Insignifica

Hello, McCain Racism, Exercise, Upscale Vegetarian, Anniversary, Mardi Gras, Thursday

Hello Thursday readers!

Picture of the day!

Chris and Amy at the Mardi Gras Game Night. Click through for fun interactiveness.

I'm kinda sad that I don't have Mardi Gras plans, other than voting. Hopefully Tori comes through with something to hold my attention.

We had a nice Anniversary dinner last night at PF Chang's. Busy for a Wednesday, but it gave us a chance to walk around the Spectrum, baby free. And even though I've been looking forward to it, I'm amazed both that it's over, and that it's the end of January. We're a 12th through this year!

On that topic, this county (and this region in general) is sorely lacking any good upscale vegetarian/vegan restaurants. You don't need many - but it'd be nice to have somewhere good for couples/dates other than just 118, the raw restaurant at the Camp.

Walked/jogged 1.4 miles today.

When you Republican voters out there are thinking about who to vote for, remember that John McCain loves him some racial slurs. I can't believe I'd forgotten about this. Not that you should vote for the dog-torturing guy or the guy who wants to rewrite the Constitution Christian-style either, but I'm just saying...

That's all. Hello!

Late, Obama, Who's Out, Anniversary, Wednesday

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Picture of the day!

Us at the Mardi Gras Game Night party.

Happy Anniversary to me and my lady! We've been dating 10 years today. That's just more than a third of my life. Crazy!

Edwards and Giuliani are out. Edwards couldn't ever break away from being Kerry's running mate, and found it tough to step forward when all the attention's been on Obama and Hillary. Giuliani never really had a chance. Now, the coolest part - barring extreme weirdness, the dem nominee will be either a mixed race guy or a chick. Nice.

On that note, while I don't fully agree with everything Obama does, I feel happy when he's doing well, and prefer him to Clinton. I'll probably vote for him in the primary, and save judgment on who to vote for in the General Election for November.

I forgot to post this early, so now it's a lunchtime post instead of a morning post. Hello world!

Jeopardy!, OC Green Guide, Tomorrow, Exercise, Tuesday

Rockin - It's Tuesday!

Picture of the day!

Ken has a weapon.

Walked 1.4 miles this morning. Take that, illness and winter workout hiatus!

Tomorrow's my anniversary. Still not sure where to go for dinner. Thoughts?

Found a neat website - www.ocgreenguide.com. All the lists like this all have the same few restaurants, though. I wonder if in a county of 3 million people we really only have a dozen or so all-vegetarian restaurants.

If you haven't signed up already, there's still time to take this year's Jeopardy! online test. Me and about a billion other people all think we have what it takes.

Just those little things today. what is up?

Bluetooth, Organic Dairy Food, Clover, Scrabble, Monday Birthdays

Happy Monday and Happy Birthday to Joe and Marie today! 78 days until my birthday!

Picture of the day!

My child can eat your child.

You know you've been playing too much Scrabble when you're able to play a Bingo (use all 7 letters), but you look for another place to lay the word (or a whole new word) because it's "only" 60 points.

Turns out the non-Organic dairy products at Fresh & Easy aren't made by Clover Stornetta - I was wrong. That said, they now carry Clover's Organic milk, butter and a couple cheeses at prices much lower than Whole Foods, and it's still totally worth it to shop for them there.

In related news, I've eased up on my personal restrictions, and added some more companies I'll purchase dairy from, including 365 Organic (Whole Food's brand), Organic Valley, Stoneyfield (makers of fine yogurts) and I'll likely soon start buying Horizon Organic. It's not really the "organic" part that makes the biggest difference to me, but organic certification requires things like not using hormones, better feed, and more space/pasturing for animals. Clover's still my preferred brand if I can get it (it's California), but it's nice to have the others (especially Horizon - it's usually much cheaper) as alternatives. Now, to find out if any restaurants use only organic dairy products...then we'd be in business.

Anyone out there have a bluetooth headset they'd like to sell? I'd like to get one secondhand.

What's new for you, gentle readers?

What's up, Westminster Is Full Of Idiots, Kucinich Out, Birthday, Friday

Happy Friday!

Picture of the day!

Delicious pie.

Happy birthday tomorrow to Misty, who's the first of my high school friends (in my year, that I know the birthdays of) to turn 30 - quite the adventure!

Dennis Kucinich is out of the presidential race. I’m very sorry to see the guy go - he never had a chance, but he was a “real” liberal in the running, and hopefully helped change the direction of the other campaigns a bit. Dude was my favorite.

