a good day, baseball has one-tenth the amount of actual scoring that basketball has – but that doesn't tell the whole story. If baseball counted all its jump shots, hook shots, free throws, dunks and three-pointers in its point totals – not to mention how we hang on the outcome of every single pitch – you'd have a truer idea of just how crazy it is to pin your faith on such an uncontrollable affair.

I can't put it any better than that.

Go Dodgers!

It's October

2008-10-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

Which can mean only one thing... the start of the WNBA Finals!

Oh, there's that other little matter too I suppose. Wish we had more secret sauce for today.

Go Dodgers!

20 Questions

2008-10-01T04:07:00.000-07:00

(ED.'s Note: Pretty easy to figure this out by the time you read the answer to question #10 and really easy after #18, so if you guess who correctly before then feel free to give yourself a gold star.)

What is your favorite word?

What is your least favorite word?

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

If you won the lottery what would you do with all that money?

What sound do you love?

What sound do you hate?

What is on your iPod?

If you have or had a TIVO/DVR, what is or would be on it?

What turns you on?

What turns you off?

What quality do you most appreciate in a friend?

If you were to star in a movie, what kind of film would it be and who would it co-star?

What is your favorite curse word?

What was your favorite cartoon growing up?

And yeah I wasn't really allowed to watch cartoons. But tonight I had an epiphany and my favorite cartoon was Inspector Gadget.

ED.'s Note: Added per Lindsey's comment

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

What profession would you not like to do?

What 3 things would you take with you to a desert island?

Which 3 people (living or dead) would you invite to a dinner and what would you serve?

What would you like said at your funeral?

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose Unless We're Obama Supporters

2008-09-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Austin asked me recently if I would vote for Sen. Obama if he were a Republican. Same views, same everything, just a different political affiliation; my political affiliation. I told him that under those circumstances I would still not vote for Sen. Obama. Anyway, I was reminded of that conversation when I ran into the following.

In a forum on public service on campus earlier this month, Mr. Obama (Columbia '83) and John McCain (Annapolis '58) were both asked about the ROTC ban. When Mr. McCain predictably called on Columbia to "re-examine" the ban, he was predictably booed by a crowd of several thousand students who were watching the debate on a giant TV screen on campus.

The question was later put to Mr. Obama. "I think we've made a mistake on that," Mr. Obama replied. "I recognize that there are students here who have differences in terms of military policy, but the notion that young people here at Columbia aren't offered a choice or an option in participating in military service is a mistake." The same students who had so lustily booed Mr. McCain, reported the New York Times, were "largely silent" when Mr. Obama gave the same answer.

I would like to add that this Republican would have applauded both of the candidates' answers.

20 Questions

2008-09-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

(ED.'s Note: Not exactly the most loquacious "interviewee" but it got the job done. Can you guess who this was?)

What is your favorite word?

What is your least favorite word?

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

If you won the lottery what would you do with all that money?

What sound do you love?

ED.'s Note: This probably narrows it down to about 2-3 people.

What sound do you hate?

What is on your iPod?

If you have or had a TIVO/DVR, what is or would be on it?

What turns you on?

What turns you off?

What quality do you most appreciate in a friend?

If you were to star in a movie, what kind of film would it be and who would it co-star?

ED.'s note: Who wouldn't want to co-star with the next Paul Newman and star of the greatest film ever?

What is your favorite curse word?

What was your favorite cartoon growing up?

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

What profession would you not like to do?

What 3 things would you take with you to a desert island?

Which 3 people (living or dead) would you invite to a dinner and what would you serve?

What would you like said at your funeral?

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Dodgers Are The Underdogs

2008-09-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

And they are decidedly so. 9 out of 10 experts over at ESPN have the Cubs winning the series and Sportsline is giving the edge to the Cubbies as well. Time to prove the experts wrong I suppose.

20 Questions

2008-09-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite word?

What is your least favorite word?

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

If you won the lottery what would you do with all that money?

What sound do you love?

What sound do you hate?

What is on your iPod?

If you have or had a TIVO/DVR, what is or would be on it?

