The Burning Missive

2012-02-03T13:14:00.000-08:00

Baby Countdown Tickers.

Found these today. Pretty cool, and puts things in a little different perspective.

2012-01-16T17:36:00.001-08:00

Education, or lack thereof...

I have a baby due soon. Education is something that has always been important to me, and exponentially more so now. I keep seeing stories of teacher layoffs, schools with no money and dwindling programs, and the overall horrible state of public education. Public you know, the one that doesn't cost extra. The one that used to be a model for the whole world, and is now a laughing stock amongst developed nations, and some under-developed ones as well. How do we fix this? What will our leaders do right the ship? Here is what their websites say:

If it was front-facing, there is a link, if not, there is a direct link:

Democratic National Committee.

Republican National Committee (scroll through the issues.)

Ron Paul (homeschooling is all I could find.)

Mitt Romney (nothing.)

Rick Santorum.

Barack Obama.

Newt Gingrich.

So, how do they/we fix the failing schools? What about the poor families who can't afford charter or private schools, as some plans suggest? Is it the poor kids fault? How do we fix it? What's the plan? I vote with what's important to me, my family and my country. That is all.

2011-03-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

HERE is a truly inspirational and incredible story from Outside Magazine, of wounded veterans climbing 20,161 foot Lobuche in Nepal. It makes any of my bad days seem insignificant!

2009-06-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

Contra.

How quickly we forget! The GOP wants Obama to vocally and outwardly support the opposition in Iran, not taking into consideration the absolute distrust and hatred for the United States. What's happening is horrible, and I wish we could intervene, but ANY intervention by the US, perceived or not, could further elevate those feelings towards the US and actually strengthen support for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Our government, specifically Reagan, Bush and Rumsfeld supplied weapons and money to Iran's mortal enemy Iraq from 1980-1984. These weapons, conventional and chemical, killed countless Iranians (wiki HERE.) We then supplied certain Iranians with weapons in trade for hostages. Remember the CONTRA affair? More HERE.

RIP, Darrell "Shifty" Powers. They just don't make them like that anymore...

Hey kids, now enjoy a humorous explanation of traditional biblical marriage, and some new rules.

2009-04-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

Brüno And Beer Wars.

My next two movie outings.

2009-04-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Bacon, Tequila, Mayer And A PSA.

It's going to be a good day!

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Bacon cupcakes? Mmmmm... BACON!

And, Kosher Tequila. Finally!

Makin' Music with John Mayer from John Mayer

2009-03-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

Best Email Ever.

Received yesterday, allegedly from my coffee cup. Names have been changed, and response has not yet been crafted.

Dear Andy,

I'm not sure if you've noticed yet, but when you got out of the car on Saturday, you left me behind. Are you mad at me? Did you leave me behind on purpose? I'm so confused. I thought we had a good container-drinker relationship. I don't spill on you very often and I'm really good at keeping your coffee warm. If I'm too big, you should try just filling me half way. Then I function like a smaller cup and there's no need to throw me to the curb.

"F" and "B" found me, and they're treating me pretty well, but I would really like to come home. There's one catch though. They told me that the only way they will let me leave is if you bring "Item X". They said if you don't, I might have an accident. I'm only a cup so I'm not really sure what that means...but there was a brown monster licking his lips behind them when they said it.

Could you please call "B" and negotiate my safe return? I promise I'll do an even better job of keeping your coffee warm. And, if you want, I'll even hold your tea.

Ok, well, they're telling me my time is up. I have to go back to the cup holder now. I sure hope you come and get me soon. I miss you.

And now, two months later (with no captions yet) some more Ecuador pics HERE. All work and no blog makes Andy.... well.... busy...

2009-01-20T00:13:00.000-08:00

Today.

Today is a new day. Today is a day of a new optimism. Today is a day of looking forward. It will take time, but better days are ahead. I met people from all over the world over the last few weeks in Ecuador, and it was inspiring to hear the collective relief and hope for our country and the world. After all the parties and ceremony today, it's time to get to work. All of us.

Stay involved!

I'll post all of the Ecuador pics soon, but here's a few of my favorites.

2008-11-04T07:56:00.000-08:00

200.

How fitting for my 200th post. Pretty much all I have to say about this election... from the past two years. There will be a quiz at the end! Click the keywords.

Obama

Vote.

Game on.

a

2008-10-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

Two Candidates Walk Into A Bar.

Two weeks left before the election, and it's too close to call. There are already reports of voter fraud in WV, and knowing the GOP, anything is still possible. I'm feeling optomistic, but this campaign has been embarrasing. McCain's "win at all costs" strategy of changing his stance on EVERYTHING... even employing the people that smearted him out of a victory in 2000 is shameful. HOPEFULLY, some voters in Wal-Mart states will see through that.

HERE are all of the Obama posts I have done (in case you've missed any!) including my initial endorsement from February 12, 2007.

Steven Weber, as usual, kills it. "Two candidates walk into a bar." Great insight into the campaign.

Colin Powell (respected general and Republican that served under both Bushes) endorses Obama. There were rumblings about this last week, but now it's official.

Make-believe Maverick. Great RS article on the truth about McCain's past. Read it and decide for yourself. Country first? Riiiiight... Read it now. Do it. Really.

Olberman on McCain/Palin rallies.

Terry Tate and Sarah Palin : Reading Is Fundamental!

A loo with a VIEW. More in the article. Awesome!

2008-10-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

Quito Or Bust.

Yes, Quito Ecuador.

Click HERE first, and then read on. Do it. Trust me.

That song from Band Of Horses has been the soundtrack of my life for the past few weeks. I've posted a bunch of MUSIC before, but this single song has been on repeat for weeks!

Cayambe 18,996' (seen from Quito)

Cotopaxi 19,347'

Machu Picchu.

Life is very busy, but good. I'm back at work at an old job (from 5 years ago.) I start my Scuba certification next week. My OCD has been in overdrive planning for a trip to Peru and Ecuador in January to climb Cayambe (more wiki HERE), hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu and do some diving, PLUS we may try to squeeze in a climb of Cotopaxi if we have time.

I also sent in my application to be a canopy pilot on the PD Factory Team. You gotta be in it to win it, right?

Whiskey? IPA? Huckleberries? PERFECT!

So, here's the only political part... a little song about Sara Palin. Enjoy!

2008-09-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

Not Watching.

I will NOT be watching the VP debate on Thursday. I'd rather eat a kitten. Biden has done 80+ local and national interviews as of late... and Palin? 3... All absolute trainwrecks. The more she talks, the more people may realize what a joke she is. We can only hope...

HERE.

And since she and McCain say they can fix healtcare, this ought to work just fine!

2008-09-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

Today, Tomorrow, And...

I've been busy as hell back at work, but I'm looking forward to a busy and fun weekend.

Today: Happy Birthday to Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope Paul VI, Winnie Mandela, Johnny Appleseed, TS Eliot, George Gershwin, Jack LaLanne, Olivia Newton John, Shannon Hoon, Linda Hamilton, Jillian Barberie, James Caviezel, Kaylynn, Serena Williams... and some other guy.

Tonight: It was supposed to be the presidential debate, but John McCain (coward) said he's suspending his campaign go to Washington to help fix the economy. Watch the video and tell me you're not fully relieved. Ahh...

Tomorrow: Our mini-non-Byron Boogie. (Skydiving, karaoke and cheap beer amongst friends. Perfect.)

Sunday: A quick trip to the Folsom Street Fair, then a "mild" pool party.

Bonus. Letterman on McCain:

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

The People You Meet.

On the summit of a 14,505' mountain.

The photos from my White Mountain, Mt Whitney and Death Valley weekend HERE.

No sooner did we finish the seven-hour, 11 1/2 mile and 6700' vertical climb of Mt Whitney (2nd 14'er in 3 days...), did I hear a voice with a Scottish accent behind me say "Are you a skydiving instructor?" Before I turned around, I checked to see if I was wearing anything indicating as such, and when I saw that I wasn't I said "Yes... how did you know?" He said "You took my brother on a tandem in July of 2005 . I was there with him that day, and then we went to Half Dome the next... he played his bagpipes on the top." Quite a few of my past tandem students have remembered me, and approach me in bars and such, but this was different.

Here's the crazy part:

I looked right at the guy and said "I saw the video on YouTube a while back... it's awesome... I loved it!"

I love how small the world can be... especially with interesting people! Here's the video:

2008-09-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

Quick Palin Primer.

Non-sequitur-orama!

Are you as unfamiliar with Sarah Palin and her policies as, well... everyone? Well here's a primer, composed of various links to her infinite experience. I'm glad a woman was picked, but she'd definitely no Kay Bailey Hutchison!

The Huffington Post put together a bit of a tribute page HERE.

She's a big proponent of Abstinence-Only education in schools. How well did THAT work at home? Good thing her future son-in-law is proud of being a "Redneck."

Palin for ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ before she was against it.

She's got the SKILLS. Just ask some other Republicans!

McCain: Obama Lacks Experience Running 5,000-Person Town in Alaska.

Alaska National Guard General: Palin Plays No Role In National Defense Activities Even When They Involve The Alaska National Guard.

Bonus Feature HERE: Japanese Prime Minister resigns, citing 29% approval and weakening economy. You know what other current leader has a 29% approval rating and weakening economy?

2008-08-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Don't Know Much.

Mt Rainier photos and recap HERE.

"Don't know much." About time the Dems showed some balls! Awesome.

Ignorant and oh-so-butt-hurt Pumas make me sick. Good thing Matthews has some balls.

How Gustav may hurt the GOP. Karma at it's finest!

Senator McCain vs. Candidate McCain. Scary.

2008-08-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Mt. Rainier Recap.

Photos with descriptions on Flickr HERE.

The route on summit day. Click on the photo for a description and some very cool videos.

The climb was absolutely amazing. We only had a few hours between weather systems to summit, and it worked out amazingly. Colder is better, and the snow and ice held up perfectly (exact opposite of Mt Shasta 5 weeks previous!) The snow bridges over the crevasses held up, and the route was in great shape, except for the 1+ hour scree and rock scramble both directions up and down Disappointment Cleaver. Loose rocks are FUN with crampons!

After leaving Paradise (5400') at 10am on Monday, we reached Camp Muir (10,200') at 3pm. After some camp chores and an unsuccessfully attempted nap, we were climbing again at 1:30 am. We reached the crater at 7:30am, and two of us scrambled up the crater wall to Columbia Crest at 14,410'. On the 7 hour, 9 mile and 9000' descent back to paradise, we went through the weather system that was chasing us up the hill. Up AND down the mountain we encountered rain, sleet, snow, rockfall, icefall and winds... and it was awesome!

30 hours, 9000 feet vertical, 18 miles round trip, starting with a 52 lb pack and wearing 6lb (each) rigid mountaineering boots climbing on heavily crevassed glaciers, on an active volcano through unsettled weather. THAT is a perfect trip... who wants to be bored?

The training leading up to Mt Shasta was definitely an advantage for this climb. I felt very strong through the higher altitudes and was able to summit with a pretty severe cold and some big-ass blisters. They say that you should be in the best shape of your life for this climb, and I felt that I was. After getting stopped so close to the summit on Shasta due to the crappy conditions, I needed a win, and this was definitely it! The feeling I had standing on the summit was definitely worth the all training. Losing 34lbs in the process was a nice side effect as well.

Here are a few of my favorite pics. The first four are from others in my group, the next three are from my camera. The rest from my camera are HERE with oh-so-clever descriptions.

Frost on the top of Disappointment Cleaver.

Taking a break at Ingraham flats with Disappointment Cleaver in the background.

Packing back up for the descent in the crater. Nice butt!

Hiking up to Columbia Crest.

On the summit (Columbia Crest @ 14,410') 20 minutes later.

Descending on the Ingraham glacier, with Cathedral rocks in the background.

Heading back towards Cathedral Gap at 11,300'.

2008-08-12T01:19:00.000-07:00

Almost...

I'm heading up to Lake Tahoe for some last-minute altitude training today and tomorrow before I go to Seattle to climb Mt Rainier on Friday morning. Here are some pics (some mine, some web) of Mt Tallac, Glacier National Park (from last week) and Mt Rainier.

View of the whole Tahoe basin from the summit of Mt Tallac (9735') This will be my last training hike of the season. Ahhh...

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Eastern Glacier NP near Two Medicine Lake. 8000' and 70+ MPH hurricane-force winds. A little extra adventure!

Steph approaching Triple Divide Peak @ Triple Divide pass. Awesome 14.4 mile, 2400' vertical hike.

Mountain Goats on the trail.

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And now, here are some great web shots of Mt Rainier. I'll be happy to post my own next week. Did I mention that it's supposed to snow on our summit day?

