Permanent Daylight

Strange Brew

2009-01-27T19:50:00.001-08:00

It seems that not even Starbucks can weather the economic recession. I guess it's better than cutting more jobs or closing stores. During the two or three days that I was in training there, I did think that brewing fresh pots of coffee every half hour was a little excessive, but hey, whatever works. Four dollar coffee really is getting to be a luxury these days and I'm thankful to have paid for a many a cup with the help of holiday gift cards.

Nowhere To Go But Up

2009-01-21T09:39:00.001-08:00

So maybe it wasn't his best speech ever. It certainly can't really compare to the 2004 speech at the DNC or even the acceptance speech in Denver less than a year ago. To me, it was an affirmation that we as a nation have to go back to work. We've spent to long standing idly by while things like the economy, health care and the environment take a nosedive.

This article postures that Obama, having the most of the nation behind him,can afford to use a little muscle to keep people in line. I hope Congress can get its act together because the expectations really are high. Then again, I think taking a step back and reflecting on the past eight years is good enough to realize that we have nowhere to go but up.

Coming Down

2008-11-06T16:33:00.000-08:00

Coming down from an election victory high, this video explains what has happened to the Obama supporters:

Catharsis

2008-11-05T08:05:00.000-08:00

It's finally over. Last night, Americans turned out in record numbers to elect the first African American President. As I watched the results on television with family, I couldn't help but think about how far the Obama campaign had come since that cold winter day in February of 2007. I thought about how Katherine and I cranked out the 12 hour days in South Carolina during the primaries when no one thought that we would ever beat the Clinton machine. In the bleakest of times, I too had my doubts about what we were even hoping to accomplish.

It was hope that led us on a train to the south. It was hope that encouraged us to push on and continue campaigning for the Senator once we retuend to the west coast. And I firmly believe that it was hope that drove millions to the polls yesterday to turn red states blue, vote for change, and most importantly vote at all.

At about 8:01 pm last night, one journey ended in Arizona and another began in the parks of Chicago. McCain's concession speech was gracious and he is to be commended for it. I'm just glad this entire campaign has come to a close and we can finally move forward. Now the endless analysis begins and the blame game is sure to flare up on the cable news channels. It's nice to savor the moment while we can. A good friend of mine just passed away due to cancer last Thursday, five days before the election. I've never met anyone who would've enjoyed last night as much as he would've. He used to organize Bush impeachment rallies by himself. I hope he's smiling down upon us from above. I hope we can finally get to work.

Take a minute to enjoy some of the headlines from around the world...

Silly Season

2008-10-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

I can see the finish line. I'm sure the whole country can at this point, since the election is less than two weeks away. It's been a long and agonizing ride through another campaign year and silly season has indeed gotten sillier. From the SNL appearances by the candidates to articles about undecided voters and even viral videos, the barrage has continued.

Of course, it can be kind of hard for me to monitor everything that goes on when I go to work before the sun comes up and the fire is barely flickering behind my eyes. It takes awhile for me to adjust to the surroundings of the 24 hour news cycle. I've learned to sleep hard and often drift off before my head even hits the pillow. It's hard to imagine that it'd be difficult for me to get up that early since I did for the better part of my college career to go to crew practice but I guess this campaign has really worn me out because we're so close to electing change.

Anyway, these two videos reminded me that whatever people may be saying about past associations and who spent how much money on clothes for a politician, there are people willing to make fun of it all. Enjoy.

Maybe McCain should hire these directors to do some of his ads...

And who wouldn't want to fly into Sarah Palin's airspace?

Win It For...

2008-10-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

This website has been passed around among some of my friends. So far, responses have come from all over the country. I found it an inspiring way to start the day. So, who do you want Obama to win it for?

http://www.winitfor.com/thank_you/

Proud Face

2008-10-08T12:33:00.001-07:00

I awoke to the sound of a frightening voice mail. Apparently I had made the mistake of leaving my phone out in the living room so I didn't hear when she called me. No matter. The sounds of crying on the other end of the message made me call back right away. What could it be, I wondered? I called back to find out.

A few minutes later, Katherine called me back and said that she'd dropped her keys down the elevator shaft on her way down to go to work this morning. However, she managed to get her dad to drive her to work but I still felt bad since I was asleep at the time and could've woken up to help. At any rate, I went down the elevator to investigate....and thus began an entire hour of trying to fish out the lanyard of keys.

My first instinct was to call a maintenance guy. However, I quickly realized I knew no such guy around the apartment so I decided to put my ingenuity to the test. I went back upstairs and grabbed a flag we got from the DNC speech and examined the dowel. Could this reach all the way down? I went back down to see. It didn't.

I remembered a had a flashlight in my car so I ran outside and then stuck the light over the shaft opening to see how deep it actually was. I couldn't tell for sure but I knew that even if I extended the dowel all the way down, it wouldn't reach the keys. So, I headed back up to the stairs to lengthen my fishin' pole contraption. I knew we had other flags from Denver but I couldn't find them anywhere. My idea was to tape two together and then try to make a sort of hook that would make MacGuyver proud. Instead of another dowel, I repeatedly taped pens, metal objects and at last a unfurled paper clip at the end of the stick until I was able to come up with something long enough to fish out the keys.

Well, "finally" came about the fifth time I went down to the ground floor. Luckily, no one saw me kneeling over the tiny space with a flashlight in one hand and a grabbing instrument in the other trying oh so carefully to pull out the trapped keys. As soon as I felt the paper clip hook the lanyard, I pulled the stick, hand over hand until I had the keys.

This wasn't the first time that I'd heard of keys falling in the tiny space below the elevator. A realtor came by once and told me it had happened to her but I remember I couldn't do anything about it. I guess if I'd only had my trusty invention, things would've turned out differently. Just being able to get the keys made me swell with pride, and even as I type this I have a proud face. I think I'll hang up the grabber and save it, in case something like this ever happens again.

Wake Up Call

2008-09-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

This is a great article from the Huffington Post from Adam McKay, the director of hit movies such as Anchorman and Talladega Nights. Basically, he takes the media to task for turning this election into a story about a veteran and a hockey mom who shoots foxes from planes instead of doing its real job and asking the hard questions. I can't wait for those questions to come.

Stadium Politics

2008-08-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

It seemed like the biggest ordeal of my lifetime. Yesterday in Downtown Denver, Katherine received a call from a high school classmate regarding the most important tickets in the country. Thanks to her friend, we were able to get inside passes into Barack Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver.

Thinking that nothing could go wrong, we hustled over to the Hyatt to pick up the tickets. Upon arriving, the woman at the desk took the necessary precautions by asking us who we really were and how we knew who the tickets were for and the verification numbers of our IDs and our mothers' birth dates and you get the picture. Finally, she handed over an envelope and we were off and running. Off and running, that is, until Katherine ripped the paper open and pulled out...a single ticket. Fear, desperation and sadness gripped us. We'd come all the way to Denver to experience history. Were we to end our journey with one ticket for the two of us? Were we to fight to the death for it?

However, all hope was not lost. We soon learned that the other ticket was under a co-worker's name and then tried our best to get him to call the hotel and clear a ticket for me. An hour passed. Soon an hour and a half.

We decided that neither of us would go or both would go. We wandered over to the MSNBC set where Chris Matthews was hosting an episode of Hardball. I managed to get lost in the hoopla and forget about the tickets for a moment while watching the people gathered at the makeshift set. It got especially exciting when he ventured out to the common folk and decided to interview some of the Republicans in the audience. With his metallic blond hair shining in the sun, Matthews stood right in front of us, which meant we both were on TV for about 15 seconds. Even though I work at a TV station, it was thrilling to see us on the monitor.

Katherine decided to text her friend again. Surprisingly, she promptly replied that her friend had called in and cleared the ticket for me hours ago, as if we should've known this already. We high tailed it back to the Hyatt where it was my turn to try to wrest the ticket from the hands of the management. I showed my ID and insisted that someone had called in and cleared it for me. Lo and behold, the guy came back with the envelope and gave it to me.

Great success!!! From there, we ran over to the Light Rail System to first go south and then north to finally end up at Invesco Field. Security pulled out all the stops for the event so we were packed in like sardines on the train until we got to the stadium. As we passed through the security checkpoints, we looked at each other with astonishment as the realization hit us: we were about to witness history!

Our seats were high atop the mile high air but no too far away to make out the different media outlets that were stationed down below. CNN's logo was the most prominently displayed but we were able to make out other figures like Katie Couric, the Fox News team, and even little George Stephanopolous.

I don't need to tell you about the quality of the speech because I believe that words do not do it justice. I was a proud American last night and my faith in the political process has been fully renewed. We came such a long way from making phone calls in South Carolina to finally seeing our nominee make his acceptance speech. That, and the fireworks after the show were unexpected and breath-taking. I look forward to the debates and November. Pictures will hopefully be posted soon.

