Thanksgiving, A Long Weekend, and Surgery

Hey there.  Hope everyone had a blast this Thanksgiving weekend.  Nothing quite compares to a 4 day weekend!  Especially after eating some turkey and stuffing your face with... well... stuffing.  lol  So let's go to the highlights!

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving at my uncle Peter's place.  He's been the go to guy when it comes to holiday madness.  Most of the family gathers at his place and we all have a good time.  Thanksgiving was no different.  Most of the guys were ourside, hanging out, watching football and boxing, while most of the ladies were inside "cackling " (as Psycho Mike would say) and hanging out.  All in all, a very awesome experience.  Food and drinks were in abundance and you know damn well that I had myself more than a few plates of food.  And that's not counting desert!  lol  At the end of the night, the "secret santa" exchange was determined and we were on our way home, stuffed as a bird, a little after midnight.  Here are a few pics of the evening.

Serving salad from a cracked bowl cause that's how we do it.

The ladies enjoying a little bubbly

The young ladies enjoying a drink, like thier mothers.  It better be soda in them cups!

Daaaaaaaaaaam!  That bird looks delicious

So much food, they don't know where to turn!

Long Weekend

Once we semi-recovered from Thanksgiving, Black Friday reared it's ugly head.  Here my thoughts on Black Friday...  I'm not a big fan of it.  Every year, we hear about some people trampling and stomping over people because they just had to have whatever it is they're buying.  I'm more of an online guy.  If I can't find it online then I more than likely will not buy it.  I just hate hearing that a child was killed because a mob of people couldn't control themselves just to save a few bucks.

With that being said, we stated home most of Friday and didn't really do anything.  I avoided stores like the plague and just hung out with the family at home.  My son and I took advantage of the free XBOX Live Weekend (decided to let my membership end until I get my hands on the XBOX Live Family Pack) and played us some Bioshock 2 multiplayer matches.  I've always been a fan of the first person shooters and I like the way Bioshock 2 changes it up just a bit to differentiate it from all other first person shooters.  Anyways, we caught up on some gaming and decided to put up some holiday stuff.  I ended up getting a new tree, since our old tree is somewhere around 5 years old and needed to be replaced.  Also ended up getting some of that long green string type thing that people hang for Christmas, and started decorating the place.  Not bad, if I do say so myself.  I don't have any pics of that yet so I'll get on that as soon as I'm home and there's still daylight.  lol


Monday's Surgery

Monday morning, I'm up at 5:30 am.  My brother was scheduled to have surgery on his shoulder at or around 7 am so I drove to the hospital to meet my brother and mother.  I arrived shortly after 6 am and my brother had already checked in.  The nurse was supposed to let us know when we would be allowed to see my brother before his surgery was to begin and when it was 7 am and still no word from the nurses, I asked her what's going on.  She pretty much said to walk on in and look for him.  lol  We find my brother, in his "purple" mumu strapped into a bed, getting ready for his surgery.  The doc comes in and starts to give us the run down of what is going down.  He grabs a purple marker that surgeons use to mark their patients and notices that it's a little on the small side.  He then makes a comment about how "they" seem to be cutting corners everywhere.  lol  My bro and I chuckle and the doc then shows us where the incision will take place and lets us know that he will be shaving off some of his bone and remove scar tissue.  He seemed like a pretty cool guy.  Once they whisk him away, my mother and I have coffee in the cafeteria while we wait for an update.

Them magic drugs are in full effect. lol

My wife arrived soon after and the three of us waited a bit before the doc came in with some photos of the inside of my brother.  He explained the pictures to us and told us that the surgery was a success.  He also explained how the recovery process will be a long one.  6 months worth of recovery time.  My brother will also need to attend therapy sessions to strengthen his shoulder. 

