Rodrigo Y Gabriela

If you haven't heard this album, I highly recommend it! It's an acoustic guitar duo that puts out some amazing sound. Unlike a lot of acoustic guitars, they use nylon strings for more warmth, but don't be fooled...this is fast paced, full sounding and exciting music!

They used to be in a metal band and this sound is definately unique. They even have a cover of "Orion" by Metallica and "Stairway to Heaven".

Sunset20061225_b

Sunset20061225_b
Originally uploaded by JimHinCO.

Another pretty one!

Sunset20061225c

Sunset20061225c
Originally uploaded by JimHinCO.

What a gorgeous sunset on Christmas night!

JimAndLeheyla

JimAndLeheyla
Originally uploaded by JimHinCO.

This is my new grand-niece...yes, yes, I'm a great uncle now! I was able to get her to sleep though...woot!

A worst cars list!

There's an interesting article about the Ten Worst Automobiles Today on The Truth About Cars website.

Although I like the site, they tend to ruin some great opinions with needless drivel and insight like "anyone who drives a truck must be compensating for their penis size", etc. Other than an occasional machoistic slip and oh-too-often drag-queen-like-detailed descriptions of interior, it's enjoyable to read some commentary on cars, trucks, and the death of GM (possibly Ford as well). I'm reminded of movie critics: it doesn't really matter what the critic says, you like or don't like things based on you...not their high-and-mighty-opinion.

Is critical for the sake of being critical just whining? ;)

Guitar

I'm about 9 months into guitar lessons now and having a complete blast. The progress is slow but necessary at this level. I'm reading actual music, more than just "tab" like I used to. I was hoping to have a little presentation for Christmas, but of course, I'm my most vocal critic. I do have a nice classical arrangement of Greensleeves...but the one I hear in my head is much more detailed and I want to explore that. I'd also like to do a Cat Stevens song, "Morning Has Broken". Finally, there are some pieces I'd like to do that would require me putting down a recording and then playing with it. That sounds both difficult but promising.

If any of you play guitar and could recommend a song or two, I'd be most appreciative. I'm a beginner at reading music, but really enjoy practicing like crazy once I get it down. Thanks!

The Ted Haggard scandal...

...great, Ted proves that he's not Jesus...I for one wasn't surprised. The actual allegations he's admitting to, although not released, are certainly a little shocking, but I can see that this issue is going to explode. :( Maybe Ted is just bi-sexual like 80% of the rest of the married men in Colorado Springs. But will this suddenly enlighten Christians that perhaps even part of being attracted to the same sex is genetic/biological? Probably not. I see it as a lose, lose situation.

That being said, my thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Haggard and his family. They've a long, long road to travel.

This was fun:


create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

Wine Tasting on Friday...

...this Friday I have a wine tasting with some friends. What started out as just an 8-10 person event has bloomed into probably 14-15 people. Criminy! That's a lot of folks to have in one house.

I'm forcing a couple of my friends to spend the night...I'd rather them not drive and they are kind of known as light weights. :)

It should be fun. I think I'm doing kabobs for dinner.

Music: Eva Cassidy

If you haven't given her a listen yet, I highly recommend it. It's lighter music, but well worth it. Angelic voice, amazing covers on her album ("Fields of Gold" by Sting, "Songbird", "Somewhere over the rainbow").

Just incredible.

Fall Movies...and some summer ones.

I've seen a few films recently that are pretty interesting. There are a few coming out that look frightening.

"Little Miss Sunshine" was an excellent film. I really enjoyed that...so much on screen is painful to watch and I nearly grimaced in pain (emotional) to see what the family members go through.

"Fly Boys" is pretty shallow. Interesting visually, but so very predictable and slow paced when the planes aren't on screen.

