Another Hit

The real Obama is finding his voice.

2008-05-19T07:40:00.002-04:00

Obama to the USA: Don't get comfortable.

"We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times ... and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK," Obama said.

"That's not leadership. That's not going to happen," he added.

Earth to Obama. We seem to have lost you. Say again?

Does Obama really plan to take away our cars, our food, and our ability to warm our children simply because other third world countries can't figure out how to have the same abilities? Has it really come to this?

I am all for conservation, and proper utilization of resources, but what Obama is really talking about is turning the United States of America in another Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Do you want to drive to see Grandma for Christmas? First you will need to ask Obama's "Committee for State Driving" for approval. If they grant their blessing, Grandma will likely need to turn off her heat for a few days (depending on how long you drove). Oh, and you can forget Grandma's special Christmas cookies. That would be very disrespectful to Obama's new world friends.

So where will Obama stop? What other American freedoms will he take away because other countries won't say OK?

Some views of Derby Week 2008

2008-05-06T16:39:00.000-04:00

I just have to laugh everytime I see this.

Brain Train has his steam up.

These two are mine. Where is yours?

Can we go home yet?

Post Derby Dinner - Crackler Barrel

2008-05-04T20:26:00.002-04:00

RIP

2008-05-03T21:33:00.000-04:00

Bonita the Winner!

2008-05-03T21:32:00.000-04:00

Big Brown to the field: You can't touch this!

2008-05-03T21:30:00.000-04:00

Big Brown is the Shit!

2008-05-03T21:26:00.000-04:00

Mid Oaks report

2008-05-02T15:12:00.000-04:00

3 Mint Juleps in, I'm feeling fine. Everyone is handing money to CD.

Fireworks during Mason Jennings

2008-04-30T22:06:00.001-04:00

"That's the first time that's ever happened to me. That's f'ing awesome.". Mason Jennings. Louisville Festiville 2008.

Butterfly

2008-04-30T21:48:00.001-04:00

R.I.P. - Sean Costello 1979-2008

2008-04-21T12:13:00.006-04:00

Shake, Rattle, and Roll

2008-04-18T09:34:00.007-04:00

For only the second time in my life, I felt a confirmed earthquake. I was happily sleeping in bed when the damn thing started shaking like I was in the Exorcist. At first I thought we were having another visit from Abe the Ghost. He usually likes to shake the bed every now and then to say hello. But the shaking intensified which had me thinking Abe must be pissed. When I looked around the room and didn't see him, that's when I started putting it together.

The fan (turning on high) was rocking back and forth and the large rod iron wall decorations were bouncing off the wall. It would have been a trip to the ER should they have come down on us.

I managed to wake up Mrs. Hit who was "dreaming of taking off on an airplane". She told me to be quite... it was just the wind. Ha!

So as would be expected, the local news people are having a great time this morning. There was hardly ANY damage around town, but they have had live, nonstop coverage since 5:45 AM. Normally we have this type of coverage during a tornado outbreak, or a large snowstorm. Well, this is "EARTHQUAKE 2008". Duh duh daaah!

Earthquake shakes WAVE studio

I don't know how you West Coasters do it. This was a 5.x quake. I'd hate to see what a 7+ would do around here. At least we will have something to talk about until Derby Week (7 more days). My neighbors are outside right now... "Did y'all feel that earthquake?". "Why yes, did y'all?".

NorCal HERF - Part 5

2008-04-16T08:10:00.001-04:00

The view from our hotel room (Thursday PM and Friday AM).

NorCal HERF - Part 4

2008-04-16T08:09:00.001-04:00

NorCal HERF - Part 3

2008-04-16T08:08:00.001-04:00

What bird? Oh...

Welcome ladies.

NorCal HERF - Part 2

2008-04-16T08:03:00.000-04:00

The GGB.

The Hit desided to play survivorman on Mt. Tam and made his friends and wife (prego) come along for the "thrill". They still hate me ;-)

Uhhh sir....

I think a bird just...

NorCal HERF - Part 1 (San Francisco)

2008-04-16T07:59:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures taken on Wednesday and Thursday during our trip to The Bay Area (SF and SoNo). These are all around SF.

DePasta is introduced to the hella chelax tranquilo lifestyle at the Garden Chalet.

Kanu and The Hit.

DeP and TH.

We could not resist the temptation to move FAR to the Left in SF.

Bushman.

2008-04-13T16:25:00.000-04:00

2008-04-11T20:00:00.000-04:00

Salinia = Cakebread x 2.

IMG00235.jpg

2008-04-11T17:44:00.000-04:00

Baby on board.

2008-04-11T17:19:00.000-04:00

Siduri. Yummy Pinot.

2008-04-10T19:54:00.001-04:00

This poor man was hit by a seagull. He does not know.

DePasta relaxing

2008-04-10T13:04:00.000-04:00

Waiting to pick up the wifies.

2008-04-09T16:03:00.000-04:00

Just another day in SF.

