Blogenstein

Comic-Con 2011: A Geek/Nerd Lovefest. Part 1

2011-07-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

2011 was only my second year at San Diego Comic-Con (I know that, at 48 years old, taking so long to finally go is a serious ding on my geek cred). I could spend all four days there, talking to, and taking pictures of the people and their fantastic costumes, clothing, and props.

Contrary to what some may think, Comic-Con is not filled with bespectacled, overweight, socially-awkward, male virgins. As you'll see in some of my photos, there were actual girls there! Geek/nerd girls in hand-made TARDIS dresses, steampunk outfits, superheroes, cartoon/movie characters, or original creations. It's not just for guys.

Comic-Con is a place where no one need fear that they will be made fun of, or laughed at. They can dress any way the want to. What is shunned, or ridiculed, in the outside world, is not only welcomed, but encouraged at Comic-Con. That person you wish you could be, you can be at Comic-Con. I did not hear anyone say anything negative to anyone else the entire time we were there.

The people are friendly and welcoming. If you're waiting for three hours (or longer!) in line for a panel, there is always someone to talk to. Everyone I started talking to, was happy to take time and talk with me.

As I roamed the Convention Center with my camera in hand, I would stop and ask someone if I could take their picture. Every one of them said "yes" (many of them taking on poses relevant to their characters). Not a single person said "no," or walked away. All were proud to be who they were, or, who they were pretending to be.

Considering that somewhere around 125,000 people pass through Comic-Con over the weekend, it is an amazing geek/nerd love-fest. A lot of sharing, laughing, support, and the giving of many thumbs-up.

I love going, and will continue to go every year (as long as I can get tickets!).

Lady in Black

The Dynamic Duo

Borg and the Bimbos.

Shouldn't he be wearing a helmet?

Catwoman getting help on how to use the ATM.

Kind creepy, yet, very cool.

Later on, at an exhibit, I heard Sr. talking to Jr., and actually calling him "Junior."

I don't think she bought the right size top.

I remember when I was a box boy.

Yes please! Does it come in a 2X for the full-figured gentleman?

Rainbow Brite and Captain Underpants.

Comic-Con was on the same weekend that Captain America opened in theaters.
There were A LOT of Captain America shirts and costumes being worn.

Best. Star Trek uniform. Ever

They were actually quite easy to find.

I loved this TARDIS dress that she made herself.

Aimee from aimeemajor.com

Check out her website. Much coolness.

Part 2

Part 3
Part 4

Comic-Con 2011: A Geek/Nerd Lovefest. Part 4

2011-07-30T09:26:00.001-07:00

Part 4.

Hmmmm, where did I leave the TARDIS?

I jumped up from and ran over to take this photo. Their costumes were perfect.

Elmo no like waiting in line.

More Aimee from aimeemajor.com

Check out her website. Much coolness.

Careful! You can take an eye out with that thing!

Loved the colors and design of this one.

He looks like his shield didn't come back.

This guy made his costume from all the handouts he got while at Comic-Con.

Why so blue? Cheer up! Have fun!

Adorable!

I like how the ribbons match her hair.

These costumes were made by Lauren. More can be found at castlecorsetry.com

On our way out Sunday afternoon, we saw these three girls. Awesome!

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Comic-Con 2011: A Geek/Nerd Lovefest. Part 3

2011-07-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

Part 3:

Mr. Pirate...

...and Mrs. Pirate.

Small hats are in this year!

Creaturegirl

River and Amy! She even made River's diary!

This is just messed-up.

How would you like your stake?

Steampunk Wonder Woman for the win!

Nothing says "Don't Touch" like spikes.

You've got Chain Maille!

Yoshi!

She'll steal your heart, then eat it.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 4

Comic-Con 2011: A Geek/Nerd Lovefest. Part 2

2011-07-30T09:25:00.001-07:00

Part 2:

I don't know.

Hit Girl!

I found their story of coconuts hard to swallow.

I had the choice of taking pictures of Playboy Playmates, or these two. No contest.
Be sure to check out www.glitterside.com

Nice eyes!

snarkynerdette

Jordan is a talented musician as well. Look here and also here to see and hear her.

Why so serious?

Part 1

Part 3

Part 4

100 Facts About Me

2011-04-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

1. I have crooked toes. All of them, except the big ones.

2. In high school, I wanted to be a stuntman.

3. My name is not really Ramses T. Magnum.

4. I once modeled Halloween costumes for a newspaper ad. Prisoner and Executioner.

5. I was a virgin, up until I wasn't.

6. I have a caffeine addiction that I have overcome, at least, 15 times.

7. I love to laugh, and make others laugh.

8. If I could have one super-power, it would be the ability to touch someone and make them content.

9. I once sat next to Charlie Sheen at a car dealership in Thousand Oaks, CA.

10. When I was young, I wanted my living room to look like the bridge of the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701).

