Intrepid Californio

9/11

2009-09-11T02:40:00.000-07:00

Eight years later it still blows me away. I still remember turning on AOL and not believing what I saw that Tuesday morning. May all those who lost there lives then and those who have lost there lives since in Afghanistan and Iraq rest in peace. And may anyone that used that day as a platform for gross personal gain burn in hell. Or some place like it.

Organic Night Vission

2009-09-11T02:08:00.000-07:00

How cool is this:

Seeing in the dark could soon be as easy as popping a pill or squeezing some drops into your eyes, thanks to some new science, an unusual deep-sea fish, and a plant pigment.

In the 1990s, marine biologist Ron Douglas of City University London discovered that, unlike other deep-sea fish, the dragonfish Malacosteus niger can perceive red light. Douglas was surprised when he isolated the chemical responsible for absorbing red: It was chlorophyll. “That was weird,” he says. The fish had somehow co-opted chlorophyll, most likely from bacteria in their food, and turned it into a vision enhancer.

Is there anything cooler than night vision? Not much. How cool would it be to be able to cruise around at night with no headlamps, no flash lights or torch. It would introduce a whole new aspect to camping. You could seriously take night hikes and truly discover the wonders of nature.

Later on the the article they mention that the feds are putting up money for the further development of this night vision. Can you imagine the advantage soldiers and law enforcement would have being able to see at night? Crazy! It reminds me of Predator. Couldn't beat the Govenator even with night vision though.

Foreign Phrase Of The Day(Spanish) El Chayote

2009-09-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

Today's phrase is "El Chayote" which literly mean the chayote. Chayote is a squash like vegetable, but in this case it is used in Central American slang to imply a bribe. To to give one a chayote is to bribe them.

I am back

2009-09-10T13:46:00.001-07:00

I know it has been a long while since you all have heard anything from me. Please forgive. A lot has happened in the past six or seven months. I have been pretty darn busy. Well, and a little lazy when it comes to blogging and the such. Anyway, stay tuned and I promise I will say something to piss you off.

Worl Cup '10-All The World is a Stage

2009-02-20T09:24:00.001-08:00

I remember growing up watching the news about apartheid in South Africa. I remember the international call and movement for an end to the apartheid. I remember it all coming to an end and this man, Nelson Mandela being released after a nearly 30 year stint as a political prisoner. The world celebrated. We'll most of it did. Obviously some people were upset that they had to give up their reign.

That was about twenty years ago, and South Africa has come a long way. They've got to the point that the are going to host a global event. This is big news. I remember ten, fifteen years ago reports that had South Africa and Colombia vying for number one in murderous crime.

So the Would Cup is coming to town. And tickets are on sale. They range from about $20 to $900. The lower end prices being reserved for residents. And although South Africa still has a high crime rate, the government garantees 100% safty for guests.

"So, if I have 100% information on your movement, I can give you the guarantee that you will be 100% safe."

Although I am not the hugest football fan, I do enjoy world cup competition. I never thought that I could get hung up on the play by play scenarios of a game, but I did. Seriously, I am into it. Am I going to watch every game all the way though? Probably not. But I will definitely be down to watch marquee matches involving a handful of key teams. The US team first of course.

As far as the Cup being in South Africa goes, I would love to go for the experience. But in reality. In bitter reality, there is no way I could afford such a trip. And even if I could, I am not sure that I would. I've gotten to the point that I am turned off by the huge crowds. That isn't to say that if someone handed me plane tickets for those dates, that I wouldn't seize the opportunity. But I am not going to hold my breath, or spend a small fortune to make it happen. I'll watch the games at my local pub or take a drive into the Foggy City depending on who is in it towards the end. Either way I am excited for the event and for South Africa.

Foreign Phrase Of The Day(Arabic) Marhaba

2009-02-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

Today's word is " Marhaba" . This is the word for "hello" in the Arabic world. It is pronounced pretty much how it is spelled with emphases on the H and a slight roll of the R. Marr-Haba

Foreign Phrase Of The Day(Farsi) Chetori

2009-02-13T15:22:00.000-08:00

Chetori is the Persian way of asking : How are you?

Chetori?

You Have Got To Be Kidding Me

2009-02-13T02:10:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that we are letting weapons get into the hands of our enemies. Oh wait. Yes I can. How could we possible be asked to fund a war against unarmed combatants.

At the Afghan army's central weapons depot in Kabul, the team found "guards sleeping on duty and missing from their posts." A subsequent audit by the US military found 47 pistols had been stolen from the depot.

Yeah good work A-Holes! Just let them take our weapons so that our troops can get smoked by the bullets that we made here in the USA. In my book this is an example of blatant disregard for our solders, tax payers and the Afghan troops that are helping get their country on track. Furthermore, as if the notion of your son or daughter getting killed by bullets made here in the States, shot from guns made by our allies and being negligently passed to the hands of our enemies by our Afghan allies(the same guys we are supposed to be helping) isn't bad enough, it is so fiscally irresponsible. What is it, cost plus small arms distribution? I mean really, this crap has been going on for how long? These are the kind of cockamamie actions that have to make us take a long look at what is really going on. Take a long look at ourselves.

