2/13/2008
2/04/2008
Our schools are seriously broken
Okay, it's official. Our educational system is totally effed, as far as I can tell.
This morning I had to get up at 5am to go stand in line to register my 2 year old daughter for preschool. Turns out that finding a secular, decent preschool not housed in the dingy basement of a rec hall is tougher than it would be thought.
We got in, but what a freaking hassle. The folks in the front of the line had been there since 7pm LAST NIGHT. Whoa.
At least we didn't have to interview for a spot or get asked to list our daughter's "qualifications" like some other preschools in the area require. QUALIFICATIONS?????? SHE'S FREAKING 2 YEARS OLD, YOU A-HOLES!
Gahhh!!!!!!
This morning I had to get up at 5am to go stand in line to register my 2 year old daughter for preschool. Turns out that finding a secular, decent preschool not housed in the dingy basement of a rec hall is tougher than it would be thought.
We got in, but what a freaking hassle. The folks in the front of the line had been there since 7pm LAST NIGHT. Whoa.
At least we didn't have to interview for a spot or get asked to list our daughter's "qualifications" like some other preschools in the area require. QUALIFICATIONS?????? SHE'S FREAKING 2 YEARS OLD, YOU A-HOLES!
Gahhh!!!!!!
1/07/2008
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all of our friends and family and family friends out in cyberland.
We are sure to have an eventful 2008, and anxiously await the opportunities that come with expanding our family by one, getting more education, and living life to the fullest!
J,J,S
We are sure to have an eventful 2008, and anxiously await the opportunities that come with expanding our family by one, getting more education, and living life to the fullest!
J,J,S
12/10/2007
11/14/2007
Fun Chicago Trip!
This weekend I went to Chi-town for a SNAP conference and got to see two of my good friends from college, Mariangela and Punky. It had been too long! We all went to grab some killer Thai food, drank some wine and martinis, and Punk and I went on to see a some random band play live. Great times!
11/08/2007
No more band
I'm bandless again. I had to quit after a very torturous attempt at finding a practice time that wasn't in the middle of the two hours I play soccer every weekend. Apparently, those were the only two hours in the entire weekend that would work for the band. Not wanting to be unreasonable, I quit. Which sucks.
I really enjoyed playing our music. I enjoyed my bandmates, most of the time. And the music was fun. But that's the way it goes I guess.
I am now back to solo project mode. ¡Coño! is my band now, and you can find me on the InterWebs here: www.myspace.com/conocono
I really enjoyed playing our music. I enjoyed my bandmates, most of the time. And the music was fun. But that's the way it goes I guess.
I am now back to solo project mode. ¡Coño! is my band now, and you can find me on the InterWebs here: www.myspace.com/conocono
10/15/2007
Good pre-Halloween weekend
Boo Boo and I had a fun weekend doing pre-Halloween activities like going pumpkin picking, attending the neighborhood Octoberfest party, and even making a construction-paper witch hat and broom.
Jenny and I have always loved Halloween, and I hope that Sylvie also does (so far, it's a big hit. Sylvie loves to play dress up with a million different hats and stuff, so Halloween isn't a big stretch. Can't wait to go trick or treating!
Also, my good friend Jane came to visit from NYC. We used to work and wine together out in Oakland/S.F., and it was really nice to see her again. Come back soon, Jane!
10/09/2007
Grandparents in/Boo in hog heaven
Sylvie's grandma and papa are in town for the week and she couldn't be more excited about it. Also, mommy and I might as well not exist anymore... :-)
Me: "Where are you going?"
Boo: "Outside with grandma and papa."
Me: "Can I come too?"
Boo: "Daddy no come with us. Stay inside."
Well, at least I know where I am in the pecking order! :-)
Me: "Where are you going?"
Boo: "Outside with grandma and papa."
Me: "Can I come too?"
Boo: "Daddy no come with us. Stay inside."
Well, at least I know where I am in the pecking order! :-)
10/01/2007
Ain't that a kick in the head?
