Self unemployed and loving every minute of it! I fired my boss and quit my job and now I'm ready to change my latitude (I'm planning on traveling soon). Well that was the big news for me, the next thing I need to do is finally invest in a vehicle. I'd been putting it off for two years, getting by on my bicycle instead, but necessity is calling me out.
I hope to pick up a 4 or 5 year old truck, something like this:
And add one of these:
But I'm trying not to spend so much of this:
So I can afford to do more of this:
I want to be able to go anywhere I want with my dog, to take whatever I want and camp in the back on a rainy day when I can't find a descent roof for my head on any day I want...
I hope to pick up a 4 or 5 year old truck, something like this:
And add one of these:
But I'm trying not to spend so much of this:
So I can afford to do more of this:
I want to be able to go anywhere I want with my dog, to take whatever I want and camp in the back on a rainy day when I can't find a descent roof for my head on any day I want...
I'm aghast, why Obama, why?
Obama Won't Prosecute Officials Over Interrogations:
Policy Makers Apparently Off the Hook for Harsh Treatment of Suspects
However, according to the top UN torture investigator, the order not to prosecute is in direct violation of international laws of which we are a signatory of. U.S. courts could still (and should) prosecute!
For current discussions on this subject on the Suicide Girls CE boards, here are a few links (sound off if you give a damn!)
Obama Releases OLC Torture Memos
Rep. Jane Harman, Alberto Gonzales and AIPAC
Waterboarding Never Used
Obama Won't Prosecute Officials Over Interrogations:
Policy Makers Apparently Off the Hook for Harsh Treatment of Suspects
However, according to the top UN torture investigator, the order not to prosecute is in direct violation of international laws of which we are a signatory of. U.S. courts could still (and should) prosecute!
For current discussions on this subject on the Suicide Girls CE boards, here are a few links (sound off if you give a damn!)
Obama Releases OLC Torture Memos
Rep. Jane Harman, Alberto Gonzales and AIPAC
Waterboarding Never Used
Well, its a new year and it's high time I finally left a new entry onto my blog...
So my man got elected and now he's the man (well, about to be...) I really wonder if Obama will usher in a new era of politics and progress in America. Certainly, I have a lot of faith in his ability (at least in his intent), but facing the daunting task of turning America around (economically, environmentally, socially and diplomatically) is going to be biggest challenge of his career. Whilst he seems more interested in helping America bury the bloody hatchet it's hacked at itself with over the last many years, I too have some concerns for our president...
First and foremost, is he really our president? Resounding, yes. He campaigned on that promise and so far it looks like he's committed to keeping it. Unfortunately (well, maybe not so unfortunate, actually), that means that, just like the Democratic party, he is going to be inclusive of everyone, including Republicans. Now before I go and start complaining about how he's starting to look like the most liberal Republican president we've ever had with some of his appointments and tax cuts, I'm going to force myself to step out from behind my curtain of bias and refocus my eyes beyond the lenses of relativism.
Change (at least as I see it) may not exactly be synonymous with progress and I have to accept the possibility that it will be somewhat slower in the making. Politically, Obama may be shrewd, but he's also direct, honest and open. As president, I believe his plan of inclusiveness and his willingness to seek common ground will help him bridge the divide and get the country headed back in the right direction. As an instrument of unity, I believe he will be an effective catalyst in helping the country heal itself. For far too long, we Americans have increasingly become divided by a caustic brand of politics and rhetoric that has poisoned the hearts of many Americans. We've allowed ourselves to become complacent in accepting prejudice and being fearful of our differences. On January 20, 2009, we as a country will finally have the opportunity (and the driving leadership needed) to help us grow beyond the festering animosity of the past and look forward to a united and hopeful future...
But in the mean time, we can dwell on at least one moment from the past. May he never be afraid to act when he must and may his decisions be guided by his acumen and his heart rather then just his gut...
And so, with the former resident of the White House finally set to retire from the halls of the Executive Office (not soon enough), I deem it necessary to review the fallacy of George Bush and his Presidency which can be summed up with this demotivational poster I cooked up just for him:
Good riddance and don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out.