Dancing Queen

2009-02-13T01:48:00.000-08:00

Go ahead. Call Vladimir Putin that. He denies that he was dancing to Abba songs to the rest of the world. And he will to you too. But if you become over accusatory, he'll break you. After all he is a black belt in Judo. Oh and Russian. He's probably made out of solid ice.

Foreign Phrase Of The Day(Croatian) Sta Ima

2009-02-12T18:22:00.000-08:00

Today's Foreign phrase is in Croatian. It is how you would say or ask: What's up?

Sta ima. Pernounced Shta Ima.

A-Rod busted

2009-02-12T17:42:00.000-08:00

Well,here it is. Good Ole A-Rod coming clean. But once again with this creep, it's nothing special. Just a robot spewing data. At least he admits that he fucked up and apologizes. That's a start. The video is worth watching for the first couple of minutes. He fails to answer some questions about where he got the drugs, but he cant be expected to rat out his buddies. Anyway, I think that he showed pretty good character by coming clean. However it can't be looked over that he was using when secured the biggest contract in history and to the this day. In actuality the headline below says it all.

Obama Speaks

2009-02-10T22:44:00.000-08:00

Obama rose to the occasion and held his first prime time news conference just under a month into his Presidency. Thus showing the moxie early on that it took Bush 10 months and some asshole to fly a plane into the World Trade Center before he did it. Obama, and the white house felt that they needed to make a case for his economic stimulus package . The friendly, playful Obama that we are used to seeing was not present. This was a more serious Obama. All business, so to speak.In his press conference he answered about thirteen questions in about an hour's time.Most of them pertaining to bill before congress. Here is the video for those of you that missed it.

Foreign Phrase Of The Day(Spanish)

2009-02-09T18:37:00.000-08:00

Today's foreign phrase is in Spanish.

Disparar: To shoot

No medispares. Don't shoot me.

This phrase can also be use to order something.

Disparame un trago. Buy be a drink.

Party Time

2009-02-08T02:22:00.000-08:00

I use to watch The Benny Hill Show when it was on( not by choice) all the time. That is why this cracks me up so.

War On Drugs

2009-02-08T01:47:00.000-08:00

Here are U.S. Trained Bolivian Soldiers taking out a lab in what is known as the Red Zone. There is a whole photo essay that includes this shot and others on the Mother Jones Website. There are some insane pictures that are worth seeing.

2009-02-07T23:38:00.001-08:00

As some of you may or may not know. My wife and I have been in the market for a new home. We have a good team working with us. Kevin and Naomi. The reason I bring it up is that Naomi is Japanese. What has that got to do with anything you ask. Well, my whole life I have been fascinated with language. Whenever I can learn a new word or phrase in a foreign language, I go for it. So every time Naomi is taking the time to show us properties, I ask her a word or phrase in Japanese.

The problem is that for most of us it is difficult to remember new words and phrases from unfamiliar languages. Sure with study and practice it can be done, but that is too time consuming. So I had the thought that instead of doing a quote of the day or a pic of the day as other bloggers do. I am going to do a foreign word or phrase of the day. Not that I would totally rule out the previously mentioned elements to this blog's format. I would not. I just wanted to spice it up a little and at the same time help myself reinforce those new words. And of course, to share the knowledge.

So look forward to new words and phrases coming our way.

Blood Bath

2009-02-07T23:13:00.000-08:00

Having left hockey for several years. That is having stopped following it. I have missed the excitement that it provided me. And although I am a San Jose Sharks fan,I could not help but feel nostalgic when watching this video. Beautifully synced to a Filter song it almost like it was choreographed. Check it out!

Who are You?

2008-10-29T12:01:00.001-07:00

In this day and age people are careful with the words that the use to describe someone in fear that they may be labeled as a bigot or a raciest. That makes sense. I mean who wants to be recognized solely by the color of their skin and the accent they have. This has become most apparent in the media. With fears of public outcry or lawsuits they choose their words a bit of apprehension. That's fine. But to a certain extent. When listening to the radio and I hear of a crime that has been perpetrated and they say, "police are looking for a six foot chubby man" I end up a bit perplexed. OK so is the man White, Mexican, Asian, or Black? In an article posted in the Contra Costa Times, they fail to give any sort of information that could help you avoid this person or inform the police.

The robber was last seen on the north side of the Pleasant Hill BART station. He was described as an unshaven man weighing about 200 pounds and wearing dark clothes.

Anyone with information can contact Walnut Creek police at 925-943-5844.

I am surprised they even described the person as a man. Isn't that gender labeling? Could the description be any more vague?Guess what? That is me. A man weighing about 200 pounds and unshaven. And I do own dark clothes. Good work! I am sure we'll find him now. Just in case anyone needs to know I was at home with my wife.

