Rock Out With Your...

"God Bless You!"

2006-10-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

While at work this past week, one of my customers sneezed and I said "God bless you" to the guy. But the guy is from Yemen, so I asked him what the equivalent saying there was. He replied with what is loosly translated as "Allah's blessings on your soul."

I found this facinating. Why?

I remember reading this article way back when I was a kid that expained where the saying "God bless you" originated and why it was said following a sneeze. In that article, it was said that the Puritains believed that when you sneezed, your soul was forced out of your body. By saying the phrase, your soul was allowed access back to the body. Curious enough reason for a kid to remember it for the rest of his life.

So, if the original saying was used by the Puritains (because of their beliefs), why is there an equivalent saying in the Arab countries? No answer.

And, in this day and age, I find it somewhat humorous that the saying is considered a polite response, nay, an expected response when someone sneezes. For we know that the soul does not leave the body on a sneeze.

I just find it odd that the saying is used half the world away, for the same reason.

Vacation Starts Today

2006-09-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

I am on vacation for the next 10 days.

Today I am cleaning up the home with packing planned later today. I will be in Reno for the air-races through Sunday the 17th.

It Has Been Awhile

2006-08-19T02:32:00.000-07:00

I sit here writing on this blog and two of the others that I contribute to, in too much pain to sleep. The meds are not helping, either with the pain or in getting me to sleep. So I sit here at 0230 in the morning Pacific Time.

For the few people left that read what I write here, I know that most of you do not care about the sports that I write about on my other pages. But, that project has left me little time to write here. I feel that I just have nothing left to contribute here. Maybe, someday, that will change, maybe it won't. So, for now my posts will be infrequent.

I met a woman, but as these things go, it didn't pan out. Seems that the convo that I had with her about having venison for dinner one night didn't go over very well. She being a vegetarian and all (no offense Sass). She just couldn't get past the idea that the guy she was dating could eat 'Bambi', but OHHH! was Bambi good.

If you didn't know, hunting season is in full swing. I don't have a deer tag this year, but my brother, Water Rat, got the deer that we ate. His wife doesn't want to know the particulars either, but at least she will eat some of it. I can hardly wait for dove season that starts on 1 Sep. Followed by duck season late in the year.

I bought a new sidearm. Pretty happy about it. Not that I will get into specifics here, but I just wanted to gloat.

I hope that things are going well for you, my blog-friends, wherever you live.

Gotta Love the Marines

2006-08-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

You have to love the Marine that came up with this.

You know, of course, that if a Muslim sees a naked woman or an image of one, that is not his wife...he must kill himself immediately.

French Sniper

2006-08-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

I got this picture in email. Leave it to the French to do something so stupid.

V

2006-08-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

People should not fear their government; the government should fear it's people.

Harley Girls From Reno 2005

2006-07-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the poor quality, but these came from a camera phone.

Makes Me Want a Harley

2006-07-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

I Am Sorry To You

2006-07-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a lot of blog writing, just not here, nor on my poetry blog, nor on the air racing or shared sports blog. Nope, I was invited to write on another sports blog, armchairgm.com. These past few weeks, I have been spending more and more time over there.

I have been writing on the Canadian Football League. Not only because no one else will do it, but I thoroughly enjoy the Canadian game. I know that some of you that read this are not into sports, that is alright with me. But, if you do feel the urge to read what I have been writing, check over there for articles written by ERooster. The link from my name will take you to my user page, from that you can see some of the projects that I have been working on.

I hope that things are going well for you wherever you are. Those people that read this and know that I read their stuff, don't worry I am still looking in and reading your prose. I just have to do the sports thing for a while to recharge the batteries to come back and write here.

Dammit, EB - Lords of Acid

2006-07-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

"Dammit!", I say to the blogfriend that mentioned this group. I have been listening to this album for days on end and just can't get enough. The 'Greatest Tits' album from Lords of Acid. I can see why you would like it. But, now why do I?

Rancho Seco to Open Again?

2006-07-09T18:08:00.000-07:00

SMUD's Rancho Seco Nuclear Power facility was closed on 6 June 1989 due to a public vote. But according to an AP Enviromental Writer, Michael Casey, the Uninted States and Russia are looking to reviving long-dormant nuclear plants. Could Rancho Seco be one of those plants on the revival plan? No word from SMUD, but I personally would love to see it open again.

This decision comes amid growing concerns over rising oil prices and fossil fuel emisions blamed for global warming. The interest in atomic energy is growing world wide.

The Nuclear Energy Institute, an industry advocacy group based in Washington D.C. says that "every 1,000-megawatt reactor saves 7.9 million barrels of oil or 3.4 million tons of coal a year and eliminates 34,000 tons of polluting sulfer dioxide and 11,000 tons of nitrogen oxide." The Rancho Seco facility has a 2772 MWt (megawatt thermal) Babcock and Wilcox pressurized water reactor for 913 MWe (megawatt electrical).

Asia is also jumping into the nuclear power program. China and India are already facing huge energy shortages, based on their current energy mix.

Eighteen new reactors are being constructed in Asia, roughly 70% of the total being built world wide.

South Korea is the world's third biggest oil importer and the second biggest coal importer. At this time 40% of South Korea's power comes from nuclear power and they are talking of raising that number to 60% by 2035. Currently, South Korea has four new reactors being constructed, two of which are 1,000-megwatt reactors. Another four are planned for completion by 2017.

China is currently operating at 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear power. This number will increase to 40 gigawatts by 2020, with the addition of 30 new nuclear plants.

India will go from 3 gigawatts to 20 gigawatts by 2020, with an additional 31 plants.

Japan, currently depends on nuclear power for a third of it's total power. They are looking to double this output by 2050. Australia and Indonesia are looking to build their first plants sometime soon.

But, reactors is not a problem in Asia. The big problem is what to do with the waste. At the present time no country in Asia has a permanent site for the already 40,000 tons of toxic spent fuel produced so far.

New Jacket

2006-07-07T23:07:00.000-07:00

I bought a new jacket today. Courtesy of Michelle Malkin and her blog. I think that it will go well with the other items in my collection.

Oy! What a Week

2006-07-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

After my return from vacation, I expected to be getting up and going to work on Monday morning. However, things did not go as planned.

When I awoke on Monday....Oooaahh, was I sick. Bad stuff. Liquid coming out both ends. Severe chills. No appetite.

So, I called in sick (not good). I had to get into my winter pajamas and get under the heavy blankets and still I was cold (Keep in mind, it was in the mid to upper 90's outside, about 80 inside.). That was exciting to find a way to stay upright long enough to put a heavier blanket on the bed.

The next day (the 4th), more of the same. I remember my boss saying to enjoy the fireworks. Yeah, the only fireworks I saw were coming from my mouth and felt the ones from my ass. What a great Fourth!

I was well enough to return to work on Thursday. LONG FUCKING DAY ALERT! I worked from 0400 to 1700. For those of you that don't follow military time, that is a 13 hour work day. Great first day back.

Today was just slightly better, with a measly 11 hour work day.

So, I have two days off now. Feel good. Have a dentist appointment in the morning, to fix a filling.

If you want to see some pictures from my vacation trip, you can see them on flickr. Fair shots from the trip. I am the balding white guy, in the red shorts, there by the river. (In case you didn't know). Just don't laugh at my slightly buldging belly. There are also pics of friends and family there. This trip is up to the one titled "Brad".

If I don't hear from you, have a great weekend!

Post-Surgery Update

2006-06-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it through surgery fairly easily. This was by far the easiest post-surgery experience that I have had. That being said, though, I am sore today. And I can't go back to work until Monday, per my doc's instructions.

The procedure , itself, almost didn't go. The x-ray tech came in, escorted me to the x-ray room, and took a picture. But, he didn't see the stone. So, he took another one. Again, he didn't see the stone. After that, I went back to bed, with the possibility of not having the procedure. The assorted O.R. personnel came to see a stone that I had passed earlier in the week, which I taken in with me. They all believed that I had passed the stone, but I kept telling them that there was something else in there. When my urologist came in, he looked at the x-rays and the stone that I had passed and decided to put me on the fluoroscope.

Upon getting onto the surgical table and under the fluoroscope, the tech operating the device found the stone almost immediately. With that, the nurse hooked up the I.V., the anesthesiologist asked the standard questions, and put me out.

I awoke about an hour later.

I still have to do the same things as usual. Strain my urine as I pass the sand. A procedure that I will have to follow for the next week. As I said, I am still in some pain, but that is pretty routine.

Surgery Today

2006-06-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

So, I am heading into surgery today at 1600. I have to be at the surgical center by 1430. The big downside to this whole pre-surgery thing is that yesterday I was on a liquid diet until midnight, then nothing until my surgery. Except for the MAG Citrate that I had to drink this morning, plus the 8 oz glass of water that follows it. (Yeah, like I have anything left in my system for that to work on.)

