Cake - I need a macro

I wanted to put up a photo for the Thursday Challenge, but found it difficult without a good macro lens. This cake is killing me. I am on a diet. Having this kind of thing around, even though it is an Entenmann’s, is not a good idea.

Technorati Tags: Photography, Theme Thursday

Atheism Is A Religion?

A friend sent me a link to About.com article - Atheism Is A Religion? - Austin Cline handles the question well. It is worth a read if you have the time.

What are my thought on this? Well… Atheism is the opposite of religion. It is about not having any a well-defined believing structure. It is about not believing in a god, be he Jesus or Buddha. Atheism is not belief in nothing, but about having no supernatural beliefs at all.

People often ask me where I will go when I die as if it were scary to think of facing the future with no assurance of an afterlife. The response that springs to mind, although rarely spoken, is nowhere at all. I normally answer, “I don’t know”. Nor do I ponder death much, I prefer to think about life. Death is the absence of life like Atheism is the absence of religion. It just is, and that comforts me.


Technorati Tags: atheism, deep thoughts, religion

Elephant Miscellany

I do not know how I found this, but if you want to know anything about the use of the word elephant in english, this is the place for you.

Technorati Tags: vocabulary

Dove in my bush

When I came home from work today, I found a dove sitting in my Elephant Bush. It acted like I was able to see it hidding there. I was able to get close, it was pretty cool.

A few more shots are located here.

Technorati Tags: photography, nature

One from my son

It is my habit to hand my son a camera and tell him to go shoot as many pictures as he likes. Of the 125 photographs that he snapped in an hour on a recent trip to the Grand Canyon, I like this one the best. He seems to be developing his own style and shot many pictures that I would not have even have considered. I was raised with a film camera and always tried to get value for my effort on a limited budget. Shooting 125 pictures without restraint would be difficult for me to do. On the other hand – I have about 10 pictures of the same rock from as many different angles.

Technorati Tags: Photography, Travel

The Grand Canyon

There is not much to say here. One can take pictures of the Grand Canyon all day and not capture the essence of its beauty. I was overwhelmed (and very cold). This place is beautiful.

Technorati Tags: photography, travel

sunset from a train

I rode the Grand Canyon Railroad from Williams, Arizona to the Grand Canyon over the Thanksgiving Holidays. The trip was a wonderful experience - but cold. Williams got as low as the 30s, the Grand Canyon was at least as cold. The train can be crowded. I recommend buying tickets in the club car; it has a full service bar and fewer people. The trip is about two hours - the scenery is wonderful.

Technorati Tags: Photography, Travel

Long Lost Cliff

Well, not really lost, I just have not seen him or talked with him in many years. I would not have recognized him. He has changed much over the years. I once knew him very well, now he is a familiar stranger. The joy of Thanksgiving is in reconnecting (and with the food).

Technorati Tags: Photography

Why put a pumkin on a fence?

That is the question my son asked me the other day - I don't really have an answer for him - except to say, because they can.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

*** Updated to correct three spelling errors ***

Technorati Tags: photography

Yellow flowers

At least I think they are yellow (Sucks to be Color Blind).

Technorati Tags: Photography, Photoblog, LA Photobloggers

Scotch and shadow

And... it was a very good year.

Technorati Tags: Photography, Photoblog, LA Photobloggers

So I took this test

I wanted to figure out if I was right or left brain dominate. Turns out, I'm neither.

Brain Lateralization Test Results

Right Brain (50%) The right hemisphere is the visual, figurative, artistic, and intuitive side of the brain. Left Brain (50%) The left hemisphere is the logical, articulate, assertive, and practical side of the brain

Are You Right or Left Brained?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Technorati Tags: Test

Life Hack - Saving money with ice water

What is a life hack? - Read Danny O’Brien explanation at the 43 Folders Wiki.

I motivated to start looking for ways to save a few dollars recently. I found that a significant percentage of my weekly out of pocket expenses went for cold beverages, like Diet Coke or Iced Tea. My daily spend ranged from $1 to $5. Obviously, avoiding $20 to $25 per week would have a positive impact on my budget.

