DailyTodd.com

ok, I got sucked in - I admit it.

I signed up for Napster UNLIMITED/To Go service for the "free" creative Zen V plus player. Well, so far, out of the 3 bands I wanted to listen to thru their "free" player, TWO of them have required additional payment to even listen to on my computer - let alone upload to a portable player.

To me it is complete BULLSHIT to advertise "UNLIMTED ACCESS" when at current count 66% of the music I want access to is NOT accessible. The unfortunate thing is, I signed up for a 1 year contract to get the "free" portable player. The good thing is I used my Amex card, and generally speaking, they side with customer, so hopefully I can cancel the membership and not be charged.

The ONLY reason I considered using them in the FIRST place is that their software runs under Vista 64. Oh well, guess I'll keep my Rhapsody account active, even though I need to use a VM Ware virtual machine to use it -- it has access to all the music I want.

well, my addictive personality has now picked up a new addiction (for a while it was running) -- reading. I used to "hate" to read. Mostly I would guess because I was such a slow reader (~340 WPM). But lately, since I have been reading so much, my reading speed is now close to 600, that's almost double, but I digress. Anyway, I have been reading at least 3 hours a day now for the last month. the last couple days it was actually closer to 8 hours. I have devised a system - I set the timer for 1 hour, and start reading one of the books I currently have out of the library.

Once that hour is up, I need to either start reading a differnt book , clean/organize the house, work on Math (currently going thru binomial algebraic equations), exercise, or my newest "passion" learning spanish.. I am allowing myself 1 hour a day (ok, sometimes 2) for either computer fun, or watching TV.

The trick with this is, 1 hour out a day is not much, and learning new things is never bad. The strange thing is, I used to LOVE to sit for 12+ hours playing some various computer game (can you say Diablo 2 -- I knew you could). Now, that seems like such a waste of time.

I can pretty much make it thru an average size book (350 pgs) now in a couple of days. The end result of this is, I have now read more books in the last month, than I have in the 10 years I have been out here in Phoenix combined. Because of all this reading, my reading speed and comprehension are improving as well. Makes sense - as with anything else, the more you practice, the better you become.

Most of the reading I have been doing has been on scientific topics - evolution, cosmology, DNA, et al. I did however read Catcher in the Rye - never had to for school or college. I had always heard what a great, fantastic, and edgy piece of literature it was. I expected a great read. Thank goodness it only took a few hours to read. It was quite disappointing. I guess maybe in the 50's when it came out, it may have been all those things mentioned. In todays world - it is NONE of them. Oh well, the bottom line is, I have broken the habit of sitting on my ass playing computer games to sit on my ass to read books. Not to worry - I still try to run/jog at least 15 miles a week too.

This is a comparison over the first 4yrs ONLY. I really don't know how he kept his job?
Median household income, change
Clinton: +1.7% per year
Bush: -1.6% per year
Number of Americans in poverty (average change per year)
Clinton: -800,000
Bush: +1.5 million
Number of Americans without health insurance
Clinton: +145,000
Bush: +1,885,000
Federal surplus/deficit (annual average):
Clinton: +$5 billion
Bush: -$350 billion
Clinton: 1 blow job
Bush: Choked on Pretzel

not sure how accurate all the above is, but sounds about right. Especially the last part.

Well, I have gotten more projects done that have been on my list for-EVER. I finally got my utility sink all installed in my laundry room (VERY LONG story) - but lets just sum it up by saying the THIRD time is the charm. I also got my master bathroom painted, and today decided to do some stenciling -- check out the pics:

Last night I went out to http://www.clubhousemusicvenue.com in Tempe to see a band called \\\"the Expendables\\\". My buddy Chris had gone with me to see Henry Rollins spoken word a couple weeks ago, and asked if I would go see this show with him - I agreed. I had NO clue what the band was like other than \\\"Sublime-ish\\\". So 2 days ago, I finally decided to check out some of their stuff on Rhapsody. I really really liked it. Long story short, after 3 opening bands who were pretty good as well, The Expendables came on and put on one HELL of a GREAT show.

It\\\'s one of the best shows I have seen in a LONG time. So, if you like Reggae/ska/punk music, check out http://www.theexpendables.net

Ok, I admit (quite readily actually) that I am an uber computer geek. I have not even turned the TV on now in over 5 weeks -- I have been focusing on my treadmill running (20 - 40 miles a week), and playing with my multiple comptuer systems -- RS/6000 43p, Sun/Solaris Sparc 5, Amd 1000 (currenlty running Red Hat Linux AS 4) - but had Solairs 10 X86 on it (with 10 zones) until my 9.1 Gig hard drive died. Such is life, but I digress. -- I have also been playing with an amd sempron 3600 system I got from my buddy Chris. I initially blew away the stock Vista install, and installed Solaris 10 (with only 3 zones). Earlier this week however, I changed my mind and decided to make a multiboot system.