11. I am very competitive.

12. I want John Henson's job on "Wipeout"

13. I am a geek and a nerd. I was also a Trekkie, before they insisted on being called "Trekker"

14. If I won the lottery, I would quit my job and pursue photography more passionately (it is a hobby now).

15. I couldn't give a rats ass about professional sports.

16. I love going out for dinner.

17. My favorite color is purple.

18. I am a Parrothead.

19. My favorite ice cream flavor (at the moment) is Chocolate Chip.

20. I believe in God, but not religion.

21. Ringo was my favorite Beatle.

22. I do, in fact, have a filter, and, I use it more often than some may think.

23. I had LASIK done in 2005.

24. I don't consume alcoholic beverages (because I don't like the taste).

25. I believe that I have seen a UFO (remember: I don't drink).

26. I speak sarcasm fluently. No, no, I would NEVER speak to YOU that way.

27. Sometimes, I have popcorn for dinner.

28. At times, I can have a real f*ckin' potty-mouth.

29. I will never color my hair. Ever.

30. I have no tolerance of intolerance.

31. I thought Mary Ann was WAY hotter than Ginger.

32. I do not own a pair of dress shoes. I wear boots.

33. I love going to the movies.

34. I have a degree in Fine Art/Illustration.

35. I spent 8 years in college (it was fun!)

36. I love, I mean LOVE, junk food.

37. I really should exercise more.

38. I am 6 foot 1 inch tall. I weigh *ERROR PROCESSING TEXT*

39. I believe that everyone should know how to defend themselves.

40. I have no idea why Nicholas Cage is allowed to make movies.

41. I heart Amy Pond.

42. My favorite number is 42.

43. I can't grow sideburns. I really, really want to, but can't.

44. I could probably live without my iPhone, but, I don't want to.

45. I can be a bit dense sometimes.

46. I would really like to get another motorcycle.

47. I like my bacon like I like my fries - overcooked.

48. I do not have any tattoos.

49. My kids are smarter than me.

50. My favorite Muppet is Gonzo the Great.

51. I tend to be a worrier.

52. I am a terrible sleeper.

53. Growing up, Captain America was my favorite comic book hero.

54. I cannot play a musical instrument.

55. I believe in equality for everyone.

56. I believe your preference doesn't matter. Love is love.

57. I am lactose intolerant. Bet you're glad you know that now, aren't ya?

58. I am an Apple Fanboy.

59. I am not one for pomp and circumstance.

60. I own one suit. Black.

61. I can drive a stick-shift.

62. I wear an earring.

63. My favorite movie of all time is Casablanca.

64. I am more forgiving of others than myself.

65. I am my own worst critic.

66. My favorite song of all time? The Theme from Shaft by Issac Hayes

67. I love to sleep in, but rarely do.

68. I seem to always misspell the word "Beleive"

69. I'm not the total badass studmuffin most people think I am. Really. No, really. Stop laughing!

70. I have a faulty memory, so I tend to be very organized.

71. In high school, I was the tallest one in my PE class, and the last one picked for basketball.

72. My favorite drink is Coca-Cola. My worst habit is drinking Coca-Cola.

73. I tend to root for the underdog.

74. I want a white Labrador Retriever, and I want to name him/her Krypto.

75. I once dressed up as Indiana Jones for Comic-Con in San Diego.

76. The only steak I will eat is Filet Mignon. So, consequently, I do not eat steak very often.

77. My favorite type of food is Italian. No, Chinese. No, Japanese. Yeah, those.

78. I am actually going to do 100 of these.

79. If I could change 1 thing about myself, it would be my motion-sickness.

80. I want to travel to/through every U.S. state.

81. I am a terrible dancer, but my singing is even worse.

82. I don't believe in, or practice, trash-talking or intimidation.

83. I once had a mullet. Apparently, I was insane at the time.

84. My favorite comedian of all-time? Bill Cosby. Grew up listening to all his records. Over 40 years of Wonderfulness.

85. My favorite cartoon character of all-time? Bugs Bunny.

86. Sometimes, I love to watch really bad movies. Thank you Elvira!

87. I absolutely love the art of Alphonse Mucha.

88. I have been in the Statue of Liberty's head.

89. I never leave my wife or kids without telling them I love them.

90. I type with 4 fingers (2 on each hand)

91. I once tried out for Wheel of Fortune. 1 of last 12 at audition, but not called back.

92. I love the smell of coffee, but can't stand the taste.

93. I love the early morning light

94. If I can get through a whole day without embarrassing myself, I consider it a win...and a surprise.

95. I can never remember if a full house beats a straight in Poker.

96. I may be somewhat socially awkward.

97. I worry about being a good parent.

98. You know the gene that guys have that makes the success of their sports team vital to life itself? I don't have it.

99. Sometimes, I like to spend the day as a couch potato.

100. Sometimes, I can be a bit of a dork. OK, maybe more than sometimes.

What NOT to say to the TSA when being patted down.

2010-11-18T21:40:00.000-08:00

If you choose to say anything below to a TSA agent while he/she (he-she?) are giving you a "pat down," "frisk," or "painfull memory," you do so at your own risk. I never told you to say such things. In fact, the title above says NOT to, so you are on your own.

Are those a fresh pair of gloves?

If you take a picture, it'll last longer (x-ray only)

I should warn you, I'm a giggler.

A little more to the right.

My turn!

Can you tell I've been working out?

My, you have the hands of a pro.

Wheeeeeeeeeee!

If you buy me dinner, you can take the gloves off.

That's not a stick of dynamite, but, thank you for noticing.

Been out of prison long?

Bow chicka wow wow!

Should I turn my head and cough?

Slow down! What's your rush?

If I had known it would be you, I would've gone commando.

Now tell me you love me.

Does your mother know what you do?

You have beautiful eyes.

Next time, I'm asking for you.

Call me!

My (Ridiculous?) Birthday/Christmas list

2010-10-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Many, many, many years ago, my mother asked me for a list of what I would like for my birthday/Christmas. Over the years, the lists have grown to include items ranging from the simple, to the ridiculous. They are now more of a "Wish List" than an actual list of items that someone (maybe you!) could afford to get.

But, think about it, if you knew someone who could get you anything you wanted, what would you ask for? I have left off things like immortality, x-ray vision, mind control, world peace, etc., as asking for them would be silly.

Bugatti Veyron
Is $2.8 million too much for a road car that can do 268 MPH? Not if you're rich enough to afford a $2.8 million road car that can do 268 MPH. Unfortunately, I am not. C'mon Lottery numbers!

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Not nearly as expensive as the Veyron, but still a nice(!) car. I think that this is one of the most elegant (dare I say "sexy"?) designs that Ferrari has produced. Not the fastest, but an absolutely beautiful car.

 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0
A bargain-bin item compared to the two cars above. In my opinion, the best Mustang that Ford has produced (for the masses). Oh yeah, the 412 HP guarantees that I would go through the back tires much faster than the front ones. I would like it in Highlander Green, please. I would also need a tweed coat and a turtleneck. 

Star Warrior Motorcycle (NOT a Star Wars Motorcycle)
I really miss my motorcycle (had to sell it after the divorce). If I could get another. This would be it. I promise to be careful, obey most traffic laws, and not peg the speedo for at least 3 weeks. 

Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock T-Shirt (XXL)
Rock crushes lizard. Scissors decapitate lizard. Lizard eats paper. Lizard poisons Spock. Paper disproves Spock. Spock vaporizes rock. Spock bends scissors.

Sideburns
Think Doctor Who (the 10th doctor) Can they do hair transplant surgery for sideburns?

A photography studio
I want to be a portrait photographer. Not like Sears or Wal•Mart. I want to photograph people in a way that captures who they are, not just what they look like. My living room is fine for now, but a studio would let me leave my equipment set-up and I could start shooting at a moments notice.

Adobe CS5 Design Premium
As a Graphic Designer/Illustrator/Photographer, I use it at work (actually CS4), but can't rationalize (or afford) it for home.

Han Solo's Blaster
In a wretched hive of scum and villainy, you're damn right I would shoot first.

To do a lap in a reasonably priced car
I would do everything The Stig said to. Well, maybe not everything.

An iPhone 4 that is not on AT&T.
Love my iPhone. Hate AT&T.

The Sword of the Dread Pirate Roberts Prop Replica
I'm not left-handed either!

The Sword of Inigo Montoya Prop Replica
‘"My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father. Prepare to die!’"

A walk-on part in the next Batman movie (Man in background #3?)
Wow, Batman punched that guy for no reason.

A pair of Colt Single-Acton Army Revolvers
.45 Long Colt, 4.75" barrel, Case-Hardened frame, American-style engraving (Expert), and faux ivory grips…and a big hat…and a horse.

The Hammer of Thor (Mjolnir)
My nickname used to be God of Thunder. That's why I stopped eating Mexican food. 

Captain Kirk's Chair
KAAAAAAAAHN you imagine how cool this would this would look in the living room? OK, maybe cool isn't the right word, but…you've…got to…admit…any room…would be…transformed, man.

