Vanna, I Like to Buy a Vowel ...

I don't really have anything too interesting to post so here is a rather lame one. I just saw a pretty awesome puzzle solving on Wheel of Fortune. The puzzle's category is lyric. A lady contestant solved using letters S, T, G, and N. Wow!!!!!!

**ST** **** *G**N *N ***G***T******

Good Luck!

Jon Stewart Rocks ...

Aside from being an extra expense, I already watch too much TV in my opinion to get cable. Instead of watching TV, I have been spending time listening to podcasts, reading webpages, and watching videos on-line. I guess it is an exchange of a sort.

I found snippets of Daily Show with Jon Stewart on YouTube. Stewart is awesome. His comedic takes on contemporary political issues and events are humorous and poignant. Just check out his videos on YouTube dealing with net neutrality, Iraqi insurgency, and John McCain's visit to Liberty University. I just might have to get cable just for Daily Show.

American Mastiff
Jim and Beth, good college friends, recently adopted an American Mastiff. Just look at the cute picture from above. I had to check out the Wikipedia entry to be sure. Apparently there are two, which are not recognized by the most kennel clubs. Interesting. WHO CARES! The pup is cute.

Thank God For The Rain ...

It has been scorching here in Phoenix, Arizona. In fact, the high temperature a couple days ago was 120°F. I woke up from an early evening sleep to lightnings, thunders, and rain. I am so going for a run in the morning. Anyway, I thought I try my hand at photographing lightnings. Hope you like it!

Hooray For Cheese Pie ...

I just had my second wine tasting in as many years. We consumed a cheese pie, meat balls, a tart, humus, and fondue. We savored white, red, and ports. Mm ports!!! We reminisced, joked, shared stories. What a great time!

One low point is the lowered per capita consumption of wine. In my rough estimation, we consumed about two and a half glasses per person. Are we becoming bunch of light weights?

My recommendation: Any Tawny 10 year old port from Portugal!!!!!!

That's How They Became The JC's Bunch ...

Here is what a bored person does. Make a Brady Bunch like square picture montage. All of them connected by their parents knowing me. All of them dear.

Let's sing together ...

Here's the story of a lovely lady
who was bringing up three very lovely girls
all of them had hair of gold, like their mother.
the youngest one in curls.

Here's the story of a man named Brady
Who was living with three boys of his own.
They were four men living all together
yet they were all alone

Till the one day when the lady met this fellow.
And they knew that it was much more than a hunch,
That this group must somehow form a family,
That's the way we all became the Brady bunch.

The Brady bunch, the Brady bunch.
That's the way we became the Brady bunch.

Best Banner Yet ...

Last Sunday, I went to Rampleys for dinner. I was very pleasantly surprised to see the above sign, which touched me. Cameron, 3, and Aidan, 1, spent their time making an art for moi. Even at early age, you can still see their genius. Young Pollock?

Best Bumper Sticker Ever?
While driving to Rampleys', I was behind a vehicle with the best bumper sticker ever. It was made by the pink ribbon organization, Susan G. Komen. Save the tatas was written on top of a pink ribbon. I say, c'est une bonne idee.

Peak Formerly Known As Squaw ...

Do you want to go for a hike, but too lazy to go for one? Well, you are in luck. You can go on a virtual first person perspective hike by clicking on the video above. I have chosen a popular hiking spot in Phoenix, Arizona called Piestawa Peak. It used to be Squaw Peak, but apparently squaw is a slender to native Americans. It was changed to honor the first native American woman war casualty. Hope you enjoy the hike.

Hodgepodge ...

English Ladies Need Modesty
According to this Yahoo article, British police are recommending ladies don pants when going out drinking. Apparently, ladies are passing out and flashing bobbies, British for cops. I had no idea British Ladies, who are supposedly conservative, can be so much fun.

Chalupas for Everyone
Thanks to Diamondback scoring eight runs last night, everyone received coupons for a free chalupa. I am looking forward to redeeming two coupons. Taco Bell, here I come. Too bad the rookie, Stephen Drew, did not get any hits from his first major league game.

Chris Penn
Do you know who Chris Penn is? Maybe you can guess from his last name. Chris is a brother to Sean Penn and an actor. I best knew him from Reservoir Dog. I thought he was a good actor, but he never achieved the kind of success his brother, Sean, has. Sadly, he passed away recently. There are much speculations as to circumstances of his death, but I do not want to guess.

Why am I writing about Chris Penn? I just saw Foot Loose again yesterday, which features Chris Penn as one of the major characters. I am going to remember a different Chris Penn after watching the movie. Chris I will remember is a promising, young, talented, and handsome actor.

