Insignifica

What You Got, Roomba Warranty, Used Computers, Tech Terms, Teeth, Hump

Happy Hump Day!

Picture of the day!

Baby, sleeping at an angle. This was taken about 7 months ago, but she still does the same thing.

Yesterday, for no good reason, my teeth stopped hurting. Weirdo teeth.

It makes me cringe when people use computer/technology terms incorrectly. I wonder, however, if I'm doing the same thing, just one tech level up.

Speaking of such things, anyone have good sources/resources for used computer equipment? I've got some funds, but don't want to buy new, both for price and China reasons. I'm looking to put together some stuff in the house.

Roomba is out of warranty, but appears to be working correctly again, albeit without sound. I'm still not sure what that's about, but it's nice to have a clean floor. That said, yesterday the Girlfriend found Roomba in the kitchen, choking on mail (we have a mail slot in the door) that arrived while it was running. Stupid robots, eating our mail...

That's what I've got today. what's on your plate?

What's Happenin', Cold, Free Ice Cream, Bay Area Trip, LAV, Weather, Lay Offs, Tuesday

Tuesday is as Tuesday does.

Picture of the day!

Trees in Monterey.

Big layoffs here this week, but it looks like I'm safe. I really do like this company most of the time, and I love my job. Unfortunately, this problem is industry wide, so it's hard to escape.

The weather here is finally cooling down. I wasn't keen on running my AC so early in the season - our house can be cool, but after several days, it really starts getting tough to keep it that way. At least we have AC - woe to those that don't.

Read the LAV: Vegin’ Out expands vegan delivery to all southern California.

I may be in/around the bay area May 30 and 31. Nothing confirmed.

Mmm. Free Cone day at Ben & Jerry's. Get in line now.

My cold is finally better - I still wake up gunky, but that's gone early. Allergies, however, are still an issue (it's kinda smokey and very polleny out there), and now a couple teeth are bothering me. All these ailments have turned me into a pill-popper the last couple weeks. Glad to have them, for sure, but I'm looking forward to just being back on my maintaining (for allergies and asthma) meds.

That's all. What's happenin'?

How's it Going, Cons, Baking, Faire, Monday

Happy Monday! Where did April go? Damn quick passage of time!

Picture of the day!

Cute baby.

I think I've been de-grimed. Spent yesterday at the Ren Faire, and while we all had a good time, it was very, very hot and very, very dirty. Bought far too many icy cold beverages, but it was well worth it. Thanks again to Linda for the hospitality!

I think I need to take a basics of cake class. I love the idea of awesome looking cakes, and while mine taste good, they look amateur. I'm not sure why it matters - maybe I'm comparing it to my general cooking skills, which I consider to be top notch. You should have seen the pasta sauce yesterday...beautiful stuff.

My Converse All-Stars have pretty much finally died. I'll never buy another pair new (as they're now made by Nike, in China, with non-union labor). Sad. Alas, there's always used, or No Sweat Apparel, which has nice knock-offs made at union shops (still overseas, though). That site's also nice in that it labels all of its vegan shoes.

How's it going?

All I Got, Song in Head, Faire, Roomba, Friday

Happy Friday!

Picture of the day!

A weed from my backyard. Click for more detaily goodness.

I think I solved half of Roomba's issue - it's side brush was stuck (jammed with hair - robot repair is nasty business) and that was causing it to stop. But because it's not beeping correctly, I didn't know that was the issue. Hopefully I can fix the beeping, and everyone will be happy again. Otherwise, I've got a couple weeks of warranty left.

Ren Faire this weekend! We're going Sunday. I gotta wash the clothes that are supposed to look dirty, and will get filthy, so I don't actually smell, I just look like I do.

I can tell I'm not getting enough sleep when songs won't leave my head. Yesterday it was "Tranquilize" by the Killers, but today it's Billy Joel's "Allentown". It's a fine song, but I'm not particularly pleased with it taking up residence in my cranium.