2012

2008-10-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

I have often been intrigued by ancient cultures, their beliefs and origins. The mysteries as to how the ancient Egyptian pyramids were built or why the Nazca Lines were created are examples of events that have captivated me for most of my life. Now perhaps one of the more relative of these mysterious events is concerned with the Mayan civilization and their calenders. It seems that their calender is just about to finish a 5000 year cycle and there are many speculations to what will happen. The most sensational is that it will be the end of life as we know it. Or in other cases, some see it as simply a new beginning. Whatever your view, it will most likely be discussed in length in San Francisco this upcoming weekend. The 2012 Conference kicks off on Saturday at the Fort Mason Center. Although I don't believe that the Mayans were able to predict the future, it would be cool to learn about what they were thinking and believed concerning the cycle of life, the earth and the universe.

Stealing the vote

2008-10-28T12:57:00.001-07:00

Here is an interesting map with dialog on each state's problems with voter fraud. Just click on the state that you want to read about.

Taboo Represents

2008-10-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

I guess with a name like Taboo, nothing is. Here he is representing Obama on the red carpet at the 2008 MTV awards back in September.

At least she looks good...Right?

2008-10-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

We'll if Sarah Palin is going to make an elephant's ass out of herself, the GOP and her supporters, at least she'll look good doing it. I think that money does need to spent on looking good when representing. You know-- a couple thousand dollars to doll up. But come on! $100000 for clothes and accessories!? You've got to be kidding me. Who the fuck does she think she is? The Queen of England? Give me a break.

The new threads and accessories for Palin and her family included $49,425.74 spent at Saks Fifth Avenue stores in St. Louis and New York and $75,062.63 at Neiman Marcus - stores that don't have outlets in the small towns of "real America" that the Republican vice presidential nominee has been referencing lately in stump speeches.

Is this putting lipstick on a pig? Just wondering.

Troy Davis

2008-10-23T09:17:00.001-07:00

Although I am somewhat of a supporter of the death penalty, I do believe that it is crucial that alleged criminals get fair trails. So often in this county we have failed to protect the rights of many of our citizens and they have either been railroaded by the law or not given a fair chance by the courts. I know that there are many cases that come to light when the day of execution draws near. Often it is just one last attempt for the convicted to save there own skin. Who can blame them? What most recently comes to mind is Stanley Tookie Williams III.

Tookie was put to death by the State of California in 2005. As too be expected, there was a general movement by anti death penalty groups to save his life just before his execution. Although Tookie appeared to have changed his ways and became an anti gang proponent, it is still pretty straight forward that he committed the murders that he was convicted of. Not only was there a witness, but there was physical evidence to boot.

In the case of Troy Davis it is not so straight forward. There is a lot of speculation as to the integrity of the evidence. Not so much as to getting hung up on technicalities, but more so to inconsistent testimony from witnesses, no physical evidence, no attempt to find a "missing witness" and even witness tampering. There is a diverse group of activists showing support for Davis. Activists include your standard anti death penalty proponents, but also conservatives like Bob Barr. I think in this situation it is not only whether or not the death penalty is just, but is this case just?

The truth of the matter is that if we as nation allow our states to implement the death penalty, we need to make sure that we are Not Executing Innocent People. It has happened before and it cannot happen anymore. I am not saying that Davis should be off the hook if he indeed committed the crime. Surely, shooting another man in the face in cold blood warrants capital punishment in my book. Let's just be sure that we've got the right man before another life is unnecessarily lost. Let's give this man an appeal and if we cant, let's at least keep him alive. Just my thoughts. If you wish to help the cause, click here.

Up date:

Stay of execution issued for Georgia prisoner

Posted: 12:27 PM ET

(CNN) — The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay of execution Friday for a Georgia death row inmate who had been scheduled to die on Monday, his attorney said.

Troy Davis was convicted in 1991 for the murder of a Savannah police officer three years earlier. He has always maintained his innocence in the killing of Officer Mark MacPhail, and since his conviction, seven of the nine witnesses against him have recanted their testimony.

The Court of Appeals granted a 25-day stay so Davis’ attorneys can file a new habeas corpus brief with a lower court, Davis’ attorney, Jay Ewart, told CNN.

Ewart said Davis’ attorneys will argue that his execution would be a violation of the 8th Amendment. The amendment reads, “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”

California Academy of the Sciences in San Francisco

2008-10-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Alright! I went. I know I should have waited a while until the crowds waned, but we could not resist. As I mentioned before. This building is on the forefront of green technology. Never mind the treasure of knowledge beyond the doors.

So we braved Saturday afternoon traffic into the City and made our way slowly but surely over to Golden Gate Park(AKA the Outside Lands). Of course the line was long but I was able to cut our wait in half by going down the the little kiosks that were lined up about 75 yards out from the main entrance.