For those of you that know me, in-person, you know that my metabolism is fast, not as fast as it once was, but still fast. That means that I am FUCKING STARVING right now. I could easily eat two racks of ribs and all the trimmings right now. Wait, this get better. Chances are that I will not be hungry after the surgery. So come tomorrow morning, whew!, I could probably sit down to eat the whole cow.

My buddy Kent called to rub it in that he was going to go get a sandwich. Followed by my Pop calling to say that he is in town and at Arby's down the street. Dammit! Don't tell me that you are eating. My stomach is growling now just writing this. But, other than that things are just peachy. I just want the thing to start so that I can be closer to eating.

I have gotten a few calls today wishing me well with the surgery. Sometimes, I feel like people are calling to say their goodbyes, in case something bad happens. Or maybe it is just the pessimist in me that sees things that way.

However this goes, I will see and talk to you on the other side.

My Ripon Visitor

2006-06-28T17:11:00.000-07:00

Domain Name: pacbell.net
IP Address: 71.133.162# (SBC Internet Services)
ISP: SBC Internet Services
Location: Continent : North America
Country : United States
State : California
City : Ripon

Lat/Long : 37.7576, -121.129

Language: English (United States)

Operating System: Microsoft WinXP
Browser: Internet Explorer 6.0
Javascript: version 1.3
Monitor: Resolution : 800 x 600
Color Depth: 32 bits

Time of Visit: Jun 28 2006 2:41:56
Last Page View: Jun 28 2006 2:41:56

Visit Length: 0 seconds

Page Views: 1

Referring URL: http://us.f815.mail....SxRBIsPongZyXh&Idx=1

Visit Entry Page: http:rockoutwithyour.blogspot.com/

Visit Exit Page: http:rockoutwithyour.blogspot.com/

Middle of Vacation

2006-06-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

Yep, I am on vacation. Just like everything else planned for this week (Vegas & Cabo), the backpacking trip fell through as well. So, I am just hanging out at home. I should have had a 'Plan D', like going to see some bloggers that I enjoy reading. Somehow, getting on a plane to go to Albuquerque, Houston, or Orlando just didn't sound like fun, but I could be wrong. It wouldn't be the first time, nor the last.

My surgery is on Thursday and the worry that I had before, concerning the blocked ureter, is pretty much gone. I passed a 2mm stone on Sunday night, now there is very little pain on the left side. Although, the docs are going to want to check it out anyway. That stone didn't really hurt coming out, could be the meds, could be the greater pain threshold, or it could be something else entirely.

I do plan on going up to the mountains with friends and family on Friday. But that depends on how I feel, post-surgery. This is one of the bigger stones that I have had, but I have been through the proceedure before without much difficulty, so I will just have to see. My Pop is making the trip up here to take me to the surgical center and to stay with me overnight, in case that there are problems.

So, my vacation has been about cleaning, staying inside away from the heat, which has been in the 100's, and going to the rock gym at night. I plan on going tonight, if I feel up to it. Other than that, I got nothing.

No, that is not right. I do have something else. There has been someone reading these posts from a city just north of where I live, in Ripon. Kind of wierds me out to have someone reading this that I may know, but that doesn't acknowledge himself/herself via commenting. I mean, I know when others read this and don't comment (Pop, Jenius, Sass, Reagan, Zombie, LL, Evil Blonde, Kent, or Paul), but I know who you are so that is alright. It is the not knowing that gets me.

Well, now that is it. Have a great week all. If I do make it to the mountains, there will probably be pics of it on flickr, shortly after I get back.

Doc And The Impending Surgery

2006-06-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

I went to the urology doc yesterday. I got a bit of good news. First let me say, the docs in the Oakland ER told me that I had three stones (one in each kidney and one in my bladder). The bladder was a new one on me. Originally, my urologist told me of the big one on the right and a small one on the left. However, after my visit yesterday, the doc said that the stone on the left seems to have been passed, as it is no longer visible on the x-rays and that the "stone" in my bladder is a phantom return. (Although, I told him that I still feel relatively minor pain on that side as well as the major pain on the right. He believes that it may be something else. Which I will get to shortly.)

I also was scheduled for surgery. I have mixed emotions when it comes to this surgery. On the one hand, I WANT THIS F'N STONE OUT! On the other, I have to give up part of my vacation to have the surgery and I didn't particularly like the location of this surgery the last time that I had work there. But, really, there is no choice. I need to have this done, so at 1600 on 29 Thursday, I will be in lithotripsy surgery. At this time, the stone is just under 10 mm. After the procedure, the stone should be in pieces no bigger than 1 to 1.5 mm.

The doc also gave me some more medication. He looked at me and said, "I'll give you Vicodin." I told him that Vicodin may as well be straight Ibuprofin, for all of the good it will do me for pain.

"So, what did I give you last time", he asked.

"You gave me Percoset 5/325."

"How often?"

"Well the bottle said 1 or 2 every six hours. But at times, I was taking 2 to 3 every couple of hours for the major pain."

"That is an awful lot!"

"What do want me to do for pain, take what I got prescribed or go to the hospital for demorol or morphine?"

"Take what I gave you."

"Okey-dokey."

While I am under anesthetic, the docs are going to check out my left ureter. I had a stint in there 18 months ago (for six weeks) and the docs are going to make sure that it (the ureter) is the size that it is supposed to be. I had the stint in place to stretch the ureter back to its "normal" size. After so many stones on that side, I have much scaring in the area. If the ureter is back to the pre-stint size, I may have to have a more invasive surgery to replace or extensively repair the ureter. I am sincerely hoping that the ureter is not constricted again, as I am not looking to have to be cut open. That thought bothers me. Another thought that bothers me, I do not like going under a general anesthetic. However remote the chances are, there is a chance of not waking up. That, and I do not deal with coming out of the anesthesia very well.

Well, that is what is going on. I hope that things are going better for you, wherever you are.

Good Fun, No Fun

2006-06-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went to the A's game in Oakland. Got to see my best friend, Kent. Had a great time hanging out in a corporate luxury box. The game went 17 innings. By the time we were in the 12th, I was just praying for someone to score, didn't care who. By the bottom of the 13th, I got a quick, small stabbing from my left kidney. Which was here and gone, thank God. By the middle of the 15th, I got a little more heavy dose of stabbing pain, this time from the right. I took all of the meds that I had available to me, which sufficed to the end of the game.

However, I got even more serious pains on the way to the hotel. So, I spent the night in the Oakland ER. Can't wait for the bill on that one.

So, because of my overnight in Oakland, I missed work today. Tomorrow is going to suck!

Catch you all later, I am heading back to bed to die.

Second School Offense

2006-06-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

For the second time in a year a school in Malvern, AR has had a teacher charged with having sex with a student. The first case involves subsitute teacher Marsha J. Henderson, 35, of Malvern who is charged with having sex with a 16-year-old boy.

This time out, the teacher involved is Heather E. Carter, 30, of Alexander. Carter has been charged with having sex with a 17-year old female student in her home and automobile.

Again, I ask you the reader, "What is the deal with teachers in the South?" No problem in the South? Then what is this story that is being developed now, with another teacher, in Texas? Although that student was of consenting age. However under a 2003 Texas law, no teacher can have sexual relations with any student, no matter the age.

Boss Chains Subordinate to Tree

2006-06-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

I have been a bit lax in relating some of the news stories out of Russia. This one though...

"Russian Police are investigating a case of a boss who chained his subordinate naked to a tree in the forest to punish him for badly done work".

The 39-year-old was found handcuffed to a tree in Russia's Far East town of Belogorsk. On 26 May, the man was found by railway workers after his boss left him there almost 24 hours. The man claimed that his boss beat him up, drove him out into the forest, made his strip naked, and then handcuffed him to a tree for refusing to engage in "illegal actions".

During the course of the preliminary investigation, police found that no illegal actions were sought by the boss, but rather that the boss was angered by the employee's botched efforts on a job.

The boss has been charged with illegal restriction of a man's freedom, which carries a 2-year maximum jail sentence.

Another Darwin Award Winner?

2006-06-14T21:18:00.000-07:00

A man in Russia was killed by his new fishing rod. The 58-year-old man, from a small town near Moscow, went fishing with his new graphite rod at a small lake for the weekend. When he went to make the cast towards the center of the lake, his five meter tackle hit a power line located above and behind him. The man died instantly of electric shock.

So, This is an Outlet

2006-06-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have had many people read this blog over the past few days that have come to the same conclusion. That is, that I mostly write negative things. However, I don't see it that way. This blog is a direct correlation to the mood that I am in at the time. Yes, yes, for the past few weeks, my posts have been a bit negative. But that is merely a by-product of my overall feelings at the time.

The jist of this post is merely to say that what I write here is merely an outlet for whatever I am feeling. Yes, sometimes that is negative. But, it is also positive or even downright naughty. I started this blog as one thing, but it has slowly turned into something else. That is, a way for me to get out whatever is upsetting my natural balance.

Kent put it quite differently. He said that my posts a generally along the same way that our conversations go. In other words, I use the same emphasis, words, and emotions that use in everyday life to describe what is going on to you readers.