And one more thing. Sarah Who?

What Number Olympiad Are We On?

2008-08-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

I know that the Olympics are a time for the nations of the world to come together to bask in the glory of competitive sports and by doing so learn more about each other and blah blah blah...but they're also an opportunity to highlight the inane spectacles that are sure to go on. Especially in a place like China, which according to Will Durst is:

a location where breathing itself is considered a competitive sport. Where javelins are in danger of finding a sticking place before they hit the ground. Where the term "hot dog" isn't just a menu item, it doubles as an ingredient listing.

Let's celebrate the glory that Olympics embody but let's also remember that we can never take a place where "Speed Wheezing" may be considered an actual event too seriously.

A Short Walk

2008-07-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to live in a walkable neighborhood in the East Bay. Check out this site that shows you how walkable different neighborhoods in the U.S. are based on proximity to things like grocery stores, gas stations and other amenities that I didn't even know were close to my apartment. I'm also proud to live just across the bay from the most walkable city in the country.

Another Year Older

2008-07-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

I'm back at work today after celebrating my 23rd birthday by the bay yesterday. I can't believe that the year is already more than halfway over or that I'm slowly inching toward my mid-2os. At any rate, yesterday I was more than thankful for the outpouring of birthday wishes I received in the form of facebook comments from all sorts of friends. Some I'd just recently seen, others were from as far back as Spain.

After work yesterday I went to home to find that my girlfriend had made an assortment of cupcakes containing no more than 23 candles. I was as happy as ever as I saw her smiling face looking at me as I opened presents and told her how good the cupcakes were. A lot of them are still sitting in our fridge. I could only eat a few because I get home from the station in the early afternoon and the only thing I like to do right away is take a nap. So I did.

We went to go see Kung Fu Panda which I've been wanting to see ever since it came out. I'm a big fan of the computer animated movies and this one sure didn't disappoint. The dialogue was funny and Jack Black made it all the better. We then went to a really fancy Spanish Tapas Bar called Cesar over on Piedmont. It reminded me of the days when I used to frequent the Tapas Bars in Spain with friends over canas and aceitunas. I was glad that we both only ordered such small portions because by the time we started on the chocolate con churros, I was already almost full. The churros were good, but they weren't nearly as good as the ones I used to eat near the Puerta del Sol. While the restaurant last night served chocolate in a little saucer, the Spanish place served it in a coffee mug. God, how I miss those days.

Now I leave you with an awesome video for the global community...

Down by the Bay

2008-06-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

It's been about a month since I last posted. Things have picked up and slowed down like a San Francisco cable car navigating Nob Hill during the height of the tourist season. I'm enjoying my job at that station and all of the perks it has afforded me. Katherine and I got to attend the Black and White Ball for free two weeks ago. The event is a fundraiser for music education in the Bay Area and as a member of the media, I was privileged to get passes to the press room where I could sample the fine wine and the finger food before the block party began.

We sifted through the throngs of the affluent who attacked the food tables like lions after a kill on the Serengetti. The sushi was scrumptious and the free mixed drinks provided by Grey Goose were enough to keep us warm during the cold night. At the end of the festivities we hurried back to the Bart Station so as not to miss the train when the midnight surprise began. I'd heard rumors about the fireworks and in my opinion we were at the right vantage point to view the spectacle because the officials launched them from the City Hall square. All we had to do was look to our left about 100 yards to see the source of all the light and fire.

Speaking of fire, we went to Chico last week because I had an eye appointment and on the way into town, we saw the thick smoke blanketing the horizon. The Humboldt Fire is still raging between Chico and Paradise and I'm just thankful that my parents don't live in that part of town.

Finally, I raise a glass to toast one of the journalism giants who has unexpectedly left us. I admired Tim Russert and the rest of the election season just won't be the same without him.

Now We're Making Progress

2008-05-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

I remember posting about the original gay marriage debates in CA back in 2005 and thinking that was progress. However, the State Supreme Court overturning the ban today is monumental progress. Of course, that won't stop others from getting the issue on the ballot this November. But for now, it's a step in the right direction.

Aging Hopefuls

2008-04-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

In our image obsessed culture, the major media stories often have to do with how our world leaders will look after some time in office. In the case of the three presidential candidates, all look as though they will age decades over only the next 4 years in office. Some nice digital editing over at the Huffington Post shows just how stressful the job is, turning Hillary, McCain and Obama into modern day Methuselas. I know being the leader of the free world takes a physical toll but I have to wonder how bad they could really look with five pounds of makeup hiding the process. I guess we'll see in time.

Our Friend Gary

2008-04-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

I never knew Gary before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. My girlfriend has always told me that her uncle was pretty much the same except a little sharper. I've always deeply admired Gary for keeping such a positive attitude about the whole situation. I haven't known him for long but in the many family gatherings with my girlfriend's extended family that I'm privileged to attend, Gary is always there with a big grin on his face. His positive attitude inspires me.

It also inspired a crowd of 1,500 yesterday at the State Capitol building in Sacramento. I went with Katherine and her family to watch Gary give a speech as part of the Alzheimer's Association's effort to keep the legislators from slashing medical funds. As we walked toward the majestic Capitol, I was overcome by how many people were in attendance to support the cause. I've been fortunate enough that no one in my family has been diagnosed with this disease and after seeing the many faces that are affected by it yesterday, I was ready to empathize.

Katherine and I stood off to the side and watched as a former ET anchor emceed the event. We saw Gary up on stage with his wife Marcia sitting next to a group of people who were in some way or another affected by the disease. There were patients, caretakers and a fourteen year old girl whose father was diagnosed with the disease and was never the same. All had a story to tell.

We watched as Gary rose to the podium and began his speech. He started slowly, telling the crowd that he had just turned 60 a few months ago and he had "forgotten" the exact date. This drew some laughs from the supporters. I'm sure it was hard for Katherine and her family to watch Gary give the speech. As he was talking I turned and noticed tears in my girlfriend's eyes so I held her close in my arms as we watched her uncle. With Marcia's help, Gary was able to put a human face on Alzheimer's disease for the crowd and to any legislators that would listen. His speech was simple and direct: this disease can affect anyone. Gary may have the disease but he is still a regular guy who frequents the local Peet's Coffee. The crowd rose to its feet at the conclusion of Gary's speech. We were all proud of him.

Unfortunately, we weren't around to congratulate him after the rally but I'm sure that he is already in the process of networking and setting up meetings with more support groups. It was great to see the passion that people had for fighting for more care and attention for the disease that will afflict so many more in the coming decades. I'm glad I could be a part of the process.

Even though I may never know what it feels like to have a close family member with the disease, I now know just a little more about the difficulties Alzheimer's patients and their families face in everyday life. I hope more people listen to their stories. I hope more people will take Gary's message to heart and focus on funding the research. Most of all, I hope we can all stay positive like Gary.

What a friend we have in Gary.

Absolut-ly

2008-04-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

A advertisement for the Swedish Absolut vodka has been pulled from a publication. Why? Because in an "absolut world" Califronia would still be a part of Mexico. The ad shows the map of the U.S. prior to the Mexican-American War of 1848. It was put together by a Mexican agency. Apparently there are also threats by angry Americans to boycott the company.

I anticipate a big week for boycott related news. The Olympic Torch, which to me looks more like that lantern in the signs for Chinatown around the city, arrived this morning at SFO airport. The protestors are waiting in the wings as the torch will make its way from an unknown Bay Area location to the relay route tomorrow. I'm ambivalent on whether I wish I were working tomorrow. On the one hand, it is really cool and awe inspiring to see the torch in action. I remember back in '96 when I saw the torch come through Chico when I was in 6th grade. Staying up really late to see the the flame make its way through my small town was pretty cool, even if the runners were in fact marching instead of running.

On the other hand, if I were to work tomorrow I'd have to deal with the thousands of protestors that the media has been anticipating. Traffic can already be a burden and it'll most likely be even worse tomorrow.

On another note, the Giants are off to a terrible start. We went to Opening Day yesterday and as soon as Matt Cain gave up that two run tater in the top of the first, I knew it would be that kind of season. Not even Molina's RBI single in the bottom of the inning could assuage my fears as the Padres soon turned a one run lead into a seven run lead. It's going to be a looonnng season.

Finally, I don't think I've ever heard fans boo more loudly than yesterday when Barry Zito was announced. I hope he isn't remembered for being a 126 million dollar mistake.

In the News...

2008-04-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

I came across this article today on CNN concerning autism. The mother was about to kill her son because of his disease and her situation but instead she ended up founding the only autistic school in China. According to the site, the Stars and Rain Education Institute for autism helps more than 3,000 kids per day without the help of the government. I've noticed an increase in the media coverage of autism in recent months. In a country that is notorious for an abysmal human rights record, it's heartening to see one woman cares enough to help those stricken with the disease.