Lenticular clouds over the peak.

Camp Muir @ 10,000'. Looks a bit ghetto, but those are some high class accommodations!

Close up of the peak.

Mt Rainier from Puget Sound.

More incredible Lenticular clouds.

2008-07-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

Get Lost, Again.

I'm heading back to Lost Prairie and Glacier National Park in Montana today (pics HERE, some video halfway down HERE) so here are a few links and videos to hold you over for the next week while I'm out of email and cell phone range. Ahhh.... silence...

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Who can take a record $100 billion surplus and turn it into a $482 billion deficit (illegally omitting $80 billion Iraq war costs, of course!) in 7 years? That's our BUSH! Those wartime tax cuts for the rich worked out really well!

The CUIL.COM search engine launched yesterday to much hype. My vote? It's just that... hype. It says it has 3X the search power of Google, but the results are not even relevant. Use my name for example: GOOGLE vs CUIL. I look much more interesting on Google.

W. Oliver Stone. 10/17/08. Enough said.

Reason #7352 I hate reality TV, but love the "SOUP!"

The Muppet Show plays some Rammstein. I love YouTube!

New Radiohead video, made with 3D plotting and no cameras. Brilliant!

It's been 4 weeks since the law now. Do you have your hands-free headset?

2008-07-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

30 Second Book Review, Part 1.

Ghost Rider: Travels On The Healing Road by Neil Peart.

On my recent ridiculous reading streak of about two books per month, I have stumbled across some pretty incredible ones. Some of them I will highly recommend to everyone. This is one of them.

Ghost Rider: Travels On The Healing Road is part diary, part travelogue, and part confessional. It is written by a man of some significant celebrity (to a bunch of us RUSH nerds!) who got on his BMW 1100 GS motorcycle and rode off for 55,000 miles over 14 months. This was a journey to re-discover his "baby soul" after losing his wife and daughter in a 10-month span.

I found this to be an incredibly personal and profound description of not just the emotions and process of rebounding from a devastating loss, but how strangers and unfamiliar lands can be part of the process. Neil is an amazing musician and lyricist, and also an amazing author. This book, for it's depth of content, was a very fluid read.

Truly inspirational, insightful and introspective, it's one of my all time favorites.

2008-07-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

Mt. Shasta Recap.

Plans had changed a few times in the weeks before the climb. Snow conditions had degraded on the West side so badly that we changed routes to the North side. In the days previous those conditions also had degraded, so the plan changed to a more challenging route on the East side. The sustained heat wave and high winds had wreaked havoc on the mountain causing this climbing season to end six weeks prematurely. The glaciers on the East side were the last decent chance.

On Friday morning we loaded up our group gear (tents, food, fuel) with our personal gear at the guide house into our packs, and headed off to the Brewer Creek trail head on the East side of the mountain. After an uneventful four-hour hike to base camp at 9200’ we set up camp, had dinner, and went to bed at 9pm. We then awoke at 1am, and started the climb at 2:30am. The snowfield was very icy, but we made pretty good progress to the traverse at 12,800’. We crossed the rocky traverse to the Wintun glacier at 9am, and two climbers had to stop, one for a knee issue and the other for an ankle. Jory (our guide,) one other climber and myself began a brutal slog up to a ridge at 13,600’. We then set off across a 60-degree wall of ice. After a few falls and self-arrests (thanks to rope teams and ice axes!) we tried a different, less direct route.

The day was beginning to warm up, and the snow had lost its crust and became softer. What should have been a fairly steady one-hour section was now made much, much more difficult. Instead of having our crampons and axes gaining any purchase on the surface, we began post-holing (punching through the snow on every step) up to our hips. Our progress became much slower and grueling. With 30’ left to go after two-plus hours on this section, we were only gaining two feet per minute. When we finally reached the ridge after 11am, the other climber began to display symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness.) We pushed over to some rocks and set him down safely to rest, hydrate and recover.

Jory and I then pushed on. The ever-warming snow was becoming tougher to negotiate. Not only were we post-holing up to our waists, but our arms were sinking in as well. After about 30 minutes we hadn’t even covered 30’. There was also the beautiful sound of falling rocks to our left, and it only increased as the day warmed up. With 400’ to go and 1:15 left before our absolute turn-around time, and our other three climbers parked at other parts of the mountain, the decision was pretty much made for us. Had the conditions been a bit better, or our pre-dawn pace a bit quicker, the result may have been very different. I was ascending well, felt very strong and felt no ill effects from the altitude, but it wasn’t my day to summit. I later found out that the past three summit attempts our guide had led on this route also fell victim to the same result. I did have plenty of energy for the six-hour sketchy decent, though!

I am not discouraged by this result. I am actually inspired. I trained my ass off and learned all that I could before I went. I performed well, and feel good about my climb of Mt Rainier in a few weeks. Mountaineering is a combination of many experiences, summiting only being one of them. This is only the beginning for me.

Thanks to everyone who generously donated and helped many, many Bay Area at-risk youth get to experience the outdoors for the first time.

Now, for some pics.

Sunrise on the West side of Mt Shasta. Amazing.

Loading up our packs.

Hiking up to base camp.

Hiking up to base camp.

Base camp.

Sunset at base camp (9200'). Awesome.

This is how you poop in the wilderness. Bags of kitty litter and a target. Yes, you carry it out with you.

2 man team at 5am.

Our rope-team at 6am.

What hole?

13,700'.

Crampons + Ice-Axe = Happiness

And they say ski season is over..."Boot-skiing" on the pack-out.

2008-07-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Finally.

(photo of Mt. Shasta taken by my buddy Chris while flying back from Oregon on 6/19.)

The time is finally here. All my gear is packed, I bought a new BOOK, and I'm getting ready to leave (after one more run on the treadmill.) I've trained my ass off, and we raised $4735 for BAWT helping 80+ kids.

Thanks to all who generously donated (you can still donate HERE... it's not too late!) and sent kind words. Check back for pics next week, which I will be happily posting while relaxing poolside in San Diego.

And now, Men Who Look Like Zach Braff (thanks Kris.)

2008-06-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's Extra Special Links.

Oil demand exceeding supply? $13 per barrel? Doomsayers? Yes, in 1998.

Who isn't using 70 of the 90 million acres that they're already leased (offshore, not in a wildlife refuge!) to drill for oil? HERE.

Of course man-made black holes are safe! HERE.

I just watched In The Shadow Of The Moon, and so should you. Brilliant.

The O'Reilly Factor, in one minute HERE.

McCain has GAS PAIN.

My man MATT is back. More countries, same dance and still awesome. (There is a hi-res version as well.)

I'm voting Republican... because hybrid cars really suck!

Obama speaking to his staff at his headquarters.

2008-06-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

High Country.

I just had an absolutely amazing past few days. Steph and I woke up at 4am on Friday to begin a bit of an adventure... a one day, 14 hour, 27 mile, 8000' vertical climb of Clouds Rest and Half Dome in Yosemite (last year's quick little 16.5 mile hike of Half Dome HERE.) Hey... my first marathon! Then, on Saturday, feeling amazingly good after the hike, we drove into the high country and decided to do a Class 2 ascent of 13, 053' Mt. Dana. That was my first climb above 10,000', and it was great training for Mt. Shasta next month. Learning how hard you can push at high altitudes is pretty amazing stuff!

I snuck in a few jumps on Sunday, then played in a debaucherous, drunken golf tournament on Monday. Rest? Ha!

Hitting the trail at 5am.

(L-R) Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Clouds Rest (in the distance) and Nevada Falls.

Mist on the Mist Trail... not a mis-nomer. I'm soaked!

Looking down on Half Dome from Clouds rest 11.5 miles and 4 hours in...

Clouds Rest.

Climbing the cables up the final 420' to Half Dome.

The "diving board" at the top of Half Dome 18 miles and 9 hours in. Amazing.

Top of Nevada Falls.

Day 2. Mt Dana.

2 hours in, 1500' to go.

Scrambling up the talus.

Andy + Gatorade + altitude = happy!

At the summit.

Steph on the descent.

Descending through a snow field.

The bar cart of shame!

Funny... I can still par (a few) holes after all that!

2008-06-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

Germany?

Here are some quick fantastic links before I head off to a wee-little hike in Yosemite tomorrow. Details HERE (and the first half HERE.)

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Dick Cheney: Comedy Genius!

Keith Olberman Rocks... yet again... AND got better ratings than Bill O' Fathead.

A very cool Perceptual Experiment. (Thanks Kendra.)

Unlimited troops to Iraq? Vote McCain, disgruntled Hillary supporters! It's not too Important!

The Greatest Thing You'll See All Week. (Thanks Ficus.)

Yes... Germany...

2008-06-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

Fries And Planes.

Is it November yet? I'm not saying ANYTHING about the nomination until Howard Dean sings. Seriously. Everyone has called it... except the people who matter.

If Hitler planned Burning Man. Brilliant!

A preview for the Coen brother's "Burn After Reading." Looks awesome... as usual for them. I've loved everything they've done since "Blood Simple."

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Here are four pictures of my trip back east last week. We were busy as hell with family, friends and other things (drinking and running around). I won't bore you with the family pics, so here are some pics of planes and food. Mmmmmm....

Disco lighting on Virgin America Airlines. Groooooovy.... Virgin rocks.

A ten-sack of White Castles. It hurts so good... before a run.

Taylor Ham, egg and cheese. A New Jersey staple. This one is at 2am.

And... the other NJ diner staple... "Disco Fries."

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HERE's a skydiving commercial that I actually like! Go Honda!

Anyone who goes out in the Mission knows these. Save the Black Market Bacon Dogs!! (with Drew Carey as a spokesperson.)

2008-05-21T23:06:00.000-07:00

Montara.

I figured that I would do a blog version of one of my training hikes... just in case I haven't emailed, texted or personally accosted you for a donation for Climbing For Kids yet. I have pics from some other hikes HERE. (Info HERE, and you can still donate HERE!)

This is Montara. I love that it's only 25 minutes from my house. I do Yosemite every few weeks, but I am here at least every few days. 1898' at the peak. 2200' total vertical with some nice, long, steep sections. 7.4 mile out and back. With a 48lb backpack, I'm at 2:40 round trip right now.

Montara mountain. The view from the top is incredible, when it's not fogged in... which has been once this month.

It comes with a usual 40mph ocean breeze.

and, coastal fog...

Coming down towards the beach.

I love single-tracks.

Looks much more inviting on the way down!

The new Gregory pack with a mere 48lbs...

The bonus at the end? A beach
front Taco Bell at sunset. Awesome!

2008-05-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

5 Links.

I just got home from the climbing gym, then a three mile run, then some weights, then some Vietnamese food. So... here are some good links. Short and sweet. Click them all. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want some...

I'm not big on the NRA or 2nd Amendment, but HERE is a weapon I think should be allowed in schools. Awesome.

What do you get with too much time, a camera and 5 million Lego's? THIS!

(The skydivers will understand this:) Vic and I have been talking about "midget tandem freestyle pond swooping." Well, we're one step closer. Awesome. HERE.

I can't believe it took this long to make a movie about it! RECOUNT.

Today's "WORST Persons In The World."

2008-05-16T03:33:00.000-07:00

Small And Ugly.

I just got back from another awesome few days in Yosemite. We did another training hike that was rudely interrupted by a low snow level. We tried for 21 miles and 4000'+ vertical, but after 5+ miles of walking on snow trying to follow one set of footprints (going the other way, in fact) we cut it to a measly 14 miler. We'll fix that! I have a 25 miler planned in three weeks, a double climb of Clouds Rest and Half Dome. Can't wait!

Want to feel small? Click the pic...

I added some photos to the other training pics HERE.

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Are you ready for a West Virginia Douche-Off (and other reasons why I am offended to also be a "working class white person!")

Karl Rove going to the pokey? A boy can dream...

Why Women Gladly Date Ugly Men (And Probably Even Prefer Them.) :-)

2008-05-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

$4, Make You Holla!

I tried not to think about politics, but damn... I just couldn't help it...

6th and Harrison Streets. San Francisco, California. (12 blocks from my house.) SF has the highest gas in the nation. Don't you feel special? We RULE!!

$4 gas? I haven't heard of that!

But hey kids, you're in luck! If Hillary decides to ignore every "elite" economist in the world, and lift the federal gas tax (which her husband RAISED his first year in office... funny) for the summer (yay... I love holidays!), you can save a grand total of $100! Well... that is is you drive 979 miles per week. (WHAT global warming?)

This t-shirt has never been more relevant! I bet you'll vote this time, hippie!

Extra special bonus.... The Lil' Jon version

2008-04-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

Where In The World Is...?

There will be no more political thought or discussion by me until June 3rd. I’m sick of it right now... very sick of it… and so are you.

