China - Day 2

The day started out with a trip to the fabric market.

Anything you could possibly want that has to do with clothes is there. We went cause I wanted some nice tailored shirts. It was pretty fun. We got to pick the fabric, style, collar. I thought about getting 'Pup' monogrammed on my shirts, but I thought that might've been too much. I was excited to get some tailored dress shirts. Not just because that's awesome, but due to my giant head, I have a giant neck. So the shirts that fits my neck are usually for huge dudes. None of my shirts really fit. Not yet anyway.

We got fitted for the shirts, we were told to come back next week. When we were walking out, I noticed that you can get anything tailored there. There were jackets and coats. It was pretty smooth. I may have to get a tailored trench coat next time.

Off we went to meet up with some friends for dinner. We ordered this Chinese yellow wine. It wasn't all that, but we did get to pick the shot glasses that we drank from. I think this is a great idea. American restaurants, take note. Let the customers pick their own mugs and shot glasses.

Guess which one I chose?

After dinner we went to a bar that was close by. Nothing worth mentioning there. It was an average American-ish bar. The locals were talking about how there are all these seedy bars next door. They involved girls dancing on poles. It wasn't my idea, but I wasn't resisting either. We picked one out and went in.

For all that build up, it really wasn't all that interesting. I'm generally not interested in those type of places, but this one really just didn't do it. Sure, there was a girl dancing, and there was a pole nearby, but it was totally clean. There're dirtier girls on tour with Hannah Montana.

On we go to another bar where we were meeting more people. When we got to the club, the other group said they were going to be late, so we went to a nearby dive bar to wait. Pool was played, but nothing too interesting. There was this white dude at the bar by himself. Well, for a few minutes anyway, then he was swarmed by 5 Asian chicks. Things sure work differently there. That dude couldn't get the time of day around here. It's all about location folks.

We eventually headed over to the club. It was like any crowded club. Of course you all know I can get snobby on club music, but seriously, the DJ sucked. I totally should've taken over. There was me drinking till the bartender knew my name, and dancing with people from the other group, one who was actually quite cute. I showed her some of my salsa moves (I don't have any salsa moves except things I picked up from 'So you think you can dance', but it seemed to work). She invited us out for salsa dancing next week, but alas, we were going to Beijing.

After a while, the place was getting too packed so we took off and headed home.

China - Day 1

It would be silly for me to tell you all the details of the trip. If you wanted that, you should've came along. That and I can hardly remember what happened earlier today. So I'm just going to tell you the highlights of what I remember.

14 hour flight to Shanghai. Nothing exciting there. Oh, I take that back. For our flight, we flew over Alaska and Siberia. Kinda like how the original Native Americans walked here. It was quite a sight. It was like looking at another planet. The terrain was so strange and white. I bet it was pretty messed up having to walk that in the winter. I stared out at that vastness quite a bit during the flight. I'm sure I didn't make any friends on the flight letting all that light in.

KO's sister picked us up from the airport. We went to her apt to drop our stuff off. We went straight to meet her friends for dinner then on to a very cool bar.

Shanghai was not a particularly interesting city from what I saw so far. It was like going to NYC or any other large city. Full of stores, people, and lots of taxi's. Funny thing about Shanghai, there are so many ex-Pats there. I mean a LOT. I think I see less white people when I'm in NYC. Most people spoke English too, so this was not really the experience I was looking for so far.

Things turned for the better when we went to Mokko's. It's a very small Japanese bar that served Sochu exclusively (a stronger form of Sake). I just drank and drank. It was so good. Even though my tolerance has dropped in recent weeks, it was still much higher than most of the people that was there. Jet lag my ass. It's drinking time.

My favorite part of the bar has to be the bartenders. They were very cool. Japanese people who speaks Chinese and a little English. Oh, don't get me started on how everyone in the world can speak multiple languages but here in the US. What the hell people. Anyway, for some reason, the bartenders almost seem anime-ish to me. All three had very distinctive cartoonish features. This is probably just the alcohol talking though.

So this is a very small hole in the wall Japanese bar in China. What kind of music do you think they played in the bar? That's right. Reggae. It was bloody brilliant. When the bartenders weren't working, they were just swaying and grooving. It was so awesome.

Here's a photo taken by a friend of the bottles of Sochu. They said they had about 150 different types. They can't import them so they fly back to Japan once every 3 months and bring them back. Can't beat that for service.

After the bar, we found a place that was serving meat on a stick. You know how much I love meat on a stick after a night of drinking. Little did I know, stuff on sticks is how they serve the majority of their food here.

Good time was had by all.

I'm back..... sort of

You may or maynot know, I've been in China the last couple of weeks. Trying to not get myself arrested by the secret police or die by the horrible pollution. Now I'm back trying to claw my way out of the absolutly idiotic amount of work that I have at work.

I'm so over this working thing. I was just starting to relax on the vacation too. Bam, back in this hell hole.

Well, if I get some time, I'll post about the trip and lots of photos (I took 557!)

One night in NYC - Part 3

The train soon came to a squeaking stop. As expected, there wasn’t anyone on the train tonight. I was looking around at all the ‘Learn English’ ads that were covering the train. I still had a big goofy grin on my face. Inside, I was quite conflicted. I knew the night was about to end. Emma would get to her stop and leave. I couldn’t bare that thought right now as she sat next to me with her arm wrapped between mine once again.

We chatted about what we had to do tomorrow. That conversation was pretty short as neither of us really wanted to face that reality. For me, anything that involved Emma not being around my arm is a reality I didn’t want to face. My clients are the last things on my mind right now. The thoughts of suddenly coming down with something was a very fesible scenario in my mind.

I wanted to enjoy the now as they always say to do, but it’s so hard not to think what’s going to happen in a few minutes. When we talked, I couldn’t help looking at her. Not that it hasn’t already happened, but I wanted to make sure the image of her is firmly imprinted in my mind. Her voice, her mannerisms. Who knows what the future holds, but I knew seeing Emma again may not be for certain.

The doors opened after the train came to a stop. The next stop was going to be Emma’s stop. I had another 5 stops before the train stopped by my hotel. As the train slowly closed its doors, I was dreading this ride to the next stop. For the first time tonight, our conversation had stopped. The only sound was the train running over the uneven tracks. The metal on metal squeaks as it makes its turn.

The train slowly began to stop. Instinctively, I stood up and got ready for the inevitable goodbye. The train came to a jerking stop and suddenly, the speaker came on in the train. The conductor’s voice rang out from the fuzzy speakers. ‘This is the last stop for this train. Service for this train will restart tomorrow morning. All passengers please exit the train.’
Oh crap. What do I do? I didn’t know this train stopped here. I guess I’ll have to find a cab or walk. In this cold night, walking doesn’t seem all too pleasant. Hopefully, there will be cabs. You know, for there being so many cabs in New York City, I seem to always have trouble getting one. I don’t know it’s the areas I’m in or maybe it’s just me. Getting a cab in New York City is not a skill I’ve become proficient in.

As we walked out of the train station, Emma mentions that there are usually a couple of cabs by the train stop. She mentioned that her apt was very close as well. We got back to the street level and the temperature had significantly dropped and the wind has picked up. It was now getting unbearably cold with the wind tunnels the large surrounding buildings create. Looking around, there were not cabs to be found. Of course. I almost expected that with my luck with cabs. Actually, there was really nothing around anywhere for that matter.

I was beginning to get a little concerned. Not only because of the lack of transportation home, but I also really have to use the restroom. The cold is really not helping with this. After looking around the block for a few minutes, Emma decided it might be best if we waited at her place and call for a cab. I jumped on that idea for all kinds of reasons, but right now, it was all about the bathroom.

We walked a few blocks from the train station and she started walking up to the building with the small red door. She opened the door and we walked up a couple floors of stairs before stopping at the door with a faded 3C imprinted.

“I don’t know if I mentioned this, but I have 2 roommates” Emma commented as she opened the door. As we walked in, the small apartment looked as if it had been ransacked by pirates. “And they’re not the neatest people in the world” she said with a little bit of embarrassment. The room was filled with an assortment of bottles and magazines. There was some food on the table. It seems someone was doing some entertaining tonight.

“I’ve got a number for a cab in my room, hold on a sec. Oh, and the bathroom’s the door to the right”. I said thanks and rushed to the bathroom. Before I got to the bathroom, I heard a large moan followed by “Why are you in my bed?!” I really wanted to see what’s going on, but the bathroom had to come first.

When I came back out to the living room, Emma was looking a bit upset. She said that Steve is in her bed with a girl because their other roommate was in their room with another girl. This was obviously very upsetting to her and for good reasons. She handed me a business card with a taxi number on it and told me these guys are pretty reliable. They can probably be here in a few minutes.