So my man got elected and now he's the man (well, about to be...) I really wonder if Obama will usher in a new era of politics and progress in America. Certainly, I have a lot of faith in his ability (at least in his intent), but facing the daunting task of turning America around (economically, environmentally, socially and diplomatically) is going to be biggest challenge of his career. Whilst he seems more interested in helping America bury the bloody hatchet it's hacked at itself with over the last many years, I too have some concerns for our president...
First and foremost, is he really our president? Resounding, yes. He campaigned on that promise and so far it looks like he's committed to keeping it. Unfortunately (well, maybe not so unfortunate, actually), that means that, just like the Democratic party, he is going to be inclusive of everyone, including Republicans. Now before I go and start complaining about how he's starting to look like the most liberal Republican president we've ever had with some of his appointments and tax cuts, I'm going to force myself to step out from behind my curtain of bias and refocus my eyes beyond the lenses of relativism.
Change (at least as I see it) may not exactly be synonymous with progress and I have to accept the possibility that it will be somewhat slower in the making. Politically, Obama may be shrewd, but he's also direct, honest and open. As president, I believe his plan of inclusiveness and his willingness to seek common ground will help him bridge the divide and get the country headed back in the right direction. As an instrument of unity, I believe he will be an effective catalyst in helping the country heal itself. For far too long, we Americans have increasingly become divided by a caustic brand of politics and rhetoric that has poisoned the hearts of many Americans. We've allowed ourselves to become complacent in accepting prejudice and being fearful of our differences. On January 20, 2009, we as a country will finally have the opportunity (and the driving leadership needed) to help us grow beyond the festering animosity of the past and look forward to a united and hopeful future...
But in the mean time, we can dwell on at least one moment from the past. May he never be afraid to act when he must and may his decisions be guided by his acumen and his heart rather then just his gut...
And so, with the former resident of the White House finally set to retire from the halls of the Executive Office (not soon enough), I deem it necessary to review the fallacy of George Bush and his Presidency which can be summed up with this demotivational poster I cooked up just for him:
Good riddance and don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out.
God I love this picture...
I was waiting for Sunday the first of the month to post a new comment, but I just couldn't wait any longer. I was on such a roll too (No posts since Nov. 2!) Interestingly enough, this year, it happens to be the Sunday before Super Tuesday. So, what are you planning on doing that Sunday? I'll probably be working, but I know on Tuesday, I won't be working, I'll be voting. So it looks as if there are going to be 2 choices for you to make this year. Hope or ambivalence. So, to which direction will you be casting your lot. Forward or downward?
I realize that there are a myriad of options, but when it comes down to it (if when you've allowed yourself to be as deluded as I probably am), there really are only two in my eyes. I see one option, bright and shining like a star... After starting slow and getting dragged through the mud, I held fast to the star I'd hitched myself to over a year a go... But now that star is rising fast and is gaining speed, and finally, "for the first time in my life", I believe I'll actually be able to vote for someone I truly want to win and believe will win (well, I was all for Gore too in 2000, but not as enthusiastic). And then there's option two... Apathy, indifference, indecision, intolerance, fear, Republican Party, 3rd Party, not voting... All are the choices of ambivalence to me. Apathy I can understand... Nearly 8, long years have I endured hopelessness, honestly believing that this country was going to continue in an ugly, downward spiral of self-destruction until we all became dumb, impotent, self-righteous and selfish bastards. But then, someone dared to hope... And his message was a contagion that has lifted millions of Americans, just like myself, out of the pits of despair and into the lofty, Ambrosian heights of cloudlike delusion and delight. Political heroin for the masses. I wants me some smack and this man's the dealer:
SOCK IT TO 'EM BARRY! I'LL FOLLOW YOU DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE OR WHEREVER YOU ROAM ('CAUSE, MORE THEN ANYTHING, I WANNA SEE WHAT 140 BUCKS GETS ME OUT OF A CANDIDATE)
There... Now that wasn't so bad was it? 6 months away from your journal and you're blogging like a pro. And yes, I am talking to myself. My ego needs it... (That and my girlfriend is down in Aruba so I've got nothing better to do... But then, I could peruse through months of sets I've missed. By the way, Pistolita is a heart-stopper. Well she manages my blood pressure up anyways. There should be a medical disclaimer on her latest set. Aye Caramba!