"Fearless" with Jet Li was visually amazing. Best fight scenes (choreography) since "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

So, future films..."Jesus Camp" looks extremely frightening. Yes, it's a very small sect of the Christian Faith...but they are there none the less. It only takes one bad apple to spoil the bushel...it only takes a single film to make or break a lot of ideas. It wasn't long ago that I attended camps like that...of course I was an adult by then and had already started questioning many things the pastors/leaders preached. Why is it that we can use single line scripture to justify the churches non acceptance of homosexuality...but we can't use the same thing to justify the oppression of women, slavery (regardless of race), and even beating children? Why is it that we use the scripture in its entirety when dealing with those subjects...even masturbation and birth control...but not homosexuality? Do Christians realize it's not even in the top 10 for the commandments? It was just 20 years ago that the Church had declared the #1 threat to America was the Masons...now it's the "gays". Criminy...does their lack of faith know no bounds? If God is love, and through Love all things are possible...and through faith, we can move mountains, what's the hang up with homosexuality? Perhaps homosexuality isn't wrong?!

The new James Bond is coming up...I'm looking forward to it. The new actor doesn't bother me as much as other bond fanatics...why is it that all the homophobes at work keep declaring that he's not good looking enough? They should be staring at the gorgeous women in the film, not him anyhow.

Prestige looks very cool.

Apocalypto -- thought I'd mention Mel Gibson since he's obviously starving for attention. Hey Mel...get back in a skirt and put some makeup on...you get awards that way! :)

Well, I should sign off...my co-worker keeps snorting mucus up his nose and down his throat rather than blowing his nose...pesky co-workers!

The strange emotion of anger...

I've been searching my emotions lately (that doesn't sound like I'm a vulcan...does it?) and have found some interesting things when it comes to anger. What a strange emotion. Anger demands focus on something that can be trivial...or very important. Even if it is trivial...it seems very important while anger is present. Isn't that strange?

My reaction, when I'm angry, is generally silence. Folks are surprised at my actions and reactions while I'm angry...I'm not a very quiet, reserved person...except when I'm angry. I asked myself, "Jim (that's what I call myself), why do you clam up when you get angry?" I finally was able to answer that question today.

Words are powerful tools...they can be used to mend bridges (metaphorically), open wounds, end friendships, and comfort others...as well as a host of other things. When I'm angry, I don't ever want my words to become weapons...you can't take back things you say. Once said, the damage or lack there of is done. Friendships are often more fragile than we think...relationships often hang by a very thin thread.

I often apologize for my anger...but I hope that I haven't said anything during that time that threatens or succeeds in ending a friendship. Anger is often associated with the color red...red reminds me of heat. When I feel anger, my silence is distancing myself from that burning. It is definately something I need to overcome...or ensure others understand why I get like that. I'm not trying to control my emotion as much as harness it's energy.

Walmart and $4 medication...

...I know they are generic drugs...but does anyone have any insight on to how they can charge just $4? I can't even buy DayQuil for that! :)

College Football and Referees...

The fact is, while humans compete in sports, bad calls from referees are going to happen. That's just how it is. Humans aren't perfect...they never will be.

Interesting article in the Independent...

I read the Colorado Springs Independent. Last week, they had a very interesting article regarding the split in the Christian Church between "free-thinkers" (aka liberals) and "traditional" (aka conservative) Christians. I was really intrigued by the article. One huge issue was gay marriage and homosexuality in general.

A retired pastor, Jim White, from Colorado Springs put things in context rather well. Slavery can be justified using scripture quite easily...as can the oppression (non-equality) of women. But as a society, we've moved beyond the literal translations that the scriptures give us. Not so with homosexuality. The conservative Christian will even quote a scripture, but when you ask about the preceding line or scripture that follows, they claim those aren't culturally relevant any longer. Hmm...

"One group reads the Bible, and one group doesn't," he says.

Rockstar: Supernova

First off...I'm shocked that Lucas won...especially after Dilanas performances the past couple of weeks. "Roxanne" was incredible. Her version of "Mother, Mother"...amazing. "Every breath you take"...stunning. However, if any guy was to win, based on the past few weeks, Lucas definately was the top man.

Secondly...recently, the courts in Calif. decided that SuperNova can't have the name Supernova. I found it curious that it was never mentioned on the air or their website...so i don't know what name they'll be touring under. :)

Ends justify the means...

