Happy New Year

Happy 1/1/11 everyone. I don't generally stay up on New Years Eve so I am probably asleep as this posts.

I wish you all a happy and prosperous year.

Closing the year

I am posting this today instead of tomorrow because tomorrow is Andrew's birthday and I don't know if/when I would have time.

I had some pretty big ambitions this year. I don't like the word resolution so I don't use it. I'm going to keep the same thoughts in mind this coming year to see where I can take them.
- I wanted to exercise more. I have. Not nearly enough but "more" is a pretty loose guideline.
- I wanted to drink a lot less soda. I've had moderate success with that one. Right now I'm doing pretty good but I am prone to relapses.
- I wanted to find ways to be charitable and work for causes. I have done a few things but I want to do more.
- I wanted to do better with finances. Again, a little better with (a lot of) room for improvement.

I've had a ton of positives in my life this year.
- Maxine, as always, is my heart, my soul, my reason for everything. She is the biggest reason that I am the man that I am. Without her, I am buttdust. She continues to provide me with everything I need in the universe.
- My kids are growing to be such wonderful people. They are all unique. We have 5 very distinct personalities in our house but I think it is safe to say we are all very close and I treasure them immeasurably.
- I had to make some incredibly tough decisions in the best interest of my family that I still struggle with (and probably will forever) but I know I ultimately made the right decision and we are all better off for it.
- I was able to reconnect with so many members of my extended family and my siblings. Technology is great.
- I was able to come to grips with my job. It may not be glamorous. It may not be exciting. But it is stable and it is mine.

Overall, 2010 was a pretty good year for me. I hope 2011 will be at least as good. Things have not been perfect. I won't list the negatives from this past year because I am trying to focus on only positive energy.

Keep your chin up. Face life head on. Try to be a little spontaneous. You only live once, have some fun with it.

Some things I'm in to these days...

We just finished watching Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Maybe the bestest movie I've seen all day.
It is dangerously close to my top 5. Even if you don't think you want to see it, you should.
Boy howdy was it good and full of randomness.
Good clean fun for everyone, which is not normally my cup-o-tea.

Musically, I am going for diversity lately. There's a really good band called King Niko that I've been in to for a while now. They are playing a show with Royal Bliss next week and I am really thinking of going. Since it is December, I am also listening to a lot of Christmas music, of course, and have been listening to a lot of older music.

Good times abound! Keep your chin(s) up and rock on.

Livin' la Vida Loca...

So. I haven't blogged. I thought about killing the blog entirely due to lack of activity.
I don't have a lot to post lately. Life is life.

I've recently started reading Ricky Martin's biography. I like Ricky Martin. He is who he is and he doesn't apologize for it. He seems like a genuinely nice guy and I freely admit that I like a lot of his music.

More following the musical interlude:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCEvCXuglqo

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p47fEXGabaY


Maxine got me a guitar for my birthday. Hands down the coolest gift EVER. I am brutally bad so far and I can't make my fingers work right but it is one of the most fun things I've ever tried. It's like heroin. I practice until my fingers hurt so bad I can't stand it.

It's almost Christmas. Pretty much my favorite time of year. The time period from Thanksgiving through New Years is pretty much the best time of year.
We might be taking a few fun trips early in the new year too. We will see.

I'm pretty sure I have the best life ever.

Movies

Hi all, long time no chat.
So I have a confession. I have a huge crush on netflix, I love their movies when they come in the mail like presents. I love to watch them instantly online on a whim. I love everything about le netflix. I watch a lot of movies, and I love a lot of movies. I thought I would share some of the movies that I have enjoyed over the past few months.
My top five favorite movies that I have seen recently are:
Ondine - instant- Irish, sea nymph, miracle.
The brothers bloom - original, funny, characters.
The Joneses - Original, satirical, provoking.
Temple Grandin- Beautiful, inspirational, oscar worthy.
Love happens - unexpected, heart breaking, damn good.
In what I would call the feel good genre her are some feel good movies:
The accidental husband, Letters to Juliet, 17 again, Just Wright, whip it, and Band slam. (Regin and I watched most of these together and loved them all.)
Do you need a good cry?
Griffin and Phoenix, My sisters keeper, The blind side. (all really good movies, just have tissue handy.)
Need a good laugh?
Fired Up, Jennifers body, Date night, She's out of my league. (little raunchy, some a lot raunchy, all a lot funny.)
Don't know if you want to laugh or cry? Try one of these bitter sweet movies. Up in the air, 500 days of Summer.
In the mood to invest some time in a series? Try Fallen (miniseries) or Firefly.
Need some thrills in your life? try: Shutter island, A perfect getaway, or Malice in Wonderland (instant).
Here is an interesting one for me to put I guess. On Roku , which is one of the ways we get instant Netflix movies, there is a previews channel that we subscribe to. On that channel I saw a preview and added a movie to the list. It is called To save a life. Turns out it was a Christian movie. It was a bit cheesy, but also really good and with some really good messages.