Once we were allowed to go see him, I asked how he was doing and what not.  Before long, we're watching America's Funniest Home videos and cracking jokes.  I know that it probably wasn't the best of places to mess around in, considering that there were other patients close by that didn't look too happy, but there we were, goofing around.  While the nurse was giving my brother his home care instructions... I interrupt her and say to her, "To give to us straight doc, is he gonna make it?"  lol  My bro and I chuckle and the nurse seemed to find it amusing.  My brother then starts to reference The Office and says that even though he had shoulder surgery, he's probably going to be going home with a limp.  lol 

Once they dismiss him, my mother grabs his clothes to hand to him.  Since he's buck naked under the mumu, I closed the curtain before he started getting dressed.  I stayed with him, just in case he needed help.  He managed to put on his underwear and his sweat pants with what looked like slight discomfort.  That's when I said, "Bro, I love you, but I'm not getting you dressed."  lol  That's when we hear my mother and a few other people outside the curtain laughing.  It's good to know that we both can laugh during something like surgery.

He then gets wheeled off to the street where we wait for my mother's car to be brought to us.  We then see a smart car pass by and my brother says to the nurse, "smart car...  there's nothing smart about that car.  Kitt from Knight Rider.... now that's a smart car."  The nurse laughed, I chuckled.  Damn you, The Office....  invading our lives like nothing else can.  lol 

I told them that we would go to my mother's place to make sure my brother was well situated.  I soon after get a text from my brother asking me to go get him FIFA 11 for PS3.  This guy... already trying to use the "woe is me, I'm hurt" thing against me.  When I said, no way, he turned his attention to food.  He asked if I'd bring him some brownies.  lmao!  My wife gets wind of my brother's brownie craving and decides to make the "baby" some brownies. lol  Oh man... good times.  We cap the night off with some Street Fighter IV.  I haven't played Street Fighter since Street Fighter II Turbo for the SNES!  I managed to kick some butt with Blanka (old school favorite) and then gave up the last game to my brother... just so that he can feel better about himself.  lmao!  Now, he's at home not knowing what to do with himself.  6 months is a looooooooooong time.  I'll try to stop by and kick his butt on Street Fighter more often.  lol  Until then, later!

Artwork by my Comadre, Artz

Hey there.   Last Saturday, we stopped by The House Lounge where my comadre was asked to showcase some of her artwork.  It was a neat experience, considering that other artists were there showcasing a similar style of artwork.  After touching base with her (and getting her permission to post her stuff) she told me that the paintings were actually inspired by Aztec poetry.  Interesting, no?  As she continues to produce artwork, I'll try to get her permission to post it here.  The below is my personal favorite so far.  Just below, is the poem that inspired it.  What do you guys think?  Later!

ALL THE EARTH IS A GRAVE

All the earth is a grave and nothing escapes it, 

nothing is so perfect 
that it does not descend to its tomb. 

Rivers, rivulets, fountains and 
waters flow, 

but never return to their joyful beginnings; 

anxiously 
they hasten on the vast realms of the rain god. 

As they widen their 
banks, they also fashion the sad urn of their burial.

Filled are the bowels of the earth with pestilential dust once flesh and bone, 

once animate bodies of man who sat upon thrones, 

decided cases, presided in council, commanded armies, 

conquered provinces, possessed treasure, destroyed temples, 

exulted in their pride, majesty, fortune, praise and power. 

Vanished are these glories, 

just as the fearful smoke vanishes that belches forth from the infernal fires of Popocatepetl. 

Nothing recalls them but the written page.
-NEZAHUALCOYOTL-

Great Jackets From Zappos.com

Hey there.  It's been a fairly cold autumn here in Los Angeles.  In my opinion, it's a welcome surprise.  We're usually sitting in high 70 degree weather and the sun is still shining down, warming up our city.  But recently, we've been in low 60 degree temperatures coupled with cloudy skies and low 40 degree temperatures at night.  That's pretty nippy, if you ask this home grown California guy, so I started to look around for a jacket to buy and that's when I stumbled upon these north face jackets from Zappos.

I don't own many jackets but I wouldn't mind owning something like this.  It's not bulky, it doesn't look heavy, and it seems like I would be able to wear it during some not so cold days.  Seems perfect for a guy like me.  And the price is not bad either.

I'll admit that I used to associate Zappos.com with shoes.  I'm not the shopper of the family so it's pretty obvious that I didn't know any better.  I can pretty much score some Zappos jackets for the wife and kids as well.  It just comes to show you that you need to live in extremely cold weather to find some pretty awesome and affordable jackets.  Just in time for the holidays too.  Later!

