Lacaland

Last time I checked....

2010-06-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

...... I am still alive. Thinking about actually starting to blog again, make a serious go of it, hopefully more details to come.......

Interview with Enola Gay Pilot

2009-03-04T06:48:00.000-08:00

Dang, I must be on a monthly schedule now. Today's little nugget is an interview with the pilot of the Enola Gay, the guy who flew the plane over Hiroshima. Pretty interesting and candid interview and worth a read.

'One hell of a big bang'

Update to Laca 1.5

2009-02-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

Greetings Earth Creatures!

Hope the new year is finding you well, (or at least keeping your head above the water). Things have been rolling along here.

Made it through the holidays, with my bestest present being my new neighbor and girl freind, who made the big move so we can spend more than a weekend a month together. So far it has been great having her here, the cat, not so much (I keed, I keed). This year has started out and looks to be pretty busy, between maybe attending my first NASCAR race in Vegas (if I can get everything planned), to a trip to the homeland for a week during "spring break".

Anyway, that's about it. I jumped on the Twitter bandwagon, so you can catch me there @itsbeer30here and check out some of the people I am following. Later Alligators!

New Link Friday

2008-12-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

With all the stuff going on in the world today, sometimes you need someone to explain what exactly it all means. That's where Uncle Jay comes in. His website Uncle Jay Explains the News , along with his podcast, strides in "helping little minds understand big news stories" Check it out, it's hilarious.

Tis the Season....

2008-12-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas to All......

What a great past few months this has been! So much exciting news, with the latest of the 14 billion "loan" to the Big 3. Please please please tell me that part of the "reorganization" has to be they tell the UAW to take a hike, but I really doubt it.

Anyway, the big buzz in The Valley this week has been the appointment of half of the Salazar Congressional clan, Ken, to the Secretary of the Interior. Andrew Ripemoff of facethestate.com summed it up pretty well. Here is an excerpt from the aritcle-

Why did the leader of the free world put a second rate attorney from Manassa in charge of our nation’s natural resources? The Presidential press conference was telling:
REPORTER #1 : Sir. Can you tell us why you chose Ken Salazar?
OBAMA: I’ve made it clear from day one that my cabinet would be made up of only the best and the brightest this country has to offer.
REPORTER #1 : So why did you make an exception?
OBAMA: I felt that he very clearly met the strict criteria I was looking for in an Interior secretary.
REPORTER #1 : How so?
OBAMA: He’s a Western Democrat with a pulse.
REPORTER #2: Mr. President-elect, what does the appointment of Mr. Salazar say about your commitment to diversity?
OBAMA: Well, hopefully it will make the Congressional Hispanic Caucus shut up for a while.

Just another example of the excellence we have to look forward to for the next four years.

On a lighter note, I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year! Make a good New Year's Resolution for me!

Post-Election Depression

2008-11-05T10:45:00.001-08:00

For those who feel a little (or a lot) down in the dumps this day after elections, here's an article with a few tips.

read more digg story

I actually googled this, I am really bummed today. It doesn't help when the "other side" is right there to celebrate (yeah, I would probably be the same way). I hope that the "messiah" can work the miracles he has promised (doubtful), so I guess I hope that my umbrella is big enough and can hold up for the shit storm that is bound to happen. For more outrage and scolding aimed at the GOP (therapy), I suggest Nel Boortz and/or IMAO .

Speeding puppet in car makes muppets of the German police

2008-10-31T06:35:00.001-07:00

German police are appealing for help in finding a British driver making muppets out of them. AAAAAAANNNNNNIIIIMMMAAAAL!

read more digg story

Drilling takes center stage on Capitol Hill

2008-09-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

Found this article on Panhandle Poet's blog this morning. From the Houston Chronicle, it talks about the energy bills being brought up in Congress. I loved this quote from the President-

"This is their final chance to take action before the November elections," Bush said. "If members of Congress do not support the American people at the gas pump, then they should not expect the American people to support them at the ballot box."

Too bad they are having to spend all their time bailing out the sub-prime lenders and their bad loans, now we'll have raised taxes and higher fuel prices.

More Head-Rattling

2008-09-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

I feel guilty, I have been neglecting my little blog here. It's pretty sad when you start to rely on other people to convey your own thoughts. Plus doing that whole work thing, and lack of energy to do much in general other than what's required. Anyway, here are a few brain nuggets to ponder and/or laugh at.

Yesterday, overheard a co-worker say to another co-worker "I have a blog now, how do I get people to see it?" (what a question!). Come to find out she also blogs "random stuff". I'm glad there is enough random stuff to go around.
Heard a comment on the news this morning that the current economic snafu is just part of the seven year cycle of economic ups and downs. What was happening seven years ago? 9/11 and the instability of the aftermath. Makes you wonder.....
G. Gordon Liddy had a excellent tribute to 9/11. I suggest finding it if you can. I will never forget standing there getting ready for work and watching the second plane and knowing things would never be the same. Let's hope we never forget.
I actually had an "discussion" with a fellow office dweller when he had said that we need to "take from the rich and give to the poor". This whole "Robin Hood" mentality is getting out of control. Here's a point to ponder: What happens to the level of charitable funds being spent by Bill Gates, self-made gazillionaire, is forced to pay more taxes to support lazy welfare leeches? I wouldn't be so generous.
In the same "discussion", the race card was pulled. Does anyone know how many of them are out there and where to get them, because as much as they are being and going to be used, they are going to be wearing out and need replaced. Maybe someone can make some money, but then they would just have to give it away. Gotta love socialism comrade.

Anyway, there should be enough there for some entertainment to hold you over. I am going to try and keep things going, there's going to be plenty to talk about in this election season. Later Days!