After shelling out $50 for two tickets, we cruised right in. The interior architecture was very modern with sky lighted rooftops, glass domes, white concrete walls and supports. The main attractions seemed to be the Morrison Planetarium, the rainforest, and the aquarium. For the planetarium, you need to buy tickets. It seems that getting the tickets in advance is the way to go seeing as it was all sold out. The line to the rain forest seemed have a hundred people waiting, so we did not bother. We did however check out the African Exhibit where they had a live South African Penguin environment and many replicated animals in their respective settings as well. In the main lobby, there were many interactive displays that let patrons guess and learn about evolution, listen about extinct insects, and watch blazing California forest and brush fires.

Then we went down below to to check out the aquarium. Talk about a mad house. New rule here. If your baby is in a stroller, chances are you baby is too young to appreciate the science that surrounds them. So... No Stroller! But back to nature at hand. The aquarium did not disappoint. They have the "Philippine Coral Reef" with all the fish and animal life playing the parts. They have a deep see exhibit where all you could see is the luminescence of the fish. To be honest I could not discern if the deep sea dwellers were real or fake. There were so many people down there that I couldn't get to the plaques that explained and describe what one was looking at. But is was cool nonetheless. Oh. I cannot forget the petting pond where you can pet starfish and the like. I remember the previous one as more aesthetically pleasing, but this one was obviously more functional.

Up to the roof. This is "the spot". Besides the rain forest and the planetarium (which I did not see on this round) here was where the most obvious changes were. With a large observation deck surrounded by native California ground cover, it was like looking over a green rolling hills with strange ocular like protrusions rising up every so often. There was a very cool view of the Sunset district to one side and a stunning gaze of the recently rebuilt De young Museum to the other. Oh and that reminds me. Your $25 admission to CAS also get you in the the De Young. So get an early start.

All in all, the Academy was a good experience. This was just a taste for me. I will go back after the new year and maybe on a weekday so that I can truly enjoy all that it has to offer.

Something silly

2008-10-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

Hey blogosphear people. I know its been a week since my last blog. But I am back here just something neat that was sent to me from a family member. Check it below

HalfTime Basketball Creighton University Omaha Nebraska - Watch more free videos

There you go Joe!

2008-10-16T09:15:00.001-07:00

It's settled. Until last night, I was on the fence as to who I was going to vote for. I was leaning towards Obama, but now I am all about "Joe the plumber". I' m thinking that if he gets a piece of the action, he'll definitely be over the quarter million mark. Oh and also, don't let Vic Mackey know that Joe stole his look.

important stuff here

2008-10-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hat tip Steph

Today in Histroy

2008-10-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

Well as many of you know Sunday was Columbus Day(observed on Monday). That is the day that we in the Western Hemisphere recognize Christopher Columbus's discovery of what is today called the Americas.

There is a lot to be said about good Ole Christoforo. For starters he is touted as a great sailor and explorer. He is the man that finally convinced someone of significance to back him in his trip "around" the world. He in fact was able to convince Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain that the world was indeed round and that it would be most lucrative to explore this alternative route to the East. Boy was he right about the lucrative part.Well I guess the whole round part too. I digress. The gold, silver and other natural resources of the Americas made Spain the richest country in the history and helped to insure Spain as the preeminent Super Power of the world. That would remain true for some three hundred years.

In that three hundred years and today, the influence of Spanish culture as instigated by Columbus's discovery and the subsequent colonization of the Americas can still be seen today all over the western hemisphere. And I am not talking about hidden artifacts buried under layers of dirt(although they do also exist). Spanish Cultural influence dominates most of the sovereign nations in the Americas and the Caribbean where Spanish is the official language. Even in the USA where the culture base is dominated by Northern European customs and where we speak English, one can see where Spain made it's mark. Many major U.S. cities have Spanish names from when the were part of the Spanish Empire. E.g. San Francisco, Las Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, El Paso, San Antonio, Colorado Springs, Sacramento, Santa Fe just to name a few.

However, pointing out Spain's influences as something positive should be left to the public school history books of the past century(do I detect a bit of irony). The truth of the matter when concerning Spain and specifically Columbus is that those influences came a great cost. Let's face it. Columbus was a tyrant. He was so eager to please his leaders, obtain power and line his personal coffers, that he set forth a precedent of slavery, genocide, and thievery that is arguably unrivaled to this day. He, (according to Howard Zinn) would mandate that the natives of Caribbean nations bring back gold and silver(which did not exist on their island in any significant amount) or he would chop off their hands. And he did. It wasn't until later that the Spanish discovered that all the true treasures lay on the continent. He enslaved them, took their land and destroyed their families and lives.

Today in our lives we look at the man, this tyrant and thief as a hero. We take the day off. Our public offices close their doors, and in some spots we celebrate with big parades. Sure, in recognition of who Columbus truly was, some groups have changed the name of the holiday to "Indigenous People's Day", but in reality, the people that benefit the most are NOT indigenous people at all. Now some of you may think that this whole Columbus thing is a bit played out. But I disagree. People need to understand their pasts so that when it comes for a change to the future, that we do not make the same horrible greed driven decisions of those in the past.

We could have learned so much from those that were destroyed, but now all we have is Club Med and a bullshit holiday.