Motivational Monday - Thanksgiving

The pie... can't forget about the pie

Even Superman Has It

Daaaaaaamn...  You don't hold back from Superman.  You should know that Wonder Woman.

A Free Online Dating Site: Luvfree.com

This post brought to you by luvfree. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hey there friends.  I know that many of you guys are out and about looking for a partner or just someone to hang out with and see where it goes.  And even though there are many other online dating sites out there, they usual charge an arm and a leg just to be part of their database.  But using www.LuvFree.com, you'll get a chance to browse potential dates without paying a cent. 

You can browse by picture or you can browse by using the tags on the right hand side.  Another neat feature is the rating of pictures so if you're picture get's a positive enough rating, it may end up displayed on the site's main page.  And once you do become a member, you'll be able to meet other people through their internal chat messenger and you'll be able to write more about your self in the form of a blog.  Most definitely the most useful tools to express yourself freely in an online world.

Check it out, my friends.  You'll never who you will meet when browsing for a friendly smile to say hello to.  Best of luck, my friends.  Later!

L.A. Drummer Meets Manchester Guitarist

Guest post of the week by Brittany Booker

I'm a drummer in a local L.A. rock band and we were just getting started with gigs in the West Hollywood area. Rehearsals usually start about 4 PM and can last until we drop some twelve hours later. As usual, I'm out the door at quarter to four, set my Homealarmsystems home security alarm system and head out for the studio. One day, I stopped at Pink's Hot Dogs for my once a month chili dog splurge and ran into a great guy from the UK.

Alex was just visiting here, doing the usual tourist traps along Hollywood Blvd, but we got to talking about music and found we had a lot in common. He plays guitar with a band in Manchester, and who knows, might one day want to hook up with a U.S. band in Los Angeles. Alex and I talk almost everyday online and even set up a camera for face to face chats. We're two straight guys that really hit it off, and I believe there's an underlying reason for everything. Maybe one day we will play together in a band, but for now, our long distance friendship is a huge support system for each other in the music business from California to Lancashire. I've already been out to visit him once and had a great time checking out the Manchester music scene. Just goes to show you that your best friend does not have to live next door. With today's technology, he or she can be living anywhere.

Bring the Magic This Thanksgiving

I wonder if this is what happened to Charlie...

I Hate This Game

Donkey Kong Pie

Guest post written by Valerie Sanderson

I really love to bake. I could bake all day, every day and I would be fine with it as long as I still got to eat what I made. I'm not that crazy about cooking though, so I try and do a whole lot of meals that include more baking than stove top cooking. But sometimes I just relaly put more of my energy into baking dessert and my son's favorite dessert is coconut cream pie. It's one of my favorites too, so we eat it a lot around my house.

It's so cute. He loves to call it Donky Kong pie because I tell him that Donky Kong would love it. I was talking to my brother about getting together for Thanksgiving this year and sent him an email with my CLEARWIRE saying that I would bring a pie.

I thought though that it would be fun to make something similar, but a little different to our favorite pie for the holiday, so I found a great coconut lemon pie recipe that I'm going to try out.

Reckless Driving

Hey there.  Last night as I was driving home from work, a reckless driver cut me off, nearly smashing into me, and hit the car to my left.  The speeding car then bounced back into my lane and I had to swerve to my right to avoid the collision.  Luckily, no cars in the lane to my right, which was surprising since it was an off ramp and cars are usually exiting the freeway during rush hour.  So I was forced to get off the freeway... 

I pulled in a parking lot right off the freeway and just sat there for a minute.  This jack ass was going somewhere closer to 60 mph when everyone else was closer to 20 mph.  He was definitely going fast enough where he bounced off another car...  I admit that I was a little shaken up so I made sure I composed myself before venturing back on the freeway.  I wonder if the passengers are ok.  Because I was forced off the freeway, I couldn't see the extent of the damage done and I don't know if everyone walked out of the wreck ok. 