That's all I've got. What's new, my friends?

Spam, Dinner, Better, Bathroom Bot, Sick Roomba, Birthday

Happy Thursday, and Happy Birthday to Karen!

Picture of the day!

One of my very first flickr uploads - my courtyard.

Roomba is sick. Starting last week, I'd find it in the living room, undocked, when I'd get home at lunch - typically it'll finish cleaning and find its way back to base. I also noticed around this time that it wasn't singing anymore, and wasn't beeping when it'd back out of its base to clean. It could still make noises for some things, but it just wasn't working properly. Now it's only cleaning for a few minutes at a time, then it stops, but still full powered (power button solid green). I can push "clean" or "max" and get it up again, and it cleans normally for a few minutes before stopping again. I don't think it's a battery or power issue, but something ain't right. Send your prayers.

While we're on the subject, how about a bathroom cleaning robot?

I'm generally feeling better during the day, but I'm still headachy and very congested/sore throaty in the morning. I'm wondering if the cold's done, but allergies are being hard core? This feels different, but colds usually don't last this long. Stupid illnesses.

I'm soon going out to dinner in Brea or possibly up in the Claremont area (and I use term "area" broadly). Any suggestions for good, interesting eats?

For a while, I thought my spam issues were over. But I'm getting 3-5 a day in my inbox even using Gmail, and my blog's being hit like an abused donkey. Bastards. Oh well. What's new with you?

Thanks, Belt, Faucet, Faire, Council, Good Day

Good day!

Picture of the day!

My cute baby.

I went to my first city council meeting yesterday (in Villa Park), to report on their effort to display "In God we Trust" in the council chambers - full write-up is available here. Sometimes I think councils just do things like this to beat the monotony of boring council business.

Ren Faire this Sunday. I'm still deciding whether or not to wear my sword. It absolutely completes the costume, and looks great. However, it's annoying as hell to wear, gets in the way, and weighs me down. Thoughts?

Just installed this. Pictures coming soon (though I don't think they'll do it justice). It's pretty friggin' awesome. Come to my bathroom and see for yourself.

I need a new belt, but I need one that's both non-leather and not made in China. Also, it should be plain black, like you'd wear with slacks. Can you help?

Thanks for reading. That's all for today!

What's up, Election Day, Crossing Guard, Up To Something, Most Interesting Man, Earth Day

Happy Earth Day! Fight the good fight.

Picture of the day!

Grand Canyon, last May. Nature!

Dos Equis beer has an ad campaign with a burly old man who's "The most interesting man in the world". The spots have always made me chuckle, but the new one has me laughing out loud every time I hear it: "He's a lover, not a fighter. But he's a fighter too, so don't get any ideas". I dunno what it is, but it's brilliant.

Orange County Atheists and several other local groups are up to something tonight. Click for more.

Every day, I pass by the corner of 4th Street and Grand Avenue in Santa Ana, and just about every morning, there's a crossing guard on the north east corner (where I turn right from 4th onto Grand). Why he's there, I don't know - the nearby elementary school never has students out when I get to work at 10am, but this guy is still there working. I'm not sure if this is the law, or common to crossing guards, but he's not very good at directing traffic. Here's the problem: When someone wants to cross the street, the guard hits the button, and no matter where the crosser is, the guard won't let anyone turn right until the street is totally clear. Even if the guard is in the middle of the street, and the crosser is on the other side of the street heading away from right turning drivers, the guard won't let anyone turn until he's back to his spot. Thoughts?

It's election day in Pennsylvania. I don't think Hillary is going away, but I kinda wish she would. Alas, we'll be doing this until the summer. Oh well.

What's up?

What's Happening, Better, Zyrtec, Hillary's Chances, Exclamations, Monday

Hello. Happy Monday.

Picture of the day!

Katie, mid-dance. Click to enbiggen.