For those of you that read these posts, I hope that you will forgive me of my faults in recent weeks with showing a negative side to life. I wil endevour to be a little more upbeat here in the near future. Maybe as early as Sunday. We will see. I may have something positive to write by then. Or maybe even the next post.

Tired, So Tired (aka Questions)

2006-06-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

I see the people as they walk on by. Smiling and laughing, knowing the secret that I am afraid that I will never know. What is this answer? How can I obtain this secret?

I have tried and tried. But all I am is tired. Tired of the gaming played and those games yet to come. I have tried my hand at other means of obtaining the objective. I have tried the bad boy approach and the good guy angle. I have tried to lay back and do nothing, just let the chance come to me. But this too has been a denial for me.

Why is it that people can't speak true? Say what you mean, leave nothing to guess. Why do people fear hearing the truth, yet ask you to never lie?

And why it that when a person reads this blog, they only see one side of the me? How can someone read "Rock Out With Your...", "Ruminations on a Mind", and "Lace Them Up; aka Jockstrap; aka El Jocko" and not see a larger picture of who I really am. Yes, I am all of these things shown in these blogs, but I am still so much more. Why can't you see that?

Whom among our age group, that is single, does not feel the pressures from the parents? Especially, when a younger sibling has the spouse and kids. Why is it that I can't just be a me instead of an us?

Again, I am tired, so tired.

I Have to Try

2006-06-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

Life is good, right now. It is also really tough.

My big news is that the new kidney stone is really killing me. I tried to work today, but that was a joke. By the second stop, I was out of gas and in extreme pain. By the third, I was ready to pass out from the pain. The manager of the account actually threatened to call 911, as bad as I looked and acted. The fourth, well that was a delusion. After that I called the boss and said that I was heading in for the day. I left three accounts undone. Something that I have never done. All I can do is try to work, but if my body fails, there isn't much that I can do.

Did you try medication? Sure, but you can only take so much before the body calls it quits. My meds (Percoset 5/325), eventually make me have an upset stomach. That and the doctor prescribed 1-2 every six hours. After five in five hours, with still so much pain, I just couldn't take it any longer.

There is no way to adequately describe the pain. I have been told that the experience is as close as a man can get to childbirth. Although, I have talked to women that have been through both and they claim that kidney stones are many time worse.

For those of you that still don't get the object of this pain, picture this: I have a 9 mm stone on the right side and a 2 mm stone on the left. Picture a stone looking like a piece of rice (of the indicated size) with thorns sticking out of it. The kidney is roughly the size of your fist. So, a stone bouncing around inside that has a bit of room. The problem next, though, is the ureter (the tube between the kidney and bladder). That tube is roughly the same size a piece of wet spaghetti. Now picture a 9 mm stone traveling down that with a steady stream of urine following that. Eventually the pressure will push it through, although there is a lot of stretching and tearing to go through first. This stretching and tearing leads to scaring, which in turn will lead to another stint (as I had put in the left ureter back in March 2005 and removed in May 2005).

Oh, and lest I forget, there is the actual passing of the stone or remaining sand (after lithotripsy). That alone is it's own kind of pain. Think of pissing razor blades for several days. The thought of that experience makes me cringe, even now. Oh the things I have to look forward to in the next few weeks.

I have had my diet changed so many times, I have lost count. Vegetarian, vegan, all meat, all dairy, not this vegetable, more of this vegetable, no soda, no beer, no this, no that, more of this, and more of that. I am so tired of the drama and do not know what else to do.

All I have left is to try. I have to try to live life. I have to try to continue to work. I have to try to make through another round of medications. I have to tyr to make through the next surgery.

I have to try.

Now Playing

2006-06-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

I am playing this new purchase at the current time. With everything that is going on with me, I just need some music like this to keep me going. The disc has 38 of the bands top songs from the first album through the last one.

Again With the Kidney Stones

2006-06-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

I had another kidney stone attack last night. The pain was something fierce. I ended up taking 3 Percoset and 2 Vicodin to get to sleep. For a while, it was touch-and-go, as to whether I was going to be going to the ER or not. Luckily, I fell asleep before I had to make that decision.

Right now, I am waiting to hear back from the urology doc. This not working, when I should be, is eating me up.

For those of you few that read this, please keep me in your thoughts.

New Demotivators

2006-06-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

These are my two, new favorite demotivators. For those of you that don't know of demotivators, you can find them at despair.

BEAUTY - If you're attractive enough on the outside, people will forgive you for being irritating to the core.

INSPIRATION - Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration, which is why engineers sometimes smell really bad.

Jesus Bumper Stickers

2006-06-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

I saw these two stickers today. Wish that I had taken pics of them, but didn't. One is a bit old, but it made me laugh again anyway.

JESUS LOVES YOU but everyone else thinks that you're an asshole

JESUS SAVES! Gretzky picks up the puck, he shoots, he scores!

Red Friday

2006-05-31T16:36:00.000-07:00

I was sent this email. I like the thought so much, that I am posting it on this blog for others to see. I also sent it out to a few people via email. I would love to see this happen.

Red Friday

Just keeping you "in the loop" in case this idea takes off.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV to reflect our message or our opinions.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. This is our idea of showing solidarity and support.

Have a great day!

Happy Memorial Day

2006-05-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

Go to this link for a very moving tribute to the soldiers of the United States from World War II, Sept. 11 aftermath, and Iraq.

Happy Memorial Day to all of those who serve our country!

New Book

2006-05-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

I started reading a new book tonight, The Global War on Your Guns by Wayne Lapierre. For those of you into this kind of thing (you know who you are), I will let you know how it is when I finish it, probably via phone or email. Basically, it is a book about the U.N. plan to destroy the Bill of Rights. I am looking forward to the read.

Now Playing

2006-05-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

I went total Goth with the most recent purchases. I really like the Goth sound, but I have to be in the mood to hear it (which, thankfully, is rarely anymore with the new meds).

The first is 69 Eyes, "Devils". This is another band out of Finland. "Devils" is the first American release for this band, however, the cd is hardly new having been released in Europe at the end of 2004. If you are tired of the over-played H.I.M., this is an excellent album to check out.

The second cd is Laguna Coil, "Karmacode". This Italian band, led by the amazing voice of Cristina Scabbia, is doing something new on this album compared to their previous releases. This is less Goth-like, with more experimental instrumentals. You can find tribal drums, violins, viola, ripping guitar riffs, and intoxicating vocals. The lead track "Fragile" is arguably the catchiest song, although, I think that there are better songs elsewhere on the disc. For LC fans, it is well worth the purchase. For the rest, I think that you will find the cd equally enjoyable.

Now Playing

2006-05-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

I have several discs playing at the time being. Two new discs and one old.

The first is Korn "Live & Rare". This is Korn's first collection of live and rare cuts. As a fan of this "valley local" band, I would recommend this album. The first seven songs were recorded at CBGB's in New York. Songs eight through eleven at three other locations. Twelve and thirteen are the rare songs.

The second disc is also new, Hoobastank "Every Man For Himself". The first single off of this disc, "If I Were You" was written by the band after touring with Velvet Revolver. When you listen to the track, just think of Scott Weiland and you will understand.

The last disc was purchased as a rememberance of the college years. Also, because I lost my original copy of it. That would be 2 Live Crew "As Nasty As They Want To Be". This group was one of the pioneers in pushing the boundries of obsenity laws.

Have a great weekend, I'll be recouperating from my injuries. Someday I am going to have to write these injuries down on this site, but not today.

Just Shit

2006-05-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

I had another shit day at work, today. I have a partner that works on my two days off, that has been working for the company for almost eight years. The problem is that he doesn't know how to do the job properly and won't listen to those of us that are trying to help. After today's outing, I am of the mind to not have around me or my accounts ever again. In fact, two of my main accounts complained to me today, which I will forward to my boss tomorrow.

I am at a loss as to what to do on the whole situation. And I can't drink enough beer to quell my anger and frustration. Least wise, it is not the best solution to the problem anyway.

I go to bed now, hoping for a better day on the morrow, yet knowing that I have one account to see in the afternoon that he worked while I was gone. Chances are very good that he fucked that one up too.

What a way to end the day.

Now Playing

2006-05-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

I bought two new discs today, based upon what I heard on the radio. One of the discs is something that I am immediately happy with, the other is going to take some listening to fully enjoy it.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs first track "Gold Lion" is being mocked on the radio as the new Siouxie & The Banshees. Still, the music and Karen O's lyrics are very good. A recommended album.

The other disc that I bought was She Wants Revenge's self titled album. The music is reminisent of The Cure, Depeche Mode, and Bauhaus. Just not as good. Although the duo's first track, "Tear You Apart", that is getting big radio play, is a good song.

And Kent, just because I tell you that I have purchased the discs prior to this post being written, that does not give you free reign to copy my purchasing ideas. I know that you need something to listen to, but don't be such a mooch.