After my recent disappointments with the movies “Blindsight” (the trailer and story were amazing, but the execution was terrible)and “Harold And Kumar: 2” (tried WAAAAY to hard) in the last few weeks, I still haven’t completely given up hope on movies. Here are six that I am actually looking forward to for various reasons. Some are big studio and some are indie, they all look good. Here are the previews, some in HD.

Where In the World Is Osama Bin Laden? My admiration for Morgan Spurlock is still growing. He rocks.

Surfwise. Admit it... you're jealous of those kids!

Mongol. Looks amazing... and NOT directed by Michael Bay!

Hancock. Big studio and big budget, but still looks like it may be pretty clever.... I hope.

Redbelt. David Mamet is a genius, and it's a movie about MMA that doesn't try to rip off the "Karate Kid."

Finally, Iron Man. Two words. Jon Favreau.

2008-04-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

Darth Interweb.

Thanks so much to everyone who has generously donated (so far) to my charity CLIMB of Mt. Shasta in July. Keep 'em coming! $$$$$!

I just finished an amazing 3 days of hiking this week in Yosemite, the East Bay and Mt. Tamalpais. With a 30 lb pack, 30+ miles, 9000'+ vertical, I feel like my training is coming along well. I am planning 2 trips to Yosemite in June to do Clouds Rest (from the valley floor) and Mt. Dana (and maybe even throw in Half Dome again!) The guides have these listed as multi-day trips. Ha! I have some tents reserved if anyone else wants to join us. Buns of STEEL! (note to self: running 3 miles on the treadmill, then lifting, then drinking till 2am is not the best way to rest the night before a big-ass hike...)

A few pics of my training hikes on my Flikr HERE.

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Skydiving... Russian style. Genius! HERE.

We're buying tickets for "Point Break: Live" for May... Hell Yeah!

Darth Ka-nigg-it. Genius!

How to win an argument on the inter-web. From HERE.

2008-04-09T20:05:00.001-07:00

Torch?

If my illustrious mayor was as sneaky and discreet with his affair with his best friend's wife as he was with today's torch relay, he probably could have avoided the whole scandal AND a trip to rehab!

He wasn't concerned with safety. There were TONS of law enforcement personnel. (He canceled all vacations!) He was concerned with how the relay would play in the media, and worried about HIS image. My opinion? He looked like a pussy! Trying to hide the torch from the protests, the media, AND the supporters. You don't think the world saw that? The world WAS watching, and you failed. I'm still curious who bussed in the 11,000 pro-Chinese. Seemed a bit strange. They DID see the tens of thousands of us, though. Regardless, we were loud, we were peaceful, but we were heard.

Here are some pics I took from where the actual people were.

I enjoy the Chinese ship out in the bay. Coincidence?

Nothing to see here!

Tiananmen Square all over again.

I love the dichotomy of flags.

Leaving the scene... right after I heard the torch was across town and heading for the airport.

Hey, kids! Here's a super-duper bonus:

Joe's "TOP TWENTY WORKOUT SONGS" with YouTube (most of them still work) goodness! I already have some on my iPod, but maybe I'll add a few more. GREAT start with Unsound, though! Orange 9mm... Stuck Mojo... awesome. I could live without Motley, though...

2008-04-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Harden Up!

Thanks to everyone who has donated to both charities so far. The stair-climb on Saturday was awesome. We rocked it as a team... the girls, and the guys dressed like girls. The seven of us raised over $1700 for the American Lung Association. I climbed the 52 stories in 12:57 and came in 187th out of 814 people (68th in my age group... scary!) Not bad for a former smoker!

Have I mentioned the other fund-raiser I'm doing? (maybe once or twice...) The link is HERE, and you can check if your company does gift-matching HERE. (Wells Fargo and Google do... I checked!)

Wal*Mart infection-spread timelapse video. Scary. Maybe a shot will cure it... just like VD. They are the worst person in the world!

As if I'm not excited enough about Harold & Kumar 2: Escape from Guantanamo Bay (link goes to the rated R trailer) now, I can get guidance from NPH himself. WWNPHD?

A Vote for Hillary Is a Vote for the Death of the Dollar.

Harden Up! Chopper rocks! (Thanks, Ficus.)

2008-03-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

Truth.

Frontline. "Bush’s War" on PBS. 2 part series composed from 400+ interviews. I think it will become the definitive documentary on the Iraq war. It shows so many mistakes, mis-steps and lies within the administration. It's amazing to see and hear the bullshit that we were being fed. I think this is a must-see for everyone! Maybe... just maybe, we can learn from the past!

Hillary “dodging snipers?” Truth is in the video... OOPS! Look out for the little girl!

Army Holds Annual 'Bring Your Daughter To War' Day

His holiness, the Dalai Lama, inciting violence? Of course!

And remember, Republicans, only YOUR PASTORS are allowed to say crazy shit.

And… HOT CHICKS WITH DOUCHEBAGS.

2008-03-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

Climbing For Kids.

I’m climbing Mt. Shasta in July, while raising money for Bay Area Wilderness Training. By reaching my goal of $3200, more than 50 at-risk youth will have a chance to experience nature for the first time. I'm counting on YOU, my friends, my family, my business associates and generally kind people to help me accomplish this!

Donate HERE.

I was very lucky growing up to have the chance to go outdoors. To camp, climb, canoe, hike, and have many other amazing adventures. There were a few very dedicated adult volunteers that made this happen for me. These activities help keep kids off the streets and out of trouble, and teach valuable life lessons. In the modern day, there is less and less money for schools, and even less money for any activities for inner-city and at-risk youth. Bay Area Wilderness Training is trying to change that, and I am doing a small part to help.

I’m doing this climb for many reasons. I’m doing it to truly challenge myself, physically and mentally. After doing HALF DOME this past summer, I was looking for bigger challenges. I’m doing it to help raise money to help a lot of kids. I’m doing it to help prepare me for Mt. Rainier in September, and more mountains beyond. I have been training by running 10 miles per week, climbing/running 2000 stairs per week (also for THIS fund-raiser... still a bit short!) and hiking big hills (4000’+ elevation gains) 5-6 hours each weekend. This is only the beginning!

I did the 4th California AIDS Ride in 1997, and it was truly a life changing experience. I personally raised over $2500 for AIDS charities, and as a group we raised $9.4 million (a record at the time.) We had 2000 of us, each for their own individual reasons, train hard for months and ride 586 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 7 days. I met some amazing people along the way, and will never forget that week. The riders, as well as the foundations that help people all came out on top.

I think this is a great cause, and will be an amazing experience. Please give what you can, and check back for updates.

Donate HERE.

Watch the video below, and email me if you have any questions: climb@andydemars.com

Thank You!

Andy

Donate HERE.

2008-03-11T22:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight's Word? Size Matters.

This Just In! The link was found between Saddam and Al Qaeda!! Just KIDDING!

If you get the chance, watch the Iconoclasts on Sundance channel, with Jon Krakauer and Sean Penn. I just finished watching it. Brilliant.

Hey kids, just in time for spring... NEW SINS! It's been a while since "coveting thy neighbor's young son" was mentioned....

Remember the "F#$%ing short version" of Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back from last year? Now, here's the F#$%ing short version of the Big Lebowski. Awesome...

A SYMPHONY for the rest of us, courtesy of VB.

Steven Weber, TRUE PRIMARY COLORS.

Tonight's word? SIZE MATTERS... "South Georgiabamasippiana."

2008-03-05T22:55:00.000-08:00

Steps.

Nothing political today, kids! I'm in WAY too good of a mood. I paid less than $4 per gallon of gas, and now I'm just waiting for my whopping $300 stimulus check! Woohoo! Now, I just have to be ready for that 3am phone call...

So, here's the plan. Mt. Shasta in July, and Mt. Rainier in September. Who's coming with me? Come on.... The training's already been fun. Grab an ice-axe and some crampons. Buns of STEEL! Do it!

Mt. Shasta, 14,179 feet.

Mt. Rainier, 14,411 feet.

It's no mountain, but it's still 52 stories (1197 stairs,) and for a damn good cause. Click below and give a few bucks! As you can see, I've been my only contributor! So, so sad...

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Reason #23,436 that I love living in San Francisco:

I took a quick walk up the 388 Filbert Street steps, up to Coit tower, after lunch (part training, part working off my big lunch!) Beautiful day with amazing bridge to bridge views. On my way down, I see this little plaque. I actually had to read it twice. Falco. Yes, THE Falco. Der Kommissar. Brilliant!

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Now, since you made it this far, here are four truly AWESOME-O videos. You're welcome.

The evolution of dance, Optimus style!

Spinal Tap, Big Bottoms, live at Wembley stadium with a few dozen bassists. Talk about mud-flaps. Awe-some!

The Onion... the movie.

Brian Williams rocks.

2008-03-04T00:28:00.000-08:00

¿Es Realmente Tan Extraño?

I'm finally back from a great week in Las Vegas, Portland and Tahoe... working, jumping, running, snowboarding, reading 100 pages of Chuck Klosterman and a having a beer in Santa Cruz a few hours ago. Good thing I wasn't busy! Now... back to reality...

Today can be a great day! Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island and Vermont can possibly determine who will represent us (you know who you are!) in November. Yes We Can!

Days since "Mission Accomplished": 1770.
US Dead? 3972. Wounded? 29080.
The $3 trillion war. $332,258,064 per day. A breakdown HERE. Too important not to know.

Did Bill Clinton mistakenly endorse Obama? HERE and below:

Video? Radical? Lunar? HERE.

Spike Jonze blowing up some skaters. Video HERE. Awesome.

RIP, Jeff Healey. Truly inspiring. HERE. Video with Stevie Ray Vaughan below:

2008-02-29T06:21:00.000-08:00

Strippers Hate Salads.

Yesterday, after I go for a great run downtown along the beautiful Columbia river, across three of Portland's bridges, how else could I wind down?

The ACROPOLIS. It came highly recommended by a few poeple for dinner. By far, it was one of the funniest places I've been to. It's a great, divey strip club on the outskirts of Portland. You pay the $4 cover, wade through the flannels, cowboy hats and sleeveless shirts and grab a seat. They have 51 beers on draft (all for $4) in big-ass mugs, and HUGE shots. After a few of each, it's time for dinner. I look at the menu. This is where the genius of this place kicks in.

The owners ALSO own their own cattle ranch.

An 8oz steak is $5. My 8oz center-cut, bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon was $10. Phenominal. They also had a 2lb, 14 inch long (5lbs w/ fixin's) burger for $8. It is bigger than a small child. I could hear the guy sitting next to me's arteries hardening over the Pantera songs. A really dark, smokey bar with nude girls and really cheap, huge, delicious steaks. Brilliant. Compare THAT to Vegas! They should franchise.

They gave us bowls for the salad bar (ha!) and we left them on the bar for a while. I happened to have a dollar sitting between them for 16 songs (4 dancers worth,) and for some reason the girls avoided it like the plague. They would grab the dollars around them, but when they got to the bowl, it was like Kryptonite! This was starting to become funny as hell! One dancer finally shoved the bowls out of the way, grabbed the dollar like it was mis-behaving, and then proceeded to flex her pecs and make those saline filled wonders bounce like a basketball on a breakaway!

Full, drunk, and back at my hotel by 11:30. I love Portland!

2008-02-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

Mix.

I just finished a much more casual trip to Vegas (not fresh out of surgery this time), and now I'm stuck in the airport waiting out my cancelled flight and subsequent delay due to aircraft maintenance. Awesome.

While in Vegas, I played my first round of "credit card roulette." It's more like Russian roulette than the spinny-ball type! Eight of us had dinner at the Mix at Mandalay Bay, chock full of $12 cocktails, $30 fois-gras appetizers and $60 entrees of tiny little veal medallions.

We all (seven, with one abstaining) then put our cards in a basket, and had the waitress pick one out at a time. If yours is last, you pay the ENTIRE bill. With tip, it was $1100 (even without wine!) The entire restaurant heard me cheer when my card was picked... second to last. I may be even at blackjack, but feel like a big winner on not paying for a ridiculously expensive, so-so meal... with a great view.

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Take 5 minutes and watch this video from an Iraq vet. It is that important. The SWIFT-BOATING has begun. Don't be fooled. DONATE. Hillary is ramping up her own version of "political action" smear bullshit. Yes we can! Fight with CLUBS!

Story HERE.

2008-02-20T23:09:00.000-08:00

Shorts.

HERE is my guest blog on ThePunkGuy.com from a year ago. We were so young...

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For the last year I've called you, emailed you, blogged you, knocked on your door and talked your ear off. Now, I'm grabbing at your wallet... for two very important causes.