Sometimes I worry that since I use so many exclamation points that y'all will think something's wrong if I don't use them. I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

Great story about Hillary's chances here. Basically it says Obama has to have sex with a gay prostitute at a pre-school while pissing on the American flag to lose. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

So, being the very healthy person I am, I'm on Zyrtec (an anti-allergy drug) and it works very well - I've been on it about two years. Until a few months ago, Zyrtec was only available by prescription, and had prescription no-generic-available prices of almost $0.90/pill - quite a bit for a daily. So I was quite excited to learn the non-prescription price was about half that, and even less at Costco - about $0.45/pill. But imagine my surprise when I found that next to the real Zyrtec at Costco was "Aller-Tec" - same drug, same dose - for $0.06/pill - 1/7th the price of the regular stuff and 1/15 the price I used to pay. Thank you, drug companies!

On that topic, I still have a cold or something, but I'm feeling better today. I really should learn to sleep on the weekends, though.

What's happening, friends?

Hanging, Faire, 2,100, Byline, Better, Jesuses, Rock On

Alrighty folks, it's Friday. Rock on.

Picture of the day!

My two favorite Jesus paintings. I have 10-12 more, but the one on the left was my first, and the one on the right was the one I fixed up. It's also the only one currently hanging. I'm trying to decide exactly what to do with the collection.

I'm feeling much better today, though it's early - I've had a 1pm - 6pm crash each of the last two days (which is a kinda weird time to crash, but there it is). Overall today, though, I feel more normal.

Yours truly has a byline today. It's an important story - read it and be outraged.

W00t. This is entry 2,100.

We're going to Ren Faire next Sunday, the 27th. Join us, if you enjoy such things.

Lots to do, not a lot of time, so that's it. How's it hanging?

What's New, Game Night, Gas Prices, LAV, End of Birthday, Thursday

Happy Thursday!

Picture of the day!

Jamie and Joe at my party last weekend.

Birthday festivities are over. Beer worked well on my cold. All is well. Thanks to everyone who sent me birthday wishes - all sorts of college friends, facebooks people, lots of folks at work, and most of my group. Rock on.

Lav today: PETA finds and identifies OC animal abuse suspect.

Headline today: "Gas prices surge past $3.40 a gallon, expected to rise". Having paid $3.77 yesterday, I'd love to find $3.40 again. Darn this state and its high prices!

It's time for game night. Inquire within.

What's new, folks?

Happy Day, Beer and Food, LAV, 30, I Can Has Birthday

Oh hai. I can has birthday?

Picture of the day!

A pic from last year's birthday celebration. I think I'm wearing the same shirt today.

So yeah, I'm 30 today. Like writing checks after the new year, it's gonna take some getting used to. Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes! They're coming in from all sorts of people. You should say hello too.

Your LAV posts today: Eco-tour bus arrives in Tustin and Ocean View School District delays motto decision. Share and enjoy!

We're going out for beer and brewhouse food tonight. I haven't been to our choice location, the Tustin Brewing Co., since I went all organic. I'm sure their nachos will still be awesome, even without the cheese.

That's it for today. Remember, if you're reading this, say hello. Otherwise you're a horrible horrible person. Happy Day!

End of the 20s, Twitter, Sick, LAV, Tax Day

It's tax day! Well, my tax day was in February and my refund is already in my bank account, waiting to be spent on kitchen countertops. But for you slowpokes, it's tax day!

Picture of the day!

Jen at my party.

Your daily dose of LAV - Theo Lacy personnel accused of Tasering cat and Westminster, Ocean View School Districts contending with “In God We Trust”.

I have a minor cold. Not sure if I made it worse by drinking beer and effectively not sleeping this weekend, but it's just an annoying cold at this point. Yes, I'm always sick, thanks for asking.

I'm playing with Twitter. I haven't decided if I like it yet.

Today's the last day of my 20s. Somehow, that's weirder than actually turning 30 tomorrow. What's weird for you, readers?