Ouch. Got fouled hard on the pitch this Sunday and took a knee to the side of the noggin. That freaking hurt. Goose egg ensued. :-(
Scored a freaking awesome goal with my left foot, though, so that made everything all right. :-)
Boo Boo and I made a bird house this weekend, which was exciting and fun for both of us. Mommy got time off for good behavior this weekend. :-)
Scored a freaking awesome goal with my left foot, though, so that made everything all right. :-)
Boo Boo and I made a bird house this weekend, which was exciting and fun for both of us. Mommy got time off for good behavior this weekend. :-)
9/27/2007
Yes! Take that, oxymoronic Patriot Act!
Federal Judge, and American Hero, Ann Aiken struck down as unconstitutional a large part of the Patriot Act yesterday in Seattle. Finally, the courts are doing the job the Congress is too terrified to do: protecting the 1st amendment rights of Americans from the Bush-led tyranny machine.
In her decision, Hon. Judge Aiken wrote the following wise words:
"For over 200 years, this Nation has adhered to the rule of law - with unparalleled success. A shift to a Nation based on extra-constitutional authority is prohibited, as well as ill- advised. In this regard, the Supreme Court has cautioned:
'The price of lawful public dissent must not be a dread of subjection to an unchecked surveillance power. Nor must the fear of unauthorized official eavesdropping deter vigorous citizen dissent and discussion of Government action in private conversation. For private dissent, no less than open public discourse, is essential to our free society.'"
You go, girl!
In her decision, Hon. Judge Aiken wrote the following wise words:
"For over 200 years, this Nation has adhered to the rule of law - with unparalleled success. A shift to a Nation based on extra-constitutional authority is prohibited, as well as ill- advised. In this regard, the Supreme Court has cautioned:
'The price of lawful public dissent must not be a dread of subjection to an unchecked surveillance power. Nor must the fear of unauthorized official eavesdropping deter vigorous citizen dissent and discussion of Government action in private conversation. For private dissent, no less than open public discourse, is essential to our free society.'"
You go, girl!
9/19/2007
Awesome vacation in Wild, Wonderful WV
We went down to our place on the Greenbrier river in WV for a whole week last week...what a blast!
My folks were there with us, which means that Sylvie Boo was in heaven bossing grandma and papa around the place: "Papa do it!" was the common refrain of the week.
Boo Boo caught her first fish ever, a tiny bluegill barely bigger than the lure itself, and when my mom asked her if she caught a fish she yelled, "YES! BIG ONE!" :-)
I did indeed catch a big 17" smallmouth bass on the last day, which is always a thrill. I was by myself in the canoe, a long way down the river from the camp, and didn't have a net with me. As I was de-hooking the fish with my thumb in its mouth I had a sudden image of the fish squirming and impaling my thumb on the treble hook in its mouth. All I could think was, "how the hell am I gonna paddle home with a fish stuck to my hand?"
Luckily, I successfully got the lure unhooked and returned the monster to the depths to breed other 17" fish.
Jenny and I had a date at the Greenbrier resort, which was fantastic. We had lunch by the infinity pool and then did a tour of the secret, underground bunker where Congress would hide in case of a nuclear attack. That was really cool. If you think that the X-Files type secret government stuff only happens on TV, you're mistaken. Crazy stuff.
It was really hard to come home and go back to work. What a great week!
9/04/2007
Birthday awsomeness weekend
What a great weekend! My b-day and Labor Day festivities usually coincide and this year was no different. Our long weekend was chock full of fun stuff, including the following:
• A Syrah-themed wine party on Saturday night
• Playing soccer on Sunday morning (scored a b-day goal and Jenny and Boo came to watch!)
• Band practice on Monday (using my spankin' new Squier Affinity Telecaster I got from my folks for my b-day--thanks!)
• About six hours' worth of soccer watching (Let's Go, Fulham! Let's Go, Fulham! Let's Go, Fulham!)
• Watched "Little Miss Sunshine," which was charming and funny and cute and really, just downright nice and awesome. Watch it!
Hope you all had a great one, too!
• A Syrah-themed wine party on Saturday night
• Playing soccer on Sunday morning (scored a b-day goal and Jenny and Boo came to watch!)
• Band practice on Monday (using my spankin' new Squier Affinity Telecaster I got from my folks for my b-day--thanks!)
• About six hours' worth of soccer watching (Let's Go, Fulham! Let's Go, Fulham! Let's Go, Fulham!)
• Watched "Little Miss Sunshine," which was charming and funny and cute and really, just downright nice and awesome. Watch it!
