Grendel's Lair

A Blast(off) From The Past

2011-04-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

I remember having this album. I was four years old when I first heard it.

Side A was a radio-style play depicting the futuristic solar system of 1985, where we have apparently colonized most of the terrestrial planets and moons in the system. This story represents the first astronauts/cosmonauts under the age of 21 to make an unassisted voyage to the Moon. They start on what I believe is a space station in geosynchronous orbit around Earth.

Along the way, the children (who sound about 10-12-years old) make expository dialogue about Lunar development from the first landing by Apollo 11 in 1969 to 1985's colonies. They also give some now-slightly-dated facts about the Moon (not all of the craters were caused by meteor impact; Apollo 17 revealed volcanic evidence). My first exposure to "classical music" was the segment of Strauss' The Blue Danube Waltz during the children's nap. They make it to the lunar colony, greeted by a cheering crowd and an MC who promises a big party in celebration.

Side B represents the party music, some rock songs supplemented by space noises and the lunar crowd cheering between tracks. One of the songs I recognized was a souped-up version of Greensleeves. Another was The Camptown Races. The other pieces were songs that were contemporary but enjoyable.

Yes, it's totally dated now. What we know about the moon, 1980's technology, and gender roles, this album shows its age. It is still a fun romp to listen to (even the B-side rock songs).

If you are interested, the album is abandoned (the label is defunct) and the download link is here...

My Computer (Part II).........

2010-10-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

.....is dead.

Yep, it finally bit the dust today. Not that it wasn´t giving me any warnings; I could only run the machine for an hour or so without a driver failing, causing the blue screen.

The RAM on my system has always been shaky. I believe that shakiness eventually became a short that popped my motherboard (remember, kiddies: a PCś motherboard only uses 8 volts of electricity. It doesn´t take a lot to knock it out).

Well, if ANYONE has an old system that isn´t falling apart, I would be glad to take it off your hands.

My Computer

2010-06-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

....is dying...

I have a failing RAM chip (or memory port) and my hard drives are starting to go.

Fortunately, I have backed up my critical data. I knew this was coming (plus the fact that my IT classes are showing me good habits) so I got enough DVD's to do the job (those 42+GB of mp3's...).

Anyways, if anyone has some hardware that is just a few years old (good machine with a decent graphics card) who wants someone to take it off of their hands, just let me know.........

Home On LaGrange

2010-05-22T05:26:00.001-07:00

Ahh, here is something to sing by the fusion camp fire...at the 60-degree orbit points......

(to the tune of "Home On The Range")

Oh, give me a locus where the gravitons focus
        Where the three-body problem is solved,
        Where the microwaves play down at three degrees K,
        And the cold virus never evolved.

                       (chorus)

We eat algea pie, our vacuum is high,
        Our ball bearings are perfectly round.
        Our horizon is curved, our warheads are MIRVed,
        And a kilogram weighs half a pound.
                    (chorus)

If we run out of space for our burgeoning race
        No more Lebensraum left for the Mensch
        When we're ready to start, we can take Mars apart,
        If we just find a big enough wrench.

                  (chorus)

I'm sick of this place, it's just McDonald's in space,
        And living up here is a bore.
        Tell the shiggies, "Don't cry," they can kiss me goodbye
        'Cause I'm moving next week to L4!

                  (chorus)

CHORUS: Home, home on LaGrange,
        Where the space debris always collects,
        We possess, so it seems, two of Man's greatest dreams:
        Solar power and zero-gee sex.

Annie

2009-12-15T23:25:00.001-08:00

Well, I got cast in CCT's production of "Annie" which will open in early 2010. I hope that, in this production:

1.) The dog will actually be active (in the production I did 7 years ago, the dog had to be dragged offstage during the cop chase scene. It was laughable from the audience's perspective, at least)

2.) The actress that plays Annie isn't some prima donna bitch like the last one.

3.) the stage moms that have to take care of the kids who play the orphans don't have as many cucumbers up their behinds.

Oh, well, I am sure it will be great. hope to see you all there!

Open Source Means An Open Mind

2009-11-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a paper I wrote about my intro to Open Source. It is being posted partially as a response to Steve Ballmer's statement condemning it - AFTER his company (Microsoft) got its hands slapped by GNU and the GPL:

I have been into computers for almost 30 years. During this time my interest in computers have changed. In the beginning I was exclusively into computer games. Later on, I expanded into not only other utility software, but also into hardware and software customization. I can understand my evolution into being more serious about computers (including attempting an Associates Degree in IT-CNS) is because of the Linux/Open Source Movement.

During the ‘80’s, computer operating systems were closed and proprietary. IBM did open their hardware specifications for other companies to copy, but other companies were not so generous. I was a teen-ager during this time. Even so, I merely looked at computers as simple game machines, nothing more.

In 1987, I joined the U.S. Army. At that time, I was one of the few soldiers who have actually SEEN a computer, let alone owned one. As my Army career progressed, I ended up instructing other soldiers on how to use them. All I did, however, was show them how to use the piece of software they needed and nothing else. I was never motivated to do anything other than minimal training and playing games.

The Linux kernel came out in 1991; the first operating systems to use the Linux kernel were ready by 1993. As for me, however, I didn’t get involved with it until 2002. A friend introduced me to this new way at looking at a computer: using an OS (operating System) that, if I was good enough, I could REWRITE it to suit my needs.

Linux is Open Source. This means that the Source Code – the series of instructions that someone writes to create a program – is available to everyone. This means that you can take the code, edit it, rewrite it, and compile it to make it your own. It was developed my a man by the name of Linus Torvalds – a Finnish student at the time he designed his kernel, which was inspired by the UNIX kernels.

You do not violate any copyright laws when doing this to any OS or software package that has been declared Open Source. You may do whatever you wish with an Open Source software package. Companies have tried to stop this, by to no avail; Open Source is here to stay.