Psych - a very funny buddy-buddy show,
House - a drama that does comedy better than most sitcoms and I'm in love with #13 and the other hot chick on that show,
Entourage - best show about guys being friends,
Top Chef - amazing to see what they can do with each challenge,
The Amazing Race - the best reality show about various relationships,
The Hills - second best reality show about relationships,
Greek - hot college chicks need I say more?, and
Friday Night Lights - some of the best acting and writing I've ever seen.

What turns you on?

What turns you off?

girl who giggles

What quality do you most appreciate in a friend?

If you were to star in a movie, what kind of film would it be and who would it co-star?

Monica Bellucci

Olivia Wilde

Malin Akerman

What is your favorite curse word?

What was your favorite cartoon growing up?

Golden Age of cartoons

Robotech

Transformers

classic Looney Tunes

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

What profession would you not like to do?

What 3 things would you take with you to a desert island?

Which 3 people (living or dead) would you invite to a dinner party and what would you serve?

obvious reasons

What would you like said at your funeral?

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Family Talk

2008-09-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

Apparently knowing how to cook rice isn't something all Asians know.

Lindsey: you have a george foreman right?
Bruin7089: why?
Bruin7089: used to
Lindsey: cause i want to use mine to cook carne asada but i dont have the instructions
Bruin7089: not sure where that thing is now
Lindsey: lol i think mama gave it to me.
Bruin7089: what the
Bruin7089: 5 - 7 mins cooking time tops
Bruin7089: what instruction do you need?
Lindsey: What temperature?
Bruin7089: i would go on high
Lindsey: Okay
Lindsey: Can you cook brown rice and white rice in the rice cooker at the same time
Bruin7089: no
Bruin7089: they require different cooking times
Lindsey: Ok
Bruin7089: Are you even part asian?

Just Wondering

2008-09-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or does anyone else think that Scarlett Johansson could easily have been a porn star rather than the mainstream actress that she is?

Joni's Birthday Plans

2008-09-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Joni has reserved a room at the Rio with a check-in for Friday night and a checkout on Monday so there will be no rush to leave on Sunday.

Joni is planning - she has already booked a room (probably at the Rio... yes, the very same Rio where Wayne saw and pretty much ignored his dream woman) - on spending her birthday in Las Vegas the weekend prior, which would be Oct. 17 - 19. Any and all are welcomed to join her there - well maybe not everyone in the same room but we'll see how things work themselves out. So who's in?

4 Things About Joni I Know That You May Or May Not Know

2008-09-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Joni does not like pepper jack cheese.
Her knee hurts when it's really cold outside.
Joni is a big Gwen Stefani and Sheryl Crow fan.
She believes in ghosts.

4 Things I Know About Austin That You May Or May Not Know

2008-09-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

He shits alot the day after he drinks.
Denise isn't his first and only girlfriend, I was reminded that I met a prior girlfriend of his when he brought her out to a Dodger game - by the way, Go Dodgers!
He really thinks Lance Armstrong is innocent.
Outwardly he's an angry leftist but really he's just a closeted/self-denying conservative, unless it's about guns then he is as outwardly conservative as Dick Cheney holding a shotgun aimed at a friend.

4 Things I Know About EJ That You May Or May Not Know*

2008-09-10T10:49:00.001-07:00

Jon and Kate Plus 8 is one of the rare tv shows he knows the schedule to.
He prefers Oski over Joe.
His "first contact" with his woman was sitting behind her in a high school class wherein he would kick her hair.
He is a fan of Comic-Con and Bootie LA.

*Idea stolen from Annette and made better by me.

Men And Baby Showers

2008-09-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

From Wiki:

Traditionally, a baby shower is held only for the mother-to-be, and only women attend. However, in recent times, men are also starting to participate in a couples baby showers.

And from About.com:

Many men are entering the realm of baby showers these days. The Couples shower is an appropriate way to celebrate a new baby. While this is a new tradition many men are enjoying these get togethers, as are women.

And from Baby Shower 101:

Traditionally men were not invited to baby showers since it was a woman oriented party, however it was common for the man to show up at the end to help his wife with the presents. Today, many things have changed and it is absolutely okay for the men to be a part of the baby shower, in many cases couples parties or the husband coming at the end of the baby shower with his friends.

