Anything, Everything & Nothing

2011-04-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

Which do you want to be in should an accident occur?

2010-11-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

2010-11-10T17:24:00.000-08:00

United States Marine Corps Year 235

2010-11-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

I cannot begin to imagine the plethora of feelings that Merly is experiencing because of the passing of her father. There have been moments that I would simply sit quitly next to her without saying a single word. I have learned from my own experiences that not saying anything is just as strong (if not stronger). The simple effort of one's presence can be comforting and the action of speech can be a distraction

2010-11-07T19:26:00.000-08:00

It is with painful sadness that I am to write and say that my Father In Law, Teodoro Machete has passed on Sunday evening Philippines local time.

This 2007 photo is of the evening I asked permission from Merly's parents to marry Merly.

In the photo: Nanay Lucena Machete, Me, Merly, Glaiza Garcia, Kheena Machete, Rickson Garcia
Tatay Teodoro Machete, Mark Vincent Garcia, Daya Garcia, Shawee Machete

2010-11-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

The other day I posted about the decision of the supervisors of San Francisco to ban prizes in the McDonald's Happy Meals. I found this image to be quite amusing as a response...

2010-11-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

Well, those morons that are in charge of San Francisco have once again done a typically stupid action against the common people. They have banned the McDonald's Happy Meal.

In consideration of where this happened, I am not surprised.

2010-11-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

2010-10-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

2010-10-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

Your result for The Steampunk Style Test...

The Explorer

14% Elegant, 38% Technological, 30% Historical, 80% Adventurous and 46% Playful!

You are the Explorer, the embodiment of steampunk’s adventuring spirit. For you, clothing should be rugged and reliable, and just as functional as it is attractive. You probably prefer khaki or leather, and your accessories are as likely to include weapons as technological gizmos. You probably wear boots and gloves, and maybe a pith helmet. Most of what you wear is functional, and if you happen to wear goggles people had better believe that you use them. In addition to Victorian exploration gear, your outfit probably includes little knickknacks from your various travels. Above all, you are a charming blend of rugged Victorian daring and exotic curiosity.

Try our other Steampunk test here.

Take The Steampunk Style Test at HelloQuizzy

2010-10-25T08:53:00.001-07:00

http://jehmhadar.canadarecommended.com

2010-10-23T18:00:00.001-07:00

Call Me Senator from RightChange on Vimeo.

2010-10-14T14:24:00.001-07:00

http://jehmhadar.lookit-c.com

2010-10-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

2010-10-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

2010-09-08T23:12:00.000-07:00

8th Day
9th Month
10th Year
11th Minute
12th Hour

2010-09-08T09:20:00.001-07:00

2010-07-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

2010-06-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

2010-05-17T16:53:00.001-07:00

2010-01-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

It has been more than a great while since I last posted anything to the blog. So I decided to start off the year commenting about some of the artwork by one of my favorite painters.
The artist is Jack Vettriano.

The first print is titled Dance Me To The End Of Love. If I recall properly, this was the first print that would introduce me to Vettriano's work. The overall setting of seeing elegantly dressed couples dancing a waltz in a twilight atmosphere had me easily captured. Anytime I come across this print, I imagine of a time not so long ago.
I like to think I have a privatized sense of a classical romantic heart is the primary reason I am so attracted to this print's imagery.

2010-01-04T16:52:00.001-08:00

2009-11-19T19:22:00.000-08:00

Psalm 109:8

2009-10-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

Sheep Herding Extreme

2009-09-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

09 Day
09 Month
09 Year
09 Hour
09 Minutes

2009-08-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

Japanese Ultra cargo pants
I have always been a great fan (and wearer/user) of cargo pants. I had come to realize that I carry just slightly too much for traditional pockets or the items I want to carry are too large for decent comfort. While surfing the net for this blog topic, I came across the above photo.

Ohhh, I want at least three pairs of that style!!!

Unfortunately, the site that the photo is supposed to come from no longer exists. At the time of the blogger's posting, he said the price was 140USD. I know I would not pay that amount for a pair of cargo pants; but still, I most definately want them.