Once I got introduced to it, there was no turning back. I learned some programming languages, how to do major configurations to systems, even how to redesign the OS. Linux got me interested in the computer itself – not just what games it could play. I got interested enough to attempt to make a career out of it.

Here I am, at ITT Tech, attempting an IT-CNS degree. If all the things that brought me to this path, the main culprits were Linus Torvalds and his kernel.

The Play's The Thing....Again

2009-07-27T10:32:00.001-07:00

Well, the play I have written and directed for Gypsies In A Trunk: Fairy Tales In The Park will be opening this Saturday, August 1.

I have written a more than slightly fractured version of the old tale, The Pied Piper. This play, like all of the other park plays, is free of charge and will be touring various parks around Ventura County over the next two weekends (performances Aug 1, 2, and 8). You can get more information about all of our plays in the parks at:

http://www.fairytalesinthepark.com/

Hope to see some of you there!

"Anyone.....Anyone....."

2009-07-01T23:32:00.001-07:00

RANT ON

Some of you may know already that I have enrolled in ITT Tech. So far, the entry-level classes I am taking are interesting, if not challenging.

What is getting me is the absolute LACK of activity in many of my associate students. I have observed that most of these "studying dead" are fresh out of high school.

Without going into too much detail, let's just say that two of my classes require some form of basic creativity in the form of the-answer-isn't-directly-in-the-front-of-your-face-with-a-big-fucking-neon-sign-flashing-rather-you-have-to-think-for-yourself-or-research-the-answer-on-your-own.

You must understand that, although ITT Tech is cheaper than most colleges/universities around where I am, it still isn't pennies. These kids are paying tens of thousands of simoleans to go here to stare at the instructor with their mouths open. I hope they don't get too much into debt and drop out while they still can salvage their credit ratings.

Oh, well, maybe I am asking too much, but it really SUCKS when I seem to be the ONLY one that can answer any of the instructor's questions when he throws one out to us. It is getting that the instructor says to the class: "Can anyone ELSE, other than him, answer these questions, guys? Come on, what are you paying for?"

Okay, RANT OFF. Back to my "studies...."

Pie Jesu Domine, Dona Eo Requiem

2009-03-04T00:25:00.001-08:00

Today, March 4, marks the first anniversary of the death of Ernest Gary Gygax - the founder of modern role-playing games.

Loved his work, or hated it, GG set the initial standard for our favorite hobby. One of the quotations from him that I remember the most was:

"The secret that we should never let the gamemasters know, is that they don't need any rules."

This is something I learned in my early stages of GM'ing. Most good GM's learn this. GG was, I believe, a good GM - the way GM's should treat "their" games.

Many newbie RP'ers don't know who GG was. I found, a few years ago in a comic shop in Simi Valley, California, many kids who were interested in this "3rd Edition D&D" stuff. They didn't know what it was (a few wondered what card sets went with it) or where it came from. It was up to me, and a few others, to edjamacate them.

Because of the demise of The Great GM on this day, several RPG companies and groups have declared this day, March 4, as GM Day. For all of us GM's, this day is for us as well. Many game companies are offering promotions on this day. Check out your favorite company and see what they are offering.

I will sign off now from another quotation from the man who gave us the pastime that will stay with us for the rest of our lives:

"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else."

And The Winner Is...........A Corpse!!!

2009-02-23T16:47:00.001-08:00

I didn't watch the Oscars last night. I just looked in the paper this morning to see who/what won.......

I see that the Late Heath Ledger received the Golden Statue for his work in "The Dark Knight." What kind of crap is this???? HELLO....HE'S DEAD!!!! He has passed on! He has left his life behind! Did I happen to mention that he is dead?

Keep in mind: the Oscar he received wasn't some kind of Lifetime Achievement Award; it was for BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR.

My main problems with wasting an Oscar on Heath Ledger are twofold:

1. Did I mention already that THE ACTOR DIED many moons ago?
2. The Dark Knight did pretty well at the box office and DVD sales. IT DOESN'T NEED PROMOTION!!!

Slumdog Millionaire seems like a good choice for being a multi-statue winner: it looks like a good movie that nobody in the U.S. bothered to see. Sean Penn, Kate Winslet, and Penelope Cruz are excellent choices as well. All three of them have a large corpus laborum consisting of excellent talent and dedication. And, unlke Mr. Ledger, they're STILL ALIVE!!

There are plenty of actors out there that slaved over a hot script last year with comparable bodies of work. Ones who have excellent talent and dedication to their craft. I love this: all of you were passed over by a corpse! I am sure you are all very happy for the rotting carcass and wish it well while it rests 6-feet under...

I am sure all of the African American Special Interest Groups are up in arms right now: no Oscar this year for the token black actor. They've been skunked by a cadaver as well!

Now, if they dug up Heath's body, dragged it up to the podium at the ceremony, and spliced bits of dialogue from his various projects to make his speech and played it over the P.A. system, then it would have been worthwhile to give him the prize (and it would've been pretty cool to watch).......

Update

2009-02-15T21:01:00.001-08:00

Well, the show on Feb 14 went very well. We had a decent turnout and it didn't take too long - even with all of the extra stuff.

Our LAST showing is March 6 at Paul's Italian Villa in Simi Valley. You can get reservations at the Gypsies' site here.

Hope to seee some of you there!

Well, Here We Go Again...

2009-02-15T20:52:00.001-08:00

...with The Pirates of Channel Islands.

This Saturday, Feb 14, we will be doing a private show in Palmdale's Lions Club or something like that. I think we have a show in Simi Valley's Paul's Italian Villa in March. I will keep everyone posted if it is a go.

I hope this next season is better.

What I Am Thankful For This Thanksgiving....

2008-11-26T22:12:00.001-08:00

Hmmm....on this American holiday, this will be interesting......

