Insignifica

Candidates, Heroes, Faire, Here Comes May

Monday! May starts tomorrow. Fast!

Picture of the day!

My relatively new water heater.

Ren Faire was awesome - lots of us made it (Me, The Girlfriend, The Baby, Ken, Bunny, Song, Kat, Hana, Rus, Jess, Marek, Jenn, Miki, Evan, and Linda), and it wasn't too hot to enjoy walking around. Taking The Baby is definitely a very different experience, but it was fun - I think we'll have more fun next year when we likely won't be pushing a stroller around the whole time, though it was nice to have somewhere to stash my sword. Pictures coming soon! Thanks again to Linda for the tickets. We owe you several dinners now!

The bad part about faire was the dust - it was really dry, and because of that, we were all covered in a not-so-fine layer of the stuff. My allergies are killing me this morning. We'll see if it gets better through the day. We also both had a "fun" hangover, from walking around all day, getting a bit too much sun (though no burns), and generally enjoying ourselves too much. That doesn't linger like a booze hangover, though. We'll good.

New Heroes tonight! I love dystopian future/alternate reality episodes too - Stargate had one last week, and Heroes tonight.

I'm finding myself very unsatisfied with all of the democratic candidates for president. The saving grace in all of this is that the Republicans don't seem to have much in the way of a candidate themselves, but I wouldn't put it past Democrats to miss the opportunity. I'm sure there'll be more political talk now, and it'd take a lot for me not to vote for a Democrat come next November, but we'll see...

How was your weekend, friends? Anything exciting?

Fantastic Weekend, MTG Cards, Family Law Lawyer, Travel, Faire

It's very nearly the weekend, and it's looking beautiful!

Picture of the day!

Happy baby.

We're going to faire on Sunday! We're very excited, although we came to realize that we're probably going to just take the baby's stroller instead of fashioning some sort of elaborate wagon. But we have a cute outfit for Katherine from Linda, and both the Girlfriend and I will be in garb as well. Yell at me if we don't have a fair number of pictures.

Lots of travel coming up. We're going to the Grand Canyon next month, and I'm trying to arrange a short weekend trip to Santa Cruz (likely just me) for the first weekend in June. I'd like to hit Comiccon in July, and then possibly back up to Santa Cruz in August or September. Chris and Marek are going to Alaska in June to Kayak - I'm jealous, but there's far too much camping involved for me to enjoy it. I'd love to go kayaking around here though. I'm sure there are Kayak rentals in Newport Bay, I should look into it.

A close friend is looking for a contact for a lawyer that deals with family law. If you're of the type, let me know, and I'll pass along the message. I know several lawyers, but they do other things.

Another friend, Jamie, helped to organize her friend's Magic: The Gathering card set to sell on eBay. If you're into that, or just want to see an insanely geeky collection of cards, check it out.

I hope y'all have a fantastic weekend. Get out there and enjoy it - life is too short to be bored for too long.

Hunger, Bonds, Lowes, Thursday

Thursday!

Picture of the day!

The Girlfriend and Ken, mid-sentence, at Labor Day 2005.

Remember when I said that Home Depot sucked, and Lowes was doing things right? Well, now Lowes is sucking too. After going in Sunday and being told we'd get a call from their contractors early this week, we still haven't heard from them, and they're trying to blame the contractors on this. That's fine - I'm sure they dropped the ball - but I'm not paying the contractors, I'm paying and working with Lowes. The girlfriend is on "let them know we'll take our business elsewhere and we have friends and we'll write about your incompetence" duty today.

Bonds is only 14 home runs away from the record. He's come on strong in the last couple weeks (after questions in the last couple years if he'd ever play long enough to get the last 50 or so home runes). At his current pace, he'll set the record in June. Then what?

The Hunger continues - I went to the store last night and bought snacks that are pretty good for me - veggies mostly, and some pretzels. I'll eat whatever's available, so it pays to have healthy snacks around. Of course, an order of fries sounds darn tasty right now. Darn tasty.