I didn’t want to leave her in this state. She was obviously pretty upset with her roommates. The apartment was a wreck from the partying that was happening earlier tonight. Selfishly, I didn’t want a great night to be remembered with this ending. Also, I still didn’t want to leave her. Even with this crappy situation, she seems to be taking it a lot better than most people would. She was upset and frustrated, but not angry and unreasonable as most people would be. This was pretty refreshing to find a person that can stay calm like this.

I couldn’t think of anything to say. I wanted to be careful about what I was going to say in a situation like this. After all, I did just meet her earlier tonight. I wanted to be there for her, but not be creepy or overbearing, or something like that.

I tried to make light of the situation for a bit. Then in a half joking, half serious manner, I mentioned that she’s welcome to stay with me at the hotel. I did have a pretty posh room with a pull out sofa. Thank you rich clients. I expected her to smile and decline my offer right away, but instead she was silent. I was thinking this was either going to be bad or really bad.

Emma thought about it for a while. Even thinking she looked adorable. She looked out at the large windows that overlooked an empty parking lot then said “if you don’t mind. I can take the couch. I have a pretty early morning tomorrow so I can be out of your hair before you even get up.”

“Umm. Sure. Yea, great.” That was all I could get out of my mouth as an intense rush of excitement came flowing through my head. I wasn’t sure where this was going, but all I cared was that I would get to spend a little more time with her. I called the cab as she went back into her room to get some of her stuff.

She came back out in a few minutes with a small bag. Emma said with a smirk that she’s going to have to burn her sheets when she comes back and then she may burn theirs just for fun. The mood in the room seems to have lighten up a little. She went in the bathroom to grab a couple more things and we hurried downstairs as a cab started honking his horn.

One night in NYC - Part 2

The night was breezy and dark. The towering skyscrapers blocked out much of the moonlight. I’ve always wondered about that reputation that New York is the city that never sleeps. Perhaps it’s just the areas I’ve been in, but the city certainly shuts down, and for many parts of the city, quite early at that. Maybe I shouldn’t believe everything Will Smith says on his songs.

There were no businesses opened as Emma and I walked towards the train stop. Our path took us through a retail neighborhood with some fancy high end stores. ‘I have 3 of those at home!’ Emma pointed to the photo of an obviously expensive looking piece of jewelry. With just the street lights radiating above, that warm and contagious smile was clearly visible as she pointed to other items in the store.

Emma had stories for each thing she pointed out. Jokingly suggesting how she received each as a present or how she knew someone who had to purchase something for someone in a soap opera-ish situation. I was not about to be outdone by made up stories. This is one of my favorite pass times. Making up situations and stories in things I see around me. My favorite has always been doing this at the mall or at airports. Making up stories as to why someone is purchasing something or where someone is going and why. I’ve always enjoyed the stories, especially the made up variety. I think stories are what make memories worth while. The story is what makes an experience memorable. Even if it’s not true.

As we walked down the street, we started exchanging stories on the items in each store. Soon we were creating stories together on who buys these ridiculously expensive things. The conversation was fast and smooth. We were talking one after each other like we were telling a story to the cold empty city.

The night grew colder and windier as we walked past each city block. I was looking at a store window when I felt a nudge on my left arm. I turn to see Emma had wrapped her arms around mine to keep warm. When I saw her around my arms, no weather could have cool down my beating heart.

It was beginning to get pretty late in the night. We finally arrived at the train station and walked to the platform waiting for our train. There was only one other person waiting at this train stop. He was standing across the tracks with his head bopping to the sound of his music. The interesting thing is that he wasn’t listening to the music on headphones as everyone does. The person across the tracks was carrying an old school boom box. Wow, talk about a throw back thought to myself. I think the music may have even been coming from a cassette.

There were no train to be seen anywhere. At least there was a sound track for this moment now. The music was some nice trance dance songs. Mostly beats. I wanted to yell more beats!, but didn’t think that was appropriate at the moment. I was thinking. A mostly deserted train station with blaring beats. Can’t beat that.

Our arms were still locked together. Even though it wasn’t windy in the subway, the temperature continued to drop as we stood waiting. Our bodies were naturally swaying to the music. Even though we couldn’t really hear the music all that well, the beats were coming through loud and clear. Suddenly, the song that was playing ended and silence took over the platform.

During this time standing on the platform, a million things were racing through my head. It was all about what do I do? This is the first time I’ve met Emma, but she’s so wonderful. Should I be doing something? Should I just let it be and see? I don’t want to do anything stupid, but I also didn’t want to not take a chance. I am definitely not the best judge on this type of situations as my history will tell you. No situation is too good or easy for me to screw up. There were plenty of scenarios and thoughts racing through my head as to what would happen if I did or did not do anything.

Right when I was in the middle of another ‘what to do’ thought, I heard music coming back from across the tracks. This time it wasn’t the beats that we were hearing before. I could hear horns, brass to be exact. After a few measures, it was obvious that it was a very familiar jazz song. The song began with a loud fanfare, but then settled into a nice smooth groove.

I wasn’t sure what was going through my head. I think the adrenaline had taken over as I fought every nervous impulse in my body. I took a deep breath, and I loosen the lock on our arm. I turned our bodies around so we were facing each other in a swift motion. I put my arms around her waist and began moving to the music. She was expectedly a little surprised by the move, but without missing a beat, she moved along side to the music.

I was terrified to look down to see her reaction. There’re a number of reactions going through my head. This could easily go from a good night out situation up to this point to super creepy. I figured I should look to see if I needed to stop and get totally embarrassed. I looked down to see her face. I felt my heart was about to jump out of my body.

My eyes were met with a big grin on her face. What a relief. Not enough to slow my pounding heart, but I was so glad. After I saw her reaction, I reached for her hand moved her around our little dance square. A couple of spins were involved and more dancing ensued. A silly grin was permanently planted on my face as we moved around and laughed at ourselves. We danced for what seemed like an eternality. This was a moment I never wanted to end, but the music began fading out as the sound of the train grew louder.

To be Continued….

One night in NYC

It’s another business trip to New York City. This crowed metropolis is filled with people. Yet I come in and out of the city, each time always seeing the same people and never once meeting anyone new. If you think about it, that’s pretty statistically difficult to do. Just standing in the middle of the city, you’re bound to meet someone. Talk to someone. Nope, never in my case.

I think there’s a cheesy song somewhere out there that says you’re never as lonely as when you’re in a room full of people. The ‘room’ couldn’t be more full standing in time square of New York City.

I was more excited about this trip than usual. Unlike the in and out trips of airport, meetings, then straight back to the airport trips I usually have, I was going to meet up with some friends in the city. They told me a friend was going to join us. She had recently moved to the city and wanted to visit new places whenever she could.

I flew in on my usual flight into LaGuardia. I take the trip enough the stewardess has begun to recognize me. More importantly, they’ve started to remember my Jack and Coke. Now that’s service. The flight was uneventful and I grabbed a cab heading into the city.

After I checked in and unpacked my luggage, I was ready to go. I was excited to see my friends and also starving. We decided on a place to meet and I was on my way. One of my crowning achievements last year was figuring out how to use the subway system in NYC. I’m very proud of this. I get lost a lot, and this is huge for me. I’m now totally versed in getting around using the subway which I’m always strangely excited about when I’m in town.

So I get to the restaurant and got a table for 4. It seems that they haven’t gotten there yet. The restaurant was a nice little Thai restaurant. It had very nice décor and a unique fountain/pool in the middle of the restaurant. There was a sky light over the pool which reflected the moon light that night throughout the restaurant.

I was looking at the menu and when I looked up, they were walking through the door. I jumped up and waved wildly at them from the table. Mostly because I could hardly contain my excitement, but also excited I was about to eat. Did I mention I’ve been starving? They waved back wildly and walked toward the table.

Audrey was the first to greet me with a big squeezing hug. She was a hugger. I’m very particular to my touching. I don’t generally like touching people or being touched by people for that matter, but people I like, that’s a whole different story. I always enjoy hugs from Audrey. I greeted Tom as he came up behind Audrey. I met Tom and Audrey randomly on a trip to the city a few years ago. We hit it off pretty quick during that totally random meeting and have since become pretty good friends. I make it a point to see them whenever I’m in town.

Tom introduced me to Emma who was standing behind them. I was extending my hand to her when she made the move and hugged me. I generally get a little squeamish feeling when someone does that, not because of the person, just a reflex. I don’t know what it was, perhaps her smell, or maybe the feeling, but it felt comfortable and familiar like the first hug with Audrey.