An open letter to those of you here for the DNC

2008-08-22T06:53:00.001-07:00

A letter written by Colorado's Face The State welcoming the inflow of liberals to the rock show known as the DNC. Does a really good job summing things up.

read more | digg story

How Many Goats Are You Worth?

2008-08-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

Click here to see what your net worth is in goats. I was 8 out of 10 goats. SCORE!

RNC organizers aggressively go green

2008-08-19T06:40:00.001-07:00

Looks like Republicans are also taking steps to help the planet as well. It was nice to see, since all we in Colorado have been hearing about is Obamarama, and how "green" they claim to be, like claiming power for the convention will be supplied by a broken wind turban in Wray, and moving from the pepsi center to the huge investco field, or buying carbon credits to offset travel from their cronies.

read more | digg story

Saharan sun's solar power could provide Europe's electricity

2008-07-23T09:00:00.001-07:00

Interesting concept, wonder if it's economically feasible, considering the infastructure for the plant itself as well as laying the cable to get the juice.

Speaking at the Euroscience Open Forum in Barcelona, Arnulf Jaeger-Walden of the European commission's Institute for Energy, said it would require the capture of just 0.3% of the light falling on the Sahara and Middle East deserts to meet all of Europe's energy needs.

read more | digg story

Researchers: Why Flip-Flops Are Bad For Your Feet

2008-06-25T08:49:00.001-07:00

I knew there was a reason I hated them. But I guess if you are dumb enough to wear them and annoy others around you, you deserve foot pain and parasites.

Researchers at Auburn University have found that wearing flip-flops alters the way one walks, changing the gait in subtle ways that can lead to serious sole, heel and ankle problems. They presented these findings earlier this month at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Indianapolis.

read more | digg story

Sam The Farmer

2008-06-17T06:40:00.001-07:00

Good read, I think pretty well sums up the predicament we have gotten ourselves into with importing more of our goods than we are producing.

What the story of a farmer who had a huge farm with plenty of valuable resources - but who wouldn't use it and instead bought his supplies from others - should teach us about our own role in the oil crisis. Drill Here. Drill Now. Pay Less.

read more | digg story

Random Thoughts and Other Stuff Rattling in the Head

2008-06-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

*How long is it going to take for anarchy to break out after January 20th when Obama-your-mama gets inaugurated and the crazy libs have total power. With gas prices, food prices, and utilities prices jumping like Mexican Jumping Beans, it just feels like a pressure cooker.

*I wish people would learn how to empty the paper shredder. The bag is like a foot away from it. Then again, it's fun to watch the monkeys keep flipping the switch. Stupid monkey.

*What's with flip flops? Do people like the sensation of holding their shoes on by their toes, and making that annoying "WHAP! WHAP! WHAP!" sound? I would imagine it would make the soles of your feet numb.

CHP Trick High School Students About Death of Classmate

2008-06-02T07:16:00.001-07:00

In an elaborate hoax, a CHP officer tells students that a classmate is dead in a drunk-driving incident. MADD says it saves lives. Some readers wonder.

I found this story off of Fark, which linked to a blog blasting this practice. The article says the practice has been going on for around 10 years, and to me is a great way to get to teenagers, let the "shit hit the fan" and the reality sink in that their actions have consequences. Check it out.

read more | digg story

"I Don't Think I Have Ever Seen A Truck Stuck Like That"

2008-05-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

Have you had a day like this? This is my work truck high-centered in the middle of a field.

The truck was pulled off and escaped with no damage, but I'll get to hear about it until the next stupid human trick. (Click on pics to see bigger versions)

The Billy Leters

2008-04-30T06:35:00.001-07:00

In the late-1990s, a guy named Bill Geerhart sent various celebrities and famous serial killers a picture of himself at age 10 and a letter asking for general life advice. These are their responses. Charles Manson is one craaaazy guy!

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Pandora's What?

2008-04-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

Greetings all!

Well, things might just be getting interesting here at the 'land. After listening to the lambe-macaco-taco-monkey girl crybaby whine for the millionth time (okay maybe just 5), I gave him access to post. We'll see how it takes for him to figure out how to post, and when he does if it is anything readable. My apologies in advance.

Curry Wants Extra Protection After Bruce Remark

2008-04-23T08:30:00.003-07:00

Apparently the Colorado State Representative who interupted a fellow Representative after he called illegal immigrants "illiterate peasants" fells she needs to be protected because of "threatening e-mails and phone messages" that are "off the charts."

read more | digg story

A follow-up to the first story in the previous blog. I'm thinking she's over reacting and the public is trying to make their voices heard. Bottom line, she'll be made out to be the victim, and the big scary public are going to get her. Maybe she should think twice before denying another person their first amendment rights.

An Illegal Immigration two-fer

2008-04-23T07:03:00.001-07:00

Have you noticed that with the mud slinging between ol' Hil and Obama that we really haven't heard much about real issues? Guess they don't get the ratings, bummer. Here are two stories on immigration I found interesting.

1st Story- Saw the video yesterday, quite entertaining. Dunno if he helped make a point or give them an excuse to be against it.

Colorado State Representative Douglas Bruce was no longer recognized to speak in the Colorado legislature after he called Mexican workers “illiterate peasants.” Bruce is also know for kicking a photographer.

read more | digg story

2nd Story- I would like to see this followed up, I have the feeling they might find Americans would be happy to do the job that employers are hiring illegals to do.

Oklahoma's unemployment rate, which was a seasonally adjusted 4.3% and 4.4%, respectively, in September and October 2007, has fallen to a seasonally adjusted 3.1% in both February and March of this year.

read more | digg story

The 17 Worst Bar Shots Ever Created

2008-03-06T09:42:00.001-08:00

If you've ever wanted to get back at someone, or just get your friend completely plastered for their 21st birthday ... take a look at this list of awful tasting shots that are sure to lay anyone out.

