And I'll Burn

"I am not worried that your son will grow up to be an actual ninja..."

2010-11-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

This has to be one of the best things I've read in a long time.

http://nerdyapplebottom.com/2010/11/02/my-son-is-gay/

And on this Veteran's Day ...

2010-11-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

... my mind is on Brian, who was just sent to Afghanistan last month, and Keith, who will be deployed to Iraq next month.

I don't know the proper security protocol here, whether I can include their full names or ranks or branches of the armed forces. So just know that Brian and Keith mean a lot to me and a lot to people I love very much. And there's a lot of conflicting thoughts and emotions I have about their departures.

With that, I'm going to simply send happy thoughts for a better day. And a care package when I get off my lazy butt.

Be well, fellas.

A fine day for a parade ...

2010-11-03T14:42:00.001-07:00

I spent the morning and early afternoon celebrating the Giants' World Series win alongside thousands of fans on the streets of San Francisco.

I'll write about that more later (I hope) but I really must comment on the crowd estimations. We arrived back at work to watch the Civic Center ceremony on television, and the commentators on the MLB channel were estimating the crowd between "100,000 and 1.5 million people." Multiple times, with nary a snicker.

Seriously, folks? You can't bring the range together any more than that?

The city is going apes#*t right now!!!

2010-11-01T21:33:00.001-07:00

I am positively STOKED for the Giants and the city of San Francisco right now!!!!!! It's a great night to live in the Bay Area!

(photo from sfgate.com)

It's been a blast watching the Giants during the post-season. Hats off to this "Bad News Bears" team. See you at the parade Wednesday!

Though I know he would have liked a son ...

2010-10-30T21:40:00.001-07:00

... I think my brother is fine with girl #5.

I have a new niece!!!

2010-10-28T10:57:00.001-07:00

Grace Kimberly Taylor

born: Thursday, October 28, 2010, about a half hour ago (it's 12:45 now)

stats: 10 lbs., 2 oz. (holy crap!), 21" long

She joins big sisters Ally, Trinity, Zoe, and Madison ("LT") Taylor.

To paraphrase Harry Goldenblatt, it's my brother's lot in life to be surrounded by beautiful women.

GO BUCKS!!!!!

2009-01-05T18:23:00.001-08:00

(Oh man ... I feel sick.)

Woo. It's 2009.

2009-01-01T08:10:00.001-08:00

I hope this is the start of a good one for you.

The Year in Review

2008-12-31T18:13:00.001-08:00

I'll give 2008 this; it wasn't boring.

There will be no lasting impact from my leg surgery (*knock on wood*) but since it has marred the last three months of '08, its the first to get a comment. I'm taking my crutches into the new year with me and hoping they won't be a big part of 2009. I'm grateful my doctors were able to take care of things so quickly, and glad I had the surgery (not like I had any choice) but I truly had no idea recovery would affect my life this much or for this long.

I also became a home owner in 2008, . The dust is just beginning to settle on that one financially. I was able to make some home improvements in the first half of the year, leading up to the housewarming party in July, though not much else has been done in the second half of the year. I'm looking forward to digging my heels in (sans crutches) and doing more around here in the new year.

I was reunited with the UK this year, and got to experience oft-discussed locations with B for the first time. Being there with B was almost surreal. And I already miss it. And with the accumulation of more American Express Rewards points, I'll be back again someday.

The impact of the Presidential election cannot be understated. I was euphoric on the night of November 4. The emotional release from the end of the abusive relationship with Bush's administration was powerful. There's so much possibility with the election of Obama, but the passage of Prop 8 was hugely disappointing. (We still don't know if that's going to hold up.) I'm going to try to hold onto my hope as long as possible.

The biggest changes this year revolved around my family (which is a surprise to say after saying for so many years that my family will never change.) It was a rough start. We lost Grandma at the end of February, and that's all I have to say about that. My uncle found out he had cancer about a month later, and he continues to battle it as the year closes. And that's all I have to say about that, too.

But news wasn't all bad. In April, I gained a sister-in-law and three nieces. And in August, the fourth niece arrived (named in part for Grandma.) I'm still figuring out this whole ming (aunt) thing, which I imagine will be even harder to do since I'm not present. But I suppose that will give me something else to do in '09.

I have to say ...

2008-12-29T02:46:00.001-08:00

I rather like the office when few others are in it.

I'm as busy as ever, but appreciate the quiet where I can get it.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

(Thought this cartoon was appropriate.)

I am done with the carts.

2008-12-24T18:08:00.001-08:00

Nevermind that I hate going anywhere to buy anything because of the crutches. The motorized carts were fun maybe the first two times. Now they are just annoying.

I had to go to the store today and 1) had the crap scared out of me and 2) realized that people weren't as helpful as I'd been thinking they were.

Those carts do not have brakes, so they tend to roll. This is particularly problematic when you are going out into the parking lot to your car. I kept creeping out into traffic in the slow-ass cart, scared that I was going to get hit by a car as I headed to my vehicle to unload my purchases. And then, as it continued to rain and I was heading back to the store to drop the cart off, the cart wouldn't go back up onto the sidewalk. I tried 4 different times, with the cart rolling backwards every time, backwards into traffic, as people walked past me. Finally, I said to someone as they passed, "Do you think you can help push this thing from behind?" And finally, someone did.

It freaked me out for a bit. But I was laughing about it 5 minutes later, hoping someone caught it on video.

Not to be outdone by their football counterparts ...

2008-12-22T20:41:00.001-08:00

... the OSU men's basketball team is off to a 9-0 start.

Go Bucks, indeed.

Good. Someone said it.

2008-12-21T02:25:00.001-08:00

The perception that Ohio State is good enough to compete in the Big Ten but not necessarily on the national stage is bothersome to some fans, enough that they overlook Tressel's positives. He is 7-1 against Michigan. The Buckeyes have won or shared four straight Big Ten titles, and they are the only Big Ten team to win a national title in the Bowl Championship Series. Tressel also is urging more and more players to graduate, and the team grade-point average is hovering at the 3.0 level.

If you're going to an ugly sweater party ...