Original movie posters for:
Bullitt

Le Mans

Casablanca My favorite movie of all-time.

Revenge of the Jedi Yeah, that's right, Revenge.

Son of Paleface
Raiders of the Lost Ark

But, when I really think about it, these are just things. Things are not important, people and relationships are.

That said, I really want the motorcycle!

Comic-Con 2010: My first trip to Nerdvana

2010-08-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

Being the Sci-Fi/comic book geek that I am, it's a wonder that this year was my first trip to Comic-Con in San Diego. I was a little nervous because of the size and complexity of the event. It is impossible to see everything. It simply cannot be done. There are panels, meetings, workshops, autograph sessions, lectures, and the main floor full of exhibitors.  

We were attending on Thursday and Friday. We could not get tickets for Saturday (the big day) or Sunday, because I bought our tickets only six months in advance. Saturday-only and 4-day passes had sold out long before then. Over 120,000 people filed though the San Diego Convention Center over the 4 days of Comic-Con.  

A quick note on my thoughts about the debate of non-science fiction and non-comic book vendors, panels, etc. at Comic-Con. Back in the 70's when I would attend the Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy conventions that popped up after Star Wars changed the world, there were a lot of comic book vendors, In fact, there were a lot of vendors that would (very) loosely fit into the genres of Science Fiction, Horror or Fantasy - or not, but the fans welcomed them because they shared a common fan-base. Comic-Con has grown to include much more than comic books. The exhibitors/panels at Comic-Con share the same fan-base. Short of changing the name to Entertainment-Con, I feel that everyone should just enjoy and accept the evolution of Comic-Con. Actually, now that I think about it, I did not hear anyone there complaining.  

Our first day was our "Panel" day; we saw panels from our favorite USA Network shows: Burn Notice, White Collar and Psych. We were hoping to get into the The Big Bang Theory panel on Friday, but the room only held 4,500 people and was filled before we could get in (we were in line for two hours). We walked the floor, where I quickly realized that I did not bring enough money. I could not bring enough money. I could spend A LOT of money at Comic-Con.

Yup, this must be the place!

A small section of the exhibitor's floor

Hmm, there must be some Star Wars stuff around here somewhere...

How to stand out in a crowd.

These Ghostbusters costumes were dead-on.

Captain Hammer and Dr. Horrible.

I would like one of these, please.

The Burn Notice panel. Bruce Campbell really knows how to work an audience.

The White Collar panel. The minute Matt Bomer came onstage, Florinda moved forward to the edge of her seat.

Dulé Hill and James Roday opening the Psych panel with a song

Dulé Hill tap dancing.

When I asked if I could take their picture, Slave Girl Leia said "Let me put away my camera," and I thought "Where?!" (Her boot).

Mothers, lock up your daughters. Darth and Boba on the prowl.

Plastic Man was a little too happy to have me take his picture.

The second day I decided to join the fun and dress in costume. I went as Indiana Jones (Think "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Glazed Doughnut"). It was great fun. People were asking to have their picture taken with me. As we passed, some people would whistle the theme song. I was even mistaken for Adam Savage (@donttrythis) from Mythbusters. My apologies to Mr. Savage.  

Planned for the day was a Hawaii Five-O panel for Florinda, and a autograph session with Jane Wiedlin (Go-Go, Star Wars geek, animal lover, and author/star of her new comic book series Lady Robotika) for me. You can follow Jane on Twitter @janewiedlin. Bill Morrison (@atomicbattery) is one of the artists behind Lady Robotika was also there along with legendary pin-up artist Jim Silke. John Silke did an exclusive cover for Lady Robotika #1. I bought one, and was happy when Jane, Bill, and Jim all signed it. I started to laugh when Jane autographed to to me using my Twitter handle @RamsesTMagnum. I did have another copy of the comic, and she signed that one using my real name.

No, Harrison Ford has not really let himself go. That's me as Fat Indiana Jones and Jane Wiedlin. This photo is also on the Lady Robotika website!

My signed copy of Lady Robotika #1.

My signed special edition of Lady Robotika #1.

If you've heard of Comic-Con, you have heard of the fantastic costumes that people wear. Unfortunately, we were not able to be there for the costume contest on Saturday, but there were costumes galore. Some were pretty fantastic. I fell in love with Steampunk.

Members of The League of S.T.E.A.M.

The green liquid on his back is bubbling.

Steampunk Jet pack.

Steampunk Jet pack 2.

For those of you thinking it is just a lot dorky guys who live in their parents' basement, you would be wrong. There were a lot of girls, REAL girls. As a people watcher, I could just sit at Comic-Con and just watch the parade of awesomeness go by. But there is too much to do and see.

A trio of blond Jedis.

Like father, like son.

I'm not sure who she is, but kudos on the costume.

What would Comic-Con be without Klingons?

Hello, he's Kermit the Frog. Wait a minute, wasn't he in my last post?

Wonder Woman in training.

I called out "Hey! Stormtrooper Five-O" and he turned around.

I wanted to help her, but, I have been told that I don't know Jack.

More Steampunk.

I call this one "Disney Done Right."

Cassandra Peterson and I. On Saturday, she was in full Elvira regalia. Movie Macabre is coming back to TV!

Next year, we are going to try for all four days (and Preview night?), and bring more money.  

Now, what to wear...

Vacation 2010

2010-08-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

We had been planning this trip for over a year. Three generations and two destinations: Washington DC and New York City. Two years ago, we all took a road trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. This time, we decided to drive less and fly more. Going along with me were my mother, my daughter Katie, my son Spencer, and my wife Florinda (we would be meeting her son, Chris, in DC, where he lives).

  Day One was off to a very early start. Our shuttle picked us up to take us to the airport at 3:45 in the morning. Excitement kept us from sleeping in the shuttle. We flew First Class (a first for me. Thanks Mom!) on Virgin America to Washington DC. I have flown to the east coast before, but at six-feet, one inch tall, never with leg room. I enjoyed it with the knowledge that it will probably never happen again.  

Once we were settled into our hotel, we did some walking around. The hotel was only 2 blocks from the White House, so we walked there first. We had dinner at Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and called it a day. Luckily, our being up very early on the west coast seemed to help us adjust to east coast time fairly easily.

Spencer, Mom, Florinda and Katie in front of the White House.

The Treasury Department.

The next day, we were off the the Air and Space Museum via public transportation.

  Side note: Having lived in Southern California all my life, public transportation is something of a foreign concept. In short, public transportation in SoCal sucks. Don't believe me? Try going from Simi Valley to, let's say, Hollywood. It's time-consuming, difficult, and requires traveling southeast to Union Station (passing north of Hollywood, and many miles past, along the way), then taking another train west for several miles back to Hollywood. My point is, the layout of the tracks is not very conducive to ease-of-use. SoCal was built with the automobile in mind, its freeways now resembling a parking lot, more than the space-age thoroughfares of modern transport envisioned years ago.  

