Insignifica

Fire pictures

I took a couple pictures of the aftermath of a fire near my house today. Check them out at the OC Metblog.

Orange County Atheists news

Wow, I won an award, and didn't even know it:

From http://eastbayatheists.org/news.html:

Dave Kong, California State Director for American Atheists, presented the 2005 awards at the San Francisco Atheists meeting on December 17. Sacramento Atheists and Other Freethinkers received a group award for their annual Special Event, Freethought Day. Michael Doss received a Pioneer Atheist award for founding Orange County Atheists. David Fitzgerald, of San Francisco Atheists, received a Special Event award for his leadership role in the All-Atheist Weekend. Finally, Larry Hicok, the Coordinator of East Bay Atheists, received a Dedication Award for his work to promote American Atheists and Atheist activism in the Bay Area.

Rock on! I've spent a lot of time this year with Orange County Atheists, bringing the group from the old meetup.com group, starting the website, recruiting members, getting the word out, and making sure we have regular meetings. I've got big plans for the group in 2006, and hope to get even more done.

As an aside, Orange County Atheists doesn't show up as high in google as it should - probably because of the out-of-the-box website. Feel free to link to it with the following code on your own webpage:

<A HREF="http://www.ocatheists.com/" target="_blank">Orange County Atheists</A>

Thanks to everyone for a great year!

new years, projects, prizes

Ah, another Friday before another three-day weekend. Rock!

I'm doing my damnedest to avoid the illness going around, and so far, so good. Just 40 more hours so I'm not sick at my own party...

I'm looking for a "project" for 2006. I'm already working with Orange County Atheists regarding city council invocations (we're looking to get them stopped in at least some OC cities this year), and there's the baby...but I'd like something else, something to really feel good about by this time next year. Could be political, could be something in my house, could be something else entirely. Any ideas?

We're quickly approaching comment number 2500...the person who leaves that comment will be given a prize! So say hello!

What are you doing for New Years? My party is less of a party and more "having a couple friends over", but we'll have good eats. I didn't think I'd ever say this, but New Years might be one of those events I'd be happy to attend a bash (like at a hotel or something) rather than throw one. What do you have planned?

thursday before new years

Happy Thursday, folks!

I've felt so productive the last couple days, cleaning my office. It wasn't filthy or anything, but there was stuff everywhere. I also switched out my keyboard (the old one was filthy, and now, totally by accident, I have a black and silver theme for my mouse, keyboard, monitor and case. That's the first time that's ever happened.

On the topic of computers, I'm looking for a couple pieces of software. First, a Photoshop type program to edit photos, but much more basic. Second, new TV software to go along with the very old TV card I have. If anyone knows of good free versions of either of these, let me know.

I've got two more days of work, then three days off...gotta love those three day weekends. How's Thursday treating you?

Countdown begins

Three days until New Years eve - I'm excited, though this year's party is considerably scaled back from last year, and how I envisioned this year. That said, I'm kinda glad. While I love my Mikestravaganzas, they take a lot of time and money to put on well, and I'm exhausted for days afterward. A (very) small party at home will be rather easier to handle.

How are you celebrating? Any big plans?

Vegas in Springtime

Before my approaching fatherhood becomes an 8 pound reality, I wanted to get a trip to Vegas in - so here are the details:

- I'd like just about everyone I know, who's interested, to join me there. Vegas is a big town, with lots to do, so even if you and I only meet up at one poker table or buffet, it's fun for both of us.

- My schedule isn't set, yet. I like to go on weekends that aren't too busy with conventions, and I usually do a Sunday-Tuesday or Wednesday trip. I'm thinking late February or early March, but like I said, I'm open.

- In Vegas, I usually gamble, eat, and socialize. Haven't done any clubbing and I rarely spend time at the pool, but I'm willing to in order to see friends who want to do these things.

- I'll be staying at the Las Vegas Hilton, more likely than not. Anyone who'd like to stay there with me is more than welcome, and can probably get in on my very good room rates.