And finally from EJ's birthday party:

Men should definitely be a part of baby showers! They shouldn't only be invited but they should WANT to attend - BLAH BLAH BLAH - and they SHOULD be there - BLAH BLAH BLAH - it's an act of support - BLAH BLAH BLAH - and I want all the gifts I can get!

I'm probably paraphrasing there but I think you get the gist of it. The gist being that men are now expected to attend baby showers these days.

I've got a couple of questions regarding this with the foremost being why did we as a society go from not even inviting men to baby showers to expecting them to attend? What changed between then and now to change the attitudes toward baby showers? Are men giving birth now?

And why would women want men there to begin with? After all,

The only drawback for men being a part of the baby shower is the atmosphere changing. That is, us girls may not be as "girly" and sentimental when the men are there....

I would say that's a pretty damn big drawback and I would argue that one of the original purposes of a baby shower was to have a "girly" and "sentimental" party. So when did that attitude change? Is it that women want less girly baby showers? Or did they think they could keep a baby shower girly even if they asked men to be present? Which raises yet another question.

Just like shit being on a plate doesn't mean we have to eat it, men didn't have to attend baby showers just because women wanted us there.

Why did men start going - either willingly or unwillingly because it doesn't matter - to baby showers? I mean I've always seen baby showers as girly a thing as wearing sexy lingerie. Are men now wearing sexy lingerie? Am I that far behind the times? Seriously, what kind of a man goes to a baby shower? What man thought tasting baby food and guessing its flavor was a good way to spend a weekend afternoon?

Anyone?

Until all these questions have been answered in a persuasive manner, I'm calling for all men to boycott baby showers. Be a man, don't go to baby showers!

Until we're ready for our Apartment "Warming"

2008-09-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

2008 Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture

2008-09-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

Is anyone interested in attending? I know it's late notice (obviously, since it starts tomorrow) but I thought that I'd just let everyone know that Karen and I are most likely going to attend tomorrow.

Fuck Those Guys

2008-09-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

After last night I have to take issue with Austin's post last Friday.

[T]hey actually let him walk into a crowd of very very liberal protesters. What did they think was going to happen?

Maybe it is too much to expect liberal protesters to act civilly when being filmed and asked questions by a conservative news broadcaster. I suppose it is understandable that the mere sight of a conservative news provider would incite mindless cursing. But doesn't that say something about the liberal protesters themselves?

And if Fox News knew that their presence would have that effect were they not merely shedding some light on who these protesters really were? Regardless of whether they knew what was going to happen, wasn't Fox News giving those protesters an opportunity to spread their messages to an audience that, while admittedly an audience that may not have been all that receptive to those messages, may have not yet heard those messages?

I mean really, would you have expected somebody like the Rev. King to have acted like that in front of a camera only because it said Fox News on it?

Of course, Austin may have just been worried about the safety of the Fox News correspondent rather than how the liberal protesters were portrayed - and by portrayed I mean shown as to how they actually are. For all I know, Austin, as would all respectable liberals, would rather disassociate himself from those dumb fuck protesters which is probably why he calls them "very very liberal protesters". Austin seems to say a very liberal protester wouldn't do that not the very least a mere liberal protester.

I only bring this up because liberal protesters showed up yet again, but this time during Sen. McCain's acceptance as they tried to disrupt it. Which leads to at least one question,

When was the last time conservative activists broke into a Democratic National Convention to disrupt the acceptance speech by their Presidential candidate? Ever? Just wondering."

Apparently, the "very very" conservative protesters always have something better to do during the DNC.

Gross.... But So Adorably Cute

2008-09-03T22:04:00.001-07:00

Gov. Palin's youngest daughter caring for her younger brother.

Text of Gov. Palin's Speech

2008-09-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

My favorite parts in bold.

Mr. Chairman, delegates, and fellow citizens: I am honored to be considered for the nomination for vice president of the United States ...

I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America.

I accept the challenge of a tough fight in this election ... against confident opponents ... at a crucial hour for our country.

And I accept the privilege of serving with a man who has come through much harder missions ... and met far graver challenges ... and knows how tough fights are won -- the next president of the United States, John S. McCain.

It was just a year ago when all the experts in Washington counted out our nominee because he refused to hedge his commitment to the security of the country he loves.

With their usual certitude, they told us that all was lost -- there was no hope for this candidate who said that he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war.