...have you noticed that the President of the U.S. went from "there are no secret prisons" to "we don't condone torture" to "well, there are a few secret prisons where we do some light torture"? Yet the whole time the executive branch is claiming that these men are horrible terrorists...isn't it the judicial branch that decides if someone is guilty? Isn't it supposed to be the judicial branch that decides what is torture and what isn't and if we indeed are allowed to do it?

The laws in this country are meant to protect the innocent...yet George W. constantly steps over that boundry and justifies his actions by pointing to the end result. We are not a country to be run by fear. In an emotional crunch, there are tons of things I'd consider justified that I'd never ever consider otherwise. That's why we don't base law off of emotional state. It's black and white. It doesn't matter if you are upset, retaliating, etc...the law is the law.

My Element

What the hell kind of test is this?

Your Element Is Water

A bit of a contradiction, you can seem both lighthearted and serious.That's because you're good at going with the flow - but you also are deep. Highly intuitive, you tune in to people's emotions and moods easily.You are able to tap into deep emotional connections and connect with others. You prefer a smooth, harmonious life - but you can navigate your way around waves.You have a knack for getting people to get along and making life a little more peaceful.

What's" Your Element?

New car decided!

I have decided on the new car...the Subaru Spec-B wins out. :)

For the price, I simply couldn't find a better car for the price and utility. Did I mention it's fast as hell? 0-60 in 5.3 seconds?

I'm pretty excited. :)

Linking a pic:

Jim A Day Later

JimADayLater
Originally uploaded by JimHinCO.

Ah...I love it! No scabbing, etc. (which is good). When you get a tattoo...you keep the bag balm (or other good gunk) on the wound so that your body doesn't scab it over...tricks it into seeing it as a sunburn. It'll peel (as all human shed their skin)...and then I'll see the final color! WOOT!

FirstTatoo...wow!

FirstTatoo...wow!
Originally uploaded by JimHinCO.

This is reversed because I took this in the mirror...but I really, really love the art work!

JimInPain

JimInPain
Originally uploaded by JimHinCO.

I decided to get a tattoo. Don't freak out...this isn't a sign that the apocolypse is near! I love art...always have...but tattoos have both facinated me and freaked me out at the same time. How could you sit there knowing that you'll be in pain for an hour or more?!

From the look on my face here...you can tell I'm in some pretty serious pain...but the end results are amazing!

Rockstar Supernova

Wow...these singers are just incredible this season...I believe there are 3 major contenders: 1) Magni...the Iceland native is awesome. Try to catch week 6, "Dolphins Cry" by Live that he does. Simply stunning. 2) Dilana Smith...she's incredible. A raspy voice similar to a Melissa Etheridge but with more power and volume. And that girl has some amazing range! I highly recommend week 7, "Cat's in the Cradle" from Harry Carpenter. Great pipes! 3) Ryan...the guy is intense but he simply brings a new dynamic to his voice and personality every single week.

Others are great -- Lukas, Toby, Patrice, Storm...but I can't see them lasting and leapfrogging the three I mentioned.

tattoo

So I've been toying with the idea of getting a tattoo...but the pain factor is a bit concerning for me...and if they mess up. So...what to do.

I really like fish...aquatic life is amazing to me. I've got six aquariums, all fresh water. The fish I was thinking of getting is a salt water one.

I ponder things too deep at times...

So much is flying through my brain lately that I'm a bit taken back by it all...maybe it's the vitamins?

Have you seen the news articles on the sudden decline of new house construction? Will this truely shatter the economy? Do folks realize that budget cuts in the military will further impact the economy? All those construction firms that build houses and other firms that build buildings for the military will suddenly have a surplus of workers...or more precisely...a large layoff of workers. This of course will spurn unemployment benefits, etc. until more jobs open up...putting a bit of a burden on tax payers...and less tax payers at that. Perhaps we are headed toward a recession?

In an unrelated but similarly bizzarre train of thought...perhaps folks just aren't having enough babies to keep the housing market going? Maybe Focus on the Family was partially correct in preaching that gays are the downfall of our society...even if it is only the economic one. Just think...they could have completely avoided this entire gay marriage debate if they simply stated that each couple can only be married if having at least 2 children within a few years of their "marriage". They (FOTF) could still have quite the dagger at the heart of the gay community while not punishing innocent children who happen to be in a gay household. At the same time, they'd be able to punish straight folks who don't pro-create...you know, the one thing that allows those folks special rights according to the courts.