- I think it'd be friggin' awesome to meet friends at the airport who've come in for an extended weekend with friends they haven't seen in a long time.

- I'm envisioning at least some of the following taking place: Caravan through the desert with stops at Bun Boy and Stateline; seven of us who all know each other sitting around a blackjack table; a loud, happy, delicious meal with 10-15 of my closest friends at one of the city's fine dining establishments; sitting, talking and drinking til the wee hours of the morning in some casino lounge; and leaving town tired but relaxed and happy.

Who's in?

Tuesday before New Years

Alright, it's Tuesday. Back into the swing of things. Four days of work, then another three-day weekend, including New Years Eve. Good times!

This always seems like a "lost" week to me - lots of people are off work, it's known only for being the time between two holidays, and due to having boxes and gifts and plant life throughout the house, it's really different from the rest of the year.

Gift update: Extra copies of Star wars III and Office Space received as gifts were exchanged for the new albums by Death Cab for Cutie and Straylight Run, as well as a universal remote. Merry Christmas!

How are you spending your Tuesday?

after christmas

Happy Day After Christmas!

I got a bunch of great stuff, including:

- John Denver - Definitive All-Time Greatest Hits CD
- A pie dish that has the symbol "π" on it
- A wide variety of DVDs I'd been wanting
- A DVD/VCR combo player (to both of us)
- New pots and pans
- Darth Tater and Spud Trooper
- Jesus lightswitch covers

Plus other great stuff. Looking forward to New Years!

Get anything good?

More Christmas!

It's foggy, a bit damp, and around 55 degrees outside - that's as close as we're gonna get to "Seasonal" for this Christmas eve, and rain is about as close as we ever get to snow. That said, it's nicely Christmasy out there for me, though I'm in my house, fire burning in the fireplace, listening to Christmas music while I wrap presents. Earlier today it was in the 70s and clear, but such is December.

May I recommend Irish Coffee if you're feeling a bit of a chill.

So far it's been a great holiday, and I haven't unwrapped any presents yet, just opened some that came in the mail. Tori and I unknowingly got each other the new Special Edition of Office Space, Gary got me the Ghostbusters gift set and Star Wars Episode III, Joe got me assorted cast-off treasures in our group gift exchange (and $20!) and Joz and Yoshi got me got me Michael Konik's book "The Man with the $100,000 Breasts". I got cards from most everyone I'm close to, and I've got tomorrow I'll get gifts from my mom, my sibling secret santa, and my girlfriend's family. Happy Christmas!

Did you know Festivus was a real holiday? I didn't either.

In what can only be described as some sort of Christmas miracle, the tree we bought last year, a real tree made from real wood, refuses to burn. We saved the trunk of last year's tree to burn as firewood (and as a Yule log this year), but soon discovered the problem. It'll smolder, but try as we might, with wax starters, kindling, and a day's worth of newspaper, the wood itself never caught - it would just "Scale" a bit, and smolder some, then cool right off. Tonight we put it in with one of the pressed wood 4-hour logs, believing that several hours of constant exposure to flame would set it alight.

Nope.

It's just kinda melting away, ashing off, but never on fire. Weird stuff. They should make houses and forests out of it.

I hope your Christmas (and Chanukah) are wonderful, and you get to do what you enjoy most, be it spend time with family, get and receive gifts, or party like there's no tomorrow. Happy Holidays!

Christmas!

Happy Christmas Eve, and Merry Christmas to everyone!

Rockin!

Happy Decemeber 23, everyone! For my friends not in Southern California, it's going to be 75 degrees and partly cloudy tomorrow. Merry Christmas.

I might not post much this weekend, so if I don't do it then, I'd like to wish everyone the best holiday ever. Keep on Rockin'!

holiday week

Busy day, so I'll keep it short. I hope you're enjoying your holiday week, regardless if you're working, or not. I'm running out of time to shop...tonight it's Costco, at least. Gotta get little things for the coworkers, some more stuff for my girlfriend, and a main present for my mom. Luckily, Costco should have all of these things.