As I was reading this list of truly disgusting concoctions, actually feeling my liver wince and head hurt, I was happy I no longer was in college and was expected to try and down disgusting mixes. One good thing about having a birthday during college's summer vacation was that my 21 run was pretty calm, I only had to down a cement mixer and brain hemorrhage (something like the abortion from the article.) Check out the list and see how many you have had the (dis)pleasure of trying.

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Censorship with your free Wi-Fi?

2008-03-06T06:41:00.001-08:00

Ah, another "service" provided by DIA, makes Albuquerque's sound better and better.

Denver International Airport is the biggest in the world to offer free Wi-Fi. But now a Denver newspaper reports that the connection is censored. The airport actually blocks blogs like BoingBoing and other "potentially racy sites."

Here's anther case of unnecessary censorship. I like the fact they are claiming it's catching the "potentially racy sites" which translates to "Oh, somebody might get offended" sites. For a "free" service I'm sure the traveler is going to be charged for through raised airport fees, I think they should have the right to see whatever they want. I guess you still need to bring a book, since all you will be able to do on the internet is check e-mail, until they figure out that people send people "potentially racy" e-mails.

read more | digg story

Can Owlgore Be Wrong?

2008-03-05T06:33:00.001-08:00

Here's an interesting interview from Fox and Friends via breitbart.tv from John Coleman, founder of the Weather Channel. He is accusing Al Gore of using global warning to fraud the public into buying carbon credits and making millions. I have always wondered about carbon credits and if they actually go towards reducing carbon emissions in other places than Al's mansion. Check out the video here.

John also made some disparaging comments about The Weather Channel and how they have moved away from reporting the weather. I have to agree with him, I watch for about 1-2 minutes in the morning just to see what their radar is saying, which I get just as much info looking out the window on my way to work. I think their resources would be better used to report the weather in more areas, such as Southern Colorado instead of lumping us in with Denver. But then again, it is the valley, "and no high-falutin' weather telling machine would never be able to figure out the weather here."

Ebay To Ban Negative Feedback Ratings

2008-02-11T18:44:00.001-08:00

"Online auctioneer eBay plans to change its feedback system and ban sellers from leaving negative comments."

I don't do much on ebay anymore, but after this and all the spam e-mails I get after I bid, I'm wondering if the system is broken and not being able to leave negative feedback is going to open the floodgates for shifty sellers. I'm thinking that this will drop ebay's popularity and let someone like google to step in and take some of their thunder.

read more | digg story

Frank J's Democrat Debate Reaction

2008-02-01T10:56:00.001-08:00

Pretty much sums up what's going to happen if the Dems get into the oval office, and how I am feeling about Barack and Hil.

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New Feature!

2008-01-20T10:02:00.000-08:00

Hello True Believers!

Has it been a month since I last posted anything? Time flies when you're having fun I guess. I have also had the opportunity to learn how to live without running water, since a thoughtful ex-neighbor decided to turn off his heater when he moved out, freezing the pipes solid in this sub-zero siberia. Ah, Alamosa, where utilities are luxuries. I'm starting to have enough of the valley's shenanigans.

Anyway, I did some tweaking today, threw a new template up, looks a little different from the old. I also added an RSS feed of my Netflix Queue. I usually keep 20-25 movies on it, which is good when you want to kind of pick and choose, but some movies just kind of fall to the bottom, so I am trying to go through all of them before I add some more. If you have any suggestions, leave me a comment, and you might just see it on the list.

Hasta Leugo muchachos!

UPS saved 3 Million Gallons of Gas-- By Not Turning Left

2007-12-12T12:01:00.001-08:00

I guess someone has to even out all the left turns NASCAR drivers make....

"Mapping out routes for its drivers, drastically reducing the number of left-hand turns they make helped the company shave 28.5 million miles off its delivery routes, which has resulted in savings of roughly three million gallons of gas and has reduced CO2 emissions by 31,000 metric tons."

read more | digg story

Christian Guy Totally Owns Mormons

2007-11-14T19:44:00.001-08:00

Ooops, I guess those two Mormon missionaries should of went in and got some whoppers....

"Two Mormons bike messengers approach a group of guys in a Burger King parking lot to try to spread the word. One of the guys they approach drops some real knowledge and makes them look like complete fools."

read more | digg story

Weed it and Reap

2007-11-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

Interesting commentary from yesterday's New York Times about the new Farm Bill that is coming up from approval. The Farm Bill is what dictates how the direction different Ag Agencies move (mine included). The big beef in the article is the argument against payments to farmers as subsidies, disaster payments and direct payments. I hope people took the time and read it, since agriculture affects everyone who eats in this country.

A Town That Only Has Water 3 Hours a Day in America

2007-11-02T12:54:00.001-07:00

I saw this headline on the news this morning, they made it out to be some HUGE tragedy, I guess they needed global warming consipiracy fuel. An interesting read if you have a few minutes.