Seriously...these trains of thought don't seem to have any caboose...

Car shopping...

I'd really like a new car...I've learned to use the word "like" or "want" instead of "need" since my old car (a '99 Acura TL) is still running fine. However, it's been 7 & 1/2 years since I've had a new car and I definately want one. :)

I'd really like an all-wheel-drive. That narrows my search a bit...but it's not an absolute necessity...so I'm not ruling out all other cars. In other words...I'm only fooling myself when I say I've narrowed my search. I'd really like something I can throw my bike in during the summer...but who knows if I'll have that same desire to bike next year?

With that being said, I'd love to have something the dogs can ride in...but at the same time, I really like leather. I love coupes and hatchbacks, but I really want rear windows. I'd like to have a sporty car but I love having a car that can cruise on the highway and is fairly quiet. Finally, I'd really like to have decent gas mileage...if it dips into the teens, I lose interest quickly.

A few small SUV's I'm considering are:
1) The new Acura RDX...it won't even be in the dealers showrooms until Aug 10th.
2) The new Mazda CX-7...they have it in a pretty blue. ;)
...hmm...the list is smaller than I thought.

Other cars I'm considering:
3) The Audi A3 (turbo)...it's 2 wheel drive, but I really like it. The AWDs are overpriced in my opinion.
4) The Subaru Legacy Spec B...it's just a beautiful car...but I lose the ability to put my bike in it. (Gain a ton...lose a little. :) )

Am I willing to pay MSRP? Possibly.
Am I willing to finance above 3%? Absolutely not.

Ok, I'm done. :)

BornDifferent.org

I've truely loved this campaign from the Gill Foundation. They specifically targetted Colorado Springs, if for nothing else that to get the town talking. http://www.borndifferent.org

This of course has gotten Focus on the Family completely up in arms. They are spending tons of money to fight the campaign. Here is my letter to the newspaper that I hope is published:

Might a Christian explain to me how being gay and in a committed relationship and then receive the same rights as other committed couples will be the downfall of civilization? How is it that folks who pray to statues, clearly a violation of the Bible, don't receive the ridicule and judgement that you extend to folks who love one another? For those that have turned their backs on God...those folks can marry if it is a man and a woman. For those that worship Satan, are wickens, atheists, agnostics, buddhists, etc., those committed relationships are ok in your judgement?

How can you claim to love the sinner but hate the sin, then readily admit we are all sinners, yet discriminate against folks that simply don't believe something you believe? Do you understand what "love" means in "love the sinner"? Please allow me to use the Bible to explain it to you.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4

Our calling as believers is to share the good news to non-believers, to love God, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Was there a footnote to that scripture that allows us to ignore this love for certain folks...even though they are our neighbors? Did God specifically mean that we are to NOT love the gays, aetheists, pagans, wickens, Muslims, Buddhists, Catholics or any other Christian denomination that isn't our own?

Until you learn to love your neighbor as yourself, everything else you express to non-believers is man-made legalism. When you truely start to love the sinner, perhaps your faith will move mountains. Until then, you are luke warm.

Play28

Play28
Originally uploaded by JimHinCO.

I just mixed this and really enjoy listening to it. Big thanks to Brad for the gift of Queensryche years ago. :)

Superhero Quiz!

Thanks Dave for the link! Note, I editted out the female superheroes...they get a bit sensative when they try to compare to me! ;)

Your results:
You are Superman

Superman 70% Spider-Man 70% The Flash 65% Batman 60% Green Lantern 60% Robin 50% Iron Man 40% Hulk 35%

You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.

Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz...

Democracy...I wonder...

I notice that the U.S. is really pushing "Free and fair democratic elections" across the globe lately. They claim this is part of the war on terror, which I disagree with. Contrary to what the current administration thinks, many parts of the globe are not happy with the U.S. There are times when a democratic nation needs to trust it's leaders to make the best decision possible...even if it goes against the majority.