How's your week? Hectic? Relaxed? I don't feel stressed (I refuse to allow a "holiday" to stress me), but I do know what's got to be done.

Happy Solstice

Happy Solstice!

For whatever reason, the last few years I've really been into celebrating the Winter Solstice - I miss the daylight most of all, but the atheist in me likes the idea of a holiday based on something natural and observable. Symbolically it's a day of rebirth and renewal, which is appealing to me too. A good read this time of year is "Pagan Claus - A look at Christian Symbols". Much of what we associate with Christmas has origins with Solstice celebrations.

So for my pagan friends out there, Happy Yule! For the rest of y'all, enjoy the sunlight and the longer days! Welcome to the new year!

CNN on crack

The good news:

Court rejects 'intelligent design' in science class

This will cause no shortage of uproar from the Christian Right, especially Christmas week, but this is a great ruling. I keep thinking of it like this: If Flat Earth advocates demanded equal time in our geology or geography classes, we wouldn't give them a second thought. It's not science, and neither is intelligent design.

Now, the bad news:

What are they smoking over at CNN's graphics department? This was the main graphic for the story on the "cover" page of the CNN. That's just wacky.

Monday before Christmas, shopping, bachelor

Six days until Christmas, and while I still have shopping to do, I'm pretty much set on what people want, and what I'm going to get them.

Except my mom.

You see, my mom should be easy to buy for - she likes everything. But she has everything, too, so I'm at a loss. Last year I got her a basket full of Christmasy things, foods, and candies. Fun, but I'd feel kinda bad repeating it, or even something like it. Suggestions?

I'm a bachelor again for tonight, as my girlfriend is out of town. Might do some shopping, see a movie, or otherwise paint the town red. Or I'll go home and cook dinner...Anyone want to go out?

My nearly three-year-old car had it's first problem Friday - the driver's side headlight went out. I'm debating whether to take it in for service (it's under warranty), or just do it myself.

Any big plans for you, gentle reader? I'm quite looking forward to Wednesday - my most anticipated day of the year, symbolically. That, and fires are encouraged...

John Spencer dies at 58

It's finally Friday. The week has seemed quick at some points, and almost painfully slow at others. Partytime has begun, however, we're in the midst of my party at work, and tonight we're going out with most of the group. Good times!

I haven't been this surprised at a hollywood death since John Ritter - 'West Wing' actor John Spencer dies at 58.

These lemon bars are fantastic. Enjoy your weekend!

poker, cards, trees, etc.

The tree is up and decorated, and looks fantastic. The wreath (which is wider than the space between my door and screen) is also up, as are a bunch of household decorations. It doesn't quite look like a Christmas explosion, but it's a stark contrast from yesterday afternoon. Pictures to come.

The New Years party might have to be scaled back this year, since it'll be in my house rather than the condo's clubhouse, and any more than 20 or so people there makes crowded conditions. I hate to sound elite, but I told a lot of people at Halloween they'd be able to come, and now without the clubhouse I just can't invite them all. If you thought you'd get an invite and didn't, email me, and I'll see if there's still room.

Assuming there's a West Coast Warm-up poker game on Pokerstars tonight, I'll be there. Look for GoodRev42. Any of my regular readers play poker online? I'd love to throw together a tournament.

After poker tonight, Christmas cards...if you haven't yet, email me your address, and I'll send one out.

How was your Thursday? What sort of plans do you have this weekend?

beef burglar!

Finally! I am the beef burglar!

Now #1 with and without quotes!

How'd it work out?

Posted in the comments, one year and one day ago:

I have a new xmas policy this year: no presents. I'm not giving or receiving any. The only exception are children family members (cousins, etc.).

People are getting xmas cards and a homemade tree ornament.

I'll let you know how it works out

Posted by chris stankevitz at December 13, 2004 02:38 PM

So? How'd it work out?

11 days to Christmas. Tree's up. Wreath purchased. Cards sitting on my desk. Now we need lights, nails, and cramped hands to make the season bright.