Mayor Tony Reames drives up to the community's towering water tank and releases the tank's meager water supply for a period of 3 hours.

read more | digg story

Glenn Beck Blames California Wildfires On The ‘Damn Environmentalists'

2007-10-25T12:27:00.001-07:00

About time someone stands up against the crazy California fruits and nuts. And a CNN reporter too, he must be trying to get fired. Same thing happened in Tahoe this summer, dumb environmental laws prevented homeowners from defending their homes. Makes you feel bad about people's homes going up in flames, but when they do it to themselves, it's hard to feel sorry for them. Story goes as follows-

Last night, CNN Headline News host Glenn Beck blamed California’s massive wildfires on the “damn environmentalists” and their “bad environmental policies.” He also claimed that global warming has nothing to do with the situation, stating, “[I]f I hear global warming one more time, blood is going to shoot out of my eyes.”

read more | digg story

Nobel Committee Bypassed Holocaust Savior for Al Gore

2007-10-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

Fresh from Boortz , (one of his reading assignments), A story about one of the 180 nominees that was up for the Nobel Peace Prize with Algore. Saving Jewish kids in the Holocaust isn't as important as a movie on "global warming"? See the story here, or first reading assignment on the Boortz page. As Rush said, "this just proves that the Nobel prizes have lost all their credibility." Even though I am not jewish, I salute you Irena Sendler for sacraficing your life to save 2,500 others.

Reply to "The Future Shape of Agriculture"

2007-10-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article written by the Panhandle Poet on his blog, and decided to comment, and felt it would be best to take space on my blog and not his comment window. So click the link above, read the article entitled "The Future Shape of Agriculture", then read my comments-

Very well thought out written outlook of the food and fiber industry. Here are some more points to consider:

*Water is going to become very expensive, whether it's the rights to use the water or the process to filter water to make it potable. I read an interview with T. Boone Pickens, a oil tycoon, and he stated that he is starting to buy up property just for the access to aquifers, because water will be the next oil. There's already a push for agriculture producers to contribute as much water to as they take out, either by building recharge pits, or buying water credits.

*I am for these urban "rooftop" farms, this would take some of the a little pressure off of farmers for supply, but also it will give urbanites an idea of where their food comes from. Educating their consumers is one of the problems agriculture faces, people thinking their food comes from warehouses and factories. I think people are starting to take more interest in their food, and being only feet from the farm instead of miles is better for everyone.

*There is going to need to be a large amount of capital needed to make agriculture sustainable. All of the technologies talked about here still need quite a bit of tweeking before they become effective. The only two sources of income coming in to an Agriculture Production is from product (food and fiber), or federal (taxes)and non-federal assistance. I think America's history of low food prices is coming to the end. I think there is an emerging market for local products, especially with the focus on CO2 emissions and cost of transportation.

Anyway, to sum things up, I think it's going to be an interesting time to be in Agriculture. I think that there will be more focus on "wise use" (definition of Conservation), and the 3 R's (Reduce, Re-use, Recycle). The technology coming out will be interesting, and a whole lot of paradigms will be changed.

Stay Tuned.

Hybrids made the government put GPS in every car

2007-09-28T13:35:00.001-07:00

Interesting thought of the day about a side effect to hybrids

Where does the state government get the money to maintain roads? Gas taxes. What if your car does not use gas? How is the state suppose to know if an electric car is using the road?

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Alternative Energy Sources: 4 Technologies on the Brink

2007-09-26T07:18:00.001-07:00

I found this Wired.com article about the four upcoming alternative energy alternatives. I found the Geothermal section interesting, I wonder how much water and energy to keep the water cool is needed, since that is one of the problems with corn ethanol.

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IA ORA TE NATURA, E MEA AROFA TEIE AO NEI

2007-09-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

A two for one link special today!

The first was more serious in nature, so I figured a fun one is needed to keep the balance.

It is Friday, the end of summer is here, the weather here has been rainy and all around gray. With the onset of colder temps and snowfall, so it's nice to make sure you have somewhere to get away.

So today's "free" link is... drum roll please...... Margaritaville.

If you're not a parotthead (yet) and never been here, it's the center for everything Jimmy Buffett. You can buy a blender, learn lyrics so you can sing along, check out the discussion boards, or tune into Radio Margaritaville. So you can tune in, sit back with your favorite drink, and enjoy.

While on the topic of Radio Maragritaville, I decided a few weeks ago to join the nation of satellite radio subscribers in the area. I chose Sirius because they have the NFL, NASCAR, Radio Margaritaville, and Howard Stern. I have installed both a car setup and home setup, and combined time to do both is just over an hour. If are in the market, I would recommend you check it out.

Anyway, here's to the weekend. CHEERS!

Free Link Friday

2007-09-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

A fellow blogger named Panhandle Poet steered me to his blog, Common Sense Agriculture, Conservation and Energy, a collection of articles about current energy, conservation, and agriculture issues. Check it out if you are interested in any of those areas.

Daily Fred Thompson Fact- September 21st.

2007-09-21T06:40:00.001-07:00

I think this would save on Ahmadinejad's travel budget...

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Tape Catches Woman's Fury At Man In Chimney

2007-09-19T13:13:00.001-07:00

I guess she gets mad when Santa doesn't bring her any presents..... Next Stop, SPRINGER!

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Rapleaf

2007-09-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody!

Was googling myself today after seeing articles on How to Ungoogle Yourself, and found an entry on this site called Rapleaf. Apparently, the purpose is to give buyers and sellers a universal place to check out people they are completing transactions with. Anyway, I filled it out for me and my e-mail addresses, and I'll try to keep up on rating, and put my little rating here on the site.

You Mean He Tried To Burn The Burning Man?

2007-08-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

Silly Hippies, you're not supposed to exercise free will at Burning man.

Straight out of the headlines, Burning Man Set on Fire Early Due To Arson (thanks to Webbalert). For those not up on hippie festivals, Burning Man is basically an excuse for a bunch of hippies to go out in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada to dance naked, do drugs, and whatever else stinky naked hippies do. They pride themselves for creating a Utopian art society where currency has no place, you can just trade your wares. Funny thing is, in order to participate you have to fork out 300 bucks just to get in. I can think of way better things to spend 300 bucks on. Anyway, bad hippie for expressing yourself at a "art festival".

