Mixed Bag

I've never been big on Halloween. I don't know why, I love candy. I liked dressing up, going around with friends and getting loads of candy and eating it 'til you puke, but for some reason, I don't get all excited about it like I do others. I think it has to do with the over all holiday itself. For me, Halloween was just like any other day... except you got lots of candy and got to stay out late. No relatives came in town, no big dinners, no days off school/work, no warm, fuzzy feelings. All the things that seem to make up holidays are absent in Halloween. Don't get me wrong, I love some free candy, but it's just not Easter, or Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

You know what I love? Being older. I love being out of high school. Granted, their are times that I wish I could go back to the simplistic life of a teenager, but all in all being older is so much better. Their are many reasons why I think this, but I'm going to only talk about one right now.

After I sit here and think about the fun I had this weekend, I can't help but think how happy I am that we have all matured. I am still friends with people I knew in high school, some that I wasn't that great of friends with at all back then. I think we all tend to flock towards the people that are as mature as us, or those who's maturity we desire. Stop and think about it. I'm glad
to be a part of a mature group of friends (for the most part) whose company I enjoy and trust I desire. I think what it boils down to is this. I expect a lot from my friends. Why should one not? If you are willing to go balls-to-the-wall for a compadre, shouldn't you at least feel that that love is reciprocated? This is a rarity in high school. It took me a while to relies this. I expected to much from my friends then. They weren't mature enough. Does that mean that I was? I don't know. I know what I wanted, but who knows if even I could have provided that.

I guess one of the things I'm trying to point out is this. The older that I get, the clearer it gets to me who my real friends are, versus those that I call friends simply because we ran in the same crowd in high school. It seems like I have been waiting a long time to finally have people of great caliber that I joyfully call friends in my life. To you all... thanks.

Whew!

What a nice, long weekend! Having taken Friday off, it seemed like it lasted for ever. I am not complaining though. I feel like I neglected you guys over the weekend, and for that I apologize. I had all intentions of sending a blog post along with picture from my phone on Friday when I was on the Altamaha River, but ran into technology issues. I'm sad to see the weekend go, but sure am glad to reclaim the island for the locals.

Let's start with a Monday morning filibuster! Is anyone keeping up with Bush's nomination process for Supreme Court Judge? Here's the easy dirty lowdown. Justice Sandra Day O'Conner retired a couple weeks back. When this happens, the president gets to nominate a new candidate. He did this once already when he nominated White House attorney Harriet Miers. She withdrew her nomination and now he has another chance. He is expected to nominate U.S. appeals court judge Samuel Alito this morning in a press conference. Why does this all matter? Because the 9 judges on the panel have the final say-so in very important matters (although the President can veto if he sees fit). Alito is a conservative. He will add a very right-winged weight to the court... can anybody say, overturn Roe v. Wade?

What a fantastic idea!

I've talked about boobs with music, and when I think it can't get any better... It's time to poop to music! That's right, you heard me folks. They now make toilet seat mp3 players. I've heard of talking on the phone, reading, eating... why not crank some tunes to pass the time and day's vittles? Great idea. And just think, the music will 'wipe' out and other ambient sounds! (couldn't resist)

Nothing says fall like football

Now let me start by saying that I am not what you would call a sports fanatic. I know a little bit about a handful of sports, I played in various little league teams, but never worshipped it like most men. I was the one taking piano lessons while the others were away on soccer trips. Is there any regret? Absolutely not. I mean, I wish I could have played HS football, I think I would have gotten a lot of aggression out, some that may be still here today... But, that's what college intramural football teams are for, right? Man, I pulled those flags so hard, wishing I could have sacked everybody out there. I was only invited once to play tackle when it rained... I wonder why.

Anyway, nothing sums fall football up like the college game, and to be more specific, The University of Georgia v. University of Florida. The Dawgs and Gators (respectfully, for all you lost souls) have been rivals forever. I know every team has their rivals, so maybe mine is not as important as any other. But, on Halloween weekend every year, it sure feels different.

The last weekend in October finds St. Simons Island more crowded than a KFC after a Baptist church service. We are located only 80 miles from Jacksonville, where the game is held. Every Dawg fan seems to make their way down and crash on the island, being the real last haven until the Florida border. Most of the fans rent charter buses for the hour and a half drive down to the game, enabling them to take part in extra pre-game activities. You get there, and tail-gaitin' starts. Red and black and orange and blue everywhere. See, you would think that everybody goes to the game right? Wrong. Most people just come to St. Simons for the weekend. Georgia has their fall break the Thursday and Friday before the game, so the island becomes a breading ground for red and black sorority bops. All the frat boys come down in their red pants hoping to get a piece of "gator-tail" (no, not the reptile), but in all realty, wind up passed out before the game begins.