My solution was to buy a Bubba Keg 52oz cooler (~$10). I fill it with ice and water in the morning before I leave for work, and then refill it throughout the day. In two weeks of using it, I have only purchased one soda. I am drinking far less artificial ingredients now and am saving a ton of cash in the process. It may seem like a simple concept, but it qualifies as a life hack to me.

Technorati Tags: Life Hacks, GTD

Phony Theory, False Conflict

Charles Krauthammer's Op-Ed column Phony Theory, False Conflict get right to the point by asking the question "How ridiculous to make evolution the enemy of God'. Krauthammer argues that science, in trying to understand the workings of the univese, is attempting to understand the mind of God (at least from Einstein's perspective).

I find that Krauthammer’s column rings true. Religion and science attempt to accomplish the same thing, explain the world around us. It is when Religion tries to supplant Science that problems start. I pity students of Kansas who will forever be pigeonholed as dumbed down religious dupes, incapable of understanding the true value of science. Not to mention the national shame Kansas has brought to America because of their bastardization of term science and their inclusion of religious teachings in a secular school system. The world watches and laughs.

Technorati Tags: Evolution, Intelligent Design

Graffiti and fog

Another mood shot from another foggy day. Not that we've had fog lately. It's been dry and sunny, almost like summer. I hope it ends soon. A little rain would be nice, or even a few clouds

Technorati Tags: Photography, Street Photography, graffiti

Puros Indios cigars

My friend Mac gave me and Puros Indios cigar last week. It was in perfect condition and ready to smoke, so I went to the park and smoked my lunch. I had never smoked an Indios before. I tend to stick to a small circle of cigar brands that I like and do not venture out of my range too often. This cigar surprised me. It started off a little hot and bitter, then quickly calmed down to a gentile but aromatic smoke. The Indios burned slowly, a non-smoking friend told me it was pungent (I think he meant it was strong smelling). My lunch hour was nearly consumed by the time I had finished. It was a good smoke. Something I would like to smoke again.

Technorati Tags: Cigars, Reviews, Deep Thoughts

Nutball Alert: Prussian Blue

Oh - what the hell? The first time I heard of Prussian Blue (NWS) I thought it was a morning DJ joke. But, stories kept coming through my email filter - before long I had to read about them. ABC news did I good overview piece Young Singers Spread Racist Hate. If the mother of Lamb and Lynx Gaede is not committing physiological child abuse by teaching her daughters such hatred, I don’t know what child abuse is.

I have little patience for this type of scat, and will say little more than this is clearly wrong – based in hate, meant to startle, and despite my libertarian leanings – should be stopped. Hate speech is hate speech even if uttered from the mouths of little blond angles.

I wonder if is too late to save them?

My dinner with the white supremacists by Harmon Leon. A good insight into these nutballs.

Technorati Tags: racism, nutballs

Answers in Genesis

Answers in Genesis has a planned museum where human children can be seen playing alongside Dinosaurs. Why you might ask? Because that is the way “God” intended it. So check your brain at the door, bring you bible, and take the tour that will change your life forever.

At least Answers in Genesis is not globing onto Intelligent Design. Their mission is simple; the world was created just the way the bible says it was.. Sciencegot it wrong!

If I ever get a change to visit Norther Kentucky, rest assured my camera and I will have a field day.

Technorati Tags: Evolution, Creationism

Nutball Alert: Dr. Kamau Kambon

I was reading Larry Elder’s website this morning when I noticed a link from his Breaking News section. It read “Fanatic activist demands the death of all white people”. Being a white person myself, I wondered who would want to kill me and why? The link lead to a video of Dr. Kamau Kambon giving a speech at Howard University October 14. In his speach near the end, he clearly calls for the extermination of all white people. He received limited applause for his remarks.