2 days ago I installed the latest version of Debian Linux (since Red Hat has decided to make EVERYONE pay for their version). Then last night I installed Vista Ultimate 64 (which caused me to have to reinstall Debian today, because it overwrote the MBR - but again I digress). Today I installed the trial version of VMware 6.0 (since MS's virtual server 2007 would not run Sol 10 on my MAIN system running Vista Ultimate 32bit). Well, I just finished installing Sol 10 into a vm ware virtual server. All is running well -- ok but here is the REALLY REALLY REALLY geeky/awesome/fantastic part.

I installed a zone under the vmware virtual Sol 10 server - so I am running a virtual server WITHIN a virtual server. That is just about the coolest thing I have done/seen - in a LONG time. <---- yes I lead a boring life (didn't I already admit to being an uber geek).

The only bad thing is, now I will need to buy more memory for my sempron system to be able to build MORE SOL 10 servers and even MORE zones. Oh well Christmas is coming soon. Maybe satan --- er SANTA -- will send me some memory.

Friday Night I went over to my friends' Pete and Kelly's place to see my nephew Thelonias. Hadn't seem him since he was born 3 months ago. After Theo went to bed, Peter, Kelly, and I layed out on a blanket watching shooting stars for about an hour - we ended up seeing about 6. Pretty cool. Haven't seen even one shooting start since I was in high school.

Saturday, I hit another personal best on the treadmill, I ran a full mile at 7mph, and this was after lifting for 30 mins (which I am still paying for today). Can you say DOMS?.

Well, I finally did it!!!!

I broke 30 mins on running a 5k -- I woke this morning, and was bound and determined that today would be the day. So, I hopped on the treadmill and started running (after a 5 min warmup of course). I set the speedo to 10kph and just started running. after 10 mins , my lungs were burning and I wanted to slow down, but I refused, after another 5 mins and one second, I kept telling myself more than 1/2 way. another 4 mins and 59 secs, and I was 2/3 of the way there, kept repeating, you can do it, you can do it, you can do it. 10 mins after that I finished - 5k in 30 mins. I was extremely happy , and have been flying high ever since. After freshening up and eating a sensible oatmeal and blueberry breakfast, I did some research on running shops.

I found a place called <a href="http://www.performancefootware.net">Performance Footware</a> in Tempe. After researching the company and seeing how detailed they are in making sure you get the right shoe, I headed out. Once there Jeremy spent 45 mins to an hour helping me pick out a pair of shoes. They start off with videotaping your feet as you run on a treadmill with a super flexible pair of running shoes. They then go frame by frame watching how your foot strikes the "ground". The computer geek in me was already in heaven. After analyzing and explaining every aspect of how my foot strikes the ground, Jeremy brought 3 pair of shoes each from a different manufacturer.

He then explained the benefits/features of the first pair, and I laced them on and went for a run on the treadmill again. And so on he explained each of the reamaining 2 pair. After totally ruling out one pair, I then put one of each on and ran, and then reversed and ran again. I finally ended up with a brand of shoe that I have never owned in my life - Brooks.

Theses shoes feel much better than the pair of Nikes that I have been running in (fitted at another store that was only one one thousandth as thoughough).

Now my next goal is going to be to do a 10k in 1 hour. By the time I make that goal, it will most likely be time to go back for another pair of shoes.

well,

Last night was the first REALLY big storm of the monsoon season. I finally had a chace to "test" my multiple UPS's. power cut out for about 30 secs at one point, and then was out for about 10 mins at another. I was in the middle of 4 on-line poker games, and all four continued on with no problems -- woo hoo. So I know I can go AT LEAST 10 mins with no power. The bolt that took the power out for 10 mins looked like it was right on top of me. The crash of the resulting thunder about drove me thru the ceiling. It was LOUD!

Watching the news today, it continues to amaze me how often even NEWS people say things like "that was a really bad monsoon last night". c'mon people get it right. a Monsoon is a "shift in wind direction" -- it is used like fall, spring, summer, or winter. You would not say "that was a really bad winter we had last night". If you INSIST on using the term monsoon, while describing a storm - this is the proper way -- "that was a really bad monsoon storm we had" - it does not make ANY sense to just say "monsoon". Thanks - I am stepping off my soap box.

