This is also stop and smell the roses. We get so wrapped up in day to day living of accomplishing that which we set before us that we are usually on the move from the time we get up until we go to bed only to repeat the same situation the next day.
I've been guilty of this, mostly when working on a project and to me it is a wonderful way to live as you feel useful and purpose driven. The problem is that it is an attractive way to live and as such we can get caught up in it too much.
Sometimes you have to force yourself to marvel at the simple pleasures and enjoy them, once you can see the beauty in the sunrise or sunset, the celestial map of stars overhead, or the smell of a freshly cut lawn then you are likely capable of enjoying a small pleasure. It is a matter of setting aside time to enjoy a small pleasure.
Ice cream on a hot afternoon.
Sitting outside in the cool evening.
A phone call to a friend.
Whatever it may be that can bring a brief respite to the daily grind of living is a simple pleasure, it doesn't have to be actual rose smelling. It should be relaxing and spontaneous!
It should be fun, something we are missing out on if we get caught up in what we need to be doing and instead of what we can be doing.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
John Adams
Yesterday I did some editing and DVD making. Then it was on to watch John Adams, the HBO miniseries.
John Adams is a warts and all biography based on David McCullough's book of the same name. It shows Adams as a complicated man. A man of integrity, honesty, vast intelligence, impatience, vanity, and pride. He loved Abigail Adams more than anything else and yet they were separated for very long periods of time.
This is a fascinating and compelling story of how our country was founded trough the eyes of one of our founding fathers. It would be wonderful to see it from other points of view as well!
Adams goes round and round sparring with Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, even George Washington whom he championed while Washington was a Colonel.
John Adams is brilliantly played by Paul Giamatti, an outstanding performance to be sure! The series if filled with incredible performers such as Laura Linney, David Morse, Sarah Polley, and Rufus Sewell among others.
Watch it!
John Adams is a warts and all biography based on David McCullough's book of the same name. It shows Adams as a complicated man. A man of integrity, honesty, vast intelligence, impatience, vanity, and pride. He loved Abigail Adams more than anything else and yet they were separated for very long periods of time.
This is a fascinating and compelling story of how our country was founded trough the eyes of one of our founding fathers. It would be wonderful to see it from other points of view as well!
Adams goes round and round sparring with Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, even George Washington whom he championed while Washington was a Colonel.
John Adams is brilliantly played by Paul Giamatti, an outstanding performance to be sure! The series if filled with incredible performers such as Laura Linney, David Morse, Sarah Polley, and Rufus Sewell among others.
Watch it!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Shakespeare Wrap Up
The show was pretty good. The audio had some problems but overall it was a watchable show.
The threat of a storm was fun! We watched it roll closer and closer!
Just before intermission the director, Dave, found me in the audience and asked if I'd look up the radar on my iPhone to see what it was going to do. It showed that it was headed right for us but missed us and went West.
I got back home about ten thirty and hit the sack. I was tired.
The threat of a storm was fun! We watched it roll closer and closer!
Just before intermission the director, Dave, found me in the audience and asked if I'd look up the radar on my iPhone to see what it was going to do. It showed that it was headed right for us but missed us and went West.
I got back home about ten thirty and hit the sack. I was tired.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Finally Friday
This was a long week....for several reasons.
I'm glad it is over with though. It is raining out right now and very cool. It feels good. The blisters on my hands are nearly healed now. Well not healed exactly but they don't hurt as much.
I have two things to edit this weekend. The scenes for the fanfilm project and the scenes I shot last night at Shakespeare in the park. I've never been a big fan of Shakespeare. I go anyway and support the local community though.
I know I know, if you say Shakespeare was overrated you get stares from people who believe they know better than you do, especially for thinking such an outrageous thing. I've read lots of Shakespeare, seen a lot of Shakespeare, I gotta tell you I'm just not a fan. It doesn't do anything for me.
Just me though as his body of work has been done millions of times over around the world. Millions of Shakespeare fans out there, I'm just not one of them is all.
I'm glad it is over with though. It is raining out right now and very cool. It feels good. The blisters on my hands are nearly healed now. Well not healed exactly but they don't hurt as much.
I have two things to edit this weekend. The scenes for the fanfilm project and the scenes I shot last night at Shakespeare in the park. I've never been a big fan of Shakespeare. I go anyway and support the local community though.
I know I know, if you say Shakespeare was overrated you get stares from people who believe they know better than you do, especially for thinking such an outrageous thing. I've read lots of Shakespeare, seen a lot of Shakespeare, I gotta tell you I'm just not a fan. It doesn't do anything for me.
Just me though as his body of work has been done millions of times over around the world. Millions of Shakespeare fans out there, I'm just not one of them is all.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
A Nice Evening
I just returned from Shakespeare in the Park's production of Richard III. I was filming a couple of scenes for someone so they could show family on a trip this week since they were unable to attend.
It was a good evening anyway but then I found this and it really topped my evening off.
I've watched it like twenty times now and every time there is something in my eye.
It was a good evening anyway but then I found this and it really topped my evening off.
I've watched it like twenty times now and every time there is something in my eye.