2009-08-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

This has got to be the most amusing photo I have come across in a great while.The full story is here.

2009-08-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

2009-07-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

"60"

2009-07-12T14:04:00.001-07:00

2009-07-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

A numerical event that happens twice every hundred years will occur in just 56 seconds from now today. The clocks will read 12:34:56 on 7/8/9

Heh heh heh heh

2009-07-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

07/08/09

2009-06-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

jeremiah wright calls himself a reverend yet he says such following quotes as part of his sermons.
– September 2001: “The government lied about inventing the HIV virus as a means of genocide against people of color. The government lied.”

– September 2001: “We bombed Hiroshima. We bombed Nagasaki. And we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon and we never batted an eye.”

– September 2001: “We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because of stuff we have done overseas is now brought back into our own backyard. America is chickens coming home to roost.”

– April 2003: “The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes three-strike laws and wants them to sing God Bless America. No! No No! God damn America … for killing innocent people. God damn America for threatening citizens as less than humans. God damn America as long as she tries to act like she is God and supreme.”

– December 2007: “Barack knows what it means living in a country and a culture that is controlled by rich, white people. Hillary would never know that.”

– December 2007: “Hillary ain’t never been called a nigger. Hillary has never had a people defined as a non-person.”

– Jan. 13, 2008: “Hillary is married to Bill, and Bill has been good to us. No he ain’t! Bill did us, just like he did Monica Lewinsky. He was riding dirty.”

– “Fact number one: We’ve got more black men in prison than there are in college. … Fact number two: Racism is how this country was founded and how this country is still run.”

– "You cannot do terrorism on other people and expect it never to come back on you."

– “We are deeply involved in the importing of drugs, the exporting of guns and the training of professional killers. … We believe in white supremacy and black inferiority and believe it more than we believe in God. … We conducted radiation experiments on our own people. … We care nothing about human life if the ends justify the means. And … And … And! God! Has got! To be sick! Of this shit!”

– "To say “I am a Christian” is not enough. Why? Because the Christianity of the slaveholder is not the Christianity of the slave. The God to whom the slaveholders pray as they ride on the decks of the slave ship is not the God to whom the enslaved are praying as they ride beneath the decks on that slave ship."

– "We bombed Hiroshima, we bombed Nagasaki, and we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon, and we never batted an eye," Wright said. "We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards. America's chickens are coming home to roost."

– "The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing 'God Bless America.' No, no, no, God damn America, that's in the Bible for killing innocent people. God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme."

–"Barack knows what it means to be a black man to be living in a country and a culture that is controlled by rich white people. Hillary can never know that. Hillary ain't never been called a n-----."
The above collection of quotes are sourced from Boycottliberalism.com

In my effort to find some comparable titles from Creflo Dollar, I did a google search and found mostly ignorant sites that are attempting to in one way or another discredit Pastor Dollar. I instead decided to gather a collection of sermon titles as comparison from his website.

How to Cast Out Fear
The world is experiencing financial crisis and lack; however, for those who are a part of God's Kingdom, there is a way out. You do not have to participate in the recession, no matter what the news media is reporting.

The Right Attitude In Recession
News of financial chaos is constantly reported through the media on a daily basis. Given the spiritual climate of the world, it is easy to succumb to the temptation to fear. However, God has not given us the spirit of fear. We must make an effort to shield our minds from fearful thoughts.

The Voice Of God
Faith comes by hearing, and through hearing the preaching of God's Word. But the faith that gives you ultimate confidence for specific situations and circumstances is the voice you hear behind the sermon or scripture that is preached. Behind every scripture and message you hear, is a Word from God that is designed to give you the wisdom, answers, and instruction you need for your life.

Starve Your Doubts to Death
When you fear, you paralyze the operation of God's Kingdom. Fear has many faces, and worry is one of them. Worry is negative meditation on the wrong things. As Believers, we must focus on serving God without fear and refuse to worry.

