This is my brother, my nephew, and the Clash t-shirt my brother gave my nephew for Christmas.
{ photo credit: Laura Kunz }
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
vi hero
Just got done playing Guitar Hero for the first time. Oh my gosh what a fun game! I am exhausted.
Also, I think it would be funny if someone made a Flash game called “vi Hero”.
Laura's present
)
)
This is the big present that I made for Laura this year. I try and make her something every year. It seems more sincere then buying her everything....and it is a lot of fun as well. She has a knack for finding nests on walks...but we have never had a proper place to display them. Now we do.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
IMG_1840.JPG
Yeah, Christmas is for kids. We had a great time out in Kansas, especially since there was a little one to keep things interesting. And snow! I grew up with snowy Christmases, so a little white on the ground really gets me 'in the Christmas spirit'. I hope everyone had as nice a Christmas as we did.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
asleep in mass
Message sent from mobile.
Taggart Sorensen
4730 Kingfisher Dr.
Houston, TX 77035
www.taggphoto.com
Cell-512.589.1728
Taggart Sorensen
4730 Kingfisher Dr.
Houston, TX 77035
www.taggphoto.com
Cell-512.589.1728
Merry Christmas Peoples!
Instead of the 24 Hour Yule Log Channel this year we watched the 24 Hour Yul Log Channel.
Merry Christmas Folks!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
good music
Once again...I would like to share what I am listening to with all of ya'll.
I am not usually a brit band fan but this one I am liking more and more.
The Maccabees - if you were into the strokes...there is a similarity.
http://www.myspace.com/themaccabees
One of my top favorites right now WOLF PARADE....I have been burning holes in my ears with their album "Apologies to the Queen Mary"
http://www.myspace.com/wolfparade
Their song "I'll believe in anything" is so awesome I can't praise it enough.
And the last one for right now is MGMT.
If you are a fan of Ween...you will like these two guys.
http://www.myspace.com/mgmt
I downloaded their album and it is really great.
What are ya'll hearing?
I am not usually a brit band fan but this one I am liking more and more.
The Maccabees - if you were into the strokes...there is a similarity.
http://www.myspace.com/themaccabees
One of my top favorites right now WOLF PARADE....I have been burning holes in my ears with their album "Apologies to the Queen Mary"
http://www.myspace.com/wolfparade
Their song "I'll believe in anything" is so awesome I can't praise it enough.
And the last one for right now is MGMT.
If you are a fan of Ween...you will like these two guys.
http://www.myspace.com/mgmt
I downloaded their album and it is really great.
What are ya'll hearing?
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Dojo
Antonio's first experience with a martial arts (karate) class was lots of fun for him. He really enjoyed running, kicking, and jumping through obstacle courses with the other little boys.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
New Halo Maps
Carmen was telling me something about new Halo 3 maps.
That and an all nighter with beer.
That and an all nighter with beer.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Blog Invite
I'm not sure how to send an invitation to Anthony so he can post stuff on the blog. Could someone please help with this? His e-mail address is ambant@earthlink.net
Thanks!
Thanks!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Anthony on What is Wrong with America
Anthony wrote this and wanted me to share it with all of you. Please read in conjunction with the Ron Paul e-mail.
We all know deep inside ourselves that black times are coming. The ancient senses we have dulled are piercing through no matter how we try and block them with new wonder drugs (or old standards).
We know something is wrong when our currency is being dumped worldwide and our media tells us it's good.
We know it's not right that we are paying mercenaries ten times what we pay our own soldiers to murder innocent families.
We know we will be lied into another war and that the so called opposition party will vote to approve any unprovoked aggression they are told to.
We know that it be can't be good to have our media owned by the same companies that profit billions with each new war.
We know it can't be good that we have lost habeus corpus, or our fourth amendment protections.
We know globalism is good for billionaires in Dubai, but if it's so great for us, why are we about to experience a recession and probable inflation spurred on by a devalued dollar?
We know something is wrong when these Dubai Sheiks are building a structure 3 times the size of our biggest skyscrapers, yet the last one we built was the Sears Tower in 1976.
We know something is wrong when 750,000 Americans have been put on terror lists, many for doing nothing more than attending peace marches.
We know something is wrong when college students are tasered just for asking questions a politician doesn't like.
We know something is wrong when police tell us a woman strangled herself to death with her handcuffs while in custody.
We all know something is wrong when one in 75 children are autistic and 30 years ago it was one in 30,000.
We know something is wrong. I wish I was wrong......
We all know deep inside ourselves that black times are coming. The ancient senses we have dulled are piercing through no matter how we try and block them with new wonder drugs (or old standards).
We know something is wrong when our currency is being dumped worldwide and our media tells us it's good.
We know it's not right that we are paying mercenaries ten times what we pay our own soldiers to murder innocent families.
We know we will be lied into another war and that the so called opposition party will vote to approve any unprovoked aggression they are told to.