But the pollsters and pundits overlooked just one thing when they wrote him off.

They overlooked the caliber of the man himself -- the determination, resolve, and sheer guts of Senator John McCain. The voters knew better.

And maybe that's because they realize there is a time for politics and a time for leadership ... a time to campaign and a time to put our country first.

Our nominee for president is a true profile in courage, and people like that are hard to come by.

He's a man who wore the uniform of this country for 22 years, and refused to break faith with those troops in Iraq who have now brought victory within sight.

And as the mother of one of those troops, that is exactly the kind of man I want as commander in chief. I'm just one of many moms who'll say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way.

Our son Track is 19.

And one week from tomorrow -- September 11th -- he'll deploy to Iraq with the Army infantry in the service of his country.

My nephew Kasey also enlisted, and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf.

My family is proud of both of them and of all the fine men and women serving the country in uniform. Track is the eldest of our five children.

In our family, it's two boys and three girls in between -- my strong and kindhearted daughters Bristol, Willow, and Piper.

And in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical.

That's how it is with us.

Our family has the same ups and downs as any other ... the same challenges and the same joys.

Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge.

And children with special needs inspire a special love.

To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.

I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House. Todd is a story all by himself.

He's a lifelong commercial fisherman ... a production operator in the oil fields of Alaska's North Slope ... a proud member of the United Steel Workers' Union ... and world champion snow machine racer.

Throw in his Yup'ik Eskimo ancestry, and it all makes for quite a package.

We met in high school, and two decades and five children later he's still my guy. My Mom and Dad both worked at the elementary school in our small town.

And among the many things I owe them is one simple lesson: that this is America, and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity.

My parents are here tonight, and I am so proud to be the daughter of Chuck and Sally Heath. Long ago, a young farmer and haberdasher from Missouri followed an unlikely path to the vice presidency.

A writer observed: "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty, sincerity, and dignity." I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman.

I grew up with those people.

They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America ... who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars.

They love their country, in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America. I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town.

I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education better.

When I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too.

Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown.

And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves.

I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities. I might add that in small towns, we don't quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they are listening, and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren't listening.

We tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.

As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever he goes, and whoever is listening, John McCain is the same man. I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment.

And I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.

But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion -- I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people.

Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests.

The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.

No one expects us to agree on everything.

But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and ... a servant's heart.

I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as vice president of the United States. This was the spirit that brought me to the governor's office, when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau ... when I stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good ol' boys network.

Sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power brokers. That's why true reform is so hard to achieve.

But with the support of the citizens of Alaska, we shook things up.

And in short order we put the government of our state back on the side of the people.

I came to office promising major ethics reform, to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is the law.

While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for.

That luxury jet was over the top. I put it on eBay.

I also drive myself to work.

And I thought we could muddle through without the governor's personal chef -- although I've got to admit that sometimes my kids sure miss her. I came to office promising to control spending -- by request if possible and by veto if necessary.

Senator McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest -- and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works.

Our state budget is under control.

We have a surplus.

And I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending: nearly half a billion dollars in vetoes.

I suspended the state fuel tax, and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress.

I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere.

If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves. When oil and gas prices went up dramatically, and filled up the state treasury, I sent a large share of that revenue back where it belonged -- directly to the people of Alaska.

And despite fierce opposition from oil company lobbyists, who kind of liked things the way they were, we broke their monopoly on power and resources.

As governor, I insisted on competition and basic fairness to end their control of our state and return it to the people.

I fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history.

And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly forty billion dollar natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.

That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart.

The stakes for our nation could not be higher.

When a hurricane strikes in the Gulf of Mexico, this country should not be so dependent on imported oil that we are forced to draw from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

And families cannot throw away more and more of their paychecks on gas and heating oil.

With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus, and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers.

To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off nearly a fifth of world energy supplies ... or that terrorists might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia ... or that Venezuela might shut off its oil deliveries ... we Americans need to produce more of our own oil and gas.

And take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska: we've got lots of both.

Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems -- as if we all didn't know that already.

But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all.

Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines ... build more new-clear plants ... create jobs with clean coal ... and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal and other alternative sources.

We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers. I've noticed a pattern with our opponent.