2008-12-19T16:38:00.001-08:00

Goodwill has an entire rack devoted entirely to ugly holiday clothing.

I'm just sayin' ...

Oh, the weather outside is frightful ...

2008-12-17T19:20:00.001-08:00

Viva (the effects of global warming in) Las Vegas

Some kudos to John Walsh

2008-12-16T00:11:00.001-08:00

They announced today that the case of the murder of Adam Walsh is now closed. I thought for a moment that I really hoped this offered a chance for the Walsh family to exhale a bit. But more than that, I thought about how much respect I had to give to John Walsh.

He really took a horrible situation and made something powerful from it, helping kick into gear a more effective system for tracking and finding missing children. It's a tragedy that he lost his young son, but because of the steps he took after he did, a lot of other parents have been reunited with their own missing kids.

I don't remember a world without America's Most Wanted, or a world without children's faces on the side of milk cartons or on fliers posted in public places. And while you may take that as a comment on the sad state of the world, I mean it as a compliment to the increased awareness that attempts to nip crime in the bud. His efforts were a model for other families in similar circumstances, including those who got the Amber Alert passed into law.

To him and others who try to make something good and useful from the worst conceivable situations, I tip my hat.

Dickipedia

2008-12-15T18:48:00.001-08:00

Seriously. Dickipedia.

M y mom (and yours) made the cut.

Same goes for Santa which surprised me since (SPOILER ALERT) he may or may not be real. But then again, I may have only been told he didn't exist so they wouldn't have to tell me about his DUI and racist remarks.

So far the site's been a real time suck, as most good sites are. Enjoy.

"This is a goodbye kiss, you dog."

2008-12-14T05:39:00.001-08:00

An Iraqi journalist threw a shoe at Still-President Bush.

*sigh* Remember the good old days, when we were greeted as liberators?

I think my favorite bit of the article is when they tell us, "CNN notes that this is considered an insult among Muslims." Yeah, as opposed to the entirely complimentary nature associated with striking someone with a shoe in most Western religions.

Auto bailout

2008-12-13T16:35:00.001-08:00

I've started drafts about the auto industry bailout several times over the last month and never really completed anything. No matter how much I've read, I never felt like I had the time to learn enough to comment intelligently about the issue. But the longer the debate goes on, the more I find myself still wanting to say something.

Let's be real - the government started this. Once you show that you will bail out one business that's mis-managed itself, it's only a matter of time before the others who did the same ask "what about me?" As any teacher knows, you cannot permit one student to do something without the rest of the class demanding the same treatment.

The various financial organization bailouts came first and furiously, and without a lot of questions or accountability. With the last bailout, there were multiple reports that the amount ($700B+) was just plucked out of the air. There were other accounts that they weren't sure who exactly was getting the money. And there were no indications that those people using the money were going to make any changes to ensure that this didn't happen again.

"Dear Wall Street,
Here's hundreds of billions of dollars. Do what you will.
Love, Us."

(I sincerely hope there was even a shred of accountability that I somehow missed. And I hope that their hasty decisions and mismanagement of those millions are somehow not going to leave us completely effed in the a.)

If I were the failing auto industry watching all that, I'd be fairly nonplussed about why the government wouldn't be willing to hand over just a smidgen of what they had handed to others without a thought. Except that the government all of sudden became diligent about asking questions about that bailout. (Which, to me, seemed kind of like a show, but that's a whole other issue.)

So really, I see two issues here. First, the American auto industry has performed badly for years, creating crappy product and not changing with the times. And when a business doesn't adapt, it doesn't survive. (Hell, even Blockbuster seems to have figured that out.) I am fuzzy on the economic terms of my prerequisite economics classes, but I believe that's the essence of the free market. I don't mean that as a big 'eff you' to the auto industry employees. It's just the nature of business. Ask any of the thousands of people working during the dotcom era in the Bay Area.

When I was diligently researching a new vehicle in early 2006, it took me all of about a minute to rule out the American companies and really settle my search on Toyota and Honda. The vehicles of those companies were safer, more affordable, and much more fuel/energy efficient. And ultimately, that's how I came to be paired with P.J. Jazzhands, my lovely 2007 Honda Fit. (Yay.)

Second, while the government should have taken this amount of time of consideration when bailing out the financial institutions, I am glad they seem to actually be, you know, governing now. They need to use this to set a newer, better example for how to proceed with a bailout. If they are giving the money, they need to have some real parameters on how that money will be spent. They can and should demand that changes be made to the business, specifically relating to a commitment to alternative fuels and transportation improvements. Really, this bailout could be a great thing to getting our country on the right environmental track. And it would keep thousands of folks employed in the process.

V Mac is now a MAster

2008-12-10T21:07:00.001-08:00

She's a MAster blogger and recapper, of course. But now it's, like, official.

OSU Band to play inauguration parade

2008-12-08T21:24:00.001-08:00

After all, they are TBDBITL (The Best Damn Band in the Land).

OSU is going to the Fiesta bowl

2008-12-07T21:09:00.000-08:00

And with that, once again, my co-workers will be able to see me pace around the 4th floor break room like a madman since our bowl game airs on a Monday at 5:00p.

Human Rights Campaign Buyer's Guide

2008-12-01T14:32:00.001-08:00

"With the economy as it is, the need to ensure that every dollar spent counts has never been more important. This year hundreds of businesses have earned the right to call you a customer with the commitment they have made to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Buying for Equality guide will help you easily support companies that support equality for LGBT Americans.

Ratings in Buying for Equality are based on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's annual report card, the Corporate Equality Index. A record 260 businesses scored 100 percent on this year's report, which is a significant increase from the 195 businesses that earned a perfect score last year. From enhanced domestic partner benefits to transgender inclusion in non-discrimination policies, we are seeing a revolution in the American workplace."
------------------------

If you are interested, you can view/download the guide here.

World AIDS Day

2008-12-01T14:31:00.000-08:00

Here are some statistics and resources from the SFAF.

My first Christmas tree

2008-11-30T14:10:00.001-08:00

Today, I went on my first ever shopping trip to get a Christmas tree.

