5/28/09
4/20/09
Pay it forward...
The world is a cynical place. Far too often, I find myself going down the jaded path of life. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Debbie Downer or anything. At the same time, I try not to look at the world through rose colored glasses. Things happen to everyone. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. I think I lean more on the side of the pragmatist than the wishful thinker. It's sorta like the the old saying, "The best defense is a good offense." I've got the offense going at all times. I'm pretty certain that everyone's got an ulterior motive. Deep down, I guess I just don't trust anyone.
Imagine my surprise when, on Easter Sunday, my car got broken into. What a horribly invasive feeling. There wasn't anything in my car that was of any real value. Nevertheless, I felt completely violated. Someone had gone through my stuff. They took some of it. That was my hockey puck. Those CDs that I hadn't listened to in almost 8 years were mine. I don't know - maybe the thief was in dire need of the replacement bulb for the back tail light of his 1996 Ford Ranger, and that's why he stole my owner's manual. I'm sure that handicapped permits can net a pretty penny on the black market. Same goes for the Walkman that was taken, too. The one thing that I am thankful for is the fact that no windows were broken. Turns out, a flathead screwdriver can pry open my sliding rear window. Don't get any ideas - there's nothing good left in my car to pillage. Shoulda gotten here before Easter. So my crap got taken. It sucks, but what are you going to do? I still have my car. I'm not stupid enough to leave my iPod, cell phone, Bluetooth headset, or cash in the car. The loss could have been much worse, right? I think I was more upset about the fact that someone actually went through the trouble of breaking into my car at all, especially when you can take a peek inside and CLEARLY see that there's nothing worth stealing inside. Despite what my dad says, I doubt that a coffee cup full of pens (half of which don't work) would lure would-be thieves to my car. All I know is if I broke into my car, I would be very disappointed. I think the items that were stolen were taken purely out of spite. Why fill your backpack with crap that won't get you even a couple of crystals of meth? Move on.
Apparently, that's pretty much what the thief thought. I received a message at home today from "Mike." Mike has apparently found my owner's manual in an alley a few miles from my house. My car's registration and proof of insurance was in there, so I guess that's how he was able to research my phone number. Or maybe he called my dentist - his business card was also in the portfolio that I keep the owner's manual in.
So now, I'm waiting to hear back from "Mike," so that we can arrange to meet. I'll give him $20, and he'll hand over my owner's manual. He probably doesn't have my cell phone car charger, or the headset that I use to talk on the phone when I forget to bring my Bluetooth headset. I'm not going to ask him either. Don't think that I haven't suspected "Mike" of being the guy who originally broke into my car. Maybe he was looking for an iPod, but settled for my Walkman instead. Perhaps after taking stock of the unfortunate bounty that came from my car, "Mike" was riddled with guilt and disappointment, and decided to give me back my owner's manual. He's probably banking on some sort of reward, and he'll ultimately end up getting his next hit of meth from me after all. This time, though, it won't be so labor intensive for "Mike."
On the other hand, there's a teensy weensy chance that "Mike" is just a good samaritan who, while on a daily walk through the alleys of San Pedro, stumbled upon a blue pleather portfolio containing my almost expired insurance and registration, as well as the owner's manual to my car. Despite what suspicions I may have of "Mike," I've learned that sometimes it's better to just accept things as they're offered to you - positive or negative. Perhaps this is my payback for a nice thing I did for someone in the past. Lord knows I've found my share of wallets and other personal items lying near garbage cans or tossed under bushes. I've tried to return them to their rightful owners because I know what it's like. So maybe the ulterior motive in this case is to thank me for the good deed I've done to someone else.
Probably not, but it's nice to think so.