BOHICA

2006-05-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

My company is fond of acronyms and the above titled acronym suits the situation of working there quite well. For those of you not in the know, BOHICA is (Bend Over Here It Comes Again).

Why Isn't This Station In CA

2006-05-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

I saw this great idea for a gas station from Fox News. This is a station that we need in CA.

Now Playing

2006-05-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

The two discs that I have been waiting for are on sale now.

The first is Tool "10,000 Days". I have so missed the music of Tool. Out of the package, you can tell that this is going to be another classic addition to the collection. The packaging itself has Maynard written all over it. Make sure that you get the copy with the lenses on it.

The other disc is Pearl Jam "Pearl Jam". Eddie Vedder and band have gone back to the old style sound. Upon first listen, I am happy to say that I am pleasently pleased with the sound. After a few more listens, it may even be a PJ favorite.

New Book

2006-04-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of reading a new book. So, I may be totally missing the whole thing, but I will try to relate the book as I currently see it. I am into all kinds of topics and genres. This book has it all. Sci-fi, history, philosophy, and great story telling.

Ilium is set in the future. Earth has only 1M residents. The inhabitants move from place to place by walking or faxing from place to place. A lot of everyday things are now nearly forgotten myths. Mars has been terraformed. The inhabitants on the red planet are the pathenon of Greek Gods. Who have re-created the Trojan War on the shores of the planet. Meanwhile there are moravecs out in the asteroid belt and in the outlying planets that are worried about their creators and seek to find out what happened.

I am thoroughly enjoying the read. Let you know how it goes.

Political Stuff (Gas)

2006-04-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

I don't really like making political posts. Not that I don't have the interest or the knowledge, but I think that others can say it or do it better than I can.

So, why is the government looking to lay a tax on the oil companies? Does this make any sense? Who do you think is going to pay for that tax, the corporations? I doubt it. It will be sold off to the consumer, which will end up raising the gas prices. The government in action, gotta love it.

I heard an argument on talk radio yesterday. The gist of which, was to have the government repeal the existing tax on gas, which in California is $0.504 per gallon (for both federal and state taxes).

See Kent's thoughts on this topic here.

Two New Discs Playing

2006-04-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Really, I am waiting for the two discs coming out in a week. That being Tool and Pearl Jam. But in the mean time, I purchased two other discs today.

The first is Godsmack "IV". After collecting up the first three, I thought that I should go get this one. Good thing that I did. Sully Erna's lead vocal performance shows more signs of his devout Wicca influences. Look for the song "Voodoo Too". Overall, I think that it is probably one of their better albums.

The other disc that I picked up is Kid Rock "Live Trucker". It has all of the hits off of the previous discs. Plus, it is after all, live. I just dig live albums. So , to those of you that like Kid, I would highly recommend this.

IM Me, or Not. Plus Other Things

2006-04-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Rather than communicate through my blog, I have been talking to people through IM. You are welcome to contact me. Try earthrooster22 at hotmail, yahoo, or aim.

Other than that, not much is going on.

I am on new meds. The doc thinks that it will help get my anxiety and depression under control. After a couple weeks into the treatment, I can vouch for its apparent ability to do the job. However, the side affects suck. But it is something that I will have to live with. The other thing is that I have to remember to take them. I don't like taking meds. But not taking them will lead to bigger problems.

Trapped in the Home

2006-04-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

After the constant rain in the home town, today has been relatively quiet. However, the city's water main blew from the added pressure.

The main street, out in front of my place, has been closed for most of the day. I can't leave, by car, and the people living here can't get home. So, I am stuck at home with nary a thing to do. The only thing left is to play on the computer or watch tv, both of which is boring the hell out of me.

New Music in my CD Player

2006-04-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

I bought this cd online and am just now getting around to posting it. Rob Zombie's "Educated Horses".

RZ is one of my favorite musicians, and this album is another great one.

I also got Gretchen, "in the mean time". A good disc, but just a bit off of the main-stream for most folks. (Unfortunately, the album cover doesn't translate to the blogsphere well).

Just A Thought

2006-03-31T09:58:00.000-08:00

Posting in this forum is a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, you are allowed to get your thoughts and opinions written down. On the other, you become, in essence, a public figure.

It is the second side that I have trouble with. Yes, I love to hear from blog friends. But, I also dislike hearing from the blogworld. I am not a public person. I can be, if the situation calls for it. But living life in the general public eye, is just not me.

So over these past few months, I have kept myself from posting. It is not that I don't have shit to say or talk about, but that I tire of the public life. I am a private person. In most things, I keep things very close to the vest. But in this world, that is not something that is done.

You can expect to see posts from me in the future. I am not leaving the 'sphere altogether. But rather holding in reserve all of my daily thoughts to maybe a post a week.

To my blog friends out there, I truly hope that things are going well for you in your lives.

No Sex

2006-03-25T21:30:00.000-08:00

I have been having this song in my head for a couple of days now. Limp Bizkit's "No Sex".

Went too fast
Way too soon
I feel disgusted and you should too
It's no good when all that's left is the sex

Sex has become all I know about you
Memories of those filth things that we do
There is not one single thought that is left after sex with you
Should've left my pants on this time
But instead you had to let me dive right in
Should've left my pants on this time
You let me dive right in

Wait...it's my ass
Your purfume
It makes temptation hard to refuse
So I guess we undressed
To have sex
Dirty sex

Sex has become all that I know about you
Memories of those filthy things that we do
There is not one single thought that is left after sex with you
Should've left my pants on this time
But instead you had to let me dive right in
Should've left my pants on this time
You let me dive right in

You couldn't respect yourself
I couldn't respect myself
I realize that I'm worth more than that
Realize I mean more than that

Should've left my pants on this time
But instead you had to let me dive right in
Should've left my pants on this time
You let me dive right in

Hmm...Vegas

2006-03-23T15:48:00.000-08:00

After receiving many cancellations from people invited to attend Vegas, it has been cancelled.

As I still have the week off, a couple of buddies and I are going to head to Cabo, instead. Vegas could have been fun, but I have been there SO many times. Cabo, though, never been there. And it is a vacation after all, so why not go someplace different.

You are all invited, of course. But, I am not making the arrangements for you too.

Day Dreaming

2006-03-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

I sleep,
I have dreams,
I have nightmares,
Envisioning Life as I wish it would be.

Knowing that things are not what I want
But not knowing how to change it.

I have dreamt of Her,
And seen horrors of her.
Wondered what She is doing,
And hoped that she goes and fucks herself.

I have loved and lost,
But think that that is worse than not knowing.

I wake and the world is new.
I wake and the world is old.
I wake to someone holding me.
I wake and I am alone.

I sleep.
I wake.

V is for...

2006-03-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

I just returned from seeing "V for Vendetta". I will not tell you of the storyline, the plot, or any of the subplots. You have to get out and see the movie for yourself.

Even if you are not a fan of this genre, I would still highly recommend the movie to adults. Still a bit iffy to take the kids to a movie like this.

Hugo Weaving is amazing in this role as "V". Not once in the movie do you see his face, but that voice is hard to forget. (Think of Mr. Smith from "The Matrix".) Natalie Portman, whether you like her as an actress or not, was superb in her role as well.

If you read the WSJ, you may have a slanted view of the movie. Yes, there are some parts that be construed as anti-American. But, if you are that shallow of a movie watcher, then you miss the bigger message.

I implore you to go out and see the movie this weekend. Check back with me then, as I would love to hear what your thoughts are from the viewing.

***The Next Day***

I am still very moved by the movie and plan to see it again, very soon. There is a lot to talk about, a lot to think about, and a whole lot more going on in the movie than what the general public would realize upon seeing [it].

The violence and language in the movie gave it an R rating. Is it something that kids don't see or hear everyday? Probably not. But, it is the content, the message, that would get lost in the action. I think that this is probably true for most adults as well.

Just Stuff in General

2006-03-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

This has been a rough week for me. That is the reason that I haven't posted. There are really two reasons for this.

First, I am still not any better, physically. I still have the cough. I still am very lethargic come 1300 or so, everyday. It has been a struggle to get through my work day. By the time I get home, all I really want to do is sleep, until I have to get up again to start a new day. Today, I feel about the same, so I decided to post while I still feel like I can do it.

Second, we got new computer systems at work. Overall, I can see how the new system will benefit my job. But, in the short term, it is really a strain on an already tough gig.

Disney Employees Busted Part 2

2006-03-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

The case that I mentioned earlier this week involving four people gang raping another employee, was resolved earlier today.

It was reported on WESH that the victim was a willing participant. One of the alleged rapists video taped the incident.

A Viral Infection

2006-03-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

I saw the doc again today. I have a "viral infection". Whatever the fuck that means. I am just waiting for the pharmacy to call me so that I can go get the meds.

Other than that, "I got nothin'."

Been slowly getting back on the blog thing. Leaving comments here and there, but all of the regulars seem to be taking a blog break, too. So, I haven't seen many return comments. Thanks to Kent , NML, and Jenius, otherwise I would have none.