1. I am thankful that my lower intestines never turn inside-out every time I fart.

2. I am thankful for the Pacific Ocean - otherwise it would be too easy for the Indonesians to invade...

3. I am thankful for g-strings.

4. I am thankful for living in a country that allows homebrewing.

5. I am thankful for having the patience to deal with all of the morons that seem to waste my time whenever I am in Camarillo, California.

6. I am thankful for knowing that Ventura County, California is not like Los Angeles County, California - YET!!

7. I am thankful for the fact that, no matter how bad life seems, there are always people in worse shape than me - like government workers.

8. I am thankful for knowing that I don't know everything, but more than most people.

9, I am thankful that life goes on after puberty.

10. I am thankful for knowing who to love, like and ignore.

11. I am thankful for knowing how to read between the lines when a directer takes me out of the room for a private talk.

12. Lastly, I am thankful for all of the wonderful people that are in my life - you know who you are...

It's That Time Of Year Again...

2008-10-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's the season. For some, it's the worst day of the year. For others, it is the best.

To the religious nutcases out here: GET OVER IT!!! The only ones who persecute you are yourselves and you are not going to "save" anyone. Yelling religious tracts at the kids is just going to get your house egged badly - by their parents.

To the retards out there: You know whom I mean: the kids who don't even bother to dress up for Halloween but go around asking for candy. If you are of single-digit age, it's not your fault. Blame your parent(s). If you are a teen, go away. You're not being clever.
In my neighborhood, you might even get the cops called you at best, shot at worst. We had an incident where party crashers demanded beer during a bachelor party. They were refused and kicked out. They came back shooting - killing the groom-to-be. We are prepared for you this year: either with a cell phone with a hotkey to the cops, or a gun barrel in your face. In short: dress up and put some effort into the game.

To all the freaks out there who can't leave black cats alone: GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!! It's just a kitty! The cat can't help the color of its fur. It is not the sign of Satan ::tm:: . If anything, YOU ARE! Go sacrifice yourselves and do us all a favor. If you touch any of MY black kitties, well see the previous paragraph of what will probably happen to you.

Well, that covers the important parts, except for one more thing:

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN!!!!!

3 Strikes....

2008-10-19T02:52:00.000-07:00

Well, when it comes to the dinner theater show I am doing, The Pirates of Channel Islands, it's been a bummer.

We have had 3 shows canceled so far. People are pulling their reservations. The places where we have our shows have a minimum reservation count. We don't get enough, the show is cut.

Our upcoming schedule is:

Friday, October 24, 2008 – Simi Valley – 8 pm

Saturday, October 25, 2008 – Palmdale – 7:30 pm

Friday, November 7, 2008 – Palmdale – 8 pm

Sunday Champagne Brunch, November 9, 2008 – Simi Valley – 11:30 am

Friday, November 14, 2008 – Simi Valley – 8 pm

Saturday, November 15, 2008 – Palmdale – 7:30 pm

If you have any inkling to see an interactive dinner theater, go to http://www.justmurder.com

Set up a reservation. The Simi show is at Paul's Italian Villa on Cochran Ave. The Palmdale show is at the Holiday Inn. You can get full directions at the website.

Well, I hope that the economy doesn't help kill any more shows...

I'm Shocked...SHOCKED!!

2008-10-08T00:03:00.000-07:00

From the BBC News:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7657299.stm

China makes Nobel prize warning

China has said it hopes the Nobel Peace Prize will reward what it
called "the right person", amid reports that jailed dissidents top the
list of favourites.........

Well, it looks like the Chinese Government officials are a bit pissy about the candidates from their home country that are up for the World's Coveted Free Money Award.....

:: rolling eyes :: OOOhh! I'm SO surprised!!! Considering that the award is for "promoting world peace and human progress", China has no room to talk about Norway's possible decision of awarding it to one of the nations many political prisoners.

I can go on about China's many policies that have attempted to throw humanity back into the Dark Ages, but this blog can only be so long. The toxic paint in the toys they sold to us come to mind, however. The messed-up foodstuffs as well. I guess this is the Chinese Government's way of promoting said peace and human progress...

The government has stated that, if the prize goes to one of these prisoners whose main crime is promoting human rights awareness in the country, relations between China and the West would be strained....

China: I think, with your shitty products, you have been doing that already. The fact that you denied the problems initially didn't help. Please don't make it worse by embarrassing yourselves any further.

Or is that asking too much of you.....

Just So You Know....

2008-09-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

...I have NO INTENTION of posting anything here that directly has anything to do with the coming American Election.

Why, do you ask? Simple: just about everyone else is doing it.

Don't think I am apathetic about the Electoral process. That's far from the reality. Anyone who knows me knows this. I am just trying to be different here.

Now, I know, I should be posting more stuff on this blog, but I am not just going to post stuff that others have posted for the purpose of filling space and getting hits.

Thank you for your attention. Now, back to the ranting......

Goodbye, Cruel World....

2008-09-10T03:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,419404,00.html

...Yes, the machine has been activated, if everything is on schedule. Even now, it is generating a black hole that will devour our planet and make us all miss Paris Hilton's new show....

...wait...I am still here....no "universe dividing by zero" effect yet....I guess that this particle accelerator - one of the biggest PA's in the world, if not THE biggest, is acting like all the others.

I guess the ignorami are going to, once again, find something else to end the world. Don't worry, there are many other events that can bring it on:

Meteor striking

Matthew Broderick- scale Global Thermonuclear War

Giving an Oscar<tm> to a Kevin Smith film

Michael Moore doing an honest documentary

George Lucas stating he "doesn't think his Star Wars<tm> films need reworking anymore.."

Jack Nicholson Missing a Laker game when he's home

The list can go on, but you get the picture. Stop worrying about the end and get a fucking life!!!

An Important Message......

2008-06-08T01:08:00.001-07:00

The following is a form letter, I know, but I think it's important:

*************************************************************

Dear Friend,

Do you want to live in a country that legalizes discrimination?
Despite the recent California Supreme Court decision that
denying same-sex couples the right to marry is unconstitutional,
efforts are underway throughout the country to take away rights
from same-sex couples.