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Imagine my surprise when, on Easter Sunday, my car got broken into. What a horribly invasive feeling. There wasn't anything in my car that was of any real value. Nevertheless, I felt completely violated. Someone had gone through my stuff. They took some of it. That was my hockey puck. Those CDs that I hadn't listened to in almost 8 years were mine. I don't know - maybe the thief was in dire need of the replacement bulb for the back tail light of his 1996 Ford Ranger, and that's why he stole my owner's manual. I'm sure that handicapped permits can net a pretty penny on the black market. Same goes for the Walkman that was taken, too. The one thing that I am thankful for is the fact that no windows were broken. Turns out, a flathead screwdriver can pry open my sliding rear window. Don't get any ideas - there's nothing good left in my car to pillage. Shoulda gotten here before Easter. So my crap got taken. It sucks, but what are you going to do? I still have my car. I'm not stupid enough to leave my iPod, cell phone, Bluetooth headset, or cash in the car. The loss could have been much worse, right? I think I was more upset about the fact that someone actually went through the trouble of breaking into my car at all, especially when you can take a peek inside and CLEARLY see that there's nothing worth stealing inside. Despite what my dad says, I doubt that a coffee cup full of pens (half of which don't work) would lure would-be thieves to my car. All I know is if I broke into my car, I would be very disappointed. I think the items that were stolen were taken purely out of spite. Why fill your backpack with crap that won't get you even a couple of crystals of meth? Move on.
Apparently, that's pretty much what the thief thought. I received a message at home today from "Mike." Mike has apparently found my owner's manual in an alley a few miles from my house. My car's registration and proof of insurance was in there, so I guess that's how he was able to research my phone number. Or maybe he called my dentist - his business card was also in the portfolio that I keep the owner's manual in.
So now, I'm waiting to hear back from "Mike," so that we can arrange to meet. I'll give him $20, and he'll hand over my owner's manual. He probably doesn't have my cell phone car charger, or the headset that I use to talk on the phone when I forget to bring my Bluetooth headset. I'm not going to ask him either. Don't think that I haven't suspected "Mike" of being the guy who originally broke into my car. Maybe he was looking for an iPod, but settled for my Walkman instead. Perhaps after taking stock of the unfortunate bounty that came from my car, "Mike" was riddled with guilt and disappointment, and decided to give me back my owner's manual. He's probably banking on some sort of reward, and he'll ultimately end up getting his next hit of meth from me after all. This time, though, it won't be so labor intensive for "Mike."
On the other hand, there's a teensy weensy chance that "Mike" is just a good samaritan who, while on a daily walk through the alleys of San Pedro, stumbled upon a blue pleather portfolio containing my almost expired insurance and registration, as well as the owner's manual to my car. Despite what suspicions I may have of "Mike," I've learned that sometimes it's better to just accept things as they're offered to you - positive or negative. Perhaps this is my payback for a nice thing I did for someone in the past. Lord knows I've found my share of wallets and other personal items lying near garbage cans or tossed under bushes. I've tried to return them to their rightful owners because I know what it's like. So maybe the ulterior motive in this case is to thank me for the good deed I've done to someone else.
Probably not, but it's nice to think so.
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4/9/09
Pffft....
We're all friends, right? I mean... I can tell you anything and you won't judge me, or think less of me. Actually, it'll probably clear a few things up. I'm just going to throw it out there. Ready?
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I loved watching Hee-Haw when I was a kid.
I remember that it used to come out on Sunday, either right before, or right after Lawrence Welk. I remember that I wasn't into Lawrence Welk (he was such an old fuddy-duddy, and those bubbles & polkas were so silly...) But I LOVED watching Hee-Haw. Maybe it was the fact that I grew up in Texas, so I wasn't averse to Country music. I thought the skits were pretty funny, too. At least to a 7 year old, there were some real knee slappers.
Like this one:
I'm laughing now. That's right. I'm a bassackwards country bumpkin. And I'm damn proud of it.
3/29/09
Don't Rock the Boat...
Ever the explorers, (Chad only because I drag him to these places), the end of the weekend took us to another cutesie place for dinner: Siori Sushi Bune in Redondo Beach. I know, I know... what's the big deal? Just another run-of-the-mill sushi restaurant in town, right? NO! This place has the extra added bonus of showcasing its various rolls aboard little wooden boats that cruise around the sushi bar.
Now, before you even start in on me, I know that we're not eating traditional sushi. I am not a sushi purist. I've never been to Japan, and I certainly don't think for one second that I could appreciate half of the offerings in a traditional Japanese sushi restaurant. I'm in California, so bring on the "Crab with a K" and the Spider Rolls, put 'em on little colored plates (each color denotes the price of the item) and send 'em out to the dining room on a wooden boat! When I get to Osaka, I'll hit the sushi places there and write a compare & contrast.