I was waiting for Sunday the first of the month to post a new comment, but I just couldn't wait any longer. I was on such a roll too (No posts since Nov. 2!) Interestingly enough, this year, it happens to be the Sunday before Super Tuesday. So, what are you planning on doing that Sunday? I'll probably be working, but I know on Tuesday, I won't be working, I'll be voting. So it looks as if there are going to be 2 choices for you to make this year. Hope or ambivalence. So, to which direction will you be casting your lot. Forward or downward?
I realize that there are a myriad of options, but when it comes down to it (if when you've allowed yourself to be as deluded as I probably am), there really are only two in my eyes. I see one option, bright and shining like a star... After starting slow and getting dragged through the mud, I held fast to the star I'd hitched myself to over a year a go... But now that star is rising fast and is gaining speed, and finally, "for the first time in my life", I believe I'll actually be able to vote for someone I truly want to win and believe will win (well, I was all for Gore too in 2000, but not as enthusiastic). And then there's option two... Apathy, indifference, indecision, intolerance, fear, Republican Party, 3rd Party, not voting... All are the choices of ambivalence to me. Apathy I can understand... Nearly 8, long years have I endured hopelessness, honestly believing that this country was going to continue in an ugly, downward spiral of self-destruction until we all became dumb, impotent, self-righteous and selfish bastards. But then, someone dared to hope... And his message was a contagion that has lifted millions of Americans, just like myself, out of the pits of despair and into the lofty, Ambrosian heights of cloudlike delusion and delight. Political heroin for the masses. I wants me some smack and this man's the dealer:
SOCK IT TO 'EM BARRY! I'LL FOLLOW YOU DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE OR WHEREVER YOU ROAM ('CAUSE, MORE THEN ANYTHING, I WANNA SEE WHAT 140 BUCKS GETS ME OUT OF A CANDIDATE)
There... Now that wasn't so bad was it? 6 months away from your journal and you're blogging like a pro. And yes, I am talking to myself. My ego needs it... (That and my girlfriend is down in Aruba so I've got nothing better to do... But then, I could peruse through months of sets I've missed. By the way, Pistolita is a heart-stopper. Well she manages my blood pressure up anyways. There should be a medical disclaimer on her latest set. Aye Caramba!
Doggy Update: SHE'S HOME!!! It had occurred to me right before going to sleep to call the local animal shelter the following morning (although it would be suspiciously odd that they wouldn't call the phone number listed on her tag if they'd "found" her...)
Well, come morning, I was typically bleary eyed and (again typically) off to a late start for work. Come lunch time, I was concerned about my ride home because I'd forgotten the battery for my bike lights and I didn't want to ride home in the dark (no street lights where I live). I called up my mother's partner to see if I could get a ride home or if she could pick up and drop off the battery... Well, I just happened to call her right as she was "bailing" Kita out of the pound. Fwew! Apparently, great minds do think alike (but clearer minds remember) and she had gone to the pound and found (by ear, Kita was howling when she heard the vehicle drive up) and saw her cooped up in a little 6x4 cell. She was rescued and she greeted me at the car door when I was picked up for the ride home. I'm so happy! She's a wonderful dog and I would have sorely missed her. Now the tricky part is trying to keep her inside all the time (totally against the grain for her since she's so free spirited). The overnight stay plus food and shots cost over $80 (now we know why they didn't call immediately: $$$) 
Sadly, she'll have to convert to being a total indoor dog (except for potty time and walks), but she already stays indoors most of the time anyways. Anyways, it made my day. Thanks for your hopes and prayers, they've been answered!!!In other news: I can't wait for Monday night. No, not football, I'm going to a concert to see Air live with my new "special" friend. I'm not sure which is more exciting, the fact that I'm going to the concert, or the fact that I'm going with her... Scratch that, she's way more exciting. I'm so glad she invited me and I thank my lucky stars that a mutual friend introduced the two of us. We've really hit it off and I totally get her, it's as if we are kindred spirits. She's so cool... I should be dancin', yeah! DANCIN', YEAH! I SHOULD BE DANCIN', YEAH!!! (Ok, that's enough of the Bee Gee's out of me)... Ahem.