I just joined thousands of others in showing my support for
marriage equality for all. But recently, proponents of bigotry
and hate collected even more signatures in an attempt to
invalidate the California Supreme Court decision. And they won't
stop with California - extremists are even trying to add a ban
of marriage for same-sex couples to the U.S. Constitution.

We are at a turning point in our nation's history and I'm hoping
you'll join me in standing up against discrimination. Please
sign the Million for Marriage petition and get us one name
closer to showing that Americans overwhelmingly support marriage
equality!

http://www.MillionForMarriage.org

Every committed couple deserves to enjoy the privileges and
responsibilities conferred by marriage. Add your name to the
petition and be a part of the movement to fight for marriage
equality for all.

Thank you!

*****************************************************************

Ok, for those of you who think this shit is a threat to your man/womanhood, consider the following:

1. When it comes to dealing with homosexuals of the same sex as yourselves: Get over it! They won't compete with you on your romantic escapades!

2. When it comes to dealing with homosexuals of the opposite sex as yourselves: Get over it! No amount of legislation will make these people want you!

Back to our regularly-scheduled ranting......

Ahhh, The Good Ol' Days...

2008-06-01T05:30:00.001-07:00

From http://www.osnews.com/story/19809

[[Cloanto has released
Amiga Forever 2008, the latest version of their emulation package.
Amiga Forever allows you to launch various instances of different
AmigaOS versions, as well as various old Amiga games. The operating
systems' ROM files are provided on the disk.]]

Yep, some of us still remember the best computer made by the worst computer company. You can find the emulator here at http://www.amigaforever.com

This shows that Old systems never die; they just get emulated......

Finally, It Looks Like NASA Did Something Right For A Change.....

2008-05-26T01:41:00.001-07:00

Taken today from Nasa's site (www.nasa.gov):

NASA's Phoenix spacecraft landed in the northern polar region of Mars
today to begin three months of examining a site chosen for its
likelihood of having frozen water within reach of the lander's robotic
arm.
Radio signals received at 4:53:44 p.m....

After the last two Mars probe poopers, maybe Phoenix will actually work. If we can get this right, maybe there is some hope for a manned expedition sometime this Eon.

I just hope Disney doesn't get a hold of the planet rights.......

It's Here Again!!!

2008-05-23T23:22:00.001-07:00

Yep, time to wipe the pollen dust off of your Bar-B-Que grille, Memorial Day Weekend is here!!

Here is little something I posted last year at this time:

[[Yep, whether you agree or disagree on how the Government decides
to us them, they are people who, usually, get very under-appreciated. I
know; I was one of them in the past. If I had a dime to all the time I
was called "baby killer", "government stooge (whenever a republican was
in office)", or "wannabe Nazi (my personal favorite)"..............]]

Some things never change.

My friend, whom I talked about last year, is still in Iraq. He will be coming home in October. This is the SECOND time he has embarked on this gig. He is, now, one of the "Old Men" of the unit. In 4 years, he will qualify for retirement. If he doesn't get promoted (he is currently an E-6 - a Staff Sergeant) he WILL be retiring. He has put in more time doing what he thinks is best (whether you think this or not) to keep us safe. I wish him god(s)' speed back home.

Well, they will be out there - those that are serving or have served. They don't ask for much, but to remember this day. The reason you and others may be getting a 3-day weekend is to remember those who are gone as well as those who are still with us.

I will leave with my standard Memorial Day disclaimer:
If you guzzle the drink this weekend, cool! Party on! I ask one favor: Please STAY AWAY FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT!! Don't become a statistic out there! Don't make ANYONE ELSE a statistic as well.

Don't burn your face off this weekend as well, priming your grille for the summer season....

Friutcake

2008-05-21T18:22:00.001-07:00

Blargh

Childhood Has Truely Ended

2008-03-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

<<< BRITISH science fiction writer Sir Arthur C. Clarke, author of 2001: A Space Odyssey, has died in Sri Lanka at age 90.

"He has passed away. He had a cardio-respiratory attack," said Rohan de Silva, his personal secretary.

Marking his "90th orbit of the sun" in December, the prolific author and theorist made three birthday wishes: For E.T. to call, for man to kick his oil habit and for peace in Sri Lanka. >>>

My first exposure to his work was when I checked out 2001: a Space Oddessy when I was 8 years old. I didn't really understand the book at the time, but I enjoyed it. I read other books later, of course. My brother really followed his work more closely than myself.

Farewell. You lived doing what you wanted and lived where you wanted - something that we all strive for, but rarely achieve....

Did You Do Your Duty Yesterday?

2008-02-06T04:23:00.000-08:00

Well, I have a bad case of the flu. I have been in my standard condition when I get it - nauseous, off-balance, and euphoric. I can barely get the energy to stand up.....

Nevertheless, I got off my ass, walked the 3 blocks to the hotel where my polling place was, and cast my votes.

Be you Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Green Party, or whatever, I hope you got out (or did absentee) and did your obligation. My story's lesson is there is NO EXCUSE! How many people have I heard who do nothing but complain about the government, but fail to do anything about it? Well, I don't want to hear it, nor you. Probably the reason the government sucks is because of people like you. Get a life or kill yourselves. You'd be doing us all a favor.

Anyways, no matter the outcome, congratulations to all who did their part.

Warning To Windows-Users Visiting Blogs......

2008-01-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

Hit the link to read a little piece of info:

Danger For Blog-Users

This is very typical. Putting any unchecked links to your blog may be hazardous to your computer's health. I will be re-checking the stuff I post and will be removing anything that I deem suspicious.

This is also a hint to update your software. This is, usually, a good thing, assuming the latest packages are compatible with your O.S.....

One more reason I don't surf the web with Window$.....

Happy Hallowe'en!!!