Just my thoughts?

Today in Histroy

2008-10-11T12:47:00.001-07:00

This is where it all begun so to speak(Thank You John McCain. Look at us now)! More than four thousand dead, and a total lack of stability in the region.

Up most respect to President Jimmy Carter on his efforts towards peace, and to Tho OG SNL team for creating years of quality comedy and helping to keep our leaders in check.

The heck with Clarence Thomas for being such a hater.

earthquake

2008-10-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

just felt one here in Walnut Creek about two minutes ago. Although the USGS has pinpointed the epicenter, has not released the intensity yet. Actually lets call it a 3.o shaker centered around Berkeley.

Big Oil now at $80 a barrel

2008-10-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

I've said it a hundred times before. The price of gas can be controlled by the simple rules of supply and demand. The less the demand the greater the supply thus the price will fall. This is also based on the premise that Saudi Arabia will hold true to it's own mandate to produce enough oil to keep the prices down so as to keep global economies afloat.

Now my manner in tackling this on a personal level has been only to use the gas that I need. What I mean is that I do not fill my gas tank up every time I go to the pump. If I fill my tank completely, it would probably last me a week and a half. So I just put in a third of a tank. That way the gas sits in their tank and not mine. In theory, this creates a glut in the market, the gas companies end up sitting around with a bunch of product on their hands and you keep the money in your wallet a little longer.

So here we are immersed in a global recession. People are tightening up their purse strings and not filling up their SUVs or their boats. They have not been jet setting all over the county and the world like they had in previous years. The airlines have cut flights. People just aren't spending money on gas. So one can see that due to the lack of demand, the price of oil is plummeting. Today the price per barrel fell just below $8o and has endured an over all loss of 40% since July. That is great! I paid over $4 a gallon in July and now it is down to $3.50 and less in some spots in our region. Just six months ago we were looking at the end of cheap gas as we know it. And for the most part that still remains true, but it is not dire situation that OPEC and big oil companies had us believing. I am saying that there is no need to pay $140 a barrel for gas. Unless it was the goal of all thees entities to curtail the demand as to preserve supply for our own good. I doubt it!

OPEC is starting to panic. They are meeting soon to determine whether or not to reduce oil production in order to rid the market of excess product and to drive the price up again. This (cartel), these bastards, are the same guys that were getting nearly $140 a barrel not six months ago. Now I understand that oil producing countries need to get their share and be duly rewarded for the natural resources that they extract and produce. Personally I think that they should be happy with $80 a barrel at this point. Fifteen years ago they were getting $10 a barrel and although I concede that oil prices must go up in order to meet demands and to compensate for other increased expenses, that doesn't mean that they (OPEC) and the oil companies should gouge us. We've already seen a market shift in the U.S. economy towards alternative energy sources and more efficient use of petroleum products. This is bad new for the cartel. The drop in demand means less money for government and private coffers. Once again, I understand that they do need to get good value for their diminishing supplies but I also understand that it is inevitable that the oil will run out and that we'll have to look somewhere else for all of our energy needs. So it seems that it would behoove OPEC to not cut production too drastically and to not drive up the prices too much. At 80$ a barrel, one would think that should be enough money for a county like Saudi Arabia or others to invest in their own future without sticking it to us. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Smart car kits

2008-10-10T09:46:00.001-07:00

If you were ever worried about looking like a geek driving your smart car, fear no more and behold the The Smamborghini! Now obviously this is fake but I thought it was cool. Just search smart car kits to see more models.

Hat tip Steph

The Old Vote

2008-10-07T13:06:00.001-07:00

In this day and age of political tumult it is good to know that even the very old are voting. KCBS reporter George Harris reports that Andrew Hatch celebrated his one hundred and tenth birthday in the big bad O on Monday.

Secret of California's Oldest Man: Wake Up Every Day

OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS) -- Andrew Hatch was a bit surprised by all the media attention surrounding his birthday party in Oakland Monday. All the Louisiana native did was turn 110, and he had no great secrets to explain his longevity.

Born on Oct. 7, 1898 in Louisiana, Mr. Hatch moved to Oakland in 1933 after living for a time in Houston, Texas. When KCBS reporter George Harris asked him the inevitable, all Mr. Hatch could say, “That’s a stupid question.”

But anyone who’s spent time around him at the San Pablo Senior Residence knows they can expect to laugh. A lot. And Mr. Hatch did eventually concede that living a long life boiled down to a simple fact, he was able to get up everyday.

With the assistance of a power chair, he still shops for himself, does his own laundry and votes in every election.