In other government news, the city of Westminster finally put up their "In God We Trust" banner behind the city council at meetings. News story here. Dumbass quote here:

Mayor Margie Rice, who brought it to the council, said she thinks it makes perfect sense in a culturally and religiously diverse city such as Westminster.

"Most of us have a God," she said. "Some call him Buddha, some call him Jesus, and others call him different names. But everyone worships or accepts a higher power."

Expect to see a strong response from Orange County Atheists very soon.

That's what's up for me. What's up for you?

What's new, Economic Stimulus, Rainy, Pie Day, Birthday

Happy Thursday, and Happy Birthday to my sister Virginia!

Picture of the day!

One of those beasts. LA Zoo, November 2006.

So the American Pie Council has decided that January 23 (yesterday) is Pie Day. I protest - Pie day is, and always has been, March 14 (3/14). These guys can go to hell.

It's all rainy and stuff. Bring back sunshine.

I don't have hardcore politics for y'all to talk about today. There's only so much of that I can put up with, even on my own blog. I will say that the "economic stimulus package" is a huge waste of money, but this congress and administration don't seem to have a problem with spending $100 billion here and there, so I'll spend my $900 wisely.

What's new with you today?

Upcoming, Hillary Discussion, Bay Area Trip, Not Sick, Police Question, Hump

Happy Hump Day!

Picture of the day!

Grand Canyon near Sunset. The shadow is a stray cloud.

Yesterday, on the way home, a OC Sheriff's car passed us at about 50mph (on a 40mph road), no lights, no sirens. It then raced up to an intersection, slowed a bit (but never stopped) and turned left against a red arrow. We followed (since it was going out way), and we found it way down the street, the second officer at what looked like a routine traffic stop (the pulled-over guy was still sitting in his car). My question: Is this legal? Are cops free to break the law when they see fit, without lights and sirens?

I'm not gonna say I'm sick, but one tonsil hurts. I'm not sure what to think about that.

We're considering a trip up to the bay area in the spring to see everyone and celebrate some 30th birthdays. We'll let you know more when we know more.

So, onto politics (a popular topic here lately). Today's subject - Hillary Clinton. I used to defend Hillary against the attacks from the right, mostly because they were based entirely on her being a powerful woman. Now, though, I'm not a fan, and I'm still not 100% why myself. I know by the time you get to presidential aspirations that you're a hardcore politician, but she just seems more concerned about the office than the people, if that makes sense. She did vote for the war, which is a strike against her, but so did most of the democratic party.

Would I vote for her? I don't think so. While she is rated "liberal" by most groups that do that kind of ranking, her positions on the war, censorship, flag burning, the death penalty, and same-sex marriage give me pause. I realize that Republican views on these issues are generally further from my beliefs, but that doesn't mean I have to support them in a candidate I vote for. When it comes down to it, California will go for the democrats - I'm in the position of being able to support whoever I want and still have someone better than the Republican nominee get the state's electoral votes. That's saying something.

I'll have posts on Edwards and Obama in the coming days, and maybe a rant on Democrats for Ron Paul. What's your take?

Prop 13, Illness?, Soda, Obama Chat, Happy Birthday Nathan

Happy Tuesday! Happy first birthday to Nathan!

Picture of the day!

Nathan and Katie with their mothers at Nathan's bris. Nathan is now very close to outweighing my daughter.

Lots of chat about Obama here, in yesterday's post. Scroll down and enjoy! A reader just asked me to compare candidates. I'll see about getting on that.

I left a soda in the freezer at work last night. That should be interesting.

I'm sniffly, but I think it's allergies - I don't feel run down at all (at least yet), and I haven't heard about new colds going around. I'm hoping for a nice well rest of the year, though. Seriously.

I had an interesting discussion yesterday about California's Prop 13, which effectively caps property taxes in California. Garrett contends that it stops new homeowners from buying because people hold on to their property. I contend that it's a very minor factor, as people will sell if they have any good reason to, and things like high home prices (before 2005, of course) have been a much stronger factor in this kind of decision. Your thoughts?

Obama and Faith, LAV Post, Piggiest, Clean Car, Happy Week

Happy New Week!

Picture of the day!

Free hugs for the mad hatter.

Exciting: I cleaned out my car yesterday. Well, it's exciting to me - it had been months and several long trips ago. Now for a carwash to clean the outside (not too bad with all the rain this season) and the inside (at the time, it was a good idea to get the xmas tree home inside the car).