Cinderella Lives
The lowly Fresno State, winners of five elimination games, beat Georgia last night six to one. Georgia in itself was an underdog as an eight seed. Fresno didn't even have a seed number next to their name though!
The announcers put them as a fifteen seed, the lowest ranked seed to ever win a NCAA championship of any kind.
This is on par with Appalachian State beating Michigan last season at The Big House, except this was a two out of three series and Georgia was winning and could have put them away in the second game.
It was fun to watch and it seemed that everyone in the stadium were pulling for Fresno to win! I was too as I enjoy watching underdog victories! It makes you feel good.
The announcers put them as a fifteen seed, the lowest ranked seed to ever win a NCAA championship of any kind.
This is on par with Appalachian State beating Michigan last season at The Big House, except this was a two out of three series and Georgia was winning and could have put them away in the second game.
It was fun to watch and it seemed that everyone in the stadium were pulling for Fresno to win! I was too as I enjoy watching underdog victories! It makes you feel good.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Getting Better
Yes I am getting better.
It is half way through the week now. I watched Fresno State face elimination last night at the hands of Georgia in the college world series. They were down 5-0 in the third inning and came back to put six runs on the board in the bottom half.
They went on to win 19-10 to even the best of three series. It was one fun game to watch and I'm not that much into baseball anymore as I've blogged about many many times. They play tonight for the championship with Fresno State the team with momentum.
I've also found a couple of good deals for Operation; Qatar. I have several cigar packages on their way now. They will be some nice care packages when they are ready to be sent off!
It is half way through the week now. I watched Fresno State face elimination last night at the hands of Georgia in the college world series. They were down 5-0 in the third inning and came back to put six runs on the board in the bottom half.
They went on to win 19-10 to even the best of three series. It was one fun game to watch and I'm not that much into baseball anymore as I've blogged about many many times. They play tonight for the championship with Fresno State the team with momentum.
I've also found a couple of good deals for Operation; Qatar. I have several cigar packages on their way now. They will be some nice care packages when they are ready to be sent off!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
I Wanted
To go out and feed and water Ace last night and had to catch myself from doing it. I still have three cans of dog food left. I called my brother to see if he wanted them since he has two dogs.
I got asked if I was going to get another dog twice at work. Not for a while. Maybe a few months, maybe never, I don't know. I just don't know yet.
I got asked if I was going to get another dog twice at work. Not for a while. Maybe a few months, maybe never, I don't know. I just don't know yet.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Rest In Peace Ace
This morning he passed away. I saw him before I went to go get breakfast. He was alert, looked at me and wagged his tail. I petted him and talked to him for a couple of minutes. I got back and he had moved into the back yard. I went in to eat and went back out to feed him and was gone.
He was a good dog. Thirteen years old.
I'm sad.
Crazy Day
Started off yesterday at normal waking hours. Before seven.
Got ready to film on the fanfilm project. So I went to Sonic around eleven thirty to get a hamburger. Then it was to Beersnob's house to get the equipment prepared and packed.
Once that was done we hit the site and set up the equipment and waited for the actors. Five hours later we wrapped up and tore down the set. Then I had two hours to get rest and get ready for a party in which the director of Twelve Angry Men had an idea about something he would like to experiment with to enhance the show.
The the other purpose of the party was to play poker and Mahjong. I started the evening with the thirty five I brought. Finished up the night almost double up. It was a wonderful poker evening! I took most of that from the guy who hadn't been taken down at a poker party before. That was only because I hadn't been on the same table with him before.
I had seen him play before at a couple of other parties and knew that over time I could take him down. He plays reckless, overly aggressive and that style just doesn't work in a game with amateurs. I started by showing him I fold strong hands while it would cost me to start it opened up my ability to bluff him. Thinking he had the upper hand and that I would only stay on a winning hand I could then play any hand and force him out after he helped build up the pot.
I was head to head with him in four hands and I won three of them on the showdowns. Anyway I had a great time and have a small project to think over on how to approach.
A wonderful day!
Got ready to film on the fanfilm project. So I went to Sonic around eleven thirty to get a hamburger. Then it was to Beersnob's house to get the equipment prepared and packed.
Once that was done we hit the site and set up the equipment and waited for the actors. Five hours later we wrapped up and tore down the set. Then I had two hours to get rest and get ready for a party in which the director of Twelve Angry Men had an idea about something he would like to experiment with to enhance the show.
The the other purpose of the party was to play poker and Mahjong. I started the evening with the thirty five I brought. Finished up the night almost double up. It was a wonderful poker evening! I took most of that from the guy who hadn't been taken down at a poker party before. That was only because I hadn't been on the same table with him before.
I had seen him play before at a couple of other parties and knew that over time I could take him down. He plays reckless, overly aggressive and that style just doesn't work in a game with amateurs. I started by showing him I fold strong hands while it would cost me to start it opened up my ability to bluff him. Thinking he had the upper hand and that I would only stay on a winning hand I could then play any hand and force him out after he helped build up the pot.
I was head to head with him in four hands and I won three of them on the showdowns. Anyway I had a great time and have a small project to think over on how to approach.