2007-10-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

Well, that time of year again. Time for the
kiddies to go on their traditional trip around the neighborhood and
have a good time getting goodies from people they don't know. It
is also a time for adults to make complete shitheads of themselves.

What I mean by this? Easy. I can categorize my issues accordingly:

1. The Holiday Homicidal Maniac:
You know who you are. 364 days a year, you are a peaceful, law-abiding citizen. On this ONE DAY, you decide that you have to go out and become a statistic by committing some act of senseless violence and then blame it all on the holiday ("Halloween made me do it!"). What's the matter, didn't get enough Pop Rocks(tm) at Halloween when you were a child? You stabbed your significant other, set fire to your neighbor's garage, raped a 13-year-old, robbed
a Salvation Army store while beating up an employee, or whatever the fuck you did, then try to pass yourself as a normal person who was "under the influence?" Eat shit, moron. Only the total brain-dead or people from Alabama or Pennsylvania are going to let that fly. The rest of us are still going to see you for what you really are: a stupid statistic, nothing special.

2. The Kitty Bane: Okay,
what is wrong with black kitties? They just have a fur pigmantation that makes it a very dark shade. So what? The kitty can't help it. Why take it out on them? Keep in mind: I live with TWO black kitties, and I would like to keep that number static, if you don't mind. If I find anyone out there harming the kitties from my home..well..let's just say that I will a) Give you the exact same treatment you gave my cats and b) will NOT blame my actions on the holiday (see issue 1).

3. The God Nut: Yepper,
it's that time of the year that every God(tm)-loving Xtian is going out to do Jesus'(tm) work by saving our souls through pure assholish tactics. Such tactics include, but don't end with:

a) Screaming at innocent 5 to 10-year-old kids at their doors on how they're going to burn in Hell(c) because they dared to knock on their door during the TBN marathon.

b) Going door to door themselves earlier in the day telling people about going to Hell(c) because they don't think like they do (yep, having a three-didgit I.Q. is a ticket to the Dark Place for this bunch).

c) Torching Halloweeen stores in the name of God(tm) (See Issue 1).

d)Breaking windows during Halloween parties by throwing Holy Bibles through them (Issue 1 again).

The list goes on, but you get the idea.

I would like to end this with a link to an opinion article by Jen Slothower. You can find the article here. I will also leave you with this:

Happy Hallowe'en!!!!!!!!!!

Ok.........

2007-06-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Your Score: Luke Skywalker

You scored 75% airiness, 84% squishiness, and 0% edginess!

According to our patented Jawamatic^TM technology, you are most like Luke Skywalker in personality.

Luke is a dreamer and a romantic. He's excited by possibilities and has strong core values that affect all his decisions. Luke is loyal and idealistic, always coming through for those he loves.

Luke is, in a word, heroic.

(The polar opposite of Luke Skywalker is Yoda.)

The eight profiles are as follows:

Han Solo

Yoda

Chewbacca

Threepio

Artoo

Darth Vader

Luke Skywalker

Princess Leia

Link: The Star Wars Personality Test written by MiguelSanchez on OkCupid, home of the The Dating Persona Test

Happy Memorial Day!!!

2007-05-27T14:26:00.001-07:00

Yep, the Gateway to Summer is here: Memorial Day! It's the day for dusting off the outdoor grill, buying enough beer to plaster an entire brigade of U.S. Marines, and remembering those of us who either signed up volontarily or got dragged, kicking and screaming, for the Armed Forces.

Yep, wheather you agree or disagree on how the Government decides to us them, they are people who, usually, get very underappreciated. I know; I was one of them in the past. If I had a dime to all the time I was called "baby killer", "government stooge (whenever a republican was in office)", or "wannabe Nazi (my personal foavorite)"..............

I am out of that life now, but I have a couple of friends who are still serving. One of them served with me when I was in Hawaii. They both got out for a spell, then re-enlisted. I had lost contact with one of them, the one I served with, for 12 years. I have hunted him down and re-established contact with him, only to be informed that he is being sent to Iraq (again!) for 15 months starting in July of this year.

My other friend has got out recently for good. He is living with his new wife in Carlsbad, California. I know he'll be missing his duty. He both loved and hated it (sort of like me when I was serving). I wonder if his wife, whom I have never met, will do what we used to do for him during Independence Day celibrations - trying to calm him down while fireworks are booming outside (he has PTSD - that's Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for the ignorami). I am sure she will have her hands full when that time comes.

I guess what I am trying to say is that, while you might not find what we did or do to your taste, we are people with the same needs that everyone else has. My friends are not alone; you may know them yourselves, or others like them.

In the meantime, Happy Memorial Day!!! Don't burn your face off from the grill because you were drinking too much while cooking, and STAY OFF THE ROAD once you start!! The city where I reside has enough DUI fatalities during the non-holidays. We don't need to throw the bell curve just because we can.

In Passing...

2007-03-15T12:53:00.001-07:00

My father, Richard Michael Wilson, died this morning.

He died in his sleep, between 7:00am and 8:30am, PDT.

This was a man who put up with all my antics. Sometimes with a heavy hand, but he put up with them.

He worked hard all his life. He never gave up on anything he believed in willingly. He always tried to hide his feelings. He never wanted to "give anything away", I guess. I eventually knew more of him, no matter how hard he tried to hide it at times.

I think that was it. We were more alike than different. Even my mother said I took after Dad. Maybe that's why we butted heads so hard with each other.

I knew he was always there for me if I needed it, even if it was only to hell his head off at me.

Farewell, father. You will be missed....

Viva, Las Vegas!!!

2007-03-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like I am going to stay here.

The job market is so much better than back where I was. When I applied to places, they actually respond. What a concept! I may be only getting a part-time job at first, but it's certainly better than what I had before, which was nada.

The climate suits me better as well. I am not hacking as much here. I am almost normal. Hopefully, the pheghm from hell that I cough up will be gone.

Anyways, considering I have a connection to the net, I will be posting here periodically on everything - including my rants about Sin City.....

