Oct 14
Ok. So tonight on the ole faceybooks, a buddy of mine posted some random comment criticizing Obama for.. fuck if I know, he was just criticizing because I guess that’s what he thinks he’s supposed to do. Make no mistake, my buddy is a pretty cool human being… but he’s political. So he’s a moron. And that’s truly the heart of this post. Politics, as we know it, pretty much makes you into a drooling idiot incapable of thinking about anything more than what someone else has likely told you, which was likely told to them, and told to them before that, and -once you follow the trail- you realize it was likely started by a coin toss.
So this got me to thinking (dangerous though it is)… what DOES politics mean? Why should any of us care about politics? Well, after some moar (5 minutes) thought, I realized that Politics matters because it’s given us the following 4 brutal misconceptions about America:
Oct 12
This weekend saw an unfortunate series of events come to a sad and untimely conclusion. It is not my intent to rehash the details, only to offer an observation of what I have learned from this.
The situation basically deals in the fact that some people do not understand the concept of what “family” truly means. I mean that both in a “blood relation” sense, as well as an “extended” sense. The majority of this post, however, is directed into the “extended” sense. And for the record, it isn’t about my actual family.
Sep 27
Seriously. It is. Don’t know what the hell I’m talking about? Ok, go click below and I’ll wait here…
[Wikipedia, as always, has us covered]
Ok, back now? Great. So let’s get further into this and why I’m so cranky.
So I log onto the old Premier League site and am greeted with a results list that shows Chelsea going down 3 to 1 against Wigan. WIGAN. Yes, I know they’re in the top-flight and all, but still… it’s goddam W I G A N. Of course, I absolutely hae to concede that Wigan just flat-out played a better game than us. Especially with Cech acting a fool and tripping Rodallega. I seriously have no clue what Cech’s problem there is, but Ido hope that Ancelotti nips that shit in the bud and ensures it doesn’t cause problems in the future. I also have to say that I’m a bit disappointed in Hilario’s performance as well.
But a lot of this goes back to my first port about the current season. It’s unpredictable and a bit of a shake-up. United went down to a newly promoted team, We went down against Wigan, Liverpool is steadily nipping at our heels for their run to the top spot. It’s insane so far. Although I have to admit, at least this season’s interesting. 
Sep 16
Recently there was a Tweet from a friend of mine discussing their relatives being members of the Freedom Riders organization. I responded back to the Tweet that I thought their relatives were good people, but also felt that -sadly- they were part of the problem. After a polite request to give more information, I did and we had a cool discussion on it. Additionally, someone else was wanting info. However, as I can’t DM them on Twitter, I figured it might not be a bad idea to post my opinion here. So here y’all go. 
By the way.. this sucker is potentially tl;dr… so here’s a cut too…
Continue reading »
Sep 07
It’s 9:26 AM and I am in the middle of one of my favorite kinds of moments.
The house is quiet except for the occasional sound of my cat’s id tag clinking and my typing. My family is currently asleep. I love this moment because it means that my home is at peace and my family is safe and sound. While I’ll be happier when they are awake and the day is properly started, I still take solace in this moment and what it means to me.
Good morning.
Aug 31
Ok. So for those readers of mine who keep up with the comics news, this is old news by now. For others, let me explain.
Walt Disney has acquired the rights to Marvel Entertainment. This now means that Disney owns some of the most successful comic franchises in history, not to mention associated movies. Some titles include:
X-Men
The Incredible Hulk
SpiderMan
IronMan
So now the House of Mouse has direct access to some of the grittiest heros in the comic empire (IronMan’s Tony Stark being a raging alkie). What does this mean for fans of the Marvel U? Well, let me paste in my post from the Geekshow Podcast forums…
I’m very much on the fence in this one.
On one hand, I think Disney could really do some good things for Marvel down the line, including even letting some Marvel properties loose in Disneyland/World. Yes, it would be promotional, but that’s Disney in a nutshell. And as was previously mentioned, more exposure by Disney means more potential comic readers down the line. So this is a win for the comic industry. Especially is Disney tries to borrow into Marvel’s edgy credentials.
But then, Disney may try to sanitize Marvel a bit to fit the Disney “image.” That, of course, is bad since it tries to remove some of the edginess that Marvel carries with it. While I don’t think it’d be extreme (Deadpool suddenly decides to watch his mouth), I do think there would be far-reaching changes across the Marvel U.
Movies? I think this is the biggest part of it. I think that, if they could, Disney would have just picked up the studio part of Marvel and been done. However, they had to take it all as a package deal. Like so many others in this forum, I’m wondering what will happen if/when Pixar gets a hold of a title to play with. Their first live-action is coming up, so that will really determine what the possible direction might be. If I were Lucas, I’d be peeing myself a little right now.