Lastly I will give you a few movies to avoid in my opinion. Here they are, the top 3 movies that I have seen over the past few months and hated:
The Gamer - total graphic, weird, suck fest. The only good thing about this movie was near the end when the bad dude (the main guy from dexter) did this hilarious song and dance, it still did not make it worth sitting through the rest of this movie though.
The box - totally confusing and pointless. I feel bad that actors I truly like were in such a bad movie.
The informant - Matt Damon, who I really like, in a supposed black comedy about this real guy who was basically the biggest liar ever. I cant believe I watched the whole thing.

Anyways If you don't have netflix, sign up cuz you are totally missing out on a great thing. If you do have it then maybe add some of these to your queue and I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

My eternal love celebrates her birthday today. Ok, well we celebrated it yesterday but since today is her birthday, the post goes up today.

Maxine,
There are so many reasons why I love you. More than I could ever properly articulate. I decided to forgo outlining the normal reasons that a husband loves his wife in this post. To do so would simply not be enough. I have never loved anything so completely and so thoroughly as I love you. I don't think anyone has. It borders on obsession.
Everything I do is for you. I try to make you laugh because your smile and your laugh light up my world. I try everyday to make you proud because yours is the only approval that matters to me. But more than anything else, I try to make you happy.
You have given me the best years of my life and I know that the best are yet to come.
No one can make me laugh like you do. No one makes me feel as important as you do. You give me the confidence to be me.
Over the years I have told you in different ways that without you I would be nothing. Either an addict or dead. You always down play it and try (unsuccessfully) to convince me that is has nothing to do with you. I know where I was headed and what has motivated me to become the person I am today. It is, and always has been, you. (No pressure, right?) You give me purpose. You give me everything. You are my motivation to get up in the morning, to do my job, to breathe.

I see how you interact with our children, your family, and Michael. I am so incredibly proud of the woman you have become. We were both so young when we met and it has been an interesting, exhilarating, and intense adventure so far. In the gazillion years to come, I look forward to the many, many more adventures we will share. My life began with you and will last forever as long as you are by my side.

You are an amazing woman. Your strength, beauty, and wisdom inspire me to be the best person I can. You make me proud every single day.You have more individual integrity than any person I have ever met. I love the fact that you simply cannot understand how people can lie or be deceitful.

This post is a feeble attempt to articulate my feelings. I am sorry that I cannot word it better and that I suck at expressing feelings and emotions.
I love you. I hope that all of your dreams come true.
Thank you for choosing me and making my life mean something.

That moment...

Have you ever had one of those..."This is awkward" moments?
Jerry Maguire is on TV right now. Maxine is watching it and it just happens to be the part I referenced in a blog post the other week.

I love that movie. Not enough for it to be in my top 5, but I love it.

It made me think of some awkward times in my life and how, when looking back later, they have turned out to be fantastic moments. No, I am not going to outline them here but it brings up an interesting thought.
Embrace every moment. If you can get perspective, you can take those awkward moments and see them for exactly how humorous they are.

I have a habit of talking out of my ass. Everyone knows it. The pleasant side effect of that is that I don't get embarrassed easily. I enjoy being a little silly. I try to embrace every moment. Most days I fail miserably but I still try.

Do you?

It's Friday.

Today is Friday and I am freaking tired.
Like, "Hey alarm clock, I hate your guts" tired.
Anyway, I am about to head out to the office for the rollout of our new CRM.
I am stoked. I love new software.
Here is a little something to get you through the day. Stick with it for the reward at the end.

Elephant FAIL - watch more funny videos

Flashbacks...part deux!

Because I KNOW you just can't get enough of these...

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjp9fdglugA

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdcySIs2CQ8

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3IIve-t4bI

Gleaming the cube...

Ok, so the title of this post has nothing to do with the content but anytime you can make reference to a skate movie you can't really go wrong.

Maxine and Regin have all but perfected the solving of the Rubix Cube. Thanks to Rochelle and Scott for bringing THAT obsessive plague into our lives. :P
Not to be outdone, I decided to take it a step further. Let's see if Scott and Rochelle can beat THIS:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuNOvlqJ1IU

Well, maybe that isn't me in reality, but in my mind I could totally do that. I solved the cube once. It only took me a week.

The Starfish

I love this. I think it is perfect. Although I have heard/read it a million trillion times, it is perfect.

The Starfish Story
by Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977)

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

Making the mundane less so.

Let's be honest for a minute. Daily life is usually a collection of mundane tasks strung together in a routine that probably repeats day after day. For most people, although minor details may change, their jobs are basically the same thing over and over again.

Would you believe me if I said it doesn't need to be so? Is it possible to find excitement and joy in mundane tasks? I would like to think so. It is something I am working on myself.

I have to come clean with something here. I have, probably, the most boring, mundane, repetitive job in the world. The upside is that I get paid very well, the hours are fantastic, and there are some definite perks to the job. That being said, I need to find ways every day to make it interesting.

If you take a minute to think about your repetitious tasks, you just might be able to find a way to change them up and enjoy them.

Go in with a positive attitude and the little things will suck a little less which will make the big picture seem that much better.

Give it a try.