We sat down and started talking. Even though we only see each other once every couple of months, our conversations are always fun and never ending. There’s never a lack of things to talk about. We jump topics from our daily lives, to politics to zombies to plans for making the worst movie ever (road trip time!). Even though Emma was relatively new to us, she fit right in. She was charming and witty. She enjoyed the same things as we did and had no problem participating in the conversation. Being able to speak on zombies and politics, now these are qualities difficult to come by.

I snuck in a few looks at Emma during dinner. I don’t know if it was the drinks or the moon light reflecting off the pool, but she was simply radiant. She had gorgeous eyes and her smile was contagious. When she smiled at you, words could not describe that feeling. You just know you need to see it again.

The dinner was wonderful and we had a few drinks that were also delicious. We finished up dinner and decided to go to a near by bar. There were a few more beverages consumed and some darts were thrown. Unfortunately for the floor, the darts were not always aimed at the board. It was a great night and we were all feeling pretty good after the drinks. Sadly, it was still a Tuesday and everyone had things to do the next day. Stupid jobs.

Audrey and Tom were heading south to catch the train while Emma and I were headed east to catch another train. My hotel and her place were in the general direction. We said our goodbyes. Some words were slurred, hugs were given, then Emma and I were on our way home.

To be Continued…

One Step Closer..

to Zombie Uprising...

"US scientists have taken a major step toward creating the first ever artificial life form by synthetically reproducing the DNA of a bacteria, according to a study published Thursday.

The move, which comes after five years of research, is seen as the penultimate stage in the endeavour to create an artificial life form based entirely on a man-made DNA genome -- something which has tantalised scientists and sci-fi writers for years...."

Not that I'm complaining. I've been practicing plenty on resident evil so I know how to shoot zombies in the head. If you were a zombie, I'd shoot you in the head. You're welcome.

I read the 'zombie survival handbook' every night and practice getting out of the house in under 5min with Pup and gear. Oh, I'm ready.

I just like pointing out all these things going on in the world that are all stepping stones to the inevitable. Oh, they all have good reasons. For example, this US team "...has hailed artificial life forms as a potential remedy to illness and global warming. "

Another team that is working on prolonging life even after being brain dead is looking to preserve organs so they can be transferred more safely and for longer trips.

All worthy and good reasons for the research. But you all know how this story's gonna end. :)

I’m just saying

Not that I’ve thoroughly read this report, but “A study by two nonprofit journalism organizations found that President Bush and top administration officials issued hundreds of false statements about the national security threat from Iraq in the two years following the 2001 terrorist attacks.”

“The study counted 935 false statements in the two-year period. It found that in speeches, briefings, interviews and other venues, Bush and administration officials stated unequivocally on at least 532 occasions that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction or was trying to produce or obtain them or had links to al-Qaida or both….”

“Bush led with 259 false statements, 231 about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and 28 about Iraq's links to al-Qaida, the study found…..”

So the last president almost got impeached for telling 1 false statement. About a blow job. Which didn’t result in much besides a dry cleaning bill.

This president had 259 false statements that lead the country into war with so many people getting killed (military and civilian), having a record deficit, our economy in a wreck, and no internal issues being addressed.

Where’s the call to do something about this president?

See what happens when you don’t care about politics and don’t vote.


Source

Ramblings on a 6 hour flight

Once again, I’m sitting here on the plane. Another trip across the country.

Seven hours is a long time to be spending on flight. Lucky for me, the flight isn’t very full so I have 2 seats to my self. That is alright by me.

Sitting here in the near darkness. With only the glow of the screen. You can’t help but think about things.

For example, I’m wondering what everyone else is thinking. I know what the guy behind me is thinking. Turn off that damn screen!

Wonder where these people are all going? Home after a very long holiday? Traveling to exotic locations? Trying to leave behind a broken life and starting a new one in a place no one knows their name?

Wow, I’ve totally got nothing.

Work’s been very stressful lately. Along with that, things haven’t been going that well lately in general. Not that there’s anything bad, just that there’s nothing good. I was by myself on Christmas eve and New Years eve. I had plenty of invites to go places. I just didn’t want to be anywhere else.

What did really cheer me up lately was finding this band called ‘West End Girls’. They’re a female Swedish duo that does covers of Pet Shop Boy songs. They put big dance beats behind all the songs too which is fantastic. This stuff is so candy pop it hurts my teeth when I listen to them. I think I may have to buy their CD from Sweden.

I know women are not Pet Shop Boy’s target audience, but it’s odd that I’ve never met another female PSB fan other than my sister.

Moving on. Yep. More ramblings.

Man, I wish I could move to Seattle. I think I would really like that. I say this cause they’re showing a thing on Seattle on the TV. That and I've wanted to move there since high school.

You now how I know I’m tired? I’m too tired to write those political posts. I have quite a few posts that I want to write about, but I tell ya. My brain’s got nothing lately. I mean come on, read this post. Oh.. yea, you already are.

Sucka…

You know what I was thinking about? I think I only know of 1 married couple that doesn’t have kids. I’m very curious about this. Why are so many people having kids lately? According to the government, there has been a 4% jump in kids lately. With the country in such a mess with a coming recession, the never ending and bankrupting war, losing of civil liberties, climate change, unrest around the world, why are all these people bringing a child into the world?

This is one theory of mine. Things are so bad out there. No one really wants to deal with it or think about it. Therefore, what they do is have a baby. A baby is the perfect excuse to never pay attention to anything else for the next 18 or so years. You world now revolves around the baby. You’ve created your own little world. All that matters to you now is the child.

Not that I’m saying putting your child first is a bad thing. I’m just wondering why so many people are deciding to have kids now. I think the escapisam that comes with the child is a good reason. If anyone has a better theory, please let me know.

This is good. The writing’s coming a little easier.

Oh, this is a sign things are too stressful at work. Last night when I was typing, my arm was in serious pain. It felt numb and all my fingers hurt. Yup, carpotunnel (sp?). I know. Totally bad.

Oh, it looks like we’re about to land so I guess I better turn this off…

Hopefully, I’ll have more to say or at least easier for to me to type on the trip back.

Hi, and you are?

I think I’m only at home for about 10 days this month. That’s fine with me. I haven’t traveled since the beginning of November. Worst thing is that I did have a few trips lined up. They were all just cancelled. That's neither here or there though. Moving on.

I don’t know why people complain about traveling. I guess if there was someone at home missing them I can see the reason. For me, not so much. So I try to travel as much as possible. I enjoy traveling on the company dollar. Pup enjoys being able to do whatever at the house too so it’s a win-win. I just have to remember to keep the liquor cabinet stocked and he’s fine.

Something made me think of this the other day when I was sitting at the hotel.

Back when I was in high school, my girlfriend then and I used to go to hotels around the city. We would pretend to be someone else. We had great names picked out and everything. Many times there were all these silly scenarios that were involved too. We generally didn’t check into a room (mainly cause we were too young to rent a room), but we would hang out and chat with travelers in the lounge areas and such. You would be amazed how fun that is.

I tell ya, finding someone that would do that with ya is damn near impossible.

I still do that sometimes when I travel. I would come up with an entire profile during the flight. A whole new persona. I sometimes travel with photos of my nephew and niece which I’ve made up numerous stories about. That always seems to get me in good with a certain population.

No one with photos of kids can be bad right? Ok, nevermind. That probably sounded creepy.

I don’t know why it is that I do this. Am I bored with who I am? Am I not living up to my own expectations? Is it just silliness? Is this just a mental disorder?

Who knows?

What I do know is that it used to be very fun when I had someone to do this kind of silliness with.

At the moment

I’m sure these will change within weeks, but just wanted to put down what some of my favorite things are at the moment.

Favorite restaurant (casual/fast) – Waffle House/Chipotle
Favorite restaurant (nice) – Fuego
Favorite bar – Brick Store / The Earl
Favorite song – Almost lover – A fine frenzy
Favorite movie (in theaters) – Juno
Favorite movie (rental) – Waitress
Favorite drink (non-alcoholic) – Bubble tea
Favorite drink (alcohol)– Jack D
Favorite shows (on TV) – Pushing Daisies, HIMYM, Big Bang Theory, Heroes, Meet the Press
Favorite show (anime) – Bleach, Naurto
Favorite sport (playing) – Ultimate
Favorite sport (watching) - Football
Thing most looking forward to in 08’ – Trip to China
Car I’m currently driving – Lucy (Prius)

2007 Year end wrap up

Yup, it’s time for another one of these.

The year started out quite well. There were a lot of good things happening for me both personally and professionally during the beginning of the year. The year was really starting out exactly how I would’ve wanted to start the year. There was a sense of excitement in the air.

Of course, as things often happen to me, it was all just a tease. It was probably not even after the first quarter of the year. Things just deteriorated and got increasingly worse. Pretty soon, I was too busy putting out fires rather than being able to plan ahead.

