Jury Duty Fun

Today I arrived at the downtown courthouse for jury duty. Before I could get my computer started, I was called to go to the "Hawthorne School" court on the other side of town. As we were waiting in the jury room (former kindergarten classroom), the power went out. A man came in and told us the power was out throughout the neighborhood. I am now sitting in a dark room waiting to find out what happens next. The fun never ends!
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Tough Job Requirements

Seen at the Taco Bell in Mission Grove.

It must take amazing origami skills to turn your application "into" a manager. Who knew the expectations for rolling burritos is so high. We won't even get into the numerous uses of "Engrish" found.
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Crack berry

I joined Face book Friday night and learned how to use their mobile application on my Blackberry yesterday. I now understand where the nickname "crack berry" came from. I can't put the thing down. I'm changing my status the way some people use Twitter. In fact, as soon as I'm done logging on my crack berry, I need to change my status to reflect that I am done with lunch.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Hockey Day

On Wednesday Ken and I went to the Ducks /Oilers game for his birthday. Ken had wanted to go to this game since he first saw the schedule and saw that a game fell on his birthday. Unfortunately, I didn't have money at the time. On Tuesday, I got a call from Brad Vaughn, a drummer I know, saying he had two club level tickets to the game. He GAVE me two $89.00 tickets for free. Here are some pics from the game.

Ken before the game

Me before the game

Us in our seats

Watching the radio post-game show. That's rookie Nathan McIver on the left.

The coolest part of the Club Level: Gold Toilet Plumbing!!!

Here's a video I took in the parking lot. I think we were a bit early.

Dean Koontz Day

Today Sarah and I went to Oceanside to see Dean Koontz speak. He also signed a few books for us. The entire deal was a fundraiser for an incredible group called Canine Companions for Independence. All proceeds from his new book, Bliss to You, go toward this wonderful organization that trains and provides service dogs for handicapped people. Not just seeing eye dogs:
I dropped my keys, can't open the door, can't reach the phone, etc. dogs!

The Big Holiday

Since tomorrow is Talk Like A Pirate Day I went to the Talk Like A Pirate page and got a new name and an image of me as a pirate.











BUTCH THE WICKED!

5 Hours 'Till Showtime

Not that I'm Counting!

The Funniest Thing Since the Last Funniest Thing

This one is for the musicians out there, though everyone will enjoy it. It proves the theory that there is an finite combination of chords that we combine into songs.

All About the Wordplay

Sarah and I are going to see Mr. A-Z (Jason Mraz) at Casino Morongo in less than two weeks, Sept. 13. Tickets are still available if anyone is interested.

I Haven't Laughed This Hard In A Long Time

I love the parts about radio stations and wolverines!

What Do I Do?

I'm not normally one to write about things too personal, but I figure I'd try it and see how it goes.

Today I walked into Sarah's backyard and was greeted by Otis when he firmly planted his paw in my groin. As I walked, doubled-over, back inside I realized I was covered in mud. I told Sarah she should tell the boys not to play with the hose. She said the hose is not near the corner.

Turns out one of the boys or their friend dug a hole in the backyard without permission and broke the sprinkler line. It's unclear if this happened before or after they asked Sarah if they could dig a moat, to which she answered no. Either they disobeyed and dug anyway or didn't ask for permission to radically alter her backyard. Either way, I feel that shows a lack of respect for Sarah.

I'm also dumbfounded by the fact neither Robbie or Cameron thought to tell Mom the backyard was slowly flooding. I'm sure they were afraid of getting in trouble. Again this translates to me as a lack of respect for Sarah. They were more concerned about having the Playstation taken away than causing lots of damage to Sarah's yard.

The lack of respect theme isn't just from these incidents. There was the time Cameron knocked my computer on the floor, the way they treat their toys, their inability to clean up after themselves, one saying he doesn't listen when he is told to do something because he doesn't think he'll get in trouble, etc.

I don't buy the "boys will be boys" story. If we lived by that rule, we would never learn that society has some basic expectations from its members. What do you think? Is it a lack of respect thing? Am I expecting to much from a 9 year old? A 6 year old?

The Olympic Bet Results

I think Ken was starting to get overconfident in his choices. The night before the men's water polo game, I got a text from Ken where he said this was turning out to be a lot closer than he thought. It ended up that it came down to that final water polo game. If the men got gold, I won by 2.5 points. If they got silver, Ken won by 2.5 points. That's pretty darn close. Turns out the men lost to uber-favorite Hungary. Oh, well. I think this might be the first "Dollar and a Bag of Doritos Bet" I've lost. It was fun following sports that normally don't get any coverage here. Go Team USA! If they had National Pride Doritos, that's what Ken would get but, sadly, they don't. What flavor would you like, Ken?