(How that's possible: When I was very little, we had a real tree once, but apparently I was allergic to it, so we never had a real one again. We had the same artificial tree for the rest of my time growing up (and it's the same tree my mom uses to this day.))

This will be the first time in my life that I will not be in OH for the holidays. So I was alternating between the idea of pretending there were no holidays to speak of so as to not think about it, or decorating my home for the first time. I think I chose the right one.

We went over to the local tree lot to pick one out. Since I don't know to which kind I am allergic, I thought starting with a small-ish one might be better. (Also, I worried that one of my cats would try to climb/pull down a larger tree.) Thanks to some assistance from the guys at the lot, I left with my very own 3 1/2 foot noble fir.

She's now resting happily atop my barrel table, decorated with many silver music notes (from Target), small, silver (plastic) bulbs from the dollar store, some maroon velvet bows, and this (most awesome) ornament.I'm playing the tree thing by ear, seeing how the cats and allergies cope. But I may very well be hitting up Target the day after Christmas for a discount on an artificial tree to keep for the coming years.

Rivoli

2008-11-28T22:43:00.001-08:00

My CA family got me a gift certificate to Rivoli a couple years ago, but I didn't cash it in until tonight. And while I'm upset I didn't have the deluxe dining experience sooner, I am glad B and I could share it while she was in town.

The restaurant is just plain adorable. It's housed in a very small building that looks like a quaint little house from the front. When you walk into the dining room (which seats maybe 60) you see that there is a gorgeous garden in the back. I would love to go back in the spring or summer when they (hopefully) open the back doors that look onto the garden.

The staff is knowledgeable and helpful and endearing. Our waitress helped answer our various menu questions and referred us to the sommelier when she could not. I learned tonight (and was surprised by the fact) that if you are going to pair a white wine with a beef dish, a Riesling is the best choice. (B cannot drink reds.) Our choice was a bottle of Riesling Spätlese Selbach-Oster Mosel (Germany 2007.)

They change the menu up every 3 weeks or so, but if either of the following is on the menu when you go, I highly recommend them both:

appetizer: portabella mushroom fritters with aïoli, parmesan, arugula and caper vinaigrette
main dish: rosemary and lemon slow braised pork roast with honey roast pears, rosemary aioli, creamy braised barley with parmesan and broccoli and broccoli rabe

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T02:32:00.000-08:00

As always, I hope you are fat and happy today!

Thanks, but I already pay a toll on the bridge to go into SF.

2008-11-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

They are considering a congestion tax for people entering SF.

The goal behind the program is to get people out of their cars, which proponents say would relieve congestion, increase traffic speed and cut carbon emissions. Those who continue to drive would pay a toll at certain times and in specified locations. As envisioned, the revenue would be aimed at public transit improvements and pedestrian and bike projects - initiatives to make alternatives to driving more attractive.

(I think the goal behind the program is to keep people out of the city altogether.)

The comparisons to London's system are complete crap. London HAS a tremendous public transportation system that goes every which way in the city and runs all hours. SF? Not so much. You want to get people out of their cars and onto public transportation? You MUST have have more reliable transportation that goes where the cars are taking them and addresses why people are in their cars in the first place.

I say that as someone who (before the surgery, that is) already utilizes part of the public transportation system (BART) but gave up on another part (Muni) because it was too inconsistent and crowded and unreliable. Adding an extra 30-40 minutes on my commute by walking from BART in the mornings sometimes got me to my distant workplace faster than waiting for the bus would, but, of course, it costs me even more time of the day I don't have. When I work late, or want to spend time in the city with friends, or go to a show, I have no choice but to drive because I can't walk that path safely in the dark and cannot chance missing my last BART train, which leaves just after midnight. Nevermind that parking at BART is already an option that has been taken away from me because parking there is no longer free.

Give me an effing break.

(Update: 11/26) - Now they're throwing out some rates and locations. This is ridiculous.

Columbus Crew wins M.L.S. Cup

2008-11-23T17:07:00.001-08:00

Indeed, it was a good weekend for Columbus sports.

The Buckeyes trounced Michigan yesterday, and today, the Columbus Crew won their first ever MLS title.

(As a bonus, they actually televised the match here today so I got to see it.)

OSU vs. Michigan

2008-11-22T09:12:00.001-08:00

Ohio State - 42

Michigan - 7

That's five in a row, kids. Five sweet victories in a row.

Buckeye season in review

2008-11-21T18:30:00.001-08:00

I do realize the season is not yet over. The big game is tomorrow and the post-season placement is largely undetermined.

Obviously, the season didn't go the ways we wanted it to go, the ways most thought it was going to go. Alas, there's a long way to fall when you are starting at the top. It started with Beanie's foot, it continued with that unfortunate game early in the season, and in was clinched when that extremely over-played QB (sorry, it's true) initiated the loss in this game.

Oddly, this binds the senior class team with senior class of their rivals the year prior. Both had classes that returned for one final season looking strong on paper and capable of going all the way.

Alas, not to be. But damn, I will miss this senior class. (And I know it's not likely, but I'll be hoping to see Boeckman on the field in the morning. He was completely screwed over this season.)

Back to court

2008-11-20T02:03:00.000-08:00

I guess we'll wait to see how this goes ...

Whoa. Pirates stole an oil tanker.

2008-11-18T00:20:00.001-08:00

I've read news of pirates hijacking ships and stealing cargo and generally raising a ruckus. But hijacking an OIL TANKER? I just ... I ... I don't even know. How does that happen?

(Is it an appropriate response to briefly want to give props to the pirates for being that effing organized? Not that I had that response. Briefly.)

(Is it also an appropriate response to want to know who was in charge of security of the ship?)

I've recently become an expert on this topic, based mostly on my extensive googling in the last hour or so, and in my extensive study, I can share that pirate attacks are more prevalent than one would imagine. (The only mention of piracy I generally hear of involves illegal downloads.) But even the reporters covering this story are saying something to the effective of HOLY CRAP. THAT WAS A BIG ASS OIL TANKER. (I'm using artistic license to represent their words.)

Obviously, the biggest concern is that the crew is all right. And as of the time of this post, survey says they are safe.