I had a trip in the middle of the year that I was really looking foward to. It was going to be my first getaway in quite a while and in a place that I hope I can move to eventually. That didn't turn out so good.

Next thing you know, the year was slipping past me.

I made for a big play at the beginning of the fourth quarter. I don’t know what I was thinking. It was a desperate move. I have been so upset with myself for putting myself in that position where there was a very unlikely success rate. I knew that. I still went for it in a moment of weakness. I am quite embarrassed that I would even try something like that when I know it's not really what I wanted. It's just pathetic. I hope I never do this again.

I’m still having problems with being old. I’ve probably mentioned this. It’s not the age that I have a problem with. It’s with the fact that I have no direction. No plan like I’ve had for the last few decades. I don’t know what the next step is. That pains me and puts me in a very uncomfortable place. I was really hoping to be able to develop a plan with someone that would involve us for the rest of our lives.

So here we are. End of the year. Objectively judging, this was a big waste of a year. Nothing happened that advanced anything. Only things I can see is mistakes after mistakes all year long. I had better not repeat this year in 2008.

Being goal oriented, here’re some things I will do /have planned this coming year:

Be in Summer league shape by the time Spring league begins
Finish revision of sci-fi Movie Script
Finish writing romantic comedy movie script
Don’t let the chances slip away. Take that chance, make something happen even if it doesn’t turn out
Do something new -personal skill-wise
Have a year that I would be proud of at the end of the year
Go out of the country - 2x if possible
Make a short term (2-3 year) plan by end of March


Here’s to a good year.

First Choice

I know this sounds a bit conceited and/or perhaps narcissistic, but I don’t think it’s that much to ask. Most everyone has at least one. Many people have many. I’m just looking for one.

What I’m asking is just to be someone’s first choice. When they think about a situation or maybe wanting to do something, is it so much to want them to think of me first?

That’s all I really want. I don’t think that’s smothering or anything stupid like that. I think it’s nice and the way it should be. You don’t have to do everything with the other person, but they should be your first thought when something comes up.

I want someone to think of me first when they get some good news. I want someone to think of me first when they have bad news to share. When you just want to chat aimlessly, I’d like to be that person that you go to.

I don’t get it. Am I that bad that I can’t make the tops list for anyone? Hell, I don’t think I make the top 5 list for anyone I know.

For once, I’d just like to be someone’s first choice.

A Pup-mas Party

This last Saturday, I finally got around to having another party at my place. I haven’t had one since I moved in about 15 months ago. The housewarming was 2 weeks from when I moved in. Then 15 months. For me, that’s quite a while to go without a party.

The party went very well from what I remembered. The food was great thanks to A who did most of the preparing. I did have my secret recipe that I stole from Jamie that got everyone drooling and begging for more. The oh so delicious bacon wrapped smokies in brown sugar. I’m telling you, those things are more addictive than crack. Like bacon wrapped crack. Mmmmm

The Wii was a big hit as expected. It’s games are easy to learn and with 4 controllers, that’s a good time for all.

But the good times weren’t just in the living room. No, the good times was in the dining room too where we were playing drinking roulette. In case you’ve never seen it, it’s a roulette wheel with 6 shot glasses. The numbers are spilt into the 6 shot glasses. If the ball lands in your shot glass number, you have to take the shot.

This is a very dangerous game. I don’t think I’ve ever played this without some major consequences. Luckily, I know which shot glasses to take now so I’m not taking the shots (for some reasons it never hits certain numbers).

The crowd wasn’t that big, about 15-20 people, but they did very well in the alcohol category. Through the night we finished:
1 bottle of Vodka
1 bottle of Jack
1 bottle of Tequila
½ bottle of Jager
½ bottle of Gin
about 16 beers

Not too shabby.

As expected, I don’t remember much about the end of the party. I’m not that responsible when it comes to partying at my house.

I am glad that everyone came out. My suburban friends, of course Tricia who I will never have a party without, and even my neighbors who turned out to be very fun. I know these parties are going to become more and more rare. Hopefully, this will get me through for another 15 months.

What would you choose?

I think I've posted this before, but in case I haven't.
Answer in the comments!

A spouse that was horribly ugly when people around and gorgeous when you’re alone,
Or
A spouse that was gorgeous when you’re with other people, but horribly ugly when you’re alone?

Your spouse gets into a car accident, would you rather
Their face be scarred and had to be reconstructed to something completely different,
Or,
Their body injured to the point where you have to help them move for the rest of their lives?

Your spouse be extremely nice and sweet to you, but nasty to everyone else
Or,
You spouse be nice and sweet to everyone else, but generally disagreeable to you?

You spouse be very attractive and openly flirts with everyone that she meets
Or,
You spouse be less attractive and is cold to everyone?

Be someone that was unable to sleep
Or,
Be someone that was unable to stay awake?

Your spouse never drinks and nags at you for drinking
Or
Your spouse that binges every weekend?

For Your Holiday Cheer

Check out Pup Elf!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1192909339

Good Call Award

This week’s Good Call award goes to the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Way to stand up after the extremist called for the execution of a teacher because she let a kid name their teddy bear Mohammed.

It’s one thing to be religious and to believe in the teachings of your lord. However, there is a point where you need to have common sense. Killing a person, who not only did not know this is such a sin, but also apologized profusely for her actions, would not put you or your believes in such good light. If your job is to spread the word of your God, this would be an example of how NOT to do it.

All you people that have called for this execution really need both an education and a job. I promise you anyone with an education and a job would not be out there in the streets demanding a teacher be killed. Imagine how silly that would look on your outlook calendar.

12-1pm – protest death of teacher.

Not that you would read this, but if you do, don’t be thinking that I’m hating on your religion or somehow making fun of your God and faith. No, I’m cool and respect that.

I am hating on you. Yea, YOU the person. The pathetic ignorant ass can’t get no job naïve worthless piece of crap. I hate you. Don’t make it out to anything bigger. No. You I hate. You. Just you. You are a waste. The you that I think isn’t worth to share the same air as the rest of the sensible population.

Anyway, good call to you Mr. President.

Topic.

Sex is like Money in terms of its relationship with happiness.
Having lots of it doesn't necessarily make you happy.
However, not having it would make things more difficult and less enjoyable.


Discuss.

You know you’re old when…

I was at Toys R Us tonight buying some toys for ‘Toys for Tots’. It’s my annual ‘I can’t buy toys for me anymore, but I still like buying toys trip’. I remember hearing on the radio that they especially needed toys for 10-12 yr olds.

When I was wandering around the store, I noticed that I was actually reading the labels on the toys to see what age certain toys are for. You know who does that? Old people. Old people who doesn’t know what’s going on.

I know you don’t think this seems like a big deal. It might even seem like a good thing that I don’t know what 10-12 yr olds play with. Well it’s not. It’s just more proof that I’m old.

The only thing that made me happy was the fact that I could buy any toy in the toy store. A kid can’t do that.

Question for you to ponder

If you can choose 3 people, and those 3 people would choose the person you would marry, and you cannot object to their decision, who are the 3 people you would choose?

Please answer in the comments.

Pup’s Movie Corner

Today we will review the movie Hitman

Based on a video game (sheese, can people not get any original ideas here? I’ve got a script that’s ready. You just need to ask.), Hitman is definitely targeting a specific group of audience with this movie. The target group that likes lots of people getting shot, fancy clothing, and a very hot Russian girl.

There’s really not much to this movie. If you’ve seen the Bourne Identity, this is pretty much the exact same movie. The Hitman does dress better than Bourne though.

I know this is really not much of a review, but there really isn’t that much that stands out in this movie. There’s nothing there that hasn’t been done, or seen.

I would hope that if you decide to go see this movie, you’re not thinking that it would challenge your mind or this is a movie that will change the world or that this would be an Oscar contender. If you get all those thoughts out of your head and just expect a movie with a lot of people getting shot in flashy ways and a gorgeous Russian girl, then I think you’ll have a good time.

Rating: 3 Paws (out of 5)

Pup’s Movie Corner

Today we will review the movie Beowulf.

Based on a just a poem (albeit quite long), Hollywood managed to make this into a full length movie. To make things more interesting, they made a good part of the movie fully CGI. While it was interesting watching part of the movie completely in CGI and almost like a game, I went to the theaters to watch a movie, not to watch the intro to a game.

The movie itself was fine. The plot was simple enough. Men can’t resist the hotness that is Angelina Jolie and they’re pretty much cursed forever. I’m not quite sure how they got a PG-13 rating on this. Not that I’m complaining, but there was a lot of nudity going on (don’t worry ladies, there is male nudity too). Even if it’s supposed to be digital nudity, it was still nudity.

So here’s my problem with the movie. It doesn’t have that much to do with the movie itself. I have more of a problem with the idea of Beowulf as a ‘hero’. For in my mind, he is no hero at all and that kinda ruins the movie for me.