OK - I know it's been a LONG time since I have updated my weblog. Sorry - get over it.

LOT'S has been going on

1. got stung on my thumb by an Arizona Bark Scorpion picking up laundry a month ago, my thumb is still numb, but VERY slowly becoming less numb.

2. been running/walking/climbing on my treadmill , 30 miles the last 2 weeks in a row, and on par to hit 40 miles this week. Woo Hoo

3. I have reached my original goal weight of 135, but have moved that to 129 which is the bottom of my healthy weight. I pretty much need a new wardrobe now, coz all my clothes I've bought since I was up over 160, are falling off me.

4. Once I reach the 129, I will focus less on the running, and start focusing more on lifting and eating more. I figure I'll hit the 129 mark at the end of August -- I am watching/counting all my calories very closely. -- Excel rules.

5. I joined the Dark Side and purchased and installed Windows Vista - -as much as I hate to admit it, I actually like it.

Ok, that's about all the updates I have for now. I will work on trying to update at LEAST once a week from now on.

in the spirt of elf bowling -- here's the brussel srpout killer

http://www.eyegas.com/xmas05/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2fnvYH-fUU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cbxp1nQ0TA

this guy is really really good and funny

How to win at the lottery game (Hint: it doesn't cost anything)

http://www.durangobill.com/PowerballOdds.html

Well, today I recieved my check for $500 from C-Net for an online survey I took a couple months ago. Woo Hoo! Since this is money I did not expect and do not really need for the next 7 years, I am going to invest in the stock market. I have no intentions of being a day trader -- 99.9% of day traders lose money. Most buy and hold investors end up doing pretty well over 3+ years.

Also, I finished the east side of my house with my landscaping:

$\"\\"\\\\"Face\\"\"$ $\"\\"\\\\"Face\\"\"$ $\"\\"\\\\"Face\\"\"$ $\"\\"\\\\"Corner\\\\"\\"\"$

Here's what I have been working on this weekend:

ok, so today I took Jason out for a drive. It's been over 8 - 9 months since I have taken Jason out for a drive. What prompted this ride down memory lane, Well it has to do with oranges that are as hard as rock -- yesterday I went out to get a cable so I could listen to my mp3 player while falling to sleep. When I was rumaging around looking I found 2 oranges that were as hard as rock. I'm talking wood apple hard. I've had Jason parked outside for the last at least 6 months. Luckily the extreme heat from the AZ desert kept any mold from growing on said Oranges. Right now I am torn -- do I drop one in water to see if it rehyrdrates, or keep them both as paper weights/conversation pieces.

Anyway, even after 8 - 9 months, Jason still turned over -- albiet barely. So to save where and tear on Legolas, I think I will start using Jason more for short Trips. Although, mabye I'll wait until it cools down. Jason's A/C is nowhere near as cool as Legolas's. Cool being the operative word as when it's 112 Degrees no car A/C can really be considered cold.

Well, I did not win the Power Ball lottery -- so I am still waiting for the 3rd piece of good news. I did however get both my work and home office cleaned today. down to one stack of paper work that I still need to go thru, but I don't have $h!t piled everywhere anymore. Woo hoo! that should last for oh -- at least a week.

Ok, It's been over 2 years now since I have upgraded my computer -- I am "stuck" with my p4 3.2ghz. Occassionally it hiccups, but for the most part, it is geting me by just fine. BUT, when I do upgrade, I have found a couple of the components that I MUST have:

1. case.

http://www.atxcases.com/item.asp?id=394&desc=masscool_cs_ics8200_air

this case is air conditioned. It doesn't use any freon, but works on a principal called the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peltier-Seebeck_effect>peltier effect</a>

basically it's a solid state heat exchanger. Seems pretty cool -- plus it's another gadget. And you all know what a gadget freak I am.

2. hard drive(s)

western digital Raptor 150 -- most likely 2 in a raid 0 array. I know what you're thinking "Raid 0 are you nuts". Well, Western digital gives a FIVE year warranty, and the drives have 1.2 MILLION hour mtbf. Ok, there are 8,760 hours in a year, so that gives me 136 years worth of security. I will have upgraded at LEAST 2x before then too. Oh yes, I DO plan to live for another 136 years. Hell, with all the advances in medicine becoming more and more exponential, by then life expenctancy will prolly be 500 years anyway. But that's a discussion for another day.