You know, it's not the first time that I've avoided catastrophe on the freeways, or the streets of Los Angeles.  It seems like people are here just drive around so recklessly causing all sorts of accidents.  There is never a day where I don't hear something happening on a freeway causing major delays.  I understand that some maybe accidents but I'm sure that many could be avoided if nobody took to their inner road rage and drove around recklessly.  Be careful, people.  Even though you're following the rules of the road, all it takes is one jack ass to screw it up for a lot of people.  Stay safe.  Later.

BCBG Sale Nov. 20th

Hey there.  I'm spreading the word on the BCBG sale that is going to be going on this Saturday, November 20th.  I know that many are familiar with the BCBG Max Azria name and these kind of sales only happen once or twice a year.  So, if you're in the Los Angeles area and are looking to score some designer clothes, stop by and get yourself some high end stuff at dirt cheap prices.  Details are in the flyer below.  Later!

Kirk Hammet Kicks Ass... And Kids?!?!?!

Hey there friends. I love Metallica. I've seen them a few times when they're in the Los Angeles area and they put on one awesome live show. A staple of theirs during the Death Magnetic Tour is hundreds of beach balls falling from the ceiling and everyone in the stands punches them and the band members kick them off stage. Well... the below video shows what may happen when "unauthorized personnel" in on the stage. Hope the little guy is alright. Later!

Thanks for the link, Enigmageek!

Motivational Monday - Guitar Hero Solos

Genius, pure genius

Shuuuuuuuuuun the Non Believer

Classic John Grisham

Guest post written by Barry Blackburn

It had been a few years since I'd read any John Grisham books, even though I used to read all of this books all the time. I guess that my wife having twins not too long ago kept me busy even outside of work and completely cut out my extra time that I would use for reading for fun.

But, my wife bought me John Grisham's latest book The Confession when it came out not too long ago after I had spotted the news that a new one was coming out when we were shopping around for an internet company. When I did that I found the website www.clear-internet.com and changed our internet service over to the company because I liked the info for it better than the other ones that I had investigated.

Well, it didn't take me long to get through the book because I took it on the plane with me on a recent business trip and it reminded me of why I love reading his stuff. So I started rereading his A Time to Kill book, which I've had for years.

Delusions of Bourbon (via Berniebuttons.com)

So true on so many levels

Looking for Some Kick Ass Advertising

Hey there friends.  You know, maybe business have a hard time looking for publicity or advertising.  I think that I've been fortunate enough to be able to find a small audience that I engage in for this site.  I'm not a big company that needs all sorts of exposure, but if you are an up and coming business looking for a great advertising team, you definitely need to check out THAT! Advertising Agency. 

This is definitely an agency that thinks outside the box.  That is apparent by it's awesome tabs on their home screen.  When you see tabs labeled as "kick ass advertising" and "mad marketing", you know that you are not dealing with your typical advertising agency.  And when one of their slogans is "THAT! + Advertising Agency = Kick Ass Success" , you have to take a look and see if this is for you.

I'm in the blogging business.  I don't think that I would benefit much from this kind of advertising.  But you're in an industry that requires some publicity, some ad space, and some over all buzz, THAT! Advertising Agency may just be for you.  Plus,. they're giving a 1 hour free phone consultation so what is there to lose?  Call em up, see if they can get a kick ass package for you and if you don't like, you can simply say no thanks.  Check it out, my friends.  When a company this awesome comes about, you're almost inclined to check them out.  Later!

Knock Knock...

Rock Band 3 Review on Dragon Blogger

Hey there. My review of Rock Band 3 is now up on DragonBlogger.com. Check out the review here and let me what what you guys think. Thanks.

Los Angeles Lakes Are the Best Team in the NBA

Guest post written by my buddy Keith Kramer

I am so glad that I get to watch preseason NBA Basketball on Direct satellite tv. It gives me a chance to see a lot of different teams and gives me a good idea as to hat teams may be good this year. My favorite team is the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kobe Bryant is one of the best all-time basketball players in the entire history of the National basketball League. I am so glad that Kobe Bryant is on my favorite team. I really enjoy watching Kobe play and I like to cheer him on, but I may not feel the same way if he played for a different team.

Phil Jackson is the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and he is simply an amazing head coach. I expected a lot out of Kobe and Shaw when they were playing together but Shaq failed. Kobe is doing much better now that he does not have to deal with the dram that constantly surrounded him and Shaq when they did play together.