What's up, Bastard Contractors, LAV, Palm, Party Recap, Monday

Oh hello! Happy Monday!

Picture of the day!

Birthdays + Beer + Camera = this kind of picture.

Great party on Saturday for my birthday (though the actual day is this Wednesday) - had most of the important people there, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and I had a lot of beer. All the party pics are up at the flickr site, though there are no outward signs of it being an actual birthday party - I forgot to get the hats out.

I got a splinter or something in the palm of my hand, and it's driving me crazy. Ever try to band-aid your palm?

Today's LAV post: Environment-focused Cook has oil investments - Do the voters care? Visit and read and vote!

Bastard contractors doubled the estimate for the construction side of our kitchen remodel, so we're gonna have to go with someone else. Hopefully it'll be quick - we were able to buy a sink and get it installed professionally upstairs in fewer than 24 hours, but this kitchen is taking weeks to even get started. At least we're functional.

What's up with you this week?

Out of Ideas, Sleepy Pancakes, Warm but Allergrific, Happy Friday

Oh hai. Happy Friday.

Picture of the day!

Chris at my birthday, 2003. The last one at the Tiberon clubhouse, and it seems like forever ago.

I love that it's sunny and warm and beautiful, but with spring (after a pretty rainy season) comes allergies, and they're kicking my ass. Ass!

After going shopping this morning, I rushed home and made some pancakes, 'cause pancakes are delicious. But after I finished them, I just wanted a nap. That was too bad, since it was shower time then work time. Just thought I'd share that, should you consider having pancakes.

I'm out of ideas for the day, and have a long day of writing ahead of me, so y'all get the short end of the stick. Thanks for the recent comments, though, and happy weekending!

What's up, Awesome OCA Meeting, Hungry, Without A Trace, LAV, Thursday

Happy Thursday!

Picture of the day!

Song, Hana, Bunny, Katie and The Girlfriend at faire last year. We're going again this year, on April 27.

LAV today - Wildwood introduces new organic soy drinks. Thanks for reading!

Through lots of recent radio play, Soul Asylum's "Without a Trace" from 1993 is becoming one of my favorite songs. I even have the Grave Dancer's Union album, and never really listed to that song before this year. Weird.

I'm kinda hungry.

We had an awesome OC Atheists meeting last night - 40 people, and plans to take action against recent (and future) installations of "In God We Trust" in local city councils. We also gathered over 100lbs of food and quite a few cash donations for South County Outreach (also this year's Charity birthday organization of choice). Thanks everyone!

What's up with you, friends?

What's new, Amazing Pix, One Week, Insignifica Stats, LAV, Wednesday

Busy morning - Happy Wednesday!

Picture of the day!

Luke and me, Memorial Day 2006. He's probably also driving now.

It's Villa Park’s turn with “In God We Trust” - Read the story at the Liberal Atheist Vegetarian Blog

I just checked and noticed that Insignifica gets upwards of 9,000 visits a month from people who aren't robots (and 3,000 or so from people who are). That's pretty impressive. Why aren't you people leaving comments? I'm gonna start giving away prizes to good commenters like Joz and Emily, and the rest of you will LOSE. So there. Just comment already!

One week until 30. Amazing!

Speaking of amazing, Tori's got some amazing pictures from her east coast trip. Enjoy them, and see if you can spot Jesus.

What's new, my friends?

Haircut, New Rock Station, Ren Faire, IGWT - HB, Good Day

Good day!

Picture of the day!

Young Jack, at Xmas 2006. I don't see him much, but he's probably driving by now or something.

Huntington Beach voted last night to display "In God We Trust" in their city council chambers - read the details at the LAV Blog. The "Big Balls" Award goes to Mayor Debbie Cook, who, even though she's running for Congress, spoke out against the resolution and voted no. Most people against the display in other cities have been abstaining, and taking the easy way out. Debbie Cook, if you were running in my district, I'd campaign for you.