The downside to the little boats o' sushi adventure is that on a Sunday evening around 7:30PM, the restaurant is pretty empty so there's not a lot of sushi being sent out to sea (if you catch my drift.) I guess it's better that the restaurant held back on filling up the boats for Chad and I - since we were the only people in the joint - as opposed to having all kinds of sushi warming up with each lap around the sushi bar. I think next time, we're going to have to try a Friday or Saturday evening to experience the full effect. I think I saw the same tempura shrimp roll float by at least 40 times.
So now, since I've got all things Japanese on my brain, I'm going to have to go to Mitsuwa tomorrow and walk around. Maybe pick up some lunch. And some magical Japanese eyeliner. It's amazing. You should try it.
Photos courtesy of Dan Paik
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3/26/09
Keeping up with the Jonses...
I think that living in Los Angeles has sort of made me lemming. Not that I have ever been that much of a leader... I guess that I've tried to take advantage of certain opportunities that come up here, that, if I were living anywhere else, I wouldn't ever be able to. One of the biggest opportunities that living in L.A. has granted me is great places to eat. I love going to places that I read about in the newspaper or in magazines. I rely heavily on recommendations by friends. I especially appreciate stopping by unique places that happen to catch my eye (hello, pupusas!!) as I tool around the city.
The latest food sensation to hit the streets are the Kogi BBQ trucks. I learned about this online to reality phenomenon from a friend via Twitter. What's unique about getting your Kogi fix is that they're doubly mobile; You track their location either via homepage, or follow them on Twitter (kogibbq). Their two trucks, Roja and Verde, set up at different locations around town. They'll tweet where they're going, and if you're in the neighborhood, GET THERE FAST!! The line grows quickly, and once they run out of food, you'll see taillights. The Kogi concept is Korean/Mexican fusion to go. The offerings are simple: chicken, beef, pork, or tofu marinated with deliciously amazing spicy Korean flavors, topped with green onion and cabbage slaw (I think there was some sesame oil in there, too) and wrapped in a warm tortilla; Tacos are $2, burritos are $5. If you're not into driving around town, following a catering truck as though they were The Grateful Dead, you can always stop by The Alibi Room in Culver City and partake in an adult beverage while you nosh on a wider variety of yummies (kimchi quesadilla, house-made lotus & taro chips... ICE CREAM!) Prices at the Alibi Room are a bit higher, but c'mon... you can fork out $7 for a fantastic meal, right?!
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3/23/09
3/21/09
Joan Rivers' plastic surgeon is The Joker
I'm the first to admit that reality TV is among some of my guilty pleasures. I would like to think, however, that I'm one of those people who only watches the "good" reality shows. Of course, that's a matter of opinion in and of itself. But this is my blog, and only my opinion counts, so that means my opinions are fact.
Let's restate: I like watching some reality shows, but the ones I watch are the good ones!
The Apprentice is one of the shows that I used to watch, but for some reason, the whole "how is it that yet another Rhodes Scholar is unable to successfully complete a task that Cub Scouts normally do?" got really old, really quick. Then, The Don & Mark Burnett changed it up by replacing Ivy League egocentrics with even bigger egocentric c-list celebrities (Gene Simmons, Andrew "Dice" Clay). What have we got? Celebrity Apprentice. OK, the first season was barely watchable, but we're on Season 2 and guess what (surprise, surprise)? This batch of miscreants can barely get up in the morning without their bevy of assistants, much less stand up to Trump's ridiculous tasks or his mongo-ego.
And thus, the hilarity ensues...
The most awesome thing I've seen from the unavoidable bits and pieces of this season's Celebrity Apprentice is the one and only Joan Rivers. She's been a side-show for years. Remember when she used to do the Red Carpet for E!, but then f-ed everything up so terribly, that she was exiled to the TV Guide Channel? Does anyone actually get the TV Guide Channel? Well, both she and her creepy daughter, Melissa, are two of the contestants on the show. But Joan is a rare treat. She's obnoxious, she's clearly suffering from Alzheimer's, she's got a nasally New York accent, but the pièce de résistance is the fact that this woman has clearly hired The Joker as her plastic surgeon.
She's apparently been "fired" from the show, but check out this clip and tell me that she's not The Joker. Joan Rivers is one of the most ridiculous people I have ever seen in my life. I can't stop staring! How can anyone think this looks good? I mean, at least she had it done. I certainly feel better about my own looks knowing that I'll never be that creepy looking. WHEW!