Man Shopping

Today I went to Best Buy and purchased a new all-in-one printer. But I didn't just walk in and buy one. I spent the last several days:

1. Researching websites


2. Reading reviews


3. Comparison pricing


4. Talking to Ken


5. Talking to Sarah


6. Checking ink prices

I finally decided on the Canon MX700. What a cool printer! I love that it auto feeds documents for copying and scanning. If you've ever had to scan multiple pages, you know this is a good thing. I've already printed off some pictures and they look pretty good. I'm eventually going to buy a dedicated photo printer so picture quality wasn't super important, but these are pretty good for an all-in-one. And it has a fax machine. I send maybe one fax a year so that will be a lifesaver!(?) The best part:

On sale at Best Buy for $129!

The second best part: I had $45 in Reward Zone certificates!

If you think I put this much effort into all shopping, I don't. I probably spent less than 5 minutes on the last gift I bought for you.

Mobile Blog

I'm laying in bed playing with my new BlackBerry and thought I'd give mobile blogging a try. If this works, I'll be able to join the ranks of people that blog from places like: bed, driving, dinner with friends, and my favorite, the bathroom. Here's hoping this goes well.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

The Olympic Bet

Ken and I have made the standard bet, a dollar and a bag of Doritos, on the Olympics. We both chose four of the less-popular sports. No swimming, track and field, gymnastics, basketball, etc. We earn points for each medal won by the Americans. 10 for gold, 5 for silver, 2 1/2 for bronze. Ken chose: shooting, fencing, judo, and canoe/kayak. I chose: beach volleyball, tennis, cycling, and water polo. Ken is currently leading because more medals have been given out in his sports. I'm banking on the US winning my events. Ken is, in his own words, trying to "bronze me to death." Ken got a huge boost when the US swept the medals in a fencing event. Today I got my first gold when Kristin Armstrong won the women's cycling time trial. Coincidence that her last name is Armstrong? I think not. Come on Williams sisters, May/Walsh, and BMX riders! I like Doritos!

I Have No Idea...

...what is going on here. Geeks around the world are probably cheering and cringing at the same time.

I Have To Say It Was A Good Day

Today started out tough. I had to be in Baldwin Park by 8:30 this morning for notes and then a full run-through of a show we performed this afternoon. The only thing keeping me going at times was the thought of the amazing pound of salmon fillets I had in the fridge. Sarah and the boys are NOT fish eaters so I rarely get to indulge. Tonight was the night. Salmon and rice pilaf. Delicious!! I'm now watching the Dodger game as the wonderful aroma of salmon floats through the air. I wish Sarah was here to enjoy this wonderful moment. Although she could probably, strike that, definitely do without the salmon part. I miss her and the boys dearly but for now I'm enjoying being able to cook fish without offending anyone. They come home tomorrow. I can't wait! Sorry salmon, they win.

The Heat Is On

Yesterday when I woke up, I noticed Sarah's air conditioner wasn't working. After trying everything I could think of (namely flipping the thermostat switch on and off), I went to my dad's and got the phone number of his air conditioning guy. This morning I called and the lady said they would be here between 11-1 today. It only took them a few minutes to determine the problem: A short in a wire outside most likely caused by a dog chewing on it. OTIS! While we were talking, he noticed one of the sprinkler valves wasn't fully closed. He happened to have a new one in the van. Done and done. He also cleaned and serviced the a/c unit. $250 later, Sarah's house is cool, the sidewalk is dry, and her water bill should be slightly lower in future months. Who would have thought it would cost me so much for her to go on vacation?

Sarah and her family left this afternoon for the Disney Cruise. I'm house sitting for the week. I've been home alone for less than 5 hours and I've already cleaned the heck out of her fridge. Out of respect for Sarah, I won't show you the before pictures but doesn't it look nice now?

Show Me the Money!

Brett Favre gets offered $20 million to not play football?! I have not played football for over 30 years. Hey Green Bay, how about kicking me down with some cash? I'll stay retired.

Pie Chart Love

I have noticed a lot of traffic recently on my blog, specifically to the entry titled "Funny Pie Charts." I googled the term "funny pie charts" and my blog was the second page on the list! That's pretty cool. To honor this milestone, I have taken a few pie charts from the first page on the list to share with you here.


This last one can apply to people who comment on most websites: You Tube, MSN News, any sports story site, etc.