We're doing Ren Faire on April 27, more likely than not. Join us!

Interesting - 100.3 in the LA area (now KRBV-FM) has returned to a rock format. I'm sad to say I'm not nearly as connected to the LA radio scene as I once was, but I'm just not a fan of commercials on the half-dozen stations that I'm interested in, compared to XM's 20 or so that I listen to regularly.

Got a haircut today, and trimmed the beard. Looking young and shorn. What's up?

What's new, Lunch, 30, OC Atheists, Counters, Monday

Good day, and happy Monday!

Picture of the day!

An impressive Halloween bar. Click to enlarge and see Chris in the reflection.

We're in the process of getting our new kitchen counters, but it's a pain in the ass. You'd think Home Depot would want it to be easy when they're selling you $3,000 in hardware, but no, you pretty much have to ride their ass to get it done in anything less than 6 months. That said, our new sink is in, and it's beautiful. It'll be nice once it's all done.

The next meeting of the Orange County Atheists will be held Wednesday, April 9 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!

Nine days until I'm 30. That's kinda strange.

I still want to do lunch with you, as described here.

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

What's new, OC Atheists, Busy Day, Birthday, Whoops

Jeez. I forgot to post today. Happy Friday!

Picture of the day!

Baby wants your water.

Happy birthday to Jared on Sunday!

Super busy morning, but there's really not much going on. Jesus is on his way to New York.

OC Atheists is meeting next Wednesday. RSVP at the site.

What's new, friends?

What up, Birthday, Dine, Speaking, LAV, Good Morning

Good morning!

Picture of the day!

Emily and "tiny" Nathan, last April.

Read this morning's LAV posts: Write for Justice this weekend and Schroeder interview at Total Buzz. Thanks for your support.

I had a great time last night speaking to a coworker's journalism class last night up at Biola university - talked about my job, resources I use, and the kinds of research I do. I'm almost 30, and it's still weird to me that I'm in a "career", not just a job, and I still love it. Oh, and being on a college campus with chapels and bible quotes on the buildings is kinda weird. Just thought I'd share that.

2008 was supposed to be a year of new experiences and reconnections. So far, not much of either. So here's some outreach: I want to have lunch with you. Yes, you, reader. If you're in central OC (or don't mind the drive), we can meet on a weekday. If you're further or just busy during the week, we'll do it on a Saturday or Sunday. I don't care if I see you often or if we've never met - it's time to dine.

Birthday party might be changing venues - details to come. If you're invited, RSVP - I need a count for food purchasing. Otherwise, some poor sap is gonna pull the short straw and have to bring 8lbs of beans home, and no one wants that.

That's it for today. What's up, my friends?

Rock On, Better, Jesus, Dress-up, Not Closed, Wednesday

Wednesday already!

Picture of the day!

Jennifer at Halloween 2003.

How many of you didn't click through the "insignifica.org closed" page yesterday to see the joke? I'm not closing down, really.

I'm playing dress-up today because I'm speaking at a colleague's journalism class tonight. Most of my slacks have gone missing, though. I'm scared.

Jesus should have arrived in Santa Cruz this week, in plenty of time for his trip to New York with Tori. I'll let y'all know when the pictures start coming in.

My cold is better today. It was also better on Sunday, so we'll see if it lasts.

Busy day today, so I'm off to get it started. Rock on.

Stupid Weather, Still Blah, April Fool's Day

April Fools!

Picture of the day!

Cake.

Yeah, I'm not a huge April Fools Day fan, but I thought I'd do a little something. ThinkGeek is always fun today, as is Gmail. Wikipedia is kinda annoying, and Fark and Slashdot are trying way too hard. But that's the nature of the day.

Still blah - everyone was complaining about this cold 3 weeks ago, and I was wondering what the deal was. It kinda sucks!

It's all gloomy-like outside. Stupid April weather. Fuck May Flowers.

What's up with you?