However, Washington DC and New York have excellent public transportation. For a newbie, who had never taken a train or subway, it was easy to learn and very handy. The 10 days we spent on this trip is the longest I have gone without driving since my 16th birthday (31 years ago), and I surprised myself by not missing it.  

On the way to the Air and Space Museum, we walked through other parts of the Smithsonian (you know it's more than one building, right?).

The Castle.

The National Museum.

The Air and Space Museum.

The Wright Flyer.

The Spirit of St. Louis.

The Air and Space Museum Gift shop has the USS Enterprise from the original Star Trek TV series. I was one happy geek.

After the Air and Space Museum, we walked over to the Capitol.

Spencer spontaneously meditating in front of the Capitol building.

Mom and Spencer went back to the hotel while Florinda, Katie and I continued to walk.

The National Gallery of Art.

Later on, we had dinner with Chris at an excellent restaurant he suggested.

Next on our list was the National Museum of American History.

Spencer building a circuit as Grandma and Katie watch with great interest.

Hello, he's Kermit the Frog.

Edith and Archie Bunker's chairs.

Afterward, we walked back to the hotel; this time we walked to the other side of the White House.

The White House.

Tourists on Segways. I want to do this!

The weather had been hot, cloudy, and muggy. But for the day we took our tram tour of several monuments, we had beautiful blue skies (still hot, still muggy). This was probably my best photo opportunity of the DC portion of our trip.

The Washington Monument.

Inside the Jefferson Memorial.

Florinda at the Jefferson Memorial.

From the steps of the Jefferson Memorial (that's the White House between the trees).

The Jefferson Memorial.

The Lincoln Memorial.

Inside the Lincoln Memorial.

From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

After the monuments, Mom, Katie and Spencer went back to the hotel. Florinda and I did more walking (it's what we love to do on vacations) and more picture-taking.

The Library of Congress.

The Supreme Court.

The Capitol Building.

We visited the Library of Congress, which was having a special exhibit of one of my heroes: Bob Hope.

The Library of Congress.

After that, we went back to the National Gallery of Art.

Everywhere we went, Spencer always had a book with him.

Johannes Vermeer's Woman Holding a Balance. This is one of my all-time favorite paintings. I was surprised, delighted, and privileged, to see it in person.

I had only seen this painting in books. It is smaller than I thought (about 10" x 10"). Reproductions cannot do it justice. It is magnificent.

The next day was laundry day. I took a cab to a Laundromat, while Florinda went to meet some blogger friends. The kids were with Grandma for a trip to the Aquarium.  We left DC and headed for New York via train (another first for me!). It was a nice chance to sit, relax and watch the scenery go by.

Florinda nd Spencer on the train to New York.

On the train to New York. I love this picture of Katie.

When we arrived in New York, we were five people and a lot of luggage. I told the porter that we would need two cabs, but he came back with a limo driver. The price was right, so we all took a ride in a limousine (another first for me - and the kids).  

Katie and I had been to New York a couple of years ago, and Florinda had lived there when she was young, but this was the first visit for my Mom and Spencer. I love visiting New York. I don't think I would want to live there. The humidity and crowds would get to me after awhile.  Our first night was spent (wait for it...) walking around the areas adjacent to our hotel. These included Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Radio City.

Loved the public transportion.

Walking along Central Park.

Rockefeller Center.

Radio City Music Hall.

Artwork on the side of Radio City Music Hall.

The next day, We all went on the NBC Studio Tour, where I volunteered to be a weatherman (video here).

Next, we walked over to St. Patrick's Cathedral.

St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Inside St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Afterwards, we met some of Florinda's relatives for lunch. (After that, we went back to Rockefeller Center to check out the city views from Top of the Rock.)

Florinda's Aunt, Florinda, her Uncle and Cousin.

View of the Empire State Building from the top of Rockefeller Center.

View of Central Park from the top of Rockefeller Center.

Afterward, we dropped off Mom and Spencer at the hotel, and Florinda, Katie, and I went...walking. We walked over to Times Square and found the theatre where we would be seeing The Addams Family in a couple of days. 

Times Square.

The next day, we met Florinda's friend for breakfast. It was at a very familiar restaurant that we had never been to.

Tom's Restaurant was Monk's in Seinfeld. The inside is completely different than the TV show.

Afterward, we walked over to St. John's, the world's largest gothic cathedral. I am not a church-goer (surprise!) yet, I can really appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of religious structures.

St. John's Cathedral.

The pipe organ at St. John's Cathedral.

St. John's Cathedral. It is much darker than this in person. I adjusted the exposure settings on my camera to capture more light.

St. John's Cathedral.

A white Peacock at St. John's Cathedral. When it jumped up on this fence, it lost a feather...

...and Spencer collected it.

After a morning of eggs, bacon, and God, we headed down to Battery Park to catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. Pictures do not do her justice. She has to be seen to really appreciate how magnificent she is.

The Statue of Liberty.

Spencer and the Statue of Liberty.

We had tickets for crown access, but, unfortunately, Katie was feeling a little worn, so she and Grandma stayed at ground level. Florinda decided to go only as high as the pedestal. Spencer and I set off to get inside Lady Liberty's head. 

The original torch.

Inside the Statue of Liberty, on the climb up. Of the many ways to bang your head, I discovered three.

Looking out of Lady Liberty's crown.

Spencer and I inside the crown. A few more opportunities to bang your head.

Later that night, Grandma and the kids had room service, while Florinda and I went to The Brooklyn Diner, found our way to Carnegie Hall, and took shelter from a brief, yet heavy, thunderstorm. 

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice. Or, eat at the Brooklyn Diner and walk half a block.

The Brooklyn Diner

Wednesday included a trip to Macy's and FAO Schwarz. At one of the subway stops, we were treated to the "Ebony Hillbillies." They were awesome.

The Ebony Hillbillies

Two cops on horseback outside Ray's. How New York can you get?

Some of the toy displays at FAO Scharwz are pretty cool.

Spencer with a life-size Chewbacca made entirely of Legos.

Spencer moonwalking on the giant piano.

Later that night, we all dressed up and went to see The Addams Family on Broadway. Nathan Lane, whom I believe to be a national treasure, was fantastic as Gomez. His body language and vocal emphasis were a pleasure to see. Bebe Neuwirth was also wonderful as Morticia. I felt the music was so-so, but the writing was excellent. We were laughing so hard, at one point, I though Spencer was going to pass out. 

Katie dressed up to go to see The Addams Family.

Katie and Spencer. I couldn't ask for two greater kids.

The only one missing, is Grandma. She took the picture. Katie wore boots to be taller than me. I wore boots, too. She was about 6' 2" and I was about 6' 3". I won.

Our last day of vacation was spent at the Natural History Museum.

The subway stop at the Natural History Museum has this beautiful mural/tile work. It also has a convenient entrance directly from the subway.