Fox Trot
I enjoy reading comic strips. I think the best one is Fox Trot by Bill Amend. It features Roger, a bungling father, Andy, a sensible mother, Peter, a second rate high school jock, Paige, a not yet popular high school gal, and Jason, a prepubescent genius. Jason is the main character, in my humble opinion, and it is uncanny how funnier the comic gets for me as Jason gets nerdier about math, science, and computer science. Check it out, because it is genius.

More Mishmash

Better Fortune Cookies
It used to be fortunes inside cookies were philosophical and not telling of the future. You know, you are a winner, you are good looking, or such. I am happy to say fortunes I have been reading recently are much improved. Here is an example from yesterday, which read "Great Day Ahead! 14 15 16 23 28 6."

Rocket Boom v2.0 (Beta)
Much beloved Rocket Boom (at least by me) is back on. I was going a little crazy waiting for it. I guess I need to get a life. I have been caught up on who quit or left, who is a commie, and such scandal. Blogosphere, which I don't really think is a word, has been buzzing with speculations about new host, who to blame, etc.

Joanne Colan, the new host, comes equipped with English accent. She has that newness, which I mean stiffness. I wonder if Joanne is relaxed, but the stiffness is coming through her British born nature. I bet she gets better with time like most things. I have great expectations for her.

I shall miss Amanda Congdon, the ex-host. She got so good over time doing RB. I know it won't be same for a short time.

I am just glad RB is back.

Funny Video
I just saw the funniest video, which lampoons Zinedien Zidane's notorious head butt. Words do not do justice. Check it out at YouTube.


Free Calls
Skype is offering free calls within US and Canada until end of this calendar year. I am using it for long distance calls right now. At least for me, it is not the pristine sound I would like, but it will do. I mean it is FREE!

Even better, Skype is offering free calls to UK this weekend, to Mexico next weekend, to Japan the week after that. Wow. I wish I knew people in those countries.

A Fortune Cookie Keeps My Dog Happy ...

My little doggie, Cenya, loves fortune cookies. I always look for things to put in Cenya's Kong, red rubber play thing, as I like to keep her busy and interested. She gets so excited. I put together footages of her devouring the Kong filled with a half of a fortune cookie. Enjoy it.

p.s. I also have other entries about Cenya like licking yogurt, walking around the neighborhood, and catching flies.

Mishmash ...

I am writing about various subjects not related to each other. I know I called it potpourri last time, but I think "mishmash" is a better terminology.

Princess Leia Metal Bikini

If you are a man and old enough to remeber "Return of Jedi," then you definitely the bikini worn by Princess Leia. I was reading Wired today and found an article talking about how it has gotten a cult status as a custom. It even has a dedicated website called, www.leiasmetalbikini.com. Amazing. Check out photos of people dressed like Princess Leia.

Headbutt Heard Around the World

Did you see Zinedine Zidane headbutt Matterazi last Sunday during the World Cup Final? It seemed very vicious indeed. I am going to write a little about it. (Note: I have been a fan of Zidane since 1988 World Cup, so read the rest of my editorial with my bias in mind.)

After I saw the incient, I joked with friends that Matterazi must been talking about Zidane's mother or something. Of course, I was only half joking. I mean why would a professional footballer who played numerous matches would just headbutt someone out of bleus. There must been a provocation.

I am not condoning his headbutting incident. I mean he got ejected and his team ultimately lost.

I read this morning an article stating Matterazi provoking Zidane by taunting. According to the article, lip readers say Matterazi might've said Zidane is a terrorist or talking about his mom or sister. I am more tend to believe the prior statement rather than later as Zidane must heard many mom or sister jokes while playing matches.

I just want to finish by saying Zidane was wrong to headbutt Matterazi, but it is not always just black and white when it comes to fouls.

P.S. Footballers dive too much and Italians more so, in my humble opinion.

Tying The Knot ...

I just heard a shocking news. Our boy, Jim, got engaged to his long long time girlfriend, Beth, over last week, while vacationing in New Orleans. Jim, that sly dog. I guess it is about time since they have been together for about a decade if not a little longer. CONGRATULATIONS go out to both. It is, indeed, a very good time to start shopping for toasters.

El Cheapo y Bueno Musica (Dos) ...

Just bought the above album for mere $7.99 prior to taxation from Best Buy. It will be on sale through this week if you are inclined to purchase. KT Tunstall got much radio time for her songs Other Side of the World, Black Horse and the Cherry Tree, and Suddenly I see. This is the second British Woman's album purchase in last three weeks. Hmm, is this a trend? What is the first British Woman's album? Click here to find out.

Force Will Be With You Always ...

Do you love Star Wars? I mean do you love Star Wars. Well, then. You do not want to miss an ASCII version. What is an ASCII? ASCII, American Standard Code for Information Interchange, is a code for information exchange between computers made by different companies used in most microcomputers. Well, it basically are all the symbols you see on your keyboard like alphabets, numbers, punctuations, etc.