A Real Friend

2007-01-10T09:55:00.001-08:00

Here is something I got from someone else's blog. Enjoy!

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest. A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps herself.

A simple friend has never seen you cry. A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names. A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party. A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed. A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems. A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history. A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument. A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them. A real friend expects to always be there for you!!!

If Only This Was Me

2007-01-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

You scored as Special Ops. Special ops. You're sneaky, tactful, and a loner. You prefer to do your jobs alone, working where you don't come into contact with people. But everyonce in a while you hit it big and are noticed and given fame. Your given the more sensitive problems. You get things done, and do what has to be done.

"VULCAN NECK PINCH!!!"
"owww.......(slump)"

Special Ops

63%

Combat Infantry

63%

Officer

56%

Medic

50%

Engineer

44%

Artillery/Armor

38%

Support Gunner

31%

Civilian

13%

Which soldier type are you?
created with QuizFarm.com

Special Ops

63%

Combat Infantry

63%

Officer

56%

Medic

50%

Engineer

44%

Artillery/Armor

38%

Support Gunner

31%

Civilian

13%

Which soldier type are you?
created with QuizFarm.com

Yesss!! Maybe in another life....

Happy Bloody New year!!!

2006-12-31T23:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, people, here are a few resolutions:

1. I promise to annoy and irritate as many people as I can. I know this is the best skill I posess, and I will use it to the fullest.

2. I promise to write more on my blog, knowing that very few people pay attention to it.

3. I will brew my own batch, next year, to get drunk on. FYI, I am drunk off my ass as I am writing this. I got a homebrewing from my brother this year for Christmas. I WILL use this gift. :)

4. I will try, one way or another, to improve someones' life this year. Maybe it's a crisis beacuse I am turning 40 in 12 days, but no matter. I will make an effort to make someone's life better.

5. I will make my best efforts to improve myself this year. one way or anther.

Well, that's all I can write right now. Maybe, when I sober up, I will write more.

Merry Fucking Christmas!!!!!

2006-12-24T22:43:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh, that time is here again. Time for most peoples' favourite holiday.....even for those jerk-offs who love it only to dis it.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am FAR from a religious nut - anyone who really knows me knows this. The thing is, is Christmas is a time of year that most people at least TRY to set aside their normal feelings for feelings of good cheer - even with the stress of shopping, cooking, bell-ringing charity workers, screaming kiddies, and really bad live action versions of classic Christmas cartoons.

My beef is this: The Anti-Christmas Crowd.

The A.C.C. is a loose confederation of people who just can't stand seeing anyone enjoying the Holiday Season. Most people in the A.C.C. don't even realize they are in the organization; they're members by default. Their message is Universal: Stop not only Christmas, but also Chanukah, Kwanza, and anything that reminds them of having a good time.

I love that story on the News in my area about that School Bus Driver who was asked to remove his Santa hat because a little boy complained to his mother about it.

His family didn't celebrate the holiday and the kid was offended by the fact that other people do. What really gets me is that the school listened to the mother and demanded the School Board to order the driver to remove the hat. The School Board decided to comply.

Keep in mind: this driver has been wearing this hat for years. He was ordered to remove it from a complaint from ONE KID and his overzealous mumzie.

There is good news to this story. When the parents of the OTHER children heard about this little stinker, they complained to the School Board about this majorly messed up decision by the kid, his mother, and the School Board. They nearly ripped the Board members' heads off about this.

Well, needless to say, the School Board relented, and the driver was allowed, once again, to don his apparel. He did.

This story ended happily. Too many other stories about this kind of intolerant crap don't however. The A.C.C will never stop until the Holoday Season is forgotten.

I guess the only thing to do is to remain vigilant. Once again:

MERRY FUCKING CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!!

Polling Blues....

2006-11-08T17:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, for those who don't know, since 2000, I have been covering the election process in the city of Fillmore, in Ventura County, California. I don't live there, which is probably a good thing because of what I do. I am on T.V., on the government channel (local channel 10). I, with a co-host (Chris Carnicelli for the past two elections) talk on the air about the election process, what people voted on, usually focusing on state and local issues, and (which is my rant for this time) Covering election results.

Here's the rub: ever since we, the state of California, changed from the old voting techniques to the new electronic system, Fillmore gets the shortest end of the stick. Fillmore is the LAST city in Ventura county to get its results. It's not that Fillmore is the smallest city or anything. It compares to quite a few in the county. For some god-awful reason, Fillmore has to wait until the LAST MINUTE before the county graces them with who just got a seat in the City Council, for example.

When I started doing this in 2000 and continued in 2002, I was used to getting result updates every 90 minutes or so (I go on air at 8:00P.M., after the polls close, and end in the wee hours in the morning). In 2004, as well as this year, I got the early results from Ventura County's absentee voters early on, but was kept hanging on until the very end of the show with no new data.

People of Fillmore: DON'T STAND FOR THIS!!!!! I wasn't the only one snubbed, YOU WERE. You don't deserve to be treated like this, especially when EVERY OTHER CITY IN VENTURA COUNTY GETS THEIR INFO FASTER THAN YOU!!! I was monitoring the entire county and was watching everyone else get their results.

What to do???? Contact to the county officials about this problem. Speak/write your complaints to them. Tell them this started happening after they implemented the new system. Don't say to go back to the old system; that would be a waste of time. Let them know that they have a snag in their system that needs to be fixed. You deserve better. I can't do it; I don't live in Fillmore.

Hopefully, we can get this sorted out and I can present a better show for you next time. Until then, PISS ON THE SLUGS AT THE COUNTY!!!!!!

The Machine That Goes "Ping"!

2006-08-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, about time. Medical experts are, finally, explaining the downside of Ultrasound machines.

For the ignorami, an ultrasound device is, usually, used to transmit ultrasonic soundwaves directed at a pregnant woman's womb. The information gathered from the proceedure can determine many things about the unborn.