We know that it be can't be good to have our media owned by the same companies that profit billions with each new war.
We know it can't be good that we have lost habeus corpus, or our fourth amendment protections.
We know globalism is good for billionaires in Dubai, but if it's so great for us, why are we about to experience a recession and probable inflation spurred on by a devalued dollar?
We know something is wrong when these Dubai Sheiks are building a structure 3 times the size of our biggest skyscrapers, yet the last one we built was the Sears Tower in 1976.
We know something is wrong when 750,000 Americans have been put on terror lists, many for doing nothing more than attending peace marches.
We know something is wrong when college students are tasered just for asking questions a politician doesn't like.
We know something is wrong when police tell us a woman strangled herself to death with her handcuffs while in custody.
We all know something is wrong when one in 75 children are autistic and 30 years ago it was one in 30,000.
We know something is wrong. I wish I was wrong......
Anthony on Ron Paul
Anthony has become very passionate about Ron Paul of late -- he's been standing on the streets campaigning for him, telling lots of people who never heard of him what he's about, and informing lots of family and friends about important issues. I am less politically-oriented than he is, and I always thought voting for a Democrat was the best thing for our country, but I'm starting to see just how corrupt most of the participants of the 2-party system are and now believe that an honest man like Ron Paul is worth 500 lying Hitlary's and 10,000 Ghouliani's. Here's what Anthony had to say:
I was a democrat for a long time. I believed they were less corrupt and less influenced by the powerful, corporate
lobbyists than the republicans. I also thought they were less likely to wage wars of aggression, and more likely to protect
our rights than the republicans.
They have proved me wrong on all counts. They promised last year to end the Iraq war if elected. They not only didn't end it, but wrote the spending bill that gave Bush all of the funds he wanted to Escalate the war, sending tens of thousands of additional Americans into a war our CIA says has created more terrorists. Far from ending the war, their bill gave no timeline for bringing troops home. When pressed, they admit it could be many years before the soldiers can return.
Both parties voted for the constitution-killing Patriot Act and Military Commissions Act. They also voted to give more power to the executive branch with The Warner Defense Act.
Don't get me wrong, the Republicans are no better. That is the point.
When you realize both parties are owned by the global interests that fund their campaigns, you start to think the conservative ideal of a less powerful central govt. is a good idea. Of course almost all of the republicans don't practice what they preach.
(Bush has dramatically expanded the federal govt. and his own powers.)
But there is one Republican who takes No money from special interest group and believes we need to restore the constitution, which is the only thing that separates us from a police state. He is Ron Paul, 10 term Texas congressman, doctor and veteran. He thinks it is wrong that 20,000 lawful Americans a week are put on terror lists. He does not think you should be punished for simply exercising your free speech. He voted against the Iraq war, and against all the acts of congress that gut the very freedoms that we are supposed to be fighting for.
He never voted to give himself a raise, while the rest of congress gave themselves ten in a decade. He promises to end the Federal income tax, because 100 percent of it goes to pay the interest on the money loaned to America by the Federal Reserve, and unfairly burdens the less affluent. If you don't want to live in a country that continues to start new wars that will have to be supported by a draft, and continues to steal your freedom, then vote for Ron Paul.
I was a democrat for a long time. I believed they were less corrupt and less influenced by the powerful, corporate
lobbyists than the republicans. I also thought they were less likely to wage wars of aggression, and more likely to protect
our rights than the republicans.
They have proved me wrong on all counts. They promised last year to end the Iraq war if elected. They not only didn't end it, but wrote the spending bill that gave Bush all of the funds he wanted to Escalate the war, sending tens of thousands of additional Americans into a war our CIA says has created more terrorists. Far from ending the war, their bill gave no timeline for bringing troops home. When pressed, they admit it could be many years before the soldiers can return.
Both parties voted for the constitution-killing Patriot Act and Military Commissions Act. They also voted to give more power to the executive branch with The Warner Defense Act.
Don't get me wrong, the Republicans are no better. That is the point.
When you realize both parties are owned by the global interests that fund their campaigns, you start to think the conservative ideal of a less powerful central govt. is a good idea. Of course almost all of the republicans don't practice what they preach.
(Bush has dramatically expanded the federal govt. and his own powers.)
But there is one Republican who takes No money from special interest group and believes we need to restore the constitution, which is the only thing that separates us from a police state. He is Ron Paul, 10 term Texas congressman, doctor and veteran. He thinks it is wrong that 20,000 lawful Americans a week are put on terror lists. He does not think you should be punished for simply exercising your free speech. He voted against the Iraq war, and against all the acts of congress that gut the very freedoms that we are supposed to be fighting for.