TV? I think someone mentioned it here (or else on FARK) about having a show to compete against Heros that had noticeable heros from the Marvel U. Have to admit, THAT would be interesting and I’d be willing to really sit down and spend quality time getting to know that product.
Tie-ins? Yes, it’ll happen. Disney isn’t stupid… misguided perhaps at times, but not stupid. You will see crossovers of all varities, but this isn’t anything horribly bad, it’s just marketing. Frankly, I’d be more surprised if there weren’t crossovers. I would imagine that the hierarchy would be to start child actors out in modest Disney properties and then graduate them to Marvel films. Comics-wise, I don’t see much happening there except for the occasional reference to something Disney (like a Jonas Brothers poster in a frame, or some othersuch). Disney comics exist already, so it’s not like that’s anything new.
So my feelings here are that Disney is doing this for movies only and some theme-park tie-in stuff. I don’t think the books will change much, if at all. In fact, I might even go so far as to say that this purchase was more meant to give Pixar something new to play with.
And that’s really about it. Time will tell how this goes. Being a DCU fanboi, I can’t say that this will affect me much. I will, however, go so far as to say that I’m glad it was Marvel and not DC.
Aug 29
I know, I know. This is late. Week 3 is being played right now (I’m actually catching Birmingham at Spurs as I type this). Anywho, let’s talk about week 2.
Things progressed about as much as I was expecting. Spurs managed to hold on to their top spot due to a fairly good performance against Westham. I keep seeing the Hammers as more the workhorses of the Prem, mostly in that middle-of-the-table is about where they seem most comfortable, helping teams to either go up towards the top, or further down. I have nothing against Westham and think they do play good football, but I don’t know is they will ever truly make a solid run at the title. I could be wrong though.
By far, the biggest surprised was the Liverpool game against Aston Villa. Coming off a strange defeat against Wigan, Villa apparently was ready to put an end to what was starting to look like a disaterous start to the season and, thus, decided that Anfield would be the best place to mount their stand. Overall the reds just couldn’t quite get it together, conceding an own goal and then just losnig control over the midfield. Villa is always a surprising team and will pull out vctories tht no one would ever expect. Apparently “prepared” means more this year. I look for Rafa to really charge his team up for this week’s game against Bolton (currently 1-all as I write this).
United did as they usually do and decided that slacking off at the start of the season is a bad idea and decided to wake up against Wigan. Big scores seem to be a recurring theme this year as the Devils pretty much ran rampant all over the field while Wigan, probably still flying high from the win over Villa, decided the defense just wasn’t a necessity. I look for this week’s United / Arsenal match to be a knock-down drag-out affair since the boys from Old Trafford seem to be adjusting to life after Ronaldo.
Speaking of, Arsenal. Arsene, what are you doing over in London? Apparently Arsenal is seriously wanting to make a run at getting the silver back into Emirates as they just keep steamrolling opposition. Winning 4 to 1 over Pompey is quite the statement to be made and, having midweek off, look to be really ready to give United a hell of a game (which is set to be broadcast on FSC today). Having had several lackluster seasons, it appears the Gooners are quite ready to announce to both London and the league that they are, in fact, back.
And, as always, I leave off with my beloved Chelsea. Granted, their last few games (Sunderland and then Fulham after) have been fairly lightweight games for them, so it’s been a good opportunity for the club to get a feel for playing under Ancelotti. The form is looking good and the team is trying to show an energized presence on the grounds. As I write this, Chelsea has handed Burnley a 3- nil defeat and have hopped to the top of the table over Spurs. Given that this week’s game by Tottenham (which I’ll write about next week), it looks like Chelsea is going to hold the top spot for a bit and that always makes me happy.
Overall, it’s starting to look like the table is getting it’s top and bottom sorted, with the middle always being a churning whirlpool of change. I will say that Burnley has really been a surprise mover this season (despite the recent loss at Stamford Bridge), especially as this is their first season in top flight football. The clarets are very much wanting to show that promotion wasn’t some random fluke and they are, in fact, quite ready for this. Sitting just below Sunderland (promoted last season), it appears the new blood is beginning to creep to the top of the table. Perhaps this season will be wilder than I think?
I will say that I ‘m going to stand by my prediction for Liverpool to rally and take it all. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly won’t shed a tear of Chelsea manages to keep their top spot, but something tells me mid-season is going to be a very worrisome place for the Blues. Time will tell.
Aug 21
So the first week of Premier League action is in the books and we’re now staring down week 2. I gotta be honest, this season looks to be totally up in the air. I really don’t think we’ll see the table settle down until at least winter break.