I'm tapped! Happy Thursday!

Ren Faire, Tori, Date, Stupid Credit Card Websites, Laughlin

Happy Wednesday!

Picture of the Day!

Marek and his Ruination IPA. I love beer.

I love Laughlin, too - we're staying there as an intermediate step from here to the Grand Canyon when we go next month (8 hour drives aren't my thing, or the baby's). It makes the whole trip more relaxed, plus for $19/night, it's hard to say no.

I use a program called "NoScript", an extension for Firefox, as a means of keeping my browsing a little safer. It allows you to restrict java, javascripting, and cross-site scripting to only trusted domains, meaning you can turn it on and off as needed with a right click, instead of going through browser menus that don't allow such flexibility. I generally love it.

It's showing off a problem that exists online, mainly with large businesses, however - having these things turned off often results in broken sites, not just sites with less functionality. And some sites, specifically banking-related, apparently are stupid about such things. I went online to get my Laughlin rooms yesterday, but before the travel site could complete my transaction, my card number had to be "verified" by Visa. I understand online credit card fraud is a large and real problem. However, I understand that phishing is too - and Visa was doing just about all the things that phishers do that we've all been told to watch out for, such as:

- Redirecting me to a new site on a "looks close, but not sure" domain (in this case, "verifiedbyvisa.com"), after using my Wells Fargo bank card (which is from Visa).

- Asking me for all sorts of identifying information like my name and address.

- Requiring me to sign up for their service with a password before my transaction could be completed.

I checked it all out and it seemed legit enough for me, but Jesus you guys, how about following your own rules? I just about canceled my order through Travelocity because of the hoops, all made worse when my NoScript software caused the buttons to not work - we're told to disable Javascript for safety, then a bank not only requires it to be online, but doesn't allow you to even see your problem if it IS disabled. I'd call to complain, but truly, honestly, I don't think I could reach anyone at Visa or Wells Fargo who'd care, or who could do anything. Bad move guys, bad move.

In addition to reminding me to bring my camera with me, everyone reading needs to remind me to set up a babysitter some Saturday night so the girlfriend and I can go on a date. Cause it's been too long. Not that we don't like going out with the baby (she's great in restaurants), but it'll be nice to just go out.

Tori has a great post on what "family" means to her. Even if you don't know her, you'll get something out of how she sees the world.

Remember, we're going to Faire this weekend. Join us! Have a great weekend!

Free Advice, Cinco de Mayo, Santa Cruz Trip, Asian Food, Beautiful Day, Birthday

Tuesday! And Happy Birthday Karen!

Picture of the day!

Brandon and computer at my birthday party.

We've finally got a beautiful clear day here (though yesterday was nice later), and it's looking nice for the rest of the week. Ren Faire on Sunday looks rain-free, but cooling. Just about perfect.

I've been craving Asian food lately, and my favorite places are 20 and 35 minutes away, respectively. Not far for an afternoon or evening, but too far for lunch. A shame, a shame. Luckily all my favorite semi-fast food Mexican style places are within lunch distance.

I'm trying to squeeze in a trip to the bay area this summer - we haven't been up there since last July. But with the Grand Canyon in May and the girlfriend going back to work right afterward, it'll be tough. But we'll try our best - luckily we've been able to see some norcal friends on their trips south (especially this year - thanks for visiting everyone!). Life's too short not to get together with friends.

Speaking of that, we'll have some people over for Cinco de Mayo - likely a very stereotypically American celebration with Mexican food, grilling and beer. More info coming soon.

Free Advice for today: Enjoy life, eat well and don't do anything that makes you feel guilty, unless it doesn't hurt anyone, in which case you should find a way to take guilt out of the action. Happy Tuesday!

Demolition, Lowes vs. Home Depot, Poker, Reinstall, Monday.