Mobile Blogger

2008-04-09T04:42:00.000-04:00

This should be helpful.

The Hit Returns, again.

2008-04-09T04:29:00.002-04:00

It's time to get ready for another epic adventure in the city by the bay-e-ay-ay. DePasta and I fly out in a few hours to SFO. The weather forecast looks perfect for the weekend. The protest forecast sounds like it will be full-on militant 60's style. Good weather, good protests, good people, good times!

Check back or follow me on Twitter.

Later tatters.

Ben Sollee makes cello cool.

2008-04-04T13:18:00.003-04:00

Came across Ben Sollee on 91.9 WFPK this morning. At first listen, I though David Crosby was on the radio. They both have that soft yet powerful voice. Any way, I thought you guys might enjoy a new local (Louisville) artist to help get your groove on for the weekend.

Ben Sollee: It's Not Impossible (Boys Don't Cry)

Casey Driessen & Ben Sollee - Boogie On Reggae Woman

The smell of Money

2008-03-24T20:24:00.002-04:00

I love capitalism! Really I do. But every so ofter, it offends the very small ~~liberal~~ Democrat portion of my soul.

It was just announced that Stanford Kurland (the form CEO of Countrywide Financial Corp; AKA Beelzebub) started a new company that plans to bottom feed off the very people he sold adjustable mortgages to and now no longer pay.

The full story can be found here.

"Private National Mortgage Acceptance Co. LLC, also known as PennyMac, intends to help borrowers restructure loans so they can avoid foreclosure and maintain payments."

I'm as Red as they come. In fact, I'm taunted by smelly hippes whenever I fly to California. (White collar conservative flashin' down the street... But uh I'm gonna wave my freak flag high, high!) But this goes too far. The guy makes Kazillion dollars selling mortgages to people that can't afford them. Then when the shit hits the fan, he makes millions by taking the mortgages back. What an ass!

This is one time when I hope the Senate will pull this guy infront of them, proclaim him the devil, and shoot him between the eyes.

Rylee learns about the baby video.

2008-03-21T08:30:00.003-04:00

Big Announcement

2008-03-20T17:43:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Rylee perceptively asked why Leslie's stomach was sticking out. "Mommy's eating too many cookies". Sure... OK.

So after we we saw a heartbeat this morning, we felt safe enough to tell Rylee the exciting news. We typed a letter from Mommy and Daddy to Rylee and had her read it aloud. The letter asked if Rylee was "ready to be a big sister again." Her reaction was priceless!

I also recorded it with my camera, but at nearly 100 megs, it might take a while to post.

Meet the kids

2008-03-05T20:03:00.002-05:00

Shortly after letting Sydney go, we received the news that Leslie's pregnancy test (beta somether 'er other) numbers had doubled signaling that we have lift-off. So I'd like to formally introduce you to #3 and #5... More on that later.

Aren't they cute!

RIP Sydney, The Greatest Dog Ever...

2008-03-05T19:50:00.003-05:00

I'm sad to report that after providing 13 years of loyal and loving friendship, Leslie and I released Sydney from her pain today. She joins her human sister who no doubt aready has a slober soaked yellow tennis ball in her hand.

Two of her favorite things... water and a tennis ball.

R.I.P Sydney.

1995 - 2008

I've got a basketball jones...

2008-02-17T10:39:00.003-05:00

I'm not really sure why, but I have to admit I've got a basketball jones going. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the 2008 Louisville Cardinals are playing like the 1980 Cardinals. Or it could be that the C's are back in first place after after 20 years of pitiful play.

Dr. Dunkenstein's Around the World Dunk:

But what really got me going was last night's NBA Dunk Competition. Honestly, I really don't care much about the NBA. Besides knowing that Boston is kicking ass, what else really matters? But last night's performance by Dwight Howard has turned me into a fan again. This kid threw down the most impressive dunk since His Airness.

Most people are thrilled to say they can touch the rim.

If you have not seen this dunk, get ready. Supa'man!

This is for you Hillary!

2008-02-13T13:15:00.003-05:00

After last night's performance, I'd say it's all over...

Le'me ride that donkey!

I'm going to miss that laugh!

What are you doing the first weekend in May?

2008-02-08T15:28:00.001-05:00

2008 Presidential Campaign Hooks

2008-02-03T11:38:00.000-05:00

If you are like me, you're tired of all the hot air, BS, lies, half truths, and worse coming out of the mouths of the people competing to be our next President. Yawn...

After few minutes of research, I've found that each of the candidates have had at least two slogans (aka hooks). Hillary has had at least seven. She now does not employ any.

I can't wait for both sides to wrap this up on Tuesday. I figure we have about 1 more week of pandering to the base. And then the fun really begins.

Official 2008 Presidential Campaign Song

2008 Presidential Hooks to date

Obama:

Change we can believe in.
Yes we can.

Hillary:

Renew the promise of America.
In to Win.
Working for Change, Working for You.
The strength and experience to make change happen.
The change we need.
The Hillary I know who will turn up the heat...turn America around.
A new beginning.