Scrabble taught me today that "piggiest" is a word. Good to know!

Today at the LAV Blog: Vegetarians - What Do Your Meals Look Like?

On to politics - I know that Barack Obama has had to defend himself pretty strongly against people looking to bring him down because of his Muslim-sounding name - several email chain letters continue abound. But he's got a page on his site entitled "Obama Has Never Been A Muslim, And Is a Committed Christian", where he lists rebuttals to the emails, and gives example after example of how Christian he is. Today, there's this piece from the AP:

But they are stepping up the effort now that the campaign has hit South Carolina and soon turns to other southern states where religion is so important to voters...campaign representatives blanketed South Carolina churches Sunday with literature that touted Obama's Christian faith.

One piece features photos of Obama praying with the words "COMMITTED CHRISTIAN" in large letters across the middle. It says Obama will be a president "guided by his Christian faith" and includes a quote from him saying, "I believe in the power of prayer."

A second piece, which like the first doesn't mention the Muslim rumor, includes photos of Obama with his family and a caption that says they are active members of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. It explains how as a young man Obama "felt a beckoning of the spirit and accepted Jesus Christ into his life."

That kind of thing, while I understand is likely necessary for him, is greatly disturbing to me. I don't want a president "guided by his Christian faith" - I want one who's gonna use logic and experience to make his decisions. Obama's got so much going for him, but this whole branch of his campaign (and he's doing it to appeal to the Christian Right as much as he's doing it to defend himself) makes me consider very strongly against voting for him, even if he's the Democratic nominee.

Your thoughts today?

Not Much To Say, Get Together, Too Much Soda, Beautiful Weekend, Friday

Well, well well - Friday.

Picture of the day!

California Adventure's Paradise Pier. Ugly weather.

Another beautiful week, and another beautiful weekend coming up. Got a birthday party for a baby, a poker party for that same baby, and then a day to hopefully do nothing and have no one be sick. Here's to hopin'.

I think I drink too much soda. But it's diet. If I'm ignoring any side effects from artificial sweeteners, is this bad for me?

One of my New Year's "resolutions" was to see people I haven't seen in a long time. If that's you, let me know. we'll do lunch. Seriously. Unless you're thousands of miles away. Then we'll have to come up with something, but still - let's hang out.

I really don't have much more to talk about today. Perhaps I'm boring? Perhaps this week has been more normal? Perhaps you haven't been commenting and giving me fodder? Whatever the reason, enjoy your day!

January, New Sci-fi, Jamba, Wind, Thursday

Hello friends, and happy Thursday!

Picture of the day!

Classy Halloween 2003 action, featuring Ryan and Deanna.

So last night on the freeway, there was lawn debris and trash blowing all over, and my allergist's 7th floor office was swaying just a wee bit. Last night power polls came down, and more this morning just north of my work. Maybe it's because I'm 5 miles closer to the canyons than I used to live, but man, these winds are harsh.

I treated myself to a Jamba Juice this morning - delicious! They, unlike the Juice It Up! next to my house, have all-fruit (i.e. no dairy) smoothies. Good stuff.

So for the last year or so, I've had my DVR record Star Trek: Voyager reruns on Spike. This gives me a nice set of things to watch in the mornings or at lunch, and Spike shows them in order, which works better for a series like that. But now I've gone through twice, and I don't need to see it a third time. Anyone out there have suggestions for daily reruns of a good sci-fi show that is shown in order? I'd prefer something with a lot of episodes. Ideas?

I have trouble believing we're more than halfway through January. What's new?

Coyote, Emily Reads, Clowns, 210, Hump

Happy Hump Day!

Picture of the day!

Nature and stuff.

After staying off the scale through most of the holidays and illness season (I had "sit and eat and do nothing" illnesses, not "purge your way to weight loss" illnesses), I found I'm actually under 210lbs for the first time in who knows how long. 9 pounds to be under 200 just doesn't sound like a problem anymore.

Report - Most people don't like clowns. No surprise there - they've always been creepy to a lot of people.

Emily is cool and reads the The Liberal Atheist Vegetarian Blog.

I saw a coyote run across the street last night. In Santa Ana. Right next to the 55 on-ramp. Hope it made it where it was going ok - I'm just glad I wasn't 3 seconds further up the road, or there'd be coyote meat in my bumper.

Thanks for reading!

Huckabee Quote, LAV, Weather, Recovering, Hello

Hello!

Picture of the day!