Does That Come with a Free Case of Bullets?

2007-08-29T06:26:00.000-07:00

Heard this on the radio on the way into work this morning, then saw it on Boortz: U.S. most armed country. According to the survey, U.S. citizens own 270 million of the world's 875 million known firearms, or 90 guns for every 100 citizens. I guess that means with my 3, 2 rifles and 12 gauge, I account for 2.7 people. Anyway, it would be interesting to see how many of those guns are used for recreation and protection vs. crime.

Speaking of crime, today is the 2-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and murders have doubled in New Orleans. After all the hoopla over how the President and FEMA "botched" the situation and all the resources and money donated to rebuild, crime is still a problem. With the revolving-door justice system today, where the innocent are punished, it shouldn't be surprising.

So shoot on with your arsenal, whether it's clay pigeons, real pigeons, or someone with something that you want, they all seem to be same thing in the eyes in the law.

Webb Alert!

2007-08-23T07:02:00.000-07:00

Just a quick plug for Morgan Webb's new video tech news site, Webb Alert. Morgan is one of the hosts of X-Play on G4, and all around Geeky Girl. There's a new one about every other weekday or so, about 5-6 minutes, so a quick update on the latest in the tech world.

Just Older

2007-08-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hey, man, it's been a while
Do you remember me?
When I hit the streets I was 17
A little wild, a little green
I've been up and down and in between
After all these years
Can you believe I'm still chasing that dream
But I ain't looking over my shoulder
"Just Older"- Bon Jovi

I had a epiphany that has been been brewing for a few months. A family friend was injured a few months ago, and his family created a myspace profile to keep everyone updated on the latest. So one night I checked it out, and after reading about his progress, I looked at all of his "friends", some were people that I knew, around the same age as me, some parents of these people my age. As I looked at the list and some of the current faces of people long ago, it made me pause to think about what has happened 11 years since I left home and that world to enter the real world. Would me 11 years ago recognize me today? And if we were to meet in some time warp, what would 18 year old me ask 29 year old me? And would I believe it?

It's funny how much of the world and opportunities you don't know about when you are 18 and looking down that highway leading out of town. As for opportunities, it's all about Smiles, Cries, and Regrets (an improvement from the line in Training Day). I guess part of life is leaving physical locations and the people within them to enter new ones, and things in those left worlds keep plowing along (not that I didn't think they didn't). It's just interesting to take a step back and think how everything has changed as we all get older and grow up (well, some of us).

This whole train of thought made me realize that there is still that highway that is leading to new worlds more things I cannot imagine, but will experience. Well, here's to the next 11 and 29 years (hopefully).

I'm Not Saying a Word... [PIC]

2007-08-08T12:46:00.001-07:00

Ripped from the Wichita Rutherford Blog, made me blow root beer out my nose.

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My Obligitory August Posting

2007-08-07T10:33:00.001-07:00

Now Here's The Latest...

* I spiced up the layout of the blog (template no. 265), it seems to be easier on the eyes.

* I have been frequenting my Yahoo! 360° page, check it out if are bored and want to read more useless information about me.

* I am flying back to "The Oasis of Nevada" in October to visit family and see the new dog, Fiona, as well as (hopefully) hooking up with some old friends.

* The night before I fly out, I am treating myself the night before to a performance of Spam-a-lot in Denver. I am totally psyched, Monty Python rules.
Update: My Ticket came in the mail today! SWEET!

Well, I'm going to enjoy the peacefulness known as an empty office. Later Days!

Funny thing happened to me today...

2007-07-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

I remembered I had a blog. I was sending an e-mail, and went, "hmmmm, what's this Lacaland?"

Then panic set in. "What if someone has been checking every day for the cream of the crop from IMAO and Digg? Or even better, my musings?"

That was followed by uncontrollable laughter, which got me strange looks from started co-workers. What's that straitjacket for?

Anyway, I realized today that it's almost August. Where did the summer go? Have I really just set the cruise control and floated along for two months? Naw, couldn't be. Time is a funny thing, so damned fleeting. It's so damned easy to get into a cycle of work, sleeping, and paying bills, and a few beers with co-workers. Hopefully things will pick up, with Frontier Days and Ski-Hi, mom and my sister coming, and a week of vacation, if I ever get it planned.

Oh yeah I bought a Remington 700 SPS .223, so far I am happy with it, but I have only been out to shoot with it once, and that was spent sighting it in. I also been out fishing, but the fishing gods are mad, so I have been skunked. Just gives me an excuse to get back out there.

That's All Folks!!!!

The End of an Era and the Effects on Those with Dumb Monkey Faces

2007-05-30T09:32:00.001-07:00

Via IMAO, an interesting commentary about the Democrat party and their dumb Monkey-faced future when Bush steps out of office and they have to focus on real issues.

read more | digg story

We've All Been Elisabeth Hasselbeck: An Editorial by Frank J.

2007-05-29T09:00:00.001-07:00

If you've seen/heard about the whole Elizabeth/Rosie feud on the view, and you feel for Elizabeth, then this editorial for you. It has everything a good editorial needs: humor, intelligence and the phrase "lesbian rhino".

read more | digg story

Where do YOU Fit In A Galaxy Far Far Away?

2007-04-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

Take this quiz, and figure out if you fight for the force or the dark side. Just Pray you aren't Jar Jar Binks.

Apparently, I'm more evil than I thought.

Glass Houses

2007-03-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Like, this is just beyond funny, via Snopes.com. Maybe Algore should continue his search for Manbearpig and save some face instead of showing his ass and trying to condemn people and try to be the all mighty environmentalist. I'm cereal guys!