3. cpu -- Well, I was hoping to go back to an AMD this time around, but right now it looks like INTEL has taken the crown back with it's Core 2 Duo processor. I keep hoping AMD will drop a bombshell just before christmas and beat the pant's off Intel once more. So for now, the cpu issue is up in the air.

4. Video Card.

honestly -- my current video card is over 3 years old, and it's doing me just fine. There is so much new video technology out there, that I don't even have a clue right now what I want/need. I remember when I was pining for my VooDoo 3 3000 -- man my buddy Chris and I thought we were in heaven when we got our blinding fast VooDoo cards. man that was 7+ years ago. And also, I couldn't even tell you off the top of my head what I am currently running -- I bought 3 video cards over a couple months 3 years ago, because my favorite game at the time "Empire Earth" kept crashing, and since the video woudl get all screwy first -- I assumed that the issue was my video drivers. Oh well, once again I digress. anyway, on to the final piece - memory

5. Memory

ok, once again I am behind the slag on this technology -- I am sure that there has been at least one major advance in memory since I picked up my current system with it's ddr2 memory.

As I started off stating that I had no current need to upgrade my system, now that I have laid it all out on screen -- I am now pining for one. Oh well, I'll start throwing extra money into my ingdirect account, and when I get enough built up to buy a system, maybe I will consider it -- but most likely, until this system becomes grossly inadequate, I will prolly just stay with this one.

Ok, I think I have accomplished some pretty great things in my life. I have 2 degrees, I have a great job, great friends, and overall what I consider a great life. Lately, I have gotten back into a classical music kick. I used to just buy random cd's from Columbia House's Classical cd club. Well, I dropped that club about 7 years ago, so my collection stagnated. Well, now that I use Rhapsody for acquiring all my other music, I decided to start trying out some new music from some of my favorite composers -- Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Vivaldi, et al. On top of that, I decided to use the power of the web to start researching the history of said favorite composers.

Ok, as I stated I think I have accomplished alot in my life of 37 years. I haven't accomplished SQUAT. Mozart died at the age of 35 -- yes THIRTY FIVE. by that time he had composed:

41 symphonies

27 Piano concertos

5 violin concertos

4 horn concertos

19 piano sonatas

23 string quartets

20+ Operas

and a myriad of other various works

considering the complexity of classical music, that is extremely prolific. Kinda really makes my accomplishments feel small in comparison. Time to start buckling down and becoming more productive.

Well, actually so far it's only been 2 -- so I am waiting for the 3rd. Based on events over the last 2 days, I think I am going to buy a Power Ball ticket and be reasonable sure I will win something. Anyway to sart things off, yesterday I recieved notification that I won the $500 grand prize for an online survey I filled out last month -- I know what you're thinking. You have an Uncle in NIgeria that needs money to get home and will pay me 100x my $50 I send. But I assure you -- I have to send no money, and they are sending me a check. Ok, on the second set of good news.

As many of you know -- I lived in Yuma, AZ 15 years ago. Yes I was young and foolish, but my best friend and I got jobs down there and we were happy to be living in AZ. ANYWAY, we had a really awesome neighbor named Brendan. Brendan was one of the coolest people you could ever have the priveldge to know. Well, when my buddy (Matt)'s and my jobs went away, we moved back to Michigan. We lost track and contact with Brendan. I tried to track him down after I moved out to Phoenix in '97 -- no luck. Anyway, I ran into him today at my gym. He is in town for training for his job and just happened to pick MY gym to work out in. We kinda looked at each other -- looked away -- looked back and both got up the ask the "Hey, aren't you XXXXXX" question at the same time.

The really amazing part is, that the ONLY reason I was in the gym at THAT time (2pm) today is that I am working the 5 - midnight shift this week. ALSO, my buddy Matt (yes same Matt as above) wanted to meet there at 2pm instead of 1:30 as we had originally talked about. Anyway, the three of chatted for about 45mins and are going to try and get together sometime next week before he needs to go back to his home state.

We exchanged email addresses and will now be able to stay in contact permanetly. What a great couple of days. Now, if I win the lotto with my $5 investment, the 3rd stroke of luck will be complete.

Ok, those you that know me well, know that I ain't much for book lernin. Ok, I digress -- anyway. I went out to Apache Junction to viist my friends (more like surrogate mom and dad). Well, Mike (my "dad") gave me a book to read -- Freakonomics - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006073132X/sr=8-1/qid=1154058926/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-5498458-0870517?ie=UTF8. Before I get into the jest of it, I must say that this is the first book since The Bad Place by Dean R. Koontz, that I absolutely could not put down. I read it over 3 days (coincidentally same as The Bad Place and about the same # of pages, but again I digress). Anyway, This author has some interesting views (with some pretty strong statistics to back them up) on many issues. One of these is the reduction in crime being linked to the Landmark Supreme Court ruling in Roe vs. Wade.