A wonderful day!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Fun Evening!
I was out with friends from the time I got off work until just after eleven o'clock last night! It wasn't meant to be like that but it is how it happened.
First of all it was just a drink after work with three of us showing up. I decided to go to the pub since I knew more people would be there and it was a better place. So Bub went home and I went to the pub to wait for the other friend. While I was there I started texting people to see who would like to show up.
About five thirty two more friends had showed up. About seven a couple more and I had supper. By nine Shakespeare rehearsal had let out and that group showed up! So all in all it was a great time and during that entire time I had exactly two drinks when I first got there and five big glasses of ice water!
It didn't start off being anything other than a thirty minute drink after work and turned into something a lot more fun and enjoyable!
Tonight I've got a poker game at a friends house! He has an idea he would like to talk to me about and see if it is possible. I'm excited about that!
First of all it was just a drink after work with three of us showing up. I decided to go to the pub since I knew more people would be there and it was a better place. So Bub went home and I went to the pub to wait for the other friend. While I was there I started texting people to see who would like to show up.
About five thirty two more friends had showed up. About seven a couple more and I had supper. By nine Shakespeare rehearsal had let out and that group showed up! So all in all it was a great time and during that entire time I had exactly two drinks when I first got there and five big glasses of ice water!
It didn't start off being anything other than a thirty minute drink after work and turned into something a lot more fun and enjoyable!
Tonight I've got a poker game at a friends house! He has an idea he would like to talk to me about and see if it is possible. I'm excited about that!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Friday Kicks Off
A busy weekend! Tomorrow we are shooting on the fanfilm a little bit. Then having lunch or supper, whatever, and discussing Operation: Qatar.
I've been looking at Cigarbid.com for good deals to package up into the care packages. I have bid on a couple of bundles that will make some premium additions to anyone's humidor! I mean some very nice premium cigars, not the machine made junk you can find in a quick shop.
Not only that but I located portable humidor pouches that will keep a cigar at the proper humidity for ninety days! Each pouch will accommodate up to twenty five cigars for $4.95 apiece!!!! That will really make this easy to accomplish!!! Get the pouches, fill them up, send them off!!!
I'm excited about this! It is just so simple to pull off and personally has been fun too!
I've been looking at Cigarbid.com for good deals to package up into the care packages. I have bid on a couple of bundles that will make some premium additions to anyone's humidor! I mean some very nice premium cigars, not the machine made junk you can find in a quick shop.
Not only that but I located portable humidor pouches that will keep a cigar at the proper humidity for ninety days! Each pouch will accommodate up to twenty five cigars for $4.95 apiece!!!! That will really make this easy to accomplish!!! Get the pouches, fill them up, send them off!!!
I'm excited about this! It is just so simple to pull off and personally has been fun too!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Its A Go!!!!
Beersnob was excited to learn about Operation: Qatar and is thrilled to help out! We are going to kick around how to make it work this Saturday after shooting is over with. He thought it would be a great opportunity to raise morale and have fun while far from home!
Oh yeah, we are shooting this Saturday too.
It will be nice to get a couple more scenes going!
Oh yeah, we are shooting this Saturday too.
It will be nice to get a couple more scenes going!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
It's Boston
In a blowout. I knew they didn't want a game seven but I didn't think they would dominate like they did.
From the second quarter on it wasn't even close. The Celtics just coasted putting an exclamation mark at the end of this series and playoffs. They won't be the force next year that they were this year because of age so I don't see a repeat performance but they probably can go deep into the playoffs barring injury.
The Lakers on the other hand will likely be the favorites to win next year in a very deep Western Conference. Look for them to bulldoze the playoffs next season and dominate. They will have lots of experience and will be quite a bit tougher. Utah will likely be their main competition as Phoenix and Dallas have rebuilding years. Houston isn't deep enough and the Northwestern teams aren't that good yet.
From the second quarter on it wasn't even close. The Celtics just coasted putting an exclamation mark at the end of this series and playoffs. They won't be the force next year that they were this year because of age so I don't see a repeat performance but they probably can go deep into the playoffs barring injury.
The Lakers on the other hand will likely be the favorites to win next year in a very deep Western Conference. Look for them to bulldoze the playoffs next season and dominate. They will have lots of experience and will be quite a bit tougher. Utah will likely be their main competition as Phoenix and Dallas have rebuilding years. Houston isn't deep enough and the Northwestern teams aren't that good yet.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Lots Of Sleep
It poured rain all night. I slept very well. Yeah a couple of giant thunderclaps woke me up but I quickly fell back to sleep.
Operation: Qatar starts today with the delivery of the humidor and cigar sampler I ordered for Beersnob to take with him. I'll get the specifics on what he can take on his trip and get all of that arranged as well as purchasing cigars, cutters, containers, all of that.
I'm excited about this! From what I've read they are greatly enjoyed and real cigars are sought after since there are apparently a lot of bad fakes over in the sandbox.
Boston should close out LA tonight at Boston. If not they risk becoming victim to a huge comeback in game seven. Boston just plays defense too well not to win tonight at home. LA just doesn't have the experience outside of Kobe. It is practically over with.