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Let's restate: I like watching some reality shows, but the ones I watch are the good ones!
The Apprentice is one of the shows that I used to watch, but for some reason, the whole "how is it that yet another Rhodes Scholar is unable to successfully complete a task that Cub Scouts normally do?" got really old, really quick. Then, The Don & Mark Burnett changed it up by replacing Ivy League egocentrics with even bigger egocentric c-list celebrities (Gene Simmons, Andrew "Dice" Clay). What have we got? Celebrity Apprentice. OK, the first season was barely watchable, but we're on Season 2 and guess what (surprise, surprise)? This batch of miscreants can barely get up in the morning without their bevy of assistants, much less stand up to Trump's ridiculous tasks or his mongo-ego.
And thus, the hilarity ensues...
The most awesome thing I've seen from the unavoidable bits and pieces of this season's Celebrity Apprentice is the one and only Joan Rivers. She's been a side-show for years. Remember when she used to do the Red Carpet for E!, but then f-ed everything up so terribly, that she was exiled to the TV Guide Channel? Does anyone actually get the TV Guide Channel? Well, both she and her creepy daughter, Melissa, are two of the contestants on the show. But Joan is a rare treat. She's obnoxious, she's clearly suffering from Alzheimer's, she's got a nasally New York accent, but the pièce de résistance is the fact that this woman has clearly hired The Joker as her plastic surgeon.
She's apparently been "fired" from the show, but check out this clip and tell me that she's not The Joker. Joan Rivers is one of the most ridiculous people I have ever seen in my life. I can't stop staring! How can anyone think this looks good? I mean, at least she had it done. I certainly feel better about my own looks knowing that I'll never be that creepy looking. WHEW!
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3/20/09
March Madness: 12th seed Arizona UPSETS 5th seed Utah!
Only because my alma mater, the University of Arizona, hasn't made it past the 1st round of the NCAA Tournament since 2006, I'm posting this happy little article from ESPN.com.
According to our President (of the United States not the University), Arizona "was able to squeak in," and allegedly "only because of their reputation." So whatever. We snuck in and led the Utah Utes (what is a ute? Isn't that from MY COUSIN VINNY?) for the last 37 minutes and 15 seconds of the 2nd half. SQUEAK on that, Obama!
Here's the article: Time to praise Arizona.
(Article posted using ShareThis)
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According to our President (of the United States not the University), Arizona "was able to squeak in," and allegedly "only because of their reputation." So whatever. We snuck in and led the Utah Utes (what is a ute? Isn't that from MY COUSIN VINNY?) for the last 37 minutes and 15 seconds of the 2nd half. SQUEAK on that, Obama!
Here's the article: Time to praise Arizona.
(Article posted using ShareThis)
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3/19/09
John Hughes always makes me laugh!
I was on my way to have lunch with some friends today and saw something that made me laugh out loud. No, I didn't see someone trip and fall, or walk into a pole (both would absolutely make me audibly laugh).
Along PCH in Hermosa Beach is a Round Table Pizza that puts quirky little quotes on their marquee. Sometimes they're from movies, or sometimes it's a song lyric, and every once in a while you'll see a line of poetry - I mean there aren't passages from Paradise Lost or anything too deep - just the restaurant's way of making people's commutes a little more bearable.
So there I go, northbound on PCH and as I've learned to do, I glance over at the Round Table marquee to see what today's quote is:
DONG, GRANDPA IS TALKING TO YOU!If you're not with me, this is a classic line from SIXTEEN CANDLES, one of the many teen-themed, Brat-Packed screen gems that shaped the adolescent mind of the 80s. If John Hughes wrote and/or directed it, I've seen it at least 300 times, and can likely recite at least 93% of the film verbatim. This nod by Round Table really made me want to order up a large Smokehouse Combo just to show my appreciation.
3/18/09
8 simultaneous babies does not a celebrity make...
Unless you've been living with the Amish, then you know who Nadya Suleman is. If you live in Southern California, you are constantly barraged with the latest doings of Ms. Suleman, whose been dubbed "Octomom." Either way, she's somehow become a celebrity. I'm not sure how - but then again, Paris Hilton is also considered a celebrity...