But to make a long story short (or maybe vice versa as the case may turn out to be), after finishing freakonomics, I went to my local library and checked out book 6 of "The story of Civilization". This book has a title of "The Reformation" but that is closer to being a subtitle, or maybe it's the subtitle that's called "A History of European Civilization from Wycliff to Calvin: 1300 - 1564. This is a much slower read than Freakonomics - day 2 and I am only on page 34. But we've already covered about 6 kings, several popes, and even the Archbishop of Canterbury. Luckily I have the book for 3 weeks -- 1000 pages -- so if I can just average 50 pages a day, I'm all set. Or if it turns out to be like MOST books I actually do start, I'll get part way thru and just stop reading. I am determined to NOT let that happen this time.

Well, I was all set to perform my civic duty - er - jury duty. I called the night before as I was susposed to appear as instructed. The recording listed my group as one of 5 that did not need to report in the morning, but had to call at 11am that morning to see if I needed to show up for the afternoon. Well, only one of the 5 groups had to show up in the afternoon - My group was not chosen. I am probably one of the few people that actually enjoy's jury duty. My last jury duty was one of the best experiences of my life.

I was actually looking forward to being on a jury again. Oh well, since I didn't get chosen for a jury, I can be called again anytime. Hopefully next time I will actually be chosen for a jury.

Well, I finally got to meet a celebrity today. He's only 7 years old, but a celebrity none the less. He is the first 7 year old to swim from Alcatraz island to San Fransisco -- most likely you heard about him. Anyway, his swim coach was our guest speaker for my triathalon class today.

Today class was held at Lake Pleasant -- just north of Phoenix. This was my first open water swim ever -- and well -- I did not do as well as I had hoped. Anyway, I got some really good pointers on how to improve my swim stroke, so hopefully 2 weeks from now when we have our next open water swim, I will be better prepared.

Ok first let me start of by saying U TURNS ARE LEGAL IN ARIZONA.

ok, having said that, I have ONCE AGAIN saw some stupid MORON that just HAD to make a left turn- in RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC no less. He was cutting across 4 lanes of traffic to get across to the other side to go south. well DUH! you can't see cars coming from the right going south if there are cars (especially SUV's) in the left turn lane at the light. Anyway -- you can prolly guess what happened -- he got CLOBBERRED when he pulled out to make his left turn. His car and the car that hit him were mangled pretty good.

so I am going to make a plea to all the stupid people who insist on making left turns (some of whom will sit for 20 mins to make the left instead of going right and then doing a u turn) -- PLEASE TURN RIGHT -- go into the left turn lane, and make a U-TURN. You will be much more able to see traffic coming at you and know when it's clear to make your uturn.

also -- don't you DARE give me a dirty look -- when I am pull up behind cars at a stop light BLOCKING YOU from making the left. I am most likely saving your life, or the life of the poor soul who hits your dumb ass.

ok, rant over

Well, after almost 2 years of allergy shots, I have finally reached the maximum dose for both shots. My allergies started getting better about February of this year -- to the point where I was clear most of the time -- I still need to take 5 allergy meds a day, but before February, even with all the meds I was still plugged most of the time. Now the hope is I can start weanign myself off some of the meds. Dropping back on one or another here and there has not really weilded anything good. So for now I will give myself a few months of getting the max dose of shots every week, and THEN start dropping an allergy med here and there. If everything goes the way it is supposed to, 5 years from now I should be able to stop taking all allergy meds, and maybe even stop the shots. I won't be holding my breath or crossing my fingers until then though

I just recieved confirmation that my 18 hour work day on Friday was worth it. I finished up a big system upgrade at 3:30am Saturday morning. The business did all their testing and everything is fabulous. This has been an ongoing project for almost 3 months, and it is now almost complete. What a great feeling to finally have that off my chest.

Today for my triathalon training class, we had a seasoned swimmer (Lance) come to teach some pointers. While Lance was instruncting the bulk of us, the coach video taped us each individually swimming. After that we went back to class to have Lance critique our stroke, and give us pointers for improving. My swim stroke is definitely getting better than it was in December when I started swimming. There is still much room for improvement.