Rock on, Slash & Perla.

2008-11-17T13:28:00.001-08:00

"I married my sweetheart, you should be able to marry yours, too." Awwww.

More shopping (mis)adventures

2008-11-16T01:35:00.001-08:00

I had my second shopping experience with a motorized cart today. The cart was even more necessary this time compared to the last since I was taking on Costco.

A few things about the motorized carts at Costco:

As you would expect, the baskets on the carts there are larger.
They make much sharper turns, which I enjoyed working.
The carts make a beeping noise when you are driving in reverse, as if you are driving a large truck.

I had assistance from R again, since I'd have no hope whatsoever of loading and unloading the groceries by myself. He took the "using my crutches" thing to a whole other level today. Every time we'd go by people, he'd get all loud, pretending he was in pain and he was actually the one who needed the crutches and I was just lazily denying him use of the cart.

We passed one couple and he told the man that I was using the cart because my toenail polish needed to dry. When I got a little ahead of R, the man's wife pulled him aside and asked if I really was keeping him from the cart. I felt bad that the lady was actually concerned for him, but it really was pretty hilarious.

National protest against Prop 8 tomorrow

2008-11-14T22:45:00.001-08:00

Visit Join the Impact for information on how to participate.

"What is this to you?"

2008-11-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

I've been over and over the shame that is the passage of Prop 8 since the election and it still doesn't get any easier to swallow that that actually happened. It makes me want to be sick, especially in extreme juxtaposition to the hope and joy I feel as a result of our Presidential election.

We're better than that. How did that happen?

NEVERMIND the debated effectiveness of the "No on 8" campaign.
NEVERMIND that other minority groups voted overwhelmingly (70% and 50%+) to discriminate against another minority group.
NEVERMIND that I don't know that I even know what the "sanctity of marriage" is, since heterosexuals have amassed a less than stellar success rate.

Here's what: I don't understand, honestly, why anyone gets to vote about something like this? How is our system so fucked up that people can put up a ballot measure that writes discrimination into the constitution? And then people are allowed to vote on it? Really?

And with that, I concede to Keith Olbermann's video that G posted here yesterday. It's heartfelt and amazing and says a million things that need to be said:

No, really. He's on it.

2008-11-10T17:50:00.001-08:00

President-elect Obama's advisers are quietly crafting a proposal to ship dozens, if not hundreds, of imprisoned terrorism suspects to the United States to face criminal trials, a plan that would make good on his promise to close the Guantanamo Bay prison but could require creation of a controversial new system of justice.

I know this one's not going to be easy to figure out (nor is pretty much any other massive mess he's inheriting.) But damn if I don't love that he's prioritizing giving it a shot, too.

His election really is a rebirth for possibility. We may, again, be able to lead by example instead of hypocrisy.

"Be the change you want to see in the world." ~Mahatma Gandhi

Obama's on it.

2008-11-09T15:10:00.001-08:00

"President-elect Barack Obama is poised to move swiftly to reverse actions that President Bush took using executive authority, and his transition team is reviewing limits on stem cell research and the expansion of oil and gas drilling, among other issues, members of the team said Sunday."

I don't want to get all hyperbolic already, but he may, in fact, do more good in his first week in office than Bush did in 8 years.

(The issue of stem cell research in particular is one that's become increasingly more important to me, due to the possibility and hope it represents for those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.)

I know he needs more time to ramp up, but can't Obama just take over now?

Here comes the Bao Bao.

2008-11-08T02:00:00.001-08:00

I saw my friend L marry M tonight on Treasure Island. (Congrats, kids!) The ceremony was short and sweet (best kind, really) and the entire evening was punctuated by all things them. Some of the best things about L are her idiosyncracies - she cracks me up. And in M she's found a great match for that.

For one, much discussed at our table, they had their own custom cocktail. (It was blue, made of champaigne and, um, something blue that I cannot recall.) But the best part was that they had a large unicorn ice sculpture through which it was poured/served. Through the unicorn head; out its stomach. Who does that? L & M did.

There were 9 (I think) bridesmaids to the 3 (I think) groomsmen. L has a Masters in Writing. But she clearly did not want to edit.

Both of the father's gave completely free-spirited speeches after the Matron of Honor and Best Man offered their own. The Best Man offered up that they all once thought that M "played for the other team." I love that this factoid was presented at his wedding over a microphone.

And finally, their adorable dog Bao Bao represented as ring bearer. He really did a hell of a job. At the "you may kiss the bride" part of it all, we could hear what we thought was an enthusiastic guest cheering/hooting for them, ala The Dogpound on The Arsenio Hall Show. Once the clapping subsided, we realized it was Bao Bao, barking his approval.

DJ amusement included, it was great to be a part of the evening that they created.

The recovery

2008-11-06T20:10:00.003-08:00

It's been another two weeks, so I went back for the latest follow-up with the surgeon today.

So far, the knee's healing well. External swelling is barely visible at this point and my mobility is increasing. There's still pain, but generally there's less of it. Which means there's also less Vicodin in my life.

The rest of the leg is taking its time. Despite all my best efforts, there has been quite a bit of atrophy in my left thigh and calf muscles (which was to be expected I guess.) So in addition to the exercises I have to do increase the mobility of the knee, I have to keep up the leg lifts to boost my sad little leg. (It doesn't help that it has to look at my right leg all day, essentially mocking it with its health and muscle.)

The main part of the recovery is one I cannot monitor, the internal repair of my thigh bone and cartilage and such. That's going to continue to take a while, and there's little I can do to speed up my body's repair of itself. (I'm drinking more milk, just in case.) The crutches remain a part of my life, for at least the next 5 weeks. And then we'll see.

In terms of getting back into more physical activity, that won't happen until 2009. He said they generally have an idea of how long the recovery takes, but since it cannot be viewed via MRI, I may require another scope to see if I am healing enough to really begin to use the leg regularly and then, more extensively.

'Til then, the triceps are looking fantastic.

Thinkin' 'bout stuff

2008-11-06T20:10:00.001-08:00

There's so much I want to say about the election and all its results entail, but I keep finding myself at a loss for words when I get before the keyboard.