Beowulf fought for personal glory. He fought for the sake for fighting. He fought so that his legend would grow, so that there would be stories told about him. Everything he did was about him wanting to be glorified and show off that he’s better than others.

I understand that this problem is strictly my own issue. Beowulf is just not my idea of a hero. Sounds silly but a hero is a hero because they didn’t want to be a hero in the first place. Heroes are people who are put in or fall into a difficult situation and they perform above and beyond themselves and what others would have done. Heroes only fight when necessary and fight for a purpose/goal greater than themselves. That is the definition of a hero and the complete opposite of Beowulf.

Given the choice, a hero would never have wanted to be a hero. That’s what makes them so great. They rise when they have to, when no one else would. They rise to protect. They fight when necessary, but only as a last resort.

Perhaps I’m being too critical about this. I think most people will enjoy Beowulf. It’s a fun movie to watch with a very interesting obvert use of CGI and good special effects. However, I regard my idea of a hero quite highly. Beowulf contradicts every idea I have for a hero and I believe I was too caught up on that to enjoy the movie.

Rating: 2 Paws (out of 5)

Look what I just got...

I was at Target going to get batteries, some birthday cards and a new bottle of Mr. Clean. I love that Mr. Clean. Have I ever told you? It doesn't work any better than any of the other products, but I sure do like using Mr. Clean. I think I feel better cause I think he's there cleaning with me. It's more fun when you and Mr. Clean are cleaning and singing to songs on the radio. Ok, that might be TMI..

Anyway.

So I walked by the electronic section and there it was. I didn't believe it when I first saw it. I thought it was just for display. Then I saw a lady come up and ask to buy one. I started freaking a bit. There was 2 left in the display case. I tried to be calm and pick out my birthday cards, but my mind was elsewhere. I kept staring at the case with the Wii.

What do I do? What do I do? As you may or may not know, I'm not good with randomly spending money. Not that this would be random, but it was not in the plans for today. I was there for batteries, cards, and Mr. Clean. All of which I had coupons for. That's right. Coupons. Suck it.

Then I saw another dreaded thing. A guy with his daughter going up to the counter and asking to buy the Wii. OMG. They're going to run out before my eyes. I have no time to make the decision.

I made an executive decision. I went over there very hesistently. I asked for the Wii. The sales guy gave me a nodd of approval and said 'right on'. He seriously said that. Strangely, that made me feel a lot better.

Now I'm sitting here with a Wii. Part of me wants to hold it and sell it (the cheapest price on Amazon is $383), but part of me wants to bust it out and start playing it.

I think you guys all think this is a no brainer, but it's not for me. I know what is probably the right decision, but it's hard to do it. You don't need to tell me I'm crazy.

Guess I'll go and think about it...

Weekend Update

This weekend, at the expense of the annual They Might be Giants concert that I always attend, End of fall season Ultimate tournament, and some good football time, I went to San Antonio to hang out with some friends and attend the wedding of an old college friend.

- I finally went and saw the Alamo this trip. It had been eluding me all these times when I’ve been down there. It was very interesting as I’m a big fan of historical war sites. At the site there was someone who told the story of what happened at the Alamo and a lot of the history leading to it. The legend behind the Alamo was definitely more glamorous than what had actually happened. For example, the battle only took 90min. It wasn’t days of holding the fort as many movies would lead you to believe.

- Went to happy hour with my friend’s wife’s coworkers. Nothing like starting to drink at 3:30pm. I should work for that company. I found out some very interesting thing about one of the coworkers that I’ve met a few times before. So this coworker, who is quite attractive, like turning head attractive, knows Pi to the 20th digit or something. She also has a Pi tattoo and graduated with a Physics degree. Seriously, when does that happen? The mix of beauty AND a Geek.

- Not everything’s bigger in Texas. I had some of the most pathetic pours of Jack and Cokes ever. Nashville still wins for the best pours. I don’t think they even put coke in my drinks.

- This was the 3rd totally secular wedding ceremony that I’ve ever been to. I love it so much more than the religious weddings. They actually talked about and focused on how much the bride and groom loved each other without having some diversion to God or something silly. Seriously, take a back seat today. This is their day, not yours. Back the fuck off. It’s not always about you. FYI, I make this comment to religious PEOPLE, not to the actual ‘God’ cause I’m sure he/sure would be cool about just sitting back during the ceremony and dancing to ‘I want you to want me’ during the reception.

- If I ever get married, I would like to do the whole Have Nagila thing. That is some fun stuff.

- I had one of the most delicious appetizers ever. It was potato strings that wrapped around a shrimp and lightly fried. It was crispy on the outside with a soft shrimp on the inside. Yum!

- Thumbs up to the bridesmaids at this wedding. They all danced a lot, and danced very well. Very awesome.

- Everyone went back to the hotel for the after party. Now that was fun. They brought back all the left over alcohol so we can now pour my own. Good times ensued.

- The second amazing woman I met during this trip. This woman was hilarious. She too was very geeky in that she talked a lot of video games. She named her cats from Harry Potter. Somehow we got to throwing signs with our hands. She was trying to show me how to do the Vulcan hand sign which I cannot do to save my life. Then it lead to gang signs, which I cannot do as well. She finally said ‘You can’t do geek or gang! I can’t work with this!!’

- This same woman is rail thin. However, she has one of the biggest appetites I’ve ever seen. I can’t even describe to you how much she ate during the after party. She talked about how she has to eat every couple of hours. Her friends all confirmed this and actually said that she’s eating a little less now. That is crazy. All I know is that she has a very understanding boyfriend cause he has to keep the fridge stocked and cook her food all the time. Funny enough they live only about 5 miles from me. I’ll definitely have to give them a call.

- This wedding concludes the 2007 wedding season for me. Later, I’ll write about the 2nd one that I went to where a real life Sgt Pepper marching band appeared after the wedding ceremony. It was something to see. Definitely in the tops list for things I’ve seen at a wedding.

What if...

The night was dark with only the moonlight to guide their way. The two rushed to stay in the shadows. They know there were not safe. They were being hunted. Every second away from the room meant being exposed in the open. They would be no match for their hunters. Running and hiding was the only way. They must reach the room. The room their only salvation.

The two rushed pass the abandoned building and into an alley. The surrounding buildings blocked the moonlight completely. The alley was so dark the two can no longer see each other. The two continued to walk down the alley, but unable to see, they let their hands be their guide. Feeling one brick at a time, moving as fast and as quietly as they can around the building. They know the others would not be impeded by something as trivial as darkness.

Scratch. In the darkness, her hand felt against a metal door. She breathed a quick sign of relief at the discovery of the door. Scratch. Scratch. He gently pushed open the rusty door to gain entrance. It was all still pitch dark. They were not sure this is the way, but anything is better than staying out there.

A flickering light lit the hallway of the room they entered. She may have cracked half a smile if she wasn’t so exhausted. This is the where they were headed for. This is where the room and their safety would be. He grabbed her hand and they rushed up the stairs. The moonlight shines down on them as they pass the windows. With each passing, their excitement built. They know they’re close. Close to the room.

They got off on the 7th floor and headed straight to room 251. They were finally there. Looking at a door never made anyone so happy. She took off her necklace and revealed a key that’s been around her neck. She fumbles to put the key into the lock. She finally managed to put in the key and with a quick flick of her wrist, nothing happened.

The key did not turn.

There were too many thoughts going through her head. She had to use every ounce of her will to not scream. She could not stop thinking, the key doesn’t work. The key doesn’t work.

It seemed like a life time had pass, but it wasn’t even half a second. Her mind was no longer useful, the shock of the key had taken over. Scratch. Almost instinctively, her hand turned the key the other way. The clicking sound of the door unlocking snapped her back to reality in an instant. The thoughts all instantly fade away as joy took over.

They arrived. In this room they knew they would be safe. They’ve made it.

“You’re safe now. I’m glad to be able to deliver you to the room without harm.”

“Thank you so much. He will be very happy to know what you have done for me. I owe you my..….”

He could not react fast enough as he watched her bloodied body fall slowly to the floor. He looked at her and he was unable to speak. He had failed her and he had failed him. He could only look out at the window where everything so suddenly ended.

A loud thud could be heard as he crashed through the door. There he saw a dozen men, all armed with bows pointing out a window. They didn’t even flinch at his deafening entrance. He had hoped they would notice, hoping they would focus on him. No, these men were professionals. They knew their job and nothing would sway them.

He tried to get to them, to stop them. He knew what they were aiming at. There just wasn’t enough time. Before he could make a move, he could hear the strings spring loose from their master’s grips. The arrows ready to deliver its one message to its target.