Lance also teaches private lessons -- $125 for 5 1/2 hour lessons. 30 mins of 1 on 1 with an excellent swim coach over 5 lessons will improve my stroke tremendously I think. Next week we head to Lake Pleasant to do some open water swimming. I have never actually SWAM in open water -- just played around in it as a kid. I need some practice before next month when the class takes a field trip to Solana Beach CA, to compete in a sprint Triathalon.

The race is a 400M swim -- I normally swim 500m a night 3 - 4 nights a week, -- just with lots of breaks in between -- this will be 400m all at ONCE. That will be a challenge -- but I plan on renting a wet suit -- which will make it much easier. The real killer for me is going to be the run.

Most likely for the that last part of the race, I will just walk -- after a 400m swim and 9 mile bike ride, I don\'t think I will have ANY energy left to run 3 miles. At least last weekend after coming in last place on our 10 mile bike ride -- I upgraded my wheels.

I stopped to \"look\" at a new bike and ended up getting a super smokin deal on a 2 year old (but still brand new) Klein Aura Xv Frame with Shimano Ultegra components -- for the non bikers -- the frame was the top of the line Frame that Klein made at the time - and the Ultegra components are the top of the line components. The biggest reason I opted for the new bike was the new technology shifters.

The gear shifts are built into to the brakes -- so you NEVER have to take your hands off the handle bars to shift gears as with my old bike -- a much safter feeling when riding. So if the new bike saves me a big wipeout, then it was worth it.

May 11, 2006

I\\\'m finally starting to feel better after almost 2 weeks of being sick. just down to a dry cough -- luckily my doc prescribed me some very happy cough syrup. Doesn\\\'t seem to help the cough a whole -- but I really really don\\\'t care. As long as it can help me get a little sleep I\\\'ll be happy.

ok, I have determined that http://www.pandora.com is the absolute coolest site in the world for music lovers. I get exposed to sooooooo many new bands that I otherwise would prolly never even hear of.

For those of you in the music enjoying world out there. I highly recommend checking out Pandora. You set up a personal radio station -- you enter your favorite artists, and the system streams full songs from those bands, and other bands the system thinks you will enjoy. If you don\'t like a song it recommends -- you click on it, tell it you don\'t like it, it will NEVER play that song again -- and then choose a new song for you listening pleasure. You can also tell the system what songs you DO like. It will save those songs and play them periodically for you. Every once in a while it will get in a strange mood and play some really really horrible songs. But the more I have been using the system and telling it what songs I do like -- it has been getting really good at choosing new music that I do like.

Just today I \\\"rediscovered\\\" a band that at one time I told Pandora that I liked - Placebo - http://www.placeboworld.co.uk/ So I jumped over to my Rhapsody to go account and downloaded 2 of their albums.

For those of you unfamiliar with my other favorite internet music \\\"site\\\", you need to checkout http://www.rhapsody.com you can download and listen on your computer unlimited music for $8.95 a month. If you have one of the new portable audio players (NOT Ipod), you can pay $14.99 a month and upload unlimited music to it. It is fantastic for working out, driving (you need a line in input or a transmitter you plug into your lighter).

If I did not have Rhapsody to go, I would be buying 10+ cd\'s a month. at $15 a pop -- that wouldnt\' be cheap

ok, back to Placebo:

They are my NEW favorite band -- those of you that know me are prolly laughing at this point, as I discover a \\\"NEW\\\" favorite band almost every week. They are a cross between Tonic, Clinic, New Order, Our Lady Peace, with a touch of Gordon Gano from The Vilolent Femmes.

Another great band I found is Golden Arms. http://www.golden-arms.com.

I haven\\\'t had a chance to figure out who they sound like yet because of my obsession for Placebo. but that will be coming.

Til Next time - be safe

May 2, 2006

Well, for the first time in over a year I am coming down with a cold or bronchitis. I have been eating healthier, exercising more regularly, getting my sleep wake times consistent, and generally just been living healthier. I went to the doctors even last Thursday for my yearly physical -- and sure enough 3 days later, I started getting sick. So my thought is, if you are healthy avoid going to the doctors, because the people that are there to see him because they are sick -- will end up getting you sick. Of course the fact that over the week and before that appointment, I had consumed more aclohol -- due to the activities mentioned below, had nothing to do with my immune system being weak. :)

ok -- today is Wednesday April 26th, 2006. I am going to jump back a week.

Wednesday April 19th,

One of my best friends in the entire world - Ryan arrived in town. He, Along with a couple of his friends from when he lived out here a couple years ago, and I went out. We all had a great time. Ryan was going to be tied up with a friend of his wedding for the rest of the week, so I thought that that would most likely be the last time I would see him.