Of course, by the time he makes the call for extermination, any reasonable person would have concluded that Dr. Kambon is mentally disturbed. I poked around the internet for comments related to event – there are thousands of entries. People were clearly upset by his remarks. I decided to check with a blog I respect, Professor Kim, an academic with insight. She had posted on the speech. It was remarkable. Her conclusions are sound. Dr. Kamau is a nutball (my term), he is not active from an academic standpoint, he has not published his views anywhere that can easily be found, and most importantly, his speach was not a newsworthy event. I could not agree more. It is the ranting of a crazy man. Unfortunately, Dr. Kamau’s speech was broadcast Live on CSPAN.

Dr. Kamau Kambon is clearly a nutball, but I think he might be a tin foil hat nutball, which qualifies him for an extended stay in a mental health institution. Although his words are evil and laced with racial hatred, the impact of his words is mooted by his insanity.

I have always been mystified by people who use race to judge others. I do not even thing in those terms. My friends and family run the gamut of nearly every race and creed on the planet. Yet our relationships are based on love and respect – not race. I am proud to be an American, a country where it does not matter where you immigrated from or where you were born. It only matters that you can stand with your equals and look to the future with hope.

Dr. Kamau Kambon's Statements (unverified source)

Statement about the speach
Q & A

Other blogs:

The Political Teen
Michelle Malkin
John in Carolina
Open your minds eye


Technorati Tags: Nutballs, Kamau Kambon, Deep Thoughts, Racism

Ring of Fire

My wife and son are waiting patently for this evening’s mega event, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. And though I share their enthusiasm, I am hopelessly caught up in my desire to watch Walk the Line. You see, I've always loved Johnny Cash. His music takes me back to a cool 67 T-Bird with an 8-track version of Ring of Fire playing on my Grandfathers crummy little speakers. My grandfather and Johnny Cash are both gone, but the memories remain. I've read a few reviews that tell me I walk the Line is great. I can't wait to see it - if not for the musical experience alone.

Tonight, I will watch Harry Potter with my family – Tomorrow, I will find a way to watch Johnny Cash.

Categories: HarryPotter, JohnnyCash, Movies, Music

David Koresh, Timothy McVeigh and Marie Kolasinski

I’ve found another Nutball lurking in Orange County. Marie Kolasinski, the founder of Piecemakers a Christian end-times cult in Costa Mesa, California. A few weeks ago, in a very public confrontation with Costa Mesa Heath Inspectors , Kolasinski was arrested for failing to comply with a inspection warrant which was issued to assure safe access to Kolasinski's commercial kitchen operation. According the OC Register, seven members of the cult were arrested of various charges.

Kathleen Louise Needham, obstruction of justice
Douglas Dorsey Follette, assault
Kolasinski, assault on a heath inspector
Deborah Lindsey Scherfee, obstruction of justice
Kerry Lyn Parker, assault
Judy Marie Hageer, battery
John Fredrick Ready, obstruction

To belong to Piecemakers, one must surrender all possessions to the organization, submit to the authority of Marie Kolaniski, live in the commune, work at the craft shop, forego sex, and subscribe to their ridiculous beliefs. According to the OC Weekly, the Piecemakers have some questionable beliefs:

• To become a cop, lawyer or judge, a person would first have to spend "three months or more" in jail "to understand how awesome is his job."
• No more taxpayer-funded inaugural parties for incoming presidents.
• The U.S. must apologize to the world for its "arrogance."
• No more pampering of the handicapped with choice parking spaces -- "walking is one form of therapy."
• No more welfare programs.
• Open national borders because "it isn't the Mexicans or the Asians screwing up the country but the offspring of the Caucasians who founded this country -- white-skinned, empty-headed with an evil heart."
• Only one religion allowed -- "all others would have to leave the country."
• A ban on aid to Israel.
• No more "foolish" government AIDS research.

I rarely find any organization so completely screwed up and just plain scary. These people are nuts – no, nuts who sell quilts and plot the overthrow of our government. I hereby add them to my Nutballs hall of fame. I also intend to watch them closely.

