The Aquarium And A Great Week!

Finally made it to the Aquarium of the Pacific (one of my favorite places). Thanks to Roisin for making it happen. It was a great outing and a place I wanted to take Natalia for a while, and we will see this attraction more often now. Natalia had a great time running around and interacting with the divers in the tanks. I got to see the tanks and my favorite fish among great company. I do miss my fish tank. Earlier in the week I spent a nice Wednesday with Roisin as she took me out to Bastards (Marine Corps bar in memory of the 2/4), a nice bakery and a trip to Seal Beach for that beach feeling. Overall this has been an awesome week for me. Now back to work after many days off.

"They (Laura and Mary) brought the big, long-handled spoon, and the box full of bits of lead and the bullet-mold. Then while he squatted on the hearth and made the bullets, they sat on each side of him, and watched."

- Laura Ingalls Wilder (1932)

While reading Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder I came across this passage and decided to share it. Share it to show that us, Americans have a deep culture of firearms. Not to say we are violent but that firearms have been a part of our history and depicted in so many works. To picture two little girls by the fireplace with their dad, while he melted bullets for his next days hunting. 

I will like to mention two things regarding the Boston bombing. A 6 liter pressure cooker was used and I don't see how this big pot fits in the back pack worn. Sure the pictures many already seen of the accused has them wearing backpacks but I don't see anything resembling a 6 liter pot. I did some searching on sizes of these and they are rather large. However pictures of the Saudi national released (The one Michele went to visit at hospital) was wearing such a pack in surveillance pictures and that one sure was full. Also I have seen a few pictures online of the first suspect being captured and handcuffed, yet we see him dead and very injured on other pictures. Below I posted a Glenn Beck video talking about this "mysterious" Saudi national that is being kept behind the scenes.

You have to love our society. I din't know this but it seems insurance companies have been selling people "terrorism" coverage. In November 2002, congress enacted the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. Got to tip your hat to us Americans, we manage to make money in any occasion. So no payout to those affected in Boston until the government officially labels it as a terrorist act, which they have not yet done so.

Will like to point you all to an incident in Utah where a man began stabbing a person at a store when a gun carrying man stopped the incident. >>

To my surprise I picked up a Laura Ingalls Wilder book and started to read it. I was looking to see how the book felt and how it described life 100 years ago. Her writings are more for the teen audience but still a nice read. Finished reading World War Z and found it a bit short but entertaining. I was hoping for more story but not disappointed at the descriptions. My next read is from Jules Verne, one of my favorite authors in The Hunt for the Meteor. However this book has been altered by his son Michel Verne and purists would not say it is a true Verne book, but thus far a good read. From he first pages I see it weird that he choose the story to take place in the United States.

Geek News - Joss Whedon hints that Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch will be in the Avengers 2 movie. I think this will lead to an Avengers/X-Men movie in the future. I have to say I have been finding myself watching a few you tube channels on miniature gaming like Warhammer 40k. Maybe when I get back from my deployment I will find a nice quiet corner in the house and get back to painting.

Check out the latest No Agenda Episode. 

Here I Go Again.

Windy and cold has been the news this week. I was hoping for what I call BBQ weather but not this weekend. Also planned on going to the Long Beach Aquarium this weekend to find out the Long Beach GP is this weekend and they are closed. I was looking forward to the outing and to the huge show of fake security that will plague us for some time yet to come. Instead we stayed at home and enjoyed the surroundings as usual. Went for a quick walk around the Children's Forest park by Keller Peak and a trip around Lake Gregory and the shops there. I also got my first sighting of a Bald Eagle on Saturday. Ironic? Coincidence?

"The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the mind of the masses."

- Malcolm X

Enough of the small chit-chat. I don't know where to begin regarding the current turn of events. The Boston bombing, Texas and ricin incidents are not coincidences. All I can say is I have posted some stuff on my FB and call me a crackpot. Boston incident stinks! So many government agencies present, announcements of a drill and yet it happened. We have far too many "security" agencies and I am starting to believe they are fighting for power and we are in the middle. Our current administration so eagerly trying to slowly take our weapons away and our form of protection. Why? Barry (Sorry Obama), making statements after the "gun bill" didn't pass, saying that this is just the beginning and now forcing another of his executive orders for some sort of "gun control" after the proposed bill was squashed. Why? Will we get answers for Boston? I say never. Just like in Benghazi as no answers were given. Sure we got two "extremists" but where they to blame? What can we do? All I can say at the present is to stay informed and not be afraid to come to your conclusions and think for yourself. I unlike some am not too worried on how the government seems to want to "rule" over us as it is still Americans that wear the badge and uniforms that are put to "police" us as they too know the freedoms we fight for and the way the United States Of America should be.