Faith Overcomes Fear
Fear is not natural, nor does it come from God. Many people give place to fear in their lives and, as a result, they experience the reality of their fears. The truth is, we do not have to walk in fear when we are aware of our covenant with God and know He has already delivered us from this wicked spirit

A Desire To Pray
Developing a solid relationship with God depends largely on the amount of time you spend with Him. Like any relationship, you must cultivate your interaction with God until you are confident in His love for you. When you know the Lord intimately, you trust Him more completely.

What To Do When God Speaks
Have you ever wondered if God really talks to you? Sometimes it may seem as if you are not hearing anything from God, but the truth is He is always speaking. Similar to a radio that receives a reception, you must make sure your frequency is clear so you can hear from Heaven.

The Word Prepares Your Hearing
Tuning your spiritual ears to hear from God is not difficult, but it takes diligence on your part. God is always speaking; the problem is we are not always listening and hearing Him. Many times, the problem may be that we are not spending enough time in the Word.

Hinderences To Hearing God
God wants to speak to us, however, at times distractions block our ability to hear from Him. To get a clear reception from Heaven, we must remove the spiritual static that interferes with the signal coming from God.

Rentless Faith
In order to get results in the Kingdom of God, you must walk by faith. In fact, your faith must be relentless, regardless of what your circumstances and situations look like. It is imperative you maintain faith that refuses to let go of God's promises, even in the face of adversity.

How To Stay In Faith
In life, it is inevitable that you will encounter challenges. The enemy will cause storms to blow all around you for the sole purpose of taking your focus off of God. However, your stance in the midst of life's crises determines how you come out of those situations.

So who is the true man of God?

2009-06-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Farah Fawcett 2 Feb 47-25 Jun 09 Michael Jackson 29 Aug 58- 25 Jun 09

2009-06-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

Amy Sue Crone

March 31, 1978 - June 20, 2009
A lover of life, compassionate mother, fantastic friend and beloved daughter, Amy Sue Crone passed suddenly June 20, she was 31 years old.She leaves behind two children ages 5 and 18 months.She is the daughter of Pastor David and Deborah Crone.
Amy was born in Santa Cruz, Calif. She spent her childhood in Petaluma, eventually making her home in Vacaville.

A photographer, shopper of shoes and sipper of wine, Amy cherished life and love and saw it as something to be embraced. She has left her mark and will be missed. Her space in this life will not be easily filled.

A private burial will take place during the week and a public celebration of her life will take place Sunday at 10 a.m. at The Mission at 6391 Leisure Town Road, Vacaville.

Contributions can be made to "The Mission" to benefit Amy's children's memorial fund.
Arrangements are by Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home, 446-3233.

Published in The Reporter on 6/24/2009

2009-06-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

I found out earlier today that David Carradine has died. The initial report is that he died of suicide. When I first heard of his death, I felt a small seed of sadness. As I read the report indicating that the death was by suicide, I felt different. Why would someone take their own life? That is a concept I will never understand. What I do know is that I will remember him for his Kung Fu TV series back in the 70s, the revival of the original story concept and many other movies and Tv series I had the forntune to see him in. I will also remember his father and brothers.

2009-04-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

John Berkey
1932-29 Apr 08
Mr. Berkey was a science fiction artist of magnificent caliber. I first recall his work from the Star Wars paintings as this and this. This image was a commision for the USNavy recruitment.

Here is one of many galleries featuring his work.

2009-01-04T13:51:00.000-08:00

2008-12-09T15:35:00.000-08:00

Just a month and a few days past the US General Election. Many Americans and most of the world seem to have the mindset that the election of the democrat barack obama is some kind of historic event in the good sense. I do not share this view. I was not taken in awestruck wonder of this particular man. I was then (nor am I now) convinced that his slogans of "Yes We Can!" and "Change We Can Believe In." of something to be proud of. I was not part of the population that was so desparate for whatever reason to vote a Black man into the office of President Of United States that I would be willing to ignore the man's glaring inexperience of leadership and a plethora of other questionable facts regarding him. To be certain, I would like to see a person of color or a female as president; but, I would like to think I have enough sense to see that the person was truly qualified for the position. I do not think obama was vetted in this fashion. Well, as I drive around and see the obama car stickers, and listen to misguided people bestow praises onto the man, I am curious just how far and how terrible he will lead the country.