Lions and tigers and these guys. Oh my.

Spencer "Clamming it up."

Life-size reproduction of a Blue Whale.

After that, we walked along Central Park. Grandma and the kids decided to go back to the hotel, but Florinda and I still had some places we wanted to see. We went by the Dakota, then Strawberry Fields. We saw the fountain from "Friends," and some boaters. We came back to Strawberry Fields and watched the stoners and/or musicians that gather there.

The Dakota.

Strawberry Fields is accessed by pathway across from the Dakota.

Florinda at the fountain used in the opening credits of Friends.

Central Park.

I'm not saying they are all Stoners. But, the girl in black is smoking a joint. They were all pretty mellow.

It was a wonderful trip. I am so thankful that we were able to take it, and I hope everyone will remember it fondly for the rest of their lives.  

I know I will.

Meeting Heroes and Crushes

2010-04-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day.

Not only is it the 5th annivesary of Florinda and my first date, but we went to a Comic book/Sci-fi convention in Anaheim. Florinda had never been to one, and I had not been since the early 80's. I met and got autographed photos from 4 of my heroes and/or crushes:

Yvonne Craig (crush). Back in 1967, she was the original Bat-girl on TV. I did not see her then, but rather in re-runs. She was one of my first adolecent crushes, and the first celebrity I got an autograph from at the convention. She was delightful and funny. We talked a little about Florinda's and my anniversary, and how her husband wanting to live to be 120 years old. Her advice to him? "Make younger friends." She also never misses The Big Bang Theory (I was wearing a BBT shirt).

Adam West (hero). You know him. He was the original Batman from the 60's TV show and movie. He is also (among many other roles) the Mayor on Family Guy. You can follow Mr. West on Twitter. He told me that he is on Twitter because his daughter told him he needed to be. The line was long, and we hurried along so that we did not take up any more time then it took for a quick exchange and autograph. He seemed like a very nice guy.

Erin Gray (MAJOR crush). She was Col. Wilma Deering on the 1979 TV show "Buck Rogers" By now, I was 17 and over my Batgirl crush (well, maybe not completely...). Having a tendency to admire strong female characters (I never cared for women who waited, helplessly, for a man to come save them), I found Erin Gray's Wilma Deering beautiful, smart, and able to take care of herself (and others). In person, Ms. Gray was all of those things, and was a pleasure to speak to. She told me about how she started Heroes for Hire. I donated $10 to Haven House (a shelter for battered women, of which Ms. Gray is a Board Member - you too can help) and had my picture taken with her. It took 30 years, but, as you can tell by the boyish smile on my face, it as totally worth the wait.

William Shatner (MAJOR hero). You may have heard of him. He played a character named James T. Kirk on a 60's TV show called "Star Trek." Unfortunately, Mr. Shatner draws quite a crowd, so I was not able to engage him in conversation as much as the others. We did speak briefly about his book "Up Till Now," which I had recently read, then I moved along to make way for the others autograph seekers. He seemed nice, but, distant. This is understandable. He's William Freakin' Shatner. I cannot imagine some of the encounters he must have with overly-friendly fans. You can follow Mr. Shatner on Twitter.

Meeting these four people was an exhilarating, yet odd, experience. I purposely tried to keep my conversations brief for a couple of reasons: Respect for their time, and to not come across as too familiar. Florinda and I spoke with Yvonne Craig and Erin Gray the longest and would have liked to have talked with them more, and not because of my boyhood crushes, but, because they both came across as nice, intelligent, caring, and funny people.

Am I living to my full potential?

2009-11-29T12:18:00.000-08:00

Looking to waste some time on the internet? Take this quiz, and you're off to a good start.

I wasted time making it, so you may as well waste time taking it.

Am I living to my full potential?

Your idea of a wonderful day is...
A. Getting out of the house/apartment and being active.
B. Cleaning the house/apartment from top to bottom.
C. Having some quiet time to catch up on your reading.
D. Sitting on the couch eating carbs and watching TV.
E. Spending time on the Internet to the point that your vision blurs.

You...
A. Bicycle to work every day.
B. Can run a 10K without stopping.
C. Walk for 30 minutes a day.
D. Can get off your couch on the 2nd or 3rd attempt.
E. Are still in bed.

For dinner, you typically eat...
A. A balanced meal, cooked at home.
B. A balanced meal, at a nice restaurant.
C. Whatever is handy that you can throw together at home.
D. At a fast-food place.
E. Cheetos.

When you step on a scale, you...
A. Don’t own a scale. You are in great shape.
B. Are happy.
C. Consider changing your eating/exercise habits if you have put on weight.
D. Cry.
E. Can’t see it.

Friends have told you...
A. “You are a wonderful person, and a great friend.”
B. “We should get together more often.”
C. "I'll call you sometime."
D. “Wow, you’ve changed.”
E. “This is an intervention.”

Your personal library is...
A. A wide variety of fiction and non-fiction covering many subjects an genres.
B. A few books that are keepers. The others you’ve read have been donated to a public library.
C. Mostly fashion and sports magazines.
D. In the bathroom
E. "TV Guide"

You are hiking and become lost in the woods without a cell phone. Night is falling. You...
A. Build a shelter, find fresh water, and use the rising sun to determine which direction to head in the morning.
B. Panic a little, find a sheltered spot, and hope someone will find you in the morning.
C. Remember your dad telling you what to do in a situation like this. What was it again?
D. Wander aimlessly.
E. Are quickly on your way to becoming wolf poop.

The highest level of education you have received is...
A. A Doctorate.
B. A Masters degree.
C. A Bachelors degree.
D. A High School diploma.
E. Street Smrts

Your body is...
A. A temple.
B. In great shape.
C. Better than most.
D. In need of some work.
E. A warning to others.

In the last election, you...
A. Studied the candidates and issues with an open mind and voted.
B. Voted along party lines no matter the candidate or issue.
C. Didn’t decide how to vote until you were in the voting booth
D. Voted for the candidate and issues your friends told you to.
C. Didn’t vote. Yelled at you TV.

When you see a problem, you...
A. Bring a solution.
B. Get others together to form a problem-solving committee.
C. Whine and complain, but, don’t do anything else.
D. Don’t do anything. It’s someone else’s problem.
E. Are looking in a mirror

What are you doing right now?
A. Spending time with your family and/or friends.
B. Reading a good book.
C. Watching TV.
D. Reading "US" magazine.
E. Taking a quiz on a blog.

You're done! See, that was easy, or was it?

How to score:

Add up the corresponding points based on each of your answers. A=5 points, B=4 points, C=3 points, D=2 points, and E=1 point

Results!

49-60: You're one smart cookie. In fact, you probably figured out early on that you could answer all A's without even reading the answers and get a high score.

37-48: You work a little harder than most, and for that you are rewarded with a slightly above-average score in an online quiz.

25-36: It's not too late to change. With a little effort, you could (probably) be above average. Or, you could just keep going the way you are. Bet I already know which one you'll choose!