There is clearly a part of our society that has been "bought" by the administration. Bought either through the welfare system or brainwashed by our media using victims of these tragedies (just see how some of the parents of Sandy Hook are being paraded as propaganda. They don't care about them but just use them). CISPA has quietly passed while everyone was distracted at Boston and slowly the IV Amendment is being destroyed. You now will not be safe in your house as any agency can enter and take what they wish. Warrants no longer required. My little blog here can now be taken down for some of my views. Already reports of various sites taken down from FB. This is scarier than the attempt to take away our 2nd Amendment. Why is this administration (I will even say it started with Bush) trying so hard to destroy the constitution?

We are even loosing control of what we eat as now companies will not be required to label what our food contains. Why? I already see government telling us what our children have to take and what medications to be on. Why the big push to medicate the children? Now more than ever so many children are being diagnoses with so many "illnesses" and/or conditions that require medications. In the dark and being hidden among various pieces of legislature, being pushed a "national database of the mentally ill". Human beings, us, Americans being put on a list. When was the last time this has happened? Look how well it turned out. This is very scary. Lastly we are being monitored more and more to the point we will have flying machines with cameras, drones. Wow!

What I am afraid is that we are starting to see a division among us. Government is causing a rip in our nation and this cannot happen. We cannot begin to hate each other and have sides. America has ONE side. We are slowly loosing grasp at what it is to be an American, an icon, a figured looked up to by the world. A nation of freedom and fighters.

On a lighter note, as everyone knows, I like to read sci-fi and fantasy genre and it is still amazing to me of the books written about 50 years ago and many of these concepts come to realization today. And I am not talking technological advances but government and their actions.

Thanks to the Sword And Laser show I found out John Scalzi will continue his stories in the Old Man's World universe. His latest book, Human Division releasing next month as a complete version will have another sequel. Can't wait to get my hands on Human Division. Still slowly moving along with World War Z and after 100 pages the story starts to take shape.

Uncle Lucius - Keep The Wolves Away

Please remember to download the latest No Agenda Episode.

GITMO

It's GITMO for me. Hopefully Cuban sandwiches and mojitos. I will spend my active duty time at Guantanamo Bay. For some reason there was a big push for 8404 Corpsmen (Field) to the base there. My unit HMC (Chief) threw my name along with a friend since we do such good work for the unit (what a gift). He also tried to get a HM1 (1st Class) to go with us but he was not chosen. That would have been awesome to have three of us there. I would have clearly rather have been assigned to the Role 3 hospital in Afghanistan but this is what it is. No official word on our duty until we get there but this base requires mayor security and secrecy. I don't know if this is a good thing with my big mouth. I will not be posting right now my views or feelings of the base. I am very sure my character may be tested and all I can say is I believe I am strong enough to just go in, do the job and come home. The base is very old and has lots of history and with my spare time I hope to get to know some of it.

"I can't imagine what life would be without the knowledge that death is inevitable. It is because of that single overwhelming reality that we have arts, religions, the illusion of love, and probably even architecture. It is doubtful whether, did we not see ourselves as helpless transients we would appreciate life for what it is. On the other hand being grateful is not that big a deal."

- Jack McDevitt - Odyssey

At the moment I will not post anything on the Boston bombing as I feel there are many questions yet to be answered and many will be lies from our press and officials whom will get a script with an agenda and will be everywhere. It may take some time yet to find out exactly why. The whom part will be much harder to get. One big question I have is the why and why three explosions? Even to this date, us citizens still don't know the actual turn of events at Sandy Hook as now the press is saying no rifle was ever used after our government brainwashed us telling us it was and used as the platform for gun control. No to mention the latest speeches by some of the parents which were clearly scripted and read word for word. Clearly not something a parent would say but a statement written down to be read.