Flashbacks

The world of fast food is an exciting place. I absolutely loved the years I spent working fast food.
One of the most (and by most I mean least) entertaining parts of getting a job in fast food was the training videos.
I wonder if they still do them...

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAirzhGeSc8

The words

Step One

Taking time to love.

It is no secret that I love Maxine and our wonderful children. That is not the point of this post. At least not directly.

Love is critical to happiness and happiness is critical to love. You cannot have one without the other. While self-love is important, you really need someone else to love in order to experience it fully. Once you find those people, make sure you express it. So many times people become emotionally walled off and don't express love for those that need it most.

You should never assume that someone you love knows it. Take time every day to express that love. Words are not enough.

Think about the feeling you get when you do something for someone, without agenda, and their face lights up. Just thinking about it makes you smile, doesn't it. It is a win-win situation. Now, think about everyone you love in your life. Spouses, children, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. If you did one nice thing for HALF of those people each day, think about how much time you would spend smiling.

I spent the first seventeen years of life not knowing what love felt like. Once I found it, it was the most powerful drug imaginable. There is nothing in the universe that compares.

Your homework assignment is to focus your energy tomorrow on making those around you feel loved.

Are you up to the task?

Coming Soon...ME!

Alrighty then. I had an idea. Yes, it hurt.

I've been sorting through some bullshit baggage for the last few months. Maxine is a rockstar for helping me through it.
I haven't felt like myself and I don't think I have acted very much like myself. I have been full of a lot of anger and rage and that is NEVER how I wanted to see myself or how I want others to see me.

But I have a plan now. And I think the blog has it's part to play in it.

I have set some goals for myself, the primary being to focus on living each day, and I am going to use the blog to chronicle at least some of it.
While it may be mundane things, I hope to better myself a little each day and find ways to make the world a better place. Even in minor ways. Every little thing helps.

I may not post every day. Many of the posts may be dull as shit. Look at the name of the blog. Inane Dribble. I hope that some of what I post will mean something to someone somewhere and that at least a little of it will give you ideas and inspire people to try little things to make life better for themselves and those around them.
Most people claim to have that as a goal. I, myself, have always said it. Now, it is time to actively do it.

To (somewhat)plagiarize a good movie:
"Don't worry...don't worry. I'm not gonna do... what you all think i'm gonna do, which is just FLIP OUT!! But let me just say, that there is such a thing... as manners. A way of treating people. These fish have manners. These fish have manners. In fact, they're coming with me. You can call me sentimental, but the fish are coming with me.

Now. If you come with me, this will be the moment of something new, and fun, and inspiring in this world. And we will do it together. So... who's coming with me? who's coming with me and flipper, here? Huh? Who's coming with me? WHO'S COMING WITH ME?

This is embarrassing."

In addition to these things, I will also be posting some things I find interesting or humorous, as I have done in the past. Things that bring me joy. That was the original purpose of this blog. A space for me to empty my head and share a bit of myself with the world. It is kind of a self-serving ideology but it is what it is. Either people will be interested and read it, or not. Either way it is therapeutic as hell and I am doing it.

Death of a blog

So as you all probably know, the blog has pretty much been on life support for some time now. As it stands, I have zero inspiration/motivation to write anything of substance.
Any family related updates are posted to Facebook.
For these reasons, you might consider the blog officially dead.

Me being me, it may turn out that I get inspired at some point and decide to start blogging again. You never can tell. Maxine might still post now and again as well. Just don't expect much for a while.

End of School

School is out yeah! Yesterday was Jeff's 9th grade lagoon day and the day before was the 9th grade prom. After school and before the dance Jeff decided he wanted his hair cut. He has been growing out his hair for months, so he looks very different.

Regin's last day was also yesterday, so we didn't make Drew go to his last day today.
I am excited for summer. We have been working really hard to finish the updates we have wanted to do on our house. It will hopefully be done around the end of the month. It has been hard work. We worked on flooring and decluttring and the yard has had a ton of work. Thanks to Jesse we have lovely baseboards and our upstairs bathroom is everything I hoped it would be. We will see in a month or so if everything manages to get done.

I knew it!

AYHSMB!

The voices in my head told me I was wrong but the aliens told me I was right.
Now, I have proof...

Michael Jackson Lives! from Paulilu Productions on Vimeo.

The death of a rock god

Ronnie James Dio passed away yesterday. If you don't know who he is...well....you should.
He was the lead singer of Rainbow for a while. He was the lead singer of Black Sabbath for a while. He was solo for a while.
He is widely credited with inventing the "Rock On" horns gesture.
Love or hate his music, he influenced so very many rockers and was always psyched to play music or talk about music.

The musical world is a little darker today.
I was going to post a bunch of his videos on here but I won't. Most of you don't care to watch them. You can find them on YouTube or elsewhere if you want to experience a true rock god. (Holy Diver is probably his most known song.)

Mothers Day, belated...

And then, for flava...

My life...

Ok, so there are gazzilions of reasons why I love my life. Admit it, its better than yours. No, really, its true.

It is no secret that I have an addictive personality. I also have a very (or should I say VERY) short attention span.

Here are some of my current addictions (or is it obsessions?).