Apryl, Halloween 2003.

In news that will surely be a surprise to my readers, I'm not sick at the moment. The Girlfriend, who was, seems to be feeling better and The Baby, who still kinda is, is hopefully on the road to recovery.

Oh, I haven't mentioned how fuckin' beautiful it's been here in Southern California this week. Clear, just the right amount of warm (but with cool nights). Just about perfect.

Read The Liberal Atheist Vegetarian Blog (and comment). Thanks!

I'm curious if any of my readers think this is a good idea:

Huckabee: Amend Constitution to be in 'God's standards'

"I have opponents in this race who do not want to change the Constitution," Huckabee told a Michigan audience on Monday. "But I believe it's a lot easier to change the Constitution than it would be to change the word of the living god. And that's what we need to do -- to amend the Constitution so it's in God's standards rather than try to change God's standards so it lines up with some contemporary view."

I happen to disagree - I think it'd be harder to change the constitution, personally.

What's good and new with you, friends?

Busy, Party, Sick, Monday

Monday!

Picture of the day!

Chris, doing something.

Busy weekend. Katie got a stomach bug on Friday night, and we took her to the ER at 3am when she couldn't keep anything down. She's doing much much better now, though. Unfortunately, Katie gave it to her mom, we think.

There was also the party on Saturday night, that despite a 3am hospital visit and almost no sleep, went out awesomely. All that said, I better get to sleeping, with a quickness.

Busy times coming up, too - poker/birthday parties, housewarming parties, anniversaries - this is a year for celebration.

I think that's that. What's up?

Events, Anniversary Rocky, Quick Week, Birthdays

Happy Friday, and boy oh boy, birthdays! Happy birthday to my brother Dave, Bill here, and Niko from OC Atheists tomorrow!

Picture of the day!

Sunset from Big Bear.

This week seemed quick, even though I worked all 5 days (some less time than others) for the first time in 3 weeks. Alas, here were are at Friday.

We may have decided on a nice thing to do for our 10th anniversary - Rocky Horror. It's how we met, after all. We'd likely be going the first week of February, if anyone would like to tag along. It's really more fun in groups.

Tomorrow we're eating southern food, thanks to inspiration from Tori. We're having parties two of the next three weekends, for various reasons. Then the 30th birthdays begin. Thoughts, friends? Have a great weekend.

Super Mardi Gras, Comfort Blog Post, Katie in Daycare, Clear and Nice, Thursday

Happy Sunny Thursday!

Picture of the day!

Beth and Chris, Halloween 2003.

It's totally clear out there, but it was very chilly this morning, and super moist - all my windows were covered with dew or condensation or whatever the hell it is on your car that makes it so you can't see. Should be a nice weekend, though.

Katie's back at daycare, which is good for everyone. We get a bit of a break, she gets to see the kids her age and play there, and we make use of the service we're paying for. Full time child rearing is exhausting.

So Ray Comfort, who visited OC Atheists on Tuesday, blogged about his experiences. That was interesting (if a little weird), but the comments from his ilk are just strange. You'll notice myself and a few other locals start chiming in after a while. Take a read, and pray for the Orange County Atheists.

As Tori points out, Mardi Gras season is here. We've both made it a point to celebrate this year for a lot of reasons, but her love for Fat Tuesday has made it a favorite of mine too. This year it falls on Super Tuesday (primary election day in 20+ states), so I'm looking forward to a Super Fat Tuesday.

That's that for today. What up?

Slow, Awesome Present, Katie Better, OC Atheists, Birthday

Hello and happy birthday Bethie!

Katie and her mom in their matching shirts.

OC Atheists had a great meeting yesterday with Ray Comfort and Mark Spence from Living Waters Ministry. I'll let you all know when and if our taped spots will make it to TV.

Katie's pinkeye is doing much better, and we'll send her back to daycare tomorrow (barring any flareups or other problems). She doesn't hate the eyedrops as much as she hates us holding her down, but with those and with other meds, sometimes it's literally impossible to administer them. Any advice, other parents?

Tori's gift arrived this morning and I opened it at lunch - it's a authentic King Cake (and Mardi Gras starter pack) from Haydel's Bakery in the Big Easy. We'll have to eat it before February 5, but that's just another excuse for a party, and that's the best gift of all! Thanks babe!

Late again, but not much to talk about. January's usually kinda slow. Entertain me with stories of Adventure!

What's up, Uninspired, OC Atheists Tonight, Day Off

Hi there!