Friday, Apriil 21st, 2006.

One of my other best friends Chris and his fiance Tracy had their wedding Rehersal. After the rehersal, We went to Macayo's in Scottsdale. free drinks for all. All of us in the wedding party chose to stay nearby at a hotel that was about 3/4 of a mile from where the wedding would on the following day. Once again a good time was had by all -- until very late that night - er -- make that early the next morning.

Saturday, April 22nd 2006,

I got up early and drove 25 miles back home to get some real sleep in my water bed before the wedding. Got back up to the hotel about noon -- and the festivities began again. The wedding was Beautiful. They are two of the nicest most geniune people I have ever had to pleasure to know. I absolutely know that they will be together forever. I love you Chris and Tracy -- I hope you are enjoying your honeymoon in cancun. The festivities after the wedding lasted until the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Sunday, April 23rd 2006,

Ryan's last day and we ended up getting to hang out again -- along with Ben and Karl from Wednesday night. Ben -- thanks again for being the designated driver both nights. and once again a good time was had by all. Thank you Patti and Dennis for letting me crash at your place both Wednesday and Sunday. I promise to keep in touch and not just see you when Ryan comes to visit.

ok, ok, OK, I know that once again it has been a while, but as usual, not much has been happening -- until recently.

on Wednesday evening a group of us met at Durant's for Matt's birthday. For anyone who is not familiar with Durant's, it as a total Mafia-esque Steak place in downtown Phoenix. Red Velvet walls, entry thru the back door (via the kitchen) only. this is the third time I have been there (both other times were for Matt's b'days too). the times before, We all wore suits, so I assumed that we would be all wearing suits again. HA, as it turned out, I was the ONLY one in the group wearing a suit. oh well, besides that, it was a GREAT time.

After leaving Durant's, Matt and Greer, Vince, and I went to Monroe's -- a jazz club not too far from Durant's. we only stayed about 45 mins or so. The band playing was pretty decent -- the lead singer was a riot -- very comedic.

Notihing at all happend yesterday.

Today, I went and picked up my tux for Chris and Tracy's wedding next weekend. I can't wait until then.

Ok, My buddy sent me a link today http://homokaasu.org/rasterbator. Basically you can take any photo, and it will blow it up to any size you want and print it out to your printer one sheet at a time. The posibilities are endless. I now know how to decorate my walls without having to spend too much money.

Chris's Bachelor Party on Friday was a complete blast. 22 of us in all were driven around from place to place on a chaffuered refurbished School bus. We all crashed on Marks floor (at 4am) when it was all over, so no one had to drive. It was a very safe and fun night.

Well, after 143 days of NO rain in the valley of the sun, we are finally get some much needed relief. The rain is supposed to last through the whole weekend. Some reports are calling for up to 2 inches in some areas. Flagstaff and the north country are expecting over a foot of snow.

This little bit of Rain should cause the wildflowers and weeds to explode.

My parents arrived today for their semi-yearly visit. I took them to my absolute favorite resturaunt -- Chino Bandido Takee Outee. A combination of Chinese and Mexican foods. delicious. Not much else happening today.

Well, I have successfully kept up two of my new years resolutions.   For the past Month, I have been eating way way WAY healthier than I ever have in my entire life.     I am eating some fruits and veggies EVERY day. Those of you that know me, know what a feat that is.   I have also cut back tremendously on the amount of Fat (even so called "good" fat) that I eat everyday. My fat intake is down to about 25 - 33 % of what it has been my entire adult life and up until a month ago.
    I am also going to the gym 3 - 5 times a week -- sometimes even more if my work schedule permits it.    I am swimming mostly, and my stamina is starting to shoot up tremendously.    I can now swim 20 laps with minimal rest and no "cheating" or walking part way.   My buddy Matt also gave me his old 10 speed, so I am starting to ride that.
    With all these postiive things going right now, I have decided to take part in a Tri-Athalon at the end of the summer.   Notice I did not say "Compete in" a tri-athalon. Right now my only goal is to finish the 12 mile bike ride, 3 mile walk, and 12 lap swim.    Wish me luck with the training.

I know it's been awhile since I Have updated. Sorry about that. Here's what's been going on. The Saturday before last (Jan 14th), my buddy Matt and I climbed up Camelback Mountain. It had been 5 years or so since the last time I did the hike. I had truly forgotten just how steep and strenuous of a hike it was. I was beat when we got back down. Anyway, we did the hike again this past Saturday (21st) and Greer came too. well, I had bought some better, lighter hiking shoes (as opposed to the boots I wore last time), so the hike went much better and quicker. I shaved about 20 mins off my time going up the mountain (50mins instead of 70).

so I will be going back up again on this coming Saturday, and hopefully I can shave at least 10 more mins off this time. wish me luck.