Operation: Qatar starts today with the delivery of the humidor and cigar sampler I ordered for Beersnob to take with him. I'll get the specifics on what he can take on his trip and get all of that arranged as well as purchasing cigars, cutters, containers, all of that.
I'm excited about this! From what I've read they are greatly enjoyed and real cigars are sought after since there are apparently a lot of bad fakes over in the sandbox.
Boston should close out LA tonight at Boston. If not they risk becoming victim to a huge comeback in game seven. Boston just plays defense too well not to win tonight at home. LA just doesn't have the experience outside of Kobe. It is practically over with.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Want To Know Why Baseball Sucks?
This is why. Baseball used to be about the common man taking his family or kids to watch a game. The lack of a salary cap has escalated seat prices so out of control that baseball will eventually drive the people it wants to attract out of affording the games.
Yes new stadiums are expensive to build. Salaries are expensive to pay. I'm sure that a couple of teams around the MLB will sell seats at these price ranges. I've no doubt about it. I also have no doubt that there will be a lot of empty seats in a lot of stadiums. Yankee Stadium might be one of the ones that struggle to sell tickets unless they get a reality check.
No one wants to pay twelve bucks for a hot dog let alone for two or three of them. That's less than ten gallons of gas!
Baseball will have to realize someday that they aren't the NFL. The NFL can get away with charging outrageous prices if they want to, people watch those games! People care about the NFL! You only get eight home games. That is a lot more affordable than eighty one home games. The sport is better, people love football! College or the NFL it doesn't matter, this is the king of American sports!
Baseball is just one sport that historically doesn't get it. They are just now looking at instant replay....years after being instituted by other sports. They fail to grasp how a salary cap reduces the price burden on the common man who would like to go see a game. How many times are you going to pay 2,500 per seat to see A-Rod choke in the bottom of the ninth making 30 million per year? You can see that free on TV on your home theater which might have cost less than one seat behind home plate at the new Yankee Stadium!
I don't see the math adding up but I could be very wrong here. I'm just saying even if I were a lottery winner I wouldn't pay those prices for those seats.....
Yes new stadiums are expensive to build. Salaries are expensive to pay. I'm sure that a couple of teams around the MLB will sell seats at these price ranges. I've no doubt about it. I also have no doubt that there will be a lot of empty seats in a lot of stadiums. Yankee Stadium might be one of the ones that struggle to sell tickets unless they get a reality check.
No one wants to pay twelve bucks for a hot dog let alone for two or three of them. That's less than ten gallons of gas!
Baseball will have to realize someday that they aren't the NFL. The NFL can get away with charging outrageous prices if they want to, people watch those games! People care about the NFL! You only get eight home games. That is a lot more affordable than eighty one home games. The sport is better, people love football! College or the NFL it doesn't matter, this is the king of American sports!
Baseball is just one sport that historically doesn't get it. They are just now looking at instant replay....years after being instituted by other sports. They fail to grasp how a salary cap reduces the price burden on the common man who would like to go see a game. How many times are you going to pay 2,500 per seat to see A-Rod choke in the bottom of the ninth making 30 million per year? You can see that free on TV on your home theater which might have cost less than one seat behind home plate at the new Yankee Stadium!
I don't see the math adding up but I could be very wrong here. I'm just saying even if I were a lottery winner I wouldn't pay those prices for those seats.....
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Sleepless Again
This is really bothering me so yesterday I brainstormed some ideas and plan on bringing those up if I enroll into the business program.
Some of them are goofy, some might be realistic, I just can't separate them at the moment! There is one I reeeeally like! Hopefully it will be the realistic one! I had a great theater idea but unfortunately that was an unrealistic one due to tremendous costs and almost no profit margin.
Well on tap for today, made the Father's Day call this morning. Plan on going to get lunch and seeing a movie today. I have laundry going and Oh Yeah......sixteen years on the job. Maybe I'll be there another sixteen. Maybe I have a great idea that will pay better than my job.
Some of them are goofy, some might be realistic, I just can't separate them at the moment! There is one I reeeeally like! Hopefully it will be the realistic one! I had a great theater idea but unfortunately that was an unrealistic one due to tremendous costs and almost no profit margin.
Well on tap for today, made the Father's Day call this morning. Plan on going to get lunch and seeing a movie today. I have laundry going and Oh Yeah......sixteen years on the job. Maybe I'll be there another sixteen. Maybe I have a great idea that will pay better than my job.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Couldn't Sleep
Yes my friends after a four or five hours of sleep last night I was wide awake. Pretty unusual for me to not get a full night.
I've got seeming a hundred things going on in my head. Tomorrow is my sixteenth anniversary at work and it is bothering me. At this point I'm going to have to learn to be content or find something else. The problem with my job as I've talked about a lot of times is there is no challenge and I deal with lots of killing time and looking busy.
The upside is they pay me a ton, I've got two retirement packages, earn lots of vacation leave, and I have a moderate amount of job security. There is a slim chance I could be laid off this Fall so I am making preparations now in case that happens with a three month emergency fund ala Dave Ramsey. I've got a nice sized start so far and will have no problems making the goal.