Happy Monday! Congrats to Ben and Roxanne who got married this weekend!

Picture of the day!

Donkey Butt.

Busy Weekend. Saturday the baby and I moved files from the broken laptop to the working Windows machine - this time was much, much faster than last time, probably because the computer had primarily been used as a second computer, and because I knew the process this time around. I must thank the fine folks at Knoppix for an amazing OS - It booted the machine quickly and easily every time, everything worked - the network cards and Samba (that was awesome - it found my windows network and let me transfer files with almost no problems) being most important. it's also a very easy to use and very attractive OS. If I was going to be using that computer full time, I'd probably make it a Linux machine.

We also played some poker this weekend, with Emily taking the top prize. I'm also learning that I'm REALLY allergic to Gary's cats. Damn the man!

Yesterday we got the ball rolling on our new kitchen, and decided to go with Lowes rather than Home Depot. I'll have a "Dear Home Depot" letter up soon with details, but basically, Neither store we went to had someone there who could help us (only one person per store actually does the appointments/consults, it seems), and pricing was unclear and different at the Tustin and Santa Ana stores. At Lowes, the first guy we talked to set us up with an appointment for this week to get measurements done. That'll all it takes sometimes.

On that topic: We need someone to demolish a small wall and cabinets. We think we MIGHT be able to do it ourselves, but we'd really much rather have a professional do it (as we're removing a wall). Any suggestions?

I hope your weekends were fantastic. Enjoy Monday!

Weekend, Ren Faire, Heroes Wiki, Sick?, Rainy Friday

It's Friday! And it's raining! Happy 4/20 to all my 4/20 style friends. I'll stick with beer.

Picture of the day!

Noel and Me, almost 2 years ago now. Click to enbiggen with "creepy Mike eyes" goodness.

I've had two weekends in a row where I've been sick, and I'm hoping today's issues are just allergies - it feels different, but with a recent weather change and the fact that I'm still getting over the cold, it's hard to tell. That said, I'm going to a cat-filled house tomorrow to play poker. Woe to me.

I've pimped it before, but if you're a Heroes fan (it returns Monday!), check out the Heroes Wiki. Lots of good info, spoilers if you want them, and it's generally well written. And if something's missing, you can add it.

We're attending Ren Faire next weekend. Apparently it's a "Swashbuckling Pirate Weekend". Won't you join us?

I'm out of stuff to talk about. What's new? How's the weekend looking? Won't you leave a message?

Poker, Navy Blue, News Coverage, Thursday

Already Thursday! Days go by quickly when you take Monday off.

Picture of the day!

Ryan tending bar for his son at my party this weekend.

Ya know, I'm sorry for all the victims and their families at Virginia Tech - mass killings, especially those with victims just going about their daily life, are super tragic. On one hand, I'm way ready for headlines like "Virginia Tech victims live on in prayers, memories" and "Survivor: Killer was weak and 'not a man'" to scroll off the main news pages - especially with so much other news going on. On the other, I realize news agencies are in it for the advertising and page views, and this story is certainly a talker.

In the end, it's my fault for reading major news sites. At least in the age of the internet there are other, smaller news sites where I can round out my news reading experience. Just 20 years ago, we were all pretty much limited to networks and a few cable TV offerings. One of the best things about teh internets.

Due to laundry related negligence, I'm being forced to wear navy blue today instead of the usual grey and black. I apologize for the inconvenience.

I'm excited about playing poker this weekend - it's been a while. We've also got a Baby Wrangling Plan, so we're not gonna try to take care of baby/play at the same time. Soon we're just gonna need a daycare for all the childrens...

How goes Thursday for you, friends?

Settling Up, PO Box, Dead Laptop, Cameraing, Wednesday

Hello and welcome to Wednesday!

Picture of the day!

A sign stating "Umbrella for your use while crossing the bridge". Thanks South Coast Plaza!