I would love to spend some time talking to that guy. I mean really. He has seen it all. Technologies that we take for granted came to fruition in his lifetime. The phone, the T.V., the radio, the car and nuclear power just to name a few. You name it. He was alive before most of this countries natural landscapes were for the most part untainted. Also, I am not sure but I believe this man sounded African American based on the interview that I heard on the radio. Which could mean that his grandparents might have been slaves or might have know people that were slaves. Purely speculation on my part, but I maintain that it would be fascinating to talk a few rounds with this guy. All the history within books cannot measure up to first hand experience. When it comes to making decisions, Andrew may have some wise advise. Happy Birthday Andrew Hatch

History Exposed

2008-10-06T16:37:00.001-07:00

Lake Shasta reveals its past as water levels decrease. Being that my hobby is photography, I wish I could be up there to shoot the relics of achatecture and who knows what else. In this shot you can see the top of an old train trellis. Anyway, check out the article and pics. It's pretty neat. That's right I said "neat".

Born in the U.S.A

2008-10-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

I have had mixed views on the "Boss" in the past. For many years I falsely thought of him as your typical right wing red neck kind of guy based on the sound and style portrayed in his more main stream music. In recent years I have started to think differently. It first started when I learned that Bruce regularly performed "This Land Is Your Land" By Woody Guthrie and that he often added alternative lyrics that cried for equality and against oppression. Later, Springsteen put out an album of old folk songs from the early part of the 20th century. "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" introduce me and others to the works of black listed artist and political activist Peter Seeger.
On Saturday, Bruce performed at a "register to vote" rally in Philadelphia and did some Obama praising as well. I am now officially a big Bruce fan. He delivered what seemed to be a well thought out(but not rehearsed) speech that was honest and ponderable. See below.

O.J. Simpson

2008-10-04T23:08:00.000-07:00

13 years ago to the day from when the" Juice" was acquitted of the charges of slaying his x-wife and her "friend", he gets lambasted with a volley of guilty verdicts. Now it seems that in the years that have passed since his acquittal, public opinion has made a volte-face on the subject and now believes(as I have all along) that he is indeed guilty. Today, some assert that public opinion played a part to the current verdict. However public opinion should have no affect on his sentencing. Or will it?With this new ruling, O.J. Faces 5 years to life. Does he get the life sentence that many believe he should? Is this the judge's opportunity to avenge the victims of Simpson's previous "alleged" crimes? Regardless, in watching the video and seeing the vapid look on O.J.'s face, it is as if though he had been waiting along time for perhaps what he saw as inevitable. Anyway you look at it, it's a damn shame. All of it.

But man he was so cool!

Bear Gets The Munchies

2008-10-04T23:02:00.000-07:00

I used to work in sandwich shop. This never happened though.

Pumpkins gone bad

2008-10-03T23:07:00.001-07:00

This one is making the rounds in email world right now. I have seen similar parodies to this one but not this one specifically. Anyway, just something fun to get a laugh.

Living in fear

2008-09-30T11:27:00.001-07:00

This is a great add for Acai Berry that I found on my wife's myspace page. The funny thing is that although this add is in jest, I know there are girls out there that believe that if they don't starve themselves, they'll end up like big mama on the left here and if they take this product, they'll look like the hottie on the right. My wife does not know it, but I've been slipping her Acai berries for some time now. The results are good.
Thank you Acai Berry!

Bailing Out

2008-09-29T23:45:00.001-07:00

Man! This whole bail out thing has really got everybody on edge and has got me thinking. First let me say that I am glad that the bail out did not go through. Now some people are crying that the decision fueled by Nancy Pelosi's speech caused the market to plunge. Perhaps it did, but this "crash" isn't as bad as may seem. Although the media blurbs say that it is the biggest point loss in history, that is a little misleading. It's the percentage that counts and although the 7% loss is significant, it is not the doomsday scenario that some would have us believe. Now I am no economist but I do have my beliefs. My step-father who just had his 87th birthday and who lived through the "Great Republican Depression" always advised me to be careful with credit and debt. Good advice. For this simple reason I thought that it would be pretty silly to bail out Wall Street on credit funded by the fed. And essentially to let the tax payer pick up the bill for the interest. Now I know this may seem a little slippery on my part but after reading different pieces on the subject, I feel affirmed in my opinion. The latest ariticle to do just that is one I discoved on Commondreams.org. The author, Thom Hartmann professes how bailing out Wall Street would just lead to more problems. And he points out that FDR implemented a system that helped Wall Street bail itself out by taxing the speculators and forcing investors to think twice before buying up a bunch of stock just to drive up the prices and then dump them for a profit. Everything Hartmann says makes sense to me. And of course he articulates it much better than I. Why does it matter that it makes sense to me? I am the common working man and I have no interest in bailing out a bunch of crooks while I break my back trying to get ahead.
People hang tight. Let's see if our elected officials can keep from capitulating to the current administration and in turn empower a new president who will implement a plan that works.

God Help Us!

2008-09-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a good one. I had to laugh when I heard this. Apparently Sarah Palin thinks that dinosaurs and humans walked the earth together. It wasn't that surprising anyhow. I have met several people that believe that the world is only 6 to 7 thousand years old. These people are without a doubt the super fanatics.On the other hand. I know many people who believe in God who also understand that the dinosaurs existed millions of years ago. The people who buy into the former scare me. These people are allowed to vote or in the extreme are running for vice president. God Help us.
How come Noah didn't collect two each of those dinos ? Did we just hunt them to extinction? Just saying.