Remembering the Fallen

2008-03-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

Today the death toll among U.S. soldiers in Iraq surpassed 4,000. The Iraqi casualties are even harder to quantify. I still remember when the toll was at 1,000 during the divisive 2004 election. The New York Times has a video today of Arlington West, a make-shift graveyard that is set up every Sunday at 3 in the morning and taken down at sunset on the beaches of California.

Members of the Veterans for Peace put crosses in the sand that symbolize the fallen soldiers of the war. When I was a student at UCSB, I would often take the bus downtown to East Beach to view the original Arlington West display. It has since popped up on the beaches of Santa Monica.

I remember doing an ethnography report for one of my classes. My assignment was to observe a phenomenon for an hour and take specific notes. I chose to plant myself on the beach and watch people take in the sand graveyard. Many tourists stopped to read the reports and gaze at the pictures of the departed soldiers on their way to Stearns Wharf. Many more walked on the beach in between the crosses, perhaps because they knew some of their identities. The one thing I will never forget is that as I was sitting their taking notes, I noticed a man in tattered clothes with a scraggly beard walking along and muttering to himself about the exhibit. He looked at me and said, "I did my time in Vietnam. How long before they get you?" I didn't respond but just watched as he limped past.

War is hell.

Bracketology

2008-03-22T09:42:00.001-07:00

It's become clear that I did not major in bracketology in college. After the first two days of tournament play, the upsets have my bracket in jeopardy. However, my entire East Region is still intact.

The biggest upsets of the day for my bracket came from San Diego and Western Kentucky. I also picked Gonzaga to beat Davidson but after a game like that, I thought the underdog team deserved to win. Oh well. As long as my final four stays in the game I'll be happy. I have to try and match my results from last year when I finished second in the pool and won 80 bucks. Go Bruins!

House Guest Speaks Out

2008-03-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

Remember Sinbad the comedian? He was privileged enough to accompany Hillary on a mission to the war-torn Bosnia back in '96 with the singer Sheryl Crow. If Hillary wants to tout foreign policy experience, she should be careful of what an almost forgotten funny man has to say about the whole ordeal:

Said Sinbad:

"I think the only 'red-phone' moment was: 'Do we eat here or at the next place.'"

Full story here.

Let's do the Time Warp Again

2008-03-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Day-light savings time may have a come a little too early for me this year.

I set my alarm for the usual 4 am wake up call that I have adjusted to during my weekend shifts at work but as soon as I remembered the time change, quickly switched it to 3 am. I spent most of my Saturday moving furniture so I slept deeply. Yesterday Katherine and I finalized apartment stuff and cashed in at the rummage sale at Los Lomas. We bought a long, comfortable couch for only 15 bucks.

Anyway, I woke up at 3 am and before I got out of bed, I felt like something was wrong. Somehow the time seemed to stand still and even backtrack when we were in fact supposed to spring forward. I can't really explain it because even I don't really know everything that's going on in my head at that hour of the morning. The clock in the kitchen was showing about 2:15 am so I automatically assumed that my spring forward worked.

But if it worked, then why was I up an hour before I had to be? Well, maybe because the time change went into effect sometime around the hour I woke up.

I wasn't about to go to back to bed so I turned on the TV to make sure that it was in fact 3 am. It was. I had some time to kill so I flipped channels for awhile and settled on watching the last hour of Mystery, Alaska, one of Russell Crowe's less celebrated movies. I was so out of it that I didn't care.

So I guess the moral of the story is that Spring day-light savings time always leaves me more disoriented than when we fall back. Anything is possible during the wee hours of that first morning, even watching and only half-understanding a movie where a srcraggly Crowe and his Alaska team compete valiantly against the mighty NY Rangers.

I'm pretty sure it wasn't a dream.

No Country for Hillary Clinton

2008-02-26T19:53:00.000-08:00

It seems the inevitability factor is slipping through her fingers. In tonight's debate I thought she would ferociously defend her attacks on Obama for the mailings but instead she opted for a more sarcastic tone. At one point she even referenced the SNL skit from last weekend that was a knock at the media for worshipping Obama while vetting her at every possible turn. In effect, she was really scolding the media for such things as "having to speak first at all the debates" which doesn't seem that like big of a deal.

Anyway, Obama now leads nationally and it seems that her "solutions for America" aren't selling in the crucial "firewall" states.

The movie "No Country for Old Men" won the best picture Oscar this year with an underlying message of bleakness and despair. Other dark films like "There Will Be Blood" were also considered for the top honor. Perhaps this dark mood that affected the Hollywood Industry has managed to sink into the Clinton campaign, where even the top aids argued that the pictures of Obama wearing Muslim garb shouldn't be used against him.

On another note, it was nice to see the best song award go to "Falling Slowly" from the movie "Once." Hmmm.. the phrase falling slowly just about sums up her entire campaign operation.

Here now is Falling Slowly:

2008-02-17T19:12:00.000-08:00

There may be a possible endorsement coming up for Obama in the future according to all of the news outlets. It would obviously help Obama if Edwards decides to support him but I wouldn't be surprised if he went for Clinton instead. Either way, he will more than likely play a pivotal role in an upcoming Democratic administration.

With all of the discussion about race and gender in politics this election season, I think this is a blog that we can all enjoy. Its musings are, I must say, eeriely accurate.

And finally, since song and dance can speak louder than just words, a proposition from the Flight of the Conchords:

Hey, I'm into it if you are.

Is This It?

2008-02-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

The Obama campaign has certainly proved it's staying power. Tonight after three sweeping victories in the so-called Potomac Primaries, Obama has taken the lead from Clinton in overall delegates. He gave another rousing speech to around 18,000 supporters at the University of Wisconsin at Madison tonight while Hillary was already in El Paso trying to stir up support from her Miner companions.

I have to say that the tone of both speeches was uplifting but with Obama I could actually feel a sense of energy and drive. He got up in front of the crowd to the chants of "yes we can" and delivered another inspiring piece of oratory that proves why he is here to begin with. Clinton, though huge on policy, sort of lapsed into the familiar rhetoric of her stump speech in which she constantly reminds us that she will be ready to lead on not day two but "day one" as a sort of shot at Obama's lack of executive experience. Granted, all campaigners will have their signature lines but when it's hard to imagine that anyone who has not ever run for the highest office in all the land can be fully ready for the job, especially with the mess he/she will inherit.

Is this it for her campaign? According to recent polls she is up substantially in Ohio and may very well win Texas. However, these primaries aren't until March and if Obama can steamroll his momentum to the Buckeye and Lone Star States, we may see the culmination of a movement for change.

Either way, it's nice to see a notoriously apathetic voting bloc so involved in the process.

In a New Direction

2008-02-06T21:56:00.001-08:00

It'd be hard to say that anyone would've thought the race would be decided by now. In the past few weeks, polls had tightened and after the "tidal wave" of voting yesterday we can still say the top candidates are in a dead heat.

However, when Sen. Clinton has to spend $5 million of her own money on a contest that was "inevitable" to begin with and when she loses the majority of the states, it's hard to say that this isn't some sort of moral victory from the Obama camp. Anyway, I meant to link to one of my coworkers and his blog yesterday but failed to do so. Here now is the link to Patrick's blog, with more insight and commentary from a Iowa State University grad and fellow media jockey.

And finally tonight, enjoy the "Merra-kizz-Mer!" (America's Mayor)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH47iuMTuC8

Results May Vary

2008-02-05T08:39:00.000-08:00

It's Super Duper Tuesday and as all the media outlets will tell you, "it's a fight to the finish," "the gloves are off" and for God's sake, "nothing like this has ever happened before in the history of American politics!" All of the hyperbole aside, it is quite the special event for our country. I, for one, finally have the chance to vote FOR someone I believe in and I'm glad to know that many of my generation are doing the same.

According to whichever poll you may read, the race is clearly a toss up. Zogby says the Golden State overwhelmingly favors Obama while others like SurveyUSA give Clinton the wide lead. Someone may have some s'plainin to do on Wed. morning. All I know for sure is that after primaries like New Hampshire where no one, including the pollsters, expected Hillary to mount any kind of comeback, it's extremely difficult to trust what they are saying now.

Perhaps this election is one best left up to the voters to decide. Either way, the real winner in the contest tomorrow will be the HIGH turnout.

GO VOTE!!

"Yes We Can"

2008-01-27T17:29:00.000-08:00

And yes we did. Yesterday in an unprecedented turnout, the voters of the Palmetto state decided to vote for change. Obama received more votes than were cast in the entire 2004 Democratic Primary and trounced Sen. Clinton in the process, smacking her by a two to one margin.