Hope you all had a great one, too!
8/30/2007
Let kids be kids! PLEASE!
What is this country coming to? Seriously. A school in Co. has banned the game "tag" on its playgrounds.
The reason? "...some children complained they were harassed or chased against their will. "It causes a lot of conflict on the playground," said Cindy Fesgen, assistant principal...."
For god's sake! Maybe a sane person would take the opportunity to just teach the teasing children why it's not polite to tease and the teased children how to stand up for themselves. But that's not the new, lazy, fear-ridden American way. We'll just ban something else. Asinine to the nth degree.
Other playground casualties of the new FearUSA® school systems:
• Monkey bars
• See-saws
• Fun of any kind that isn't sponsored by Disney, Elmo, or some other TV shite.
The reason? "...some children complained they were harassed or chased against their will. "It causes a lot of conflict on the playground," said Cindy Fesgen, assistant principal...."
For god's sake! Maybe a sane person would take the opportunity to just teach the teasing children why it's not polite to tease and the teased children how to stand up for themselves. But that's not the new, lazy, fear-ridden American way. We'll just ban something else. Asinine to the nth degree.
Other playground casualties of the new FearUSA® school systems:
• Monkey bars
• See-saws
• Fun of any kind that isn't sponsored by Disney, Elmo, or some other TV shite.
8/23/2007
Blech weather
Things are grey grey grey right now in the Capital city, although the heat has abated, which is nice. It's supposed to get back up there this weekend, though. Maybe a trip to the pool will be in order!
8/13/2007
This is how I feel.
From the fine folks at DieselSweeties.com. Apparently, Indie Rock Pete and I have more in common than good looks.
8/10/2007
What the hell is going on here?
This insane, illegal war in Iraq has left our soldiers and Marines resulting to SS- and Gestapo-style operational tactics. It is truly horrifying and disgusting to read in The Nation first-hand accounts of the brutal tactics we are employing in Iraq.
From the article:
Once they were in front of the home, troops, some wearing Kevlar helmets and flak vests with grenade launchers mounted on their weapons, kicked the door in, according to Sergeant Bruhns, who dispassionately described the procedure:
"You run in. And if there's lights, you turn them on--if the lights are working. If not, you've got flashlights.... You leave one rifle team outside while one rifle team goes inside. Each rifle team leader has a headset on with an earpiece and a microphone where he can communicate with the other rifle team leader that's outside.
"You go up the stairs. You grab the man of the house. You rip him out of bed in front of his wife. You put him up against the wall. You have junior-level troops, PFCs [privates first class], specialists will run into the other rooms and grab the family, and you'll group them all together. Then you go into a room and you tear the room to shreds and you make sure there's no weapons or anything that they can use to attack us.
"You get the interpreter and you get the man of the home, and you have him at gunpoint, and you'll ask the interpreter to ask him: 'Do you have any weapons? Do you have any anti-US propaganda, anything at all--anything--anything in here that would lead us to believe that you are somehow involved in insurgent activity or anti-coalition forces activity?'
"Normally they'll say no, because that's normally the truth," Sergeant Bruhns said. "So what you'll do is you'll take his sofa cushions and you'll dump them. If he has a couch, you'll turn the couch upside down. You'll go into the fridge, if he has a fridge, and you'll throw everything on the floor, and you'll take his drawers and you'll dump them.... You'll open up his closet and you'll throw all the clothes on the floor and basically leave his house looking like a hurricane just hit it.
"And if you find something, then you'll detain him. If not, you'll say, 'Sorry to disturb you. Have a nice evening.' So you've just humiliated this man in front of his entire family and terrorized his entire family and you've destroyed his home. And then you go right next door and you do the same thing in a hundred homes."
Our troops must look a hell of a lot like the Nazis looked to the German-occupied areas of WWII. We are the world's boogieman now. We used to be its beacon of freedom. Unreal.
From the article:
Once they were in front of the home, troops, some wearing Kevlar helmets and flak vests with grenade launchers mounted on their weapons, kicked the door in, according to Sergeant Bruhns, who dispassionately described the procedure:
"You run in. And if there's lights, you turn them on--if the lights are working. If not, you've got flashlights.... You leave one rifle team outside while one rifle team goes inside. Each rifle team leader has a headset on with an earpiece and a microphone where he can communicate with the other rifle team leader that's outside.