I've also been kicking around what would I do IF I didn't do what I do. Nothing is really coming to mind as a definite Plan B but I am open to many ideas.
My Thursday night after work with a friend session really got to me. They have a new job and are enjoying it a lot. Mainly because they are challenged. Yeah she said that there are downsides to the job but the good outweighs the bad.
It all comes down to needing a challenge. I can challenge myself to be content as I am or I can challenge myself to figure out something better to do.
I've got seeming a hundred things going on in my head. Tomorrow is my sixteenth anniversary at work and it is bothering me. At this point I'm going to have to learn to be content or find something else. The problem with my job as I've talked about a lot of times is there is no challenge and I deal with lots of killing time and looking busy.
The upside is they pay me a ton, I've got two retirement packages, earn lots of vacation leave, and I have a moderate amount of job security. There is a slim chance I could be laid off this Fall so I am making preparations now in case that happens with a three month emergency fund ala Dave Ramsey. I've got a nice sized start so far and will have no problems making the goal.
I've also been kicking around what would I do IF I didn't do what I do. Nothing is really coming to mind as a definite Plan B but I am open to many ideas.
My Thursday night after work with a friend session really got to me. They have a new job and are enjoying it a lot. Mainly because they are challenged. Yeah she said that there are downsides to the job but the good outweighs the bad.
It all comes down to needing a challenge. I can challenge myself to be content as I am or I can challenge myself to figure out something better to do.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Great Evening!!!!
We thought back to find out the last time we had hung out together and it had been the Super Bowl! Sheesh. That was just entirely too long! I really missed her company.
It was a wonderful evening and we even made plans to go out again in the next couple of weeks.
Well it looks as if the Boston/LA series might just be over with now! Boston beat LA in LA last night. Paul Pierce stepped up to the challenge after LA dominated the first half. The Lakers would really have to have a miracle comeback now that they are down 3-1.
Kobe just doesn't have the team around him to make that happen. Gasol is doing pretty good overall but the rest of his team is average at best. Boston has a stifling defense and is by far the best team between the two.
It would appear that it has been a close series but it would be over with right now if Boston had six more points the other night. So it really isn't as close as all that. Boston has pretty much dominated.
It was a wonderful evening and we even made plans to go out again in the next couple of weeks.
Well it looks as if the Boston/LA series might just be over with now! Boston beat LA in LA last night. Paul Pierce stepped up to the challenge after LA dominated the first half. The Lakers would really have to have a miracle comeback now that they are down 3-1.
Kobe just doesn't have the team around him to make that happen. Gasol is doing pretty good overall but the rest of his team is average at best. Boston has a stifling defense and is by far the best team between the two.
It would appear that it has been a close series but it would be over with right now if Boston had six more points the other night. So it really isn't as close as all that. Boston has pretty much dominated.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Operation: Qatar!
My good friend Beersnob is shipping out in September to Qatar and I have got an idea on sending a piece of home with him and hoping that some of the people there can enjoy some relaxation as well.
I came across a cigar catalog in which a bunch of troops were enjoying cigars. Then I found a message board where they donate large quantities of their cigars to the troops and send care packages over to them. I have read a lot of posts from deployed personnel and for a half hour at a time while they are all back after their mission/patrol they can relax and feel normal again. Those feelings are priceless in bad environments.
Operation: Qatar will consist of me gathering up the supplies, cigars, cutters, and humidification beads to assemble at least ten care packages to ship off with Beersnob along with a special package and humidor for him. He will essentially be a supply depot! I have ordered a humidor and now have to go about getting the containers for the care packages. I plan on using ziploc plastic containers! They are sturdy and the cigars won't get hurt while in transit! I want to put ten to fifteen cigars of different varieties in each container so I'll have to come up with one hundred to two hundred cigars for this operation!
I don't want cheap drug store cigars either. I have posted on the message board I came across to ask the deployed men and women what they would like since they have received a variety in Iraq and Afghanistan. They should have some insight into what a care package should have in it.
Beersnob will also be consulted since he will hopefully be taking the packages along with him but not right now. I'd like the idea to be more of a surprise to him since he enjoys those kind of things!
I came across a cigar catalog in which a bunch of troops were enjoying cigars. Then I found a message board where they donate large quantities of their cigars to the troops and send care packages over to them. I have read a lot of posts from deployed personnel and for a half hour at a time while they are all back after their mission/patrol they can relax and feel normal again. Those feelings are priceless in bad environments.
Operation: Qatar will consist of me gathering up the supplies, cigars, cutters, and humidification beads to assemble at least ten care packages to ship off with Beersnob along with a special package and humidor for him. He will essentially be a supply depot! I have ordered a humidor and now have to go about getting the containers for the care packages. I plan on using ziploc plastic containers! They are sturdy and the cigars won't get hurt while in transit! I want to put ten to fifteen cigars of different varieties in each container so I'll have to come up with one hundred to two hundred cigars for this operation!
I don't want cheap drug store cigars either. I have posted on the message board I came across to ask the deployed men and women what they would like since they have received a variety in Iraq and Afghanistan. They should have some insight into what a care package should have in it.