Hopefully I'll have some more time for my mind to settle down this weekend so I can purge some of my thoughts.

Extra, extra. Read all about it.

2008-11-05T22:42:00.003-08:00

This site has a collection of 730 newspaper covers from 66 different countries, if you want to see how Obama's victory will be archived.

Here's what we got today.
(It's pretty. So pretty.)

Prop 8 is tempering my Obama buzz

2008-11-05T22:42:00.001-08:00

I really thought in my heart of hearts that the right side (aka one that supports equality for all) would prevail on this one.

I'm glad they are not letting this go without a fight. And I'll be happy to continue to fight it with them.

... and that's two ...

2008-11-04T21:03:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gentlemen, our next U.S. President ...
Barack Obama

And I really cannot stop crying.

I got one of my wishes.

2008-11-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

Ohio went for Obama!!!

(And yes, I totally started crying.)

My three wishes for today.

2008-11-04T00:54:00.000-08:00

What he said.

2008-11-04T00:18:00.001-08:00

"... and then, by the grace of Allah, comrade Obama and his Nubian army will usher in a new era of socialism and gay marriage."

~Bill Maher

Word on the street from Cincinnati

2008-11-03T00:18:00.001-08:00

My friend M & I had a good and hilarious chat this evening about many things, including the election.

She thinks Obama is going to take OH. I really hope she's right. (I don't have the patience to continue to explain how it was actually a blue state in 2004. And I also want to see my home state break away from the party that has hurt them so badly for so long.)

Here's how she sees it going down:

"No matter which way it goes, it's gonna be close.
And no matter which way it goes, people are gonna riot."

If only they had done that ...

2008-11-02T15:20:00.001-08:00

(Thanks, J.)

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

2008-11-01T06:00:00.001-07:00

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.

I would be remiss if I didn't make mention of this, since it's a cause so close to me (and my family.) Yet, because it's so close to me, it's something I don't mention often because it's too hard to talk about. So I'll keep this short.

If you have a moment, please take the time to sign the Presidential Proclamation, calling on the 44th President of the U.S. to create a responsible plan to end Alzheimer's Disease. (The Proclamation is here.)

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T10:20:00.001-07:00

I was right; people at work did the holiday proud. At least half of the company was dressed up, and not just sort of dressed up. We're talking dressed up and fully in character.

We had a gathering around noon so everyone could show off their costumes and such and it was like paparazzi with all the cameras flashing and people posing. At one point, all the people in costume went outside for photos in front of the building. The timing was pretty great, because at that moment, one of the massive SF tour buses was passing by. (I hope we enhanced the tour.)

The costume contest winner was a guy who dressed up as a contestant on Double Dare. His costume was thorough and hilarious and he was absolutely ready for the physical challenge. I'll post up a photo as soon as I have one.

Thanks to a suggestion from E, I decided to incorporate my crutches into my "costume" (as it were.) My friend D got attacked at a cafe near our office a month or so ago. (He was o.k. Don't worry.) For today, I gave myself a fake black eye, put tape over the top of my nose, and had a couple other strategically placed Band-Aids. I made and wore a shirt that said, "Doug beat me up at Cafe Francisco."

D got a good laugh out of it, as did most of the other people in the office who knew it had happened. I got a good laugh when I realized that a lot of people didn't know I really am on crutches, and thought that was just part of the costume. (I love the idea that I would have just created a costume based on how another employee had beat me up without some impetus to do so.)

I got in 6 1/2 hours today, and again, was completely drained when I got home. I am bummed that my recovery is going to be keeping me away from this party this year. But between the large staircase leading up to D's place, and my need to rest after the longer day today, it's just not to be.

Still easing my way back

2008-10-30T14:35:00.001-07:00

I put in 5 1/2 hours in the office today, continuing to build on my return to the office yesterday. Even though I'm beat down in the evenings, I'm convinced that going back in these growing intervals was the way to go.

I got a lot done today and figured out a few more ways to make accommodations for my limited range of movement in the office. And I got to catch up with a friend I hadn't seen for a while, so that was probably the best part.

Similar to yesterday, I crashed for a couple hours after I got home. And then I treated myself to a little hot tub time before prepping for Halloween tomorrow. Our company does it up on Halloween so I'm glad I'll be up and around and able to see all of it.

Brief return to work

2008-10-29T23:51:00.001-07:00

I've been working from home since late last week and cabin fever has been getting the best of me. I thought it was best to start easing my way back into the workplace, even if it was only for partial days, so I could start building up my stamina for the world again.

Today went all right. I was only there for about 4 hours, and it was good to catch up with people and get a few things done that I couldn't do from home. We rigged a setup under my desk so I can keep my leg elevated while I sit. I started to get a good sense of what was going to be a problem to pull off and I'll have time to fine tune the best way to get things done effectively while I'm at a limited capacity.

Mostly, it was good to see people again. I even inadvertently helped a friend win a bet. (Well, I didn't help the person win. I just revealed that the other person in the bet had lost when he wasn't around.) Long story. Anyway ...

I'm glad I went, but it was exhausting. Within 5 minutes of walking in the door, I was back in bed with the leg propped up and iced, and nearly asleep.

We'll see how it all goes tomorrow.

Motorized shopping carts

2008-10-28T16:02:00.001-07:00

A friend sent me a pretty hilarious and detailed list of some of the perks of being on crutches (ex: scams, pills) and various activity suggestions (ex: crutch art) I can take on while I'm laid up.

One perk I discovered last night was the motorized shopping cart. In truth, I think my roommate had more fun than I did, running around the store with my crutches (which are a good 6" too short for him.) Still, the relief of being able to ride around was pretty great.

I never even noticed them before, even though they sit parked and charging right as you walk into the store. The controls take a bit of getting used to, and I was scared a couple times that I was going to crash into a display because the breaks don't respond all that quickly. Once I got the hang of it, it was kind of fun. (*shrugs* I haven't been out in a while.)

However, one does wonder how people who need to use the carts who live alone manage to unload the groceries from their cars. If I used plastic bags, I could probably pull it off in multiple trips. But there's no way I'm getting kitty litter into this house.