13-24: With a little effort, you could... oh, who am I kidding?

0-12: Turns out your parole officer was right. Guess you owe him a dollar. Remember, cigarettes can be used like money!

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Favorite Movie Remakes

2009-11-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Yano for the topic.

It was actually difficult to come up with 10 favorite remakes. I usually avoid them because the term “remake” is usually identified with “not as good as the original.” There have been far more bad remakes than good ones. Often, it seems as though the people producing the remake, never watched or identified with the original, so the new version ends up disappointing the fans of the original.

Perhaps that’s why I don’t know if my list counts as “remakes” so much, as updates, or reboots. I prefer this concept rather than a straight “remake,” as opportunities arise to go beyond the original vision and make something better, not just newer.

Batman Begins (2005) – Finally! Batman done right. Batman was always a serious character. The slew of Batman movies from the 80’s and 90’s were more closely related to the 60’s TV show (which I also like, but, for it’s campy self, not a true version of the Batman) than the comics. The Dark Knight was even better. I hope they take the next movie as seriously.

Star Trek (2009) – Being a Trekker (Trekkie back then) since the early 70’s, I was excited when I heard they were producing a new TV series called Star Trek: The Next Generation. At first, I wanted to like it more than I did. The first season was weak, but, as the series progressed, the story lines and characters got better. Sorry Wil Weaton, I may be a fan of @wilw, but I wanted Wesley Crusher to suffer a fatal transporter accident (with Dr. Pulaski as a bonus). The next batch of Trek shows all fell short in my opinion. Enterprise being the worst. The feature films featuring the original series, and TNG, casts were good, but, as they progressed, they seemed to be less and less appealing. My favorite original cast movie is Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home ("Where do you keep your Nuclear Wessles"). Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn is second - not that you asked. Favorite TNG movie: Star Trek: First Contact. That brings us to Star Trek (2009). Originally slated to be released for the holiday’s in 2008, Paramount execs thought the movie was strong enough to be a summer release, and moved the date to May 8, 2009. I was nervous, having been burned by getting over-excited about Trek movies before. My fears were laid to rest after the 12-minute opening sequence. After seeing the movie 4 times (I said I was a Trekker!), the opening still gets me all verklempt (if you haven’t seen it – SPOILER ALERT – the opening sequence is the birth of James T. Kirk, and the death of his father, who saves 800 lives, including his son’s). I consider this movie the best Trek movie to date. Let’s hope they make the next one, at least, as good.

The Mummy (1999) – I still love this modernized (it takes place in 1923) version of the story. The mummy is not some guy in 10 pounds of gauze, slowly creeping along seeking victims. In fact, the original mummy was so slow that, even as a child, I wondered how he could possibly catch anyone! This version of the story has the Mummy coming back from the dead and becoming more rejuvenated with each victim he claims. The dialog is sharp and funny. Some of the special effect now seem dated, but, it doesn't matter, because it is the story and characters that makes this movie fun.

Get Smart (2008) – I love the TV show (would you believe I have the entire series on DVD), and was nervous about the movie version. After all, there were other movie versions that fell far short of the original series. While I don’t think I will ever love it, like I do the series, the movie was very good. The characters were updated, yet true to their original incarnations. I look forward to a sequel.

King Kong (2005) – The Peter Jackson version, not the laughable Jeff Bridges version (Heck, it may have well starred Todd Bridges!). In Peter Jackson’s beautifully rendered version, Kong comes to life like never before. His facial expressions and movements convey a range of emotions that stop-motion photography or monkey suits (actual monkey suits, not tuxedos!) never could. It is, at heart, a love story. The scene where Kong protects Anne from three T-Rex's is fantastic!

Little Shop of Horrors (1986) – Funny, sweet, a great soundtrack, and an awesome cast. I cannot think of how it could have been better.

A Christmas Carol (1999) – First off, I may be slightly influenced by the fact that ~~Captain Jean Luc Picard~~ Patrick Stewart plays Scrooge. However, it is a wonderful retelling of the Dicken’s classic. A must for every Christmas season (along with A Christmas Story).

The Magnificent Seven (1960) – Oh, sure, some (OK, most) of the acting was pretty bad, but this remake of The Seven Samurai is still one of my favorite westerns. Don’t take it too seriously and just enjoy the ride. Steve McQueen doesn’t speak much, but is steals just about every scene he is in.

Casino Royale (2006) – This reboot of the (very, very) tired James Bond franchise is still my favorite Bond movie. I was hopeful from the start of the movie. The 60’s “girlie-show” opening credits were gone (unfortunately, they returned in Quantum of Solace). Bond wasn’t glib. No ridiculous gadgets (invisible car, etc.) He wasn’t bedding every woman he ran into (I often thought that the “old” Bonds could have saved the world in half the time if James could just keep it in his pants). He was dedicated to his job with an unwavering commitment. Not afraid to get beaten or bruised, he served Queen and country. He was what, I felt, James Bond should have always been.

Spider-Man (2002) – Remember the 1978 TV show "The Amazing Spider-Man?" There was nothing amazing about it. From the poor writing and acting to the ridiculous, ill-fitting Spidy suit. In 2002, Director Sam Raimi treated us to the best Spider-Man to date. The story and characters were true to their comic book origins. The writing, overall design and special effects were top notch. Still the best Spider-Man.

Now, for fun, some (obviously, not all) of the worst:

King Kong (1976) – Ah, the 70's. I laugh every time I catch parts of it on TV. It is so bad.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) – Surprised this made the list, what with me being a Trekker and all? It bombed on December 7, 1979. It was as though whoever wrote it had never seen Star Trek. I was at the height of my Trekkieness, and I was watching it, thinking to myself "WTF?" If you have problems falling asleep, watch it. Problem Solved.

The Incredible Hulk (2008) – Knowing 2003's Hulk movie sucked, they decided to make another one. Not a better one, just another one. Let’s hope this is the last time the Hulk has his own movie. "Hulk not a smash!"

Robin Hood (1991) – I laughed, I cried (because I paid to see it), but, I mostly laughed. Among other things, it featured Kevin Costner and his case of the disappearing British accent. Errol Flynn is still the best Robin Hood.

Speed Racer (2008) – Die-hard fans of the TV show where disappointed, and it’s no wonder, this was another movie where you ask yourself “did the writers even watch the original show?” This movie couldn’t make up it’s mind what it wanted to be. If it’s a kids movie, why do we see Spritle flip-off the bad guy?. If it’s for young adults, why were there so many childish (think: Spritle and Chim-Chim) scenes? For crying out loud, Speed was driving the Mach 6. What, the Mach 5 wasn’t good enough for him?

Around the World in 80 Days (2004) – OK, I’ll admit that I did not see it – and I like Jackie Chan! I have seen almost all his movies. So why didn’t I see this one? Usually, they put the good bits in the commercials, and the commercials stunk! I wasn't going to pay to see the rest of the movie!