Picture of the day!

Katie and her dad in the mountains last week.

Sorry for the late post - Katie's in Day Care Isolation, so one of us had to stay home with her today (though she's doing much better). I do get to work for a few hours late today. That'll be interesting.

OC Atheists - Tonight! RSVP at the site.

I've been kinda uninspired over at the Liberal Atheist Vegetarian Blog lately. Any ideas? It should be OC local, and not just a rant. Any thoughts appreciated.

What's new with you, friends? Comments have been really quiet here - what's up in the new year?

Monday, Exciting Elections, Drying Out, Interesting

Good morning, my friends, and happy Monday!

Picture of the day!

Midway through cabinet removal. I should finish painting that thing someday...

Well, it's already been an interesting morning. The Girlfriend is still sick, I'm mostly recovered but not 100%, Katie has some sort of minor eye infection (update: It's pinkeye. Dammit.) and she dropped a big bowl of cottage cheese and yogurt on the floor, dairy products and glass everywhere. May we live in interesting times!

Otherwise, things are going pretty well. It seems to be drying out weather-wise.

The presidential election is getting interesting! Obama wins one state, and all of a sudden he's got more attention and support than ever before - so much so that Clinton is having to fight off rumors that she's dropping out if she doesn't win New Hampshire (where Obama now has a 10 point lead in the polls). Next time someone tells you that little things don't matter, or your vote/voice is too insignificant, remember that every chain of events begins with one little thing happening.

What's new with you this Monday?

Fine Friday, Two Bits, Ray Comfort, Britney, Excited about Caucuses, Sleepy, Birthday

Hey, it's Friday! I'm sleepy, as Katie decided that 6am was a great time to get up. Happy Birthday to my mom today!

Picture of the day!

Marek and Lisa, Memorial Day 2006.

So, surprizing myself, I found I was very interested in the outcome of yesterday's Caucus in Iowa - watching the news, checking the internet for updates, etc. I was also surprized to my strong reaction to Obama's commanding victory there - while I'm not entirely happy with him as a candidate, he's my top choice among the Democratic frontrunners. But between the very strong Democrat turnout, the groundswell of support for Obama, and him as a candidate, I'm suddenly very excited about this election and the chances for the Democrats in Novemer.

Earth to Britney: What's up? Seriously.

I just got confirmation that Ray Comfort will be attending next week's OC Atheists meeting. Feel free to stop by! Just RSVP first.

Shave and a hair cut can make you feel awesome. Just sayin'.

What's up for you this fine Friday?

Bluetooth, Cheesecake, KFC Bobblehead, Illness, Thursday

Hello Thursday!

Picture of the day!

Jenn loves the goat.

Stuffy. Recovering. Bad season for colds. This one, at least, seems to be infecting more people than just me, so I'm not alone.

At work, we have an area where people put food, giveaways, stuff, etc. that they don't want, but figure someone else here might. Yesterday someone left a Col. Sanders Bobblehead made by PETA that has him covered in blood, killing a chicken. You're darn right I snatched it up.

If you have a good homemade cheesecake recipe, I'm interested. That said, I haven't tried foodnetwork.com yet, probably one of the best sources out there when you say "Hmm, I'd like XXXXXXX, but I don't have a recipe". Check it out.

I still haven't bluetooth headset for my phone that isn't made in China. Can y'all check yours and see what you got?

That's that for today. Come say hello!

More Goals, Book, Rain, No Holidays, Quiet NYE, 2008

Hello Friends and Happy 2008!

Picture of the day!

Katie in Big Bear.

New Year's Eve became a fairly quiet event for us, but good times were had. Perhaps it's due to my very good windows, but I didn't hear any gunfire either. That's always nice.

With the new year begins the holiday drought at work - no more holidays off until Memorial Day, almost 6 months from now. I've got plenty of vacation time saved up (and we're planning on going to either Yosemite or the southwest in the spring), but still - it's a long time.

So it's supposed to rain starting tomorrow, and lasting through early next week, with the main stuff on Saturday. Yeah, that's great. I'm all for regular wet years, but how's about a little more distribution?

I started a book last night called "The Accidental Time Machine", and realized I was 180 pages in at 1am, and needed to sleep. Great sci-fi for fans of time travel and semi-hard science - so far, it's doing time travel (and appearing in a strange situation) right. Thanks Evan!

I haven't come up with any other goals for the new year. well, none I'll tell you about, anyway. But I do need more public goals! Your suggestions are encouraged!