The goal is 1 million individual donors. The momentum has shifted, and our time is now. Click on the left and donate. $5, $20 or whatever you can. Be a part of history. Do it.

I'll be part of a team running up the stairs of a 52 story building (wearing red booty shorts and high socks, no less) to raise money for the American Lung Association. I ran 1200 stairs today, my legs are a bit rubbery, but my lungs feel great! Should help with training for Mt. Rainier.

Let Levi Leipheimer ride in the Tour de France! It's like banning the entire Yankees team from the season because of Pettite and Clemens. Click the button. Sign the petition.

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"Now that Mitt Romney has dropped out of the race, his sons HAVE to enlist..." Bill Maher

Bush scores lowest presidential approval rating EVER!

Speaking of getting in shape.... Ride The Snake...

2008-02-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

Six Links.

The Real McCain.

Less Jobs: More Wars.

McCain's RATING is...... ummm......well...

A political adviser.... with a conscience? Who Knew?

A BLOG that cleverly details a past occupation of mine. Awesome!

NO HOMICIDES in Newark, NJ in a month.... seriously!

2008-02-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

Sensitivity, Part Deux (For The Ladies.)

What eases the pain of losing $120 playing poker with your friends? (I won money the last few times... It must be the foot injury...) Obama WINNING three more contests tonight, on the one-year anniversary of MY OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT none-the-less! (And mine is the one that mattered. Riiiiiiiight.....) That makes a clean sweep of 8 wins in a row since last Tuesday.

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Valentines Day is really for the women in our lives (the ones we sleep with, slept with, or simply want to sleep with,) so here is the most female-centric post this year! Yes... I know. I'm a giver. We'll start just a bit sour, then sweeten this up a bunch.

Two of the most powerful women in America just helped to screw us all. They voted to help throw the 4th Amendment in the toilet, and maintain retroactive immunity for the telecoms who spied on ordinary Americans. (Isn't it amazing how Republicans will fight with their lives to protect the 2nd amendment, but could care less about the 4th?) Dianne Feinstein (I used to admire her...) chickened out yet again, and voted against Dodd's bill. Hillary Clinton, who was actually in DC at the time, didn't even bother to SHOW UP to vote! She was the only Democrat NOT to vote. Pathetic! She's too busy with her "win at all costs" campaign and STILL trying to steal the disqualified delegates from Michigan and Florida (You remember, when all the candidates agreed to take their names off of the ballot at the request of the DNC? All, except Hillary that is...) Obama? He SHOWED UP and voted to repeal the immunity. Story HERE, results HERE.

Hillary's inner Flick (thanks Ashish):

So now, on a lighter note, HERE's a post from last year with some great songs from some of my favorite female singers. And, these two new ones as a bonus:

Kate Havnevik, New Day & Timeless (sounds like Imogen Heap meets Bjork)

Remember last year's Valentines "overheard" post, She Stole My Heart, And My Cat? Well, below is this years edition from Leah Garchik (original HERE.)

Once again, with Valentine's Day approaching, we set out on the road to romance, a story told this year in three columns of overheard quotes. There's nothing simple about the art of a relationship.

First, individuals contemplate imaginary prospects:

-- "I get attractive ... after six drinks." (Woman on the dance floor at office Christmas party, overheard by Mark Larson.)

-- "I'm not a bad guy ... a little creepy maybe, but not a bad guy." (Man to man, overheard walking near the UC Berkeley campus by June Vonich.)

-- "I need to find a boyfriend because I need to argue with somebody." (Woman to woman, overheard on Hayes near Fillmore by Ronn L. Robbins.)

-- "I'm so tired of dating people who don't have decent jobs or career goals or lives, or can put themselves together or even have their own car. From now on, I'm only going out with people who have the 'tions: compensation, transportation, motivation, ambition, attraction." (Woman to man, overheard by Tim Wu.)

-- "If I were a vegetarian, I'd brag about it. I'd probably get laid a lot more often." (Man to man, overheard on Telegraph Avenue by Christina Tuccillo.)

-- "He wants to have kids, so he's going hetero." (Guy on a bicycle to another guy on a bicycle, overheard while leaving AT&T Park by Ricardo Morrissey.)

-- "I don't have a relationship with a man, so I decided to have a relationship with my hair." (Woman at the Fairfax Theatre, overheard by Shae Irving.)

-- "It's not that that I'm afraid of, but the broken heart afterward." (Woman to companion, overheard at Nordstrom in San Mateo by Sam Ainsworth.)

-- "I'm looking for a green man: high productivity and zero emissions." (Overheard in Macy's in Corte Madera by Jon Dreyer.)

-- "If only I was 20 years younger and lesbian." (Woman speaking about her yoga teacher, overheard by Elaine Geffen.)

-- "Call your wife first. And then call the contortionist." (Fifty-something male to companion, overheard at the ESPN zone for NBA All-Star weekend in Las Vegas by Anthony Passanisi.)

Next, they meet flesh-and-blood versions of those prospects. This is called "dating":

-- "I'm glad you're meeting someone interesting. It must be that new medicine you're on." (Female nurse on cell phone, overheard at Kaiser in San Francisco by Peter Washburn.)

-- "How is it that I get set up on a blind date with the one guy in Santa Cruz that's a Republican?' (Woman on cell phone, overheard on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz by Amy Wolitzer.)

-- "Well, he lives in the Lower Haight and works in Marin. He's like a jock-thug-hipster." (Woman on cell phone describing her new love interest, overheard on the 22 Fillmore by Rachel Huysentruyt.)

-- "In human relationships, there's a male energy and a female energy. ..." (Woman to woman, overheard on the Claremont Canyon fire road in Berkeley by Mike Palmer.)

-- "Every new boyfriend makes you get rid of the things the last boyfriend made you buy." (Woman overheard at Cafe Flore by Brian Bringardner.)

-- "I'm supposed to meet him here but I can't remember if he's hot. Is he hot?" (Woman on cell phone, overheard on Chestnut Street in the Marina by Mark Pitta.)

-- "I'm not going there to get laid, but I might have to leave early to avoid it." (Self-assured young man to friend, overheard near the UC Berkeley campus by Marilyn Pon.)

-- "I don't know if we'll get along. He's a liberal Democrat and I'm a communist." (Woman at Caffe Trieste, overheard by Donna Bero.)

-- "She'll probably talk about you on her blog tomorrow." (Overheard hiking up the Eagle Peak Trail on Mount Diablo by Mike Palmer.)

-- "I don't see us being a girlfriend-boyfriend thing. I mean, we could be, but it's so obvious to me we won't that I felt I should mention it." (Boy to girl, overheard at Jupiter in Berkeley by Dave Bourdon.)

-- "He can't get totally wasted because he's gotta donate sperm tomorrow." (Young woman to young woman, overheard on the 33 Stanyan by Tom Canaday.)

-- "It's not every day you find yourself dating a bullfighter." (Woman to friend, overheard in front of the Conservatory of Flowers by The Chronicle's Anastasia Hendrix.)

-- "Yes, I told him I have a boyfriend and a girlfriend. I mean I live in San Francisco, don't I?" (Person on cell phone on Montgomery Street, overheard by N. Stricker.)

-- "The first time she tried to break up with him, they weren't even going together." (Teenage girl to teenage boy, overheard in Alamo Square by Donna Laemmlen.)

-- "I'm glad you asked. Yes, I was once charged with attempted murder." (Couple on what seemed to be first date, overheard at NOPA by B. Stormont.)

If all goes well, they get down to business:

-- "So I told him, 'If she's standing close enough to kiss her it means she wants you to.' " (Man to friend, overheard at Pasta Pomodoro on 24th Street by Gerald Nachman.)

-- "Even my hips hurt the next day." (Woman to companions, overheard at Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves in Sonoma by Leslie McLean.)

-- "So I told him, 'I don't want your phone number! I just want to make out.' " (Young woman on cell phone, overheard at City College in San Francisco by Hallie Strock.)

-- "We tried a popsicle cover, but it broke." (Teenage boy to teenage boy, overheard on the 43-Masonic by Dedo Tres.)

-- "Did she de-virginize him?" (Man on cell phone, overheard on Guerrero Street by Walter Gorman.)

-- "Barack Obama. We've made it our new safe word." (Woman to woman, overheard at the bar at Cafe Rouge by Desmond Yen.)

-- "Two small regulars." "Regulars?" "Yeah, I have a different lover this morning." (Young man talking with barista, overheard early morning at the French Hotel Cafe in Berkeley by Robin May.)

-- "I had to get a king-size bed. I'm dating a couple." (Customer overheard at White Horse Bar in Oakland by J.T.G.)

2008-02-11T23:14:00.000-08:00

Like Hope, Only Different.

I'm back after a crazy Primary week, a few work days in LA, and a fantastic weekend of skydiving and mild debauchery. The pond is full, Obama swept every contest this weekend, AND my foot isn't broken. All good news! I just won't tell the true "foot" story anymore after the E.R. today. The reactions I get when I do are ridiculous, so I will just say I got hurt drop-kicking a midget wearing a suit of armor off a skateboard...

A great Tuesday.

A fun (and rare!) Thursday workday.

And a perfect Saturday afternoon...

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I truly believe YouTube is a great election cycle tool in seeing candidates' past public speeches. Here's a GREAT McCain one. Listen to the hypocrisy! We CAN'T pull out of Iraq ("surrender"... "white flag"... blah, blah, blah...) but...

After the "Yes We Can" video from last week, here's the new McCain version.

Here's Hillary... The Wal-Mart candidate.

Sorry for not posting this last week, but HERE is Toni Morrison's letter she wrote endorsing Barack Obama. She's the one who first called Bill Clinton the "first black president."

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I just finished Ed Viesturs' (more HERE) book, No Shortcuts To The Top. Absolutely amazing. No glitz or glamour, just pushing ones' self to achieve greatness. It really puts things in perspective. Now, if people only looked up to people like Ed instead of crackhead psycho popstars, or overpaid lying and cheating pro athletes... Here he is on the Colbert Report:

I'm booking a trip (with Ed's old company) to climb Mt. Rainier this summer. Anyone want to come? I already started training for the climb, and am very excited to do it.

2008-02-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

Vision Quest.

FIRST: Click HERE, listen and then read on.

That song is from the great 80's movie Vision Quest. (I forgot just how great both that movie AND soundtrack are!) It's a classic story about an underdog who triumphs in the end. What's the relevance? CHANGE! Barack IS the underdog. He has been ever since he announced his candidacy. But, the momentum has shifted. We are at a tipping point. I believe that we, as a people, a nation and a generation are on our own vision quest. Never have we had the opportunity for a transformation that we do now. The chance to change not only how we see ourselves, but how the rest of the world sees us.

It's been an intense few days. Yesterday, I stood in a rally and listened to John Kerry talk about the American dream. I got chills. Three times (story HERE.) We then spread out all over the city and knocked on doors... hundreds of us. It's amazing when people are willing to talk to strangers about their doubts and concerns. We were successful in changing a few opinions, though. The "swift-boating" isn't working!

The quick and dirty of it all? This is an extremely close race. Voter turnout has been at record levels. What you do on Tuesday will change the world. We can get a man who truly believes in hope and change. We need him to go against the likely Republican nominee... a man who wants to stay in Iraq for 100 years, says that there will be "more wars," and who sang "bomb Iran" at a town hall (McCain). Seriously.

In my lifetime I have never seen such a ground-swell... such a grassroots revolution. The more Obama's detractors try to put him down with mis-information and personal attacks, the stronger the movement gets.

All I can ask is that you spend one hour of your life before Tuesday, and do your own research. See where the candidates stand. Then, VOTE!!!!!!!!! Let your voice be heard.

Here are some helpful links:

Steven Weber (Surprise!)
The Huffington Post (best political blog EVER)
BarackObama.com Issues
BarackObama.com Blog
Crooks and Liars (good political blog)
And, if you missed any of it, HERE are all of my Obama blogs.

YES WE CAN!!!

2008-01-29T20:53:00.000-08:00

Dollar Bill, Part 2.

I read earlier today that the former Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ) would be stopping by the Obama campaign's new San Francisco headquarters. (My Bradley back-story HERE). I swung home to pick up my trusty old t-shirt ("The" shirt) and headed over. After making a bunch of campaign phone calls, I look up, and in comes Senator Bradley. How cool. Three weeks after endorsing Barack, Bill came out to California to help out for Super Tuesday. He came by today to thank and motivate all of us volunteers. It worked!

I also had a super "politi-nerd" moment, and after reminding Bill about a speech he gave at my high school in NJ in 1989, I had him sign "the" shirt. I could care less about almost all public figures, and NEVER get autographs, but now I have books AND shirts signed by Bill.

"The" shirt. Bradley '00.

The true "nerd" moment.