Finally watched Django Unchained and was hoping for more. The movie didn't have that western feel and the soundtrack didn't really fit. The bad characters were never developed well enough for me to really hate them. Given the length of the movie I had hoped to feel a character but really never did.

Finished reading Odyssey and found it entertaining and keeping the adventures of Hutch going. One last book in the series and done. Wish more was said about the "moonriders" but I hope it is all wrapped up in the last book. Decided to pick up my Nook and read World War Z since I have it there and has gotten some rave reviews. So far OK read.

I urge all to catch the No Agenda Show for the media deconstruction of current events and now with the Boston Bombing.

New Hiking Partner!

Awesome Saturday last weekend, as I took Natalia out for a hike accompanied by Roisin. Ok, I'm lying, not much of a trail. Lots of rocks and high brush. Carried Natalia about 2 miles and was tired, but both girls are tough. Once I'm out it is forward and onward and overall it was a great Saturday.  I was reminded of the old days when I used to take my dogs out here year round to play in the many ponds.

Paris Roubaix was last Sunday and as usual I only catch the highlights. This is the only race I truly would love to see live with a bunch of fans and friends. Sadly looks like I have to move to Europe for that day. At a bar drinking and eating french fries with garlic mayo.

Went out again on another hike with Natalia and Roisin on Friday by the house and again an awesome day. Checked out the local pond and admired the ducks there. My new hiking partners have no problems getting dirty and sitting back, admiring nature and relaxing. Lucky to finally get out of the house in such a way and have met such an awesome gal. Thanks again. As lately, slowly cleaning up my firewood stack and cleaning the yard.

Still reading Odyssey and as previous titles on the series a page turner. McDevitt keeps the story alive and keeps adding to his series. Not sure on my next read and I know it will be hard to find my next book.

Drill weekend coming up this weekend and looking forward to it and see whom else got tagged for deployment. It will be my first drill on the other side of the table. You can now say I will have experienced everything at the reserve center. Who knew my life would take me to so many places. But I am not one to sit and take up space as so many do. Even though I do wish in the future to just sit back and relax and spend time at home with no worries, kind of like finally time to sit back and relax. No more adventures for me that take me away from home.

Inside Combat Rescue Part 1

Don't forget to download the latest No Agenda Show.

First BBQ Of The Year

First BBQ of the season and woke up late, 40 degrees and damp outside. Not a very good start and I knew I would find myself bringing up the heat later in the day to make dinner time. One day I will start at Zero Dark Thirty for operation BBQ. The brisket came out OK, I did need much more time to get a good smoke ring in it. Will try it again but a much smaller piece.

Busy week at work and everything good with Natalia. As the weather looks more like spring she likes to stay outside more and we again went out in the forest from nice walks and views. Natalia had her first nightmare the other night and she never woke up. Cleaning around my house as I wont be doing any planting this year as I planned. Will save all that for after my deployment. I have been finding myself excited to go and I hope that feeling continues to the day I get on the plane and carries me most of the time I am gone. I will then look forward to an awesome homecoming. Excited because I hope to experience this historic time we find ourselves in and experience a service members homecoming. I'm not an adrenaline junkie but like to call such accomplishments mine.

Drill coming up next weekend and I hope my orders are in or at least some solid information. But knowing the Navy there is no such thing as solid information as things always can change last minute. We don't have the moto "Semper Gumby" for no reason. I came across this cool figurine in honor of the Corpsmen and I love pin ups, so a good combination.

Colorado has turned this past week as the standing ground for the anti-gun argument and I have two videos that I want to share. I will not post them here but simply link them. The first one of of Rep Diana Negette and all I can say is "Oh, my God" This woman actually believes bullets disappear and never come back so in time there will be no bullets in the world. People like her were voted to speak for us in government. The second is a Colorado state Sheriff speaking out after Obama's (or should I say Barry Sotomayor's) visit to Colorado with his agenda to strip the U.S. citizens of a constitutional right and not allowing any law enforcement to be present.

Lastly, I will like to thank the No Agenda Show for pointing out what may a big reason why we have so many "illegal" citizens. Adam pointed out that the fees and paperwork required to become a U.S. citizen is simply outrageous as he himself goes through the "robbery" and "red tape" with his wife. In the $1000s per person for paperwork fees. Not everyone has $7000 laying around, now imagine a family. So the government has created this problems as it sees $$$$ signs as usual.