And to think all these years, jimmy carter was considered the most terrible president of the US...

2008-11-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

"And the United States of America government, when it came to treating her citizens of Indian descent fairly, she failed. She put them on reservations. When it came to treating her citizens of Japanese descent fairly, she failed. She put them in internment prison camps. When it came to treating her citizens of African descent fairly, America failed. She put them in chains, the government put them on slave quarters, put them on auction blocks, put them in cotton field, put them in inferior schools, put them in substandard housing, put them in scientific experiments, put them in the lowest paying jobs, put them outside the equal protection of the law, kept them out of their racist bastions of higher education and locked them into positions of hopelessness and helplessness. The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing 'God Bless America.' No, no, no, not God Bless America. God damn America — that's in the Bible — for killing innocent people. God damn America, for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America, as long as she tries to act like she is God, and she is supreme. The United States government has failed the vast majority of her citizens of African descent.."

OK jeremiah wright...
Prove to me where it says in the Bible of 'damning America'.
The White Supremacist in my opinion is both vile and amusing(in a dark manner) because of their collected years of ignorant indoctrination. What I find far more vile is of the black supremacist of the caliber of jeremiah wright. Not only is this person an ignorant racist but a foolish anti Semitic being hiding behind his robes as if he was some kind of legitimate man of God.

2008-11-15T10:49:00.000-08:00

Merly will deaprt Manila Philippines on the 18th 750Pm and arrive to Honolulu approximately 1140Am local time. Honolulu will be her Port Of Entry and she will be processed there. Then she will depart Honolulu about 140Pm and arrive to Sacramento approximately 840Pm.
The excitement of her arrival is increasing minute to minute.

2008-11-08T14:51:00.000-08:00

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

2008-11-08T14:29:00.000-08:00

I am currently acquiring the airfare for Merly. If all goes well, then she will arrive on one of either two days of this coming Thursday 13 or Monday 17. The excitement of finally having her here with me is increasing. I am busy cleaning and preparing the house for her arrival. My happiness is beyond desrcription.

2008-11-04T21:56:00.000-08:00

2008-10-21T15:58:00.000-07:00

Merly completed her CFO seminar today! Now we just make arrangements for her flight to the US!!

2008-10-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

Merly's visa packet arrived!!!

2008-10-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

Merly is still waiting for her visa packet to arrive then she will attend the CFO seminar. I have been searching for airfares for her and the effort reminds me of the time when I was searching airfares last year to go visit her.

2008-10-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY!!!
I just called Merly. She is completed with her interview.
She was APPROVED!!!

2008-10-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

In a few hours, Merly will have her finacee visa interview at the US Embassy Manila. I'm more excited and positive of the result than to be anxious or nervous.

2008-10-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

An atheist was walking through the woods.‘What majestic trees!‘What powerful rivers!‘What beautiful animals!He said to himself.
As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him.He turned to look. He saw a 9-foot tall grizzly bear charge towards him.
He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him.He looked over his shoulder again and the bear was even closer.
He tripped & fell on the ground.He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top ofhim, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him.
At that instant the Atheist cried out, ‘Oh my God!’
Time Stopped.The bear froze.The forest was silent.As a bright light shone upon them, a voice came out of the sky.
‘You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don’t exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament?
Am I to count you as a believer?’
The atheist looked directly into the light, ‘It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian.’
‘Very Well,’ said the voice.
The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed and the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke:
‘Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.’

2008-10-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

The first rain of the season occurred sometime last night. The weather is getting noticeably cooler; but, not so much. The past summer season felt more like spring than high heat summer. I really miss those hot summer days of my youth growing up on Eagle Way.

For the most part, I have avoided making posts regarding the upcoming General Election. It simply amazes me how much the liberal democrat person is woefully ignorant. I suppose I could spend the next several weeks dertailing how corrupt the democrat party is. I see no point to it. I will say that I will be voting Republican. I will pray that John McCain does win the Presidency against obama.