1) Maxine. Yep. 'Nuff said. She is my everything. She knows it. Everyone knows it. This is the addiction that keeps me away from some of the naughtier addictions that are part of my past.

2)The almighty internet. I bow to you, Al Gore, for bringing the internet to our dimension. When you mix my short attention span with my obsession for off beat humor you have the poster child for chronic internet guy. (Thats me!)

3) Tetris. What the hell. A game from 1980what? There always seems to be some game that grabs me and doesn't let go. TetrisFriends is the current one. Before that, it was Mario Kart Wii which still calls to me from time to time.

4) Pizza. Oh sweet glorious pizza. If you ever wonder why I'm a chubbly little man it is pizza. (And extreme laziness.)

5) Speaking of mmmmmmmm. Pepsi. It rots you from the inside out. Rot has never been so blissful.

6) Bad movies. Cinematic gems such as Kung Pow, Jesus Christ Vampire Slayer, Popeye, and the list goes on and on and on. I just really love movies that people think are shit. Of course, even I have my limits. (Did you click the last link? It is worth it.)

There were some more but they have slipped my mind.
Anyway.

Bazinga!

I wanna be this cool

This is great stuff...you need audio and you need to stick with them the end.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBzWHudBoiA

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF-bsqrPo-8

So fantastic.

The Sports Hangover

3 months and 3 days. That is how long I have to wait for a team I care about to take the field.

Last night the Utah Jazz were eliminated from the playoffs in a blowout. I wasn't going to watch it.

I did.

They fought hard. They never gave up. They made me proud to be a Jazz fan. I sat here in the dark, being as quiet as I could, watching my team go down in flames while the rest of the family slept.
This morning I woke up with a hangover. It is inexplicable. Most people that have ever drank a little too much know the joy that is a hangover. Funny thing is, I haven't had an alchoholic drink in a Looooooong time.

As I sit here drinking my tea, it happens to be Lipton Blackberry this morning, I am left to wonder what it is about watching your favorite teams play that can cause such highs and lows. I don't really have an answer but it is fascinating. As much as I get worked up over the Jazz, it is NOTHING compared to watching the Bears play.

The next three months are a low spot for me in my sports watching year. My Bears first pre-season game is August 14. Between now and then, its all rumors, rumors of rumors, and long spells of nothing to watch but baseball and occasionally golf.

Feliz cinco de mayo

We had a fun 5th of may. We had a fiesta. Homemade chile verde, carne asada, and banana empinadas. Nom nom nom.

In other news. Life is good, we are doing some more work on our house, Jesse will be coming to help with some stuff, that way things will be to his impecable standards rather than our "eh, good enough" standards.
Andrew did gifted testing earlier in the year. He qualified for the gifted program at his school (versus going to a different school with a larger gifted program). It means he will be grouped with other advanced kids for things like reading and math. We are very proud of him.
School is almost out for this year. I can't wait. I love summer, hanging out with the kids.
Jeff turned 15 recently, and with the new laws and stuff for driving we will need to get him his learners permit within the next few months. Or he wont get his lisence when he turns 16. Does this terify any one else. I know he is a serious kid and will probably be an excellent driver, but I am still scared. I just want to protect him from everything. A funny thing about Jeff as he gets older. He does things that flash me back to Pat as a teenager, some mannerisms, even how he talks. It is weird how each one of our kids reminds me of one of my siblings. Andrew reminds me of Chelle, super wacky creative, always bored, butt crack showing often, funny, and sweet. Regin reminds me of Kim. (Rochelle even mentioned it when we visited her) she is feerless, social, loveable and helpful but definately with a streak to her. I guess more Kim as a teenager because Regin also dresses really cute and loves shoes and boots. She isnt quite as stable in heels yet though.
Regin makes life exciting and unexpected. She always has plans, she loves to go to "young women" activities, hang out with friends. She always want to cook something. On weekends she will scan cookbooks to find out what we have the ingredients for (inevitably cookies) and she will bake yummy stuff all by herself.
Ya I am braggin' and its not even wednesday. My kids are my world and I have to say its a fine world indeed.
Mark mostly works from home now. We get to have lunch together and I can chug down the stairs and see him whenever I want. I love it. It is nice to have adult conversation in the middle of the day, and someone who doesnt need my help to use the potty. He recenely located some family on his mothers side that we havent seen or heard from in over 15 years. It has been really nice getting to know them. It is crazy that Mark having hardly any contact with him for the whole of his life, he is very much like them, in personality, and the physical resemblance is uncanny. His older sister just had a baby, and now the number of neices and nephews we have on Marks side of the family is right in line with how many we have on mine. He is so thrilled, it is like a missing piece of him has been filled. I thank his aunt Sharon so much. She has been wonderful and open, and seems just as thrilled to get to know him.
I think I have jabbered jocked long enough, so until next time, Peace, love , and happiness for All. Seacrest out.

Fear the Beibs....

I'm still learning the software. This is an improvement but nowhere near perfect.

Meh.

[flashvideo file=Videos/salutations.flv /]

Movie Trailers, as they should be.