And now to the local report: Work sucks & my boss is a dick as usual. Fall is finally here. We got a nice sprinkling this morning with plenty of cool, fresh air to breathe in after a long stifling Summer. I'm looking forward to more dampness in the next couple of days. Perfect hiking and biking weather as long as it doesn't rain while I'm actually out and about. I'm finally getting my car checked out next Monday to find out if it's worth fixing or not (it's been out of commission for the last 5 months). Pretty soon though I'm going to need a car again and I'm thinking about ditching the old one in favor of a real new car (not just new to me, used car). Somewhere near the top of the list sits the Toyota Matrix. It's the right size (roomy with inside storage for road trippin', SCUBA haulin', and gear packin', and it gets great gas mileage. The fact that it's a sharp looking car doesn't hurt either. I'm still feeling the anti-establishment, anti-petroleum vibe, but I can't wait for them to develop water-powered cars... Especially if I don't want to pick up my date and have her sit on my handlebars (although that would be kind of fun.) Also, I paid off my student loan and now I've got my sights set on paying off my credit card. Funny how my credit line magically went up as soon as I paid off my student loan, the same loan that slashed my credit line to a third of what it was when I unknowingly defaulted... I hate credit, but I need to build it. Buying a car helps build credit... I need better credit so I can buy a car... Guess I better get paying off my credit card now. Anyone know if I might be able to plead the credit card companies into slashing the ungodly interest rate? Probably not. Fuckers (them, not you).
Enough. I'm done.
I'm pissed. One dog died last week (probably killed by a bobcat) and another disappeared today. 
I'm sure going to miss her... Kita was such a special dog. So full of energy and vitality. She had such a great spirit.
I'm sure going to miss her... Kita was such a special dog. So full of energy and vitality. She had such a great spirit.Well things have been kind of hot in my corner of the world (and I guess most of you are probably feeling some of the same heat too). Thankfully the ocean breeze is beginning to cool things off here by the end of the day, but the temperature is stifling most of the day. Now I don't want to sound like chicken little here, but I really do think the sky is falling: global warming and climate change are here, THE END IS NEIGH! 
Ok, I know the drill: DO NOT PANIC! 
Seriously though, take a quick look over at N.O.A.A.'s website and you'll notice that much of the country (hell, the world) is experiencing higher temperatures and drought (and let's not forget to mention that the Great Lakes are starting to dry up), meanwhile the rest of the U.S. (and again much of the world) is getting flooded! So what gives??? Well a climatologist would probably tell us that due to rising air temperatures, much of the water moisture is evaporating leaving land dry and barren. However, because there is more water vapor in the atmosphere (gee, you mean like a greenhouse?), this results in more violent and destructive thunderstorms, hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons. In case you haven't noticed, there was also a 20% increase in arctic ice melt this summer. Scientists are scrambling to revise their figures, but some are already saying that the north pole will be completely free of ice during the summer months by the middle of this century. I can see it now, cruise ship and sight-seeing plane charters to see the last of the great icecap before it completely disappears... Kind of like going to a zoo to see the last of the tazmanian wolves (which didn't breed in captivity) before they went extinct.
But don't take my word for it, see some of it breaking apart for yourself:
And just imagine how many margaritas you could make with that mountain of ice! They'll sure be refreshing and what a way to beat that heat.
Psst. If you managed to make over to the NOAA site, you might not have noticed that the U.S. has also embarked on a "science voyage" to map the seafloor of the arctic region. Guess we're in the race for the pole too. Sigh. Thus begins (continues?) the mighty struggle over the last remaining oil reserves in the world (ironic that global warming has allowed it to get to this point, no?)