I know there are a lot more, are there any you would have added to either list?

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Things You Want But Can't Afford

2009-10-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Somehow, it seems appropriate that I bring Blogenstein back from the dead. For how long, or how often, is anyone's guess.

Thanks to Yano for the topic. and Florinda for sending it to me.

On to the topic at hand. Let's see, money:
1. can't buy happiness
2. can't buy me love (or so Lennon and McCartney say)
3. is the root of all evil (but, can do a lot of good)

Honestly, most of what I want is not that expensive, but still out of my reach. So for the list, I am going with some of the more high-priced items. Putting food, clothing, and gas on the list just seems boring.

In no particular order:

A 4-bedroom house with enough room for a studio. Oh, and a yard for the dog. The kids can use it too.

Matched pair of brilliant nickel-plated, Expert "American" engraved 1873 Colt Single Action Army Revolvers with faux ivory grips with my personal logo inset in white gold.

Star Midnight Warrior I miss my motorcycle. If I could get another, this would be it (well, as of now).

Bugatti Veyron (Is $1,500,000.00 too much for the most amazing car ever built?)

A 2-week trip to Italy and France (Maybe Greece, since I will be in the neighborhood!) The art! The food!

The time (and money) to travel around the US. So much to see.

A guest spot on Burn Notice where I play Bruce Campbell's ne'er-do-well brother (People say we look alike. Of course, by "people," I mean "me looking in the mirror after way too much cough syrup"). Actually, if I couldn't get that, I would like to do John Henson's job for an episode of Wipeout! OK, technically, you can't buy these (or, can you...), but it would be fun!

Harrison Ford signature hero “Indiana Jones” bullwhip from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade or, the exact same whip made by the same people who made them for Indy, but new.

"The Four Seasons 1896" Art Print by Alphonse Mucha - The complete set of 4. My favorite artist. He is the reason I love Art Nouveau.

Being a Trekker (a Trekkie from the 70's) how could I not want one of these?

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Songs You Hate

2009-03-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Yano for the topic.

Fish Heads by Barnes & Barnes. Easily the song I hate the most.
I Feel Love by Donna Summer. Yes, and I feel by lunch coming up.
Da Ya Think I'm Sexy by Rod Stewart. No, no, and, GOOD LORD, NO!
Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus. He broke my ears! My Achy Breaky ears!
Convoy by C.W. McCall. Does it suck? That's a big 10-4 good buddy!
Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jack. They had joy. They had fun. I did not.
Who Let the Dogs Out? by Baha Men. Forget the dogs, who let these guys record this mess?
We Built This City by Starship. More like "We Wrote This Shitty"
(You're) Having My Baby by Paul Anka. What a lovely way to sing something so lousy...
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by William Shatner. A little bit of Trekkie died in me the day I heard this. Of course, that didn't stop me from buying a copy of "The Transformed Man."

(Dis)honorable mentions:
Muskrat Love by The Captain and Tenille.
Centerfold by The J. Giles Band.
Revolution No. 9 by (It so hurts me to say this) The Beatles.
Don't Give Up On Us Baby by David Soul.
Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman? by Bryan Adams.
Billy, Don't Be a Hero by Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods.
You Light Up My Life by Debbie Boone.
Mr. Roboto by Styx.
Music to Watch Space Girls By by Leonard Nimoy. Did he not hear Shatner's album?
Puppy Love by Donny Osmond.

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Favorite Children's Movies

2009-02-02T20:41:00.001-08:00

I prefer movies that do not pander or are simply product placement. I prefer a good story over fluff.

I love old Disney animation (Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Cinderella, etc.), but the stories were too girl-in-trouble-waits-for-man-to-come-solve-her-problem oriented. I grew up loving these movies, (and I still believe that when it comes to hand-drawn animation, you can’t beat early Disney), but time has given us better stories and characters.

What is a child? Instead of trying to profile and age (besides, some parents let their toddlers see PG or PG-13 movies), I am going to break it down by ratings. I am only doing G and PG as I feel PG-13 is no longer the realm of “children’s Movie.”

Rated G

Mulan

Toy Story

Finding Nemo

Wall•E

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

The Great Race (Unrated, so I will call it a "G")

Lady and the Tramp

A Christmas Story

The Black Stallion

It's a Mad Mad Mad World

Rated PG

The Incredibles

Madagascar

Shrek

Ice Age

Babe

Lilo & Stitch

The Princess Bride

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

The Adventures of Robin Hood (Unrated, so I will call it a "PG")

Hatari (Unrated, so I will also call this one "PG")

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Favorite Articles of Clothing You Own

2009-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

First off, I’m a dude. I bring this up because being a dude is a disadvantage when it comes to buying clothes. The women’s footwear department at Nordstrom is larger than most department store Men’s sections (excluding suits).

Oh sure, If all I wanted to wear was (GAG!) Dockers and Polo shirts, I would be in heaven, but I don’t, so I’m not.

That being said, I don’t think I can come up with ten.

Easily, my favorite piece of clothing is my “Ridin’ with the King” shirt I bought at Lansky Brothers in Memphis. The shirt is beautifully embroidered. Lansky Brothers is the nicest men’s clothing store I have ever been in. It’s not big, but it is packed with the kind of clothes I would wear. If I win the Lottery (wish me luck!), I am flying back there for a shopping (and dining) spree. I wear the shirt twice a year: on Elvis’ date of birth and on the date of his death.

My wedding boots. I haven’t worn dress shoes since I was in my early teens. I much prefer boots. I own several pair, but these are may favorite. I originally wore them to get married, but, now I wear them whenever I feel like it.

Wrangler jeans. These are pretty much the only pants I wear. However, I am not a complete dork (really!), I do wear slacks or a suit when necessary.

My Indiana Jones hat. Florinda got me this for Christmas. I haven’t had that much opportunity to wear it, because it is so new.

My motorcycle jacket. I haven’t worn it since I sold my motorcycle. Somehow, it seems too poser-like to wear the jacket if you don’t have the bike. I hope to be able to wear it again some day.

OK, so that is five items. I could pick 5 more items out of my closet just to make 10, but, I made the list to be my favorites, not just ten items.

I am willing to bet that most men/guys/dudes are in the same fashion limbo that I am. I am also willing to bet that there will be several women who have trouble narrowing their list down to 10. Oh how I envy them!

Weekend Assignment #251

2009-01-19T15:51:00.000-08:00

Weekend Assignment #251: You have a six-month paid sabbatical, and you can spend it anywhere you like EXCEPT on a beach drinking margaritas. Where do you go, and what do you do while you're there?

Extra Credit: In real life, have you ever gone anywhere enjoyable at an employer's expense?

I am assuming that the six-month sabbatical is not due to waiting for a trail date, therefore, I am free to leave the country.

This was much harder to answer than I originally thought it would be. There are places I have always wanted to go, but, six months is a long time. Photo safaris to either Africa, or Alaska came to mind, but, again, six months? Alaska gets friggin' cold and Africa gets farkin' hot. I thought about Italy: the food, art, the food.