Hat Tip Reza

California Academy of the Sciences in San Francisco

2008-09-28T23:55:00.000-07:00

Well it is about time. I have been waiting patiently for this to happen. And it has. The brand new, state of the art, green(Leed certified) and cutting edge California Academy of the Sciences in San Francisco has opened opened its doors to the world. I have read much on this and I am going to check it out as soon as I have a chance. CAS-as it is known- was established as one of the first scientific museums on the west coast and is one of the 10 largest Natural Museums in the world and apparently one of the oldest in the U.S. Now come the 21st century and this Eco wonder of the world has a living roof and houses the new and improved Morrison Planetarium, and a "natural history museum", and an aquarium inter alia. Let's Go!

Doomsday

2008-09-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

This just cracks me up that these two whack jobs could even get to the point of our courts having to decide whether or not we have jurisdiction in such matters. I don't think that the scientists are going to haphazardly or purposely create a mini black hole. And what difference would it make anyway? We're all going to die anyway. Right?

U.S. District Court Judge Helen Gillmor dismissed a so-called "doomsday lawsuit" filed in Hawaii to stop the operation of a subatomic particle accelerator in Europe.

The worst blogger on earth

2008-09-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

I keep telling myself that I am going to blog. But yet I have not been doing so. I think that part of the reasons is that I am finding it difficult to find my voice. Also, subject matter has been elusive to me. I mean there is plenty of stuff out there, but I don't want to get stuck in the rut of just reporting the news that other people have already reported. So although this has been a slow journey, I believe that I will eventually find and deliver what I have been looking to achieve in the blogasphere(is that how you spell that?). That being said. I hope that you all learn to enjoy my commentary as I work towards developing it into something viable and laudable.
Here goes.

Volt

2008-09-18T14:20:00.001-07:00

GM revealed its Chevy Volt just two days ago. Reports state that it will be able to go 4o miles without using a gallon of gas. Also it appears that this slick looking vehicle is going to roomier then one might expect.This is a big step for American car makers. Unfortunately this car is still two years out of being available to the public. The waiting list is already filling up. Hurry!

leave of absence

2008-09-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Well I am back. Where was I? Just taking some summer fun time. Please stay tuned.

Tore up from the floor up

2008-07-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

You would think that the number one rule of being a rock star would be to look good no matter what you do. I don't think Amy Winehouse got the message. Tell me I'm wrong.

Card city

2008-07-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

This guy should have used poker chips for all the surveillance cameras in the village. There would probably be more chips than cards.

Big Money, Big Prizes

2008-07-23T11:31:00.001-07:00

As a child and teenager, I used to collect money from all over the world.You know. A coin collector. But not only coins, I collected bills(paper money) as well. In fact, the paper was my favorite thing to collect. It always made me think when I would look through my collection how strange it is to have denominations of 1,000, 10,000, even 25,000. The one the held my fascination the most was a note that I have form Peru for 500,000 intis. That's right! Half a million units represented in one note. In a time that I was very happy to have a bill that represented $10, a note that big was almost incomprehensible. That bill was released in 1988. Well, That's nothing. Today the Government of Zimbabwe has released their $100,000,000,000 note. That's right:! 100 billion. They say it cant even buy a loaf of bread.
Happy spending!

Jive talkin'.

2008-07-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

The "Riff Blog" lashes out at "Wiggers"

It's better. But just what is it with white folks and black slang? And how do y'all know when it's appropriate?

Why the sweeping generalizations about white people? Not all white people try to emulate black culture in speech or in other aspects. But for those that do, why cant they? Should I point out to the young black man in punk leathers and bleach blond hair that hes is taking from what belongs to white people's culture and that perhaps he should not use it. Or when I see black people at a NASCAR event, should I point out that this is traditionally "white people culture".

Also, I am a firm believer that language forms its self by incorporating words from a myriad of cultural influences. Black people don't talk the way their ancestors did nor do white folks. But really, aren't all the different words and uses of words really just colloquialisms? And, would it be inappropriate for an African American to have a chin wag. I mean really; when it comes down to it, we here in America share the same culture. I am not asserting that regional and ethnic differences do not exist. I am just saying that people can talk how they want and and if one choses to emulate people who sound like they are illiterate, so be it. Stupid is, stupid does!

Monkey Suits

2008-07-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I had seen it all. I guess even the biggest Jack Asses need someone to tailor their monkey suites. Behold the "Exalted Cyclops"

Colombia

2008-07-03T09:24:00.001-07:00

Colombia has made the headlines again. But this time it is with a shining light in an otherwise dim political and socioeconomic theater. Colombian security forces were able to rescue a high profile politico and several other hostages.

The reason this is such interest to me is that I am fairly well acquainted with Colombia, and Colombians for that matter. The thing that kind of cracks me up(satirically speaking that is) is that my Colombian friends and family vehemently claim that Colombia is a safe place. Yeah right! Never mind the fact that there are some 700 citizens(Colombian, United States of American, and of the E.U.) currently with in the confinements of the FARC.