Beersnob will also be consulted since he will hopefully be taking the packages along with him but not right now. I'd like the idea to be more of a surprise to him since he enjoys those kind of things!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Great Evening!
The class reunion is coming together very nicely! Over half the class has RSVP already and only a couple of said they cannot make it! This is going to be a rousing success!
After work I sat outside and grilled supper. It was nice out. The dog was at my feet. I ate grilled chicken and potatoes. After supper I read The Scarlet Citadel by Robert E. Howard, a short story, and just had a fun evening!
I've got plans after work on Thursday with a friend. We haven't gotten together in what seems like months and if I thought about it it might have been that long. So their schedule finally is free and mine is really free right now.
I'm looking forward to it again since I have spent no time with her in a long time and we used to hang out a lot!
After work I sat outside and grilled supper. It was nice out. The dog was at my feet. I ate grilled chicken and potatoes. After supper I read The Scarlet Citadel by Robert E. Howard, a short story, and just had a fun evening!
I've got plans after work on Thursday with a friend. We haven't gotten together in what seems like months and if I thought about it it might have been that long. So their schedule finally is free and mine is really free right now.
I'm looking forward to it again since I have spent no time with her in a long time and we used to hang out a lot!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Magic NOAA Voice
Yes my weather radio makes annoying noises when I'm trying to sleep but the flip side of that is that for some odd reason I find listening to the tinny mechanical voice soothing and somewhat interesting.
I can't explain it but I do. I don't know what hold this computerized voice has over my auditory senses but it is something I can listen to before going to bed. If I'm walking by the radio I'll push the button to hear the voice ramble on about daily temperatures or the humidity.
I feel a sense of relief knowing that the voice is on whenever I want it to be. Likely I'm the only one who finds the voice soothing, comforting, and reliable though but it just is to me.
I do believe I can trace interest into the voice back to when my dad had a regular radio that had a weather band on it and while in bed I would listen to the voice then. It would sort of ease me to dreamland. Maybe I associate the voice with my youth then? Perhaps. I don't know why it is fascinating to me but it is.
I can't explain it but I do. I don't know what hold this computerized voice has over my auditory senses but it is something I can listen to before going to bed. If I'm walking by the radio I'll push the button to hear the voice ramble on about daily temperatures or the humidity.
I feel a sense of relief knowing that the voice is on whenever I want it to be. Likely I'm the only one who finds the voice soothing, comforting, and reliable though but it just is to me.
I do believe I can trace interest into the voice back to when my dad had a regular radio that had a weather band on it and while in bed I would listen to the voice then. It would sort of ease me to dreamland. Maybe I associate the voice with my youth then? Perhaps. I don't know why it is fascinating to me but it is.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Flood!!
flooded as well! The drains can't keep up and I had to push a stalled
car out if the way and onto higher ground.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Tomorrow Is The Big Day
If you have an iPhone or have been waiting to get one until the next version comes out! Steve Jobs will likely be announcing 2.0 tomorrow while the next software update will also be released this week!
Now it is widely speculated that the next iPhone version will feature 3G over the current Edge network. That doesn't mean a lot since 3G isn't widely available yet and isn't available here. It is also likely to have GPS and hopefully a longer battery life.
I doubt that I will upgrade right now unless they have a 32 gig version. I'd love to have more storage but the other things just don't interest me that much and are useless right now where I live. I am looking forward to the new App store though.
My personal wish list would be a file system that allows me to download and start programs.
A theme application that allows me to customize how my iPhone looks. Yes I know you can unlock it and there are plenty of them but I don't want to unlock it right now unless that doesn't happen. I'd just like things like that. More options for what I already have.
Now it is widely speculated that the next iPhone version will feature 3G over the current Edge network. That doesn't mean a lot since 3G isn't widely available yet and isn't available here. It is also likely to have GPS and hopefully a longer battery life.
I doubt that I will upgrade right now unless they have a 32 gig version. I'd love to have more storage but the other things just don't interest me that much and are useless right now where I live. I am looking forward to the new App store though.
My personal wish list would be a file system that allows me to download and start programs.
A theme application that allows me to customize how my iPhone looks. Yes I know you can unlock it and there are plenty of them but I don't want to unlock it right now unless that doesn't happen. I'd just like things like that. More options for what I already have.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Pithecanthropus Erectus Vs. Piano Concerto 2 In F Minor
Being bored at work yesterday I had my ipod and was going through everything to see what I haven't paid attention to before. So I happen upon the Charles Mingus breakthrough work Pithecanthropus Erectus which is a free form jazz piece.
Free form jazz is just hard to describe, it is about playing what you feel at the time. It is something you honestly just have to like and be into. It has no structure, no two pieces are ever the exact same, it is completely improvisational. Charles Mingus was an interesting figure. You should research him as he put out a voluminous amount of work over his jazz career. In one stretch he released thirty albums in ten years!
Now I enjoy improvisation but when it comes to comedy, dialogue and acting, not so much in music.
I found out yesterday that I enjoy more of a structured musical environment after I listened to Frederic Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 composed in 1830 when Chopin was around 20. This is one beautiful piece of music. It is disciplined, structured, and while you listen to it it just sweeps you up in its journey!