What do I like so much about GA/FLA? I didn't go to either school. I don't love football as much as some. So why do I care? It's a symbol. It is one of the chapters that would have to be written about in the book on St. Simons. It's a mark of the fall; time to see friends, have partys, cookouts, fires. It's more than a football game.

Now it's time to share favorite memories! Whose in? The memory can be related to GA/FLA or not. Perhaps you have a different fall memory you'd like to share. Whatever it may be, post it below so we can all enjoy.

Hush that fuss.

It's horrible how modern media can distort our perception of history. Last night Rosa Parks died at 92. Unfortunately, whenever I hear that name I immediately start grindin' to Outkast. I don't think about the icon she was, nor do I give recollection to the movement she started and participated in. I am not incoherent to what she stood for, it's just not the first thing that pops into my head. Did you know that a while back Outkast was being sued over that song Rosa Parks (LaFace Records v. Parks)? Yeah, the suit claimed it defiled her name. I don't remember what happened... Maybe someone can look it up and find out.

FINALLY!

Finally I get a chance to blog. Finally I get a chance to sit down. Finally I have my first fire in my fireplace. FINALLY it's cold outside! With a high of only 60 today I could not have been more happier. So what it rained a little today. So what I got a little wet on my 7 o'clock scooter ride to work. So what that I'm stressed out right now with work. The point is, I'm content for this moment. I'm content sitting here next to my fire with hot cocoa (yes) and writing to you. My house smells like candles, cooking and fire. The windows are open and the breeze is ever so gentle. My stress is temporarily on vacation (or at least until I am done writing). The point is, right now, I am perfect.

Don't you just love moments like this? Moments when you are so content, that the only thing that could make you happier would be the knowledge that it would last forever. However, I don't think I would like this feeling to last forever. Why? Because then it wouldn't be so special. For me, the rarity of contentment, in essence, is a tort of it's definition. For me, contentment is rare. I am always searching for the better... And no, this is not good. I need to work on that.

But for now, I will leave you with this. Whether you live your life in total contentment or sporadic contentment never loose sight on what it is that makes it good for you. For me, it's the peace. It's the knowledge and feeling that I get from that moment of time when I feel that hand of God holding me up and the forsight to see that everything will actually be OK... And yes, maybe a little cold weather helps too.

Wanna laugh?

I love comedy. Improve and stand-up are two of my favorite genres. Mix this together, add some interesting places and talented comedians, and you got Prangstrup. These guys are hilarious. They perform comedy sketches in the most bizarre places, like bathroom stalls. My favorite of the ones I have watched is "Lecture Musical". A couple of the kids start a musical performance right in the middle of a college lecture. It's great.

Russia controls the weather

I'm not one for conspiracy theories. I would rather just live a peaceful life and not worry how big "big brother" is. My wife and her mother have been going on and on about a new theory (read: take this with a bag of salt). They think the Russian's are controlling the weather. Their theory is this. Russians control the weather and brought all the hurricanes to America to drive the price of oil way up. Apparently the Russians have a big hold in the oil market. Here's an interesting link.

My thoughts? I think the Russians just want to make every place as cold as Russia, so we all have to wear those great hats!

Friday Foto

Fightingtown Creek
Canon 10D
1.5s @ f4.5, 100 ISO

Last week I got the opportunity to spend a night up in Blueridge, GA at our family cabin. I'm not one to sleep in and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. I prefer to get up at the crack of dawn and actually experience it. This photo (and others) is the product of such experience. The camera shutter was left open just enough to capture the movement (is that an oxymoron?) of the stream, still allowing for correct exposure.

Dragging...

Man, today is lasting for ever! I am ready for this week to be over. No plans on tap for this weekend, just going to take it easy.

Next weekend is GA/FLA weekend. Coming soon will be a great post on everything that is, relating to the GA/FLA extravaganza.

I'm bored... Do you know what an ellipses is? A series of dots (...) following a break in a sentence. My pet peeve is when people use them wrong. You're supposed to use only three dots (...). Now you know, and knowing is half the battle....................... (not like that!)

Who wants to have a cookout this weekend? So, you live in NY, I don't care, come on down. I hope the weather is conducive for outdoor evening activities this weekend. Wilma better not screw things up. Talk about outta left field that one. TS Wilma turned into a Cat. 5 hurricane over night, breaking records for the lowest barometric pressure ever recorded... in the 800's.

Alright, I'm going home for lunch to my ummmmm tasty ham sandwich and two rowdy dogs. Wow, an interesting day. I fancy a bike ride later, we'll see.