So where would I spend it? With my camera in a rental car (a comfortable rental car!) - traveling all around the United States. Why drive? More often than not, the best trips I have taken in my life have been road trips. Driving slows you down and allows you to take in the scenery. It allows you to experience unexpected wonders that you would miss flying. You happen upon wonderful, people, places and moments not in your original itinerary. You can go where and when you want to - you can make that "left turn at Albuquerque." You can stop into a diner/burger joint. You can see sights that you thought only existed in coffee table books. Usually we fly long distances due to time restrictions, but, hey, I've got six months! I'm driving!

Extra Credit: ~~Hell~~ Unfortunately, no.

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Things You Want to do in 2009

2009-01-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

Win the Lottery – This would really help accomplish the rest of the list.

Travel with my family - Washington DC? Santa Barbara? 7-Eleven?

Become a better Photographer – There is always more to learn.

Become a better listener - Florinda will be happy to hear this one!

Replace my aging (cramped) car – I don’t see how this is going to happen, but the subject is what would I want to do...

Buy a motorcycle – While I’m dreaming...

Learn to speak Spanish – I failed it twice in high school, but, it would be so handy to know.

Worry less – It’s a hobby of mine to worry. I really should stop, but, I’m afraid of what will happen if I do.

Scan and archive family photos – I have 22 reels of slides dating back to the late 50’s that I want to preserve. All I have to do is organize, categorize, date, and scan them. Maybe by 2010...

Eat better – I mean healthier, not more efficiently.

2008 Highlights, Part 2: Yellowstone Trip with my Family

2009-01-01T11:25:00.000-08:00

This trip included my wife, kids, and mother (whose car was big enough for all of us to fit in). We drove through 5 states and nearly 3000 miles. The kids learned to travel well and keep themselves busy in between stops. I was a proud father for sure.

Below are some highlights.

My mom, the kids and I at Zion National Park. Explanation of the hat: Katie was at Disneyland for Grad Night the night before.

Florinda, the kids and I in northern Utah.

The Grand Tetons.

The kids under an antler arch in Jackson, WY.

Katie is, what you may call, an animal lover.

A Bison traffic jam. They are frickin' HUGE!

Bison!

Elk!

The front of a bus at the Yellowstone Lodge.

Old ~~Facefull~~ Faithful.

The Grand Canyon. Pictures don't do it justice. You have to see it to believe it.

A California Condor (#87 is visible on it's wing) soaring over the Grand Canyon.

A Train Robber stops and poses for a photo on the way back to Williams, AZ.

2008 Highlights, Part 1: New York City with my Daughter

2009-01-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

I was very lucky to chaperone my daughter and a friend when their Drama class went on a trip to New York earlier this year. We were there for 5 days and 4 nights. I have to say, the chaperoning was easy! Both Katie and her friend were always on time and well behaved (although, what went on in their room – I have no idea!).

The tour was pretty much non-stop and included Grand Central Station, Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty, The financial District, The Museum if Natural History, Little Italy, Radio City Music Hall (where the kids got to meet a Rockette!), Rockefeller Center, Time Square, tickets to Spamalot and Wicked, and much more!

At the end, we were exhausted, but very happy to have taken the trip.

Some day I would like to go back, but with the whole family and at a more reasonable pace.

Below are some highlights.

Grand Central Station

A mosaic in Strawberry Fields, across the street from the Dakota, where John Lennon lived.

Central Park

Times Square

Inside Radio City Music Hall

The Statue of Liberty

Inside the processing building on Ellis Island

"The Sphere." Now damaged, this was originally in the World Trade Center Plaza

The New York Stock Exchange

Outside the Rainbow Room and Radio City Music Hall.

Rockefeller Center at night.

Another of Rockefeller Center at night.

Katie and I outside the Apple Store - and out of the rain!

Ten on Tuesday: 10 New Year's Resolutions

2008-12-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

It is difficult to come up with 10 items for this list, because I tend to make resolutions throughout the year. Why wait until New Year's to make resolutions? People are always telling me things I could do (although, some seem physically impossible) to improve myself.

I know that Florinda would like me to resolve to blog more often. Maybe I will! Let’s read on and see!

I resolve to not be so critical of others. Especially the Jackasses and Dumbshits. I figure I can stretch this one out (that’s what she said!) until January 2nd if I don’t watch TV.

I resolve to be a little greener every year.

I resolve to love, honor, and cherish (notice I didn’t say “obey”?) Florinda every day.

I resolve to drink less caffeine. This must be important to me as I make this resolution every year. Some years I make it two or three times!

I resolve to take better care of myself. At this point, any improvement will do.

I resolve to accept that I cannot control everything in my life, and not let what I cannot control get to me.

I resolve to become a better listener. Of course, it would help if people would talk about things I was interested in.

I resolve to go places/do things when I can, and not put them off until “later.”

I resolve to make one more resolution.

I resolve to blog less infrequently.

There, my list of letting untold numbers of perfect strangers know what I perceive to be my inadequacies are, is complete.

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Favorite Holiday Songs

2008-12-09T04:35:00.000-08:00

This is a tough one. I grew up loving Christmas (I still do, but, as an adult, there is more stress involved – shopping for the right gifts, money, etc.), and Christmas music always added another level of excitement to the season. Of course, back then (you know, the dark ages), Christmas was in the stores for only a month, generally starting after Thanksgiving. This year, we saw Christmas decorations going up the day after Halloween!

The links only work if you have iTunes. If you don't, well, what's up with that?

10 Favorite Holiday Songs
White Christmas – Bing Crosby   What would Christmas be without this one?
The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole   Or this one?
Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Bruce Springsteen   Best version of this song. Ever.
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee How about Flockin' Around the Christmas Tree?
Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano   I can't understand a word he is saying. It's like he is singing in a different language or something.
Do You Hear What I Hear – Bing Crosby   What I hear is one of my favorite Christmas songs!
Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives

Linus & Lucy – Vince Guaraldi Trio

Runner ups
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer – Patsy and Elmo I hope Santa has good insurance.
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow – Vaughn Monroe This one makes me think of my Dad.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – The Pretenders

Frosty the Snowman – Gene Autry
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry
Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus – Kip Addotta Oh no you didn't!
Christmas at Ground Zero – Weird Al Yankovic

Walkin' 'Round in Women's Underwear – Bob Rivers Not the song you want to be singing at your Mom's Christmas party.

Least favorite Christmas song of all-time
All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth – Spike Jones. Keep singing that song, and Santa will need to bring you a whole mouthful!

Least favorite Christmas song of all-time – Runner ups (Hey! You could have sucked worse!)
Jingle Bells – Singing (Barking really) Dogs. Good Lord! Who thought that barking dogs was an enjoyable sound? What’s next, Do You Hear What I Hear performed by the Farting Grandpas?