Shed a Tear With The Rock

Right now Robbie is in the shower singing, "Hardcore wrestlers, hardcore wrestlers, hardcore wrestlers with inner feelings." Is this who he's talking about?

Tonight's Oz Rehearsal

They predicted 6,000 people showed up to watch the final dress rehearsal of "Wizard of Oz." This picture was taken about 45 minutes before show time. If this is any indication of things to come, it should be a great run. The more, the merrier. If you plan on coming, show up early.

Shameless Plug

This Thursday through Saturday I am playing bass for the Redlands Bowl summer music series production of "Wizard of Oz." The bowl is a great outdoor venue where people can picnic and enjoy a show. The show looks like it will be a winner. We have a great cast including a ton of 9-13 year olds playing munchkins, Oz-ites, and monkeys. If you're free, come check it out. The show starts at 8:15 with a community sing starting at 7:15. The best part is it's free!

P.S. I recommend going to the Redlands Marie Callendar's for dinner before the show!

The Leader of the Plaque

Today I had some dental work done. It's been a while since I've been and was a little apprehensive. Once I got there, things were mostly o.k.
The mirror: fun
The gauze: unoffensive
The water: cool (literally)
The sucker tube: my favorite
The dental pick: The thing I fear and hate most in this world!

Funny Website

Don't click here if you are easily offended by tongue-in-cheek satire. I found this site today and laughed hysterically. The testimonials are my favorite part.

The Wheels On the Bus Go Round and Round

Today I embraced my inner "redneckedness" and watched this on t.v.

Dog Days of Summer

Unusual Breeze

That wind that just blew through Southern California was caused by thousands of Lakers fans simultaneously taking down their window flags. Better luck next year.

Fertilizer Monster

Beware of the black beast with glowing blue eyes that poops in yards at night!

A Quick Funny

For my compu-nerd friends.

Where's the Beef?

It's on the way to my house! I just ordered the American Collection from Omaha Steaks.

It consists of the following:
4 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins
4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops
2 (4.5 oz.) Stuffed Sole with Scallops and Crab
8 (3 oz.) Gourmet Franks
10 Potatoes au Gratin
4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers
4 (4 oz. approx.) Boneless Chicken Breasts
Plus I got an additional 12 hamburger patties free. Total cost: $59.99!!!!!
Barbecue anyone?

Proof

Photographic proof that Sarah has Shamar's mom beat.

Grammar Police

Original Joe's, I find you guilty of the crime of Extraneous Apostrophe Usage.
Not Once:


Not Twice:


But Three times on one page:

The server took our menus before I could get a picture of the violation on the next page. It said something like, "Enjoy one of our hand-tossed pizza's." I hereby sentence you to return to remedial English and relearn Apostrophe usage. (And a free pizza would be nice!)

Tae Kwon Do Testing

Yesterday Robbie and Cameron tested to move up in rank. Robbie is now "Recommended Brown Belt." Unfortunately Cameron didn't finish his test. Something about not following directions, not paying attention, etc. (If you know him, this doesn't surprise you.) Here are some pics:


Cameron Sparring


Robbie Sporting His New Belt

Memorial Day 2008

Sarah and I took the boys down to watch the West Coast Thunder motorcycle parade. Every year thousands (this year they estimate 7,000) of motorcycles parade from the Harley Davidson dealership to the Riverside National Cemetary. Here are some pics:


Robbie rolling down the hill and me trying out my new camera's burst mode:







For the second year we have seen the sweetest couple. He is obviously a military veteran. They bring out their blankets and lawn chairs and wave American Flags as the motorcycles pass. This year she stood at the curb for a while waving at the riders.


Finally, the coolest bike of the day:

My New Bass

Here she is. Sue wants to name her "Juliette" because she is green and blue, Girls Scouts are green and blue, Juliette founded the Girl Scouts. Any other suggestions? (Not that I don't like Juliette, but I like to shop around before making decisions.)




I'll post better pics soon. These were taken quickly between rehearsal and service at church today.

New Picture Blog

Yesterday I took the dive and purchased a Nikon D40 digital SLR camera. I have started a new blog to share my pictures and hopefully get some feedback about them. Feel free to check it out: Bill's Picture A Day Blog

Here's a pic just because:

Great Business Card

For a second-hand store:

Funny Pie Charts

Click this last image to enlarge it.

Human Tetris

I just "stumbled" upon this video. I love the soundtrack!

Rehearsal Boredom

Bill+slow part of "Chicago"+camera phone=