Finished Earthbound and found the ending very weak and disappointing. Overall this last book was not as good as he previous ones. Decided to pick up Podkayne of Mars by Robert H. Heinlein and similar story to Marsbound. Mars girl visits Venus (instead of Earth) story. I thought Heinlein was building a good character and one to use for further adventures but the story was bland with a bad ending. It is very hard to find a book with a great ending, much like movies. After much debating my next read is again a sci-fi book by one of my favorite authors Jack McDevitt in Odyssey. I will like to find a good fantasy book or series.

Geek News - I would like to point out the Mini War Gaming Channel with its great footage of miniature gaming. No, I don't play but in the past I have painted and was very good at it. Maybe one day I will have the time and quiet time to spend painting again. However with the negative actions of Games Workshop to its retailers in turn to its customers I will rethink the game. Below is the trailer for a new mini series based on Stephen King's Under The Dome book which I found entertaining.

Under The Dome Trailer

Don't forget to catch the No Agenda 500th Show! 

Easter

I just love these type of holidays that have turned into meaningless commercialization. Easter is the day, as with all holidays where people have a reason to flock the stores to buy decorations. The day so many think is about a bunny, but not just a bunny. A rabbit that lays eggs. With this being said some people think rabbits lay eggs. Of course a person like myself has fun with this tid-bit of information. So I ask, when the rabbit eggs go on sale and are they cheaper than chicken eggs? It does get a few people to wonder. I will continue to research the real reason where rabbits and eggs came from. The eggs came may be interpreted as the empty tomb where Christ was laid. By the way, it is not a cute little bunny but a wild hare that the tradition spread.  Well in case I just insulted you, I am not sorry. Take a few seconds of your "busy" life and find out just a little bit about why this day is celebrated. With that being said, I took Natalia to the local festivities which I liked being a small town. Right after we went to Lake Arrowhead where they were pretty much rushed and pictures were taken. Talk about commercialization of a holiday as they were charging minimum $20 per picture. Wow, sorry, I just turned around and left them hanging with their sales pitch.

"You mix your Wheaties with your mama's toe jam!"

- Ham Porter, Sandlot

I told another fellow Doc about my deployment and turns out he too got a call days prior for also a deployment the same month. Still no official orders telling us where we will be stationed. It would be awesome to serve together but I don't have my hopes up for that. I actually hope it is not in Germany. If I am leaving my daughter for an extended amount of time I want to be in the "big show" getting my hands dirty saving lives. Learning and experiencing that. The initial shock has worn off for now and I am actually excited. Excited to be able to do this in my lifetime. Among the many things I have done and places I've been this has been one that I have been wanting to deep down inside. To do the job of a Corpsman in a theater. This will definitely be a high in my life and an accomplishment I will carry very close to my heart forever.

My reading slowed down quite a bit for a few days as I couldn't concentrate due to the news received. However, I did finish Wolves of the Calla and went on to Earthbound to finalize the Marsbound trilogy. Finished Earthbound last night and now looking at my shelves for my next book.

Here is a little story I ran across about a Nevada lawmaker. Feel free to read it is skim it and know that people like these are our lawmakers, work in government and make lots of money because of your taxes. >>

Decided to pick up Bioshock: Inifinite and played it a bit Wednesday night. Pretty game and one I look forward to finishing. Haven't picked up a game in a few weeks and I felt like shooting something on Wednesday. Below is a trailer for a short film made by a few Docs on their stay at the Role 3 Hospital in Kandahar  This is the place I hope to serve my time.

Don't Forget catch last Sword & Laser Video Episode of the season. I do hope to see this show come back.