He never voted to give himself a raise, while the rest of congress gave themselves ten in a decade. He promises to end the Federal income tax, because 100 percent of it goes to pay the interest on the money loaned to America by the Federal Reserve, and unfairly burdens the less affluent. If you don't want to live in a country that continues to start new wars that will have to be supported by a draft, and continues to steal your freedom, then vote for Ron Paul.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
.jpg',321,432))
Tamale filling made by Carol
Tamale filling made by Carol
Originally uploaded by Biancamamafofana
i made tamales last weekend at my friend bianca's house - this was thre green chicken filling - SUPER HOT - it's hot if i'm saying it's hot - but all the gringas love them - so that's ok with me!
Bianca's family really put up with me that day. I had a wonderful time and paola was just charming - i left the boys alone and they did boy things
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Darth Vader
Darth Vader
Originally uploaded by Mattias Adolfsson.
I have been following flickr user mattias' illustrations for a while, and today he posted a great series: Star Wars characters rendered with Baroque stylings!!!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
el samurai con el paraguas: capitulo dos - el pajaro azul
el samurai con el paraguas: capitulo dos - el pajaro azul
Originally uploaded by Pablo Mercado.
Why does a blue bird keep landing on the samurai's head? Where is it leading him? What is the best way to clean bird poop off of a wicker hat? Find out in the next chapter of the The Samurai With The Umbrella!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
check out my new job...
)
I buy stuffed animals.....take their eyes off...and sew on these great blue eyes....it's Art....I'll make millions!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Book Project
Hey Everyone,
I'm looking for some photographers and artists to work with on a book proposal about imaginary urban landscapes. I'd like to work with photographers who can take actual photos of Times Square, roof gardens with great skyline views, the Statue of Liberty, etc. and then manipulate those images in Photoshop to create imaginary landscape details with me. I have lots of ideas I'd like to discuss in greater detail along with some mock-up images I've already created and I would be open if my collaborators had ideas of their own. I would be writing essays to go along with the photos based on my experiences in urban landscaping.
Would any of you be interested in working on this? It would be helpful if you already had photos of your own of some of these places for the proposal -- and if we get the book deal, then an advance would help pay for possible trips to nyc or other cities to take more photos and work together in greater detail.
I'm also interested in working with artists (Anthony will be one, of course) who feel inspired to create imaginary paintings, sketches, etc. so please let me know if any of you are interested in that as well. Also, please give me your e-mail addresses so we can discuss. Thanks!
I'm looking for some photographers and artists to work with on a book proposal about imaginary urban landscapes. I'd like to work with photographers who can take actual photos of Times Square, roof gardens with great skyline views, the Statue of Liberty, etc. and then manipulate those images in Photoshop to create imaginary landscape details with me. I have lots of ideas I'd like to discuss in greater detail along with some mock-up images I've already created and I would be open if my collaborators had ideas of their own. I would be writing essays to go along with the photos based on my experiences in urban landscaping.
Would any of you be interested in working on this? It would be helpful if you already had photos of your own of some of these places for the proposal -- and if we get the book deal, then an advance would help pay for possible trips to nyc or other cities to take more photos and work together in greater detail.
I'm also interested in working with artists (Anthony will be one, of course) who feel inspired to create imaginary paintings, sketches, etc. so please let me know if any of you are interested in that as well. Also, please give me your e-mail addresses so we can discuss. Thanks!
Step 1, Remember to Register to Vote
The recent dem party fluff about "experience" started me thinking about Bill Richardson for President. Unfortunately, there are no events within a hundred miles of 77007. Are electoral politics such that Democrats totally write off Texas? Obama has nothing going on in Texas, Clinton does but isn't very interesting to me, but more interesting than Edwards, who I totally forgot about until I checked in with Wikipedia.
Wikipedia also brought out an interesting factor: age. Among the democrats and republicans most were born during the 1940's. Since most presidents are younger than their predecessors (GWB a scant month older than WJC), are the "youth" of the pack, Obama, Edwards and Huckabee at an advantage?
Also, if Biden wins, will he open up a Scranton branch of the White House?
Wikipedia also brought out an interesting factor: age. Among the democrats and republicans most were born during the 1940's. Since most presidents are younger than their predecessors (GWB a scant month older than WJC), are the "youth" of the pack, Obama, Edwards and Huckabee at an advantage?
Also, if Biden wins, will he open up a Scranton branch of the White House?
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Replacing the Leaking Garbage Disposal
Had to do a little repair work this afternoon - the garbage disposal had been leaking. Once carol removed all the items from down below the water damaged wood revealed the extent of it. Ugh. Luckily, replacing a garbage disposal is really not that difficult. Kill the power at the breaker; remove the unit from the power; disconnect from the plumbing; rotate it off the mounting ring at the sink; take to home depot and buy a (slightly) better one; come home and do it all backwards.
If i wanted to modify my plumbing, i could have bought a much quieter, more powerful version than the Insinkerator, but seeing as how i didn't want to spend all afternoon doing this - i went with the same brand (same hookup) and popped it back in in 15 minutes. 3 year In-home warranty.