People may say that according to the polls, Obama had the state in a lock. However, I remember not too long ago when we were there and things were looking completely different. I remember the myriad Hillary signs on the farms and fields of South Carolina just daring us to compete. I remember meeting all of the staffers and exchanging pleasantries but under the surface feeling a sense of fear because of the outside chance of a victory over the already notorious "Clinton machine." Most of all I remember leaving the office at night and asking myself if I had made the right choice to travel all the way to the South to fight for a man who had little name recognition, a "brief" record in public life, and what some would consider a naive world view and message.

Was it worth it?

Of course it was. Everything we did made a difference. Every phone call to angry South Carolinians mattered. Every door knocked upon showed that we were willing to engage the public in an honest discussion and promote the values of our candidate instead of resorting to the all too familiar system of attack and debasement into which our election process has devolved. Every football game, voter registration drive, and political event gave me faith that the electorate would indeed turn out. I was confident that we had a shot but you can never be too sure in cases like these.

Although we decided to leave due to lack of funds after only six weeks in the organization, I will never regret what we did while there. All of the walks, phone calls, surrogate events and actually seeing Obama speak on our last day will always stand out in my mind as a testament to the Senator's view that "ordinary people, when working together, can do extraordinary things."

The proudest moment for me came when Katherine and I set up a voter registration drive at a local high school. With bumperstickers, registration forms, and a voting machine in tow, we were hopeful to get a least a few people to sign up. Young people are always associated with apathy and low turnout in elections and so I thought many would just pass us by. Not these kids. I'd never seen such excitement and wonder about the political process. Students were in awe of the voting machine and couldn't wait to register. Many begged us to still be there when they got out of class so that they could come back. Many wanted to volunteer. At one point, a social studies teacher brought her entire class to the table to register. We were there as staffers on the Obama campaign but more importantly we gave excited kids who otherwise probably wouldn't've had the chance a chance to get involved in the election.

That gives me the audacity to hope.

Exciting Times

2008-01-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

It's thrilling to know that California has a huge impact on the upcoming election. Finally Golden Staters will have a say. After a year of relentlessly hearing of one candidate's "inevitability" and "experience" it's refreshing to find out that things are not always what they seem. That also goes for the early coronation ceremony in which the media invested for Obama at the NH primary. Who knows for sure what happened that made the polls more wrong (well almost) than Dick Cheney, but I think the voter turnout should be hailed as a victory for us all. Of course we all know the loser is Bush as his colossal failure of a presidency is inspiring more and more people everyday to get involved in the political process.

Get ready for a long ride.

Happy 2008!

2008-01-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

The new year is here and with it comes many resolution. One of mine is to update this blog more frequently than I ever have in my blogging career. I realized that I left many of you hanging after that last post. To make a long story short, Katherine and I spent six arduous weeks working for the Obama campaign in South Carolina. Once we realized that no one was going to pay us we took that cross country trip by car that never was. On the way out, we decided to take the train all the way across the country. After sharing that experience with all of the senior citizens and junkies of the country, our car ride was far more pleasing.

When I think back about the South Carolina experience, I tell myself not to regret it because it showed me that no matter how incompetent some people can be, the others involved are fighting for the same causes and appreciate the hard work of others. I'll never forget our great coworkers and the savory food of the south. Nothing compares to the succulent, soporific ribs of Mister J's cafe. Nothing.

My other resolution is to figure out what to do next. I'd like to stay here in the Bay Area as I slowly build upon the work foundation that I am laying out. I will always leave the option of returning school wide open because after dealing with certain people out there I realize that you can never have too much of an education. I've also enjoyed and continue to appreciate the hospitality of Katherine and her family. They are saints.

Happy 2008!

All Aboard

2007-09-10T22:28:00.000-07:00

Less than 12 hours away from a fantastic train ride across this great land of ours. Goodbye Golden State, hello Palmetto State. You'll be hearing more from us soon.

Walk the Walk

2007-06-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

I graduated college on June 17. I guess it was a great Father's Day gift for a dad who had supported me throughout four years at a University; and by supported I mean forked over a lot of the dough necessary for me to exist and for that I am eternally grateful. My roommate and I went to a pre-graduation party at about 7 am the morning of the ceremony and met with some other friends who would be walking that day. After a few toasts of champagne we hitched a ride to the Thunderdome and waited in line listening to such musical selections on the speakers as "We are the Champions," meant of course, to commemorate our national champion soccer team.

Finally the time came and my friends and I made our way to the faculty green to sit and await a still longer ceremony in which I'd hear Chancellor Yang give the same speech I'd heard the day before. (I'd gone to another graduation to listen to the student speech given by one of my good friends and I have to admit it was the best student speech I was privy to all weekend.) At any rate, our time had finally come to rise to the dais and accept what was rightfully ours after 4 and for some 4 plus years of scholastic work. I grabbed the note recognizing our graduation (our real diplomas, signed by the govenator himself still haven't arrived in the mail) after raising my arms triumphantly at the sound of my name. I'll probably include that picture at a later date, seeing as how my internet isn't totally set up at the moment.

The rest of the weekend was kind of a blur of emotion and alcohol. I attended my girlfriend's commencement and then went to her dinner with the extended family and later enjoyed a night on the town. All of these events, sans the actual commencement, featured alcohol and even though I had a great time dancing and arguing baseball at the club, it was a night I won't soon forget. The next morning I returned to my apartment to help the only roommate present clean the place. Lucky for me, it was mostly clean. I just had to haul all of my crap to the new place on the other side of town, which took a few hours but it felt like a few days after I noticed I was coming down with a cold. On an interesting side note, I saw my elusive landlord for the first time that day and when I asked him when my part of the deposit would be sent to me, he gave me an answer almost as vague as Bush Admin. official, noting that, "well, the law says..." I didn't have the patience nor the energy to push further so I handed him the key and was out of there. My family and I proceeded to move one of our couches down to the curb with the knowledge that poor families, other students, or even movers would snatch it within about 15 minutes. As we were driving to and from my new place, my dad couldn't help but marvel at the quickness of the painters, carpet cleaners and landlords in scouring the community of Isla Vista the day after the last commencement. They had it down to a science. A science that may not always be the most ethical when it comes to rent, but that's another story.

Now it sounds like a train track outside my new apartment. They've been doing construction out there for the better part of two weeks. We all thought it was quite convenient that they would plan for the construction to coincide with commencement weekend and beyond when people were scrambling to bail on their old delapidated dumps and drop their stuff at new ones. Thankfully, this place isn't as bad as my old one. It might be a little further from the beach but I can't complain about spending the summer in a place as beautiful as this.

Reminds me of that Modest Mouse song with the lyric: "So much beauty it can make you cry."

3 Month Hiatus

2007-06-04T21:01:00.001-07:00

Quite a lot has happened since I last posted on what was my internet outlet for most of the past year while in Spain. I could list many reasons why I haven't come to my online sanctuary for exactly three months but most of them would be fake so I guess I'll just come clean and say that I've been a little lazy. The SB, or more likely, the IV lifestyle has slowly crept into my psyche but I'm determined to flush it all out and start posting again like I used to.

My last quarter as an undergraduate is finally coming to an end. I'm almost done with the hardly demanding ten weeks of Spring, but I'm getting ahead of myself. The last time I'd written I was in the middle of a 20 unit Winter Quarter that would onerous to most college students. However, I thought that since 4 of those units consisted of acting as a research assistant, I still had time to concentrate on my final comm class, complete each and every erg workout and cover shifts at the bookstore. I ended up getting a C in that class. My first one. Ever. I didn't let it bother me though because I figured the other 4 A's made up for it. I was too busy worrying about Crew and learning how to take Spanish classes in a non-Spanish environment to care too much, I guess.

My great girlfriend Katherine and I took a trip back east to DC to visit some of her family over President's Day. I'd hoped to meet up with a former boss of mine and some friends from the Summer of UCDC but sadly, nothing worked out as planned. It was an experience, however, to see the nation's capital blanketed in snow. I have now had the pleasure of being there for 3 of the 4 four seasons and I can honestly say that summer, although hotter than Satan's asshole would probably still be ranked higher than winter, because let's face it, I'm Californian and the warmest garments I own I use only when skiing. We did all of the tourist things and I finally got to go to the FDR Memorial. The sun was setting as Katherine and I ponderously made our way over to celebrate our 31st president and just as we reached a statue, the snow began to fall, softly at first and then in a steady stream. The stream quickly turned into something more violent and before we realized what was happening, we were both covered from head to toe in a style reminiscent of the abominable snowman. On our way back to the Metro, we both took some postcard (well, maybe she did)-worthy pictures and just enjoyed each others' company. Nothing like sharing a walk in the dead of winter with a caring soul to keep you warm.