Phil Jackson is one of the best coaches of all time and he is coaching Kobe who is one of the best players of all time. The best coach combined with the best player is why I have high expectations for the Lakers to win a championship again this year. The Lakers are a strong team and they will prove it once again.

Dealing with "Funny Daddy"

Hey there.  You know, I like to mess around, I like to have a good time, and if I can bring somewhat of a smile to someone, I'll do try my best to make it happen.  Considering that I'm usually with my family, they're my audience.  Whether I'm in the kitchen slicing tomatoes with a samurai sword, doing the robot at the most inconvenient of places, or just making a funny comment about stuff, I'm always rewarded with smiles, a "you're funny, daddy", and some eye rolling from the wife.  lol  It's all in good nature and in good fun so I don't mind.  But recently, I've come to think if it's a little too much now that the kids are a little older.

This week, yesterday, actually, I walked my oldest daughter (9 yrs) across the street to her school.  In the middle of the street, I yell out, "Let's robot!" and I start doing the robot while crossing the street.  Mind you there were no cars around so it was safe... not like I stopped traffic or anything of that sort.  Anyways, my young one yelled out, "Daddy, NOOOOOOOO!", clearly embarrassed by the episode.  I stopped and once we crossed the street she scurried off with her friend.  lol

It's funny because a few years ago, I would get an "Oh my god, daddy... really?", and the kids would join in or just laugh but yesterday I got a "NOOOOOOOO".  lol  Just last month, she said, "Daddy, not at the store.  Do the robot at home."  lmao!!!  Maybe I'm embarrassing the young one a little too much.  My youngest daughter (5) loves it.  She's do the robot with me if I bust the moves.  I guess a little bit of the quirkiness in me was transferred to her.

*sigh*  The young ones are getting older and I'm not so sure that that quirkiness will keep em smiling.  My oldest boy (11) is hitting the moody stage.  He'll mess around and have fun but only when he feels like it.  My oldest daughter seems to be growing up a little too fast... (some JR High punk was trying to pick up on my baby.  Looks like I'll need make sure my sword is on full display in the living room), my youngest daughter is still loving the goofy side of me, and the baby, well...  he's still a baby and doesn't know how funny I am just yet.  lol  Damn you father time!  You best better not take away my funny dad title and make it into boring dad, or lame dad, or something of the like.  Until I figure out how to keep it forever, I'll just robot the night away.  Later!

The 1900 Ocean Apartments in Beautiful Long Beach, CA

Hey there friends.  I've been fortunate enough to live in southern California.  It's always sunny (even when it's not supposed to), there's always something to do, and the beaches are just a short drive away.  When we first moved out, we always searched for two things.  1) is it close by a freeway and 2) is it nice.  While browsing through rentals in Long Beach CA , we stumbled across these beautiful Long Beach apartment. 

It turns out that it was part a luxury apartment community in Long Beach buy boy was it nice.  They had an awesome scenic view of the beach or the city, walk in closets, marble counter tops, and balconies.  It turns out that the apartments that we were looking at were the 1900 Ocean Apartments.  I was really surprised that they I found them on regular Long Beach listings and not some paid for listings.  But alas, if wasn't for us.  Thought they are extremely nice, we are a family that needed a little more than an apartment.

If you are out and about looking for a place to stay, the 1900 Ocean Apartments are definitely one to check out.  Who wouldn't want to live in a place where "luxury meets the sand"? Later!

RockBand 3 Rocks!

Hey there friends.  I purchased Rock Band 3 this weekend and I must say that I am definitely pleased with the song selection.  Even though there were many songs got us singing, the hits of the night were definitely Bohemian Rhapsody, Freebird, and Break on Through.  Keep an eye out on my review which should hit tomorrow.

I just entered a contest in hopes of scoring a free 12 song downloadable pack of Bon Jovi songs.  Bon Jovi is another personal favorite to play on Rock Band.  My bro and I get "the band together" and just have fun with it.  My bro can't sing for "crap" but he claims that he's not a singer, he's an entertainer so we let him do his thing.  And that's what makes it fun.  lol  If I'm a chosen winner, we'll definitely be out at my place rockin' the night away.  Serious Jovi fans (or those just like to have fun with it) are welcome!  lol  Later!