If i wanted to modify my plumbing, i could have bought a much quieter, more powerful version than the Insinkerator, but seeing as how i didn't want to spend all afternoon doing this - i went with the same brand (same hookup) and popped it back in in 15 minutes. 3 year In-home warranty.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!!
I am thankful to have such a wonderful community of friends like y’all. It has been great knowing you all these years!!!!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Camping Camping
adolfo and amber share a moment
Originally uploaded by ultrakickgirl
We went camping this weekend - Amber Adolph Chloe Killy Adolfo Paola and I - it was a wonderful time - the temperature was perfect and we got a little rain - but the whole experience was refreshing - adolfo really enjoyed his sleeping bag - he wanted to sleep in it in his room - killy got a nice sized tent so we may end up sleeping in our back yard on occasion - it was Adolfo's and Paola's first time camping and they both had a good time - my favorite part was the breakfast - what's wrong with me?!?! i'm already planning a stew for next year...
Camping Angels
Angelic
Originally uploaded by Amber & Adolph
Adolfo and Paola went on their first camping trip - Brazos Bend State Park - it was a wonderful time - Thanks to Adolph and Amber for helping mark this memorable occasion - next year i want to make some sort of evening firepit stew with wild mushrooms (of course i will get them at central market or whole foods or something) - also next year we will plan this better so we can take advantage of all the state park has to offer - maybe one day we can enjoy a two day camping trip - thanks guys
Sunday, November 18, 2007
BackYard Engineering with Adolfo Fidel Chavez IV - Extra Support
My son amazes me completely. This afternoon, he was driving me nuts, so i sent him to the backyard to play. He noticed that Carol's father had propped up our Rosemary tree. So Adolfo decided to do the same to my Lemon tree.
These photos are after the fact; he is explaining to us why he did what he did. I was cleaning up in the kitchen and carol was sorting laundry - Adolfo comes in from outside tracking wet and mud and says, "mama, come look what i did." Carol follows him and i started a moist towel to clean up his tracks.
Carol comes back inside, "Killy, come look at what your son" Incredible. Just look at the knot. What is most amazing to me is that Carol's father just propped up the Rosemary with a wooden stick - he did nothing with rope and a stake (and a 2x4 for extra support!)
These photos are after the fact; he is explaining to us why he did what he did. I was cleaning up in the kitchen and carol was sorting laundry - Adolfo comes in from outside tracking wet and mud and says, "mama, come look what i did." Carol follows him and i started a moist towel to clean up his tracks.
Carol comes back inside, "Killy, come look at what your son" Incredible. Just look at the knot. What is most amazing to me is that Carol's father just propped up the Rosemary with a wooden stick - he did nothing with rope and a stake (and a 2x4 for extra support!)
Endorsements
Huckabee may have gotten an endorsement from Chuck Norris
But I’m voting for whoever this guy endorses….
Thursday, November 15, 2007
support the kids
)
Well I am not much for the REN fest stuff...but Chella's school was doing a fund raiser booth at the "Feast of the Hunters Moon" out here in West Lafayette. Well you gotta support 'em when they need you....so we jumped right in...both feet.
what I learned in school today
she loves her daddy and she looks cute in pink (and those darn socks
never stay on)
never stay on)
WTF!!!
Here is a link a militant friend sent about governmental changes going on .....not sure what to make of it.
Top 25 censored stories of 2008
http://www.projectcensored.org/censored_2008/index.htm
Top 25 censored stories of 2008
http://www.projectcensored.org/censored_2008/index.htm
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
snuggled
carmen pulled her first "I am wide awake at 3:30am and want to be
cute" last night. now I'm understanding the no sleep concept. she
finally fell asleep on my chest at 5:30 and decided to sleep in for
our sake. let us just say they are cute for a reason!
Message sent from mobile.
Taggart Sorensen
4730 Kingfisher Dr.
Houston, TX 77035
www.taggphoto.com
Cell-512.589.1728
cute" last night. now I'm understanding the no sleep concept. she
finally fell asleep on my chest at 5:30 and decided to sleep in for
our sake. let us just say they are cute for a reason!
Message sent from mobile.
Taggart Sorensen
4730 Kingfisher Dr.
Houston, TX 77035
www.taggphoto.com
Cell-512.589.1728
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Leo Pard
So I have been messing around with Leo-Pard at work; Some of its new features have been immediately useful, like the web-snippets doodad, which lets me embed a ruby regex tester right in my dashboard!
)
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Solar Decathalon
I biked up to the National Mall yesterday to check out the Solar Decathlon
This is an event where teams from various universities design and construct a solar powered home. The home must then be transported to D.C., and resconstructed on the Mall. Each entry is graded on all sorts of engineering and architectural criteria, as well as how well it performs as a regular home (it must be able to run a dishwasher for x hours, a television for x hours, charge up an electric car, etc). When not being inspected by judges the houses can be toured by the public. There were huge crowds so I did not go into any houses, but I hope to return during the week…
One of my favorites was the UC Boulder entry which incorporates a recycled shipping container.