Woo! Free tacos!

2008-10-27T04:48:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the offer, but come on, Taco Bell. 2p-6p? That's weak sauce. You know as well as I do that most people don't eat at your fine establishment until around midnight.

The gecko claw

2008-10-24T22:53:00.001-07:00

There was a story on the news about a device that's being developed by Berkeley researchers that would allow humans to scale walls of buildings. I think my roommate and I were both largely ignoring the story, engrossed in our laptops, but then we heard this gem of a quote from Dr. Michael North:

“Think if you want to go do search and rescue, right? And you don’t want to send a human in … you want to send a little robot in. Well all of a sudden you have a robot that can go over any surface. Think about the coffee cup that doesn't slip. I mean, we could change coffee drinking forever.”

My roommate and I both simultaneously looked up from our laptops at each other and then to the TV with a "did he just say that?" And then we started cracking up.

First of all, huh? He was just talking about search and rescue and then all of a sudden he was talking about coffee drinking? It made me wonder if that wasn't why he'd started the project in the first place. (I'm sure many inventions with shallow intentions have probably become applicable in more important scenarios. But don't let me know that's what you were going for, o.k.?)

Second of all, BIG props to the editor of the segment for leaving that bit about coffee in, because it easily could have been cut out. But it would not have been nearly as joyous a sound bite.

You can see the story and the demonstration of the gecko claws here. Dr. North's verbal gift is at 1:44.

It's not the lack of regular use of the leg.

2008-10-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

With crutches, I think the bigger issue is not being able to use my arms.

I've been trying to come up with clever ways to get around this, and haven't ruled out the idea of rocking a fanny pack.

No, Ice Cube. Today was not a good day.

2008-10-23T20:48:00.001-07:00

I had my post-op meeting with my surgeon today.

Apparently, my situation has been caused by this condition.

I've also learned, much to my chagrin, that I will be on crutches for at least another 2 months.

This is probably the most deflating, exhausting, and painful day I've had since the surgery.

It's been less than a week.

2008-10-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

I'm already over this.

The Knee Chronicles, Vol. 3

2008-10-16T20:15:00.001-07:00

I have surgery tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. It's arthroscopic surgery so I should be home by lunch time.

They are going to remove the stray piece of bone and also repair where the break took place. The former should be relatively routine. The latter, according to the surgeon, will "depend on how things go once they get in there."

I don't know how much writing I'll be doing in the coming days. For the next couple, probably not so much. For the ones after that, I'm hoping for some Vicodin-influenced gonzo-style writing.

Eff You and Your Effing Air Quotes

2008-10-15T23:36:00.001-07:00

Puh-effing-lease.

The Knee Chronicles, Vol. 2

2008-10-14T00:43:00.000-07:00

Good news: It's not torn cartilage.

Bad news: Apparently, a piece of bone has broken from the bottom of my thigh bone and is all up in one of my knee joints now. (I don't really know how that happens, but that's what happened.) The orthopedic guy said it's probably not something I did nor something I could have prevented. That doesn't comfort me greatly.

So I'll have to have surgery. I meet the surgeon tomorrow a.m.

The Knee Chronicles

2008-10-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

(Eh, what the heck ... more people know about it than should, so I may as well own it and share it.)

Somehow I managed to jack up one of my already jacked up knees a few weeks ago. Unlike most other times with my knees, it wasn't getting better on its own, so I conceded to seeing a doctor. My doctor thought I had some kind of cyst, and referred me to an orthopedist, as well as ordering an ultrasound. The orthopedist didn't agree with the whole cyst thing, instead telling me that I tore cartilage in the back of my knee and he ordered an MRI.

I had the ultrasound this morning. My knee isn't pregnant. And the tech said that the results wouldn't be in for a couple days, but she didn't see a cyst either.

I had the MRI this evening. I won't know those results for a few days since they need to send them to the orthopedist. (Though they gave me a copy of the films, I suppose, as a souvenir of my experience.)

I got to keep my head and shoulders out of the machine, but every time it would adjust and pull me into the tube a little more, I freaked out. So I think I must be claustrophobic, which is new to me. Also, when you are forced to sit absolutely still for over 30 minutes, wear earplugs AND those headphones they give babies at concerts, and all you can hear is the VERY loud banging of the MRI tube that you are sure will eat you any minute, your mind bugs out. At least, mine did. My thoughts went to some crazy places. And I thought I'd lost control of my legs at one point, thought for sure I was moving them when I wasn't.

In general, the MRI experience looks much better on House.

Until the results are in, it's just going to hurt. I'll continue to hobble, and manage my intake of Vicodin. Which also looks much more fun on House.

Happy birthday, Miss Zoe!

2008-10-07T19:32:00.001-07:00

She's hitting the fantastic 5 today!

(Zoe - Your ming owes you a phone call...)

Ohio's stepping it up

2008-10-05T00:14:00.001-07:00

Good on you, Buckeye State. Keep it up.

And make sure that voters get to vote.

Happy Birthday, Ally!!!

2008-10-04T16:23:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday from your ming.

I wish you no Math homework today!

Best. Analogy. Ever.

2008-10-03T20:22:00.001-07:00

I'm watching Real Time with Bill Maher and Garry Shandling just offered up this gem when speaking of last night's Vice Presidential debates:

"Joe Biden, I thought, handled [Palin] ... this is how I think he prepared for her, Bill. I think he watched tapes of how Johnny Carson used to deal with Charo."

"Coochie coochie" to you, Mr. Shandling.

Damn. Now I have to respect Michigan.

2008-10-02T11:24:00.001-07:00

You gonna take that, Ohio?

It's pointless ...

2008-09-30T00:00:00.001-07:00

... to fly into Vegas during daylight hours, even if it's only for a layover.

The lights are totally the best part.

I miss thunder and lightning storms.

2008-09-29T21:04:00.001-07:00

We're getting a doozy right now.

The rain is pouring on the roof, the lightning is flashing, and the thunder is booming.

Why can't we have these in CA?