McCain:

Common sense conservatism.
Straight talk.
Surrender is NOT an Option!

Romney:

True strength for America’s Future.
Strong. New. Leadership.

Huckabee:

Proven Leader. Authentic Conservative.
Faith. Family. Freedom.

Anejo heaven.

2008-02-01T21:55:00.000-05:00

Dan the Cigar Pimp

2008-02-01T21:32:00.000-05:00

3 Months - The 2008 Kentucky Derby Weekend

2008-02-01T09:40:00.000-05:00

The 2008 Kentucky Derby Festival Poster by Rick Garcia, of Santa Fe, N.M.

February 1 is a special time in Kentucky. While it is still cold, wet, and miserable outside you know it is only 3 more months until we will be headfirst into Derby Weekend. Yesterday the official 2008 Poster was released highlighting many of the Derby Festival activities. The party is just around the corner.

Also announced this week was news that the late great Barbaro (aka the Peoples Champion also know as the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner) will be buried at Churchill Downs outside of Gate 1. Plans for a bronze status are in the works to mark the location. This is a great move by Churchill and the Jackson's (owners).

Barbaro's magic 2006 Derby Victory. RIP Barbaro.

Finally, here's a look back at the great run Street Sense had in the 2007 Kentucky Derby. From 19th to the front. Wow. Enjoy!

The only question left to ask - will Solon and Kanu make the trip from the west coast? I have bedrooms available right now...

Saturn

2008-01-30T22:44:00.001-05:00

This is from my front yard tonight. My first night with a "real" telescope and I find Saturn in less than 2 minutes. I know it's not much, but you can see the rings! It was much better through the telescope eye piece.

I snapped it using a cheap Canon SD600 and my Celestron Starhopper 6. Easy peasie. Yep, I'm hooked.

Weekend time...

2008-01-25T17:01:00.000-05:00

Have a great weekend.

Secret Khazai Marketing Tactics

2008-01-25T10:25:00.000-05:00

Quit poking me in the back!

Someone please help this poor guy. He seems to have it going pretty well. Hot wife... check. Nice house... check. Nice suit... check. Having a Bluetooth ear piece stuck in your ear during a photo shoot for an advertisement... check.

What is this guy thinking? Maybe he believes that if we (potential customers) think he is sooooooo busy that he must leave his ear piece in at all times, we are missing out of something hot. Or maybe it's an intimidation tactic... buy this now! No discount! No Rug for YOU! WTF?

You might also remember this guy's commercial last year when Khazai first opened their store. At the end he gave his best Uncle Sam "I want you" impersonation when he delivered "I guarantee it!".

I'll leave you with this last thought... what are the odds he has his pants unbuttoned and unzipped? Hot... so hot.

Stars

2008-01-24T19:32:00.000-05:00

Click me to see the stars in the full glory.

So I'll getting into gazing at the stars for some reason. Don't know why exactly, but I think the bug bit me when we were camping at the Flat Tops in the Colorado Rockies. Nothing like being 10,000 feet up on a moonless night in the middle of nowhere. I feel sorry for the people that live in cities (light pollution) without the ability to really see a night sky. It's unbelievable!

Anyway, I just figured out how to modify my cheap digital camera to keep its shutter open for 15 seconds. That allows more of the light to be captured thus being able to capture stars and other planetary objects which otherwise are lost. Above is my first test of this feature. Not bad if you ask me for a $200 camera.

Frontier Airlines... you suck.

2008-01-23T16:25:00.000-05:00

The alarm went off 4:30 AM. Lovely! I stumbled out of bed and made my way down stairs to find that the car had more frost on it than you average beer mug. Damn it was cold!

After making it to SDF in record time, I arrived at my gate a full hour before my flight. I opened my breakfast of Schlotzsky's BEC and OJ. The bread was a little burned, but edible. I pulled out the old BB and went to town for 30 minutes of email action.

It was not 6:15 AM. I noticed it was very quiet for it to be 30 minutes till take off. But being that it was damn early I thought nothing of it and went back to email. 15 minutes later and still nothing. No one was at the desk to tell us why we were not boarding. I asked around, but of course AA would not know the status of Frontier's On Time flight. So I decided to walk back through the security line (which was now as long as the line for mint juleps in May) and go to the main Frontier desk. Low and behold... a line of pissed off passengers and Frontier employees oh so happy to be complete a-holes to the customers. Nice.

The long and short... 6:45 AM flight turned into a 1:45 PM flight. For those of us that need to be in Denver for that 10 AM meeting, you are SOL. If you needed to be in Denver for the lunch meeting. SOL. Two down, should we go for three? Nope... so I went home, got back in bed, woke up at 9:30 AM and emailed my appointments that thanks to their hometown airline, I was not to be expected.

I'm normally a NWA guy, but the $100 lower airfare enticed me just enough to learn my lesson.

So here's to you Frontier Airlines! You suck.