Not that I don't love my pictures, but I think it's time to go out and take more. Tori is always telling stories about her photographic exploits, and it makes me realize I don't take nearly enough. I've said it before, but if you see me and I don't have my camera

My laptop decided to die, again, just the same way it died in 2004. The error is identical. The first time it died was 26 months after I got it. and this time was 30 months after I fixed it. For the first time in a long time, searching for the problem online was amazingly unhelpful, as lsass.exe errors also result from the sasser worm, and lots of "experts" give generic virus advice instead of getting into the other possible problems. It looks like I'm gonna have to reinstall XP again, and back everything up, again. Luckily, just like last time, Knoppix (a Linux distro that boots from CD to create a fully functional OS) has allowed us to continue using the computer with almost no problems.

My PO box is largely ignored and feels lonely. Please send it something. As long as it doesn't explode violently or drip onto the box below, I'm game.

Michael Doss
P. O. Box 10541
Santa Ana, CA 92711

On a semi-related note, if I ever said I was gonna send you something, but I didn't, let me know. I'd like to settle things out. It's just the kind of guy I am.

That's Wednesday for ya. How's it going?

Birthday recap!

Hey! It's Tuesday!

Picture of the day!

Brandon telling something to Chris from this weekend's birthday party. Tori suggested having an occasional "Caption This!" contest here with the pictures of the day - you might have noticed I take a lot of pictures of people mid-sentence. Use the commnets to suggest what Brandon might be saying to Chris, why Chris has that look on his face, and why The Girlfriend is smirking.

Speaking of pictures: If you took pictures at my party, email them to me! I want to put them up on my flickr birthday page. Thanks!

The birthday weekend was awesome - had all sorts of people over on Saturday, including three kids under age one (and two more ages ~2 and ~4). We thought this would happen eventually. I had people give to the charity of their choice, and several hundred dollars were raised, much of that going to Second Harvest Food Bank. Thanks everyone!

I got in person birthday wishes from lots of people, and via the internets from College Adam and Eric, Marie, and Brian. That's always nice.The Girlfriend also got me a neato present - my own pizza peel! I love my baking stone, but as is often the case, having the Right Tool For The Job makes all the difference in getting pizzas on and off. Yay!

Stupid Myspace didn't do a good job of telling everyone it was my birthday. I swear, that software is SO bad, and has been for years now. You'd think they could fix the little things before going crazy with new features.

We also went out to Maggiano's on Sunday. Delicious, as always. The secret, I've found, to really enjoying it is to not eat more than a couple bites of every dish. Otherwise you're fully before the pastas and meats (if you eat them) even arrive, and by dessert, you feel as if you made die. There's always leftovers.

That's all the birthdayness. Not sure when the next party I'm hosting is, but it might be the baby's first birthday, coming up dangerously fast. Happy Tuesday!

29!

Happy Birthday to me!

Feed the hungry, go to jail

This is ugly. It's 7 kinds of ugly. Why would you pass a law limiting the number of people you could feed? If food safety is an issue, do you really think 24 is safe, and 26 isn't? Police were counting, so it must be the case. We're in a bad place when feeding the hungry has to be an act of civil disobedience.

There's more good analysis here.

Monday Off, Boots, Illness, Friday the 13th

Happy Friday the 13th, my friends!

Picture of the day!

Long hair, big beard, cute girlfriend. Check.

Wouldn't ya know it, the day before my birthday weekend, I have some sort of illness. Baby was sick this week too, but I had something at the end of last week, so I don't know what was passed around, who got what when, and how many different bugs are out there. I hope it's manageable, though I can always just sit on the couch and enjoy the party seated. Damn the man!

I need some boots. Not leather, but durable. All black and fairly non-descript is prefered. Thoughts?

In other advice news, I'm taking Monday off. What should I go do, providing I'm feeling better? I think "Sleeping in" is on my list, but otherwise, my day is open.