Amazingly, Star Wars Episode IV was re-rendered using ASCII characters. Check it out on this website, http://www.asciimation.co.nz/, which I found thanks to Buzz Out Loud podcast from CNet.

Did You Know US Is #1 For ...

I watched an episode of Globe Trekker, which was about South Eastern America, which includes Virginia, West Virginia, and Georgia, today on Public Broadcasting System. While watching the episode, I learned new tidbits about us, Americans, but not every new factoids were positive.

Megan McCormick, the hostess of this episode, hiked a part of Appalachian Trail, attended a state fair, and experienced a Civil War reactment in Virgina. She then went to West Virginia for a bee keeper experience, a prison system, and a bridge diving event. Lastly she went to Georgia and experienced a debutante ball and witnessed an outdoor baptism.

I was fascinated to learn that Appalachian Trail runs through fourteen states, and it takes most hikers six months to finish. I am not sure I have enough fortitude to begin or finish such an expedition, but sure would love to try.

Here is the part of the episode I hated. I hated to learn that US is number one in incarcerating its own citizens. I also learned how cruel death sentences by electricution can be. It was described as five minutes of massive heart attack. If that is not a description of unusual and cruel, then I do not know what is.

How Many Miles On Those Shoes?

I just bought a new pair of running shoes today from Runner's Den. This means I can retire the old pair. It has been about a year since I bought the old pair.

I am estimating conservatively 520 miles for the old pair. How did I arrive at this figure? I multiplied 10 miles per week with 52 weeks per year. I think it is more likely about 800 miles.

Anyway, it was about time. I like to think I will be running more with the new shoes. It is a new brand since I was not digging the old pair. The new pair is Brooks Addiction. I am looking forward to running in them tomorrow morning before I catch Wimbledon and World Cup. Check out the photos below for my new running shoes.

My new running shoes

Joyeux Anniversaire Pour Moi ...

I expected to hear from family members and friends, who would wished me "Joyeux Anniversaire." I was not disappointed. It is always nice to know others care. I especially appreciate Garrick, who called to wish me a party-hardy-kind of birthday. My dear sister called and asked to check my e-mail for my gift. In addition, I received several e-mails from friends including Sinziana, Esteban, Jennifer, and Karen. I am lucky indeed.

I did not expect to receive a birthday greeting from a game. God bless that Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, who is the basis for Nintendo's Brain Age game. It is like getting a cyber birthday greeting, so check it out.

Slip Slidin' Away ...

This video was the most fun I had while editing. I captured grown-ups having fun sliding down into a pool. Watch out for the reverse action. Enjoy it!

I Share My Birthday With Whom?

Do you know who you share your birthday with? I have known I shared mine with Nancy Reagan and Silvester Stallone by watching Entertainment Tonight many years ago. I found out another this morning, which I am not very proud. Our president, George "Doubleya" Bush, also has the same birthday. Ahhhhhhhh! I may never celebrate my birthday ever again.

I am however very proud to share my birthdays with Merv Griffin, Janet Leigh (Psycho), Dalai Lama, Burt Ward (Robin), Geoffery Rush, and possibly 50 cent.

If you are curious about your birthday cohabitants, then check out this link.

Funny Homebrew Labels ...

The above beer lable is the Grand Champion label from 2006 Brew Your Own magazine's label contest. This creation is by Barry Fitzgerald from Lawrence, Kansas. I think that is where University of Kansas is located. Check out the rest of awarded lables at BYO.

As a home brewer, I have always thought good labels could make my home brews even better. It eventually comes down how the beer tastes, smells, feels, etc, but an eye catching labels would make the brew even more desirable. Also, I appreciate the creative efforts put forth by the contestants as a non-creative person.

Best Sonoran Mexican Food Ever?

Sonoran Mexican food. How can I describe it? Most would think tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, burritos, etc. It is not quite as spicy as New Mexico style. It is also not like Tex-Mex. Having lived many moons in Arizona, I've come to love Mexican food prepared in most Arizona Mexican restaurants.

Until I went away to college in Tucson in 1995, I thought of Mexican food as just a pleasant meal choice, but not a must eat. That soon changed when I discovered Rosa's. I felt in love with the restaurant the first time I ate their green chile con carne. I get it served Ortega style, which is spicier. Of course, a frozen margarita is a must complementary drink! I have been eating there every chance I had.

I still have a couple of great friends living in Tucson. It has become a meeting place for us, Harley, Jim, me. They do not seem to mind that I always want to meet there when I come in town. We have a great time every time.

So what brought on this write up? I went down to Tucson last Saturday to see Harley. I have not seen him since his move to a huge house in Vail, Arizona. It was a great excuse to visit my favorite Mexican restaurant.

I have recorded footages of my travel to Tucson, which includes a sun rise, Picacho Peak, an ostrich farm, a semi roll over, Harley's new huge palace, and Rosa's new mural wall.