He knew. It was over. His dreams with her passed as quickly as the arrows reached their targets. There was nothing now. Nothing for him.

As quickly as the arrows were released, two men came swiftly through the door behind him. They knew too as soon as they entered the room. The assassins had done their job. They were too late and they had failed to protect her.

“I owe you my…”, she tried to finish her sentence but was interrupted as an arrow broke through the window with a loud crash. The first arrow found her heart with indiscriminate accuracy. The arrow was followed by a dozen of its friends as they all hit their targets. She fell slowly to the floor. Before darkness took over, she was able to look out the window. She saw him there. She knew he had tried as hard as he could, as did all his friends. All for her.

Scratch. Her sight was clouding over as the end drew closer. She looked out the window one last time. She saw the sadness in his eyes. She smiled one last time. Hoping that he would see. Hoping that he would see that she knew and appreciated everything.

His hand drew close to his weapon. There were no words to describe his feelings. He had lost the only thing worth protecting.

He muttered lowly, “Kill them. Kill them all.”

Finally...

After 12 years or so of playing Ultimate, I finally did 1 of the 2 rarest feats in all of Ultimate this last weekend. I'm not sure how it's actually spelled, but it's called a 'Callihand'. I know, me not knowing how to spell something. Big suprise.

A Callihand is when the other team has possession of the disc. Somehow the defender intercepts the disc and lands in the end zone. So basically, intercepting in the end zone for a score. This very rarely happens for a number of reasons. Too many actually for me to go into, but you can probably figure it out yourself.

We were playing a 3x3x1 zone and I was in the cup. It was a great pull that gave the cup time to set up. By the time we got there they still had the disc at the goal line. They swung the disc around a few times. The disc was going back to the center handler. It was a little high, but completely catchable. Just as he was about to grab it, a puff of air blew the disc up. He tipped the disc in the air instead of catching it.

We both jumped for the disc and I came down with the disc in the end zone.

Score.

Damn I'm smooth.


PS - The disc at the top is a disc design for the Vancouver ultimate league that I randomly played pick-up with when I was there earlier this year. Yes, I was randomly wander around Vancouver and found an Ultimate game. Geeky I know.

Rest in Peace Dear Cleo

I just go news that Cleo, with whom I lived with for a couple of years during grad school has passed due to brain cancer.

I’ll always remember you for being much bigger in life than you were in actual size. Your barks to greet me at the door were always welcomed and very much appreciated.

We’ll miss you Cleo.

This is why I'm not allowed to buy my nephew books anymore.

Who’s with me?!!!!!!

I just had 2 kick ass Halloween ideas from my dream last night.

Kick ass idea 1:
I need to get a small group of people, I’m thinking 8 to 12. This group will dress up like a scene in a horror movie. Perhaps half can be monsters and the other half victims, maybe some chainsaw yielding people, or maybe just all aliens. It’s open really, just need to have a theme.

The group will travel around town and hold a pose/ scene for a certain period of time. I’m thinking like 15 min max.

Ohhhh… that’d be so much fun and freaken awesome!!!

Kick ass idea 2:
You know how there was a thing with flash mobs a while ago? Where through IM/internet people are told to show up at a specific area and form a flash mob?

Same concept. Except it’s a flash ZOMBIE mob.

I don’t know how to get people involved in this flash mob thing, I’m not young and in the hip crowd. Wouldn’t it be totally awesome to have a bunch of zombie all showing up at one place? It’ll be just like the movies/10 years from now.

Flash zombie mob!!!!

OMG. Just thinking about it gets me excited.

Reason # 1,786 why I'm not going to do well being old.

As many of you know me knows this, I don’t do well with getting older. I'm not doing well now with it. I don't do well with everything about it. I just don’t do well with the whole concept.

Well now, I have even more reasons.

After months of nagging from many friends, I finally went to see the doctor. I’ve always known this, but to make it official is something else.

Whenever I go to a Target or Kroger I generally go try out the blood pressure machine. It started out just for fun, but I continued to do it every weekend when I went to the store. This has gone on for years. I’ve always thought there might have been something wrong with the machine. The readings were generally insanely high. Like ‘Your heart may explode right now’ high.

It’s never concerned me that much. I’m generally healthy. Sure I could lose a few pounds, but the ultimate keeps me in ok shape and I don't eat too badly (except for that whole peanut obession).

I see a doctor about every 5 years. Even that’s a stretch for me. Everytime they see me, they generally have a concern, but since I don’t see them for another 5 years and I’ve moved to another city, nothing ever happens.

For some reason, the last few tests concerned me. Not that it was any higher, just that it’s that high in the first place. I told a couple of friends, then the nagging started. Lots and lots of nagging.

Finally I gave in and went to see the doc this week. I don’t know if she was acting, but she seemed quite concerned. She put me on 2 blood pressure medicines right away. I’m going back next week. I may have a 3rd.

Nothing makes you feel older than having this thought.

“Hope I don’t forget to take my blood pressure medicine today.”


Getting old sucks.

That's what I want.

You watch The Office tonight?

You know how Pam and Jim are?

That's what I want. That's happy.

WHAT the Fuck is wrong with you people?!?

If there were ever a standard comparison among countries, something to measure and compare how well the countries of this world are doing, I would say currency comparison would be a good judge. How much each country's currency vales compares to another country's currency is probably the best that we have.

The US dollar used to be a great and strong currency that others compared to.

Today:
$1.41 US = 1 Euro - this is at an all time high
$2.01 US = 1 Pound - Also ridiculously high
$1.00 US = $1 CA - We should be quite embarassed about this. The Canadian dollar is worth the same as the US $ for the first time in about 30 years. It generally trades at $1 US = $1.5 CA.

For all you out there that doesn't care or think this is beyond you, this is a big deal. This affects our ability to buy stuff. This is a big reason why all the prices are going to go up.

This country is in Trillions of dollars of debt. You know who owns the majority of that debt? China and Saudi Arabia. How does that make you feel? We pay them billions of dollars a month just in interest.

China is not exactly a model citizen in this world. No one seems to care and no one is really able to stand up to them. Politican are either taking money from China or do not have the influence to do anything about it. Saudi Arabia is just as bad. We rely on them like a crackhead relies on a dealer. They're also not exactly our BFFs.

Yet, we pay them billions of dollars in interest. Can you be sure what they do with all that money?

This is the latest news. Dubai is about to buy a 20% stake in the NASDAQ. While financially it's not THAT consequental, symbolically it really is.

The Iraq war has cost this country over $450 Billion dollars and we're no where near done. Do you know what you could have done with $450 Billion dollars? Let me tell you.

For starters, the annual budgets of the National Science Foundation and the National Cancer Institute are $6 billion and $5 billion, respectively, the $1 trillion war cost is equivalent to 170 NSFs and 200 NCIs. Now I'm not positive as to what putting 170X more science can do, or 22X more cancer reserach can do, but I'm willing to bet, we'd be getting something more back then this war.

What do you think kills more people in the US and the world? Cancer or terrorism?

If they just mail every american a check, each of us would get a $3000 check. How's that for boosting the economy? If the money was spent in an even more ecumenical way and a global mailing list was available, the Treasury could have sent a check for more than $150 to every human being on earth. The lives of millions of children, who die from nothing more serious than measles, tetanus, respiratory infections and diarrhea, could be saved, since these illnesses can be prevented by $2 vaccines, $1 worth of antibiotics, or a 10-cent dose of oral rehydration salts as well as the main but still very far from prohibitive cost of people to administer the programs.

You could have made this country into one that the rest of the world would be envious of. This could have paid for universal health care, rebuilt New Orleans, provided funds for the country's infrastructure, and most importantly, keep this country a super power on the world stage.

But No. You did not decide to go this way. All you scared little ignorant self absorbed bitches who were crying for war. All of you had better not complain when they come take your fucking house. You did this. You did this to us. This is ALL your fucking fault.

Your poor judgement lead us into a war. Your rash reactions, your insights of stupidity. You may not have made the original terrorists, but you are now making the new generation of them. You are the ones that are nurturing them. You are allowing this to happen.

Wake the fuck up people, this country is in a LOT of trouble. We as a country have a lot of problems. We are NOT doing well.

Human Tetris Game Show

Why don't we have awesome shows like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZWHaor6LOU

Expectations

I fly a lot for my job. Once a week, or at least one every couple of weeks, I pack my bags and head off to the airport to travel around the country. To an extent, I see flying as a very common thing. It’s really not a big deal for me to have to fly.

Often times, I get a little annoyed at the people that are slow at security, or doesn’t know where to go or when to get on the plane. I used to wonder, what’s wrong with them, this is so simple.