I just said something really, really clever.
(These 2 photos courtesy Jorge Lopez)

The man.

Showing the form of his famous hook shot from his 1970 Knicks.

2008-01-28T13:53:00.000-08:00

Run Andy, Run.

Instead of listening to Bush's final (Woohoo!!) State Of The Union, or "Let's blame the new Democratic Congress for everything on my way out the door" (as I guess it will sound like) I will go to the gym, get on the treadmill, and run until my feet fall off. It will be much less painful. I will miss the old drinking games, though. One shot every time he said "terrorist" or "9/11" or "Al Quaida" or "Threat." We used to get good and drunk!

Here's are some highlights from last years SOTU.

8 Days until Super Tuesday. 52% of the Democratic delegates will be determined next week. It is extremely important. HERE is a list of all the primary states, the dates of their caucuses, and what type of primary they hold. Registered independents will have an increasingly important role in this election. Just between California and New Jersey alone (my two favorite states,) there are 6 million unaffiliated voters whose votes can make all the difference.

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

Caroline Kennedy from the New York Times on Barack Obama:

"I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president - not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans."

Only a few months after Obama called out Ted Kennedy, telling him to "Get some spine," (HERE) on a prescription drug bill, he still earns his endorsement. HERE.

"With Barack Obama, we will turn the page on the old politics of misrepresentation and distortion. "With Barack Obama we will close the book on the old politics of race against race, gender against gender, ethnic group against ethnic group, and straight against gay..."

When you hear anything spoken by "Team Clinton" about Obama, go HERE to check the facts first. Do it. Do it now.

The SC primary victory speech. Yes We Can!

Keith Olberman explains the SUPER-DELEGATES.

Bonus:
Eugene Mirman is a Scientologist.

2008-01-16T23:14:00.001-08:00

Tale Of Two...

Hats?

Both of these showed up at my house on the same day last week. I think the dichotomy is awesome, but that may be just me...

(If you don't get it, the hat on the right is from a buddy HERE.)

If you haven't registered to vote yet, go HERE... and hurry!

THIS is reason #237853 why you need to vote!

Now, only two more meetings tomorrow and Friday, then off to snowboarding, two birthday parties in Tahoe and then Comedy Death-Ray. Relaxing? I think not!

It's Filboid Studge folks! Line up, lift your spoons high and say "Ahhhh!" Read it. I dare you.

Human Tetris? Why... sounds relaxing!

2008-01-09T22:34:00.000-08:00

Yes We Can.

I don't know whether most of you watched the New Hampshire primary last night, but after listening to all the speeches (with an open mind), both victory and concession, only one actually struck me. You guessed it! It gave a few of us in the room chills. Watch and listen to the one below first, then Youtube the others, and you'll see why I got involved. This is the first time since 1996 that our generation can truly positively change the country, and the world.

No contrived smiles or tears. No scare tactics (read HERE, seriously!) No LIES (read this too!) No status quo. Just passion, hope and enthusiasm. We are at a CROSSROADS.

Last night was not a loss, but a call to arms for the rest of the country. 48 primaries to go.

Get involved.

HERE's the next four weeks.

HERE is a ton of background.

This is too important NOT to care!

Yes we can.

2008-01-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

Dollar Dollar Bill, Y'all!

Sen. Bill Bradley (Wiki HERE) has announced that he is backing Barack Obama. (Story HERE.) I was so happy when I heard the news, that I busted out my old "Bill Bradley For President" t-shirt from the 2000 campaign. I volunteered with the campaign, and was heartbroken when he lost out to Gore. He is the only other politician I have ever whole-heartedly stood behind. (My signed copy of "Time Present, Time Past" sits right next to Obama's "Audacity Of Hope" on my bookshelf. I've read them both twice. Coincidence?)

"Obama echoes Bradley in many regards: He, too, is a cerebral Ivy League senator with a conciliatory, post-partisan message; he also appeals to liberal, upscale Democrats as well as to independents and some Republicans; and he is also taking on a pillar of the Democratic establishment who is running, with some hesitation, on the record of the Clinton administration..."

HERE is my blog on BarackObama.com.
HERE is my first Obama post from 2/12/07.

Here is Dollar Bill backstage at the Daily Show. Obama/Bradley '08? I can dream, can't I?

Here is Bill interviewing to be on Sportscenter (Love this commercial!)

I'm going to Jake's after work on Tuesday to watch the New Hampshire results. Wanna join?

Just in case, we do have a back up plan...

Is it time to IMPEACH Bush and Cheney? (Listen HERE as Patton Oswalt compares them to the Dukes Of Hazzard. Brilliant.) I wish people weren't so scared and more would speak out like McGovern... even if it's a few years late, it still needs to be said!

I'm heading up to Tahoe in a few weeks for a weekend of Speed Flying. Game on!

2008-01-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

Death-Ray.

Finally back in California after an eventful 10 days. I was able to see a ton of old friends back in Jersey, and kept very busy. I had a goal of doing a ton of running and writing while I was there, and I was happily successful with both. There is nothing better than going for a pre-dawn run in thirty-seven degree weather, seeing your own breath, and seeing many more rabbits than cars. I was able to spend a bunch of time with my brothers kids. They rule. I also went to the Devil's game at the new downtown Newark stadium. If you told me that they would be ever playing hockey in downtown Newark when I used to live five blocks from there 17 years ago, I would have seriously thought you were insane! Family time, as usual, involved a ton of drinking, Elmo, Hells Angels, pro athletes, cops, over-eating and guns. Ahhh, Jersey...

The SF Sketchfest is back. I already got my tickets for the Comedy Death-Ray, and so should you. The line up is insane: Patton Oswalt, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Brian Posehn, Maria Bamford, Paul F. Tompkins, Doug Benson and hosts The Fun Bunch (Scott Aukerman & BJ Porter). Tickets HERE.

Here is a cool, short montage of Obama speeches. Vote, dammit!

2007-12-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

Year In Review, Part Deux.

As I sit here, finishing up my fiscal and packing my suitcase to fly to New Jersey for the holidays, I can't help but to think back to how nuts the past year was. It's not "over" technically, but my last Year In Review was at this time last year. Whatever insanity happens over the next two weeks, well, I'll just post that later.

Here's the partial list. Yes, most of this is already posted in the archives, and the pics to prove it are in my FLICKR. If you've got the time...

First, to the MAN OF THE YEAR. Ugh.

So... this year, (I/I've)...

Lost three more friends. Tommy D, JP "Deuce" Kelly, and Cliff. I'm very glad I was able to spend a bunch of time with all three right before they died. Fly free, my friends. Tributes HERE.

Had another fun 24+ hour New Years Eve/Day marathon of debauchery.

Got shoulder surgery. 10 months later, and it still hurts. Awesome!

Only had one cutaway. Woohoo!

Went to Las Vegas five days after surgery. Brilliant!

Saw some great live shows including Muse, Tool, The Cult, Colin Hay, Bruce Springsteen and MuteMath.

Was "let go" (or fired w/ severance) for the first time in 20 years.

Enjoyed four months of unemployment. Job hunting ROCKS!!

Spent many days with my dog-walker friend on the beach.

Landed a great new job. Tried to get out of the beer business, but it sucks you right back in!

Made a triumphant, overdue return to Burning Man. It changed A LOT in the five years I was away! Oh, yeah, and it SUCKS, DON'T GO.

Did my second skydive into Burning Man, 2850 jumps after my first one.

Traveled to Lost Prairie and Glacier National Park in Montana. Absolutely amazing. Hiking, skydiving, drinking, streaking, singing, more streaking, and "hump-a-palooza."

FINALLY climbed Half-Dome. I've been wanting to for over a decade. (Recap/Photos HERE.)

Met a very cool girl.

Switched from Syrah to Pinot Noir. I know, I know...

Started running... A lot.

Only did a 26 day "Sober October." Rough one.

Became an uncle again. I LOVE those rugrats!

Told a crib-death joke to a guy at a dinner party who lost a baby to SIDS. Yep!

Spent 20 out of 60 days in a tent this summer.

Read six books this year. Yes, books.

Started writing a book. Already pre-sold two. Woohoo!

Got my AFF rating, and started teaching students.

FINALLY got my ugly ass in Parachutist magazine... Twice!

I Bent My Wookie! (Broke my hand.)

Felt a few more fun earthquakes.

Made out in a kiddie pool (with a girl!) , while two grown men jello-wrestled 50 feet away.

Enjoyed another epic Bay To Breakers (pics from 2006) No pics, but damn good memories!

I'm sure there was more, but that's all I can remember for now. Have a debaucherous, safe, happy, fulfilling, drunken and fun-as-you-can-handle 2008!

2007-12-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

Zero-G.

It's almost time for my "Year In Review" post again for this year. I'll probably do it after the weekend (before I head to NJ) so here is some good filler until then!

To make you yearn for Christmas past, HERE's the Sears Gift catalog from 1982. Awesome.

More Obama from the debates. He's the man.

Cats in zero-g. Makes me smile just thinking about it...

Spiders on drugs. Mmmm- kay?

It's amazing to hear how valid political comedy still is from a decade ago. Here's some Jon Stewart stand-up from 1996. One of my favorites.

2007-12-04T20:22:00.000-08:00

Fibonacci And Lateralus.

I'm going to see Tool next Tuesday. Always an amazing show. I saw them at an early Lollapalooza in NJ as well as the Warfield about ten years ago. Fucking amazing. And now, you can learn something. Here is the Fibonacci sequence (numbers) set to Tool's "Lateralus." Props to the kid who figured this out. Awesome.

Here are two of my favorite Tool songs. Opiate and Bottom (with a Henry Rollins cameo.)

Tool- Opiate
Tool- Bottom

And, here's the explanation of "Die Eier von Satan" HERE. Mmmm... cupcakes!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is Kris' tribute to one of his favorite live bands, And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, HERE. I saw them on an off night at the Fillmore opening for Queens Of The Stone Age in 2002. They may not have been off, but QOTSA absolutely blew them off the stage. Definitely one of the best live shows I've ever seen. HERE'S a video sample. (You can listen to my favorite AYWKUBTTOD song, Stand In Silence, HERE.)

2007-11-29T08:23:00.000-08:00

Thursday PolitiBits.

Say it ain't so, Bill! Now even he's backpedaling about the war and trying to re-write history HERE. Let Hillary lose all by herself!

Trent Lott's replacement HERE. This man soooo speaks for our generation! Evolution... Ha! Watch the video. Really.

Some great new Steven Weber HERE. "I'm going to walk up to people and punch them in their faces. I'm going to kick them in their crotches. I'm going to give old people the finger, head butt children and throw immigrants, gays, and evolutionists to the pavement. Ptooey..."

Eugene Mirman (awesome!) can tell you anything you'd like to know about politics, and half of it would be accurate. HERE.

Forget exploding cellphones, how about some Dance Dance Immolation? I got next!

2007-11-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

Synchronize Swatches!

As soon as I'm done, I'm going back to watching UEFA Champions League soccer on TiVo. Great games today and tomorrow. Go Liverpool!

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Bush didn't start the war... CONGRESS did. Rove says so. I'd rather watch "2 Girls 1 Cup" again than listen to Republicans talk themselves out of responsibility for their bad decisions. Olberman rules.

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I'm confused. I've heard rumblings of one of my all-time favorite TV shows (Parker Lewis Can't Lose) coming out on DVD for years. Tonight a friend of mine thought he just found it. But, it's not on Amazon.com... Not on Best Buy... but the only place I can find it? DVDDONKEY.COM . Seriously. Can you say e-scam? Damn them!!! The "OC" is on DVD, but not Parker Lewis? Fuckers.

My friend Beth sent me this yesterday. Awesome. Kermit watching 'you know what.'

Boulder has a lot of hippies!! Thank me later.

2007-11-22T10:51:00.001-08:00

Cups.

When people stop searching for "beer" they start searching for "violence." Horrible. Try it YOURSELF.

I finally succumbed to all the buzz that is "2 girls 1 cup" and tried to watch it. (If you're not familiar, don't worry, just don't watch it.... really... you'll be a better person for it!) It took me two tries to get through it. The first try, I lasted a total of about nine seconds before I almost threw up on my buddy's floor. The second, I just took some deep breaths and powered through. I'm scarred for life. So, I won't post a link to that, but here's Jon Mayer doing a parody and Joe Rogan watching it for the first time. Brilliant!!!

2007-11-20T12:04:00.000-08:00

Flying Red Hot Cat.

If the American Academy of Religion can talk about "Intelligent Design," they can sure as hell talk about the Flying Spaghetti Monster! Oh wait, THEY ARE! I've been a PASTAFARIAN for a while.