I am missing some blog friends that are not writing any more, for what ever reason.

Disney Employees Busted

2006-02-28T16:30:00.000-08:00

Four Disney employees, part of the College Exchange Program, are being investigated for a gang rape of another Disney employee.

This story sickens me to no end.

No word on if the employees were in costume or not.

Doh! There Goes Sirius

2006-02-28T16:21:00.000-08:00

CBS is suing Howard Stern, everyone else connected to him, and Sirius.

And I was on the verge of getting on board with this company.

An Odd Law

2006-02-27T15:10:00.000-08:00

It is not a crime in the Russian Federation to commit cannibalism.

Two men from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky were, however, convicted of the murder of another man, before they ate him.

The two men met the victim at an alcohol kiosk. After a brief conversation, they killed him, dismembered his body and cooked it. They then invited their respective girlfriends to dinner claiming that it was dog meat. The women found out the true meat source only after the meal was concluded.

Because cannibalism proper is not punishable under Russian Law, the two women were not charged with a crime.

The two men were given a 20 year and a 13 year sentence.

(No names were given in the article).

What A Surprise!

2006-02-26T16:50:00.000-08:00

There is another dumb-ass teacher in the news. Another teacher that got busted for having sex with a student. What a shocker, it is from the South again!

The former fifth-grade teacher in Laurens, SC was accused of having sex with her 11-year-old student and was ordered to be held on a $100,000 bond.

Wendie A. Schweikert, 36, resigned from her job at E.B. Morse Elementary on Friday morning. Then was promptly arrested on two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

The former teacher admitted in a statement to having sex with the boy.

Look I Am A Stupid Person!

2006-02-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

Look, there are dumb-ass people all over.

A 19-year-old student, Elena, was visiting the Moscow Zoo with one of her friends. When they passed the cage with the snow leopards, the two stopped because Elena wanted to pet the "cuddly-looking" animal. Elena stuck her fingers through the cage and the leopard bit her middle finger and ate it.

Hey, dummy! You are in a fucking a zoo. What did you think that a wild animal would do?

Out of the Miasma

2006-02-26T16:13:00.000-08:00

Whew! It is good to be out in the fresh air again. The last two weeks of olympic coverage has been a really big drain on my blogging duties.

I have been fairly sick these past three weeks. I still have a nagging cough, but no other problems. I promised to see a fellow blogger, from the area, but I don't want to pass along what I have. So, that will have to wait.

It is raining again. This time of year is really goofy. We get some days up around 70, other days around 50. Rain off, rain on. They say it is 63, but with the wind it is probably a whole lot cooler than that.

Vegas week is on my mind now and again. Trying to work out the logistics of that. The big convention in town that week is causing some difficulties.

I have reading other blogs and commenting when I can. Though, I feel like I have been slacking in that department, as well. On some of the blogs that I usually comment, I feel out of touch.

Look for me to get back on the blogging kick. Be wary, some of you, I am in the mood to drop some big comments. Other blog friends out there, you know who you are, need to get off of your collective asses as well and start posting again.

Sunday March 12

2006-02-22T17:04:00.000-08:00

The family returns! I can hardly wait.

Under the Weather

2006-02-15T21:10:00.000-08:00

I have not been feeling well this whole week. Between my posts on LACE THEM UP and work, I just haven't felt the desire to post anything here. Hope that you can forgive me, but my posts on this blog will probably have to wait until the Olympics are over.

Postings

2006-02-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

It only happens when it is dark outside, or when things are really fucked up. That is when the dark side of me comes calling. Sometimes depressing, sometimes sexually charged, sometimes deep anger, sometimes something else entirely.

I have scared some friends, worried some others, others are merely indifferent.

Let me tell you this, I am fine. I HAVE to do this, this is my therapy. Because I am not going back to another shrink. Those dickheads are all quacks.

I do worry about myself, at times. But, that is because I know the depths and highs that I can find myself.

I have learned, through many years, that I can't have too big a high without having a very deep low. These two extremes always last for the same amount of time. So, I have had to leave myself an out. That is, maintain an even keel. Try to do what I can to avoid either extreme. That is my out.

I have been posting other things, though. If you are into sports, you can read my recaps of the Olympics over at the sports blog.

Time Again

2006-02-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

Recent events have dredged up another poem from the bowls of my dark side. This discourse is continued on the other blog.

Family News

2006-02-09T16:03:00.000-08:00

Water Rat and his wife had a daughter last night at 1822. So, I am Uncle Rooster for the second time. Water Rat and wife decided early on that they did not want to know the sex of the child until it was born. Mrs. Water Rat had it in her mind that the child would be a boy, but was pleasently surprised with the actual sex of the kid. Everyone, but me and another uncle, were at the hospital for the delivery. Mom and Pop were so totally excited at having a grand-daughter, as are Mrs. Water Rat's parents.

I am happy for them as well. But, it just reminds me of how old and single I am. Kind of depressing at the same time.

I have another migraine developing, so I don't know if I want to go out there and deal with a crying kid. Hopefully, I will be doing better a bit later (or enough so as to go see the niece).

It's Just Plain Odd

2006-02-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

When I first started writing this blog and my previous incarnation of a blog, there was just me and my blog-brother Kent. Ocassionally, some troll would leave something on a poem that I had written. But no real readers, as such.

Then, after a bit of time, I started to get readers. Those readers led to other readers. Friendships were born through this odd world. Some of these people I have grown quite fond of, others not so much.

But, just recently it seems, the original blog-friends are no longer coming around. Or, if they do, they only read and not comment. Though, I must admit that, I am guilty of doing the same on their posts as well. Why does this happen?

To those of you that I read on a continuous basis :~Eyes, Prufr0ck, Jenius, LL, Blondage, Annalis, Zombie Lama, Sass, Sweet Reagan, and of course Kent, know this, I do still read your posts everyday. I guess that I am just too busy or lazy to write something useful in your comments. But, that does not mean that I am not reading or wondering how you are faring.

The Shoot and the Game

2006-02-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

I had a hell of a lot more fun this morning at the shoot, than I had watching the game this afternoon. I am still pretty much fuming at the game's result. So, no pics tonight. Maybe tomorrow.

Yeah, Yeah, Pt 2

2006-02-05T00:07:00.000-08:00

The Super Bowl is the busiest day of the year, for my business. However, I don't like working on it. And especially this year. (BIG Seahawks fan).

So, I went and worked on my "normal" Sunday (which would be Saturday for most folks). Usually, I work on Sunday from, oh, 0430 to 1200. I just upped the schedule by twelve hours. I started on Sat afternoon at 1630, but got done by 2330. And I took my time doing it.

Now, I sit here with no one to talk to but this computer. All of you are probably in bed. This sucks! I am still too amped from work to even try to sleep, although I suppose that I will have to try.

I hope that you all have a fantastic Super Bowl Sunday. Look for some pics from me of our festivities tomorrow. Should have them up by Sun night or at the latest Monday afternoon.

Cheer for the Seahawks, please!

Yeah, Yeah, I Know

2006-01-31T20:01:00.000-08:00

I know already that you don't talk about work on this thing. Not in specifics at any rate.

This has been a most stressful week. (For those of you that know what I do, you can figure out why.) To add to the stress level, I got a talking to by my boss and by her boss. There are some things that I need to change and some things that they both liked. I was also treated to a "ride with" with my boss. (Fuck Me silly in a birdbath!) I didn't need more scrutiny during this week.

Also, adding to the hectic pace, I had to build equipment in one account today. Took me almost six hours to complete, with the account bosses riding my ass the whole time. Tomorrow, I am slated for another build, albeit an addition to a previous one. So, that shouldn't take too much time. I would just as soon not have any this week, than to build another one. But, such is life in this line of business.

In other news, my leg is finally feeling better. Although, I still have that damn itch that has pushed me over the edge (in this trying week) and caused me to lash out at a few family members and friends. How does one go about scratching an itch that comes from under your skin? One day, I will have to post that scar, so that you can see what I am talking about.

January was a month of big highs and deep lows for me. Not quite the ideal month, but I am still in one piece. And that is a positive, no matter what.

Dead Issue

2006-01-30T14:18:00.000-08:00

For those of you that know me, you know that I am willing and eager to talk about almost any issue. There are exceptions, of course.

However, when there is something that I do not want to talk about, I will tell you straight up, "I don't want to talk about it." Why do some people feel that it is their right to dig into that no, so that they know?

I do not handle these situations all that well. In fact, I get fairly pissy about it. When I say that the issue is dead, that does not mean that I will resurrect it just because you try to guilt trip me.

Let the dead stay dead.

Pain Is Relative

2006-01-29T15:15:00.000-08:00

I don't know when it started. Maybe it was a slow process, or maybe it happened overnight. But at some point, in my life, I ceased to know physical pain in the sense that I had once known it to be. I do know where it started, that being in my left arm. Gradually, though, the malady has spread throughout all four limbs and in some cases, through parts of my torso as well. For the most part, I can "feel" what I think of as pain, but in discussions with various doctors, it is not pain as others experience it.