Out with the bro and his missus

2008-09-28T00:18:00.001-07:00

I don't remember the last time I was out in da club with my brother, but last night was definitely the first time I'd been out with him and his wife. Here's a few things I (re)learned from the adventure:

I don't know my way around the "new" downtown Columbus at all.
Spice is schizophrenic as hell. There were 4 (or 5) rooms, all with different music, vibes, decor, etc. I suppose that's all right if you want a variety of people and such, but if you're going to own another bar nearby anyway (yes, there's another bar called Sugar) then just go with a couple themes.
The Humpty Dance is your chance to do the hump.
My brother and I might be old. My brother's wife isn't.
Out of those 4 (or 5) rooms, only one bartender knew how to properly pour/serve a Jameson neat.
Why stay in the Euro-clubbin' room with the Russians when you can be ghetto on the patio?

Following our adventures when my brother drove us back, my mom helped me see that one thing has NOT changed. White Castle is still the best place to be at 3:00 a.m., with its burgers, and crinkle fries, and red pop.

With the Buckeye victory clenched today ...

2008-09-27T08:50:00.001-07:00

... LT thought it was safe to take a nap on my shoulder.Meanwhile, her mom and sisters posed for the camera.

(Yes, they are all big Laurinaitis fans.)

Know your audience.

2008-09-26T13:56:00.002-07:00

Today's Southwest Airlines cabin crew clearly knew to whom they were speaking.

Before the whole "here's how you fasten a seatbelt" demo began, one of the flight attendants got on the PA and said we needed to give a round of applause to one of the other attendants as she'd just won an award. Everyone started clapping, and then he said, "She just got the award for Biggest Michigan Wolverines fan!" As it was a flight with a destination in Columbus (my connection that started in Vegas,) the claps turned to boos and after she gave him a look of death, laughs.

Then he said we'd have better luck with the other flight attendant ... 'cause she was a USC fan. More boos. (No, I'm not sorry they lost yesterday.)

In related news, in talking to the man in the row with me, he revealed he was actually born during an Ohio State/Michigan game. He said Michigan won that one, but I suppose that's probably still a good story for parties.

What it's like to be in the Las Vegas airport

2008-09-26T13:56:00.001-07:00

WHEEL!

OF!

FORTUNE!

I used to respect authority figures.

2008-09-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

"I also understand the frustration of responsible Americans who pay their mortgages on time, file their tax returns every April 15th, and are reluctant to pay the cost of excesses on Wall Street."

No, you don't.

I'm pissed off and fresh out of intelligent responses. So as my brother would say, "Why don't you fuck off and have a sandwich?"

Here's what I can do with 10 minutes, Powerpoint, and a glass of wine

2008-09-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

Feel free and use it, but speak kindly of me (and please credit me) if you do.

Thanks for J and G for the inspiration and feedback this evening as it came together.

(Photo borrowed from Mother Jones)

Kevin day

2008-09-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

What a difference a year makes.

We lost Kevin a year ago today. By "we" I could simply say I mean everyone who knew him, but today I just speak of our team at work, as those were the people I spent the day with today.

I didn't write about him passing away a year ago - things were too surreal, too crazy, and they just stayed crazy for months. Most of us were completely shell-shocked. I don't know what I would have said then anyway. I'm not even sure what I want to say now.

We lost him a couple weeks shy of his 37th birthday, and we celebrated that birthday (a few days early) and his life with an amazing memorial day in San Francisco near the ocean. Strangely, that day was one of the best ones I had in 2007, if not one of the better days I'd had in the near decade I'd been in CA at the time.

Things changed a lot the day we lost Kevin. Many adjustments were made quickly because they had be to keep things going, and keep ourselves going. There are other ways we were altered that were more gradual and more internal, and some I'm just starting to fathom. Some days I think I learned from the experience and a lot of days I curse myself for feeling like I didn't learn enough.

I miss you, Kev.

Is any part of the country NOT falling apart?

2008-09-22T17:54:00.001-07:00

I am sometimes accused of being a pessimist, so I just thought I'd check.

Everything's kinda going to shit right now, right? That's not just me, right?

I would tell you a story about the batting cage ...

2008-09-21T00:08:00.001-07:00

... but when we went today (after talking to them yesterday about specifics) they were inexplicably closed.

Boo.

How did I miss that?

2008-09-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

A co-worker pulled me aside earlier this week and told me that there was a rumor going around that one of our employees at our new office was the brother of someone famous. My response was 1) "Bullshit - we would have heard." and 2) "Why the hell didn't that occur to me?" (Their last name is kind of unique, and I was surprised it never occured to my music nerd brain when I first heard his name.)

So we asked someone that we figured would know, and she didn't know either. We did some online research and found out it wasn't true. There you go.

Cut to today - he was at our office for the day. I was talking with him and when we were wrapping up I said, "By the way, you were the subject of a rumor in the office this week." I launched into the story and he laughed. "No, she's not my sister."

"She's my cousin."

There you go.

Where am I again?

2008-09-16T21:33:00.001-07:00

I booked my flight back to the homeland (for a trip to meet LT) today. And when I received my email confirmation, my general (lack of) intelligence was confirmed as well.

After years of booking plane tickets, it would seem that for some reason, I have not grasped the difference between "departure city" and "arrival city." Yes, I had booked a flight from OH to CA and back. Which is unfortunate since I actually live in CA and am attempting to get to OH.

Fortunately, the customer service lady at the airline was fantastic.

"Can I help you?"
"Um, I hope so. I just did something stupid. I mixed up my departure and arrival cities so I can't use the flight I just booked."

She had a laugh, said that people do that all the time (I don't know if it's true, but I appreciate her saying that,) and had me re-booked with the cities in the correct order in less than 10 minutes with no extra fee or fuss. I know it's elusive, but good customer service actually does exist.

Upon further reflection ...

2008-09-14T23:00:00.001-07:00

... I think I would date someone who was once in a porn.

There's something about the words "certain death" ...

2008-09-13T01:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know. They just seem so, um, certain.

"Those who refused were told to write their names on their arms in black marker, so their bodies could be identified later."