Maybe you have, too.

We've all heard his dramatic speeches before devoted followers.

And there is much to like and admire about our opponent.

But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform -- not even in the state Senate.

This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting, and never use the word "victory" except when he's talking about his own campaign. But when the cloud of rhetoric has passed ... when the roar of the crowd fades away ... when the stadium lights go out, and those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot - what exactly is our opponent's plan? What does he actually seek to accomplish, after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet? The answer is to make government bigger ... take more of your money ... give you more orders from Washington ... and to reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world. America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it.

Victory in Iraq is finally in sight ... he wants to forfeit.

How are you going to be better off if our opponent adds a massive tax burden to the American economy? Here's how I look at the choice Americans face in this election.

In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers.

And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.

They're the ones whose names appear on laws and landmark reforms, not just on buttons and banners, or on self-designed presidential seals.

Among politicians, there is the idealism of high-flown speechmaking, in which crowds are stirringly summoned to support great things.

And then there is the idealism of those leaders, like John McCain, who actually do great things. They're the ones who are good for more than talk ... the ones we have always been able to count on to serve and defend America. Senator McCain's record of actual achievement and reform helps explain why so many special interests, lobbyists, and comfortable committee chairmen in Congress have fought the prospect of a McCain presidency -- from the primary election of 2000 to this very day.

Our nominee doesn't run with the Washington herd.

He's a man who's there to serve his country, and not just his party.

A leader who's not looking for a fight, but is not afraid of one either. Harry Reid, the Majority Leader of the current do-nothing Senate, not long ago summed up his feelings about our nominee.

He said, quote, "I can't stand John McCain." Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps no accolade we hear this week is better proof that we've chosen the right man. Clearly what the Majority Leader was driving at is that he can't stand up to John McCain. That is only one more reason to take the maverick of the Senate and put him in the White House. My fellow citizens, the American presidency is not supposed to be a journey of "personal discovery." This world of threats and dangers is not just a community, and it doesn't just need an organizer.

And though both Senator Obama and Senator Biden have been going on lately about how they are always, quote, "fighting for you," let us face the matter squarely.

There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you ... in places where winning means survival and defeat means death ... and that man is John McCain. In our day, politicians have readily shared much lesser tales of adversity than the nightmare world in which this man, and others equally brave, served and suffered for their country.

It's a long way from the fear and pain and squalor of a six-by-four cell in Hanoi to the Oval Office.

But if Senator McCain is elected president, that is the journey he will have made.

It's the journey of an upright and honorable man -- the kind of fellow whose name you will find on war memorials in small towns across this country, only he was among those who came home.

To the most powerful office on earth, he would bring the compassion that comes from having once been powerless ... the wisdom that comes even to the captives, by the grace of God ... the special confidence of those who have seen evil, and seen how evil is overcome. A fellow prisoner of war, a man named Tom Moe of Lancaster, Ohio, recalls looking through a pinhole in his cell door as Lieutenant Commander John McCain was led down the hallway, by the guards, day after day.

As the story is told, "When McCain shuffled back from torturous interrogations, he would turn toward Moe's door and flash a grin and thumbs up" -- as if to say, "We're going to pull through this." My fellow Americans, that is the kind of man America needs to see us through these next four years.

For a season, a gifted speaker can inspire with his words.

For a lifetime, John McCain has inspired with his deeds.

If character is the measure in this election ... and hope the theme ... and change the goal we share, then I ask you to join our cause. Join our cause and help America elect a great man as the next president of the United States.

Thank you all, and may God bless America.

Live Blogging Sara Palin's Big Night

2008-09-03T18:11:00.001-07:00

Who Needs To Be Vetted?

2008-09-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

"I'm the freaking Governor of Alaska. I didn't get there just by eating mooseburgers and popping out kids."

Grunion Run 2008

2008-09-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

We went to Santa Monica expecting or at least hoping for this,

Instead we got this,

For those keeping score, EJ and Karen caught two apiece, representing the Bears quite well while the Bruins caught zero.