Also, for a long time, all I could feel was temperatures. I couldn't tell is something was soft or rough, unless I could see it. I didn't know if someone touched my arms unless there was a temperature difference. Pressure and pain were simply non-existent.

To understand this, I will give you a few examples. Two are from injuries while snowboarding. The first happened in early college. I fell (as snowboarders do) and caught myself with my left arm. I got up and boarded the rest of the way down the hill. I felt a slight twinge in my arm, but nothing too serious. At the end of the day, I went to pick up the board to get ready to go home. Upon picking up the board with the left hand, I got a stabbing pain. I reported to the med center, only to find that I had broken the lower arm just above the wrist. Ok, not a great example.

After college, I stared working out in my best friend's dojo. Learning the art and perfecting techniques. However, it was realized early on by my sensei that I could not work out with the other students. The reason? When put into a submission hold, I could not "feel" the associated pain. Work out partners had to effectively go beyond my physical limitations in order to make me submit. (Which was very rare). I ended up being partnered with the sensei, through most lessons. So that I would not get hurt by students, that applied too much force.

The last example happened on my twenty-eighth birthday. While doing some snowboard racing, I fell on my left hip. The board got stuck in a rut and headed right, while I twisted and fell to the left. Effectively, the quad and hamstring muscles pulled my femur apart in two places. However, I didn't know that I was hurt. That is, until I tried to stand and couldn't put weight on my left leg. I was immediately taken to the clinic and awaited transport to the nearest hospital. All the while, I kept telling the doctors that I was fine and it was just a sprain. (I hadn't seen any x-rays). There is a whole lot more to this, but I won't bore you with the details.

I bring all of this history up, in part, because I have been having some pain in my leg all day. The actual spot of the break is really sore. I have also been having an itching sensation under the scar where the bolts were once located. I am of the belief that this is a "phantom" pain. There is nothing physically wrong, just the mind playing games by saying that there is. The itching, however, is driving me bananas.

I Got Nothing

2006-01-28T17:02:00.000-08:00

I Got Nothing

This is a post about absolutely nothing. I have got nothing going on.
*Cleaned house today. Oh, joy!
*This is the last weekend of Duck Season. I couldn't get out to shoot this weekend.
*I have another headache, but it hasn't developed into a migraine.
*Still looking into Serius satellite radio. Maybe sometime in the near future.

I Got: Musical Background

2006-01-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

I listen to, usually, a wide range of music, as do a lot of people. With the death of the local rock station, I have had to revert to my roots. That is, country music.

The first show that I ever saw, was Willie Nelson, when I was six or seven. Center stage, five rows back. Willie was and still is my mom's favorite artist. She acquired the tickets in a lottery (of locations). I remember my older cousin fighting another guest over Willie's headband, as it was thrown into the crowd.

Alternately, the second show I saw was KISS in 1978, for the Alive II concert. I stood directly under Ace Frehley, with my nose pressed to the metal barrier. KISS was the first record that I ever purchased with my own money. Over the years, I never attended another KISS show, until the reunion show, also in my home town, in the same venue as the first show. Though, that time, I watched from further back.

These days, I pretty much listen to whatever my mood demands. Pretty much every type of music is in my personal collection, except jazz and a few bands. I strongly dislike any jazz. There are also a few bands that, for various reasons, have been excluded from my collection. The most popular of those being Led Zeppelin and the Grateful Dead. Any song by those two will set me off. Followed closely by Phish.

So with that background in mind, I purchased two cds today. The first is Nine Inch Nails, "Things Falling Apart" and the second is Little Big Town "The Road To Here".

The country first. LBT has some amazing vocal performances on it. I reminds me of almost an ABBA with a country sound.

The Nine Inch Nails disc is a remix of several songs from "The Fragile". The remix of "Slipping Away" is fantastic. However, I only enjoyed one of the three remixes of "Starfuckers Inc."

Both are great discs. If you are interested in either genre, I would recommend these choices.

A New Product

2006-01-24T21:16:00.000-08:00

This new product will soon be available for sale in Russia and Ukraine, for about $0.30 a roll. The "Political" brand toilet paper, features the likenesses of world leaders such as US President George W. Bush, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, as well as US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and disgraced Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky.

Russian and Ukrainian products will differ, showing more local political figures common to each area.

A Long Sleep

2006-01-24T03:55:00.000-08:00

As I have said earlier, I have not been sleeping well for the past couple weeks. Last night, I crashed at 1900 and woke up this morning at 0300 feeling better than I have for a good long while. I actually had a good dream or at least not another nightmare. Not that I remember either, anyway.

On a lighter note, a lot of 'kittens' have died around here for the past several weeks. Damn, do I need a girlfriend!

For those out there that care, beware, for I will be out on the prowl again soon.

The Road Back

2006-01-22T21:38:00.000-08:00

Slowly, I have been digging myself out of the pit of gloom that I have been living in for the past week plus. My hands are dirty and bleeding, but I can see the light above me for the first time in a long while. Yet, I know that I have a ways to go before I am clear and one little mis-step could spell disaster.

Judging this episode versus those that I have experienced in the past, I deem that the depression, while brutal at times, has been far less overwhelming this time around. Though, I couldn't say that, while deep in the pit. And I did have a bit of help, amazing what a Guinness can do to numb the senses just before bed. Sleep has been a constant fear throughout this experience. As there is no way, short of the heavy meds, to turn off my brain. So, I have been racked with ever increasing nightmares. I must say that it has been a struggle to not take "just one pill", as I my subconscious has told me on countless occasions. When consciously, I know that that "one" will lead me to a far worse place, eventually. (And Pop, the meds that work for you, don't effect me the same as they do for you.)

So, here I am posting about my struggle to the top, again. There have been a few bright spots on my way out, but the blackness eventually consumes them. I have heard from some people that don't really know me and some that do that have helped in some small way to you and some big way for me. So for that, I thank those of you that cared to say as such.

That is all I can really say for now.

Thanks to you!

Old Friend

2006-01-21T00:20:00.000-08:00

Today, I went out and scouted a location for Water Rat and I to do some duck hunting. Just a little spot up north of here.

After I got through, I ran into an 'old' friend. It was good to talk to her and really picked me up a few notches from the funk that I found myself in. She is quite a bit younger than I, but that spirit that she has is fairly infectious.

It is probably going to turn out for naught, but it was good to see her again.

Black Fog

2006-01-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

This mood that I find myself in is one of the few things that I wish that I could change about myself. The violent mood swings, so prevalent in my past, have over the years worked themselves into gradual mood swings. This oscillation has led me down this road before. Though this time, I am trying to work through it on my own. No meds. No alcohol.

Depression is a very bad thing. Especially, in my family.

Right now, it is all that I can do to write this post, without losing it (sanity). During this time, my posts have been...well, not the best. I have refrained from drawing others into this quagmire. Except for the immediate family and Kent, I have literally not talked to anyone, outside of work. Because in the job, talking is part of the requirements, as is putting on the phony smile and pretending to be happy. But here at home, I don't have to put up that facade.

So, for those of you that read this drivel, I beg that you let me work through this. I promise to be better soon. Really, how much further can I...wait, I know how much further and I want to avoid that like the plague.

Your emails and comments are still very much appreciated.

Just don't expect any hasty replies.

Cold

2006-01-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

In the Russian capital the recent cold temperatures have claimed the first two fatalities. The temps in Moscow have dipped to a low of minus 36 Celsius, or a minus 32.8 F. Authorities are telling residents that power cuts are likely to offices across the city.

The impact on the rest of Europe could be catastrophic. Most natural gas for the European Union comes from Russia. Authorities believe that this cold snap could deplete natural gas reserves, Moscow will use more gas, and the European Union will have to suffer.

Still, But...

2006-01-17T19:57:00.000-08:00

I am still in the same mood, but I heard this from a co-worker and had to share, anyway.

Sexual Harassment in the workplace, is a problem that needs to be stopped. I think that we can all agree to that. But in this case, I have issues.

This co-workers son is in the 7th grade. While at school, this kid was being harassed by some girls. The first day, after a set amount of time, the kid had it and told the girls to "Suck my balls!" This statement went un-told to the administration. The next day, the girls went after the kid again. Since the statement of the day before didn't work, he upped the ante and pushed the girls away. While pushing on girl, his hand glanced off of her shoulder and hit her breast. She reported this incident and the previous statement. The son was given a 3-day suspension for sexual harassment.

My co-worker and his wife are consulting an attorney to try to keep this incident off of their son's permanent school record.

My question is, "What the FUCK!?!?!?!?"

Does anyone else think that this is pushing the point a bit too far? I mean, I remember Jr. High School. Kids are mostly awkward in their dealings with the opposite sex. Come on, SH?, can you be serious?

Wrong

2006-01-16T16:17:00.000-08:00

I do not know what is wrong. But something is really pissing me off.