Speaking of Christmas, The well-hyperlinked essay at fuckchristmas.org is fantastic. Full of strong language, just as it should be.

Everyone's lovin' on the King Kong. Can't say I'm interested. I have to really love a movie or or subject to sit through three hours.

I can say I'm interested in party season, which starts for me Friday with my work event. It's during work, and it's dry, and it's primarly a concert, but I hear the food's good. Friday night got another, Saturday's plans are still to be determined, and Sunday the g/f leaves on a trip, making a bachelor for a couple days. Good times! Who wants to go out?

mail order, blurkers, atheists and trees.

Tonight is the monthly meeting of the Orange County Atheists. If you consider yourself an atheist, an agnostic, a freethinker, a humanist, or are just curious, check out this month's event. We always welcome new members, will give you a name tag, and want to hear what you have to say! More info is available at the Orange County Atheists website.

Today is day number two of "tree in the house, no lights yet". Not that I don't enjoy the smell and look of the tree, but I like it decorated better. I've just been too busy, and tonight with the OCA meeting, it'll have to wait until tomorrow.

I say this often, but if you're reading this, and you're someone who hasn't commented before, or thinks I might think it's weird that you're reading up on me (someone from work, perhaps), leave a note! Even if it's anonymous, I love to know who's reading.

Tis the season for mail order, and I've been going crazy lately. This week I got a selection of stickers from Evolve Fish, my "Barenaked Ladies on a Stick" album, and I ordered $35 worth of caffeinated mints from my Penguin Mints supplier. Good times!

For Chris: Comparison Chart of Christian Denominations' Beliefs and Doctrine.

What are you doing twice today, because it's Tuesday?

Monday, plumbing adventure

Happy Monday!

Had a great weekend, with the right amount of shopping, eating, and good times with friends. Friday we celebrated Bunny's birthday with a meal at Buca di Beppo, Saturday played Strato and went out with Gary, and Sunday we shopped and got a great tree for the house. Home Depot has beautiful trees at great prices, if you're still looking. We haven't decorated it yet, but that'll likely happen tonight.

We also had a plumbing adventure on Saturday - Sitting in my office (which is above the backdoor and my yard), I heard what sounded like a sprinkler go on and blow it's cap. Not horribly unusual, but it sounded much louder than it should. I yelled down to the girlfriend to look in the backyard, and sure enough, the rusted spigot for the garden hose had blown clean off, and the full force of the house's water pressure was coming out of the bare pipe. Luckily this was in our backyard, so it wasn't causing any damage, but it was shooting out many gallons per minute, so we couldn't just let it be. One problem with our house is that the pipes are all connected with our neighboring units - we don't pay for water directly (it comes out of our association dues), so it's not a problem unless you have to turn off the water for some other reason - like a plumbing adventure. We'd been told the shutoff was in our neighbor's yard, and since it was almost 10PM, we didn't want to bother them. But While searching for ideas, I remembered that the front of the house had some pipes, and sure enough there was a shut-off valve. We're still not sure if it turned off just our water, or our neighbor's as well, but it gave us enough time to re-thread and reattach the spigot.

Any adventures for you this weekend?

Friday

Wow, that seemed like a quick week. Friday already, all sorts of stuff planned. Good times!

And now, your bible passage for the day, from Jeremiah 10:2-4:

"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."

Yeah, so that "War on Christmas"? Started by God.

Orange County Atheists December Meeting

This month's Orange County Atheists meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 7:15 PM at BJ's Brewhouse and Restaurant, 24032 El Toro Road in Laguna Hills.

If you consider yourself an atheist, an agnostic, a freethinker, a humanist, or are just curious, check out this month's event. We always welcome new members, will give you a name tag, and want to hear what you have to say! More info is available at the Orange County Atheists website.

Thursday, filling space, party season

Happy Thursday. It's almost Friday!

It's a bit cloudy out, but this weekend is supposed to get nice again. We've had a great December out here in beautiful Southern California.