You know it is strange. I know people who have been the victims of attempted kidnappings, kidnappings, plane bombings and to this day some of them and their family members still claim that Colombia is a safe place to visit.

Personally, the last time I was there, I was paranoid the whole time. Especially when we went out with all the boys the "strip club"(we were there for a cousins wedding). Our newly acquired family member Ruben told us when we arrived.

"Here you are all Colombians. You are not Mexican. You are not American. You are all Colombians."

In fact, he told me not to even talk until we were safe within the compound walls because of my thick Cal-Spanish accent.

Fortunately, the night went on without incident. But that does not change that fact the threat of being kidnapped still exists.

Who wants to go?

Bill O'Reilly Re Mixed

2008-06-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

I am going to put this in my Ipod.

Shaq Attack

2008-06-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

Shaq a deputy sheriff?No way! But it is true. Well until he started vomiting his horrible raps again. I guess it wasn't that he was raping, but what he was saying that got him the boot. I just can't believe that such a dip dong was trusted with a badge. What's he going to investigate? Himself?. If you ever heard Shaq rap, you know it's a crime.

“I was freestyling. That’s all. It was all done in fun. Nothing serious whatsoever,” O’Neal told ESPN.com Monday. A call to the Suns on Tuesday seeking comment from O’Neal was referred to his public relations firm, which didn’t immediately respond.

I guess the anti white boy comment got the sheriff's panties all bunched up, thus compelling him to demand Shaq's shield. Gee that sounds weird. But it's good to know that he's off the streets and that he and Kobe are still getting along.

PS
I think Shaq has got a man crush on B.I.G.

Made in America

2008-06-19T00:59:00.000-07:00

Recently, NBA all-star and Golden State Warrior Baron Davis popped into the Yelp.com headquarters in San Francisco where he was interviewed by Yelp staffers Jeremy S. and Nish N. The interview was posted on the Yelp Blog. They talked with Davis about his favorite places to dine like Umbria, which happens to be one of my top picks and the status of his beard. Also, they briefly touched on his involvement in the upcoming documentary "Made in America". To what extent Davis is involved in the documentary is unclear, but what snared my attention (besides Umbria and beards) was that this documentary is directed by Stacy Peralta.

For those of you that don’t know, Peralta is an x- pro skateboarder turned director and is one of my favorite in the field. He has created stellar works including, " Riding Giants" an epic surf film and, "Dog Town and Z Boys" which is truly one of the best Documentaries I’ve ever seen. To me, what is so captivating about Peralta’s work is that he is able to bring the viewer to the place where it all went down, and make one feel like he or she was part of it all. Like you lived it. His ability to sew together photos, film segments and sound bites along with interviews creates a fluid and surreal depiction of the culture that is profiled. You can feel the excitement of change and innovation charging through your veins and buzzing in your head. You feel like it was you out there on a hot summer day in SO Cal ready to tear it up in the ocean or on the pavement.

Hot summer days in South Los Angeles are surly depicted in a different, more concerning light as Peralta attempts to highlight the half-century conflict between the Bloods and Crips in his new film. Personally, I am ready to delve into a ride chauffeured by Peralta that this time explores the depths of Gangsta culture and yet another aspect of Southern California life. Based on what I have seen in his previous choices and works, I am eager to see "Made In America". I truly believe that the gang culture in America is fascinating, and I think this documentary will not only prove cogent, but will help people understand West Coast America, history, race, drug and gun culture, and perhaps ways to improve our future.

I can’t wait to check it out!

Hat tip to Yelpers Jeremy S. and Nish N.

Main Line

2008-06-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well, here we go again with the whole war on drug thing. Except this time prevention and treatment is at the forefront. Injection sites lead the way in British Colombia after a judge ruled to let Insite-the first legal injection site in North America- continue its work. Of course the same contrary argument still exists. How can we combat the detriments of drug use and culture by helping people use them?

"Our lawyers never disputed any of the government's evidence during the court proceedings. We accepted that narcotics are both dangerous and illegal. What we argued, though, was that because of those facts, Insite is a crucial access point to health care and treatment. And the judge agreed."

So maybe the rest of North America can pay close attention to these actions that are taking place in a rumble and tumble area of Vancouver, BC and work towards similar projects continent wide. And perhaps we can make a positive change in the cultures were violence and disease prevail by providing safe and clean havens for already addicted people to use. With these changes perhaps we can divert the bulk of our financial resources to what should be more pressing issues like education and natural resource conservation, rather than fighting narco traffickers on the border and in the Caribbean. I know there are obviously other angles to this subject. These will be tackled in the future.

Shift Happens

2008-06-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

Here is some interesting and perhaps scary info for you. Most of us probably have larger vocabularies than Shakespear. Go figure!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FqfunyCeU5g

2008-06-13T14:30:00.001-07:00

This is my cherry popping post. Ouch! Stay tuned for something to sink you teeth into.