I have not felt like writing on this or any other blog, that my name is attached to. Hell, I won't even use IM, right now. The mere thought of any type of comminucation is difficult. And the phone, I am so sick of talking to people on the phone.

I am more of a "hands on" talker. You know, person to person without technological interference. I want to see into someone's eyes, when I talk to them.

What else? Work? - fine. Same old shit you'd expect when you return from vacation. Social life? - fine. Personal life? - so-so. Some days better than others.

Perhaps there is another poem coming. An angry, pent up poem. Probably. Check ruminations, maybe something new will show up.

Pics From the Smowmobile Trip

2006-01-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

Below are just some of the pics that I took while on vacation. Hope that you enjoy them.

The long road to the Mammoth Area.

Me, driving to vacation.

The Toys.

Just looking out at the scenery.

Also, looking out.

One of the many places that we played.

Mammoth Ski Area

A crater that we didn't play in.

One of the Mono Craters, that we did play in.

Friggy and I on top of one of the many lookouts.

Back & Fine

2006-01-13T18:20:00.000-08:00

This is to dispell the nasty rumors that I was was injured while riding. I got back today from the snowmobiling trip and I am fine.

As soon as I get the pics off of the camera, I will be posting them.

I had a lot of fun. Drank a few beers, mostly Guinness and PCB's Barleywine. Never so much that I couldn't ride the next day, but at times too much. Rode all over the place around Mammoth and June Mountains. Played in some craters, rode trails, and played in the trees and meadows. I was forced to cook one night and volunteered to cook on another. Forced to cook Beerocks, a specialty of mine, and volunteered to cook Shrimp Basil Fettuccine.

Played Civ 4 via a direct IP link. We had up to five people playing at a time. A lot of beer was consumed during this time.

That is about it.

Pics to follow.

A Few Thoughts

2006-01-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

Here are some favs from despair, inc. Hope that you enjoy them as much as I do.

"It is difficult to comprehend how insane some people can be. Especially when you are insane."

"It hurts to admit when you make mistakes - but when they are big enough, the pain only lasts a second."

Two Bits of News

2006-01-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

I have two bits of news to report.

First, my vacation has officially started. I am currently procrastinating on getting all of my shit packed up for the trip. As I previously stated, this is a snowmobiling trip to the East side of the Sierra Nevadas, around Mammoth. But, it is also a trip to celebrate my birthday, which is on Tuesday the 10th. Normally, I try to get out of town and recreate on the birthday.

My second bit of info is that I am contributing on another blog, titled "Lace Them Up". It is a sports related blog that I am doing with some buddies. My contribution deals with hockey and non-mainstream sports. Kent and H will be doing football. Kent is also pulling double-duty by covering basketball (A sport I loath). Andy Rourke will be covering baseball. Sports fans, jump over there from my blog links and make some comments. Love to see you there.

While I am gone, I will be making brief pauses and maybe a few posts at this site. As well as checking in on some sites that I really enjoy, right now. I will also be checking emails.

Well, I am off to pack. Ya'll have a great week, if I don't hear from you.

I Was Wrong

2006-01-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

I talked some smack to Sass, yesterday. I was wrong. Hope that you forgive me for doubting you.

Lay It On The Line

2006-01-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

What the Fuck? Sometimes, you just have to say it and let things fall where they may.

The actual story is much more drawn out. But for the sake of this post, I will try to keep it short.

In high school, I was somewhat introverted. Popular, in the sense that everyone knew me. But really someone who was very unsure of how I fit into the world around me. I played water polo as the #2 goalie. Swam the 50 free, 100 free, and 100 breast. By far not the fastest, but certainly not the slowest in my disciplines. I had it rough, as many kids that age believe that they have it rough. I was suicidal as a junior and a zealot as a senior. Really, though, I was lonely. But I didn't date very often and didn't learn the etiquette of dating, that one learns at that age.

College was a different ballgame. I had thrown off the mantle of the church and went hog wild. I dated more. Learned more about me, but what I really learned was sex. I found something in which I was really good. However, the relationship angle, beyond the sex, I couldn't quite grasp.

Adult relationships continued this way for a long time. At least another five years after I graduated. Until finally, I made the decision that "Sex is an important thing, but I need the friendship in equal amounts."

Thus far, I have cultivated the relationship, but the sex sucked. Or the sex is great, but the relationship sucks. I still have a problem balancing the two. Or rather, finding both in one person.

Oh, I can go out and some action, if I really need it. But that game is old and boring. I can go out and date, but that always ends in "just a friendship".

In this, my off-season, I contemplate these things.

What if I had...Should I...

Morning of Jan 2

2006-01-02T03:31:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

Yesterday I was in actual pain. I was SO hungover from the night before. I got home, ate, drank a 32oz Gatorade, IMed a friend and tried to feel better. But, my head still hurt. So, I went back to bed. I woke five hours later with a pounding headache. Got up, ate some more 'hungover' food, popped a vicodin, and drank two more 32oz bottles of Gatorade. Finally, around 2000, or so, my head began to feel better. Getting old sucks ass.

I woke this morning to find that the rain that has been drenching CA, has started again. We are expecting rain all day and into tomorrow. Flooding is likely in and around most of the area that I work in, should make for a crazy day. Luckily, this is a very slow week in terms of sales, so I shouldn't have too much trouble (although, I will have to do yesterday's calls + today's calls all through today). So don't expect to see me back online until late this afternoon or early evening.

The countdown has begun...Four days to vacation. Eight days until my birthday. Even though I don't expect anything, I am looking forward to the day.

Arggg

2006-01-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

I am hungover, today.

I started partying at 1500 and I barely made 0000. I think that I crashed at 0015. Man, I am getting old.

We did the Cali hick thing. A BIG fire in the pit, lots of beer, BBQ, and guns.

I am not of the right mind to post a whole lot, please forgive me.

I think that I am going to go die now.

New Year's Eve 2005

2005-12-31T11:05:00.000-08:00

Well, I am heading to the store to pick up a 12-pack of Guinness and going off to the party. Nothing too special. Just hanging out with friends, celebrating the end of one year and looking forward to the next. I will be staying out there tonight and will probably be pretty hungover tomorrow. I will be hoping to post something on Sunday.

In other news, the Northern California Region is getting hammered by rain and wind. Somewhere between 6 to 12" of rain, depending on the location. There has been some major flooding in the Sacramento area. A lot of the "problem" areas are already under water. Right now, there are a number of places in and around the Sac area that are handing out sandbags. Also, there is much talk about the reliability of the many levies in the area. The Sac area, in some places, is akin to the New Orleans area. Although, the govt response for Sac is much better, than what we saw in NO. Rio Visa, or rather Isleton, reported a 'boil' on the nearby levy. There is not a manditory leave order, but it may happen soon. Also, the town of Napa area is totally underwater, with the flooding of the Russian River. Vacaville, Ione, Madison, Folsom, Rocklin, and Roseville are all reporting flooding.

In my area, there has been no reported flooding that I am aware of, but with the poor drainage here, I wouldn't be surprised if there was some.

I hope for the best. But, there is some partying to be done. Talk to you later.

This Past Year

2005-12-30T14:16:00.000-08:00

As I read a friend's blog last night, I got to wondering about my last year. So, as an ode to her list, I came up with my year in review, as well. Not nearly as deliniated as hers, but here goes.

Surgery - Most of the first half of the year could be summed up that way. Either I was prepping for surgery, in surgery, or doing post surgery crap. To review, I had a couple of kidney stones broken up, a stint placed in the ureter from the left kidney to the bladder, and a PPH operation. Lots of xrays and scans and testing and sifting and...To be followed up by more surgery to break up stones even further and remove some pieces of stone and to remove the stint. Best of all, after going through all of this on the left side, the doc tells me that there is now (at that time) one on the right.

Work - I left one route just before my first surgery and returned to having a new one (route). Better pay, better days off.

Vacations - Drinking lots of beer. 1. Spent the birthday week playing in the snow, with my buddies Ron and Zach. Snowmobiling, that is. Woke up on birthday morning to 16 feet of fresh powder. Just no damn fun! Drank buddy's new microbrew from he and his partner's new venture "Mill Creek Brewing Company".
2. Spent ten days in San Diego with my buddy Kent. Saw a Pad's game, saw Bad Religion at the HOB, drank way, way too much beer. Fell off a railing, hurt my head/neck, don't remember the incident.
3. Eleven days in Reno for the Air Races. Again too much drinking and carrying on.

Days off - In no particular order. Boogie boarded the South Fork of the American River, saw a Stock Car Race in Stockton, rode motocross bikes twice, saw a SF/Seattle football game, hiked in Yosemite some more, probably more that I forgot.

Started this new blog - Started this one this year. I have/had another, previous to this. But that one is an outlet for my negative emotions. Met some really cool people on here, again in no order (~Eyes, Jenius, Prufr0ck, Blondage, LL, Zombie Lama, Sass, Reagan, Annalis, & NML). Some others that I would rather forget, but can't lest they do try to kill me.