Some days I feel like I've got no end of stuff to write about, and others I struggle to not sound like I'm just filling space. And it never seems like there's more or less happening those days, it's just the way it is. Of course, in typing that, I've all of a sudden filled in a few sentences. So that's nice.

I just thought of a rather disgusting joke, but I won't share it here.

The party season has begun, and we've got plans every night but Friday the 23rd. I might need a day off in January, but for now, I'm happy to be going out and seeing friends - it's getting harder and harder to get people together.

My New Years plans seem rather scaled back this year - the party's just at my house (though it is semi formal). I get the impression there won't be a whole lot of people there, but somehow I think it'll be a great time.

Question of the day: What's your favorite "non traditional" Christmas or Holiday song?

Rock!

I'm not sure what it is, but I'm ready to rock today, and I've got to work instead.

Election tuesday, ocatheists, gift idea

It's election day - again - where I live. This is the third time I've voted in 3 months - October for the 48th district primary, November for the general election, and today for the 48th district general. Each time, I get to vote at the Calvary Chapel in Santa Ana. You can imagine how much I love having to go there to vote.

Next Tuesday (a week from today) is the next meeting of the Orange County Atheists. If you're like-minded or just curious, take a look at the site, and think about attending one of our meetings.

Mike's hint of the day: While it's still early in the month, stop by your local large bookstore or music/electronics location, and buy a few $10 and $20 gift cards. When you're looking for a generic gift a few days before Christmas, you'll thank yourself. And if you don't give them away, you can always use them.

Monday, exchange, parties

And now, Monday.

December's in full swing, and I still haven't done much Christmas shopping. That said, because consumable media is relatively inexpensive, I invite you all to view my Amazon Wish List. If you get me something, I'll get you something of similar value. It can certainly be fun to trade gifts.

Informal poll: What does your company do in terms of a holiday party? Do they call it "Christmas"? Is it on site, or off? Are spouses/family allowed? Do you have a good time?

Sunday!

You know, I almost never post on Sunday nights, but I know there's at least one reader out there, maybe more...not to mention I always love seeing off-hour updates on the sites I read.

So who's reading?

Friday, Geek, Atheist Agenda, Cable

Happy Friday!

It's weird the things you forget - I used to have a shirt that said <GEEK> on the front and </GEEK> on the back. But I haven't seen it in my shirt rotation in ages. Chris asked about it today, and it made me realize I hadn't thought about it in months. It's gotta be somewhere.

A group called Atheist Agenda had a "Smut for smut/Bibles for Porno" exchange this week, and got a lot of press for it. Check out the Boing-Boing post here. I think it's awesome, personally - lots of people don't realize what's in their bibles. We've started a discussion at OC Atheists, too.

For those asking, yes, the baby will have a web site with pictures and info, etc. It'll be at insignifica until it's born, then the baby will have it's own site with its own name. This kid's gonna be connected.

My cable modem service is out, again. Nice thing is that Adelphia keeps coming back to fix it. Bad thing is that it's been down almost 7 days in the last 2 months. DSL's looking mighty attractive...

How's your Friday? What's planned this weekend? How will you stick it to the man today?

Thursday, Christmas, Meebo, OCA

I've been posting a lot recently - typically daily (which is a lot of for me), sometimes more. I skipped yesterday so more people would read my post regarding my views and public service. Take a read, I think it's interesting. It's in preparation for a larger project I'll be doing with Orange County Atheists (another site you should really check out).

So it's December, and I'm not overwhelmed by Christmas yet - that's a great thing. I ordered my Barenaked Ladies Christmas music, got my other CDs spinnin', I bought my cards, and I'm considering cookie recipes. Bring it on, Santa.

If I haven't pimped Meebo.com enough, I'll do it again here. It's a web-based IM system using AJAX coding. It's pretty and slick, works perfectly, and gets around pesky firewall issues. Check it out, but don't tell TOO many people - I get the horrible feeling it's one of those web projects that could very well die if it gets too popular.

How's Thursday treating you?