Now I'm not saying that the Mingus piece isn't beautiful. It is if you are a jazz fan if you aren't you would probably just find it annoying. The difference I see is that even if you aren't a classical music fan you would still find Piano Concerto 2 to be a beautiful work of art. Free form jazz is just more niche while classical is more universal I guess.
Free form jazz is just hard to describe, it is about playing what you feel at the time. It is something you honestly just have to like and be into. It has no structure, no two pieces are ever the exact same, it is completely improvisational. Charles Mingus was an interesting figure. You should research him as he put out a voluminous amount of work over his jazz career. In one stretch he released thirty albums in ten years!
Now I enjoy improvisation but when it comes to comedy, dialogue and acting, not so much in music.
I found out yesterday that I enjoy more of a structured musical environment after I listened to Frederic Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 composed in 1830 when Chopin was around 20. This is one beautiful piece of music. It is disciplined, structured, and while you listen to it it just sweeps you up in its journey!
Now I'm not saying that the Mingus piece isn't beautiful. It is if you are a jazz fan if you aren't you would probably just find it annoying. The difference I see is that even if you aren't a classical music fan you would still find Piano Concerto 2 to be a beautiful work of art. Free form jazz is just more niche while classical is more universal I guess.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Rainy Night
Actually a stormy monsoon of a night! A friend came over after she got off work and we grilled out before a massive thunderstorm hit! The intersection had probably six inches of water flooding it since the drains couldn't keep up!
It was a nice evening though!
It was cool, the fierce wind had died down and even during the storm the wind wasn't as strong as it had been during the day! All in all a good evening!
It was a nice evening though!
It was cool, the fierce wind had died down and even during the storm the wind wasn't as strong as it had been during the day! All in all a good evening!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Will She Or Won't She
Now that Obama has captured the nomination and Clinton has put herself, rather humbly, out there as a VP candidate there is one decision left that will determine the legacy of a would be political dynasty. Will she remain the junior senator from New York or not?
She wants power, she wants to be on the ticket, she wants to be one heartbeat away from the Presidency. She has already mentioned assassination and Obama in the same Q & A session. You know what she is thinking. It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to figure it out. Her sole purpose in life is the acquisition of power, same as a Marxist. Consolidate power in a central location and drive everyone to mediocrity as fast as possible by punishing success through taxes and regulations.
The only thing is that the Obamas hate her. They don't want Bill Clinton anywhere near their administration looking over Barack's shoulder. Telling him what he did when he was President. Having Hillary right there, watching him like a vulture for every misstep and capitalizing on every political gaffe.
My bet is that Obama will not take Hillary on his ticket unless the DNC forces him to. Yes they can do that. They will set him down in a smoke filled room and 'splain things to him at the convention. That is the ONLY way he will take a Clinton and all the baggage that comes with being a Clinton on the ticket in the Fall.
The Clinton almost dynasty is likely over with and done, relegated to the ash heap of history much like the Soviet Union.
She wants power, she wants to be on the ticket, she wants to be one heartbeat away from the Presidency. She has already mentioned assassination and Obama in the same Q & A session. You know what she is thinking. It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to figure it out. Her sole purpose in life is the acquisition of power, same as a Marxist. Consolidate power in a central location and drive everyone to mediocrity as fast as possible by punishing success through taxes and regulations.
The only thing is that the Obamas hate her. They don't want Bill Clinton anywhere near their administration looking over Barack's shoulder. Telling him what he did when he was President. Having Hillary right there, watching him like a vulture for every misstep and capitalizing on every political gaffe.
My bet is that Obama will not take Hillary on his ticket unless the DNC forces him to. Yes they can do that. They will set him down in a smoke filled room and 'splain things to him at the convention. That is the ONLY way he will take a Clinton and all the baggage that comes with being a Clinton on the ticket in the Fall.
The Clinton almost dynasty is likely over with and done, relegated to the ash heap of history much like the Soviet Union.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Crimes Against Humanity Part 3
This is the exact type of problem I'm talking about in yesterday's post and again the May fourteenth post. A corrupt incompetent government who's policies kill their own citizens because they are desperate to hang on to power.
Robert Mugabe confiscated land from farmers and gave it to natives who had no idea how to farm. The result has been widespread famine. Is it his fault? NO! He blames everyone else....at the expense of lives.
What can be done about people like this who hold onto power which costs the lives of its own citizens? Again the power that is supposed to stand up to these barbarians has neither the power nor the iron will required to do so.
It isn't a pleasant business, dealing with dictators, but sometimes it is necessary. I feel it is more and more necessary today. Because these idiots weren't dealt with years ago it has given other dictators a cloak of invincibility. They wrap themselves in a sense of security that America won't do anything to them since they didn't do anything to that other guy.
It also encourages the next despot barbarian to rise to power knowing that the UN nor America, the beacon of hope and freedom for the world, won't touch them. My friends I pray our next president will have the courage to preserve the lives of the downtrodden around the globe. The victims of cruel policies shouldn't have to live under iron fisted rule.