Please keep in mind that this is a first attempt for me at chopping and clipping a video.
I giggled when I got it done. Its pretty close to what I wanted to do.

Let me know what you think.


httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BrhBYdmjKM

Just some shiny pretties

I've spent the last hour or so listening to Mozart. For some reason it put me in the mood for some swing music.
Dunno.






I know, the last one doesnt count but I love it anyway.
But, of course, you can't have Christina videos without this one...

The Apples in Stereo

Me loves the Apples in Stereo.
Here is another of their videos.

They are good. They are unique. They are music.

Cerra loves Justin Bieber.

Provacative title? I think so.
I'm back from vacation so the post can resume.

Who the hell is Justin Bieber?
I have been curious about where this little troll boy with hair goofier than mine came from.
Apparently, the story is that he was discovered on YouTube and had a "chance meeting" with Usher.

Here is the article.

Not only do I call BS, but his quote at the bottom really makes him sound like an arrogant little prick.

Why do I care?
I am fascinated by the fact that he is so popular. Maxine was watching The Daily 10 last night and they actually talked about how many times he twitched his hair during the interview. (You would have to see the clip to understand why I refer to it as twitching his hair. It is hilarious.)

I guess he has as much talent as Britteny Spears but thats not saying much. I think with the right producer anyone could make an overproduced pop album. Poor boy is screwed once he hits puberty. (Although why it hasn't happened by 16 is a mystery)

At least we get a good parody video out of it.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_cGo0q7krk&feature=player_embedded

Speaking of parody videos...

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWxTGJ3TK1U

This one even sounds right!!!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7n8GqewJ2M

Shocking??? News

I read this morning that Ricky Martin announced that he is homosexual.
Two thoughts on this.
1) Who the eff cares? I hope that some day soon this will be irrelevant and not considered newsworthy. What does his sexual preference have to do with his philanthropic contributions? Or his music? Or his overall dreaminess?
2) Is anyone really surprised by this? Hell, if I was single, I'd date him.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dWAmcjZZdM

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF5Csw8ZXBA

Sometimes Lyrics Say It All

I love and appreciate Maxine. This should come as a shock to NO ONE! Today is our anniversary. We have been married for 16 years. It's the blink of an eye but it feels like we have always been together. Being married to your best friend is never a challenge.

I am actually writing this post two weeks before our anniversary (I love that I can tell WordPress when to publish). I've been having a rough couple of weeks (Don't ask. I won't tell.) and my Maxine has been there supporting me and helping me work through it. She's a superstar!

There is a Barry White song that I have always loved and it says things just about perfectly.
Here you go.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
The first, the last, my everything
And the answer to all my dreams
You're my sun, my moon, my guiding star
My kind of wonderful, that's what you are
I know there's only, only one like you
There's no way they could have made two
You're all I'm living for
Your love I'll keep for evermore
You're the first, your the last, my everything

And with you I've found so many things
A love so new only you could bring
Can't you see it's you
You make me feel this way
You're like a fresh morning dew on a brand new day
I see so many ways that I
Can love you till the day I die
You're my reality, yet I'm lost in a-a-a a dream
You're the first, the last, my everything

I know there's only, only one like you
There's no way they could have made two
Girl you're my reality
But I'm lost in a-a-a a dream
You're the first, you're the last, my everything
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Happy anniversary Maxine. I love you!

Some things are just pure win.

I'm on vacation this week. Jealous much?

Here are a few videos to get the week rolling.

First off, No introduction necessary.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYMSXV8eT0w

Be patient with this one. It is worth it.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgwoNngoguc
Two great soundbites...
You are being shagged by a rare parrot....
Oh his neck is covered...

Sometimes a guy just needs to fight...
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lThlP8tTLP0

Continuation

I forgot to include Mark's favorite doppelgangers.
Frankie Muniz and Lindsay Lohan






And for comparison Me and Claire Danes

Doppelganger

Do you ever watch a tv show and wonder why that movie star is doing a tv show? Or watch a movie and think, don't I recognize that person, wouldn't I have heard if they were in this movie? Is it because everyone has a doppelganger? Maybe.

Josh Duhamell and Timothy Olyphant





Jeremy Renner and Devon Sawa




Amy Adams and Isla Fisher




Anna Faris and Laura Harris


And of course Al Paccino and Robert Deniro...... Ok not really according to most people. I have gotten them mixed up for forever and it makes "heat" one of the most confusing movies ever.
People have said I look like Claire Danes the most, could she be my younger, skinnier, blonde doppelganger?
Do you have a doppelganger?

A tribute...

This is a tribute to Chester Copperpot and the lesson we can learn from him.

For those of you that don't remember him, he is a bit character from the movie The Goonies.

He was a pirate and a treasure hunter. Those, by themselves, are not worthy of tribute.
The important thing is that Chester failed. Normally we don't celebrate failure but in this case I think we should.

Why?

Because a group of untrained kids succeeded where a professional failed.

Yes, it was a campy 80's movie and a completely fictional story. But think about it. After you saw the movie for the first time you BELIEVED that you and your friends could find a hidden treasure. It helped you embrace the possibility that you could accomplish anything.