Can we honestly look back thirty years and say that it was okay to have laws on the books not allowing blacks to marry/date whites? At one time, the majority of the country (aka, politically active voters) thought this was a good thing.

Can we honestly look back 200 years ago and think, "hey...slavery was a-okay!" because the majority of folks saw it as okay (obviously, they didn't look at blacks as equals...or even people...back then. :( )

So I look at what's going on with civil rights/liberties and I wonder: at what point will this administration grow a backbone and stand up for what is right, even if it goes against what they've been brainwashed with in church.

Some simple test to try to categorize the complexity of our humanity

What Your Soul Really Looks Like

You are quite expressive and thoughtful. You see the world in a way that others are blind to. You are a very grounded, responsible, and realistic person. People may not want to hear the truth from you, but they're going to get it. You believe that people see you as larger than life and important. While this is true, they also think you're a bit full of yourself. Your near future is still unknown, and a little scary. You'll get through wild times - and you'll textually enjoy it. For you, falling in love is all about the adventure and uncertainty. You can only fall in love with someone who keeps you guessing.

Inside the Room of Your Soul

VigorJimLegend

VigorJimLegend
Originally uploaded by JimHinCO.

Just a little ride on Saturday. What an amazing part of Colorado. If you've never been to Indian Creek, I highly recommend it! Hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking...the trails are shared by all three groups.

Apple vs. PC advertising...

...man, MAC makes a great commercial when advertising the most recent Apple computers. Out of the box, they are ready to go! With a PC, you've got hours of setting up and downloads to do. :)

Very clever! I don't think I'd ever get a MAC, I love too many PC programs, but I could see some of my *cough* less technical relatives *cough* get one.

Great commercial, Apple. :) It's not malicious, just truthfully delicious.

My letter was "M"

The evil Lisa gave me M! M of all letters! CRIMINY! ;)

1) Mom -- My mom is a riot. She's always been more of a friend than a motherly influence in my life. Maybe that's how moms are supposed to be?
2) Mother's day (I hope that's not cheating!) -- My mom and I shot BB guns and paint guns for fun...does it get any better?
3) Mondays -- I'm taking guitar lessons on Monday now...I love it...but it's weird having homework again. This is actually enjoyable homework, but it looms over my head all the same. Just another manic monday...ah...the 80's!
4) Moo Shu Pork -- Darn it...I don't eat as much Chinese food as I used to. :(
5) Mexico and Immigration -- I'm tired of hearing about it, tired of folks labeling them as criminals, proposing they are felons, etc etc etc. There's a funny Neal Diamond parody about it... "They're sneaking to America", found here: http://www.morningsidekick.com/visitors/visitors-mp3s/song-america.mp3 . Not a joking matter, but by now I need some relief.
6) Meditation -- I've done more meditation lately than I think I ever have. Not a spiritual type meditation, just some serious yet deep thought regarding a variety of subjects.
7) Melancholy -- I love that word...
8) Meniscus -- isn't that a plate in your knee? I think about how my knees don't hurt right now since we aren't in the middle of a volleyball league...I miss volleyball. Horse back riding actually does hurt my knees a bit, but nowhere near the level of volleyball.
9) Mathematics -- That was my major in college. I've seriously considered giving up my geek job for a less paying but very rewarding teaching job. :)
10) Muhahahahaha -- Sinister laughs are the best. I tend to do them from time to time...not always out loud, just as a, "wow, I manipulated that situation for folks to do exactly as I wanted...and it was for their benefit and reward, not mine!" I had a cousin who recently married...but he didn't invite an uncle and aunt and I inquired as to why. He apparently is holding a grudge that she doesn't know about. I explained that in our family, her ignorance isn't malicious, it just is...but he knowingly excluded her from a family event that's once (hopefully) in a lifetime. I explained that he is more than willing to keep the bridge burnt between their two families...but at what cost and energy? Wouldn't it be better to open the bridge and see if she's willing to come across? I do believe that personal fueds need to have a break when it comes to once in a lifetime experiences: marriage, child birth, graduation, etc.