I know I know, life isn't fair. As I type this I have a full belly, air conditioning and power and access to post this on a forum around the world. What I also have is the freedom to do so. Something many people don't have.
Robert Mugabe confiscated land from farmers and gave it to natives who had no idea how to farm. The result has been widespread famine. Is it his fault? NO! He blames everyone else....at the expense of lives.
What can be done about people like this who hold onto power which costs the lives of its own citizens? Again the power that is supposed to stand up to these barbarians has neither the power nor the iron will required to do so.
It isn't a pleasant business, dealing with dictators, but sometimes it is necessary. I feel it is more and more necessary today. Because these idiots weren't dealt with years ago it has given other dictators a cloak of invincibility. They wrap themselves in a sense of security that America won't do anything to them since they didn't do anything to that other guy.
It also encourages the next despot barbarian to rise to power knowing that the UN nor America, the beacon of hope and freedom for the world, won't touch them. My friends I pray our next president will have the courage to preserve the lives of the downtrodden around the globe. The victims of cruel policies shouldn't have to live under iron fisted rule.
I know I know, life isn't fair. As I type this I have a full belly, air conditioning and power and access to post this on a forum around the world. What I also have is the freedom to do so. Something many people don't have.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Crimes Against Humanity Part 2
This is a follow up to my May fourteenth post about the Myanmar crisis. It appears that aid is still facing challenges from the military government.
Again I call this a crime against humanity and that country should have the full projected force of power of the UN come down on it to.....oh wait.....the UN doesn't really have any power does it OR THIS WOULDN'T BE HAPPENING!!!!
Well maybe the Junta government just didn't get the UN memo about the resolution they passed that told them.....oh WAIT!!!! There hasn't been a resolution passed but France MIGHT sponsor one!
No this is a job for Superman since apparently no one else can do anything about these starving people that have been devastated by the cyclones. This is a great comment of the state of humanity and unfortunately it isn't so much a comment as it is a thumbs down review from Roger Ebert.
"Our crisis today had a weak leading cast paired with an overblown budget that seemed to do nothing to put the movie on the screen. All in all this was a average movie as this seems to be happening more and more frequently. I fear if this type of movie continues to be made it will become great someday when people don't care what they watch. THUMBS DOWN....for now"
Again I call this a crime against humanity and that country should have the full projected force of power of the UN come down on it to.....oh wait.....the UN doesn't really have any power does it OR THIS WOULDN'T BE HAPPENING!!!!
Well maybe the Junta government just didn't get the UN memo about the resolution they passed that told them.....oh WAIT!!!! There hasn't been a resolution passed but France MIGHT sponsor one!
No this is a job for Superman since apparently no one else can do anything about these starving people that have been devastated by the cyclones. This is a great comment of the state of humanity and unfortunately it isn't so much a comment as it is a thumbs down review from Roger Ebert.
"Our crisis today had a weak leading cast paired with an overblown budget that seemed to do nothing to put the movie on the screen. All in all this was a average movie as this seems to be happening more and more frequently. I fear if this type of movie continues to be made it will become great someday when people don't care what they watch. THUMBS DOWN....for now"
Monday, June 02, 2008
My Name Is Earl Season Three
Yesterday I watched the entire third season of My Name Is Earl. I've posted reviews for the previous two seasons and as such I'd like to blog my third season review.
This one had some ups and downs. Not quite as fresh as the first two seasons but it still had the trademark witty writing and storylines. I'm not saying that this wasn't a good season, it was just a little uneven. The coma part was too similar to the Sopranos coma storyline. I really found myself more bored and annoyed by that part rather than entertained.
The other two major story arcs were very good though and worth watching the season for! All in all entertaining IF you remove that one arc from the season. I can imagine that the uneven parts of the series were due to the writer's strike. It just seemed less cohesive than the previous two seasons.
Watch it and laugh! It is hard not to!
This one had some ups and downs. Not quite as fresh as the first two seasons but it still had the trademark witty writing and storylines. I'm not saying that this wasn't a good season, it was just a little uneven. The coma part was too similar to the Sopranos coma storyline. I really found myself more bored and annoyed by that part rather than entertained.
The other two major story arcs were very good though and worth watching the season for! All in all entertaining IF you remove that one arc from the season. I can imagine that the uneven parts of the series were due to the writer's strike. It just seemed less cohesive than the previous two seasons.
Watch it and laugh! It is hard not to!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Nice Evening
It was a great evening last night! Had supper with friends and just hung out with them afterwards.
Those are cool times. You can just sit with them and don't even have to talk or anything. It is nice to be able to have that level of comfort with people you enjoy!
The radar also looks like it is going to storm in about an hour. Looks like a big storm too. Today is going to be spent doing laundry, cleaning, and not much else. It is nice to just enjoy a day without many plans!
Those are cool times. You can just sit with them and don't even have to talk or anything. It is nice to be able to have that level of comfort with people you enjoy!
The radar also looks like it is going to storm in about an hour. Looks like a big storm too. Today is going to be spent doing laundry, cleaning, and not much else. It is nice to just enjoy a day without many plans!
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