Big News

I received on Wednesday morning a call from the NOSC (Navy Operationl Support Center) informing me that I have been tagged for deployment late September. News like this catches everyone by surprise followed by some degree of shock and I was not the exception. I know it will be a roller coaster of emotions for me but there is more of an upside to this than downside. I don't have any doubts on my skills or job ethic as I was well trained and the training received concentrates on the most basic skills that are embedded in all of us corpsmen. Downside for me is clearly the separation from my daughter but I know time will move quick and everything in the end will be good with her and me. I do expect my ex to use this to try to screw me but the upside is I have legal aid to help and the money I will make from this new adventure will help me get financially settled for years to come. The big upside is I can now put this down on my life resume. I did many things so many can only dream of and came very close to dreams. To add this will top it off. As I say - "I'm going to the big show" but not only going to the big show, but going to do the best and most honorable job possible. The job of a U.S. Navy Corpsman, to follow an honorable and great
tradition. To actually personally save the lives of people. Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Soldiers. To be able to get them home to their own families and lives. In the end in a matter of a few months I will have done so many things in my life. Things many can not even imagine. I know I can be very political and opinionated and it is no secret I, like many service members don't agree with current policies and actions but we do it. It is our job and we do it next to our brothers and sisters to get them home safe. I am simply here to take care of my Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Soldiers. That simple. Pictured is HM3 Balisi on his way to "the big show". I do hope to see his familiar face there. 

Finally sat down and watched two movies. Watched Argo and Zero Dark Thirty. I will only write a little here on my thoughts. I know Argo was a movie funded by the CIA so there is definitely an agenda there but it is still a historic adaptation and I will like to find out the actual turn of events. It is a movie that to me points out that the CIA was behind the original movie and I believe continues to be behind other media projects which in turn are pushing an agenda to the people through movies and media. I ran across this link that tells a little behind the "movie" known as Argo based on Roger Zelazny's Lord of Light which is a book I will be reading. Zero Dark Thirty I found very good in the sense that it made me feel something inside. The passion for a person to continue through the red tape. I did get a little worked up on the nonsense meetings but that is politics. We will never know the actual turn of events and actual accomplishments of this mission but I am one that wants to believe such stories.

My rant posts to my surprise have been getting views and really no backlash. Not that I care about the comments as I have learned over the years as I was there from the beginnings of this media and the birth of "social media" to know people love to hate and complain. I always laugh to see the back and forth fighting among people online. As if they knew the other person. So I asked myself this week - What happened to nicknames? Why do we no longer use nicknames? I know in other parts of the world it was very normal to have nicknames and them be used instead of your name most of the time. Here in the U.S. that tradition died a long time ago. I ask myself if it is also dead in Europe and latin countries around the world. I feel the loss of this tradition is a factor for our problems today Did people become too "delicate" to not like nick names? Maybe this was the first cause of the "dumbing" down of our society. My nickname was "cacaito" nowadays it may be insulting to some as it was used by my friends in Spain and describes a small dark person.  It was an honor to receive a nickname as it showed likeness and acceptance from others.

Bioshock Infinite has launched and it is touted as the best looking game and possibly the best game to day. I haven't played much games or even purchased any new ones in some months but this one seems like it will break my piggy bank. Also great news from Gearbox as they made the official announcements for my favorite game that is Borderlands 2. In short we will see level cap to 61, new DLC, 3rd playthrough option, new rarer weapons and new character. All will be spread out in the next weeks. What's an old boy like me to do? Two games and a stack of books to get through. Life is good in the meantime.

Don't forget to check out the No Agenda Show. 

The Beauty That Is Nature

Spring is here and it feels like it, but I've been up here many years to know not to put out my spring stuff as we still will get more snow. So that means I still have to wait a bit before planting my donut seeds. Spent sometime with Natalia out in the forest as she is very lucky to have this pretty much as her backyard. We did some walking out by Deep Creek, Lake Gregory and Keller Peak and I can tell you that she walks fast. Hopefully I have my future hiking and running partner. On my weekly trip to the local thrift store I found many younger faces "volunteering" and prices went up. I hope this is not a "group" taking over the shop and raising prices. They simply will shut down like the so many local shops here. Hopefully it was just for the weekend as the senior center still running the inside. But like many good things, they end up going away due to greediness.

"It's fun to have fun but you have to know how"

- Dr. Seuss

Got my taxes finally done at a free tax place after I took them to HR Block for a quote and I have to pay less when prepared by the free place. Yes, I always pay. I did get some advice but I am sure my ex will not agree as she is very materialistic and when money is involved, evil comes out.