Well, 2005 is over, and I must say that 2005 was a HELL of alot better year for me than was 2004. The only Damper on the new year (so far anyway) is that I found out just last Thursday that I started my midnight - 7:30am on call rotation on Monday the 2nd at midnight -- so much for having a holiday.

Anyway, looking forward to the coming year, I will be 100% debt free, except for my house and now my new car by December. I only have 1 student loan besides the other 2 mentioned, but I am going to pay extra to get that paid off this year as the rates are going up.

I am getting back in to the habit of going to the gym regularly -- I have mostly been swimming -- I did 24 laps tonight. I am still dragged out from this insane on call rotation, that my energy levels are not up to snuff -- by next week I should be back in teh 40 - 50 lap range.

That's all the time I Have for now -- but I wanted to post something. One of my main resolutions this year is to update this page AT LEAST every other day. that's only 180 updates -- I should be able to swing that

well, I finally got a chance to take my new car for a drive on Sunday -- I drove up to Tortilla Flat -- a little mountain town NE of Phoenix. here are some pics of my trip.

Well, my new car finally arrived this morning, and it is SWEEEEEEEET! I can't wait to hit the road to sedona tomorrow. It rides extremely smooth, is quiet as Hell, and at least until they start getting more common in town, is turning peoples heads. So I spent a couple hours tonight washing, cleaning, and waxing it (yes I mean the car). stay tuned for some pics:

Well, Tonight seemed to be the night of hte Halloween partys. My buddy Cliff had a halloween cookout (people in some clever costumes) with pork loins that he slow cooked/smoked for HOURS. It was DELICIOUS. After eating there, my buddy Vince and I met our friend Dan at Rio Salado (where there were some people in some interesting costumes). Dan is "moving" to Spokane, Washington for 2 months on Friday. It was a good night.

I was able to actually swim 50 laps on Sunday -- my arms (well shoulders) were toast yesterday, so I took a day off. Trevor called me yesterday to let me know that my car shipped out of the factory on the 19th -- in a week or two, I should have my shiny new car. I can't wait. I will be sure to post pictures once I have got the first inital car wash/cleaning and waxing in.

Well, last week I really started getting serious about swimming - SO last tuesday I did 22 laps -- a personal best. Then Thursday I did 30 -- I was very proud of myself. Well then yesterday I had the bright I dea to do 40. Which I did -- I was really sore this morning and thru most of the early afternoon. Tonight I went back to the pool and did 44 laps - Woo Hoo -- another personal best. Tomorrow I am doing 50. only 20 more laps to go for it to be a mile. I never in my life figured I would be able to swim that many laps.

Man am I gonna be sore tomorrow though

Well another round of being on hot pager for a week has ended. I can get my life back again -- I can feel comfortable leaving my house more than just a couple miles away to get groceries.

The ungodly long hot AZ summer has finally come to an end it seems. The last 2 days have been absolutely BEAUTIFUL -- it was Mid 80's all day yesterday and today. The evenings/nights have cooled into the upper 60's. I can actually stand to be outside in my garage during the day now -- I took teh oppurtunity to clean and declutter it. I ended up taking my now 5 or 6th trip to Goodwill this year with a carful of stuff.

The quest for becoming completely clutter free seems to be a continuing never ending battle for me. But I am getting closer to achieving the ultimate in minimalality.

Well, it's been a couple months, but the insomnia has returned with a vengance. I was able to pull out maybe 2 hours of sleep last night. A big part of it was that my allergies were acting up -- after a few weeks of having now issues at night (in my allergy controlled bedroom) -- last night I couldn't breath clearly. Things seem to be back under control today (I always seem to have a good day after my allergy shots). Hopefully it won't last 2 weeks like it did last time.

Well, I am finally back to a normal sleep pattern for me -- after trips to MI, being on midnight - 7am on call shift, staying up late with parties and getting up early to watch the MSU UofM game, my body didn't know what end was up. Well last night I went to bed at 11:30pm and woke up this morning at 6am. 6hrs of sleep seems to be my bodies sweet spot at this point in my life. I had a really strange dream this morning though. But we won't get into that.

Also, I went swimming at the gym with my buddy Matt this evening -- I did 24 laps -- with breaks in between of course, but that is at least double what I have been able to do since I had a swim class at MSU in the spring of '97.