I'm also now an official alumnus of the UCSB Crew Program. I'm relieved and saddened at the same time because although I'm finally getting sleep, my clock will be perpetually be set to 430 am. Long rides to the lake and to races will be missed, as will the cameraderie of the team I of which I was lucky to be a part. My last in the pair at Lake Natoma was memorable, if only because we got 2nd in the petites. I'll always remember bending the oar with all my might and slowing ever so slightly near the end when I heard the beep. Marcin screamed to let me know that it was not us that had just finished but another boat and we were neck and neck for 2nd place. I busted my ass pulling for the final strokes and when we crossed the line the shear joy of placing well washed away any doubt and frustration I had felt all season about not fully feeling re-incorporated into the team after studying abroad for a year.

Obviously a lot of other things have been going on but I figure this is enough to hold you over for now. As graduation approaches, a time for reflection approaches. Pictures and commentary to follow.

February Stars

2007-02-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be a promising Super Bowl as soon as I saw the Bears player return the opening kickoff for a touchdown and thus claiming the first 14 seconds of the game for Chicago. However, 4 pieces of pizza and about 4 hours later, the players left the rain soaked field in Miami and the Vince Lombardi trophy was handed to Peyton Manning, its rightful owner. I was a little disappointed that the Bears didn't win and I'm not especially fond of the Colts but since the last time my team went to the big game was when I was in 4th grade, I guess you could say that I don't really watch the Super Bowl for the actual game of football any more. Hopefully the 49ers can grab a quarterback reminiscent of Montana or Young status in the near future because I'm getting tired of watching my favorite sports teams make it so far into the playoffs and choke on whatever invisible force field it is that keeps them from reaching victory. But I digress.

Things have been progressing smoothly in Santa Barbara. I made it home a few days early to attend Double Days practice for crew. It rained during one of the days and that forced us off the water but we made the best of it by hiking up the hills. I'll never forget the view from the top as I looked over to my left and saw the lake and a to my right lay the Pacific. I've claimed to the tops of medieval castles and cathedrals but somehow nothing quite compares to the natural beauty that has become my environment for the past 4 years as I rise ever morning before dawn. For the rest of the week, our extended practices gave us a chance to row with the novices on slightly better than average water. The cut of the oar in and out of the water was like the sharpest of knives meeting a freshly baked cake. The best part of the week was knowing that since school had not yet began, I could simply go home after practice to the sleep I needed.

Now, 4 weeks into the quarter (I can't believe 4 weeks has already come and gone), I'm in the process of finalizing plans for next year. I have a few options at this point: Joining the Peace Corps to serve as an English teacher in Africa, joining Teach for America to either teach English or History in an urban environment where education is not the top priority, or try my luck with another job in DC. At this point, I'm going to continue to weigh the options and follow up with other opportunities like possibly the CIA or other such endeavors. I do know a few things for sure: I absolutely do not want to return home to start working because I know that if that happens, I'll end up with a dead end job with no room for advancement; also I know that Santa Barbara would be a nice place to settle but realistically I don't know if it's in the cards now. Based on this information, I guess you could reason why I'm considering the aforementioned options.

Work is moving along slowly but surely. I obtained more hours this quarter but for that I must sacrifice most of my Friday afternoons (prime nap time) and a few Saturdays. I don't discourage. I just look at it as a way to keep the cash flow going and it's not exactly as if working at the bookstore is the most demanding job in the world. It will be nice to take a weekend vacation to DC in a couple of weeks. And another opportunity to post more pictures.

Homework is calling and I think I'll pick up this time.

So This is Christmas

2006-12-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

It's been a great while since I've updated, so long in fact that I guess Google now has a hand in controlling the blogosphere. I, for now will still log in as an "old user" probably because of the same torpor that has taken hold of my blogging for the past few weeks. Sometimes even the slightest of efforts is too much.

Regardless, today was a good day. Since returning to Chico after finals I've somewhat settled into a routine of rising at about 9 am and perusing the crap that qualifies as daytime television for awhile and then maybe getting in some exercising at the gym or at the Park. Bidwell is nice in the winter. Despite the biting cold, the serene landscape composed of rows of dead trees next to a worn path is enough to center me if there is anything of worry on my mind. I use these runs to help calm myself and I've also discovered that after any fall quarter it's nice to be in a hometown with familiar traditions and faces.

In the past week I've also met with some of my friends but have also had the chance to relax. A side trip to the Bay Area to see a special friend was indeed a welcome escape to the boredom I sometimes feel in this town when on vacation. In the relaxing company of someone close to you, it's always easier to forget about the worries and pettiness of life and instead focus on the things that really matter. With only two quarters left I can only dream of what will happen next.

To quote the popular John Lennon song, "And so this is Christmas." I can't help but feel blessed with a kind family and the best friends that are worthy of a place in the other Beatles hit "With a little Help from my Friends." They're the ones that make the holidays special for me. However, I cannot help but remember those who are less fortunate during these times and hope beyond hope that they may have a place to turn and a friend on which to call. I hope those serving overseas are receiving proper care and are able to communicate with their loved ones. I hope next year finds our leaders able to compromise and come to wise decisions regarding our future steps in troubled times. One could say these are lofty and of course even inane idealistic wishes but someone has to wish.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

We Are the Champions, My Friends

2006-12-04T20:05:00.000-08:00

The shouts of joy and jubilation echoed slowly through the one square mile of town as my roommates and I ran outside to join in the celebration. Our team had just won the National Championship against UCLA in a very exciting game. The Gauchos entered the tournament unseeded after surviving a season in which their record was an average 7-6. Yesterday saw our team win its second title ever (thanks, those of you who played on the water polo team in '79), and the Isla Vista faithful were out in droves to scream about it.

As soon as I ran over to DP, I joined the ranks for a victory jog all the way down to the 67 block. Chanting "UC-SB" and the all too familiar "Ole, ole, ole, ole, Gaaaauuuchhhhooos, Gauuccchhhhhhoos," we soon turned around and made the jog back toward campus. Someone suggested we run to Storke Plaza and as we reached campus, the line started bolting to another group of revelers who had stolen the goal post from Harder Stadium. We joined them and each grabbed a piece of the post and ran back down DP to the delight of all the spectators. It wasn't exactly a hot day but I began to feel the sweat dripping off my face as I realized that pants probably weren't the best article of clothing for the victory lap. The occasional beer streams and soccer balls greeted us as we made our way back down the street.

Someone else started chanting "ocean, ocean" and before I knew what was going on, the line of goalpost carriers had made its way over to the edge of the cliff. There we were met by hundreds of other students waiting for us to throw the post over the edge and onto the beach. It was about this time when I let go and decided to watch from afar, partly because I was tired and partly because I didn't want to have to deal with possible repercussions. The post tilted and fell like stone and apparently landed standing up because when I looked over to the beach it looked as though it had already been waiting there ready for use. That's when I decided to join some other people down on the beach with a soccer ball. The newspapers and TV media came to capture the celebration and I met up with friends to scream about how epic the entire event actually was. Tomorrow we're having an official rally in Storke Plaza to honor the team. This team certainly deserves the honor and appreciation for its tenacity and outright dominance. Congratulations Gauchos.

For more coverage click here and here. I think I'm in the front of the group.

Smells Like Victory!!!

2006-11-09T09:33:00.000-08:00

Our hard work paid off. On election day me and a bunch of the other Dems got up early to remind the Isla Vistans to vote by placing Democratic doorhangers on knobs all over the town. I must've walked up and down ab about 60 different staircases on the 6500 block of DP in order to get rid of all the literature. The recent heat wave started to take its toll on me as I made the journet and as I started sweating I remembered we'd been waiting over two years for a takeover. Yesterday, as an added bonus to already seeing the President eat his huge slice of humble pie, Secty of Defense Donald Rumsfeld finally stepped down from his post. No more "henny-penny the sky is falling" and discussions about "knowns, unknowns, and known unknowns," will come from the Pentagon.

Even though Arnold Schwarzenegger will still sign my diploma, it is nice to know that the scene has shifted in Washington. Congratulations to all the winners in the House and the Senate. Macaca had it coming to him. Thank God for Michael J.Fox and his praise of Claire McCaskill. Former Senator Conrad Burns might want to reassess his campaign strategy next time by telling the voters what the President's plan actually is in Iraq. Rick "Man-on-Dog" Santorum was surprisingly gracious in his defeat but his comments were enough to send him packing. Thanks to everyone that voted and here's to a productive two years in which the President will be forced to finally listen.

My October Surprise

2006-10-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

The news came in the form of a Daily Nexus article a few weeks ago. It seemed that former President turned philanthropist Bill Clinton would be making a stop in Santa Barbara to discuss his Global Intiative with Paul Orfaela entreprenuer and founder of Kinko's. Like all the other political junkies, I knew I had to get my hands on the 600 free tickets that were to be distributed the Friday before. Lucky for me, the crew team would not be practicing at the lake that Friday since we were teaching all of the novices how to take strokes in the lagoon. I was able to drag myself out of bed at 4 am and by quarter to 5 I was in about 150 people back in the line of the Clinton crazies who had camped out since 6 pm the night before. I sat down eagerly anticipating the opening of the AS ticket office and switched on my ipod, listening to everything from Johnny Cash to Kanye West to Bob Dylan.