Behold the mighty mullet!

2007-03-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a good Friday story, best mullet in Jacksonville. Man, it doesn't get any more Joe Dirt than that. I mean the trophy is bigger than him! Congrats, man, we'll see ya in 5 years when you are marrying your sister. YEEE-HAW!

(Man that was mean, maybe I'm just jealous he got to see monster trucks, those things are really loud and cool)

No E-Mail Fridays Transform Office

2007-03-12T10:16:00.001-07:00

After Initial Doubts, Co-Workers Learn to Deal With Each Other in Person. I loved the story about the guy who worked with another guy who he thought was across the country, and ended up working across the hall from him.

read more digg story

Ethanol may raise food prices slightly

2007-03-05T12:43:00.001-08:00

Economist predicts consumer prices will rise as ethanol industry doubles capacity. The change increase will not be too noticeable, but makes you realize what some the impacts are going to be if the demand for corn to make fuel keeps going up.

read more digg story

Matt Groening on the Simpsons Movie and return of Futurama.

2007-02-28T12:33:00.001-08:00

An interesting article from the creator of the Simpsons and Futurama. Matt discusses many things, including The Simpsons movie, the future of The Simpsons (18 years running, wow!), and the return of Futurama. If you are a fan, check it out!

read more digg story

Trio of Alleged Burglars Ring Doorbell !

2007-02-28T06:59:00.001-08:00

BRANDON, Fla. - So much for stealth. Authorities said a trio trying to open a locked door alerted a sleeping homeowner when one of them rang the doorbell.

(notice that they were still trying to break in AFTER they rang the bell)

read more digg story

I Am Smart, S-M-R-T!

2007-02-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a simple little test on basic American History. Might as bone up before we let the liberals roll over and accept Osama as our leader.

You Are a Smart American

You know a lot about US history, and you're opinions are probably well informed.

Congratulations on bucking stereotypes. Now go show some foreigners how smart Americans can be.

Are You a Dumb American?

Update from the Big Blue Couch

2007-02-26T15:07:00.000-08:00

Salutations!

Well, I survived another Monday, it was touch and go for awhile, but we pulled through. Just a quick update on life in the SLV. After temperatures that hasn't been seen in 10 years, the weather seems to be picking up. Work is still crazy as ever, trying to stay ahead of the curve and the wave of paperwork.

In blog-related news, there is an addition to the line-up. Digg has fixed the blog it link so that works with the new g-mail sign-in blogger. This means that now I can put stories from today's news that I find interesting here. To check out the stories, just follow the links at the bottom of the post. If you are interested in the stories I find interesting, check it out.

Anyway, I'm going to enjoy the rest of my Monday with a beer and a re-run of CSI:Miami. Check ya later!

UPS is the No. 1 parking violator in San Francisco

2007-02-26T14:23:00.001-08:00

This article just shows how business gets around bureaucracy. I'm sure that they take the total of traffic tickets their drivers get a year, and figure out how much they have to raise prices to compensate. So the shippers get the short end of the stick, and these big cities are making out. Seems wrong to me.

As from Digg.com-
"The package delivery firm gets an average of one parking ticket every 45 minutes. Last year, UPS paid $673,334 in fines for 11,788 tickets. A FedEx driver says of parking cops: "I know they're doing their job. But I'm doing my job, too. If we had to drive around looking for parking, we wouldn't get our job done."

read more digg story

Be Vewwy Vewwy Quiet....

2007-01-31T12:22:00.000-08:00

AS SEEN ON FARK.COM.....

Alamosa is staging a hunt to thin deer herd

Glad to see my street greenlighted on fark. The basic jist is that there is a herd of deer that lives on the golf course just north of town. The poor little Bambis have been treated to delicious treats by the townsfolks, then cussed when they are in the middle of the street with.... well..... (wait for it) a deer-in-the-headlights look. The city's solution is to oopen up a hunting season for 30 people on the front 9 of the golf course. I can't wait to see these Elmer Fudds out there chasing their prey through the sand traps and maybe get lucky, then killing and dressing out the carcass on the 5th hole tee. I wonder if ladies get to shoot from the close tees? hmmmmmm.....

Is it cold enough yet?

2007-01-17T07:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, plus some......

Well, apparently somebody pissed off ol mama nature, and she decided to show us that winter is all about. The low this morning in the San Luis Valley was somewhere around negative 30, and all that is in the news is cold, ice, and things breaking, from pipes to cars. I saw this clip from Portland, Oregon which shows why some people should not be allowed to drive-

"Bumper Cars" Collide On Icy Streets

Here's a clue, if your neighbor runs into 5 or 6 cars as they slide down the street, doesn't mean you have to as well. And don't park on the street, cuz there a ton of those idiots out there.

Florida Trying to Steal Texas' Slogan?

2006-12-28T12:04:00.000-08:00

Don't Mess with Florida?

Caught this on snopes.com this morning, Ammo Dump. I would like to congratulate these officers on a job well done.

Not Quite 8 Miles High.....

2006-12-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

4 Days and Counting.....

Okay, I think I'm over the trauma, now I can talk about it. I experienced what many people in the Rocky Mountain area are going through right now...... Airline cancellations. Luckily I made it safely, and made it to my destination of Reno, NV. My journey started Monday with me driving halfway to Albuquerque because the weather report was saying that New Mexico was going to get slammed by a winter storm. I soon learned how big of a relative term that is. Here's the rundown.