Technorati Tags: Cults, Nutballs, Piecemakers

Watching the sunset with a Slurpee

Today was a weak day for photos. I only happened to come accross this stranded biker chick while getting gas. I only had a few seconds and the results are poor. But I have resolved to take pictures everyday and post, so here it is.

Technorati Tags: Photography, Street Photography, Photo Friday

Another Foggy Morning

This morning was the second day in a row of fog. Since I leave work after dark and I the mornings have been dark and foggy, my photography has been limited. The Santa Anna's are blowing outside tonight. It should be a better day to shoot tomorrow.

Location: This was shot in the parking lot of Artesia High School in Lakewood.

Technorati Tags: Photography, Street Photography

How to sell a book on Amazon

While surfing the web today, I visited my favorite productivity site for some after lunch mental stimulation before I started to dig into my backlog of 150-emails. I clicked through to a link about photography, then clicked out to Kitten's box to read more. On Kittens Home Page, I saw a review for a photography book that I found interesting, along with a link to purchase it from Amazon (and I did). I thought the Amazon review link was a good idea, but I could not find any information about how to make one. I eventually found information about the Amazon Associate Program from the Amazon Hacks website. Participants get a small percentage of each sale. I will be taking my meager payment in Amazon gift certificates.


How to make a “Buy from Amazon” link

Go to Amazon.com and create an account (if you don’t already have one)
Click on the Help link at the top of the page
Click on Amazon.com Services /Associates
Sign up for Amazon.com Associates program (follow the easy instructions)
When complete, one of the options will be to “Build a Link”
Copy the HTML code into your blog and post it


This first Amazon book link is for The Craft of Research, a book that was essential reading during my recently completed graduate school program. The Craft of Research gave me a leg up on my competitors. It taught me the right way to approach research, how to properly document research, and most importantly, how to present your research in its final form. This book is a must read for anyone thinking about going to a competitive school.

Technorati Tags: Deep Thoughts, How To, Book Review

A bad news day for Los Angeles

Today we found out that Male fish with female eggs were found off the coast of Los Angeles. And in other news, Los Angeles has the worst smog in the nation.

I shot this on the way to work this morning. If the sky had been clear, LA would be visable in the distance.


OK, so maybe it was foggy this morning. But, I can only see LA from this spot 1 out of every 100 days each year. So, maybe the smog thing is on target. In other news, I ate local yellowtale Friday night. I wonder if the extra female parts make it taste better. I really do love LA.

Technorati Tags: Graffiti, Photography, Street Photography

Stereo Image

So, back in the day (1990 or so) I used to love stereograms. I even had a company that made the software that allowed people to make highly complex hidden image stereograms. I also made dozens of them myself. My brother-in-law was the real pro. His work even made the cover of Duckman Comics #1.

I took a picture the other day that reminded me of my old efforts; a channel with holes along its length. I spent some time cutting and arranging it in Photoshop and... Well you can see the result above, a stereo image of a series of holes. If you shift your vision slightly, the image will take on three-dimensional qualities. It has been at least ten years since I made something like this. I think I will make a few more in the days ahead. Its fun and appeals to the autistic side of my brain (yes I said autistic on purpose - I find great comfort in repetitive tasks, like sorting pennies or debugging software).

Lean how to view a stereogram here.
See a more complex example of a Stereo Image here.

Technorati Tags: Art, Photography, Stereogram

A good cigar

Last night I gave myself an hour to relax. I choose to smoke a cigar at Joe R's in Long Beach prior to enjoying dinner with a friend later in the evening. I intended to pick a cigar which I had not smoked before. Something new and light would have been nice. While in the humidor I spotted an El Ray Del Mundo, a cigar another friend had acquainted me with a few years ago in Tucson. The El Ray is not a light cigar. I consider it rich, powerful, and in its larger varieties, completely buzz worthy. I find it good to smoke in moderation.

El Ray Del Mundo (means King of the World)
Handmade in: Confradi, Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuador/USA Connecticut
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Dominican Republic/Honduras

My hour of smoking was a complete success. I spoke to half a dozen new people and had a noteworthy conversation with the cowboy bouncer from the Blue Café. I sat in a chair on the sidewalk while the world drove by – for those of you who do not live in LA, I did not even need a sweater.