On my flight out to Vegas last week, I sat next to a couple from Georgia. They said they’ve never been so far out west before and that this will be their first time traveling flying away from home. They had just retired and they were spending a week in Vegas. They were going to rent a car and drive to the border to say that they’ve been in California.

Just imagine. They're in their mid-60s and they've never left the south! Never seen the Pacific. There has been several times when I've seen the Atlantic and Pacific ocean in the same week.

I didn’t really think much about it at the time, but then something dawned on me later. I shouldn’t have been as shocked at this couple as I was. There are probably a lot of people out there that are in the same boat as this couple. They are probably more the norm than I think. People who live their lives in one general area and never traveled around. While that seems very strange to me, my idea of things are probably skewed.

This lead me to think about some of my other ideals. I wonder what else I think is/should be usual or something simple that really is not for other people. Is working a 12 hour day and then wanting to go out not the norm? Is it not a normal expectation that people not get tired? Is preparing for a zombie uprising not something everyone does?

I know this gets me into trouble. I have theses ‘expectations’ or ideas about things and how things should be. Naturally, they’re not always as I think. I know it shouldn't but when things are happening as I think they should be, it greatly upsets/surprises me.

I guess knowing is half the battle.

In light of 9/11

A great commentary from Olbermann:

http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=3260355f-9c9d-4e98-a478-496e9996d074&f=00&fg=copy

The terrorist caused a sensational act of destruction on 9/11 in 2001 which lead to an unity within this country and around the world. A real leader would have taken this unity and made not only the United States a stronger country and one that would be the shinning example of democracy, but that would also fight terrorism at the root of the problem which is not any group of people, but an ideal.

As we all know, this was not the path that we took. We do not have a good leader. This was not the way that the president saw fit to solve the problem. Like an immature child, the president and his war hawks seek to solve this problem only through force and war. This is exactly what the terrorists wanted. Six years later, the terrorists are winning because we are still in this battle.

The terrorists have nothing to live for other than war. Without the identity of war, without an ability to die as a martyr, they have nothing. By being in this war, we give them the oxygen they need to live, we give them the reason to grow, and we are the ones that give them their reason to die.

The United States in involved in a war that it cannot get out of. Instead of having the strong democratic government with checks and balances that this country has worked so hard to build and ask others to follow, we have an out of control executive branch that is corroding everything the constitution stands for. No longer are we the country that a developing country would look to as an example of what they would like to become. Instead of teaching other what is best and what to be like, we've become the shinning example of what not to be like and how not to run a government.

Make no doubts, this country is in a state of disarray. This is not the time for foolish pride and chants of 'We're #1, We're #1'. We need to recognize that this country has been falsely lead into a war that is draining all our resources. The leaders of this country are wasting our money on war and at the same time ignoring and under funding everything that has made this country great such as education, science, arts, medicine, research, humanitarian efforts, etc.

Internally, the country's infrastructure has been way under funded. Our education system has terrible needs that really need attention. Health care is out of control. Everyday, the wealth gap grows further and further. These are the kind of things that rots a country from within. These are major problems that takes generations to fix.

Internationally, we continue to fall behind on everything. The dollar's at an all time low vs. the Euro and the pound. Other countries are producing more scientific research, more highly educated people, and even healthier people than us (there are 40 nations that has higher average life spans than the US).

All because we are all focused on this 'terrorism'.

How much worse does things have to get before we realize that battling 'terrorism' and being in a war is what the terrorist wants. We are helping them by being in the war. At the same time, we are ignoring the biggest reason why the terrorists want to fight us in the first place. Our biggest beam of light. Our democracy and freedoms. Our ability to help those in need.

This president is ignoring and eroding all the good things about this country with fascist programs like surveillance of the public and everything having to do with Patriot Act. An act that couldn’t be more against what this country stands for. The president has the same mentality as the terrorist who thinks anything can be achieved through force. The president is making us more like the people we fight every day. Soon, we will be nothing but an empty war machines that doesn’t know anything other way of life.

Something needs to change, and it needs to change soon. The longer this goes on, the deeper the hole we will be digging ourselves. We are already losing our status as the best country in the world. Let’s not lose our status as a relevant country in the world. It’s not improbable. The way we’re going, it will happen.

Good night, and good luck.

Vegas, Vegas, Vegas!

You guys know the drill.

Yada Yada.. Going to Vegas.

Yada Yada.. Need numbers from you to play roulette.

Yada Yada.. Big Money... Big Prizes... No Whammies!!

Survey Survey Survey

Because I’m a sucker for this kind of thing.

1. What time is it? 10:06am
2. What's your full name? Pupbert
3. What are you most afraid of? Being unprepared for a zombie uprising.
4. What is the most recent movie that you have seen in a Theater? Stardust. Go see it!
5. What color are your socks right now? I almost never wear socks.
6. Favorite food? Pork Chops, Bacon, tofu, BBQ
7. Ever dyed your hair, if so what color? Yes. Red.
8. Ever been to Alaska? No. On my list.
9. Ever been toilet paper rolling? Yup. Lesson learned? Don’t take T with you.
10. What are you listening to right now? Regina Spektor
11. Been in a car accident? Yes. 4 to be exact. Only 1 my fault.
12. Croutons or bacon bits? Bacon of course.
13. Favorite day of the week? Thursday
14. If you were a crayon what color would you be? Green
15. Favorite sport to play? Ultimate Frisbee
16. Favorite sport to watch? Football
17. Favorite drink? Jack and Coke, Sweet Tea
18. Favorite ice cream? Gummy bear Swirl. No one makes it though :(
19. Can you drive a stick shift? A little bit. Yes, a little bit. Don’t give me no arguments on this woman.
20. Ever been on a ship? Yup.
21. What color is your bedroom carpet? Beige
22. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Zero. Got passed with a D
23. What was your favorite toy as a kid? Other Kid’s toys
24. What do you do when you are bored? Don’t really get bored.
25. Bedtime? 1-2am
26. Favorite season? Fall
27. What states/Provinces have you lived in? California , Georgia , Kansas, Colorado, Tennessee
28. Last person you went to dinner with? Dad
29. Favorite TV shows? The Office, Heroes, So you think you can dance, The Daily Show if i had cable
30. What’s the most important thing you have? Pup
31. What are your favorite colors? Red, Orange, and Green
32. How many tattoos do you have? None
33. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The chicken. No seriously, that’s the answer. 34. How many pets do you have? None. I want a dog though.
35. What do you want to do before you die? I have a list.
36. Favorite Holiday? Halloween
37. Have you ever been to? Nope
38. Have you been to countries outside your home country? Yep
39. Time this survey ended? 10:22 a.m.

Quickies

Interesting tidbits from this last trip.

Overheard at the airport:
“I know he’s still in jail now, but he’s getting out soon and I heard he’s putting the band together and they’re totally going to take off and be huge!’

I had to control myself to not slap this girl and shake the crap out of her.

On the flight back:
A couple of the players from the little league championship team was on the same flight as me. One notable player was the kid that hit the game winning home run. The pilot announced that the kids were onboard and the plane cheered pretty loudly for a while.

Go Team! USA! USA! USA!!

Jersey
I don’t think I can ever live in New Jersey. Nothing personal against people who live there. I’m sure there are plenty of lovely people there, but I don’t think it’s the place for me.

I always get cran-apple juice on the plane.

After another delay, I got home around 11pm. I had to start working till about 2am. I seriously need to do something about this. This is so wrong.

Pup's Movie Review

Tonight Starring: Stardust

I saw this movie this weekend and I gotta tell you, other than knowing that Neil Gaiman (author of the sandman series) wrote and produced this movie, I didn’t know what this movie was about. Since I’m a big fan of Sandman and Claire Danes, that was enough to get me to go.

This movie was a very welcome surprise in the fantasy genre in a summer full of sequels. Sure, the overall plot has been done several times (nerdy boy searches for love, nerdy boy transforms to hero to save the girl, they live happily ever after), but this movie does a good job in putting a new angle on the storytelling. For those of you that tries to 'figure out' the movie instead of enjoying the story telling, cut it out. It's not that you couldn't figure out the plot and ending of the movie within the first 5 min of the movie, but you'll miss out on the beauty of this movie which is the storytelling.

Also, different than many movies this summer, this wasn’t a movie that seemed like just a 2 hour commercial (e.g., transformers) for its merchandise.

If you liked the Princess Bride from many years ago, I think you’ll like this movie as well. There are many elements in Stardust that are similar, but not so much as it seems like a copy. The supporting cast for this film is wonderful. You’ll see Robert De Niro as you’ve never seen him before and I don’t know what kind of movie magic they did on Michelle Pfeiffer, but she looked amazing.

Besides the story, what I found amazing was the soundtrack. I believe the composer is Ilan Eshkeri and he did a very good job in a score that really help emphasis the emotions of the scenes (especially the chase and fight scenes) and the mystifying setting of a fantasy movie.