Cognitive thought...

Does this ability still exist today? ;) The reporters on Fox News don't seem to think before speaking...it really amazes me. I listened to a couple of days of them giving their opinion on the wire-tapping that goes on from the NSA...none of them claimed it wasn't illegal, they simply justified the illegality of the activity.

Today is illegal immigration day on Fox News. The "invasion of criminals" apparently is a hotter topic than banning gay marriage (at least this hour). I'm always amazed how Fox News can use the most dramatic term possible to describe folks hopping the border in search of work. If someone is going 60 miles per hour in a 65 zone, isn't calling them a speeding maniac just a bit over dramatic? Can I honestly categorize them with the guy going 130 miles an hour down the highway?

Is Fox news taking lessons from Rush Limbaugh on over dramatizing these events? Are they a news station or entertainment station?

Wasn't the quote in Star Wars III, "Only the Sith deal in absolutes"? I've wondered about this statement a lot since seeing the parallels between Star Wars III and the current Bush (aka the Emperor who controls the Senate) Administration (aka the evil Empire).

Now...back to gay marriage. Mr. Bush claims that marriage is the foundation of society. How exactly is marriage the foundation of our society when divorce is so rampant? Does that mean we are only 50% of a society now since about 50% of marriages end in divorce? Note: that doesn't mean 50% of people get divorced; it means 50% of marriages end in divorce. If you need clarification on how to understand a statistic like the right-wing seems to, please feel free to ask.

One of the biggest complaints (they need to bitch about something), whines (jealousy?) and outrages (shocker...people enjoy sex!) of the radical right is that gays are so promiscuous...apparently, they even have sex on the first date! Note to radical right -- straight folks are having sex on the first date too! Perhaps the fear of the radical right is that they don't want to see the success stories of gays who stay together for years and years and years and years and years?

Doesn't marriage in a Christian ceremony declare to everyone that this is a committed couple? That those in attendance are to help, encourage, and edify that couple on their new path together? How exactly is this an abomination when the couple happens to be of the same sex? Is it not good that they remain committed, encouraged, and edified from friends and family? Isn't it good that the person they love the most now has a right to be in the hospital room with them or their family member if they are in the hospital?

It was just 32 years ago that the white majority in this country finally lost out on discriminating against blacks and whites from marrying each other (North Carolina). They used scripture to justify their hatred...just like now. This really only leaves a few options in my mind...they either aren't reading the same Bible I'm reading...or they are forgetting to use some cognitive thought on how to interpret what they are reading. Another option, the truly scary one, is this: If the Bible is true...and if the devil can really quote scripture and twist it, what if the radical right actually is heavily influenced by the devil? Has anyone ever been as hungry for a "sign" from God as the radical right that they misinterpret natural disasters as signs from God? Has any spokesman for the radical right been as obsessed with power as to pray from God to kill a world leader...or for the U.S. to assassinate him?

I'm seeing plenty of signs...but they don't look good for the radical right and for the "organized" church (in general). But then again, I'm capable of cognitive thought...

I'm a Lotus Elise!

You believe in maximum performance and minimum baggage. You like to travel light and fast, hit the corners hard, and dance like there's no tomorrow.

"Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

How are your New Years Resolutions going?

There were just a few things I really wanted to do this year. One was to take guitar lessons and start playing more regularly. I start lessons on Monday. :)

The other was to pick up French...but I haven't found any French speaking clubs, etc. I'll keep searching.

Finally, I wanted to spend more time in the yard...it's early yet...but I'm spending 30 minutes to an hour each day around the pond, etc. Fun stuff.

How are yours going?

8th grade math

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 9/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

I have no idea which one is wrong! I wonder if they have a problem in their code...once question is listed with "None of the above" as the second option...when there are two value below it. Weird.

"What if" versus "I believe"

I've read a few books or seen a few books lately that really got the cognitive juices going.

Did anyone read, The Intimate Life of Abraham Lincoln? I was simply blown away at even the idea of the late President Lincoln being gay, or bi for that matter. It is a really interesting read. There are lots of letters, etc. that back up some of the authors conclusions...but so many folks who read the book (even more that have never read it) simpy say, "I don't believe that!".