Motivational Monday - Sleep

You know what else isn't permanent... bed head

Titanic in 5 Seconds

Yup, that about sums up the 3 hours that is Titanic, the movie.

Horror Book Club

Guest post written by Kenny Burns

I joke around that I read books like it's my job. I really wish that it was, but I'm an investment banker instead. However, that doesn't keep me from reading as many horror books as I can.

I was telling one of my coworkers that the other day and he was joking when he said that I should start a book club about it. Then I got to thinking and thought it was a great idea! So I'm working on that right now. I was looking up advice on how to start a book club a few weeks ago when I found the site cleartvbundle.com and read through it. Even though I already had an internet service I'm open to change so I'm going to switch over to it.

After I sent out what seemed like a million emails and posted flyers all over the public library, I hosted my first horror book club right before Halloween and there were 20 people who showed up! But the best part was that there were actually people who I didn't know that showed up and everyone seemed really enthusiastic about it too.

Why You Hating on Blondes

A ventriloquist is touring the clubs and makes many stops to entertain the crowds.  He stopped at a small town and figured he'd do the bar scene figuring he'd get more intimate feedback from the crowd.  As he goes through a set of blonde jokes, a blonde arises from her chair and exclaims, "Alright you jerk!  I've had just about enough of you degrading all us blondes.  Why are you hating on blondes?  What makes you think you can stereotype blondes in that way?  Why do you think that a person's physical attributes would have anything to do with what their worth as a human being?  It's guys like you that keep women like me from being respected in the workplace and the community!"

With that, the crowd clapped and cheered for the blonde woman.  The ventriloquist, feeling quite flustered apologized profusely to the blonde woman.  The woman, not having any of it said, "You keep out of this, Mister.  I'm talking directly to the little jerk on your knee.  Not you!"

A Part of the Dragon Blogger Team

Hey there.  Not too long ago, I wrote about a gig that I got writing video game reviews.  Well, yesterday, my first review was published and now that I know for sure that I am on the team, I would like to happily announce that I am now part of the Dragon Blogger team!  I've watched Justin, the owner at www.Dragonblogger.com, since I started my site and have seen him grow his site and have used his site as my personal benchmark.  Now, I'm nowhere near as successful as he is but he does provide some awesome tips on all things tech, blogging, and SEO.  When he sent out an open invitation for writers to help expand his site, I had to jump on the opportunity.  Now, my very first article on Dragon Blogger has been published. And the best part?  It's gotten some pretty positive comments.  So check out my review of Bioshock 2 here, friends and let me know what you think.  Later!

Little Metal Head in Training

Hey there. I just received a few pictures of my boy messing with the amp that I have at home. It's a small amp that I borrowed from my compa, since my 2x12 amp is out of commission. I don't want to pay a couple hundred dollars to get it fixed... but I also don't want to throw it out either... sigh. Anyways, it's been some time since I've had more than a few minutes to play. I was trying to get back into the groove of things a few months back, feeling inspired and what not, but that came crashing down in a hurry. Hopefully, my boys will pick it up too.

I gave my very first guitar to my older son for Christmas last year and I've heard him strum it a few times here and there. Reminds me of when I first got it. Not really playing anything, but messing around with the strings. Now, it seems, that they youngest is showing an interest as well. Check out some of the pics I got of him playing around the amp.

It's called bed head.

Oh yeah!  Daddy will never know I play with his toys

Now... how do I turn this thing on...

I got a fever... and the only prescription is more OVERDRIVE

Pretty awesome, no?  We also got a call from the his doctor today telling us that he tested positive for some high white blood cell count.  The first thing he asked was whether or not he was sick when we took him in for his blood work.  He was just getting over a sickness so the doc said that the sickness may be the reason for the high count.  He'd like to recheck him this Friday so I'm hoping that all turns out well.  He doesn't like the sting of the needle.  Who does, right?  Until then, later!

Motivational Monday - Happy Halloween

I think I'll start doing it every year from now on...