EJ's Birthday Party Recap

2008-08-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

Bears everywhere! Well not every everywhere but a good sized sloth.
Drinks everywhere! "Drinken" most notably by Vanessa, Heather, and Austin.
Games! The usual games of strip racing and musical chairs made their appearance, both heavily contested giving the party a PG rating and resulting in one broken chair.
Debates! Politics were mentioned more than once but the loudest arguments were not political but were rather about whether men should be attending baby showers. More about that later.
Relationship stories! More on this later too.
Food! Tri-tip, lasagna, pancit, mashed potatoes, fruits, egg rolls, teriyaki chicken and more!
Goodtimes!

EJ's Birthday

2008-08-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hey, are we doing anything for EJ's birthday this weekend or does everybody already have plans for the long weekend? Should I just be asking what EJ wants to do? Or are there already plans and I'm not invited? That would seriously affect EJ's ranking.

Family Talk

2008-08-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

Lindsey: What kind of cousin is Oliver for not inviting us out to Vegas?
Me: Ummmm..... I hate being the one to break this to you but.... After your last "performance" in Vegas, I don't think any of the cousins outside of Vanessa will be inviting you out to Vegas with them.

Belated Happy Birthday Oliver!

2008-08-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

I hear Oliver celebrated this year's birthday in Las Vegas with Mehran among others. Hopefully, no aliases were needed.

Grunion Run

2008-08-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

We are planning on going on Sunday August 31st. I think its scheduled to be around 1020pm-1220am. We are thinking either Santa Monica or Huntington Beach. Let me know if your interested in coming out.

#89

2008-08-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

Joni and Karen have finally found a place to move into. Stay tuned for details about an apartment warming party.

2nd Fonacier Family Reunion

2008-08-11T14:46:00.001-07:00

By most accounts it was better than the 1st. I'll see if I can get my hands on some pics later on. For now you can visit Austin's blog for a few of the pics.

UPDATE: More pics courtesy of Annette.

UPDATE II: Memories of 2008 Fonacier Family Reunion:

Nazi Park Rangers
Jayden and Cedric quitting football on the second series of the game while the younger Noah played all the way through.
Football, Softball, and Volleyball.
Hitting Roland with water balloons.
Continuing the family reunion over drinks at The Slidebar.
Getting to know cousins (Joy, Dean, Roxanne, Fahren(sp?), and Brian) and their significant others (Joe, Carla, Julio(?), and Ramon(sp?)).
Being constantly shouted at to listen by Roxanne and Fahren as they drunkenly tried to recreate a family tree by reciting names I've never heard of in a failed attempt to find out how exactly we were related - I'm pretty sure we're 3rd cousins.
EJ, Lindsey, and I "admiring" the patronage at The Slidebar and marveling at the bar's popularity.

By most accounts it was a better family reunion experience especially since we actually met "new family" this time around.

UPDATE III: I looked it up myself and found out that Joy and Brian are our 3rd cousins, once removed. In other words, our 3rd Great Uncle (Jose Mendez Fonacier) is their Great Grandfather.

Not exactly sure where the other cousins; Roxanne, Fahren, and Dean fit because I can't find them on the family tree on Geni, but if anyone does know or can find out, let us all know via comments.

Roland Update

2008-08-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

Spoke to Roland on the phone less than 2 hours ago and it appears that his time with the company he was working for has come to an end. I was a little bit unclear as to why and a search on Google didn't reveal much other than that they might be undergoing some sort of company reorganization. Right now, he and two of his friends (including Eric) are trying to figure out what to do next. He spoke about a possible, but somewhat undesirable, return to California.

How High Do Gas Prices Have To Be Before Anyone Does Something?

2008-08-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

Today Sen. McConnell offered several Unanimous Consent requests to lift the ban on deep-sea exploration. Democrats objected.

But it got worse!

He asked if Democrats would allow increased deep-sea exploration if the price of gas reached a national average of $4.50. Democrats objected.

He asked if Democrats would allow increased deep-sea exploration if the price of gas reached a national average of $5.00. Democrats objected.

He asked if Democrats would allow increased deep-sea exploration if the price of gas reached a national average of $7.50. Democrats objected.

He asked if Democrats would allow increased deep-sea exploration if the price of gas reached a national average of $10.00. Democrats objected.

The designated objector was Sen. Salazar of Colorado, for those who are interested.

Here's the video:

Wow!