Momentary Memories

I have this love for the outdoors. Everything outdoors. Things that I've never even done, like ice climbing, I still love. I fantasize about getting trapped on a desert island and having to survive (I would be fine until my chapstick ran out). One of my earliest memories is camping. I went to Laurel S. Walker State Park (Georgia) and I was probably 4. I had the coolest felt Indian Jones style hat with a green down vest to complete my ensemble. It was winter time which meant fire time. Their is something ingrained in all boys, carrying through adulthood might I add, that totally infatuates us with fire. Man, my favorite thing to do was light a stick on fire and spell my name in the air with smoke. Oh, or light little mini-fires all around only to get yelled at for almost starting a forrest fire. Fire was great, but it never beat out the S'mores. I was king of S'mores (and you could tell).

As I grew up my love for camping didn't die, just the opportunity to go did. Don't get me wrong, I still make it outdoors as often as I can, but somethings just change. Don't you just wish sometimes that you could go back to that time when you were learning things still? Learning how to light a lantern, or start a fire, or pitch a tent (refrain from the jokes please), or chop firewood? I did, but then I found something that kind of cured it... teaching others.

The first time I took my wife (then my girlfriend) camping was an experience to say the least. I don't think she understood that blow dryers and jewelry weren't proper camping equipment. "Yes, you can cook baked beans right from the can." "Yes, you use the bathroom right there." "No, there is nothing outside the tent." But, in her defense, she is a great camper now. Teaching her how to do all the things I once was taught gave me one of the greatest satisfactions I've known. Despite the number of times we've slept in the tiny car, as opposed to the big tent because, "Something moved outside" ("No shit, this is the woods!"), she is great to camp with.

I guess the point I am feebly attempting to make here is this. Often times we find ourselves yearning for the past. A taste of it, or maybe to relive "the good ole' times". Instead of reminiscing, you should relate; relate your experiences, lessons learned, to those around you. Give others a piece of what you cherish so much. In an essence, spread the memory. By spreading it, you preserve it.

More to further my habit

I like beer... a connoisseur of it, not a drink-till-I-can't-pee-standing-up kind of way. This invention is wonderful... I might be making one this weekend if I get some time. It is a beer cooler that holds a pilsner and keeps you beer nice and cold. Combine a coaster with a frig and tada!

Also, if you like Vodka, but can't afford that high price of Grey Goose, check this out. I've read about a lot of people who filter cheap vodka and get much better quality out of it. It's basically a glorified Brita filter. It might be worth a shot (no pun intended).

I promise, I'm not obsessed with drinking.

Hump Day

Good morning readers. Today is already Wednesday. I seem to be having a quick week so far... is it just me? I have a lot of friends traveling out of town this week, so maybe so. If you are interested, their is a company now making a three-headed tap with a foot pump for kegs. Get yours today!

Here's a female's poem:
I Want a man that's handsome, smart and strong
One who loves to listen long,
One who thinks before he speaks,
One who'll call, not wait for weeks.
I want him to be gainfully employed,
And when I spend his cash, he not be annoyed.
Pulls out my chair and opens my door,
Massages my back and begs to do more.
Oh! For a man that makes love to my mind, and knows what
to answer to "how big is my behind?" I want this man to love me to no end, And always be my very best friend.

Here's a male's poem:
I want a deaf-mute nymphomaniac with huge boobs who owns a Liquor store and a bass boat. I know this doesn't rhyme and I don't give a shit.

Intellectual conversation starter

Here's something I have been interested in for a long time: Intellectual Property Rights. Now, I'll start with a quick definition. Intellectual property is a legal entitlement which sometimes attaches to the expressed form of an idea, or to some other intangible subject matter; an idea, a theory, a concept, a design, a piece of property that someone has put time and effort into that is not tangible. Examples are logos, movies, songs, articles and a lot more. Why is it interesting? Think of it this way... Some one comes to me and asks me to design a brochure for their new company. I brainstorm and come up with this great brochure. A couple of months later someone else comes up and wants a brochure. Do I use the same layout? Does the previous client own that layout? Does he own any part of it? Sure, he provided me with the text (maybe) and the content, but I made it. So, who owns it? Who gets the rights to it? A musician writes a couple of songs and a record company picks her up and cuts a record deal and spends thousands on marketing her new album. Who owns the music? Yeah, she wrote the song, but if it wasn't for the record company, she wouldn't have made it.

Last week Apple released the new iPod that plays video. Along with it they released a new version of iTunes that can download TV Shows as well for 2 bucks a pop. Many shows, like The Desperate Housewives can be downloaded and played on your iPod now. Cast members, like Teri Hatcher and Eva Longoria are pissed. ABC and Apple are making all the money from this business venture on the behalf of the hard working actors and actresses. They all get cuts from the DVD sales, why not downloads as well?