Some people carry that belief in to their adult lives. Everyone should have.

Chester gave the Goonies a burst of confidence that they would take through the rest of their lives.

You may be asking what my point is in all of this?

There is a statement that I live by. I adapt it to many situations and try to keep it in mind always. It goes something like this:

If you encounter something you cannot do, it is not due to a lack of ability. It is a lack of creativity. All things are possible, you just have to dream up a way to do them.

The Goonies were not trained treasure hunters. They used unconventional means to solve problems designed to thwart seasoned professionals. They used creativity to solve problems that no one before them could. They weren't smarter, better trained, or more experienced. They were simply more creative.

Well done to The Goonies, and a big thank you to Chester Copperpot.

Now I am in the mood to watch the movie. Its been too many years.

Have a great Friday everyone.

Do you think the Obama administration is socialist?

I know, I know, inflammatory title.
There is a great new video up from the Center for American Progress discussing the administrations new education reforms.
If you think that the Obama administration has a completely socialist agenda, please watch the video. (It is less than 4 minutes)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yiBS0KKSbE

A couple of things that I noticed.
1) It gives a certain amount of credit to the "No Child Left Behind" program.
2) It gives schools a greater degree of control over their practices.

Let's think about this for a moment. No Child Left Behind dictated to schools nationwide that certain programs must exist and certain money must be spent on certain things. (We will tell you what your job is, what tools you must use, and how much money you will spend on them.)

The new program, based on my interpretation, will leave schools alone if they are performing. It only gets involved if the school is lacking. (We will only tell you what to do when it is proven that your system is not working)

Gee, which one of THOSE sounds better?

In no way an endorsement

I do not endorse ChatRoulette. In fact, I think its a little creepy and weird. In fact, I think it is VERY creepy and weird. And alarming.
In fact, I have never understood chat rooms.

But this video is amazazing. I mean, WOW.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32vpgNiAH60&feature=player_embedded

I'm a geek

This video made my lightsaber grow...

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb1Mc0cQ7ck&feature=player_embedded

Wise Words

I saw this great quote from the Dalai Lama this morning and just had to share it!

"From my viewpoint all things first originate in the mind. Things and events depend heavily on motivation. A real sense of appreciation of humanity, compassion, and love are the key points. If we develop a good heart, then whether the field is science, agriculture, or politics, since motivation is so very important, these will all improve."

Have a great day everyone! Try to get outside if the weather holds up!

I think its about time to buy some new CDs.

And what, you ask, would I buy?

These are the next two on my list:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vldh7oQD-a4

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B03y5yTmJnE

Just a little proof that I am a bad person.

I have watched this about 10 times in a row now.
EDIT: I have now watched this dozens of times and am STILL laughing.
I don't usually like things like this but I can't force myself not to laugh.
You have to listen to it with the sound on!

It's Friday after all!!!

There is not a lot that needs to be said about this. It stands on its own as a little slice of awesome.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQeTlxhhmEo&feature=player_embedded

Mime's are interesting...or are they?

I know that a lot of people are creeped out by clowns.

I also know that most people HATE silence.

So why do you never hear about people being afraid of mimes?

Because they have thoroughly engaging Twitter accounts!

Mimes on twitter.

More tomorrow! Have a great night.

I have always been a KISS fan.

I have always loved KISS. Ever since I was a little boy listening to Destroyer on vinyl. (And Rock and Roll Over, and Double Platinum, and Alive and Alive II and so on and so on...at one point I think I had all of their albums)
I came across this:
Article
and about fell over laughing. If it ever makes TV I will check it out but lets face it. KISS hasn't been relevant for decades and kids (other than mine) have no idea who they are. (Marketing whores that used to make some kick ass music)

More frequent! I promise!

Ok, so thank y'all for bearing with me during the recent downturn in posting. I am aware that most of you don't use a feed reader (How 2000 of you) so the only way you see new posts is by checking the site.
While I won't be posting daily like I used to, there should be several updates each week of interesting/funny/informative things that catch my eye.
Keep reading if you dare. You may be occasionally offended, you may occasionally laugh. I have always said that I do this for me, not for you, but I like to share and love hearing when people are reading so there it is...

Don't hate the farmers.

Interesting post up from the White House.

8 | The White House.

So answer me this. If you are opposed to health care reform, why do you hate farmers?

Ok, so that is a snarky question and I don't expect any answers. The point is that with a little research it isn't hard to find dozens, if not hundreds, of examples like this.

For those of you that want to argue that you "don't want to pay for freeloaders." Well, I hate to break it to you...you already are.

We all know that there are government plans in place currently to help many people that need it. Hard working people that have medical expenses that no normal person can afford. These programs exist for a very, very good reason. Not everyone using government programs is a freeloader. In fact, I think its a safe assumption that the vast majority are hard working people that just need a little help coping with the obscene prices for necessary procedures.

Health care reform is needed. Rates are high to cover unnecessarily expensive procedures that may or may not be covered by your insurance company. Small businesses often can't afford coverage for their employees, which means there are a lot more uncovered people that are relying on the governmental assistance in the case of a tragic need. Do you see where I am going with this?