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It seems that the Nadya Suleman media frenzy is far from over. I don't understand the draw. I mean, OKAY - I acknowledge the fact that this woman has brought 8 children simultaneously into this world. That is a physiological feat. I get it. I think it would have been more impressive if she had conceived all 8 without the use of in-vitro fertilization. That would have been cause for celebrity. But she didn't. And the reason she didn't is because human beings aren't supposed to have litters of children. It's like what I say about mini-skirts and bikinis that come in plus sizes - just because they make it in your size, doesn't mean it looks good on you. Same with litters of kids. Just because you can carry 8 embryos in your uterus to an arguable "safe" term, doesn't mean you should.
Here's the problem I'm having with the whole Nadya Suleman circus. It's simply the fact that all the TV gossip shows, Dr. Phil, and the local news insist on covering every second of this woman's life. Seriously?!
Inside Edition/Access Hollywood/The Insider had the "exclusive" video of her bringing two of the kids home yesterday. Wow. Imagine how that interview went:
Interviewer: "So... you were able to bring two of the babies home, huh?"Nadya: "Yeah. I'm gonna purse my lips for a sec. Get the babies, will ya?"Interviewer: "Sure thing. So what are their names?"Nadya: "Ummm... I think I've got C and E. Or maybe F and A. I'd have to look on their hospital bracelets to be sure. How do my lips look?"Interviewer: "You look like... like you know how to work the system. Wow, that's some circus outside, huh? All the paparazzi trying to get photos of the kids..."Nadya: "I totally hate that. All the attention, you know? I'm just trying to live my life and take care of my family."Interviewer: "Oh sure. That's why we're set up inside the half-million dollar house you moved into last week and doing the interviews from the nursery that Dr. Phil furnished for you. Pretty swanky, especially considering the house you used to live in is about to be foreclosed on."Nadya: "I didn't ask for any of this. I was prepared to pay for everything with my student loan money. Hey, are you getting good coverage of the babies? What about me? Do I look pious to you?"
If that doesn't scream Edward R. Murrow award... Suck on that, Chris Hansen and Dateline.
The one good thing that's come from all of this is the late night fodder. At least Jimmy Kimmel and I are on the same page...
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3/17/09
It's the little things...
The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. At least, that's what I've learned from my TiVo subscription to "INTERVENTION."Well, today I realized that I have a texting/Twitter/mobile Facebook problem. The realization came as I sat in the Sprint store this afternoon and waited patiently as the nice mobile phone technician replaced the keyboard on my phone. I wore the poor thing out!
While I was waiting for my new phone, I started thinking about some of the other issues that I have. As a matter of fact, as I sit here typing, one of my bigger issues is the choice of television programming that I enjoy. I think it's more of the "train-wreck" meets permissible voyeurism phenomenon that's behind my watching these shows. Sometimes you can't help it. For example:
- Toddlers & Tiaras - nothing skeeves me out more than watching 5-year old little girls dressed up like 23 year old beauty queens; except maybe their (usually) huge mothers trying to convince the cameraman that they're not crazy.
- 18 Kids and Counting/John & Kate Plus 8 - Watching anyone with this many kids (especially if a handful are the same age) is part circus, part birth control. Of course, sprinkling in a little bit of extreme Jesus doesn't hurt, either.
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3/16/09
The Official First Post
All the cool kids are doing it. That's why I'm being the lemming and starting a blog. Oh, yeah. And because I spent a bunch of money on a college degree that says that I am qualified herein to be a creative writer. And God knows that since I graduated in 1996, I haven't written a goddam thing - unless you count strongly worded letters, and kitschy e-mails.
And because I think it's funny to spew out the random thoughts that pop into my head throughout the day.
That being said, please do not expect that this blog is any sort of daily enlightenment for you, or that I'm going to provide you with pearls of wisdom and inspiration. I can barely inspire myself to get up in the morning. I certainly do NOT need the added pressure of trying to inspire you. Hell, I don't expect anyone to read this.
Speaking of no one reading this... If you are reading this, please do us both a favor and don't leave any comments that tell me what an asshole I am, or how stupid my blog is, or how immature I am. I don't care. I'm not doing this for you. This is all about me, and my (probably futile) attempt to make myself sit down and write on a daily basis. If you like what you read, then by all means, let me know. God knows my ego needs it. Not that I'll believe you. Just don't tell me how much I suck. I can take care of that without you.
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