What's new with you, my friends? How's the weekend shaping up?

Secular Charities, Anahiem Residents Needed, Reunion, So It Goes, Thursday.

It's Thursday! Hello!

Picture of the day!

Construction from October last year of a building in Irvine. I believe it's mostly done now.

I'm markedly more sad about the passing of Kurt Vonnegut than I tend to be for celebrities - his were some of the first modern politically charged sci-fi I read that wasn't preachy or annoying, and his humor made for better enjoyability. He was also an outspoken humanist and had the right ideas about Bush, the war, and terrorists. Today's Dinosaur Comics has a mini tribute for those who know his writing. So it goes.

If you attended my high school and graduated (or should have graduated) in 1995, 1996, or 1997, there's another reunion planned - this one mainly organized by the class of '97, but featuring the rest of us for various reasons. Watch this space for more.

If you live in Anaheim and want to help me stick it to the man, let me know. I have positions open.

A discussion with a friend last night led me to question my desire to donate money to Second Harvest (or any food bank), her point being that they're some of the most well funded of all charities, and are already highly supported by food donaters looking for tax right-offs. Do any of you have suggestions for secular charities that help people in need? Any you like in particular?

Be well, my friends.

Hump Day, Enchilada Solution, Mint Tins, DVR, OCA Meeting

Wednesday!

Picture of the day!

Long haired girlfriend. Note also the vast collection of Star Trek stuff behind her. I still have all that, but it's boxes. Sad.

The next meeting of the Orange County Atheists is Tonight, Wednesday, April 11 at 7:30PM. For more information, or if you're planning on attending please RSVP at our website forums. Hope to see you there!

We're getting digital cable installed tomorrow, since it's cheaper than the broadcast basic. We're also getting their DVR, and moving the wonderful Replay upstairs (where we'll more easily be able to connect it to the network, right after I spend $50 to get a magical wireless adapter that mostly worked). Anyone have experience with Time Warner's DVRs?

It's time to start on my Penguin Mints tins art project. I say that only because I have no more room in my desk for the empties. If you can think of a good one, let me know. Please. Soon.

Enchilada solution needed! Do you know a good place to get a tray of cheese enchiladas that won't set us back a whole lot? We want some for this weekend's party. They must be vegetarian. Comments welcome!

What is new, my friends? How's the week treating you this hump day?

Ren Faire, Cockfighting, Car Stereo, Slow Week

For the first time in a long time, the week seems to be dragging. I dunno why, but it feels like it should be later than Tuesday. Maybe Father Time is giving me room to get everything done before my birthday festivities this week. He should be talking to Fate, however, who gave my daughter a cold. They really need to work together, those two.

Picture of the day!

Eric and myself from Birthday 2005.

Until last week, I'd never had a car CD player - I'd used my portable player a few times with a cassette adapter, but until I got my new stereo, I hadn't had one that was actually part of the system. And since the stereo's also got an auxiliary input, I've been easily listening to my XM radio, so I didn't listen to any CDs until yesterday, when I popped in the new Weird Al album. It's like the 21st century just caught up to me!

Speaking of making their way to the 21st century, did you know cockfighting is still legal in Louisiana? And until very recently, it was legal in Oklahoma, and still is legal until June in New Mexico? I think it's funny that the governments are largely working to outlaw it because they know it makes their states look "backward", but man - I didn't know it still happened anywhere but in the movies.

Considering the large number of people that want to go, we decided we just had to choose a date that worked for us for Ren Faire, so we're going Sunday, April 29. If you'd like to join us, please do! It's just about always a good time, and a much shorter drive than it used to be, especially for those of you in and around Los Angeles.

OCA Meeting, Blog Announgcement, B.C., Brandon's Blog, Easter

Happy Monday! Easter was spent eating delicious food with family, and the heartburn that results from such delicious food - the downside about not eating fatty snack crackers 98% of the time is that during the delicious other 2%, it causes havoc.