A few hours later, I realized that sitting directly behind me on the freezing ground was another member of the Campus Democrats who I hadn't noticed when I'd arrived. I hadn't spoken with her in awhile so we struck up a conversation about Clinton, Spain and other things as the sun slowly awoke from its slumber. Another friend of mine who happens to be one of my coworkers brought me some coffee from the bookstore and I'm eternally grateful to her for the needed boost as line finally began to move. About fifteen mintues later I received my ticket for the event on Friday the 13th, a rather auspicious date for a conversation aimed at promoting global harmony and peace among other lofty goals.

The actual show took place at the Arlington Theatre in Downtown Santa Barbara. Seated up top in the mezzanine, I regretted not bringing my glasses but as soon as the introductory video started my eyes settled and I learned some interesting facts. I had no idead that UCSB was the first national institution to implement a Global Studies program. I've known Global professors and students and to know that my university was at the forefront of the curve was inspiring.

A few minutes later, the moderator, the former head of the Peace Corps entered stage left, followed by Paul Orfaela and then the big man himself. The conversation began perfunctorily with pleasantries exchanged and Clinton and Orfaela discussing their philosophies. Both agreed that they approve of employees and partners who show any kind of initiative in an occupation and then stressed the importance of NGOs as a means to carry out processes which the federal government cannot. As Clinton spoke, his calm, steady and articulate voice resonated throughout the theatre and I was reminded of how much I admired the man. As a public figure that absolutely breathes charisma, his answers to questions were well-structured thought provoking. In the only political related question, he mentioned the differences between philosophy and ideology and accused the government of today of holding the country hostage to the debates of ideologues instead of working for change. He then proceeded to note the various religious scriptures and their teachings about subject matter relating to one's self worth and my jaw dropped as he first referenced Paul's letters to the Corinthians, then the Torah, then other works from religions one rarely hears about.

The conversation between the two men lasted only an hour and I would've stayed longer to try and meet the Big Guy outside but I had to work back at school. Witnessing Clinton's and Orfaela's calls for others to help solve the problems that are facing our globe made me consider working for one of the NGOs one day. Clinton's optimistic attitude reminded me that we should all work together to change and save the world instead of drown in a sea of unending bickering.

Starstruck doesn't even begin to describe the emotional high I felt after seeing our former President. The message for peace in the world and a chance to help out are always great, but being in the presence of Clinton was my October Surprise.

Back in the Saddle Again

2006-10-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I've enjoyed being outside the familiar enviornment that I inhabited this summer after returning from abroad. It's nice to be out of Chico, especially when I attend classes in what most would consider a paradise but I like to call Santa Barbara. I arrived for good here back on the 15th of September and since then, it has been both like living a whirlwind and lingering in the languor that Isla Vista can substantiate while no one is to be found.

I had about a week to relax when I first got back so I promptly planned my days around going to the beach, catching up with old friends and being able to watch the Daily Show because crew practice hadn't begun anew. After moving in to my new domicile on Sabado Tarde Rd. in which I live with three other guys, I said goodbye to the madre and then proceeded to talk to my roommates and assure the one who was leaving for a quarter in England that he'd return to America just fine after being hit by a barrage of culture over there. I had no real plans that week so I decided to work out on my own by running to Sands Beach and back whenever I could and try to break a constant sweat. Running right next to the ocean, even after the blazing fires had devastated the land to the south and the sun shone blood red, was quite inspiring. Let's hope I didn't inhale too much smoke.

Part of that first week was also spent looking for jobs. I applied at some of the hot spots in the Goleta Marketplace such as Costco, Sports Authority and Linens N Things. So far the only one that has almost panned out in my favor is the latter and even now I don't know for sure if or when I'll get the position. I currently am working at the bookstore thanks to one of the greatest friends I'm fortunate to know. The fall rush is still upon us with freshmen asking if they're able to use their BARC account to buy books and where DP is. When I started working there as a cashier, I finally realized the fiscal weight that one carries while buying books, especially if that person is any kind of science major. Ridiculous doesn't even begin to describe a 600 dollar tab for 2-3 textbooks.

I started crew again last Monday and it looks as though we'll have a promising team this year. Two of the three seniors are now abroad. I, being the third have been rowing with the others and I admit it's been awkward at times, not knowing the connections that were formed last year between teammates and the idiosyncracies that inevitably surface. However, I think we'll all get along and I know for sure that other 7 guys in that boat want to be there and win it as much as I do.

I'm back in the saddle again and can't wait for the schoolyear to get rollin. It may have already started but I'm set to take full advantage of all that senior year entails.

The Land of Many Temperatures

2006-09-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, this great nation and namely my state of California found ourselves in the midst of the most sweat-taxing heat wave that I've ever experienced. Some days the temperatures reached the extreme high of 117 degrees, which I'm sure other places like Saudi Arabia and deep jungles in remote parts of the world are accustomed to but even in Chico it was a bit much. Labor Day weekend usually marks the end of the summer but for me, tis but another holiday within my vacation since school doesn't start until the 28th this year. That being said, I decided to take a trip to Marin County to visit my friend Monica whom I've known since freshman year through musical theatre shenanigans at UCSB. I was prepared for a relaxing weekend with moderate temperatures and as I reflect on the experience now, I'll be sure and wear pants every time I go out to that part of the coast from now on.

I arrived at the small town of San Anselmo at exactly 10:30am last Saturday morning and met Monica. We quickly decided to head out to the west part of the county through windy roads within an area simply known as "the valley" as rampant road bikers swiflty passed us. I learned from Monica that Marin County is the birthplace of the mountain bike and I hope someday to return there to scale the heights. Driving along Sir Francis Drake Blvd, I was reminded of the early morning drives up Hwy 154 to Lake Cachuma. The only difference now was that we passed a different small town every 5 minutes where famous personalities like Hendrix, Joplin and even the Dalai Lama had spent time.

We came to Point Reyes just in time for the end of the Farmer's Market where we bought some honey sticks. Then we drove out to the ocean and I felt the first drop in temperature. What had started out as a warm day quickly faded into a dull, gray and cold afternoon along a part of the Pacific Coast upon which I'd never set foot. We hiked up the trail to the famous lighthouse where I heard about five different languages within a span of about 30 seconds. This area is famous for tourism. As we reached the summit, we stared down the 30 or so stories to the lighthouse and its foghorn and started our trek downward. After listening to the deafening groan of the horn, we decided to hoof it back to the top and I was proud of Monica for not stopping once at the conveniently placed caged-off turn out sections for the casual tourist. On the walk back to the car, I made some stupid remark about not having been on this coast before, Monica reminded me that I live close to the Pacific and I quickly left it at that. That night we went to see the Illusionist starring Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti and I was pleased with both of the performances.

However, I was more pleased with the view of the Golden Gate Bridge that night from the Headlands. In the shadows of the old bunkers from the Cold War Era, we gazed upon what just might be one of the most spectacular structures ever constructed. Although it looks fake in all of my pictures, I assure you that I was up there freezing my ass off in front of that thing.

The next day we went to the secret beach behind the bridge and chatted over turkey sandwiches. That night we went to go see the Marin Shakespeare Company’s production of “Comedy of Errors.” The two main characters reminded us both of Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan and we both agreed that it was a good show…especially when one of the principals uttered the line, “thou bloweth.”

All in all, it was an amazing weekend with an amazing person. From varying degrees of temperature to learning which famous celebrity lives in the house down the street to seeing the houses light up on the hill at night like a giant Christmas Tree I had a hell of a time. My thanks to the hostess and a great friendship.

2006-09-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Fresh from the Farmer's Market

2006-09-06T21:47:00.002-07:00

In Point Reyes

2006-09-06T21:47:00.001-07:00

At the Village

2006-09-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

Oh God!

2006-09-06T21:46:00.001-07:00

I could almost swing from the branches

2006-09-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

Observing the Indigenous architecture

2006-09-06T21:45:00.001-07:00

I claim this wooden teepee as mine

2006-09-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

Back in Time

2006-09-06T21:44:00.001-07:00

Take a Hike

2006-09-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

On the Earthquake Trail

2006-09-06T21:43:00.002-07:00

On a Gray Day...you can't see forever

2006-09-06T21:43:00.001-07:00

At the Point

2006-09-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

The ranger who rode the short bus to school

2006-09-06T21:42:00.000-07:00

Look everybody, it's Ranger Monica!