Still reading Wolves of the Calla (Darktower V) and it is moving at a decent pace. Was hoping to be farther along as I have a nice stack of books I want to read. I want to read Earthbound next and finish that trilogy as that should be a fast read. Also thinking of re-reading Leviathan Wakes but I was hoping to leave the space opera genre for my next big read. Picked up some Larry Niven/Jerry Pournelle classics this weekend. So many stories I want to read and not enough time. I did find a pretty nice used book store in Crestline.

Haven't played any video games in some time and eagerly awaiting the new Borderlands 2 DLC and character. Gears of War: Judgement is out now and Bioshock Infinite out by end of March. Bioshock is definitely a game I want to play. Been checking out the Day Z Mod game and looks pretty awesome. I came across this awesome action figure of Iron Man Patriot edition and would love to have this decorating my place. So feel free to get it for me.

Geek News - Robert Redford may be in the next Captain America movie as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. He must be a fan because he is very picky on his roles. World War Z is coming in a few months and I know it is said the book is better, but the trailers are cool, The U.S. Navy is in it and Brad Pitt ('nuff said).

Below I posted the trailer for the new Riddick movie which looks pretty good.

Check out the latest Sword & Laser Episode with Peter Hamilton. One more episode before it is over.

'Nother Rant Post

Not much happening with my life lately. Same boredom which is welcomed in my world. Went a little crazy at the used bookstore this week but I should have enough material for about two months or more. I have had two friends now point to me to the TV series Duck Dynasty as something I may like. It has also been pointed out to me what I see as a new phenomenon, that is mountain biking becoming mainstream. Seems more and more high schools are taking in the sport of mountain biking as part of their programs. I know up here there has been one for years but it looks like it is spreading and I feel it is very awesome. Awesome in the sense that so many kids that would be stuck in their cities and never see past the stop sign in a sense are getting to go out and see nature and our world. The world is not parking lots and stores but life that is nature. I do miss my mountain bikes and would love to find such a program where I can lend my extensive knowledge and experience (video below). Also thanks to the No Agenda Show and listeners for the awesome artwork displayed here.

"Why fit when you were born to stand out?"

- Dr. Seuss

Again fighting with Burrtec which is the local forced trash pick up service. For years we just dropped off our trash at the dumpster up here. Then a politician decided to give the service to a commercial company which of course billed us and provided pick up which was erratic during the winter. Of course fees went up yearly and continue to do so. Now they stopped picking up from me and when I called I was first trying to get a sales pitch and found out I am paying for a service that doesn't pick up. So why am I paying? But you all know the answer. We pay, pay, pay and get screwed. We have placed a system of political corruption on us over the many years. Paychecks get smaller but fees go up and more services are forced upon us.

Another thing I would like to point out. I work for the U.S. Navy part of my time as many know but like many of us we don't agree on what the government is doing. Invading and secretly overthrowing so many governments for our agenda (you have Navy General Ham fired for trying to send aid during the Benghazi killings as he was told to stand down. You can read between the lines here). This causes the death of so many but we are more concerned about locking up a few weapons and forcing law abiding citizens to submit. Point aside I was to comment on the latest topic which is North Korea. Dennis Rodman goes up there and he gets laughs but he brought a message back, which is that our President call them. We refuse to call them until they stop producing or having nuclear weapons. We are very ignorant to think we can have them but force everyone else not to. Which country would feel safe knowing they cant "protect:" themselves but the U.S. (Soon to be socialist states of America) can have them? Then we have Don Gregg, ex ambassador to South Korea visit North Korea and bring the same message back. They want to talk and stop all this nonsense but we refuse to. Instead we are spending more money putting up these lame missiles and systems pointing towards them. Hey, morons! Do you not remember the "Bay Of Pigs" affair? But while this is going on we are invading all kinds of countries all over the African continent. But many just ask yourselves; Did Kim Kardashian just loose weight?

Since I'm on my rant here (I figure I will piss off a few of you), I want to ask why do people on "food stamps" and government aid file taxes and actually receive a good chuck of money in return? As if being paid to take free money. Plus why do they hold up my line to pay for a 68 cent piece of candy with the welfare card which many times they need help using because many don't know how to swipe and put in the PIN. Then pull out a hundred dollar bill for the rest of the few items not covered by my money, sorry government aid money. Outrageous. This is exactly where our debt is coming from. I love coupon shoppers because they are using their money and trying to save it and not sucking on the government $&%. That was my short rant.