There were only FOUR SHOOTINGS this weekend in San Francisco. The best part? Not the fact that there were 2 dead and 8 injured, but the best part was their proximity to my house. One shooting was only about 150 yards away at a hip hop night at a shit-bag dance club. Yes, that's half of a block. One was 4 blocks away, with one dead and 2 critical, and another was an entire 12 blocks away. The last one, I'd actually need to take a cab to... Yeah... us silly liberals and our silly gun control. 2nd amendment baby! WooHoo!!

As if the Red Hot Chili Peppers haven't become enough of a joke in the last decade and a half (In my opinion, they jumped the shark right after Blood Sugar Sex Magic) they are now suing Showtime over the use of the word "Californication" (they have a great show of the same NAME) and a character in the show named "Dani California." Funny, Tom Petty let them slide after they admitted they blatantly RIPPED OFF one of his songs (Mary Jane's Last Dance,) when they recorded... wait for it... Dani California. Douchebags.

Now, to change the mood, the heavy metal cat:

2007-11-14T23:08:00.000-08:00

Get Yo Math On, Yo!

I'll see you Jersey and NYC folk over Christmas this year. Yes, all of you. Stay tuned. Call me!

Now, here are some popular hip-hop songs represented in mathematical graphs. The rest (not all that funny) HERE. (thanks Fucus!)

And, fuck Guitar Hero, how about Cowbell Hero?

2007-11-12T14:20:00.000-08:00

3 Minute Post.

In honor of Veteran's Day, "Men Of War", a Time photo essay. HERE.

Air traffic beautiful? Only HERE.

A writer's guide to the present strike. Very, very interesting. Take that, re-runs!

The most painful MXC eliminations. I love this show. The commentary is genius.

2007-11-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

Haiku HIM.

I have a few HIM tickets for the Warfield in SF this Tuesday, 11/13. Free. First come, first served. I've seen them a few times in the past few years. Great band live.

Now, to scare the poop out of you. STORY.

A HAIKU HOMAGE to San Francisco's Best Guy-Girl Ratios. You're welcome.

Iran may be "evil", but it's BEAUTIFUL as well.

Poor, poor DON VITO. Yo!

Patton Oswalt and Maynard James Keenan. Together. Awesome. VIDEO.

And, as a special bonus, "My Dinner With Anthrax" from Married With Children. Ahhh, memories!

2007-11-06T16:59:00.000-08:00

My Man. (From Jersey.)

I'm not one to be easily impressed with mainstream movies, but color me impressed. Just saw American Gangster last night. Awesome. Shot very well. Moves well. Believable (not over the top.) Great plot based on a true story. Also has a small New Jersey versus New York sub-plot. Go see it. Do it. Enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of the Garden State!

Speaking of the awesome-ness of NJ, watch the first video, than the 2nd right after. Genius.

Then, read THIS. Amazing book. (Notice the tag-line 'fat scumbag motherfucker' on Amazon.)

Don't you wish you were from Jersey now? No? Okay...

Now, from the wide world of sports (Thanks, Ficus): Rookie Tragically Misinterprets Suicide-Squeeze Sign, and Pac-Man Jones: 'I Will Be Nowhere Near Next Friday's Strip-Club Stabbing'.

2007-11-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

Beer, Yoga And Death.

Yet another reason I'm voting for Obama. HERE.

Problem: Families can’t manage their time.
Solution: Less homework, more YOGA. Remember the author.

What movie has Patton Oswalt, Winona Ryder and "Natalie" from the Facts of life? Sex and Death 101. I'm so going to see this.

I KNEW it! Beer after sport is 'Good for the body.'

Keith Olberman's "Worst's" He still rules. Fox news doesn't.

2007-10-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

Shocking.

Did you feel THAT? I was sitting in my desk chair (w/ wheels) when it started moving around my room all by itself, with a picture falling, and the light pole outside waving. Eathquakes can be fun!

With HALLOWEEN being an "amateur" night in SF, here's a tribute to frat-boys. "Brohemian Rhapsody." Click HERE to watch it. Do it. Now. (It plays pretty janky on blogger.)

In honor of strange things happening on Halloween, here's my buddy Jimmy getting tazed while shotgunning a beer. Awesome.

2007-10-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

Rocket Science.

A few bars in San Francisco are doing a clothing drive for displaced families in Southern California. When I get more info on what they need, and the drop off point, I'll post it here. Start rummaging your closets, and I can pick up your stuff if need be.

Now that October is ending, here are some drinking stories that put yours to SHAME!

A HOP shortage. Yes... panic...

Isn't "God" all about love, supposedly? Tell THESE idiots. The guy has to bury his son with these fanatics making it even more painful. I hope he bankrupts them... if they have any money left from all the molestation litigation payouts! Aren't priests who molest little boys actually gay? Just checking...

How to make a scary political ad.

A drunk with a one-wheeled bike. Brilliant.

Steve Carrell and Stephen Cobert in a "Point-Counterpoint" about Halloween from 2000.

Jay and Silent Bob, to the music of King Diamond.

2007-10-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

Midgets, Goats and Weeds.

I just watched the whole first season of WEEDS while I was in Denver (Go Rockies... Please?!?) and it was brilliant! Buy it. Rent it. Watch it. I'm getting Showtime just for that show!

RIP Paul Raven. Back in the early 90's, I was all excited to audition for one of my favorite bands, PRONG. Damn excited. That was until I heard that Paul Raven was also auditioning. I didn't bother. I was young. Yes Paul got the gig...

Some Paul HERE, and here:

Do you like midgets? Like goats? Like porn? My buddy randomly typed in THIS url, and BAM! It exists. You know you want to!

Glenn Beck is an enormous douchebag. SERIOUSLY. "I think there is a handful of people who hate America. Unfortunately for them, a lot of them are losing their homes in a forest fire today."

"The [child's health care] legislation would cost $35 billion over five years, roughly the price Americans will pay for the occupation of Iraq over the next four months." HERE. Thanks, Bush!

You think YOU had a rough day? Just be glad you're not in New Delhi!

When a right-winger falls, an angel gets their wings. HERE. Family Values... Ha!

2007-10-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

May Day.

Here are some quick little nuggets before I run off to Denver for a few days. Get it? Ugh...

For your convenience, all the 'Johnny' scenes of the AIRPLANE movies condensed into about 5 minutes. You're welcome.

Sealing the deal in San Francisco: The GEEK EDITION.

In honor of us getting our Bruce Springsteen tickets (Fuck Ticketmaster!), here is some VIDEO of Springsteen joined by Arcade Fire members in Ottawa to unearth “State Trooper.”

Here's what I've been listening to this week. Pretty cool player, but no new Radiohead available yet...

2007-10-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

Boss.

I'm buying Bruce Springsteen tickets for the 26th in Oakland. Anyone want to go?

Exceptional Huffington Post today. That's all I have to say about that.

I've been playing along with the Starbucks "song a day" promo they've been doing. I'm impressed. My first three songs I've downloaded have all been good! Céu: Roda (Bombay Dub Orchestra's Grateful Dub Radio Mix), Emily King: Moon and John Legend: Show Me. The coffee is nothing special and they charge $40 for a month of WiFi, but you gotta love free iTunes!

Sometimes the answers truly surprise you. After Ficus posted the meaning of HIS name, I found an alternate meaning for my name. Awesome... ANDY. Excessively endowed. Originally derived from the Greek, "Andreas", meaning manly. "Word is, he's andy."

Lynne Cheney on the Daily Show: Terrorist Attacks Worldwide Don’t Affect ‘American Interests’ Whew! I was worried there for a second...

Crude Awakening. Again, but still awesome.

The U.S. mission in Iraq is a "nightmare with no end in sight" because of political misjudgments after the fall of Saddam Hussein that continue today, a former chief of U.S.-led forces said Friday. STORY. You mean we're not "kicking ass?"

John Cusack on Blackwater.

New Radiohead. Paid £5 (around $10) for it . I like it, and moving on to loving it, just like OK Computer. It took a while, but once it happened, it stayed in my CD player for months? What did you pay?

2007-10-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

I-Zheet M'Drurz.

As if the past few years haven't been hard enough on our small skydiving family, a plane went missing last night with 8 - 10 jumpers on board, returning from a boogie in Idaho. Damn. Keep them in your thoughts. STORY.

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This guy will never learn, or at least admit defeat, or learn from his mistakes... From HERE.

“I made my arguments and went down in flames. History will prove me right,” - Texas Rangers owner George W. Bush after voting against realignment and a new wild-card system during a Major League Baseball owners meeting in September 1993. Bush was the lone dissenter in a 27-1 vote.

Something to ponder. Read the story. Too important not to. WWII veteran Nazi interrogators denounced Bush’s Torture techniques

“We got more information out of a German general with a game of chess or Ping-Pong than they do today, with their torture,” said Henry Kolm, 90, an MIT physicist who had been assigned to play chess in Germany with Hitler’s deputy, Rudolf Hess.

Let's find the true terrorists!

Time Lapse. Burning Man 2007 in 10 minutes.

And, just because it makes me feel good, I'll post this once per year. Matt.

2007-10-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

Good.

Good: Finally getting home after the Byron Boogie and five days in Las Vegas.

Good: Even being weathered-ish on Friday, we got in about six 2-3 point 20-ways. (I'll explain with pics later.)

Good: My new job and my new company. Good people. Good attitudes. Good products and potential.

Good: My birthday last week. Had a great time with great friends. "Two words... awe some!"

Good: Sober October v 5.0. I had a great summer, but need just a little detox...

Good: This upcoming weekend. Some jumping. A housewarming. Decompression. Blue Angels (screw you Supervisor Daly... douche-nozzle.)

Good: Beer commercials. Here's the Top 10.

Good: Menomena. Amazing video for Evil Bee HERE.

Good: Atheist Senators.

Good: Steven Weber. "Bush To Kids: Drop Dead!"

2007-09-24T23:44:00.000-07:00

Healthy Woman Roof.

I just picked up a new printer/scanner for work, and I couldn't resist scanning in some old pictures. There's a bunch on Flickr, with many more on the way.

Beach body and shorty-shorts. That was THE look in 1977.

Brothers. Church clothes. Dope.

California Aids Ride 4. 1997. 596 miles. SF to LA. I'm wearing spandex.

Burning Man 1997. Fandango cocktail party. Yes... a smoking jacket with a Cohiba.

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In an ARTICLE in today's paper on "independent voters", I saw a strange group of numbers. They are recent approval ratings by Republicans:

President Bush: 67% (huh?)

Iraq: 67% (wha?)

Foreign Policy: 73% (are you serious?)

Economy: 72% (ummm....)

We're fucked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

After a funny discussion on Saturday about bad Kanji, and bad tattoos in general, I found THIS and THIS. My favorites? "healthy woman roof" and "motherly beast blessing." Oops!

RIP, Marcel Marceau. Now, can we officially declare "mime" dead?

Amazing... there's no homosexuality in Iran. Who knew? What a strange Q & A.

Here's a cool background piece on "Crude Awakenings."

2007-09-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

Menomena.

I bought myself an early birthday present. I found one of the remaining Kwik-e-Mart's (that was soooo July!) and bought me a sixer of Buzz cola. They had no more Duff beer or Chutney flavored Squishies, though. Bummer...

I haven't Google'd (BTW, happy 10th birthday Google!) myself in ages, so here's a funny little tidbit I found last night: "Why People Weren't Meant To Fly."

Alan Greenspan. The man, the myth, the legend on the Daily Show last night. You may actually learn something!

I'm quickly becoming a big fan of the Portland band Menomena. (thanks yet again, KRIS.)

Menomena: Air Aid

If the word "Menomena" rings a bell, it should!

Best Christmas show ever! Queens Of The Stone Age and Anthony Bourdain (HUGE fans of both... a great band and an angry chef from Jersey) in Berlin. Awesome indeed!

Ren and Stimpy. GAY? You be the judge! (I vote yes!)

VOTE!!!

2007-09-17T15:10:00.001-07:00

Next Week (Birthday Crud.)

So, I'm turning 34 next week. On a Wednesday. Blah, blah, blah. We all know what a big party night THAT is, especially right before one of the busiest event-weekends in San Francisco. (I seemed JUST as excited last year!) So, in leiu of doing anything special, here is a partial list of where I'll be out and about. So if you see me, buy me a drink, or I'll buy you one... doesn't matter.

And that's the way I like it.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Here's the agenda (sadly, no Love Fest and Folsom Street Fair this year):

Friday, 9/21 @ Supperclub, SF.

Our Burning Man Camp is doing a mild "decompression" and it's first fundraiser for next year. Great people and music.

Then, on Sunday, I'll be HERE for someone else's birthday.

On Tuesday 9/25, I'll be at the Fillmore for MuteMath.