I’d like to spend some time talking to Manchester United. More specifically, their fans. Look, I know y;all are still butt-hurt over losing Ronaldo. Hell, I’d be a little inconsolable as well if my team (that would be Chelsea, by the way) lost one of the two people that my team depended on to win. I mean, after all, it’s hard to root for an entire team when you’re just too enamored by the pretty-boy antics of one lone man. So I do feel for you all, I truly do. That said, I’d also like to offer you a piece of advice:
Get the fuck over it.
He’s gone, ok? He’s been gone for a long time, actually. He’s wanted to leave Old Trafford for years. That great playing he did? That was just so other teams would actually see his potential and finally cough up enough quid to actually lure him away. And by “lure him away,” I mean “convince United’s business department to finally start paying off some of its debt.” This is a numbers game by the mangement and nothing more. Hell, if I had a squad over in either Italy or Portugal, I could have talked Ronaldo away for a cheeseburger. So stop your whining, ok?
Oh and Burnley? You got lucky, don’t let it go to your heads.
And then on to Arsenal. Gunners? Holy CRAP. Where the hell did YOU come from? Are y’all seriously that good this season? Or was Everton that bad? either way, 6 to 1 is pretty much the definition of an absolute beating, so hold your heads high on that one. I honestly can’t wait to see how the match against Porto goes. I’m going to predict violence and either a low-scoring tie (1 all.. nil all seems too easy), or an absolute blowout.
Spurs? Seriously. This year? I’m terrified of you. I don’t know how exactly you managed to take down Liverpool, but you did and, frankly, wow. I’m reasonably sure the reds are going to be studying the game footage and will work to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
And Chelsea. My beloved blues. While I’m so very happy to see you in second place (well, any place above United, really), I have to admit that I’m having doubts. The past couple of years have been so unstable for us and, honestly, I can’t say I have a lot of faith in Carlo. I don’t know if it’s because I just flat-out don’t like Italian football, or if I just have some strange “heeby-jeeby” vibe going on here. Either way, as much as I want to see you all host the silverware, I don’t see it happening this season. I am True Blue, but I’m also a realist.
So at this point… I guess I should go ahead and haul out the crystal ball and see if I can make a prediction this year eh? Well, let’s get to it then…
For the Prem… to take it all… to hoist the cup… I’m going with…
…wait for it…
… I love drama…
Liverpool. True, the team got a proper wake-up from the Spurs and they aren’t soon to forget it. Torres is starting to get comfortable and Rafa is hungry for some silver. He’s been helping the reds steadily climb the prem’s table and, frankly, is a patient man. Similarly, Liverpool’s management is also patient, as evidenced by them offering him a 5 year extension on his contract, keeping him until 2014. Frankly speaking, this is the year that the reds finally strike hard and bring the trophy home to Anfield.
Sorry Gooners…
Jul 11
There are a great many things that I talk about in this sweet blog o’ mine (“Paradide City” was on, ok? deal). I talk about my hopes, fears, adventures, and about anything else that comes to mind. However, a certain post has been conspicuously absent.
Today, I’d like to talk about my wife.
My wife, aka KoekjeMom, is one of the greatest people I know. She’s funny, beautiful, intelligent, a great mother, and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Not many people know the full story of how we met, but it was on Craigslist. I had been bored and living in Oregon for nearly a year and decided that it was time to meet some new people. Living in Newberg, far far away from major cities like Beaverton, HIllsboro, even Portland proper, it was hard to get out there. Everything required lots of driving and my paychecks were a bit erratic due to my job suddenly offering lots of time off ( I worked collections then, for Wells Fargo. A great company to work for, btw). So, as a result, most of my socilizing was on the Internet. Sure, it’s well-known that I’m a nerd and like to be online, but meatspace (see, nerd!) is always a much more exciting space to be in.
So yes, I finally decided to get on Craigslist and post an ad. It wasn’t anything major, unless you count the (now-lost) “20 Rules To Date Me” scenario as major. Overall, it was just me doing what I do, which is writing funny stuff… sometimes. So after putting out an ad, I figured that probably a couple responses would come in and that would be the end of it. I did get a few replies, mostly from people complimenting my ad, but also a few somewhat serious ones. I think a personal favorite was the one who sent me a pic of herself taken with her camera phone via the Mirror Method, with her looking at her phone, instead of the mirror. Additionally, this picture was taken in the bathroom at her job. Srsly. No wtf is up with that.
Anyways. So after a bit I just sort of let it all go, until my future-wife sent me a response. It was simple, complimentary (I did include pics, of course), honest, and way less pretentious than the other responses. What was interesting is that a couple of previous responses mentioned having kids and I wrote back saying “sorry, not for me.” My wife did include that she had kids, but something about her reply to me made me want to get to know her better. So we chatted a bit and exchanged a couple pics.