Finished reading Starbound in about a day and found the story to move along but for about a hundred pages it got stuck telling of their lives inside the ship. I will definitely be reading Earthbound to see how it all ends for us humans. Was hoping to hit the local used book stores on Sunday for some other books but they were all closed. So I find myself looking at my book shelf and chose The Wolves of the Calla (Darktower V). Looks like I will finish the series this year.

Again the results for a race were spoiled by the internet. It is impossible nowadays to be in the dark on events. However I managed to find decent footage of the Milan San Remo race online and enjoyed it. A brutal race much like Tirreno Adriatico a few days earlier. Horrible weather and the traditional 300kms of the event. I find myself lately wanting to following cycling a bit more and hope it continues as we are approaching many of the classics in the coming weeks.

Singletrack High Teaser from Pedal Born Pictures on Vimeo.

Don't forget to catch the latest No Agenda Show and get your head out of your arse! 

You're How Old?!

That day is here again. The day of my birth! The day humanity was blessed with my presence (Ok I'm full of myself). How old? Hmmmm. However, I tend to celebrate internally is March 17. Not because it is St. Patrick's day but because it was the day my life was changed drastically in a blink. Ironic it happened on the day we celebrate as the day of good luck.

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is Youer than You."

- Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday to You!

I find myself thinking of the good memories and very few come out. Out of my many years cycling and all the places I've been I have great memories of the mountain bike day trips crammed up in my friend Ed's small pick up truck. The rides with the old guys from Team Dirty Work in Riverside and the times with "J". Lately nothing compares and this needs to be fixed in my "next 30 years" as the song says. No, I don't need to stop smoking or drinking as I never started. Just need to create more good times to remember.

The temperatures have changed to more spring like weather and decided to unwrapped my barbecues and do some cooking. A few days ago I was shoveling about a foot of snow and now I am outside barbecuing  got to love California. Checking out fishing gear as I am getting the urge to hit Deep Creek with Natalia. I doubt any trout will be present. But we will hit other spots. Even if I don't catch anything I still like to go out and walk. However, Natalia again sick with fever and not her normal self and many sleepless nights for me. I nursed her and she is much better now.

Again at work I was approached and offered a position as supervisor in the back room. This means full time and a little less time with Natalia. I know I can do the job no problem. Just will take some adjusting and seeing how far I can push the department managers to get their job done. I may end up being too much of a "hard ass" which people never seen. I'm afraid I may take my military side and apply it there. Most likely I will decline again as the pay is not much greater and that extra day with Natalia is more to me than work. But good to know I was approached and know that I can do any job there.

Finished reading Marsbound by Joe Haldeman and found it very entertaining with some cool concepts. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. Jumped back in to the Old Man's War universe for Scalzi's fourth book in Zoe's Tale and finished it rather quick. A good story as it retells the previous book from Zoe's viewpoint. Now I hope John Scalzi writes about their stories on their new home, Earth. Now to wait for the soon to be released Human Division in May.

Check out the latest Sword & Laser Episode with R.A. Salvatore. One of my favorites and I get the inside on the origin of Drizzt. Now I have to re-read The Crystal Shard and the newly released Last Threshold before the new change in the world with The Companions. Looks like I will change to fantasy books after a long stint in the sci-fi realm.

Looks like New York can keep drinking "sugary drinks", but Mayor Bloomberg for some reason still wants to ban the sale of drinks over 16oz. I have known about this for some time and must point it out to many that are unaware. A city in the United States of America telling you what you can drink and how much you can drink. It is simply insane that a person let alone a Mayor of a city can tell its people this. Talk about governing over its citizens. Shut up slave! It's the United States of America if you want to drink a huge cup of soda or drink soda all day long, feel free to do it.

Here is something geeky for Star Wars fans and fans of everything 80s like myself. What if Star Wars was a 1980s John Hughes movie? >>

Not a Jim Carrie fan but the previous Kick Ass movie was pretty good. This one looks like they are pushing it just a little more. Why is this movie not banned? It has guns, violence, kids and school scenes. Is it because "Hollywood" controls part of government? Oh, sorry it has the "Mature Audiences Only" warning for a few seconds so it is good and keeps everyone safe.

Don't forget to check out the latest No Agenda Show!