Listen: Control

On Wednesday, I'll be at Harlot for a happy hour after work, then I'll play it by ear.

And then, on Friday, the Byron Boogie begins. Skydiving, nudity (mostly mine) and just a dash of drinking (I'm bringing 6 kegs.)

On the Friday, we'll be doing 40-way 2-plane formation loads starting at 8am (hence, the no-going-out on Thurdsay!)

Then, bright and early on Sunday, I fly to Las Vegas for 5 days for a beer wholesalers trade-show and meetings.

"Sober October" can't come soon enough!

2007-09-10T13:32:00.001-07:00

Half Dome (A Photo Essay.)

Summer is officially over for me now. Tomorrow is my first true day at my new job. Not too shabby between trips to NY/NJ twice, Glacier NP, Lost Prairie Montana, Burning Man and Yosemite... (amongst some other adventures!)

We just got back from Yosemite yesterday, and I have to say that the hike to the top of Half Dome was not only one of the most physically challenging things I've done in a while, but also one of the most rewarding. I went to Yosemite in 1998 to do it for my 25th birthday, and we had to bail do to rain, and I have been obsessed with the hike ever since. This was definitely one the the highlights of my year, if not my life. Here are some fun numbers.

17.5 total miles round-trip.

4822 foot vertical climb.

Last 400 feet at a 45 degree angle on a sheer granite face (w/ a broken hand.)

9 hours of hiking.

5 people who said "Holy shit, you guys hiked all the way from the valley floor in one day?"

1 hour delay on cables (FUN!) due to "peak" Saturday time.

2 times I almost vomited.

160 oz. of water consumed by each of us (still ran out!)

90 minutes of sleep the night before due to bears and lost screaming kids.

12 Motrin consumed the next night by the bear who stole and pillaged Holly's bag from in front of the tent.

10 minutes. The amount of time it took the same bear to return after he was chased away with a paintball gun.

8 NPS rangers who showed up after the second visit.

Now, for the pictures (the rest are on my Flickr)

Perspective.

Really shows the perspective from the valley floor to the top of Half Dome.

Gearing up to start at 6:30am.

Mist trail. Stairs. Lots of them.

Vernal falls, and more stairs.

Even more stairs.

"When I say 'I gotta yak', I don't mean I have a long-haired buffalo!" I think I was setting a slightly-too-brisk pace. This was my "almost" #1. #2 was about 10 feet from the top.

Stephanie and Holly at Vernal Falls.

The dome comes in to view at 10:30...

Hi, dome!

Cool view of the cables (ignore the guy in the front!)

Group shot, right before the final ascent.

Piece of cake...

Photo by Brent Townshend. (Not mine, but really shows a cool perspective!)

Taking a liiiiiittle break on top...

As close as my body would let me get to the edge...

Airing out the "boys" next to my new friend "Rocky."

Me and Rocky (with Liberty Cap in the background.)

Look out below! (Coming down.)

Getting just a bit busy!

Happily descending.

Back of the dome from a south ridge.

Nevada falls overhang.

Professor Mustart would be so proud that I remembered his life's study. It's a geologic anomaly only found in Yosemite that he called the "bung hole." It is always found within 100' of a quartz vein. I'm smart.

Liberty Cap, with Half Dome in the background and Nevada Falls in the foreground.

Right where we found the large brown bear eating Holly's goodies from inside her bag. That's our tent 10 feet away. The bag was unsecured for under a minute. That bear was fearless.... and hungry!

Group shot as we left the valley. You can see El Capitan and Half Dome in the background.

Close up. Beautiful.

2007-09-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

To And From.

Just returned from here... (I added some pics to flikr)

Then last night, I went and saw my favorite comedian (yes, Patton Oswalt) as well as some other great ones (Brian Posehn, Greg Behrendt and Blaine Capatch) doing their "Class of 1992" reunion. They all made each other do bits from 1992, when they were all local SF comedians. Awesome.

Now, heading to Yosemite today, and Half Dome tomorrow early in the a.m...

Then, starting my new job on Monday. Back in the beer biz. Happily.

I guess summer is almost over. I realized I've spent 20 of the last 60 nights in a tent in three different states. Now, my new job is making me stay at Bally's in Las Vegas for a few days... oh, the nerve!

More fun from where I'm FROM. "Once again, New Jersey's culture of corruption is national news."

2007-09-05T02:07:00.000-07:00

Fur And Fire.

I apologize ahead of time for the fact that Blogger now won't let me indent paragraphs...

I just got back from the playa yesterday. It'll definitely take a few days to recover (the video gives only a taste.) I'll post some pics on Flikr when I get my camera out of Matt's car. I had a blast, especially after a four-year absence. This year there were 25% "virgins" out of nearly 50,000 people. There was definitely more fur and fire than I remembered! I saw some great old friends and got to see and do some amazing things, but don't tell anyone...

Here's an excerpt from a rant by my friend Steve (aka Malderor) in Piss Clear, the Burning Man "alternative" paper (read the full text at the end of this post... brilliantly written...):

If people think they might not like Burning Man, they probably won’t. If somebody hates dust, dirt, camping, and the chance that they might wake up with a smelly hippie passed out in front of their tent, maybe BRC is not for them. And that’s okay. Despite my own enjoyment of this Big Fucking Camping Trip, it’s perfectly acceptable for other people not to dig it.

It’s become my standard reply now when people ask me about the event – “Burning Man sucks, don’t go.” I mean, it does suck, in so many ways. It’s hot, cold, dusty, rainy, it takes a lot of effort, and you could end up hating your friends afterward. Burning Man sucks! I figure that anybody who’d actually be dissuaded by such a response isn’t really going to kick ass in a blinding dust storm.

Here's a list of ways to "enjoy Burning Man at home."

Before eating any food, drop it in a sandbox and lick a battery.

Stack all your fans in one corner of the living room. Put on your most fabulous outfit. Turn the fans on full blast. Dump a vacuum cleaner bag in front of them.

Buy a new set of expensive camping gear. Break it.

Get so drunk you can't recognize your own house. Walk slowly around the block for five hours.

Have a 3 a.m. soul-baring conversation with a drag nun in platforms, a crocodile and Bugs Bunny. Be unable to tell if you're hallucinating. Lust after Bugs Bunny.

Cut, burn, electrocute, bruise, and sunburn various parts of your body. Forget how you did it. Don't go to a doctor.

Pay an escort of your affectional preference subset to not bathe for five days, cover themselves in glitter, dust, and sunscreen, wear a skanky neon wig, dance close naked, then say they have a lover back home at the end of the night.

Here's the first edit of my video "Deep End 2007."

Here's the full text:

I want to let you in on something I’ve been saying for years: “Burning Man sucks, don’t go.” It might be hard to imagine, now that Burning Man is a $10 million-a-year enterprise (according to Business 2.0) but there was a time when we were never sure if Burning Man was going to continue from year to year. Each year might have been the last, and anybody who didn’t attend might have missed out on this rather unique experience.

Back then I was one of those annoying “Burners” who went around telling anybody who would listen about this awesome party I’d found out in the desert. You could drive motorcycles and shoot guns and blow shit up and drink beer for three solid days! (Can you imagine?) I was mildly successful, and managed to get a few of my friends to come out, who got a few of their friends to come out, and soon there were a few hundred people in our camp.

And we had a great fucking time.

But then something shifted. People read that article in Wired, and started to think they knew what Burning Man was all about. A weird little backlash started, especially in the Bay Area, with people who were (justifiably) sick of hearing about this little party, er, I mean, “arts festival.” People got all cranky about it.

I remember being in the Toronado like it was yesterday. (The Toronado is a bar in San Francisco’s Lower Haight.) Somebody had written on the men’s room wall, apropos of nothing, “Burning Man is a bunch of rich mama’s boys.” (A remark I might make myself nowadays, but in 1995, it seemed like a personal slight.) I whipped out my trusty Sharpie and wrote beneath it: “Burning Man sucks, don’t go.”

Suddenly it was clear to me. I no longer had to convince anybody to come to this wild party in the desert. In fact, since there were now thousands trundling in with RVs all week long, the event might even carry on without my cheerleading. I realized it was pointless to keep banging on about it. People could either come here and enjoy it, or stay at home with their preconceived notions, and wallow in their disdain. My blathering wasn’t going to change anybody’s mind, and it was a hell of a lot easier to go, “You know what, you’re right. Burning Man totally sucks and it’s “sold out.” You should probably stay home.”

This was tremendously liberating.

If people think they might not like Burning Man, they probably won’t. If somebody hates dust, dirt, camping, and the chance that they might wake up with a smelly hippie passed out in front of their tent, maybe BRC is not for them. And that’s okay. Despite my own enjoyment of this Big Fucking Camping Trip, it’s perfectly acceptable for other people not to dig it.

It’s become my standard reply now when people ask me about the event – “Burning Man sucks, don’t go.” I mean, it does suck, in so many ways. It’s hot, cold, dusty, rainy, it takes a lot of effort, and you could end up hating your friends afterward. Burning Man sucks! I figure that anybody who’d actually be dissuaded by such a response isn’t really going to kick ass in a blinding dust storm.

But it could also be the most fun you can have on the planet this particular week of the year. (And trust me, if I could find something more fun, I’d do it.) But we don’t need to keep telling people about it, do we? Let’s tell them how much it sucks, and maybe a few of them will listen up and stay home.

I’d like to thank Piss Clear for giving me a soapbox all these years. I may have pissed off a few folks over time, and I apologize to any of you humorless fucks who might have taken these little rants personally. It was all worth it last year when two guys stopped me in the street and said that they’d taken to repeating something I’d written like a mantra, all week long. The quote? “Dude... fuck you.” I think that says it all. Please stop by Fandango a beer, and let’s have some fun out here these last two days. “Burning Man sucks, don’t go”

2007-08-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

Don't Go.

I’m finally fully recovered from my trips to Montana, NY (and the emergency room... kinda... ha!) and now I’ll be off to the BFCT (big fucking camping trip) again, also known as Burning Man after a 4 year layoff. I'm leaving the day after Speedo Day, of course! The next few days I’ll be finishing the last of my preparations and shopping. Here’s just a small sample of what’s on the shopping / packing list:

(X) Referee jersey.
(X) Goggles.
( ) Dust mask.
( ) Apple sauce.
( ) Clif bars.
( ) "Haiku Master" badge.
( ) Viking helmet.
( ) New sarong.
( ) 1 lb brown rice.
(X) Little cocktail umbrellas.
( ) Baby wipes.
(X) Disco ball.

...and, of course, some aluminum foil for cooking meals on the hood of my car. If you’ve been to the playa, this all makes total sense. Seriously. “Burning Man sucks. Don’t go” Steve C. 1996. If you're there, look for me HERE & HERE.

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Here’s a few observations and conclusions I’ve had since my 36 hour trip (Oakland – NYC - New Canaan, CT – NYC - Oakland):

DirecTV and tons-o-legroom on JetBlue is still unbeatable.

Watching a show on shipwrecks while on an airplane is surreal.

Today it was 59 degrees in NYC. Saturday, it’ll hit 93. Yep, that’s normal.

Leona Helmsley was a bigger story in NY than Michael Vick.

I’ll gladly drink Dunkin Donuts’ drip coffee over Starbucks’ anyday.

I still don’t know how “alternate side of the street parking restrictions” work.

On Monday, I get in the Town Car at JFK 4:30pm. Here's the conversation...

(D)river. (A)ndy.

D: Where to, bro?
A: Norwalk.D: Wanna listen to Hannity?
A: No thanks. He’s not really my style.
D: Really? Why?
A: I’m pretty liberal.
D: Wow! You don’t look liberal!

And thus began my 90 minute ride to Connecticut during rush hour.

10 Urban Streetshots (Gotta love Google Streetview.)

2007-08-13T16:50:00.001-07:00

I Bent My Wookie!

After a fun day of skydiving at my old DZ, I decided to do a round of blade running (see video below) on a hill I've done successfully dozens of times. I had a perfect set-up, and instead of being conservative and just running high, I chose a different line and tried to carve down the west side of the hill instead of the north. Oops! I hit some turbulence and had to bail on uneven ground. Bam! A fractured scaphoid and 3rd metacarpal and some missing skin. Awesome. I already have an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon about my shoulder on Thursday, so... how convenient! WooHoo!!

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The best of Ralph Wiggum. I bent my wookie! Awesome!

Heroes. All of them. Brings a tear to my eye…

Thank you, AT&T, for protecting us by censoring such anti-American sentiments by those rabble-rousers!

IFC presents the 50 greatest sex scenes in cinema. You’re welcome.

This officer RULES!

Surviving the beer garden: Hangover Cures.

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Now, since blogger is fixed, here is the Lost Prairie stuff...

PICS.