Picture of the day!

My sister with my daughter yesterday. Zan was understandably miffed that there were no good pictures of the two of them together, so we took some.

Brandon's popped up with a blog called "Koreatown Chronicle". As Gary points out, it's far more literate than most blogs, including those I read or write. It's also well-imaged. Take a read.

"B.C." creator Johnny Hart has died at age 76. There's a very funny fark thread about his inane comics, other non-funny comics, and Hart's sneaking in of anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish comments into what he drew. Read only if you can laugh out loud, a lot.

My blog-related exciting announcement has been delayed, again. I'll let you all know when I can let you all know what I know. You know?

The next meeting of the Orange County Atheists will be held Wednesday, April 11 at 7:30PM at the International House of Pancakes at 18542 MacArthur Blvd in Irvine. If you consider yourself an atheist, an agnostic, a freethinker, a humanist, or are just curious, check out this month's event. If you're planning on attending please RSVP at our website forums. Hope to see you there!

What's new, my friends?

Happy Weekending, Bible as Literature, Lunch, Baking Classes, Carle Photography, Birthday

Happy Friday! Happy Birthday Jared!

Picture of the day!

Our baby's first photo shoot. Mariah took it (and other beautiful fun shots) when she was down here last week. There are more here.

I'm thinking I should take a beginning baking class. Perhaps intermediate: I know all the basics, I've been cooking for years, and the stuff I make almost always tastes good. I knew what to do when my cupcake dough was too thick, I know what you can and can't add to things you're baking, and I understand, and love, that baking is a chemical reaction.

But while I make delicious things, they're not always the most attractive things. Maybe I watch too much food network, but I love clean looking pasteries, I'd love to know more about crafting my own recipes, and I'd love more help with decorating and design. Perhaps I need to take two classes.

The girlfriend and baby will be out and about today for lunch, so I'll probably go out and get something. Suggestions?

Huntington Beach High Schools will consider "The Bible as Literature" class. Your thoughts?

Happy weekending, my friends, and happy Easter, if that's your style.

Time Warner Cable, Easter, Neurotheology, Thursday

Happy Thursday!

Picture of the day!

The sign from the Lucky Strike bowling alley at the Block at Orange. Taken on the night that inspired this letter.

Out of the blue today, Colleen popped up to say hi on instant message, and to ask my opinion about this article about neurotheology - the study of religion in terms of the inner workings of the brain.

I've seen studies like this - they're interesting, but it's often very hard to separate the upbringing people have (and related people who share brain chemistry share upbringing oftentimes) from our physical aspects. You also have to consider that monotheism like the article describes is a very recent event in terms of human populations - most people throughout history have been nontheistic or polytheistic. The focus on a "personal" god as described is even newer - that trend didn't start until the mid 1800s.

Further, the experiences described, such as "focused attention during meditation", "that feeling of becoming part of something greater than oneself" and "feelings of awe and joy" aren't at all limited to theists - in fact, they're universal to all people from what I can tell, and people just wrap their own experiences (be it faith, nature, or a rock concert) around it. I haven't read the research (or the dude's book), but I think the only reason "faith" comes up regarding these regions of the brain is because that's where some people have these feelings. The rest of us can do it just fine without any gods.

I can't believe it's almost Easter. Of course, Easter candy and decorations have been in my markets since right after Valentine's Day, so many I've just gotten used to it. I'm having at least two dinners, and my daughter will likely get toys and stuff (though not from us...the Easter Bunny won't stop at our house this year). Mmm. Candy. If I ate meat, I'd cook a bunny for Easter Dinner. Take that.

I'm having trouble getting Time Warner Cable to give me the "new subscriber" deal on digital cable. I'm a former Adelphia customer, and I have basic cable. The digital is a couple dollars less, but new subscribers get it for $15/month less for the first 6 months. While that's only $90, I'd prefer if it were my $90. I keep thinking it's one of those things I just need to talk to the right person for, but I can't find the right person. Any advice is welcome.