Here is to you, out there, that have read my life through this outlet. *Raised Guinness* I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year! Some of you, I hope to meet in person one day. Some of you, I will in six months.

Resolution

2005-12-29T20:59:00.000-08:00

I decided to post this a bit early, since most of you snapper-heads that read my stuff don't post after Friday. Nor do you seem to read anything after Friday afternoon. I wish that I had a job where I could play in the blogsphere and get paid...

I don't usually make a resolution for New Year's. Maybe, it is because I know that I can decide to do something at will and don't need a special day in which to do it. Whatever.

This year, though, I am going to make one that I hope to make a positive change from. A friend of mine is a smoker. I am a chewer. We are both going to give up our nicotine fixes for this coming year. I have quit before. Mostly, because I didn't have the money to do it, then. This time, I have the money, but have lost the interest/desire. My friend is in the same boat. So we agreed to help each other out on this. Don't know what that will entail, but I am willing to give it a go.

All of the other stuff, in my life, I am happy with. So, no need to fix it.

Wish me success!

And I DO NOT want to hear comments like, "Nobody likes a quitter."

Yesterday

2005-12-28T21:26:00.000-08:00

Since I didn't post yesterday about my day, I thought that I would do so tonight. Yesterday, I just wanted to zone out from the present to see what was coming ahead. The reason? I was terribly pissed off.

To start off, the rock station in Modesto changed format to the new Hispanic station. To become the 15th such station to service the area. This leaves no Rock/Alternative station in the area. Either Sac or the 'No would be the closest for that, well out of range for here. Thank you Clear Channel Communications for this brilliant decision. (Additional thought a bit later).

Second, the rain. As I have said before, drivers in the area suck ass. Add rain and wind and they become even more idiotic.

Third, my partner sells product to accounts that are not needed and not enough to those that do need it. He has something like two years in the business and he still doesn't get it.

Fourth, the company, in its infinite wisdom did not allow for discounts, in this off week. (Big drawn out reason). So, accounts are complaining to me about it. Like I have control over what they do on the corporate level.

Fifth, every flipping boss is on vacation. No one answers their phones and we the sales staff are fucked, if there is a problem.

That was the yesterday and weekly problems in a nutshell.

With the radio situation as it currently stands, I am now seriously considering XM or Sirius Satellite Radio. Something that can go from my work truck, to my personal truck, to my home. Do any of you have any experience with either company and what do you think of the service?

Looking Forward

2005-12-27T21:22:00.000-08:00

I am so tired of working right now. New Year's Eve is probably the #4 busiest day in the business. But, besides that, I am burnt from not having a vacation in roughly four months.

Luckily, I have two more work days this week, three days off, five days on, then a whole nine days off. I am SO looking forward to this vacation. It will be a week of great, free micro-beer, friends, and snowmobiling. Those of you in the north that can do this sport often, I so envy you.

I only get to go riding a couple of times a year. This week of vacation, especially, is set aside for solid riding. Basically, from the time that the sun come up to after it sets, its all about riding. Maybe some night riding in there, too.

Right now, I am just trying to hang on 'till then.

Work and the Storm

2005-12-26T03:48:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here getting ready to go into work. I have ventured out into the sphere to make a few comments on those sites that have something new. From the posts that I have read, it seems that everyone had a great Christmas.

Right now, it is pouring buckets of rain as a BIG thunderstorm rolls through. So not looking forward to working in this weather. Lots of lightning, thunder, wind and rain, make for a crappy day to be outside working in it. But, what are you going to do?

***Update***

So, the day turned out better that I thought that it would. The skies cleared up fairly early. By early morning there was blue sky and and sun. Towards the afternoon, clouds started to roll back in.

The day sucked anyway. Post-Christmas clean-up, o' f'n joy! I got towards home, stopped and bought some Guinness and the evening was much better.

Appologies Abound

2005-12-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

I write this post feeling that I owe appologies to some people. I won't say who, but they know who they are. And there is one who won't read this, but that person, too.

I have been told that I am a dog. Yes, sometimes in the way that all men are considered dogs, but more in another way. I am loyal to my friends, no matter what. Almost, loyalty to a fault. So, to that end, I will contact people that I consider friends to talk, say hi, or to wish them well via email or text.

I get the feeling that some think that I am bothering them. I really don't mean to be a bother, but, I really know of no other way to express that friendship. And let me tell you, I don't use the word friend lightly. I, like many people, know thousands of people. Yet, there are only but a small few that I would consider to be my friend. And fewer yet to be one of my best friends. Those, I can count on one hand.

Maybe, that is the real reason for the upcoming big trip. I invited those that I would choose as friends (through this disjointed reality of the blogsphere), others were invited by those potentials, who may or may not qualify. All I really know, at this point, is this, one of my best friends and a few blog friends will be there. Others are welcome, as well, but...

How did I get sidetracked?

So, those of you that I contacted this weekend that were offended or bothered by that contact, I am truly sorry. For those that were not, I hope to hear from you soon.

Christmas Weekend

2005-12-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to the world of blogging! I had a great Christmas Weekend and I sincerely hope that you did as well.

Friday consisted mostly of getting my crap together and making the two hour drive to my parents home. Really nothing to speak about, except for dinner. We had our typical night before Christmas Eve dinner of shrimp. BIG SHRIMP. Surprise, surprise, I had to cook them. It is nothing, really. I enjoy shrimp (as my parents well know) and I have literally hundreds of recepies involving shrimp. But there is on simple recepie that my family enjoys, so that is the one I made. (Garlic, butter, garlic, lime juice, garlic, white wine, and did I mention GARLIC?) So, we are a family that likes garlic.

Really, Friday night was about hanging out with the family. My brother (Water Rat), his wife, his son, my parents, and me, oh, and the cat of my brother's family. My nephew is so damn cute, pain in the ass at times, but cute. You know, the terrible twos. What more can you say? Pop got to open his birthday presents and I was given an early birthday present from my brother. A dozen Mallard Decoys (6 Drake and 6 Hens) , all of the accuments that go with them, and a feeding duck butt. Anyway, Mom, Water Rat and I stayed up late just talking and drinking. Finally crashing around midnight.

On Saturday, Water Rat and I were up at 0400. We headed out to Mendota Slough to do some duck hunting. The previous present made for a much better experience. We got set up in the dark and waited for the start (half hour before sunrise). Initially, we missed some good oportunities. It looked like we were going to get skunked for the day, but Water Rat got two Ruddy Ducks and I took down a Green-Wing Teal. There were a lot of things that we could have done differently to improve our chances, but I didn't have the gear. (Something that I am going to rectify soon). There is a whole lot more to this story, but I don't want to bore you with the details. But will do so if asked :).

Saturday night, we had our normal Christmas Eve dinner. 1 lb lobster tails. Mmmm. Following dinner, we opened presents. I know that it is not Christmas Day, but that has always been the tradition of our family.

This morning, Santa hit the family hard! The nephew got a ton o'toys. I got a couple of new books (Everyone always gets at least one book), some clay pigeons, some garlic and jalapano stuffed olives, a dvd and an orange (something that Santa gives everyone as well).

Water Rat, his wife and son packed up to go to her parents house for Christmas presents with her family. I, meanwhile, packed up my new stuff to prepare to go home. I wanted to get on the road and home before the traffic got too bad. Good thing that I left early, as it started to rain on the way home. The only thing worse than weekend drivers in the rain is holiday drivers in the rain. Well, there are worse...

All in all, I had a great weekend.

As I raise my Guinness to the sky, I wish you all had the same merriment as I.

Merry Christmas

2005-12-23T10:48:00.000-08:00

I am getting ready to leave for the parents home, so I will be away from the computer for the next few days.

I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

I will be back next week, with more posts before the turn of the year.

New Blog Template

2005-12-22T18:18:00.000-08:00

Well, Bella has designed and put up my new template. Do you have any thoughts?

Industry

2005-12-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

I work in the sales industry. This week, my scheduled plan was at about $15000. Lots of product. When I left the building today, on my Friday, I was at $18,500. My partner will run another $4000 tomorrow + at least $1500 on Sat. So, all told about $24,000 for the week.

For those that have called me crabby this week, now you know why.

Latvian Drunk

2005-12-22T15:31:00.000-08:00

For those of you that don't know, I love reading the news that comes out of Russia and the former Soviet Union States. There always seems to be something incredibly amusing or very interesting that you just can't find in the MSM of the US. Hence the two stories that I posted yesterday or the following story for today:

A 50-year-old man was killed on a street near his home, near the city of Riga, after he struck was by a car. The unidentified man was found to have (now get this) a blood alcohol level of 17 times (yes, seventeen times) the legal driving amount, or roughly twice the LETHAL amount.

The man was still alive when he crossed the street, but was killed by a car that struck him. Investigators say that the accident will be shown as a traffic accident, but that the blood alcohol level was going to kill him soon anyway.

Where are you going to find a story like that? Only out of one of the poorest former Soviet States.