Also
Thursday, October 11, 2007
My Morning Drive
This morning 290 looked like a red metal licorice stick. A car was stalled at San Felipe on the south loop so I veered to the right and took the north loop to shepherd and took the scenic route to work. I cruised through the edge of the Heights, glided over I-10, got the green light at Washington near Adolph and Amber's place, was reminded of the Camera Co-Op, drove past my old high school, followed the bend past Allan Pkwy and around River Oaks, continued past Westheimer, Alabama and Richmond - under 59 and followed the tree-lined Binz to my daily parking spot next to the CAM.
All the while was thinking of whether or not the BitmapData class to pull images from the library was any different (performance-wise) than using attachMovie(). Using bitmapData i wouldn't have to manually convert each image to a movieClip, just set the linkage name and call it:
import flash.display.BitmapData;
// Create imageBmp and attach the bitmap from the library.
var imageBmp:BitmapData = BitmapData.loadBitmap("someLibraryImage");
// create movie clip and attach imageBmp
this.createEmptyMovieClip("imageClip", 10);
imageClip.attachBitmap(imageBmp, 2);
If anyone has any answes, i'm all ears.
All the while was thinking of whether or not the BitmapData class to pull images from the library was any different (performance-wise) than using attachMovie(). Using bitmapData i wouldn't have to manually convert each image to a movieClip, just set the linkage name and call it:
import flash.display.BitmapData;
// Create imageBmp and attach the bitmap from the library.
var imageBmp:BitmapData = BitmapData.loadBitmap("someLibraryImage");
// create movie clip and attach imageBmp
this.createEmptyMovieClip("imageClip", 10);
imageClip.attachBitmap(imageBmp, 2);
If anyone has any answes, i'm all ears.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
killy playing with the wii
killy playing with the wii
Originally uploaded by ultrakickgirl
just saying hi
i am throwing this out there for comments - want to see how everyone is doing and all that jazz - nobody's been commenting lately - what's up with that - my excuse - i have been lazy - what's yours?
comments please
just say hi
Saturday, October 6, 2007
A Killy saying if I've ever heard one...
I read this in the New Yorker and immediatly thought it sounded like something Killy would say.
"The Rule of One Hotter -
Kids are one hotter then grownups, so if a grownup is hot, a kid is very hot, but if a grown up is very, very cold a kid is only very cold."
"The Rule of One Hotter -
Kids are one hotter then grownups, so if a grownup is hot, a kid is very hot, but if a grown up is very, very cold a kid is only very cold."
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Elizabth and Carmen Sorensen @ 8 mos.
Sometime at the end of this month, Liz and Taggart will have their baby. Carol and I are thinking about them a lot.
Things at the Chavez household are characteristically hectic and probably a little over dramatic. Our continued search for just the right meds for Adolfo and I continues; Carol is still searching for herself; and in about half an hour I am going to an interview for a position that may stave off my little family's certain economic collapse. Wish us luck.
Things at the Chavez household are characteristically hectic and probably a little over dramatic. Our continued search for just the right meds for Adolfo and I continues; Carol is still searching for herself; and in about half an hour I am going to an interview for a position that may stave off my little family's certain economic collapse. Wish us luck.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
the girls
My girlfriends threw me a baby shower at Carraba's on Saturday and MAN did I make out like a bandit!
All I got to say is I have some awesome friends with great taste in all things baby (girl).
Carol made a beautiful tower of pink boxes, Todd got us a SAFETY FIRST baby bath, and Diana got us some super cute (possibly unsafe) bathtub squirting animals. Oh, and Adolph and Amber got us some super cool modern spoons that Taggart and baby are totally going to fight over.
Thanks everyone!
All I got to say is I have some awesome friends with great taste in all things baby (girl).
Carol made a beautiful tower of pink boxes, Todd got us a SAFETY FIRST baby bath, and Diana got us some super cute (possibly unsafe) bathtub squirting animals. Oh, and Adolph and Amber got us some super cool modern spoons that Taggart and baby are totally going to fight over.
Thanks everyone!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Post ATVenture
Yeah, looking like a coal miner is generally an indication of having had a good time. And a good time I had. Jarret took me...ATVing(?) Four-Wheeling(?) at some kick-ass trails outside of Pagosa Springs, CO. We saw deer, chipmunks, cows and cowboys. And lots and lots of dust. See the set here
Monday, September 24, 2007
Women's World Cup
)
I don't know if ya'll are keeping track of the Women's world cup.....if not...you're missing out. Great action and great tough play.
Oh and by the way...the numbers on their backs (and fronts and shorts) were designed by yours truly.