That's all for today. What's new?

Mexican OC, Mexican Food, OC Atheists, Blog Announcement, Standing Baby, Work Schedules

Wednesday! Halfway through the work week, if you work M-F, like just about everyone I know does. Weird. Do any of you work nights/weekends regularly? Other than you, my girlfriend...

Picture of the day!

Baby wants beer.

Speaking of baby, Katie can now stand on her own for a few seconds, falls on her butt very well, and has little fear regarding climbing or charging at people. Walking approaches.

Blog related announcement coming this week or next!

The next meeting of the Orange County Atheists will be held Wednesday, April 11 at 7:30PM at the International House of Pancakes at 18542 MacArthur Blvd in Irvine. If you consider yourself an atheist, an agnostic, a freethinker, a humanist, or are just curious, check out this month's event. If you're planning on attending please RSVP at our website forums. Hope to see you there!

If you were going to a birthday party where Mexican food was being served, what types of items would you like to see? Keep in mind they should be easy to produce en masse. Thanks!

Speaking of Mexican, this is from my good friend Angela:
Breath of Fire Theater Company is pleased to announce the World Premiere of the ground breaking play, The "Mexican" OC, A California Story Fund Grant Project. This funny and poignant collection of stories seeks to entertain, educate, and eliminate the stereotypes of Orange County's Mexican community. We meet two forces: pocha real estate agent, Debi Murillo, and Chicana crossing guard, Yolanda Gomez, who are our guides through the intersections of untold Mexican American heritage.

There's much more information at the "Mexican" OC website, including a press release. Even better is that the show is free!

What's new, friends?

Yakov, Vegemite, E. Coli, Cables, Fiona Project, Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday! Yesterday was cloudy, but today's starting to clear up nicely. Welcome Spring!

Picture of the day!

This was my main entry for the Fiona Project, an "an international participatory Internet surprise celebrating a special person named Fiona". Everyone who wanted to participate received stickers in the mail, instructed to stick it somewhere and take a picture, then upload it to flickr, tag it, geocode it, and continue on our merry way. Check it out - it's a fun project. I'd love to do something like that.

For some reason, this weekend was one to buy connectors - I bought a pair of earphones, two different kinds of earphone extension cords, a USB hub, and a USB patch cable. Sometimes you just need the things that make the other things work better, ya know?

E. Coli!

It's almost time to try vegemite! Next week is the reckoning.

I didn't know Yakov Smirnoff was a painter! What a county!

Have a good day, my friends. Seeya on the other side!

Halloween, Doohan, Car Stereo, Stickers, April Fools, Baseball

Happy Monday, and happy baseball season! Most teams start their 2007 seasons today. Go Angels!

Picture of the day!

Katherine has something for you.

It's April! I love a joke, a prank, and a fool, but I'm not a huge April Fools Day - it's just not done well too often. Slashdot becomes unreadable, press releases aren't funny, and true victimless pranks are rare. Luckily, AFD on a Sunday meant not having to deal with most of that. But it does make me want to do a Cockeyed-style prank sometime soon. We'll see what we can do.

This is not a joke: I finally joined the 21st century and got myself a new car stereo yesterday. It's got a CD player! My factory install from Hyundai was great, but only had a cassette player. This one's also got a front aux in, meaning no more FM transmitter from the XM Roady2. I considered a satellite-ready model, but it was $20, plus $100 for the internal XM components, plus extra installation fees, and I was looking at $300-$330 instead of the $170 total I paid. Plus with the Roady2, I can still bring it into my house. I think I did well.

I bought this book yesterday. It's fun.

Scotty finally headed into space!

April also means we're coming up on 6 months until Halloween. I'm not sure what I'm doing about party or costume, yet, but it's time to start thinking about it. Oh yeah.

How was your weekend, friends? What's new?