When this proceedure was first introduced, it was supposed to be used sparingly, only to check suspected problems that came up during conventional examinations. What has been happening, however, is that parents want gratuitous ultrasound checks done for frivolous reasons - from determining gender for the sole purpose of decorating the baby's room in advance to simply have stupid pics to show people of their new "production." - as if we really FUCKING CARED!!! These pictures look disturbing - and that's saying much coming from a troll like myself.

Well, folks, it's finally happened. There is new medical evidence that links ultrasonic tests to BRAIN AND NERVOUS DEFECTS IN THE FETUS!!!!!! Check it out. It's in the medical journals. HAHAHAHAHAA!!! You dumb jerks! You proud of your little Prozac and Ritalin candidate you created?????? Naah! So what? That's what those drugs are for, right - to aswage your guilt over those stupid little ultrasound posters that you can't even stand to look at anymore! Aren't you da bomb!

In short, I think parents that are a little too proud of their little contribution to the overpopulation of STUPID PEOPLE on this planet to realise the consequences of their little actions.

Back On The Stage

2006-07-07T00:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I am in another production that will go up next month. It's another one for Gypsies In A Trunk Productions.

My friend, Sue, has written and is directing this latest park show. I am playing one (or two) of the characters as well as the fight choreographer (there are some sword fighting in this one). It's called The Wraggle Taggle Gypsies, Oh! and it will go up in various public parks around Ventura County, California for the first two Saturdays (and one Sunday) in August.

I think Sue will pull off a good show. This may be her directing debut, but I think she can handle it. The main problem is finding actors to fill some of the parts.

Now, I know some of you will probably look incredulasly at that last part. Keep in mind, it isn't union, so no Equity actor is going to be interested (especially that the pay is minimal). What gets me is that, in my neck of the woods, there are plenty of amateur actors out there who constantly email Roxanne, the head of our company (at http://www.gypsyplayers.com) practically on their knees begging to be in a show. When a show DOES come up, whoosh.......the sound of silence is heard over the net. This kind of thing happened during MY production this year as well. This burns my rump. If you don't really want to be in our shows, STOP BOTHERING US WITH YOUR RESUMES!!!!! Not commiting when it is time DOES NOT earn you any points with us!

Now, if any of you actually see this little rant that are part of this problem I have some advice for you: I know you really want to do the Dinner Theatre productions that GiaT produces. Big clue: Roxanne does NOT usually hire people she doesn't know or hasn't seen on stage before. You have to EARN your way to the Dinner Theatre. If you actually DO one of these plays in the parks, keep in mind: Roxanne tries to see every production (in fact, I can't think of one she has missed) and she might remember you when you audition for her Dinner Theatre (BIG CLUE IMPLANT HERE).

Anyways, with all that, I still think we will find the people and pull this off. Our resources are far from tapped and we have some time before we are critical. If you are in Ventura County, check us out. We run one show per month from May to September. Show times are at the web site and in the local newspapers. The shows are free; donations are just that: optional. Hope to see you there!

Send In The Clones (Dolly's 10th Anniversary)

2006-07-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

Well, for those who care, it has been about 10 years after Dolly, the cloned sheep was born.

Yep, in Scotland, of all places (sheep capital of the world) was the birthplace for, IMOHO, a step forward in medical science. Dolly was the first mammal to be created this way. It has led to the attempts to clone other animal species to see if it could be done.

Cloning, once again for the ignorami, is the manipulation of life by creating an individual directly from the DNA from another individual. In the case of Dolly, a sheep egg was effectivly "hollowed out" and genetic material from an adult sheep was inserted into it. The egg was nurtured in a lab until it was confirmed viable. The egg was then placed into a ewe's womb, and Dolly was the result.

Since then, others have attempted to clone other mammals, but not too much sucess. Many claims to this have been found fabricated. Primate cloning is way out at the moment. Nobody has come even close to success. That has not stopped the attempts, however (GOOD!). If we can solve this problem, think what it would do for medical science - replacement organs, stem cells, limbs, etc..

Now, here it comes, all the religious buttocksheads trying to stop this research. Let me enlighten you folks: THEY ARE NOT CREATING LIFE!! THEY ARE STILL JUST MANIPULATING EXISTING LIVING MATERIAL!! If you have problems with manipulations as these, then you must also think dogs and cats we use for pets are equally abomonations (Yes, where is the island located where the wild poodle roams...). Just because these people throughout human history weren't wearing white lab coats doesn't mean they weren't making things that we found useful in our societies that compares to the cloners.

Oh, one more note. For those wondering why the cloned lamb was named Dolly: this was elementary for those of us who know a little bit about American Country music performers. Consider: the cell that contained to create Dolly came from a ewe's mammory tissue......

In Search of the Ride...

2006-07-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

I am in the market for a new motorcycle. I don't have a lot of money so I have to really think about what I can afford to pick up. I have nothing against racer bikes, just not interested in them. I am focused upon cruisers.

Now, being cost-concious as well as not been riding a bike for several years, I am looking at the 650-800cc range of engine. An 800cc is the most preferable. When it comes to varieties of models in this range, however, I find that it is very limited in the "All American" companies.

H-D (Harley-Davidson for all the ignorami out there)is the only one of these companies that produce a bike in that range. Victory doesn't; I don't think Indian ever did. The model H-D makes in that range is the Sporster. They make a 1200cc version as well, FYI (the engine looks too gorram big for that frame. I think you have to use a prybar to fit it in the mount).

I went to the local H-D shop a little while back. That was an experience:

First, NOBODY came up to me at any time to see if I needed any assistance. Now, keep in mind, I wasn't dressed like everyone else in that store. I just had my plain routine of T-shirt and jeans. Everyone else seemed to be wearing $300 suits, at least. I guess my clothing just didn't represent the kind of customer they wanted - even though, sans jacket, helmut, and gloves, I was wearing the kind of clothing you usually wear while riding.