Although the General Election is the most significant current event worldwide, my significant situation is the upcoming embassy interview for Merly on the 10th of this month. As far as I am aware, she has all the documents necessary. She has memorized all the details regarding our relationship. I am not going to worry; but, the feeling is more like Christmas morning excitement. I am praying blessing for Merly to have a successful interview. I am expecting her to arrive to the US early November.

2008-09-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

*Today is the first day of Autumn; but, the weather was rather warm. I honestly do not look forward to the cooler temperatures and for winter.
*The only good thing I can think of about it is that Merly will be here soon. She completed her medical exam late last week. 10 October will be her interview. The excitement for that day grows as each moment passes.
*Mom is steadily improving from both the surgery and from the minor incident from last week. I know it was very trying for my nerves; but, I still managed to keep my head and focus.

2008-09-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Last night, Mom felt ill enough to vomit. I think she brought up everything in her stomach. I took her to the hospital emergency at about 9 Pm. It was approximately 1130 when I was able to see her. She was napping when I approached her and she woke to tell me that she was being prepped for a CT scan. The symptoms of nausea and pain were very similar to the first time this happened so the doctors wanted to keep her overnight for observation.
I called the emergency room this morning approximately 8 Am and the staff nurse indicated that Mom was admitted and she gave me Mom's room number. I was then transferred and I spoke to Mom and she sounded to be in good spirits. She indicated that again a tube was inserted through her nose to her stomach to pump out everything.
She said for me to call her at Noon (which is about 20 minutes from now)

2008-09-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

American Airlines Flt 11

American Airlines Flt 77

United Airlines Flt 175

United Airlines Flt 93

United States Pentagon

World Trade Center

2008-08-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

Had a minor scare this morning.
At about 5 AM Mom woke me up needing to be taken back to the hospital. One of the insicions had started leaking some kind of liquidy goo during the night. She thought the moisture was from feeling sweaty. I was alert enough to get her to the hospital soon enough; but, still feeling somewhat exhausted to not really focus on the possibility of being readmitted for something.
As it turned out, the doctor wanted the leaking to continue to discharge the goo that had potential to cause internal infection. Mom suspected the incision was opened when she tried to stand up. She was given a prescription for antibiotics and a clean gauze patch and released within the hour.

2008-08-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

It is jerkwad maggots as the man shouting at Michelle Malkin is one of the reasons why I have no respect for democrats or liberals.

Keiko Matsui - Forever Forever

2008-08-22T12:35:00.001-07:00

Merly, Mahal na mahal kita magpakailanman
(((((THIS MUCH)))))
Mwahhh

2008-08-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

I got a call from the nurse that Mom was allowed to be discharged today. When I arrived, she said they had some difficulty getting a blood pressure check. It seems they went through a total of 4 machines to get a good check. She was obviously sore from the abdominal procedure and still had swollen legs and feet as result from the increased fluid intake. The doctors said the swelling should go down.
One of the most interesting elements about the entire situation was that as I pulled into the driveway, I felt such heavy exhaustion. My energy was depleted and my reserves were low. I am guessing that I was literally living on adrenaline; so now that I got Mom home safely, I was finally allowed to breathe a sense of relief. Once I was certain Mom was settled down, I collapsed into dreamless sleep. I did not allow myself to fall deeply because I wanted to be able to hear her if I was to be called on.

Today, Shasa started daycare. To her it is going to school. She is sooo thrilled and seem to acclimate well to the setting.

2008-08-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Mom is steadily improving; but, still has to stay in the hospital. She has been swelling as result of some of the medications they gave her so that has to be treated as well. Overall just by listening to her voice she is improving.

Merly is waiting for her set of documents to arrive so she can prepare for both the medical exam and the embassy interview. The interview is set for 11 September. She and I want to get the exam done as soon as possible so in case there is anything wrong, it can be corrected now before going into the embassy interview. I'm just so excited that she will be here soon (with God's blessings) I still marvel and give my gratitude for finding Merly and having her in my life. Never ever had I been blessed with a relationship to last two years.

Happy Happy Joy Joy.