The New Camp Nou
Y’all gotta check out this slide-show presentation of the proposed re-design of F.C. Barcelona’s famous Camp Nou.
happy birthday to me
thank you wonderful friends for making my day so memorable
i truly enjoyed your company and everything else you did for me
the cake was marvelous and the purse is so beautiful i keep getting compliments everywhere i go
thank you thank you thank you
now i can greet middle age with a wave and a smile
we need to go shoe shopping very soon
i truly enjoyed your company and everything else you did for me
the cake was marvelous and the purse is so beautiful i keep getting compliments everywhere i go
thank you thank you thank you
now i can greet middle age with a wave and a smile
we need to go shoe shopping very soon
Friday, September 21, 2007
The Handsome Family
At Maxwell's in Hoboken. Great show. I'm kinda pissed I was too lazy to bring my camera.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
)
Monday, September 17, 2007
Peace Day video
Check this out ya'll. important stuff.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid933119042?bclid=933518996&bctid=9
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid933119042?bclid=933518996&bctid=9
Saturday, September 15, 2007
MRI Scan Of My Right Knee
I hurt my knee playing soccer. It turns out that a Pablo in Motion tends to Stay In Motion unless He Runs into a 210 Pound Midfielder.
Anyhow, I went in for an MRI the other day. I had never had an MRI before and prepared myself for the experience by reading the Internet about MRI Machines going Beserk…
Needless to say the MRI machine did not go beserk. Instead the experience was one of the coolest things I have ever done. This might read strangely, since getting an MRI mostly involves lying motionless for lengthy periods of time whilst a mysterious machine makes noise, but for me the experience was probably the most sci-fi thing I have ever done.
The machine itself is smooth, white and simple, as if it had been designed by the Apple e-mac designer back when he was into magnets. It is a big tube, basically, and you can see through to the other end.
The technician strapped in my knee, gave me earplugs, explained that the machine was noisy, told me not to move, and left the room. Then her disembodied voice announced the beginning of the scan.
Suddenly the room erupted in the coolest science-fiction sound effects I have ever heard. At first the machine made a “whum-whum-whum” sound, similar to what a Warp Engine sounds like at low speeds. But then, as if to escape Klingon warships, the technician cranked the machine up to Warp 9 and it started making the “whum-whum” sound and also a “wobba-wobba-wobba” sound, only the “wobba-wobba” sound was coming from the left and the “whum” from the right and then the sounds started swirling around like some kind of Dolby Surround Sound Theatre Experience gone mad. It was awesome.
This whole noisy sci-fi movie theme song went on forever and the whole time I had to keep my leg from twitching which was extremely, extremely difficult because I NEED to wiggle my toes often. Also, all sorts of imaginary centipedes and animated wacky-wallwalkers keep invading my socks.
Anyhow, I could continue at length about cool the MRI thing is but I have already written too many words beyond the 3 sentence attention-span limit.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
"We had to share tennis courts with other families."
This video from the onion is hilarious. Try watching it and imagining that it is not a joke. How would you feel? Enraged? Astonished? Depressed?
As Bryan Caplan points out, this video is probably not unlike what the debate over poverty in the United States must look like to a citizen of the "developing world." I know that people who live in poverty in the U.S. don't compare themselves to impoverished Haitians; they compare themselves to their wealthy compatriots. Still, it makes you think.
As Bryan Caplan points out, this video is probably not unlike what the debate over poverty in the United States must look like to a citizen of the "developing world." I know that people who live in poverty in the U.S. don't compare themselves to impoverished Haitians; they compare themselves to their wealthy compatriots. Still, it makes you think.
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Wednesday, September 12, 2007
University of Illinois
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Went out to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champagne. So work has me looking into the college market and the college consumers....hence the trip to see the Fighting Illin. I would have to say the build up to the game was much more entertaining then the game itself. It has been awhile since I have been to see a game at a big school. All the major ones out here are Big 10 school and have some serious support.
I was amazed at the amount of capitol that is dropped to create the spectacle that is college football. I guess football in general needs a lot of sideline people to keep it going. It seemed every 2 minutes the refs were stopping the action. Every now and then something would happen and everyone would cheer.
I got bored and left at half time.
One thing for sure is that it is not just about the game for all those fans.
Definitely a religion for them.
Monday, September 10, 2007
re: Ron Paul For President
It is refreshing to hear Ron Paul’s alternative ideas; just as it refreshing to hear Gravel’s and Kucinich’s. But what makes decisions about whom to support so difficult, especially those candidates with many alternative ideas, is the monumental task of educating one’s self about the candidate and the specifics of his platform…
After seeing a couple of youtube clips Ron Paul seems pretty interesting (despite having to listen to American Pie), but then I run up against, or rather into, the many gaps in my understanding about some of his major planks. Here are only a few of my questions: How exactly would the dismantling of the IRS and current tax system be orchestrated? Is it a good thing, ultimately? How would the dismantling of the FED be orchestrated? Is a central bank, or at least one set up like the FED a horrible thing? What do I know about it? Is commodity-backed currency a good thing? How small do I think government should be? Do I think the FDA should be axed as well as the DHS? What do I think about his stance on immigration? Abortion? etc, etc.