Weather aside, I'm trying to maintain my sanity amid all the crazy conspiracy theories that keep running through my head. (Boredom can be a quite a vice during these geopolitically volatile times). Please, just don't ask me what I'm thinking or what my "conspiracy theory" is, its hard enough for me to forget about it in the first place. In the least, you'll just look at me funny, think I'm crazy or possibly never talk to me again. At worst, I'll be right and it won't matter because things will just be really shitty and you'll know what my "theory" is anyways if (when?) it happens... Yeah, it sucks and it's really bad but there's nothing I can do about it, so why keep worrying? Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain! (Ok, here's a big hint in case you just need to know):
Ok, I know the drill: DO NOT PANIC! Seriously though, take a quick look over at N.O.A.A.'s website and you'll notice that much of the country (hell, the world) is experiencing higher temperatures and drought (and let's not forget to mention that the Great Lakes are starting to dry up), meanwhile the rest of the U.S. (and again much of the world) is getting flooded! So what gives??? Well a climatologist would probably tell us that due to rising air temperatures, much of the water moisture is evaporating leaving land dry and barren. However, because there is more water vapor in the atmosphere (gee, you mean like a greenhouse?), this results in more violent and destructive thunderstorms, hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons. In case you haven't noticed, there was also a 20% increase in arctic ice melt this summer. Scientists are scrambling to revise their figures, but some are already saying that the north pole will be completely free of ice during the summer months by the middle of this century. I can see it now, cruise ship and sight-seeing plane charters to see the last of the great icecap before it completely disappears... Kind of like going to a zoo to see the last of the tazmanian wolves (which didn't breed in captivity) before they went extinct.
But don't take my word for it, see some of it breaking apart for yourself:And just imagine how many margaritas you could make with that mountain of ice! They'll sure be refreshing and what a way to beat that heat.
Psst. If you managed to make over to the NOAA site, you might not have noticed that the U.S. has also embarked on a "science voyage" to map the seafloor of the arctic region. Guess we're in the race for the pole too. Sigh. Thus begins (continues?) the mighty struggle over the last remaining oil reserves in the world (ironic that global warming has allowed it to get to this point, no?)
Weather aside, I'm trying to maintain my sanity amid all the crazy conspiracy theories that keep running through my head. (Boredom can be a quite a vice during these geopolitically volatile times). Please, just don't ask me what I'm thinking or what my "conspiracy theory" is, its hard enough for me to forget about it in the first place. In the least, you'll just look at me funny, think I'm crazy or possibly never talk to me again. At worst, I'll be right and it won't matter because things will just be really shitty and you'll know what my "theory" is anyways if (when?) it happens... Yeah, it sucks and it's really bad but there's nothing I can do about it, so why keep worrying? Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain! (Ok, here's a big hint in case you just need to know):
Moving on...
Besides the kooky-craziness-doom-and-gloom talk, here's how I've been feeling a bit like lately: 
(Are the smileys getting annoying yet?) I just saw off a couple of good friends who moved to Flagstaff, so things have been kind of quiet in the social department. Thankfully, a week ago I was invited to go to an art show at Distinction Art Gallery down in Escondido where they were featuring (mostly) my favorite type of art (Pop Surreal). There was some really great stuff on display and the free wine in the gallery was also a well imbibed bonus. We chased the evening's event with a good bottle of red wine at R. O'Sullivan's Irish pub and wouldn't you know it, they we're literally all tapped out! No beer in an Irish pub? That's like having no ice in the Arctic! Ha! Oh. Um... 
Anyways we had a great time and drained the bottle listening to a guitar-playing-jaunty-singing-beer-swilling-Irishman and old 80's Smiths songs (it was playing whenever he took a beer break, they still had bottles). Afterwards we headed back up to town to enjoy some really cool tripped-out music before I said my final goodbyes... It's really great when you can relate to people and have a great time doing something simple, like hanging out. It's been quite along time since done any hanging out and its really hard to find good friends among the uptight people here in hickkksville. Well I'll have to do it again soon. Meanwhile I've been invited to join them if I choose to go to an Air concert (as in the band) in September. I'm not sure if I can go, but I'm going to try... But until then, I can't wait for my first issue of Juxtapoz to come in the mail. I'm not usually one for material items, but hey, this is art and this mag 'aint no cheap dime rag cover, it's the real deal. (Actually, I'm kind of fond of cheap dime rag covers, even if they are a bit cliche). Anyways, opening a copy of Jux is kind of like getting a issue of LA (or OC, SD, SF, etc.) Weekly, but its overflowing with so much art and coolness it kicks ass over all other 'zines (well that's my opinion anyway). There's my report for now. It's a mixed bag, but take it or leave it, this is my life. Bye, adios, sionara and au revoir and tattootleoo! (Did I just say that??? Oh man, it must be getting late).
If-n-she-'aint a beaut? Covergirl for the times... Muerte baby... Muerte indeed.