Technorati Tags: Deep Thoughts, Cigars, Long Beach

RIP Peter Drucker

Peter F. Drucker died on November 11th. He was visionary business guru for whom I have a tremendous degree of respect. He died at age 95 after a very long career. I own a copy of each of his books and many of his magazine articles. I have read his books for pleasure going back as far as the early 80s. I have also read his books as part of a graduate degree program, which is to say, I studied them deeply. He was on target, insightful and inspiring. I always thought of him as wise. RIP Peter F. Drucker.

The Washington Post does a good job of summarizing his life’s work and its impact in their obituary

"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all." - Peter Drucker

Technorati Tags: Deep Thoughts

Help Shopping

I found this little post it note attached to an artistically painted newspaper dispenser in the heart Long Beach's arts district. I thought it looked odd. The Message:

“Have a space/spare room, you’re not using? I could help you clean it up + offer assistance with decoration or grocery shopping.”

Well ok then - I need my unused room cleaned, decorated, and filled with produce. It's a match!

Technorati Tags: Found Art, Long Beach

The Body

I had dinner with my boss tonight. He told me a story of a friend who had quit a job as a stockbroker to pursue a second life as an artist. His story inspired me to finish a piece I had been working on for a few weeks. For the lack of a better name, I'll call it "The Body" (for now anyway). It fits my mood around the seasonal change for daylight savings. The piece is mixed media – a combination of found objects, scanning, and photographic textures.

My wife liked it so it has passed my acid test for posting to my blog. If my wife like it, the work is not too dark for publication.

All comments are welcome.

Technorati Tags: Art

Video footage of the Paris Riots

I've put together a few links to video coverage of the Paris Riots as well as photo's and a couple of blogs that are following the action. The videos are hard for me to watch. My memories of France do not match today's reality.

Video:

Riots in France Clichy
French riots
Paris Riots
Paris Burns
Deport them

Photo Essay:

Reuters pictures
BBC Pictures
Yahoo Pictures
Republica Pictures Very Nice!

Blogs:

Faeriebell's Blog
Jihad Watch


Technorati Tags: Intifada, Video, Paris Riots

Hatem Bazian to speak in San Deigo

Hatem Bazian, and anti-American Islamic extremist who has publicly called for the Intifada to come to America is to speak at the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committe in San Deigo. Bazian should be at his vitriolic hateful best when he takes the podium to tell everyone what a horrible country we live in. Bazian is a public employee who teaches at U.C. Berkeley – the fact that he is still on the State dole after all he has done really bothers me.

(located in special events) *ADC ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, 10950 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, 619-840-1945. On Saturday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m., the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee invites the public to hear speakers Phyllis Bennis and Hatem Bazian. There will be food, drinks and Arabic music.

Technorati Tags: islam, intifada

Squeal like a pig

I found the dueling banjo scene from Deliverance at Putfile.com. It's been years since I watched the movie, but it is still good. Nothing quite catches the essence of a red-necked hillbilly like this film. The boy playing the banjo is a great example. Enjoy.

Technorati Tags: Video

This is my second post in my new LA Freeways project. It represents the out-of-the-corner-of-the-eye shot that one sees when driving in LA, dirty old palm trees, gray bridges, and graffiti. They blur together to form a vague but persistent image of decay. In this case, the palm tree marks the spot of a homeless village. It is quite common to glimpse a cardboard house along with its owner, sitting beneath the bridge.

Location: South bound 405 freeway at the Los Agneles river

Technorati Tags: LA Freeways, LA Photobloggers, Photography

Dave Odegaard - a new CD

My Friend Dave Odegaard has released a new CD called Artic Fire. It is a re-master of an older CD from when Dave played in another band. I will be picking up a few copies (they make great gifts) the next time I see him.