2008-07-31T18:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, wow, wow! First heard about the trade on the car radio... immediately had to check the internet to see who they gave up hoping Matt Kemp was not part of the deal. A little sad to see Laroche go because I think he's got a bright future ahead of himself and the Dodgers are going to be in the market for a 3rd baseman after the season, but what a return!

Colletti has pulled off the coup of his GMing career, a trade for a future Hall of Fame slugger that immediately, and perhaps irrevocably, changes the look and feel of the heretofore gutless National League West. With Ramirez in Tinsletown, the Dodgers go from contenders to favorites, from clueless to clued-in. The kicker: It cost them next to nothing to get there.

Ramirez to L.A. is all upside for the Dodgers. Even if Manny reverts to being the Bad Manny... all the Dodgers have to do is bench the guy. Or release him. They're not paying him a dime. (The Red Sox, in their haste to wash their hands of Bad Manny, are picking up the $7 million remaining on his 2008 salary.)

With Ramirez in the lineup, the Dodgers don't have to worry about handing out playing time to Andruw Jones or Juan Pierre, two of Colletti's more expensive and most noticeable flops. With Ramirez clobbering home runs, even in spacious Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers -- 15th in the 16-team NL in homers -- now have a legitimate bat to go with emerging sluggers Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier and still-capable veteran second baseman Jeff Kent.

Moving Tools

2008-07-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

Austin just informed me that he's considering - not seriously, just giving it a little bit of thought - moving into a loft in the NoHo Arts District. From our little chat it seems that walkability at night and a young neighborhood is important to him. Anyway, our little chat brought back to mind a couple of interesting and useful sites for anyone considering a move into a different neighborhood. And they are,

Walk Score:
Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live. Walk Score calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. Walk Score measures how easy it is to live a car-lite lifestyle—not how pretty the area is for walking.

And,

ZIPskinny:
This site was created as a Web development "hobby" project using Census 2000 data obtained from the Census website.

The site provides an interesting "first glance" at a ZIP Code area, but it should only be seen as that -- a first glance. It is not a substitute for the more thorough research you should do prior to making decisions about relocating to or conducting business in a particular location.

Comic-Con Pictures

2008-07-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

pics from the greatest weekend in San Diego, CA

grouped by category, not necessarily in chronological order... had to let my inner nerd out, first time at Comic-Con and it was awesome!

Comi-Con pt 1 (Hotel & Gaslamp)

Comic-Con pt 2 (Exhibition Hall)

Comic-Con pt 3 (More Exhibition Hall)

... and what you really wanted to see
Comic-Con pt 4 (Costumed Characters)

5 Point Something

2008-07-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hardly worth mentioning. See the difference it made for yourself.

Before the earthquake,

After the earthquake,

If you tilt your head ever so slightly when viewing one of the above pics but not the other, you may notice the slight tilt the earthquake caused.

I am happy to report that no bobbleheads were hurt this time around.

0-12 Never Looked So Good

2008-07-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

UPDATED: Now bigger and better.

Keep in mind this was taken after we completed the winless season.

And two, more sillier pics.

It's enough to make one wonder how much more happier we could have possibly been had we actually won a game.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

I loved it. I was so ready to play the contrarian (although I suppose if I wanted to do that I shouldn't have gone and seen the movie in the first place) and absolutely pan all the hype, but it won me over. This movie is so good on so many levels that it needs to win multiple Oscars.

Of course, what struck me hardest about this film and makes me continue to think about it is that it is absolutely a film about the war against terrorism. There are thinly veiled references to torture of detainees, wiretapping, subverting the judicial process, and the public outcry against the war. Heck, The Joker is explicitly referred to as a terrorist probably just to make things clear to those unwilling to look past the veil.

Anyway, what I want to know is, did any of my cousins see the film through the same prism I did? If so, did it change your views or did it reinforce your views on how we should fight terrorism? Also, did your political bias (assuming you have one) make you hate the movie or make you love it?

Fonacier Family Reunion 2008

2008-07-28T08:18:00.001-07:00

I'm a little confused here, which day is the Fonacier Family Reunion 2008 on? I have it marked on the Family Calendar as it being on August 9. But after a talk with Melanie, I became confused as to whether or not I got the date right. So please clarify.

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