Overall, this was a great fantasy romance movie. Those of you that know me know that I like the cheesy movies, and this is surely one of the better ones I’ve seen in a while.

Go see this movie. Take a date. You won’t be disappointed.

Official Pup Rating – 2 Paws up

End of Season Summer 07’

For those of us who doesn’t play at the club level, the end of season summer league tournament is pretty much the biggest tournament all year. After months of regular league play, this was the chance to shine with all the teams playing together (over 35!).

I’m not going to say that I haven’t been a bit disappointed with the season this year. Unlike the other years, I got on a really good team this summer. Looking at the roster we were sure to be a top 10 team. Especially after winning the spring league with the majority of the same people, we were suppose to be in the elite group.

It all started falling apart after a very impressive first week when we won all of our games. We easily beat the 4 teams that we played. One of our main players got hurt. It was like a disease as the injuries spread to over half the team. All but one of our best players was hurt during most of the season. A few of us had some bad traveling schedules that didn’t let us go to the games, so we played short handed most of the season.

The week before the end of season tournament was the first time we had everyone back. Just like the first week, the team won all their games. However, unlike the first week, it was close and very hard fought.

As many of you know who have played team sports, it’s not enough to just have the talent. If the team chemistry is not there, it’s not going to work. We struggled against teams that were far less talented than us, but because they’ve played together all summer, they have the teamwork and chemistry that lets them play much better as the sum of whole then each individually.

During the tournament we were put in a bracket with 2 top 10 teams and a top 20 team. There are 5 teams in our bracket and the top 2 goes to the A bracket which will compete for the championship.

We lost our first game to the first top 10 team, and then what I think is our best game of the tournament, we upset the other top 10 team in our bracket. We just have to beat the top 20 team and we’ll be in the A bracket.

Everything that could go wrong did during this game. It was a good competitive game, but we couldn’t pull it out in the end. We ended up being 2-2 for the day and that wasn’t good enough to make it.

We ended up being in the C bracket and we did win that bracket on Sunday, but like beating a kid in a wheelchair at basketball, it’s not something to brag about.

The C championship game was pretty fun though. Before the game, everyone first shotgun a beer before play started. During most of the game, there was always at least one person that was drinking on the field. I was trying to sober up a bit so I was drinking Jack and Coke.

Another reason not to be bragging about winning the C bracket.

It was a fun time overall. I’ll miss the playing 3 – 4 times a week during the summer. I’m gonna have to find another way to stay in shape.

Well, there’s always next summer.

Fall league starts soon. We’ll see what happens with that.

One is not like the other.

I’m not much into organized religion. It’s not that I have anything against God(s) if he/she/it/they do exist. I’m just not that big of a fan of all their followers.

One thing I couldn’t help but notice between 2 very big religions.

This is the 8 ‘awakenings’ that Buddhist live by. Basically, this is a big part of their belief system.
The First Awakening: The world is impermanent. Countries are perilous and fragile. The body is a source of pain, ultimately empty. The five skandhas are not the true self. Life and Death is nothing but a series of transformations, hallucinatory, unreal, uncontrollable. The intellect is a wellspring of turpitude, the body a breeding ground of offenses. Investigate and contemplate these truths. Gradually break free of death and rebirth.

The Second Awakening: Too much desire brings pain. Death and rebirth are wearisome ordeals, originating from our thoughts of greed and lust. By lessening desires we can realize absolute truth and enjoy peace, freedom, and health in body and mind.

The Third Awakening: Our minds are never satisfied or content with just enough. The more we obtain, the more we want. Thus we create offenses and perform evil deeds. Bodhisattvas don’t wish to make these mistakes. Instead, they choose to be content. They nurture the Way, living a quiet life in humble surroundings their sole occupation, cultivating wisdom.

The Fourth Awakening: Idleness and self-indulgence are the downfall of people. With unflagging vigor, great people break through their afflictions and baseness. They vanquish and defeat the four kinds of demons, and escape from the prison of the five skandhas.

The Fifth Awakening: Stupidity and ignorance are the cause of death and rebirth. Bodhisattvas apply themselves and deeply appreciate study and erudition, constantly striving to expand their wisdom and refine their eloquence. Nothing brings them greater joy than teaching and transforming living beings.

The Sixth Awakening: Suffering in poverty breeds deep resentment. Wealth unfairly distributed creates ill-will and conflict among people. Thus, Bodhisattvas practice giving. They treat friend and foe alike. They do not harbor grudges or despise amoral people.

The Seventh Awakening: The five desires are a source of offenses and grief. Truly great people, laity included, are not blighted by worldly pleasures. Instead, they aspire to don the three-piece precept robe and the blessing bowl of monastic life. Their ultimate ambition is to leave the home life and to cultivate the Path with impeccable purity. Their virtuous qualities are lofty and sublime; their attitude towards all creatures, kind and compassionate.

The Eighth Awakening: Like a blazing inferno, birth and death are plagued with suffering and affliction. Therefore, great people resolve to cultivate the Great Vehicle, to rescue all beings, to endure hardship on behalf of others, and to lead everyone to ultimate happiness.

This is the first time I’ve ever read these Buddhist ‘awakenings’. I couldn’t help but notice the difference between this and the same ‘rules’ that are in Christianity.

ONE: 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'
TWO: 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.'
THREE: 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.'
FOUR: 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.'
FIVE: 'Honor your father and your mother.'
SIX: 'You shall not murder.'
SEVEN: 'You shall not commit adultery.'
EIGHT: 'You shall not steal.'
NINE: 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.'
TEN: 'You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.'

Can you tell the big difference between these two sets of ‘rules’? Yes, I know, some of you will say that’s old testament, and Jesus is not as old school. Still, this is a big part of Christianity.

I’m not saying one is better than the other, but just reading this it sounds to me that one was written to make you a better person, the other is like a narcissistic parent talking down to a child. One talks about doing everything you can you help others, end poverty and suffering. The other talks about not having sex with someone you're not suppose to (twice). If that really is the biggest problem you/your God is worried about, you may want to do some rethinking on your priorities.

Just thought it was interesting.

New York Minute Update

In lieu of an awesome show which would have allowed me to kick people in the face and some last-week-of-ultimate-before-our-tournment-this-weekend-games, here's some highlights of my stay here in NYC.

• Went to Brooklyn for the first time. I know it's not a big deal, but for some reason I thought it was since I've never been there.
• Went to a place call Barcade. It had one of the better beer selections I've ever seen and the place had wall to wall 80s' video games for a quarter. Sweetness.
• Ghost n' Goblins, Spy hunter, and Zaxxon are all still impossible games. Don't waste your money.
• Rampage and Gauntlet are good ideas for about 3 min. Then it's painfully boring.
• I'm not as good at Dig Dug as I've previously claimed. Someone at barcade had over 2 million points.
• I played Qbert all night so I can take out Furdell next time we meet.
• Having a great room in the middle of Times Square is still boring if you don't have anyone to go out with.
• You can't beat meat on a stick
• I have mastered the NY subway system. Owned.
• I had one of the better burgers ever. It was simple and plain delicious.
• I don't want to be an adult. I've seen what it's done to my friends and I don't like it.
• I just had a very delicious cupcake. I don't usually like sweets that much but I do like cupcakes. For some reason, cupcakes conjures an image of a cute girl with pig tails. Don't know how to explain that, but I like cupcakes.
• I hope Pup did not destroy the house while I've been gone. I'm hoping to get home early with an earlier flight. That way I'll catch him cleaning the place after the wild party he's probably having right now.

Sir, the line was back there.

I don’t mind the 50+ hour weeks. I don’t mind that I have customers that call me on the weekends or late at night. I don’t even mind the never ending load of work.

This however, is crossing the line.

I’ve been looking forward to going to a concert for a few months now. The concert is going to be next Tuesday. A concert that was surly going to kick ass and one that will allow me to kick other people’s ass in a fun friendly way.

Then I get the call yesterday. A customer wants me in NYC next week from Monday to Thursday. Oh.. I so don’t think so.

I argued and argued but they wouldn’t have any of it. It’s not that I’m not customer focused, but the meetings they want me for are for 2 hours each day. It’s not a good use of my time to go to NYC for 2 hour meetings each day that I can easily do over the phone. This all stems from the project manager leaving for vacation and is too anal to not have everyone onsite.

So, no kick ass concert for me. I’ve been waiting for years for one of the bands playing.

Talking to my boss yesterday, he mentioned that I may have to go up to NYC again (for another customer) the following week. I don't mind that, but of course, he picked a day when I was planning on going to another concert. What the hell? These are the first 2 concerts I’ve wanted to go to all year.

This does not make for a happy Pup.