TUESDAY
I beat the storm in, park the truck at the hotel, shuttled into the airport, and cleared the hurdles to make it to the terminal, where I wait 6 hours to be finally told that the 6 measly inches of snow has befuddled the fine citizens of Albuquerque, and they shut the whole town down, including the airport. I ended up scrambling, and thanks to Frontier Airlines I get another flight booked for the next day with American West with has a Phoenix connection instead of Denver (this plays a major role later), and snagged the last room at the Holiday Inn Express, where my truck was residing, and even lost and recovered my cell phone. I am figuring I have used up all my luck, and find a bite to eat and hide from the world.

WEDNESDAY
Flight leaves Albuquerque at noon, and I originally schedule a shuttle for 10:00. After a night's rest, I decide I better get to the airport early, which was good because they were running an hour behind. I get to the airport (finally), and find the ticket counter at American West totally empty. Find out Denver is closed down due to the massive blizzard that dumped on them. WHEW! Go through the hurdles again, back in the terminal. A little over 2 hours, listening to cranky people, and a gate change later, the wheels on the plane I was strapped into left the ground, and we were Phoenix bound. From there, it was smooth sailing, and I kissed the carpet at Reno/Tahoe airport.

So now I sit in my childhood home, enjoying the end of my first day of vacation. If anyone happens to be sitting at DIA with their flight cancelled, I have 2, wait, make that 3 things to tell you:
#1- HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! NANNNER NANNER NANNER.
#2- Seriously, I feel your pain, the airline staff feels your pain (As the flight attendant on my flight from Phoenix to Reno told me). they are trying their best, so cut them some slack.
#3- Run to the nearest rent-a-car booth, get a car, and drive like crazy, because unless you are one of the lucky few, you ain't going to get a flight out by X-mas.

For the rest of ya, Happy X-mas and a Merry New Year if I don't see ya!

Happy Christmas!

2006-12-17T15:53:00.000-08:00

Well, first of all, looks like Cutler and the Donkeys are going to win the football game. Now I have to hear about it tomorrow. Bedsides that, not much else going on. Playing a new online game which is a cross between risk and yahtzee called kdice, and I'm getting by butt kicked. No snow here, but sounds like snow back in ol' Nevada, which is where I'm heading Tuesday. I am taking two weeks off, and the big office party is tomorrow at lunch, meaning that work should be minimal tomorrow. Looking forward to going home, not excited yet, I don't think that'll happen until tomorrow. The flight home and back is a little crazy, getting tickets was a challenge. Plus I have to drive to Albuquerque, which is about 4 hours. Well, hope ya'lls holidays are good!

Why Do Bright Lights Make Me Sneeze?

2006-12-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

Check out this post "Why Do Bright Lights Make Me Sneeze?". It was pretty intereting, kinda wird to think you body misfires signals. hmmm.

On another note, I know I have been quiet for the past month, I have been swamped at work, and the stress level has been high, and energy has been pretty low. Hopefully I will have the time and energy to write soon.

2006-11-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody!

Well, another weekend is winding down, and another week is getting to wind up. This was a 3-day weekend for me, a little perk of being a federal worker, and I decided Thursday afternoon that I needed a little "vacation". Since I didn't give myself much time to really plan, I put together a road trip in New Mexico. The first day took me to Los Alamos and Bandelier National Park and spending the night in Santa Fe. A pretty good day, a mix of petroglyphs and satellite dishes for scenery. Santa Fe was a zoo, it seemed like they needed a urban planner, because traffic was beyond crazy. Saturday I drove down to Albuquerque, where I visited the Natural Science, Atomic Energy, and Unser Racing Museums. The Natural Science Museum display was about dinosaurs and evolution, which really isn't my thing, but some of the displays were interesting. At the Atomic museum, I got to see a documentary on the Manhattan Project, which was pretty interesting. One interesting little fact was that they hired only illiterate janitors at Los Alamos so they couldn't read the garbage they were emptying. My last stop was the Unser Racing Museum, where they had a few cars and memorabilia on display. Overall, I had a great trip. I also took pictures, and posted them in my new picasa account, which is the top link. Anyway, I better go, the NASCAR race is winding down. Hasta Luego!

Tag, You're Not It

2006-10-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

Checking out the news this morning, and there was a story that just got to me.

Playing tag now a no-no at some US schools

Basically schools are now so afraid of being sued that kids aren't allowed to play. How sad is that? Next thing you know there will be no recess and kids will spend 8 hours a day sitting at their desks, taking their Ritalin. Oh wait....

A Look Into the Dark Future. WHOOPPEE!

2006-10-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

Here are a few cartoons draw up by Frank J. of the IMAO podcast/webpage. IMAO cannot be explained, it must be experienced. check these cartoons and the site out.

Democrats in Charge Comic #1

Democrats in Charge Comic #2

Anyway, today has been pretty slow, I'm kinda coasting for another 20 minutes, then I'm off to my cultural exposure time, the laundromat and maybe pizza. Anyways, Later Days!

Then there was.....

2006-10-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Greetings Program!

Well, take 2. I already wrote this once, but I didn't think to make a temporary copy, even with the internets being screwy. Guess what happened. DUH! Anyway, maybe I'll make this one shorter, since I have less time before I can split. Right now I am putting in resource data for a national inventory. Boring assed work, especially when you get to put in the same thing over and over when the internet goes. This month has been flying by, ma and pa were over this last weekend to see the grandkids (my niece Lacy and nephew Zeb) and pick up some world famous San Luis Valley potatoes. It was nice to get to visit them, and play with Zeb. He's hit the terrible twos, so he goes from being cute to throwing a tantrum in like 5 seconds. Got an e-mail today from another friend that is getting married, the number of single freinds I have are dwindling. My English Brown Ale is ready to bottle, so I get to sanitize, squirt, and cap tonight. Big fun. Anyway, Later Days!