I'm sorry, but when someone tells you to break out the Sharpie, it's time to go. Faith, fate, whatever. It's time to go.

sigh

2008-09-07T01:12:00.001-07:00

Why can't I be one of the cool kids?

(Eh, it's probably because I'm asking that question.)

I do NOT wake up early for this bull$*@#

2008-09-06T02:16:00.001-07:00

Buckeyes, y'all had better pull this out, and this had better be the best effing psych-out for USC in the history of the world.

'Cause you're losing to OU right now. That's weak sauce.

(Update: 14:00, 4th quarter - O.K. So now we're up 19-14. They best be on a roll.)
(Update: 6:00, 4th quarter - A kick-ass punt return. That's more like it. Up 26-14.)
(Update: FINAL - 26-14 - Yeah, the Buckeyes won. But that was some shoddy ball-playing.)

A note to the commentators, the Buckeyes didn't play like ass because Beanie was on the sidelines. They simply played like ass. I appreciate the laziness it takes to attribute everything to Wells' toe, but he did not make Pretorius miss an extra point.

Beanie's working the bench

2008-09-04T00:21:00.001-07:00

Did anyone actually expect Beanie to play in this Saturday's game vs. that school I almost attended?

I'm guessing no.

It was a joke, LT. They totally love you.

2008-09-03T18:00:00.001-07:00

She must have seen that last post out of context.

Clearly, she's not happy.
And I think she's trying to flip someone off with her little left hand.

(That's my girl!)

I think LT has lost her new car smell.

2008-09-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

Leading up to her (delayed) arrival, there were constant phone calls and such.

For the first week of her life, there were constant photos.

But ever since she turned 2 weeks old, it's been pretty quiet. I think they are pretty much over her now. Either that, or they've shunned her since she turned Asian.

Columbus Clippers, Ring Your Bell.

2008-09-01T17:29:00.001-07:00

So long, Cooper Stadium.

I sang that bell song enough times that it's still burned in my memory all these years later. I don't know where my Clippers cowbell ended up, but I think Mom's basement is a safe bet.

If it's not too late and someone wants to make the case, I saw Huey Lewis & the News play at Cooper Stadium back in the day. That should qualify it for historical status, right?

Columbus Clippers, our team is number one
Columbus Clippers, our fans are half the fun
No matter who they're playing, they'll always play 'em well
Columbus Clippers, ring your bell

OSU - 43, Youngstown State - 0

2008-08-30T00:47:00.000-07:00

There's not much of a gratifying sense of victory in watching the Buckeyes pummel Youngstown State. I know YS apparently made much moolah by coming into the horseshoe and allowing us to get all second and third string on them, but yikes. I'm happy for the win, but out of respect for Tressel's alma mater, I'll use lowercase - go bucks.

WTF, Beanie? Seriously. Get well soon, Mr. Wells. We can beat USC without you, but it will be less stressful and more fun to watch with you.

Glad to see Pryor get some field time. Gladder still that he was not able to convert immediately. I know that might sound strange, wishing against automatic success of a Buckeye on the field, but I want this kid to stay as humble as possible for as long as possible.

These 12:00p EST game starts are going to kill me. But I am grateful for the Big Ten Channel for existing so I can see them. (AP Photo)

Here come the politics.

2008-08-29T00:26:00.001-07:00

I think it's going to be MUCH harder for me to bite my tongue this time around.

Luckily for myself and everyone else, I'm too tired to fight tonight.

I ain't gonna lie ...

2008-08-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

... I already have Buckeye anxiety in my gut, as the first game of the season inches closer and closer (2 more days!!!)

The s*#t talking has already begun at my work. (The USC fans have been coming out of the woodwork.) I was already nervous enough about the showdown in SoCal on the 13th. Now I gotta try to muster up some indignant posturing.

I was definitely less anxious coming into last season, which I can attribute largely to the juxtaposition of the low expectations put on the team last year and the overwhelming hype focused on the team this year. As any Buckeye fan knows, though, it doesn't matter how the team is ranked, how they perform, or who they beat. For all the high rankings (and this year, Heisman candidates) there will be a slip by the Bucks and suddenly "OSU sucks," "the Big Ten sucks," and "the Buckeyes didn't deserve to be where they were in the first place."

Whatev, jealous people. Stop hatin' and enjoy the game.

"Caltrans crews are soaking up the vodka with absorbent."

2008-08-28T13:24:00.001-07:00

If by "absorbent" they mean "really big straws."

Bless her heart.

2008-08-27T00:08:00.001-07:00

Rest in peace, Del Martin.

Now I'm even more happy than ever they were able to be married again.
As it should be.

"We don't need four more years of the last eight years."

2008-08-26T23:42:00.000-07:00

That right there is what you call a truth.

Why I'm not out tonight

2008-08-26T20:50:00.001-07:00

My friend planned for us to hang out all evening in the East Bay (and go to this bar he heard of that doesn't allow anyone under 30) since he was flying out really late from OAK.

And then he called last night to tell me that he didn't realize that a flight at 1:00a on a Tuesday is actually Tuesday morning, so he wouldn't be able to make it after all, since he'd be leaving in a few hours.

(hee.)

Woo.

2008-08-25T09:11:00.001-07:00

Tavalodat mobarak - تولدت مبارک

2008-08-24T01:26:00.001-07:00

(That's "happy birthday" in Farsi, in case you ever need to use it.)

My CA family had another one of their legendary parties last night, this time in celebration of R's 18th birthday. I knew she was turning 18, but it didn't dawn on me until I saw her that night that I had met her for the first time about a month before she turned 8. She's all grownsed up.

As always, the house and backyard were packed with loud conversations between family and friends, the smell of great food, and upbeat Persian and pop music. As always, it was a blast.

I brought my friend G, who in turn brought her husband, and they got to meet the family and then some. We also got to meet one of R's coaches (and his wife) from which we learned about Runners High. (They are screening the film at the Oakland Museum on September 5. Hopefully you'll hear more about that at a later date.)

In true good party fashion, the cops showed up around 12:30a (after the neighbors complained) and shut down the music. It was a bummer to end things so abruptly, (but it did save me from having to hear "I Kissed a Girl" for the gazillionth time.)