I am a big fan of Dave’s music. He has a unique style that takes the electronic guitar to new levels. I can listen to his music for hours. According to iTunes, I’ve played Dave’s previous album, Second Attention, 113 times since I purchased it back in November of 2004. I recommend it highly. My favorite song – Lucid – is a driving and moody piece that highlights Dave’s mastery of rhythm and the electric guitar.

Technorati Tags: Music

Do not get arrested in Texas

My friend Richard sent me a link to a video of a purse-snatcher being arrested in Texas. The message is - don't mess with Texas. I got that message when I was arrested there a couple of months ago. It was all a mistake - I had paid the speeding ticket that the bench warrant was issued against. It just took the better part of my day.

I love Texas (did the sarc tag show?)

Technorati Tags: Video

Time Management for Anarchists

I found this article, Time Management for Anarchists, on 43 Folders. I'm a bit of a productivity nut myself. Seeing the anarchists view on the subject is interesting and worthy of a read.

Scott Andrew - lo-fi acoustic pop superhero!

I came across Scott Andrew while reading 43 Folders; he has a good article about productivity in the music business. Scott is an acoustic musician and quite good. I've linked to a couple of his MP3s below:

Holding Back
Brickyard Bend
2 AM

Technorati Tags: Music, Productivity

What can I say

My favorite Mexican restaurant repainted its exterior for the first time in 20 years. I think the owner’s niece did it. A friend insisted that I shoot it, so I did.

Location: East Lincoln Street and Avalon Blvd in Carson, California.

Technorati Tags: Singage, LA Photobloggers

A basic message

I shot this today in Wilmington, a city of churches, bars, and Mexican Restaurants. The farther south you drive on Avalon, the worse the neighborhood looks. Until, in the end, you reach the last chance rescue mission. Wilmington is one of those cities in Los Angeles that even the natives do not visit. It is too far off the beaten path and offers little in the way of amenities – except the Mexican food.

I like the simple yet bold message - forgive someone today.

Location: N. Avalon and G Street in Wilmington, California.

Technorati Tags: Signage, LA Photobloggers, Religion

Truck tire planters

I was driving in Wilmington today when I noticed these truck tired planters while shooting pictures of a nearby rescue mission. The planters are located in front of a used tire, rim, and hubcap store that looked like it came straight out of TJ. I wondered why somebody would bother making these planters and then not tend them – and then I realized that it was a not so subtle attempt to recycle garbage since the establishment they fronted was stacked to overflowing with crap.

Location: N. Avalon and G Street in Wilmington, California.

Technorati Tags: Street Photography, LA Photobloggers

The Election Comes Tuesday

Tuesday marks the California Special Election. One normally sees this woman and her mate holding large read painted crosses. They wave to drivers each weekend from high volume traffic corners. Now it seems they are working for a different cause; Kanhng for a School Board seat.

Tuesday offers a whole slew of special electoral options. The most important of which is if Arnie will continue to dominate California politics. My bet is that he will. Much of what he wants to do is just common sense. I love it anytime we try to simplify government.

I normally vote Libertarian - so nobody I vote for will win. I still vote in every election. I consider it a duty.

Technorati Tags: Street Photography, LA Photobloggers

A new photography project

I will be starting a new photography project this week. I intend to take a twenty picture series focusing on Los Angeles area freeways. I have been fascinated with freeway architecture and utility for as long as I can remember. Freeways offer a combination of ugliness and use that produces interest and even beauty, although the beauty is admittedly in the eye of the photographer and tends to be rare. This shot is typical. A balance between utility and cost – a concrete monolith, now aging, that is ubiquitous and invisible. The only reason we notice it at all, is that on occasion we become stuck in place and must notice.

Do I think it is pretty? No, it is gray, ugly and invisible. I like that.

Location: 91 Freeway transition to the south bound 710 Freeway in North Long Beach.