I tried sitting on a few of the Sporsters, but the stupid seats wers too uncomfortable. Man, they pinched, and I have a fairly slim body and butt.
Every model in the shop had this problem. If I was planning to buy this bike, before I could/would ever ride it, I would have to spend extra on a new seat. That would jack up my initial cost up quite a few hundred, if not a thousand or more for a good seat for H-D's. I need something I can ride out the door, then upgrade when I can later. This wasn't going to do. I considered going up to a salesperson to ask if there were any options for me, but I decided they were too busy with the doctor and lawyer customers to give me any attention.

I then went to another part of town where there was another bike shop that sold a variety of different bikes from several companies. I walked in the door and a salesperson came up to me and started to handle me. He was curteous and not pushy in any way. I told him I was just in a browsing mood and was thinking of purchasing at a later date. He understood and proceeded to ask me what I was looking for. He listened to my requirements and immedieatly pointed me to a possible choice.

It was made by Suzuki. It's from their Boulevard line of cruisers. 800cc engine version. I thought the fact that it was the only model in main production anywhere in the country that had both EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection, ignorami) and hydraulic valves was pretty cool, but what sold me on it (as well as looking up reviews of the bike from several sources) was the basic issue seat. Comfy comfy comfy. Fit me like a glove, it did. If I could've afforded it right then, I would be asking for the paperwork. Maybe in a few months.....

Now, I know, I know, all you H-D loyalists are pinching your spincters reading the above. I can hear you now: "What kind of crap is this? Can't he choose a REAL bike?", "People like you are ruining our country!", "You'd better change your mind about that Jap s#!t bike or I will come over and kick your a##!" or "Commie bastard, go back to Russia (never mind that the Soviet government was ended back in '91. They won't let trivial things like facts interfere with their truth)!" I know this because I have heard this all already. I have been looking for a bike, on and off, for a few years. Every time I mention something like this you guys crawl out of your Klan meetings and crack deals to send garbage like that my way. Go back to your casino-shooting hobby and leave me alone. Not enough of you guys died in the Laughlin "incident" a few years back. Maybe, if I'm lucky, it will happen again and you all get killed, making the National I.Q. average improve 50 points.

Now, I know some of you thought that last bit may have been a little harsh. Get off this blog and go back to reading Highlights. Anyone who has been in my position knows the crap that is sent our way by people like them. Don't get me wrong; I do not think ALL H-D riders are like this, just enough of you to irritate people like myself.

I close with this point: Seeing that H-D is a public company, ANYONE can buy shares of it, NOT JUST AMERICAN INVESTORS. Knowing this, ask yourself one thing: How "American" is Harley-Davidson now?

Happy 4th!!

2006-07-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, the 4th of July. Independence Day for the United States of America. The weather here is nice and clear, with a cloudline in the horizon.

For us (Americans), it can mean different things to each individual. For most, it is an excuse to have a holiday, picnics, and fireworks shows. I like all three myself. For some of us, it can mean a little more.

Going around the world, I really learned how to appreciate what we have here in the U.S.. I have been in countries where people have been blown away on the street. Their crime: voting. I have been places where a few people keep the many in iron grips just because they're armed and the others aren't. I have walked in places where others couldn't because they didn't have permission to leave their home villiage/town/city- even of it was just going to a nearby community.

I'll never forget my time when I was serving in Hawai'i. I was enjoying the weekend in Honolulu (many weekends were lost there). I was in my favorite pub - I forgot the bloody name. It had an English Pub theme and it was in downtown Honolulu. One evening I was pounding down a few pints with a friend while discussing certain procedures about the Army when two gentlemen came to our table.

"Excuse me," said one of them in heavily-accented English,"You are G.I.'s, ya?"

"Well, yes," I replied, "We both are."

"You from a base here in Honolulu?"

"Actually, no. We both are from Schofield Barracks. It's about 30-35km from here (I said metric measurements for obvious reasons)."

"Why are you both not wearing your uniforms?"

"We're off duty. We are just out on the town."

"You are fooling, ya? You are not really a soldier."

"Excuse me?" My friend replied. "Why do you say that?"

"You can't just leave your base like that. And everybody knows they take away American's clothing when they join Army."

My friend and I looked at each other, puzzled. We proceeded to display our military I.D.'s and dog tags to the two gentlemen.

"I assure you," I finally said, "the two of us are serving. We are just off-duty right now."

We invited both of them to sit with us. We bought them drinks and we all started communicating with each other.

After a while, we finally convinced them of the truth. We all learned somthing that night. These two gentlemen were former East-German soldiers who, once the Wall came down and the government capitulated (A BIG suprise to everyone. Nobody expected that), they transfered to the Brundishwere(sp)- the German Army (formerly West German). They saved some money and got permission to take leave (what civvies call vacation). They decided to go to Hawai'i because they wanted to go somewhere tropical and they wanted to look at an American conquered-teritory to see how the the people were treated. They were very confused by what they saw: Catholic churches with a Bhuddist Temple right across the street with no visible guards protecting one from the other, a black man holding hands with a white woman and nobody was staring at them (except probably them), and the fact that there were plenty of goods for sale that everyone was buying, not just the rich tourists.

This was a very interesting conversation. Keep in mind, I am from a state that has a lot of diversity. I know that's not everywhere. I knew a more than a few American Soldiers who were angered about the first two things, sometimes even the third. They usually calm down enough to do their job. The rest are discharged early (failure to adapt).

Well, we all bacame fast friends. I even received a pair of East German Corporal rank bars for my jacket. We saw them the next evening and said good-bye to them. They were going back home the next afternoon. We opened up their minds a little bit - and they opened ours.

I guess I am trying to say this: I love my country. I don't just say it out of double-didgit I.Q. rhetoric. I have seen examples of other places and my choice is an honest one. It's also true that old saying: The ones who serve share an appreciation of freedom the protected will never know.

Happy 4th To All.