2006-09-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

Starting down the trail

2006-09-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

Looking important

2006-09-06T21:39:00.001-07:00

Monica posing at the lighthouse

2006-09-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

We made it!

2006-09-06T21:38:00.002-07:00

Blown away by the foghorn

2006-09-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

At the Point Reyes Lighthouse

2006-09-06T21:38:00.000-07:00

I shouldn't have been wearing shorts...

2006-09-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Best friends at the Headlands

2006-09-06T21:36:00.001-07:00

Moving around to keep warm

2006-09-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

On top of the City by the Bay

2006-09-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

I assure you, it is the REAL Golden Gate Bridge

2006-09-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

In front of the Bridge

2006-09-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

My face doesn't begin to express how cold I really was

2006-09-06T21:30:00.001-07:00

Smile for the camera!

2006-09-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Cold Coast at Marin

2006-09-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

Time to Peace Out

I'll See You Down in Arizona Bay

2006-08-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

I had waited for this moment ever since one of my best friends called to wake me from slumber the day after I returned home from Spain. When he asked if I'd like to go see Tool, one of my favorite bands, I told him yes without hesitation. It didn't matter that we'd bought the tickets for the Fresno show and the band would be playing closer to Chico about a month after the fact. We figured that we'd make a road trip out of it so a few days ago, Ryan, Ben and I hopped into Ryan's roller skate Ford Focus and took the trip down the Central Valley.

Entrusting our faith in Mapquest, we ended up taking I-5 for a spell until we realized that we could've just taken 99 from my house all the way down. We arrived at the arena in Fresno with about 2 hours to spare before the beginning of the concert. As I crossed the street from the Radisson Hotel where we parked, I was greeted with an army of people in black shirts and hairstyles that would've looked out of place in a different time and era. Even so, some of the getups still amazed me as we walked by and I peered at guys and girls wearing their clothing, piercings and makeup as if to protest the world for dealing them shitty hands in life. My friends and I were modestly dressed (Ryan happened to be wearing a Modest Mouse t shirt) and we all thought that there was some unwritten rule about wearing the Headliner's name across your chest at their own respective concert.

We entered the facility and climbed to the top of the balcony to our seats. Gazing down at the undulating mass of people next to the stage, I thought two things right away: that we'd see some of those people kicked out at some point and time during the show and that I was glad I wasn't them. The band came out around 9:00 and busted out the gates with a rockin' version of "Stinkfist" from the Aenima album. Since we were in a huge arena, the acoustics were not ideal, but that didn't occur to me until afterward so I let the music take hold without question.

Tool rotated through songs from Aenima and their newest 10,000 Days, playing "The Pot" after the first song and then "46 and 2 ahead" which I have to agree has one of the coolest sounding guitar riffs off that album. The lights on the screens behind them were alive with fiery reds for the powerful sounds of "Jambi," reminiscent of TV static for the frustration fueled "Vicarious," and spiraling out of control for what I now consider to be my favorite, "Lateralus." I was also glad that they played "Sober" from the older album, Undertow, but both Ryan and I agreed that they should've played Opiate because it's such a strong number and we both love it a lot. Maynard and the guys wound their way through "Schism" and then finished strong with a gut-wrenching version of "Aenima" in which the lyrics "learn to swim/I'll see you down in Arizona Bay" stayed in my head more than usual five minutes after hearing the song because of the massive heat wave we experienced recently in California. I hope we don't live to see the day that Arizona Bay might become reality.

After the concert, we headed over to Motel 6 and stayed the night. The next morning I ate such a big breakfast at Denny's that I didn't need to eat for the whole rest of the day. My neck and spine in general were so sore that as I was falling asleep in the back of the Focus, my cervical vertebrae were waging war with the rest of my body by telling my brain to wake me the fuck up so I wouldn't collapse under the pressure. However, I survived the drive home with an experience I'll never forget with incomparable friends.

Bay in a Day

2006-07-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

Heat rises. This is something that one of my family members did not take into account when she kindly let me sleep upstairs on a futon at her house last weekend before the huge 100 mile bike ride around the San Francisco Bay. I didn't get much sleep that night because it was the hottest I can ever remember it being down in Sonoma County and the next day out on the road it was no different. I'd just like to thank her for thinking of my comfort.

My dad, aunt and I started out at a church in Novato and headed east on highway 37 and across the bridge to Vallejo. I expected the highway to be a little rough because the shoulder was covered with glass. However, it was still quite cool out so that helped us along as we reached a cruising speed of 18 mph. As soon as we reached the bridge that crosses to Vallejo, we stopped for a photo op and then rode through the marina. We decided to cut out the Bart trip to Daly City and instead met up with another family member for lunch in Orinda.

By now, the sweat was constantly flowing but as soon as we hopped off the subway and rode through the streets of San Francisco, it cooled off a bit. This was especially noticeable over the Golden Gate Bridge where the temperature dropped so much that it seemed like I was walking into the beer freezer at a local supermarket. The great feeling didn't last forever though and it was a little marred by the fact that the majority of the people riding across the orange bridge had never managed to prop themselves up on a two wheeled vehicle. We managed to make it across and were hit by the heat again.

All through Marin County the sun watched us like a hawk. It was sort of inspiring (I say inspiring because I was delirious at the time) to be doing a 100 mile ride in 100+ degree heat but we kept at it. As soon as I saw the sign for San Quentin I knew I had to stop and get a picture in front of the famous penitentiary that houses some of the country's most dangerous criminals and a few times the Man In Black.

After that, we coasted down through China Camp and then finally back into Novato where I thought the long straightaways of Ignacio Road would kill me. Picture radiation from the sun reflecting off of the black as night pavement and onto ghost-white legs and you'll see a picture of me burning like the ring of fire. My legs are now well done. We finished the ride at about 6 pm that Saturday night, or almost 12 hours after we started. All in all, it was worth the trip and I can't wait until I get the chance to experience it again....since we all know that heat rises.

I Just Felt L"ah"ke Runnin'

2006-07-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

I promised myself that I'd do whatever it took to stay in shape when I was in Spain but it didn't always pan out in my favor. Weekend after weekend of partying and strolling the city streets on auto-pilot didn't exactly do wonders for my cardiovascular and muscular systems. Back in the fall I was a regular at Retiro Park and made my presence known by treading heavily around the periphery, trying to get at least some exercise. Those routines soon dwindled and I was left without a gym and walking the streets once more looking for exercise. I guess walking counts but it doesn't compare to the crew workouts I've subjected my body to over the past two years.

As soon as I arrived back in California I knew I had to get a jump on the all of the work I'd missed out on so I started running. The first day I went from my house until the second bridge in the park and back, which is about 2-3 miles and I just built from there. The next outing I ran to the end of the park and back and felt I could go more. Soon I was able to go all the way to the 5 Mile Recreation Area as memories of cross country entered my mind. I never really enjoyed those days but I figure since I'm now only racing myself, I shouldn't care but keep running.

This past week I started working. I now could only run in the afternoon when the Chico heat swelters in the air and the only other runners are usually found in lower park. As soon as I had the new pair of sneakers I set out and before I knew it, I'd crossed the 5 Mile Bridge and was well on my way to the golf course. There was nothing but a vast field on either side of the paved road on which one could fry an egg. I kept going until I arrived at the upper park gate which separates Hore Shoe Lake from the dirt road and the swimming holes and I relished in the satisfaction that I had reached my destination.

Bathed in a blanket of sweat, I turned myself around and began the long trek back home. The whole ordeal took about an hour and forty minutes and it was the longest I ever can remember running on my own will and volition. People asked me why I did it. Well, I think our good friend Forrest Gump said it best: "I just felt like runnin'. " We're just runnin' fools.

Californication

2006-07-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

I've been back for almost two weeks now and the whole reverse culture shock thing hasn't hit me as hard as I've expected or heard is customary. Aside from the inevitable American standards of space, space and more space, nothing but garbage on TV and small towns that contain people with even smaller minds not much is different from the California I knew about a year ago. I'm not saying that everything was peachy in Spain either. I had my fair share of hoops to jump through, such as the crap on TV and the attitudes of every xenophobe in the country, but I still miss the lifestyle I've cultivated over the last 9-10 months. Most importantly, I miss all of the friends I made and shared experiences with during that time. The great thing about the European continent is that when I return (that is, when I have money) hopefully they'll all be around so I have some place to stay.

My first week back in Chico saw scorching heat followed by minimal chance of encountering work. I did have an interesting encounter with an employer where I walked in off the street and spoke nothing but Spanish during the opening exchange. I'm trying very hard to sell the Spanish skills I've built and so far little has panned out in my favor. However, the search for employment remains optimistic.