Ron Paul’s ideas are very alternative and therefore require an extraordinary amount of research and education to even begin to analyze them with even a shred of confidence.
It is nice to hear that you and Anthony are educating yourselves about Ron Paul. I look forward to learning about him from folks like y’all who I know and trust…
Sunday, September 9, 2007
National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.
I saw my first NASCAR race at the NEXTEL Rock & Roll Richmond 400 this Saturday. We arrived plenty early for some tail-gating, but somehow failed to get things set-up in time to cook up the hot-links and bratwurst we had brought along…
A ticketing snafu meant that we ended up in slightly different seats then planned. We found our spot just above turn 2 and joined 110,000 people in pledging the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, a prayer for the safety of the drivers was prayed. Then, the National Anthem was sung. Finally, a C-130 cargo plan went “streaking” over the stadium. Oh, and also a couple of dudes parachuted down to the track.
The race started around 7, and 4 hours later it was over. Yes, I watched cars go around in circles for 4 hours. I would say that the first 40 laps and the last 40 laps (of 400) were the most interesting. The first 40 laps were great because it is undeniably awesome when the cars start up (it is so loud that most folks have ear-plugs) and start blazing around the tracks at 120 m.p.h. It is truly fantastic to see the brakes spark as the cars come into a turn. It was super thrilling to witness a bump and spinout as millimeter jockeying goes awry…
The last 40 laps were great because one could focus on an all-out battle between crowd-favorite Dale Earhardt Jr. and eventual second place finisher Tony Stewart. The two swapped 2nd and 3rd place a half-a-dozen times and before something on Earhardt’s car blew out…
I also have to be truthful and say that the last 40 laps were great because it meant that race was finally, finally coming to an end.
After the race, rather than wait the 2 1/2 hours it took cars to start moving out of the parking lot, we set up the chairs and grilled up the sausages in a grill our tail-gating neighbors had left behind.
All in all it was a fascinating, exhausting experience.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Ron Paul for President
Ron Paul is an interesting alternative to the lies and corporate interests of the mainstream candidates. He's the only one who I've heard speak so far who actually seems honest and independent in his thinking (big stress on thinking, it's rare). Check out this video on Youtube and decide for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWfIhFhelm8
Anthony and I would be very interested in hearing about ways to help support him and get his message out... Let us know if any of you are doing any campaigning for him or if you know of any other way to help out. I'm subscribing to his weekly e-mails from his website and just trying to find out more about him for now. Hillary and Obama aren't going to make any major changes, and I think what we need right now is someone who thinks outside the current system.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWfIhFhelm8
Anthony and I would be very interested in hearing about ways to help support him and get his message out... Let us know if any of you are doing any campaigning for him or if you know of any other way to help out. I'm subscribing to his weekly e-mails from his website and just trying to find out more about him for now. Hillary and Obama aren't going to make any major changes, and I think what we need right now is someone who thinks outside the current system.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Old Gregg
Um....Well.....there's no explaining this one........I don't know what it is or where it came from.............but I am gonna watch more..........
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_PPWDglTboI
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_PPWDglTboI
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
San Diego
I spent Labor Day weekend visiting my brother, who’s beard rivals that of the Great Bearded Colin, out in San Diego. I had not seen him in almost a year so we had a lot of catching up to do. We had a grand old time. Nearly every day we went to the beach, ultimately discovering a sweet, isolated and lovely surf-spot just north of Del Mar. We also did some programming, ate tacos, played soccer, drank beer and watched the Padres pummel the Dodgers…
video camera?
Hey everyone...
I am going to get some sort of Hand held video recording device.
What is ya'lls experience and recommendations?
I am just using it for regular shooting...nothing super fancy.
I am going to get some sort of Hand held video recording device.
What is ya'lls experience and recommendations?
I am just using it for regular shooting...nothing super fancy.
Monday, September 3, 2007
I love iMovie and Nerf.
So, because i could not help myself, i bought a Nerf Maverick dart gun. Best ten dollar purchase ever. It is more fun than i could have hoped, and here (turn the volume down if you are at work) is the proof. I hope you enjoy the video as much as i enjoy the sweet sweet dart gun action.
Super huge version here.
Indiana evening
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Howdy all,
It is evening of Labor Day. I built, or tried to build, two raised garden beds for Laura. All was going well...despite the many interruptions. But the thing that brought all to a halt was the mosquitoes. There are a rare breed of vicious out here. as if they too are desperate for a bit of culture and think that it will come to them by way of trading itch juice for my west coast blood. I guess all creature like what is novel.
Waiting for the FEDEX man to bring me some CDs I ordered. Not tonight being Labor Day and all. I have been listening to a band called Two Gallants. They are on the Saddle Creek record label. Same one as Bright Eyes. I am convinced that that boy(Connor Oberst) is a genius for writing songs. The Two Gallants band has a great sound.....nothing ground breaking....but real solid. Grainy Hard and Melodic.