Without regulation things will never improve.

Agree or disagree?

Finally some news you can understand

If you are ever concerned about the state of the world, here is the current news in a way that anyone can understand.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkC7dcxZ5_Q

Two idols meet...

His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama at the White House | The White House.

If the world was run by these two men, it would be such a better place.

I bet they could lay out an easy plan to end suffering all over the world.

Book Report

At the beginning of January I was going to be spending some time in a waiting room so I needed something to read. I owe late fees at the library so I had to find something at home. I decided to read the sword of truth series by Terry Goodkind. I finished the last book of the series this last week so I thought I would put out my review.
The series follows Richard and Kahlan on their adventures in unlikely love and an unwinable war. Battleing and allying in some cases relatives, emperors, sisters of light and dark, mord sith, and men corrupted by magic. They fight for freedom for the world and their lives from forced ideals, prophesy and violence.
The core story was very good. It has some good albeit sometimes dumb assed characters. There are strong women which I always like in a story. I laughed and cried and got really mad a few times.
Unfortunately the books also seemed to me to be unedited. There is a bit more discriptiveness than I like and there was A LOT of recapping and convoluted over explaining. And too much raping and pillaging. If you skim or skip all of that though the books are worth the read. Some more than others. I really liked Faith of the fallen, and really didn't like Pillars of creation. But it is like movies with me, I cant stop halfway through. I have to know how it ends and how it gets to the end. I'm glad I stuck it out. But now what am I going to read? I have heard good things about this Percy Jackson series (it is Andrew's favorite.) Maybe I will read those, if I ever get around to paying off my late fees. Oh how I miss you library, I will return again someday.

Love is in the air....or do I have gas?

Nothing says love like a manufactured holiday designed to sell worthless shit that no one needs (or really wants). If you want it to be successful, stick in in winter. Not too close to Christmas, maybe right around the Super Bowl...

Wave the magic wand and....here is Valentine's day.

Don't get me wrong. I am a hopeless romantic. I love my Maxine very much. Everyone reading this knows that.

But I hate...HATE...Valentines day.

If you love someone you don't need a "special" day to let them know. You should let them know everyday.
Why do you need to spend $40.00 on a dozen roses that will die in a couple of weeks? Or buy an overpriced box of "not-so-great" chocolates just because they come in a heart shaped box?

Piss on it all, I say.
You show your love by what you do, not what you buy. If you truly, deeply, and completely love someone they don't need you to buy them anything. You will be sensitive to their needs and *WANT* to take care of them. You don't need the media blitz telling you what he/she wants or what you should buy. You will already know what they want and be working with every breath to provide it.

The much coolness of this is apparent.

Yes, this is cool. It starts off slow but gets REALLY awesome part-ways into it.
Stay with it. Its only 3 1/2 minutes...

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl6RJyZdBSU

Supa doopa

It had to happen eventually.

Every team I picked in the playoffs this year lost. Until the Super Bowl.

I didn't pick the Saints to win because of the bandwagon. Or Katrina. Or because their color scheme is cooler than the Colts.

I picked them because they had never won the Super Bowl and everyone deserves a chance. (And maybe because the Colts beat the Bears a couple years ago. But I don't hold a grudge.)

New Orleans Saints defeats Indianapolis Colts to win Super Bowl XLIV - NFL News - FOX Sports on MSN.

It was a great game. Both teams played well. I am sure there will be a ton of blathering on the interwebbies about Manning choking or some such. That is all crap.

Two teams played with a combined one turnover. You can't find fault in that.

Next, we turn our attention back to the Jazz. They are looking good this year!

I think I thought of everything once but I forgot to write it down.

Fourteen yellowish gophers went fishing on Monday.
One of them fell in and was never seen again. The other thirteen went to a bar and got drunk. On the way home they hit a groundhog killing it instantly.
Since the groundhog was dead, the people of Punxsutawney hired an imposter instead.

Are you still reading this? I can't believe it. Its a story about a dead rodent. Sicko.

I laughed at this. Got some funny looks, but I laughed.

If'n ya don't laugh, then you have no right to click the link.

This is silliness «.

g ah

this isnt supposed to be here!

400 dashing penguins can't be wrong.

I'm typing on a laptop today. I HATE typing on a laptop. I always bump the stupid little touchpad. It makes me angry.

There is no reason behind this post other than that.
Have a good day, and enjoy spending 3 hours watching LOST. You know you are going to watch it.
Me? I'm not. I don't think I am smart enough to follow it.

Maybe I will watch it on DVD when I know its all wrapped up.

Sometimes its just not funny.

I have to admit something here.
I am addicted to blogs.
I have 60-70 different blogs in my reader.
Most of them, believe it or not, are for humor purposes.
Others are for family and friends, politics, news, games, sports, and frugality.
Not all of them are updated daily, and some are updated multiple times daily so I can't venture a guess on how many I read.
Suffice it to say that after spending all day working in front of a computer, I spend at least an hour every evening reading news and blogs.