Here’s my video of three of the Otter fly-bys at the Lost Prairie firetower.

Here’s Jake’s version, with a very cool visual of the fires in the background.

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AND... in case the other "Douche" version didn’t work…

2007-08-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

"You're Only One Step Away...

From playing arenas." So true.

Quick and dirty...

I went and saw Colin Hay last night (awesome show of both new accoustic stuff and Men At Work songs) and that was his lead in to "Underground." Going from 150,000 people at a show to 4 to 400 in a career, and still keeping a good sense of humor about it. Very cool.

Then:

Now:

Douche Cologne. (Thanks Ficus!) Funny as hell, and sooooo true....

(If that video doesn't work, click HERE)

The Ethanol Scam. I read this article on the plane on Sunday. Scarier than I previously thought.

The Vader Sessions: (Thanks Q.)

RIP, Tourette's Guy...

2007-07-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

Get Lost (Prairie.)

This may be my last post for a while, as I am heading off to Skydive Lost Prairie (amongst other places) in Montana for a few weeks on Friday. Not sure if I’m even bringing my laptop… Crazy, I know!

So… here’s lots of stuff.

Keith Olberman discussing the "Falafel Factor."

Barack Obama, the other night… sure as hell doesn’t sound like a weak Commander in Chief to me!

Steven Weber has 4 new posts. Read them. Very relevant.

Alexandre Vinokourov caught cheating in the Tour de France two days ago, and now Rasmussen? Fuck! I was sucked in again this year, and was pulling for him with his 60+ stitches. Just when the TDF looked like it was cleaning itself up! Remember last year?

The big list: Female teachers with students... with picture goodness.

Kris’ four-part tribute to his favorite MC’s. Awesome.

John Lovitz vs. Andy Dick. Superbrawl.

20 Other Amazing Uses for Beer and Vodka.

I’ve been looking for this for 20+ years. I used to have it on an old VHS tape. Thank god for Youtube! Jimmy and Stevie Ray Vaughn doing a duet on a double-neck. Brilliant.

One of my all-time favorite John Belushi SNL skits.

He-Man meets Queen. Strangely cool.

I LOVE the Young Ones!

2007-07-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

They Live.

Bush “f—ed up” the war, compliments of Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio.) The Grand Opposition Party, perhaps?

Jesus IS for sale, and Wal-Mart’s got em’!

Steven Weber (obviously, one of my favorite people), nails it yet again, “Eunuchpalooza.” Brilliant. Read the whole blog and the comments that follow, or else Mark Foley will come to your house for a sleep-over!

Live From Abbey Road, on Sundance Channel. How cool is episode 4? Natasha Bedingfield, Iron Maiden and Gipsy Kings. Awesome.

Keith Olberman (another of my favorite people) on Michael Chertoff’s “Gut.” Watch. Listen. He gets it.

Henry Rollins (yet another of my favorite people) on Wal-Mart.

Now, as a very special bonus. We were just talking about this this weekend. I found two versions of the “cripple fight” homage to John Carpenter’s “They Live” from South Park. The first are the two spliced together, the second is the movie with the South Park audio. You’re welcome. Timmayyyyyy!!!

2007-07-11T22:45:00.000-07:00

Who We Are.

The All-Star mayhem is finally over. All of San Francisco was pretty nutty… and drunk for the past few days. I went to the Home Run Derby on Monday, and while it was pretty fun itself, ouside the stadium was pure entertainment. 16 square blocks of daytime drinking… on a Monday. Our table’s drink tab was $520… at 4pm.

HERE is an awesome 15 year old Miller Beer & Skydiving commercial. Miller Clear, that is!

Yep. Now it’s official. There is only one official church. The POPE said so, so it must be true!

I personally know a few people that have used THIS to get out of jury duty, but this poor guy got busted!

Leftovers from the 4th. The best and worst national anthems.

Burn Notice, my favorite new show. Review HERE.

I’ve been sucked into watching the Tour De France again this year on Versus TV. I thought after LAST YEAR I wouldn’t watch again, but I cant help it… seriously.

ANOTHER cool tribute (HERE’s mine) to OK Computer’s 10-year anniversary. Thanks KRIS.

Sorry Rudy, but this is gonna hurt…

Bush makes girls cry.

Has Ann Coulter Got the Hots for John Edwards?

And, WHO WE ARE by Steven Weber.

2007-07-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

Ideologue.

Quote of the week:
"I have been called a lot of things, but never a great satan. I wish the Iranian people well, and only hope their experience with an inept, rigid ideologue president goes better than ours." --Oliver Stone. Story HERE.

Sen. Fred Thompson. MOLE. Yep.

Here's what's REALLY in Red Bull.

Let the SIMPSON'S controversy begin...

Bush lobbied court to uphold 33-month sentence for perjury, obstruction. In 2006. For a sick Marine. With 25 years of service. And 35 medals. Suck it liberals... and soldiers... and citizens... and the justice system... HERE.

Sen. Ron Paul. LOVE this guy. If you can't join 'em... BEAT 'em!

“I didn’t vote for him, but he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.” Video below. Story HERE.

2007-07-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

Electioneering.

10 years of OK Computer. Here are different live performances of all the songs on the record (minus Fitter Happier.) You’re welcome.

Do you reeeaaaally want an iPhone?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What’s worse than worst? Just when you thought Bush couldn’t make himself look any worse, he commutes Libby’s sentence. Here is a synopsis of some Washington reactions from both sides. Read them all. And you wonder why I’m a Democrat…

“First, President Bush said any person who leaked would no longer work in his administration. Nonetheless, Scooter Libby didn’t leave office until he was indicted and Karl Rove works in the White House even today. More recently, the vice president ignored an executive order protecting classified information, claiming he isn’t really part of the executive branch. Clearly, this is an administration that believes leaking classified information for political ends is justified and that the law is what applies to other people.” --Melanie Sloan, legal counsel to Joe and Valerie Wilson.

"In this case, an experienced federal judge considered extensive argument from the parties and then imposed a sentence consistent with the applicable laws. It is fundamental to the rule of law that all citizens stand before the bar of justice as equals. That principle guided the judge during both the trial and the sentencing." — Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald.

"When it comes to the law, there should not be two sets of rules — one for President Bush and Vice President Cheney and another for the rest of America. Even Paris Hilton had to go to jail. No one in this administration should be above the law." — Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.

"While for a long time I have urged a pardon for Scooter, I respect the president's decision. This will allow a good American, who has done a lot for his country, to resume his life." — Former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn.

"Accountability has been in short supply in the Bush administration, and this commutation fits that pattern." — Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.

"President Bush did the right thing today in commuting the prison term for Scooter Libby. The prison sentence was overly harsh and the punishment did not fit the crime." — House Republican Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri.

"This is exactly the kind of politics we must change so we can begin restoring the American people's faith in a government that puts the country's progress ahead of the bitter partisanship of recent years." — Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

"After evaluating the facts, the president came to a reasonable decision and I believe the decision was correct." — former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

"Only a president clinically incapable of understanding that mistakes have consequences could take the action he did today. President Bush has just sent exactly the wrong signal to the country and the world." — former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C.

"The Constitution gives President Bush the power to commute sentences, but history will judge him harshly for using that power to benefit his own vice president's chief of staff who was convicted of such a serious violation of law." — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"This commutation sends the clear signal that in this administration, cronyism and ideology trump competence and justice." — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.

"The president said he would hold accountable anyone involved in the Valerie Plame leak case. By his action today, the president shows his word is not to be believed." — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

"It is time for the American people to be heard — I call for all Americans to flood the White House with phone calls tomorrow expressing their outrage over this blatant disregard for the rule of law." — Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del.

"President Bush's 11th-hour commutation of Scooter Libby's sentence makes a mockery of the justice system and betrays the idea that all Americans are expected to be held accountable for their actions, even close friends of Vice President Cheney." — Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.

"By commuting Scooter Libby's sentence, the president continues to abdicate responsibility for the actions of his administration. The only ones paying the price for this administration's actions are the American people." — Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

"This decision sends the wrong message about the rule of law in the United States, just as the president is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. How can we hold the line against injustices in other countries when our own executive branch deliberately sets out to smear its critics, lies about it and then wriggles away without having to pay the price in prison?" — Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif.

"The arrogance of this administration's disdain for the law and its belief it operates with impunity are breathtaking. Will the president also commute the sentences of others who obstructed justice and lied to grand juries, or only those who act to protect President Bush and Vice President Cheney?" — New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.

Conservative bloggers try to link Michael Moore to UK terror attempts.

Damn, do I miss the old MST3K marathons…

It’s Bob & Doug’s 24th Anniversary. Take off, eh!

2007-06-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

For The Kids.

Thursday Links. For The Kids.

Bill O’Reilly taken to school, by a high schooler! Awesome!

Here George, read THIS. (More highschoolers.)

Mika Brzezinski is my hero. (Paris is NOT news!)

Final episode of Red vs. Blue. Sad.

Crop Circles, "Cops" style!

Olberman on Murdoch and O’Reilly “Worst person in the world!”

Now all is right with the world… The Spice Girls are getting back together.

One of Patton Oswalt’s funniest bits. Ever. Seriously. Remember the "Grey Drapes?"

2007-06-26T00:10:00.000-07:00

Kiddie Pools and Music.

I did a previous music post for the LADIES, so this one has some for/by the guys. With video.

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There really haven't been any great new job prospects in the last few days, but I am staying busy and having a blast doing it. Since mid-week, (amongst other things) I:

Saw "Knocked Up" (really not that funny at all.)

Spoke to three new headhunters.

Went to Giants/Yankees game on Friday, followed by just a few bars & cocktails.

Swam in a kiddie pool. Pretty sober. At 2am. Clothed.

Had three midday coffee/lunch dates. (LOVE those!)

Did some fun Skyvan and Otter jumps, including the 7-way double-rodeo hybrid (pictured below) and a 23-way "birdeo" tracking dive. (I can explain if you ask.)

Lost my car/house keys and spent $140 for a new ignition key.

Watched a few more Robot Chickens.

Watched an "interesting" display of Jell-o wrestling while doing Jell-o shots.

Decided I may just pack up and travel for a year. Stay tuned.

Photo by Bolt.

Now, for the videos, in no particular order. These are some of my favorite male singer/songwriters. Accoustic. There are some studio, as well as live videos. Watch them all, or the terrorists win.

Colin Hay.

Elliott Smith.

Thom Yorke.

Cary Brothers.

Joshua Radin.

Jack Johnson.

Nick Drake.

Gary Jules.

2007-06-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

Best Wednesday Links Ever.

Click them all. You'll thank me later. Like you're working hard today! Meh...

Thanks for the LIP SERVICE. (By Harry Shearer)

What is the first thing you should do after shooting two cops? You guessed it… UPDATE your MySpace profile to say "I just killed two cops. Goodbye." Brilliant!

Fresh out of rehab, a priest crashes into restaurant and arrested For DWI. At least there were no "boys" in the car. Now, that is my moral compass! Amen...

"MySpace Outage Leaves Millions Friendless." (I love the ONION!)

The HISTORY of the internet.

More Steven Weber. READ IT. Do it.

Why is Iron Maiden the Best? Click HERE, HERE and HERE.

I love PIXAR. I love PATTON OSWALT. Mmmmm…. RATATOUILLE.

And, have I mentioned ROBOT CHICKEN?

2007-06-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

Robot Chicken.

Robot Chicken, and my new favorite song of this particular week.

Adult Swim. Sunday nights. I had never really watched it much, but after the ROBOT CHICKEN marathon, I'm a convert. The Star Wars episode (filmed with the blessing AND voice of George Lucas) was genius. I added a little Triumph at the end as well. Enjoy!

Here’s the one-minute Star Wars trailer:

Here’s the entire episode:

Lil’ Hitler

Napoleon Bonamite

Triumph At The Tony’s

I hope this isn’t my PLANE to New Zealand!

We should integrate THIS into skydiving somehow. Hmm…

The Baptists are ALMOST on board… Almost…

AND, my new favorite song of this particular week.

Cary Brothers: Ride

2007-06-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Worser And Worstest.

Sounds like a Bush-ism, right?

Job hunting sucks. I may just skydive full time, cash out my 401K and go to New Zealand for the winter. Pretty tempting. Who's coming with me?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now, some lazy and just plain bad politics ...

Let's deflect attention to Iran... AGAIN... (and start a fight with the rest of the 1.2 billion muslims that all pretty much hate us!)

The Worst President in History?

Giuliani: Worse Than Bush?

We could have “LAZY” Fred Thompson. We’re fucked. Seriously.

Americans can’t even DRINK like they used too. 40th? How sad… I'm doing my part!

Bush’s “Hero’s Welcome” in Albania. Look right around 1:04 . They stole his watch!