Due to the digital age, intellectual property rights has become a huge concern to many people and industries. It is the force driving the RIAA and MPAA lawsuits. They both say that they own the rights to the music and movies. If you buy a CD legitimately, shouldn't you be allowed to burn copies of it? The RIAA goes as far as to say that when you buy a CD you only have the right to listen to the music, not your friends. You can not digitize it (put it on your computer). If you buy a DVD, you can not burn a copy and send it to your friend... even though you bought it. Is this right? You paid your dues... you own that.

Just something to think about... allow your brain to work a bit. You'd be amazed what will happen (and hurt).

Spoiled brats get what they deserve

It's about time someone puts a stop to the spoiled pastimes of the stuck-up wealthy. A HS principal in New York canceled prom because he was just fed up with all the money that was put into it for post and pre-game parties by the students (read: spoiling parents). $20, 000 for a room after the dance? Come on! Whatever happened to the Relax Inn? $35 for a heart-shape bed with mirrors everywhere... now that's style!

Actually, I don't agree entirely with the principals decision. He could have taken action a different way.

My Morning

Good morning! What do you wake up to? Me, I wake up to this. I thought I'd rub it in a little bit. I took the day off and left Thursday for Nashville, Tennessee for the Vanderbilt/Georgia game (my brother-in-law plays for Vandy). We stopped over night at my family cabin in the North Georgia mountains. I always have a hard time deciding if I am most content on St. Simons or in the mountains. I absolutely love the mountains, and if I had my way I would live in a cabin in the mountains in the middle of nowhere... yeah, and an ocean view. Have a great weekend.

Friday Fact (sort of): The Jiffy

Ahhh, the Jiffy. If you are from St. Simons Island, you know what I am talking about. Non-natives, read on... because we will not cease from calling all gas station, convenience stores and quickmarts "The Jiffy". Food from a Jiffy is "Jiffy Food." It's so easier than saying, "Honey, I need to run up to Bubba's Quick Mart Circle K for a gallon of milk." We have all been there. You go away for college for the first time and your hanging out with all of your new college friends. You casually drop how you need to stop by a Jiffy and get some gas. See, they all understand what you are talking about, but have never heard it called that. This is the reason "Jiffy" is here to stay.

I have done a little research on this matter, and have close to nothing to show for it. The Jiffy-Huntly Food Store was on St. Simons until the earl 90's. There was one across from Brogen's North, and maybe another, but I can't remember. I remember walking from my childhood home in Glynn Haven with 50 cents and so much built-up excitement about what kind of candy I was going to get. It took me close to 15 minutes each time to decide (usually the redhots or lemon drops). Did you know that kids growing up still call it The Jiffy? Freshmen in HS, born before there was a Jiffy, call it Jiffy. This is great. The name and legend lives on!

This saddens me. I can't seem to find anything substantial on the Jiffy. I know there is one somewhere in Alabama.... road trip anyone? We must preserve the memory of the Jiffy. Please, adopt this name if you haven't already. I promise, it's much easier on the palette than my wife's spinach souffle. See you at the Jiffy!

Boobs that play music

Really, what could be better? Boobs that play music. What will they think of next? It's a good idea. If something, like silicon, is going to be permanently implanted into a human, why not give it another function besides cosmetic? How about motors that make them move? Lightbulbs so your headlights really would shine? How about guns like in Austin Powers... "She's got smoke coming from her Jibblies!" Ohh, I know... a mini-freezer implant for breast-feeding mothers so their "milk-shake would better than yours!".

Apple's new Duds, again

So yesterday Apple released even more equipment. 5 Weeks ago they released the iPod Nano and sold 1 million units in the first week. Yesterday Apple released a new iPod, the normal size one. This one is the coolest I think. It plays music, photos and videos. It is thinner and has more memory, for the same price. They're getting better and better.

They also released the new iMac. This is their basic computer, but not basic at all. It is a power house. Very nice systems. If you are looking into getting a new computer soon, strongly consider a Mac. Things have changed now and you no longer have to really worry about the Windows/Mac compatibility issues.

Momentary Memories

I remember sitting on a plane waiting to take off for the British Virgin Islands reading with tears in my eyes. It was The Beloved Invader by Eugenia Price that grabbed my heart and broke it. The second story in the St. Simons Trilogy; it's hardly just about our little island. A tale of love, coming of age and death all wrapped up into a literary tale based on the history of our island.

The tree was 200 years old. It saw the rebuild of Christ Church. Maybe it saw the desecration of it. How many weddings, how many funerals, how many baptisms? It fell Friday afternoon due to the rain caused by TS Tammy. I can not let this tree go to chips. Two afternoons were spent chopping and collecting it's fallen wood. The memories and spirits will live on in bonfires, cookouts and cold winter days in my hearth.

It wasn't just a tree. It was a Water Oak. Very similar to Live Oaks, they dominate our island and have provided wood for houses, food, boats, furniture, etc. for centuries. Many memories are still to come from our fallen friend.