The last few days, similar to my first two weeks back in America, have passed quickly. I went down to the Bay Area to an A's game with the family on Monday and since the baseball team in Oakland holds little appeal for me, I justify the trip by telling myself and others that it was just to see the fireworks show after the game. What a show it was. About a half hour tribute in fireworks to the glory that is the US. I can't help but wonder about the people in America who hide behind the shadows of deceit that are constructed by the government and how celebrating a holiday that stands for independence can bring out the cynicism in me. It seems that the founders' ideas of free speech and justice for all have come under fire in recent months and even days.

It is great to be back in California. The 21st milestone is coming up in a few days so I'll be ready for that. Right now, the only thing I'm ready for is bed.

Out of Exile

2006-06-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

In the wee hours of the morning last weekend, the traveler finally made his way back to the home city. Arriving after hours upon hours of flying, waiting and wishing he had never left Madrid, he realized how great it would be to see the friends again and also that there will always be other European opportunities. Even so, the Spanish experience and the European adventure on the whole will never be forgotten.

Here are, in no particular order, things I'll miss and some things I won't...

I'll miss the tapas bars and the Sangria. Soon I'll be able to prepare some of the Spanish dishes for my friends but it won't be the same as going out to the bars and partaking nightly.

I'll miss running in Retiro Park every weekend.

I'll miss the Metro and eating kebab.

I'll miss perusing the streets of the Rastro, haggling with the vendors and searching for gifts.

I'll miss being able to take weekend trips to smaller towns outside the city.

I'll miss going out to the different clubs with the friends.

I'll miss the many holidays and puentes.

I'll miss teaching English and how my students and I had so much fun together.

I'll miss all the European friends that I know I won't see for at least awhile.

I'll miss traveling. I'll miss Madrid.

Things I WON'T miss:

I won't miss my tiny apartment or the arguments with the roommates.

I won't miss the bullfights.

I won't miss the bank schedule.

I won't miss the extreme feeling of lonliness I experienced in my first month abroad.

I won't miss the smells that would waft into my room from the other apartments across the way.

I won't miss people trying to take advantage of foreigners.

I won't miss the feeling of uncertainty with regard to my grades.

I won't miss the smoke.

I won't miss the cold weather in the wintertime that I had never before experienced in my life.

I won't miss Spanish dubbing over American films.

I'm out of exile and the journey has ended. Hopefully another experience is just ahead. Someday I will return and start anew in the country that has been so gracious to me for the past year.

2006-06-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

I'm contemplating pensively about my last night in Madrid. I was all over the city today collecting emails from friends made throughout the year, buying last minute souvenirs and taking in the city that I have come to know and love. I'd also love to reflect through words what an incredible experience this has been but I know I must sleep before my marathon flight schedule tomorrow.

From Madrid to NY to Washington DC to Las Vegas and finally to Sacramento, I'll be thinking about Spain and how a little part of me will always be found in Madrid. I know I'll get more emotional at the airport tomorrow and I think when I get back home would be a great time to remember the good and the bad that passed through these eyes and this mind over the course of a year.

Getting ready to do the time warp again as I travel back west...

My Scandinavian Adventure

2006-06-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

I figure now would be as good a time as any to divulge my 10 day adventure into the Nordic countries complete with fresh forests, precious views and even more precious-looking people. after packing for the last two days and planning on doing even more tomorrow, it's nice to take a break and actually pontificate a little bit on the blog. So here goes...

I took a flight from Madrid to Malaga on June 8th and since it was at 740 in the morning I didn't stand a chance of traveling on the metro and getting to the airport on time. After stepping out of the cab and into the airport, I breathed a sigh of relief and began to think about what lay ahead of me in Sweden and Finland. Although I've been on many trips across this continent since I got here last August and people are often in awe of my travels, this was the first time I'd be going solo and I welcomed the change.

In Malaga, I and the other passengers boarded the plane to Stockholm only to find that after almost 2 hours of waiting for the plane to take off we had to go back into the terminal. All of the announcements were in Swedish and since the only Swedish thing about me happens to be my last name, I had no idea what was going on. We all waited in the terminal for about 45 minutes and then were en route for 4 hours. It was the longest flight I endured of all my European flights, next to the one from Bratislava to London and when I got to the center of the city, I was starving.

Luckily, I found the American establishment Burger King and proceeded to act like a tourist when the guy behind the counter asked me if I had another crown and I just stared blankly at him. I got used to the crown over the three nights I was in Stockholm since I spent so many there. I arrived at the hostel and just like that met many new friends. Fortunately I was able to practice my Spanish with some other guys from Mexico and impress them as well. Since I'd had a long day in the air, I decided to turn in after I returned from a walk through the streets at about midnight.

The next day we went sightseeing. I was with two others from the hostel and we journeyed to the town hall to take in the breathtaking landscape of Gamla Stan from up above and also the rest of the city. We then took a boat (as if it were a taxi) to one of the islands and gazed in awe at the Vasa. The Vasa set sail in the 1600s and promptly sank like a rock just outside the harbor and surprisingly, the whold ship was salvaged and is now in the museum. My friend Nana and I walked around the museum and I got some pictures of the skeletons of the dead that were also discovered at later dates. The Titanic of the 17th century certainly was a sight to behold.

The next few days were spent going out to the clubs, taking in a boat tour of the beautiful city and also buying extensive amounts of souvenirs for the family and friends. You'll all have to wait until I return to see the goods, however. One other thing I have to mention about Stockholm (which I'm sure is common knowledge) is that the summer nights look like summer afternoons because of the way the sun lingers on. When the bars closed at 330 am (a far cry from the Madrid style of life I've gotten used to where the people take the first metro home at 6am), my friends and I walked around the city together and I had to get some pictures.

On Sunday I hopped a train and then a bus to Umea in the north. It took about 8 hours total and I couldn't even pay attention to Batman Begins because I had no headphones and did not feel like reading the Swedish subtitles. I finally arrived at the house of one of the family members I'd never met and we ate a barbecue dinner with the neighbors. After much conversation, laughter, and drink (of course there's always a drink), I proceeded to the sauna. I wish the saunas in the states could compare to ones in Scandinavia but I've decided to have one installed in my future house anyway. I was eternally grateful for the hospitality.

The next day I hopped the ferry over to Vaasa, Finland where my other relatives lived. I spent a tranquil week there with the cousins whom I hadn't seen since I was 10 years old in California. I did everything from attend a barbecue for the orienteering team and speak to an interesting character who insisted that Donald Duck came to the island we were on to play mini golf to meet the rest of the families. It was a little overwhleming meeting with most everyone for the first time but I'm extremely glad that I had the opportunity. At night it was a little hard to sleep because in Finland the sun NEVER fully sets in the summer but it just gave me an excuse to sleep later than I do in Madrid while the cousins went to train for orienteering, a sport that demands discipline. I'd like to thank the family for letting me stay with them. I appreciate it.

Last Saturday I took the early train to Helsinki and five hours later I was at the airport waiting for my flight to Malaga. Unbeknownst to me, the flight didn't leave until Sunday. After chastising myself for being an idiot, I decided to take a flight to Barcelona instead so that I could attend the Rastro one more time and also go to a Bull Fight. I'd been in Spain almost a year and I still hadn't seen the ritual. After arriving in Barcelona at 9pm and having some trouble locating the bus station, I was on a 7 hour bus to the center of Spain. I was able to go to the Rastro and buy more souvenirs and also partake in watching the matadores. That's an entry for another time.

I have to add Stockholm to my list of favorite European cities along with Madrid, Amsterdam and of course Prague. One day I hope to visit the homeland again.

Delay

2006-06-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted pics from my trip up to Scandinavia and I think I'll write about it tomorrow. Now I just want to relish in the victory by Spain over Tunisia like all the other Spaniards.

2006-06-18T16:19:00.001-07:00

National Museum Stockholm

2006-06-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

Jet-skis

2006-06-18T16:18:00.001-07:00

Town Hall

2006-06-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Smells like Victory

2006-06-18T16:17:00.001-07:00

Watching over the city

2006-06-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

was he really here?

2006-06-18T16:16:00.001-07:00

Falling into Sweden

2006-06-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

Gamla Stan

2006-06-18T16:15:00.001-07:00

Do you see what I see?

2006-06-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

Stockholm

2006-06-18T16:14:00.001-07:00

Purple Haze all in my brain

2006-06-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

Salvaged from the deep

2006-06-18T16:13:00.001-07:00

Remains of the dead

2006-06-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

In front of the vessel

2006-06-18T16:12:00.001-07:00

The Vasa Museum

2006-06-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

Rowers!!

2006-06-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

Expensive Real Estate

2006-06-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

Stockholm by boat

2006-06-18T16:09:00.002-07:00

This is Stockholm at 3:45 in the morning

2006-06-18T16:09:00.001-07:00

City Lodge Hostel

2006-06-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

Narrow Stockholm Street

2006-06-18T16:08:00.001-07:00

The most elegant 7-Eleven I've ever seen