"You go up the stairs. You grab the man of the house. You rip him out of bed in front of his wife. You put him up against the wall. You have junior-level troops, PFCs [privates first class], specialists will run into the other rooms and grab the family, and you'll group them all together. Then you go into a room and you tear the room to shreds and you make sure there's no weapons or anything that they can use to attack us.
"You get the interpreter and you get the man of the home, and you have him at gunpoint, and you'll ask the interpreter to ask him: 'Do you have any weapons? Do you have any anti-US propaganda, anything at all--anything--anything in here that would lead us to believe that you are somehow involved in insurgent activity or anti-coalition forces activity?'
"Normally they'll say no, because that's normally the truth," Sergeant Bruhns said. "So what you'll do is you'll take his sofa cushions and you'll dump them. If he has a couch, you'll turn the couch upside down. You'll go into the fridge, if he has a fridge, and you'll throw everything on the floor, and you'll take his drawers and you'll dump them.... You'll open up his closet and you'll throw all the clothes on the floor and basically leave his house looking like a hurricane just hit it.
"And if you find something, then you'll detain him. If not, you'll say, 'Sorry to disturb you. Have a nice evening.' So you've just humiliated this man in front of his entire family and terrorized his entire family and you've destroyed his home. And then you go right next door and you do the same thing in a hundred homes."
Our troops must look a hell of a lot like the Nazis looked to the German-occupied areas of WWII. We are the world's boogieman now. We used to be its beacon of freedom. Unreal.
8/07/2007
Hace mucho calor...demasiado calor.
Damn it's hot. And muggy. Ugh.
Better than trudging through snow any day of the week, though!
Better than trudging through snow any day of the week, though!
7/27/2007
Pool and the City
Yesterday Sylvia and I finally went to the pool again.
We had a great time other than the evil children incident.
I got my first taste of kids who are already "mean girls."
One child shoved another child into the baby pool and the parent justified the shove saying, "well your daughter touched my daughter's house she was building..." OK. That freaked me out.
When did parents stop parenting? Also note that these were not "big kids," they were only a bit older than Sylvia. It's amazing how the personalities are already formed. These same girls also kept taking toys from Sylvia and not sharing and one even would tease Sylvia and act like she was going to give her a toy and then would yank it away as Sylvia grabbed at it. Needless to say, I promptly removed her from the situation and got her away from the girls. At least I know who to avoid next time we're there.
Today we went into DC and visited the bookstore, Politics and Prose. I bought her a new book, "Polar Bear, Polar Bear what do you hear?" She's already off reading it! :O)
We had a great time other than the evil children incident.
I got my first taste of kids who are already "mean girls."
One child shoved another child into the baby pool and the parent justified the shove saying, "well your daughter touched my daughter's house she was building..." OK. That freaked me out.
When did parents stop parenting? Also note that these were not "big kids," they were only a bit older than Sylvia. It's amazing how the personalities are already formed. These same girls also kept taking toys from Sylvia and not sharing and one even would tease Sylvia and act like she was going to give her a toy and then would yank it away as Sylvia grabbed at it. Needless to say, I promptly removed her from the situation and got her away from the girls. At least I know who to avoid next time we're there.
Today we went into DC and visited the bookstore, Politics and Prose. I bought her a new book, "Polar Bear, Polar Bear what do you hear?" She's already off reading it! :O)
Feast of Stephen Reunion Now Live on the Web!
It's finally here! The Radio Free Charleston documentary on the Feast of Stephen reunion is now live and on the Web! Special thanks to Rudy Panucci, the brains behind RFC; Jerry Fugate, our intrepid cameraman and great friend; Brian Young, who ran the mixing board; and especially the other guys in the band: Tommy, Rad, Dan, Bob, and Fred, you guys are my musical brothers forever!
Surf, don't walk, over to Radio Free Charleston right now to watch this great show. You can see out-takes from the rehearsal the night before (which include our biggest hit, "Gomec") on the Feast of Stephen Website (look to the left-hand side of the screen under the band info). And Rudy gives the background on the show on his Myspace blog. This was a fantastic experience for me and the guys, and we hope that you enjoy it as much as we did. This is Stephen. Witness His Feast.
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