Wasted Days and Wasted Nights

2006-10-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

Man, what a wasted weekend!

Right now I'm at the end of a three day weekend (Thank you Chris Columbus). Saturday was fine, I went over to my brothers and helped him out all day, and played with my nephew, but no fishing, the river was at almost flood levels. Sunday morning I woke up and felt kind bad, and by 10:00 I felt the migraine coming on, and I hoped I could nip it on the bud. I layed around all day, trying to keep the throbbing to a minimum, felt better by dinner all the way until I went to bed, when I took another dose of migraine meds. I had forgotten that migraine pills are basically a big Tylenol with a huge ass shot of caffeine. I slept for about an hour, then I woke up and tried to go to sleep, which finally happened at 3:00, and the alarm went off at 6:00 so I could do laundry. I did get a little bit accomplished around the house cleaning wise, the floor is vacuumed and counters cleaned. Back to the grind tomorrow, and a visit from the parental units at the end of the week. Later days!

Open Letter to Perspective Copycat School Shooters

2006-10-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Psychotic, Delusional Attention whores-

You may think that you need to storm into these schools and either kill and rape to make yourself cool and a instant star. It's not, and you seem to just put ideas into the other kooks head. First here in Colorado, in a nice mountain town. Sure you gave the Denver news their ratings and back on the national scene since Columbine (which they are loving), but you destoryed a small town and many people's lives. And now someone decided they had to rampage in Amish Country? What the fuck? The Amish? There's so many reasons to rage against them and their quilts. C'mon. For the next person that gets an idea from watching these CNN reports thinking its the way make yourself famous, here's an idea: just skip a step and put the gun staight to your head and pull the trigger, you're going to do it since you are a coward and can't own up to. Dirty Cowards, all of ya!

TGIF

2006-09-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Sports Fans!

Well, it's Friday, and while most people are out at the bars drinking celebrating their survival of the week and trying to hook up with the person of their dreams (or the one night stand), but I decided to skip the whole bar scene. I got a variety of beer, a football game, U of Nevada Reno vs. Northwestern, and a comfortable couch. I usually don't have much energy on Fridays, I must be getting old. Bars are ok if you are out with a bunch of friends, I'm more partial to a small, quiet place where you can actually talk to people without yelling over thumping beats of 90's dance music. Besides, the beer is half the price here, and I don't have to wait for someone to serve me. bonus! Anyway, seems like we have skipped a season here in the San Luis Valley, it has been in the 30's and raining, making it miserable to be outside for any length of time, since it was like 80 degrees last week. Guess I'll just have to buck up ;) Well, back to the football game. Check ya later!

Where's the "disaster"?

2006-09-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

Just a quick link to a blog I found this morning through Digg about federal government disater payments for farmers in the mid west. May not seem relevent to most people, but with the talk of using corn and soybeans for more and more products, with E-85 and ethanol being the big ones right now, people should be paying attention to what's happening. Digg has not updated their "blog this" to enable the blogger beta, so click here to get the goods. Check ya later!

Sittin' at the Laundromat Blues

2006-09-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings True Believers!

Anyway, it's been a helluva week since I last checked in. As the title says, I am sitting here in the local laundromat doing my bi-weekly loads. It's the newest one in town, and not too busy, it gives me a chance to catch up on watching diggnation episodes, DVD's (watched the first part of The Benchwarmers before this, so far it's pretty damned funny), or watch people (and there are a variety of kinds of patrons). Anyway, as for the past week, there wasn't a dull moment. My mother flew in Wed. at noon, so I got to play taxi and show her around a little bit before heading out to my brother's to see her grandkids. The look on her face when we pulled in and my nephew was waving at us, I thought she was going through the window. Thursday I was supposed to work all day in the neighboring office, but recieved a call that there was an urgent job in my home office that needed attention, so I naturally came back. Well, this pissed off the boss at the neighboring office. I guess I broke "line and staff", so I had to kiss a little butt to soothe feelings. The whole deal is screwed up, maybe I'll dedicate a post to it in the future. Anyway, I spent most of my weekend at my brother's, playing with the kid and hanging out. One cool thing about the ranch he manages is that the Rio Grande runs through the middle of it, so I got to finally get some flies wet. I also got the opprotunity to talk to a service rep for Qwest, my DSL, and to make a long story short, some little troll was on my wireless network and plugging up bandwidth, shutting my connection down. I am hoping that my generosity of leaving my network was not purposely being abused, but I still locked'er down, problem solved. Anyway, this week has started out pretty uneventful, which is just fine with me. Well, later days!

Views From the Top

2006-09-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures I have taken of the San Luis Valley (SLV), which is in South Central Colorado. The valley is flanked on the west side by the San Juan Mountains and the Sange de Cristo Mountains, with Alamosa (where I live) on the eastern end. I moved here last March, and think it's one of the better moves I have made so far.

This picture was taken from Lookout Mountain, and is an aerial view of Del Norte and my old place I was renting, it's the one with the blue roof. The one below is of the very western end on the SLV.

The San Luis Valley has a variety of different landscapes, from the potato and alfalfa pivots to the high mountain wildflowers.

Anyway, just a lazy day at the casa, I have a list of things I should be be doing, a list of things I could do, but I might just nap. Later Days!

Greetings!

2006-09-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hello there! I thought since everybody else and their dog has a blog, I needed one too. Actually, I have a Yahoo 360 page, but like everything else yahoo, it was inconvenient. Anyway, I want to use my blog as not only a place to put my rants and raves, but also post articles from the Internet (mostly digg), and other stuff I find. So if you are reading this, leave me a comment to say hi, tell me how bad I suck, etc. Later Days!