How can they deny the evidence...sure, ignore the conclusion...but to not acknowledge the evidence is really frightening. Isn't being open minded about gathering all the facts you can and then form your conclusion...leaving room that others may conclude things differently?

How about, The Jesus Papers? Some of the concepts are simply astounding. The history of how the Bible came into being, etc. really revealed some ignorance on my part. "I believe" tended to get trumped quite often with "the fact is this". I wouldn't say it shook my religious beliefs as much as it made me ponder many of the things that are quoted completely out of context.

I had one Christian tell me, long, long ago, that she didn't believe in "thermal dynamics" simply because she refused to believe that God would create anything she didn't understand. She was obviously very young in her faith and knowledge of both the Bible and the world. There are hundreds of millions of things that we'll never be able to grasp. The fact that she is still on spiritual milk, rather than meat, wasn't a surprise to me. :)

Conspiracy Theory...

Perhaps the world is really more complex than I realized. Perhaps, the higher up government officials, and those even higher than that, are secretly plotting, strategizing, and thinking about both short-term and long-term effects of things.

Have you ever wondered why so many sitcoms, dramas, etc. have three or more kids per family...even though the national average is still two? Why don't 50% of married folks on these shows get a divorce...it's 50% nationally (actually a bit higher now)? What about those with ashma? Arthritis? Even diabetes? Where are all of those folks? What about overweight folks...or those that struggle with staying in shape by keeping a strict diet and going to the gym or running?

I know these aren't appealing concepts...that sexuality sells...as does one big happy family. But at what point does our entertainment and fantasies affect our realities?

Is there some conspiracy to have more kids than just two? If so...why? Is our economy and growth that closely linked to having more kids than fewer kids?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if folks realized that cell phones really are a nicety...not anything more? For the majority of us, an internet connection isn't needed either...we could live without it. A new car or car with less than 100K miles...not really a necessity at all. The lesser quality of American cars kind of reenforces these ideas...those cars rarely last like a Japanese or European car. Why? Why do American car companies want us to either a) buy a new car every 50K miles...or b) put tons of maintenance costs into our American cars? It just seems weird to me. Don't 3-year leases imply that most folks really shouldn't own a car more than 3 years before changing them out? Don't 1 year warranties imply that the product probably won't really last reliably more than a year? Even cell phone contracts being one year, sometimes two years implies that we should get a new plan and new phone at the end of that time...but do we really need one?

What if America realized it didn't need to consume as much as it did? It would be a global impact. Everything from food, to clothes, to cars, to cell phones...why do we have this desire to consume (shop, eat, have the "newest", keep up with the "Jones", etc)? And how much of that is fed to us rather than it being selfgenerated?

Just random thoughts on a Monday morning.

Vacation!

I'm off to the warmth of the Carribean for 8 days! WOOT! We'll be on Princess Cruise Lines.

I was reviewing the itinerary and notices the temps in March are 68-86...wow! That's warm!

Ends justify the means...even if the ends are yet determined

Politically, I'm very perplexed at GWB and Antonio Gonzales' attitude about wire tapping americans...regardless of whom they call. The fact that they are only wire tapping cell phones (so they claim) is red flag number one. The fact that they have 72 hours to file the paperwork, but claim it's just too hard (wtf?!) is red flag number two. But to throw a thwarted 2002 attack on L.A. into the fray...when the intel for it was NOT established through wire taps, in fact the arrests weren't even made by U.S. intelligence is red flag number three.

Sorry, Mr. President...I can't buy that you are protecting me by stealing my rights.

Cell phone...

I haven't had a cell phone for about 15-18 months now and I really don't miss it. However, for some reason, being a tech-geek, folks feel it's my obligation to have a cell phone. Not just an every day cell phone either, but a state-of-the-art, download-to-your-life, how-did-I-ever-live-without-this type of cell phone. Hey folks...those phones cost a ton of money ($199 and up WITH a 2 year contract @ $45/mo = $1279.00 total over 2 years...ouch). If you want to download ringtones, etc., it's 10cent per KB...I've no idea how much each ringtone would cost. And let's admit it, they don't sound near as groovey coming through a 5mm speaker like the commercial shows.