I have always thought that many things that aren't funny when they occur will eventually be humorous in some way.
THIS proves me wrong.
As a side note, 99% of the other things I have seen on that site are hilarious. Some are definately not PG so I wouldn't browse about with little eyes around.

You are either a fan or your not.

I love sports.
Most of them.
I don't understand soccer but I can watch it.
I don't understand hockey and I can't watch it.
Someday I will learn to understand and appreciate both.
Car racing is not a sport and you will never convince me otherwise.
I enjoy watching baseball, I really enjoy watching basketball, but I love love love watching football. (Pro football. College football is on the list of things to try "getting in to" next year.)
Of course if you are reading this you know me you are not surprised by that at all.
Today is the 24th anniversary of Super Bowl XX. That means I have been a Bears fan for 24 years. I still remember the key players from that team and I have a Mike Singletary jersey framed on the wall next to me as we speak. (Not a real jersey. One of those cool meshy replicas that EVERYONE wore in the 80s.)
Being the youngun that I was at the time, (The same age Andrew is now) there were a lot of intriguing characters on that team. Walter Payton, the greatest RB of all time, was a classy, no-nonsense runner that got the job done. Hard-as-nails Coach Ditka not taking crap from anyone. Defensive end (and Super Bowl MVP) Richard Dent, Linebacker Mike Singletary, D-Lineman William "The Refrigerator" Perry, Jim McMahon at quarterback throwing to Willie Gault.
Man, I still get goosebumps.
I am still very much in love with my Bears (Old and new) and follow many that have left the team.

Happy Super'versary Bears! You have to win next year because how freakin cool would it be to win the Super Bowl on the 25th Anniversary of the last win. (Not as cool as winning multiple in a decade but I have to hope for something.)

And now, 7 minutes in the closet with your '85 Bears...
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJNC3dgreaU

What gets your heart pumping?

I love people. A simple statement that could mean so many things.
"love" is a funny little word. It means so many different things.
When I say I love Maxine, it means something different than when I say I love my kidlets, which is completely different from saying I love pizza. All are true, but in the three examples love means something very different.
I love people because they are fascinating. Even the most boring person you know is utterly fascinating. To see the things that different people get excited over is amazing to me.
For example, I am passionate about music. My quirky little memory stores things about music naturally. There isn't a genre of music that I don't like and haven't enjoyed. My iTunes Library (sitting at just over 1800 songs) is a mix of genres from many places in the world. I love to set it to random and let it go. Nothing like having Depeche Mode followed by Iron Maiden followed by Norah Jones followed by Wildbirds & Peacedrums. My iTunes is like a box of chocolates. Its SWEET!
Now Maxine, on the other hand, could tell you any actor that "was in that one movie, you know the one, with the girl and the guy that did the thing?" She is amazazing at it. I've never seen anything quite like it.
Shane, yes you, ya lumpy bastard, can tell you the hero, plot, and most minor characters from every book he's read since birth. (Uh-Maze-Ing)
These are just three examples. (And the most normal things that come to mind)
I could go on and on. I love solving math problems for example. Don't ask.The point being that I have always loved people watching. When you meet someone that seems as boring as butterless toast try to find out what their interests are. What they are passionate about. Chances are that you will be amazed by the things they care deeply about. Hell, you might even find out something new about yourself.

Have a great today!
Post a comment to share with the class something that you are passionate about.
(-1,000,000 points for all of you that read this but don't comment, which I know will be most of you.)

Ahh, the feelings of inactivity...

Maxine pointed out the other day that I never blog anymore.
I should. Its a good outlet.
I think I will. Ok, good, now that we have that settled, on to business.

You probably all know I have a huge man-crush on Justin Timberlake.
If I could be anyone else, I would either be him, Leo DiCaprio, or Dave Grohl. (I think Leo wins but none of them have as cool a life as me, so whatever)
So here is his (JTs)performance from the Hope For Haiti telethon.
Fantabalicious.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxOWHu6Oyt8

More to come soon, I promise!

Yo

Now we join our regularly scheduled program already in progress.

The Christmas Season was good for us. We got a wii and the kids each picked a game they wanted. I love our traditions, they make the holidays for me. We opened jamies Christmas eve as well as our draw names gifts. I love that we draw names from a hat, and have a limit to get that person gifts. (we did it when I was a kid to, total blast.) Anyways, everyone is always so thoughtful and happy to see reaction, oh the spirit of giving. Also we watch some christmas movies throughout. Such as a Christmas story and rudolph, Regin and I watching White Christmas just like my Mom and I used to.
Andrews Birthday slash New years was great, we played some wii and hung out. Regin spent the night at her friends. Then we went to bed early (cuz we are old), but somehow I was still awake watching tv at midnight. I watched the end of Dick Clarks rocking eve. I have to say I think Dick Clark is a brave beautiful man. And I admire his perseverance, he is an American icon. Raja got really freaked out by fireworks and needed to be cuddled so she woke Mark up and we got our new years kiss, maybe she is just a perv and wanted to watch us kiss, but I think it was the fireworks.
Anyway happy 2010 to everyone, may we all be thinner and richer and have better hair, or you know whatever you want too.