Technorati Tags: LA Freeways, Photography Projects, LA Photobloggers,, Photography

These things make me feel old

1. Somebody commented on an old blog post about a Chapter 11 sticker I had seen in Long Beach. It thought it meant bankruptcy at the time, It turns out it is yet another local band that I know nothing about.. Chapter 11 plays hip hop and dance hall inspired music – apparently quit well. They are booked at the Blue Café on November 18th. I’m going.
I've linked to a couple MP3s:

Rude Boy
Ease Up
Lion
live and Direct

2. My 15 year old niece Cassie told me about myspace last night while at a birthday party. It seems to be the hot thing for the younger crowd. Of course, I have never heard of it. I happened to open my monthly Wired magazine last night after returning home – myspace is described in a feature article. I am so out of it. Apparently, myspace gets more hits than Google. I need to get out more.

3. I actually visited myspace this morning – I give up. I am old and the world is full of 14 to 24 year old kids.

At least I can still listen to Rage Agaist The Machine - Take the Power Back still rocks - even if I don't.

Technorati Tags: Deep Thoughts, Music, Long Beach

No Drugs In Here

I was walking through a parking structure yesterday when I noticed this truck. As I passed I stopped to try and decipher the secret bumper sticker message represented in the trucks back window.

Bob Marley Revolution = He (I’m guessing here) thinks of himself as a social revolutionary
SEPULTURA = A band, but it is not known to me.
KPFK = Left wing nutball radio for Southern California
Rage Against The Machine = A good band – but focused on social issues. Again, the driver thinks of himself as a social revolutionary.
Bob Marley = The driver might just like to smoke a little weed – or maybe he likes Reggae too. Who Knows?
Free Tibet = ah, the social protest bumper sticker of the year. (or was that of five years ago?)

My analysis: A major drug risk. I think the cops might pull this guy over every time he drives by.

Technorati Tags: Street Photography, Bumper Stickers, Drugs

Drink with the guys at gameworks

I got together with a few of the guys last night. We caught up on what had been happening in our lives. Two of my friends are getting married. Three had started interesting new jobs. Three are sure that the Lakers will suck this year. Two had traveled to Europe recently. Two had travel to Mexico and Panama. One was on a protein diet and could not drink. One had upgraded his boat with big new engines. We were all doing new and interesting things. It was great.

We talked office politics because at one time we had all worked together. We talked about national politics because none of us are happy with the situation we currently find our country in. We talked of mutual friends, of books and scotch whisky and the best cigars available. We talked about sports and how, even though he is fat, we miss Shaq. We toasted our health, our friends, and our life choices, but most of all we toasted each other. For the few hours that we were together, it was good times again. I miss these guys, I really do.

My congratulations go to Dave - the big white guy in the back row center - he will be married to a beautiful woman in December. I wish him the best of luck.

Technorati Tags: Deep Thoughts

Faithful Should Listen to Science

In the 17th Century the Catholic Church denounced Galileo for supporting Copernicus' discovery that the Earth revolved around the sun. The Catholic Church later apologized for its error. Now, the Catholic Church is asking the faithful to listen to science - it seems Evolution might be a good explanation for how life evolved over time (at least Pope John Paul II thought so). Another key point - rejection of science leads to fundamentalism. Well duh.

Technorati Tags: Intelligent Design, Religion

Samantha Burns and Deep Thoughts

Every now and then I look at the blogs that refer traffic to my blog. Most are well... ordinary. Samantha Burns on the other hand, is quite interesting. She posted on Saturday Night Live's Deep Thoughts Archive, and that is enough to win her my everlasting patronage. I laughed and laughed. I love Deep Thoughts – Jack Handy is a god.

One of my Favorites:

I hope if dogs ever take over the world, and they choose a king, they don't just go by size, because I bet there are some Chihuahuas with some good ideas.

Detritus

I am not sure if detritus is the right term, it is not exactly decomposing organic matter, although it was made from wood pulp. It reminds me of what I think of when I see the word detritus used in print, so I thought it an apt description.

Newspaper High Rise

It seems that the usual eyesore of 40 feet of consecutive newspaper racks has been replaced by the new eyesore of newspaper high-rises. At least this one is not selling porn. But then again, in upscale areas of Orange County (where this was shot), porn would not be allowed… well maybe anyway.