Do I really have to buy a cell phone? Seriously, I don't miss it. I enjoy my time driving and listening to NPR or a CD (not to mention I'm not as distracted). Am I allowed to gag on the garbage that keeps getting fed to me in needing a cell phone?

"On the edge" feeling

Have you ever felt like you are just hanging on by a thread...like you could go either way, either good or bad, in certain factors in life?

I feel like this right now for financial. I'm fairly debt-free except my house of course. My only monthly bills are car insurance. Quarterly, I have the waste disposal service ($70) and World of Warcraft ($45) and yearly I have my car registration ($150ish). I should be hording cash into my saving account...but other expenses keep rising up to cover my extra cash flow. :) Food is a big one...isn't it nice to experiment with different foods, wines, have a dinner party, etc. without worrying about money? I'm also looking at getting a new car soon...my car is nearly 7 years old with 144,000 miles. But my goal is to get $10,000 saved up before buying my next car. :)

Hobbies are another thing I feel on edge about. I still love volleyball...but my shoulder is aching at night, my knees hurt going up and down the stairs, and even my back gets sore from playing. Perhaps it's time to give that up? Skiing is still amazingly fun, but it's expensive (see above paragraph), uses up my entire weekend, and is quite dangerous...at least the way I ski. :) I also want to play more guitar...but that would require me getting another guitar as I don't have an accoustic guitar...I do have a classical and 2 electric guitars. But there is a gorgeous guitar down at the store that is AMAZING!...but out of my self-imposed budget. :(

Maybe it's just an early case of cabin fever...I can't buy plants on the way home and work in the yard like I do in the spring and summer! If so, it sure did hit me early this year!

Wine Tasting Results - January

Whites:
1) Chateau St. Jean, Viognier, 2002 -- $14 (great with fruit!)
2) 7 Heavenly Chards, Chardonay, 2003 -- 16 (fruit and cheese)
3) Fetzer, Gewurztraminer, 2004 -- $15 (great with sharp cheddar!)

Reds:
4) Ecco Demani, Chianti, 2003 -- $11 (meat dish, lasagna, heavy meal, etc.)
5) Vivac Winer, Refosco, 2004 -- $15 (very dry oak/nut flavor -- New Mexico wine!)
6) Hartfort, Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast), 2001 -- $15 (yummy)

Dessert Wine:
7) Chocolate Cherry Velvet (Honey/Cherry wine) -- $20 (incredible!)
The Mountain Meadery
3701 G Rd.
Palisade, CO 81526

Play21

My new play list I ventured out a bit...many of the song I'd heard one time and purchased them from iTunes. Other oldies came to me from friends...I had to go out and buy Concrete Blonde's Recollection CD!

01 Blue Orchid - The White Stripes
02 Portions for Foxes - Rilo Kiley
03 Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt. 1 - The Flaming Lips
04 The Skin Of My Yellow Country Teeth - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
05 Free Until They Cut Me Down - Iron & Wine
06 Mexican Moon - Concrete Blonde
07 The Town That You Live In - Sherwood
08 Violet - The Birthday Massacre
09 Home (Album Version) - Michael Bublé
10 Empathy - Crosstide
11 In This Moment's Time - The Coral Sea
12 Release the Squid (Box 6) - The Deathray Davies
13 Joey - Concrete Blonde
14 Shadows of Ourselves - Thievery Corporation
15 You're Beautiful - James Blunt

Music: Clap your hands say yeah

Oh my...what a different sounding band. I totally dig them. "The Skin Of My Yellow Country Teeth" is so radically happy that it's hard not to dance to it. I want to get a webcam and lipsync/do silly things while that song plays just to see if it'll go around the internet!

(on a slightly related note) Thanks to my friend, Brad, I have discovered http://www.pandora.com. It lets you create channels and recommends/fills in other songs for ones you may want to order. Great stuff. Best of all, it's still free.