Of course, then, I REALLY wanted to get to know her better, yaknowimean?
So we talked over email, then yahoo messenger, and then text messaging. These weren’t eath-shattering “how ever will we stop the hungering of those poor childrens in Africa” (solution: feed them to each other) conversations, they were just about day-to-day life and our jobs and the randomness of life. What I liked best was that we just sort-of clicked together. We “got” each other. I liked it because she was easy to talk to and she wasn’t like other people I’d chatted up on Yahoo before, she actually conversed. It wasn’t just “just being bored. u?” type of crap, but real responses and it was nice. While I totally loved (in a familial way) my roomate, we could only have so many discussions before repitition set in. So having someone else to talk to for a change was very nice.
After a couple weeks of conversation, we finally figured out that meeting was the end-goal here and decided to do so. Originally, we were just supposed to date casually as neither of us were looking for anything serious since both of us has just gotten out of disasterous relationships. So we agreed that casual it will be. We met up a couple times and had dinner and would hang out at my place in Newberg and just talk about everything. Of course, she’d often stay over since, usually, we’d be up very late, and she’d also bring a change of clothes so she could go from my place to her job. At the time the kiddos were hanging with their dad for the summer, so this wasn’t an issue.
One of my favorite memories was a night when I revealed that I hadn’t yet been to VooDoo Doughnuts, even after having been near Portland for almost 6 months. So we grabbed up her car keys and headed to downtown. We found a place to park and walked there, only to be informed that they were out of EVERYTHING but vegan doughnuts. Of course, we’d just driven nearly half an hour from Newberg to downtown PDX and we sure as hell weren’t coming away empty-handed. So with a $5 box of entirely too many doughnuts in hand, we drove back home.. after missing an exit and taking the I5 loop twice… driving is ALWAYS an adventure with us. We got home, retired to my room, and had much more fun eating doughnuts, laughing about the fact that neither of us had any clue as to how the hell to get home from downtown, and just enjoying being in each others’ company. No expectations, no stress, just two people having simple fun. We talk about it even to this day, it’s a fun memory.
Another fun memory was when I also mentioned I’d only been to Seaside once and wished I could go again (I do so love the Oregon coast). As was the case with us at the time, we decided to instantly head out and go walk along the beach… at 10pm. So we got to Seaside around 11, walked up and down the beach talking for about an hour, and then headed home. As dumb as it sounds, the idea of being on the beach at night was somehow foreign to me, but not to most Oregonians as several folks had the same idea. I was even surprised that there was no real “curfew” involved when a beach patrol truck stopped by us and asked if we’d heard any distress calls. Honestly, it was such a great time. The sound of the waves, the feel of the sand on my bare feed, and a great conversation with someone I was growing to love.
Over time, we dated more. We went out to try new places, have more adventures (rarely getting lost) until the summer was over. At that time, the kids came back and her availability was changed. Eventually I started spending time at her apartment as well. One day, we even had dinner together, including her kids. It was a fun night and we spend most of it watching TV and having fun, and getting doughnuts (seems to be a recurring theme, no?). I felt a bit nervous arond her kids since, well, I always feel nervous around kids. But she has wonderful boys and this nervousness soon washed away.
Soon after, the dynamic around my home in Newberg changed. A divorce among my rommates was imminent and I felt I needed to consider other options. I was making this observation when my wife just suddenly tossed out that I could move in with her. She said she had space and it would be ok. This was more of a friend-thing at that time and not any sort of relationship-driven decision. So after some consideration, I decided to do so. In the days leading up to the actual move, we discussed various living arrangements and decided that, since we were pretty much past the “casual” part of the originaly agreement, it would be a more traditional setup where we would be “living together” officially. I was nervous, since the last time I moved in with someone I was dating it ended up being my first marriage and THAT went oh-so-well. So, apprehension aside, I gathered up everything I owned, including my cat, packed it into her car (it was a mini-suv, so we had more carry space) and I moved in.
After that, the experience and adventures got better. Beach trips, long conversations about life in general, more doughnuts, trips back home to Oklahoma, and, eventually, marriage. I can honestly say that, so far, it’s been a great adventure and I wake up every day looking forward to what coms next. Yes, we do tend to be homebodies a lot, but there’s still a certain fun there since, well, you never know quite what we’ll do.
To my wife. I love you so very much. Thank you for the adventure that we’ve been on for almost two years now. I can honestly say that I’ve never had more fun in my entire life and I look forward to each new day with you.
So you want pizza?