I am hoping to become more of a contributor to this here blog since I have been pretty much only a reader for quite awhile.
So far the life here is good. We have a nice big house. All the neighbors seem to be cool. The towns (Lafayette, West Lafayette) are interesting. I have found soccer and there is also a skatepark. I don't need much more then this.
Gonna go do some laundry.
Ya'll come visit. Corn and Soybeans all around.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Five Guys Burgers
Large burger
Originally uploaded by mlovitt.
Have any of y'all ever eaten at Five Guys Burger? Really, truly, the best burgers around. The beauty featured here is ( I believe ) the biggest burger you can get there: a bacon-cheeseburger with mayo,relish,onions,lettuce,pickles,tomatoes,fried-onions,sauteed mushrooms,ketchup,mustard,jalapeños,green-peppers and A-1 sauce
Indiana?
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Hey all,
I finally have a square inch of time to actually get everyone up to speed on the Fams situation out here in the mid-west.
The picture is of us on our trip from Portland to Indiana. in the background is a sculpture I have recently completed.
Laura is going to school full time...teaching two basic drawing classes and taking a bunch of classes herself. She is super busy but is still finding the time to mother the girls. After being a full time Mom for the last 9-10 years and struggling to keep her work going...it is nice that she can put that part of herself back onto the front burners.
Hannah is going to highschool.....new town, new kids, new school. This is a small town...she is from a big town......needless to say the transition has been the toughest for her. As anyone can recall, high school is such a strange and difficult time without any outside obstacles. She is deffinitly feeling it...but she is a real trooper and keeps her chin up and is making the best of it and it seems to be getting better little by little.
Chella is going to school for the first time and is handling it well. I am writing this from one of the classrooms in her school. I have been hanging around for part of the day to help her ease into it.
One of the main things I wanted in moving out here was the opportunity for the Girls to be able to play outside without us watching them like hawks. The first day we were here a little girl from down the street showed up and her and Chella soon scampered off. There are many more kids around and the town as a whole feels a lot safer then Portland.
Chella is 7 now - 8 in November......She is handling the move well....her world is still much more closely tied to the house. I think it will be a good change for her.
I am working from home....which I really am starting to enjoy. I have found where the pick up soccer games are played...I have found the skate park.... I have met quite a few neighbors that are open-minded and interesting. It seems that our neighborhood is all families that are tied to the University. A lot of Doctoral level research professors. It is interesting going to social functions with people that spend so much time and energy focused on their passion.
Blagh blagh blagh..........I miss all of you a ton.
Monday, August 27, 2007
total eclipse of the lunar
I am going to try to watch it at the Masonic Temple here in town because it seems like a good place for a portal to another plane to open, or some demon to be released, or the location of a holy-relic to be revealed, etc…
His very own locker
His very own locker
Originally uploaded by ultrakickgirl
Adolfo was very happy and positive on his first day of school - i am so proud of my wonderful growing boy
Monday, August 20, 2007
Summer Haircut
Adolfo's first day of kindergarten is wednesday. Everyone, please wish him much luck.
We hadn't cut his hair all summer, and i hadn't realized how much hair he actually had until it was gone. He's back to his respectable catholic schoolboy 'above the collar' look.
We hadn't cut his hair all summer, and i hadn't realized how much hair he actually had until it was gone. He's back to his respectable catholic schoolboy 'above the collar' look.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Hurricane Dean Prediction Party
Maybe we should plan an impromptu Hurricane Dean (Category 3)
Prediction Party? I know it's kinda sudden but so was this hurricane
and not to mention that i'm kinda achin' to get together with
everyone. I can't remember the last time i saw adolph; taggart has
been out of town so much he hasn't even been inside his newly bought
home; and todd - well - is todd; and ryan, my God, i haven't even
seen Ryan.
Prediction Party? I know it's kinda sudden but so was this hurricane
and not to mention that i'm kinda achin' to get together with
everyone. I can't remember the last time i saw adolph; taggart has
been out of town so much he hasn't even been inside his newly bought
home; and todd - well - is todd; and ryan, my God, i haven't even
seen Ryan.
We can play 'pin the vortex on the gulf coast' and wear the color of our favorite computer model
Some interesting prediction ideas:
1. How long will the average trip to Austin take during the evacuation?
2. What percentage of the residents of Houston and the surrounding
area will evacuate?
3. What will be the highest price paid for gas?
4. What is the furthest town from Houston that will be 'out of gas' due to the hurricane?
And of course
5. Where will the hurricane hit?
Anyone interested in doing this this weekend before we are all washed away?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Of Rattlesnakes And Robotic Squirrels
Tests with robotic squirrels confirmed that a warmed squirrel tail made rattlesnakes more likely to act defensively, say Rundus and Owings.
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