2008-08-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

Mom is still at the hospital recovering from the surgery. I honestly do not know when she will be discharged. I am happy that she does sound to be improving when I call her.

The other morning I woke up to a revelation about her and started giggling: Mom is the author of the childrens book Never Alone. Its purpose is to be inspirational for children to know that God is always with them no matter what happens in their lives. The story is about an Eagle named Sam that witnesses a young boy injured in a bicycle-car accident. The Eagle observes the boy taken to the hospital; and even though the boy is getting all the needed treatment, Sam has great concerns for the boy. Sam rallies his bird friends so they may visit the boy and comfort him to know that he is not alone in this frightening situation. My point is that when Mom had to be admitted to the hospital, I then called, emailed Mom's situation to her friends. It is oberservable and factual that Mom is by herself in the hospital; but, she has not been alone. God, the angels, friends and family have been with her.

2008-08-16T12:24:00.001-07:00

Non Blinking World Record

2008-08-15T21:26:00.001-07:00

Friday Funnie

2008-08-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

This morning, I took JT and Shasa for a brief visit to Mom. She was sitting up and seemed to be in good spirits despite the obvious appearance of weakness and tiredness.

2008-08-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

At about 10 Am, Mom was taken into surgery. I called her this morning near 8:15 Am for any status updates and she said she was still waiting. I thought I had enough time to do a few tasks then go see her before she went in. By the time I arrived (11 Am) I discovered she was already taken. The nurse assigned to her indicated that she really did not have any idea how long it was to take; but, she expected Mom to be back in the room by 5Pm. I made the calls to everybody to update them of this news then I went to work.
At 1:30Pm, I received a call from the doctor to report that the operation was complete and successful at removing the scarring on Mom's intestine. (which was causing the problem of blockage). Again, I made the calls to report what the doctor had said to me.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

2008-08-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

For about a week or two, my Mom has been feeling nauseated and overall miserable at times. Last Sunday, the nausea erupted to a vomiting episode early morning. As I was preparing to leave for Church, I asked about her and noticed she looked terrible. She wanted to go to the hospital. We got to Kaiser Vallejo approximately 10 AM. We were in the waiting room momentarily before she was called in. 30 Minutes later, I was allowed to go in to see her. She was given meds for both pain and nausea. The meds did work and she was mostly sedated from them. She slept most of the time as the nurses monitored her pressure and other such. Later in the afternoon, she was given a CT scan. The results were showing intestinal blockage. One of the doctors on her case came to speak to us and explain the findings of the CT scan. They wanted to do a drainage procedure of inserting a tube through her nose to the stomach and extract the contents that way.
From Sunday afternoon to this morning, that was the primary procedure. I got a call this morning from one of the doctors that the drainage procedure did not have the expected results. They were left with the need to have surgery on Mom and do the task in that manner. So sometime today, Mom is expected to go intor surgery.
Im not nervous or fearful.

2008-08-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

IsaacHayes 20 Aug 1942 -11 Aug 2008

2008-08-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

08 Day
08 Month
08 Year
08 Hour
08 Minutes

2008-08-05T22:56:00.000-07:00

Merly got the embassy letter while we were talking to each other on the phone! WOO HOO!!!

2008-07-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

A short time ago today, I received the confirmation letter from the VSC.
WOOHOO!!!

2008-07-21T20:59:00.001-07:00

This is the result that the innocent must endure because of vile, arrogant, soulless maggots such as the leadership and supportive residents of san francisco.

The Original Minds Eye - Breaking The Ice (Love Found)

2008-07-16T21:15:00.001-07:00

2008-07-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Two years ago this day, I received my very first email from Merly.
Two years ago, I began a most wonderous relationship.
Merly is the most fantabulous lady in all the universe and I am so blessed to belong to her.
I am imprinted and attracted to her.
I thank God for such a beautiful gift in the form of her.

Today, I received the letter to confirm that the fiancee petition was approved and is now being reviewed by the NVC (NationalVisaCenter). They will process the petition between two to four weeks than submit it to the US Embassy in Manila. Then the embassy will contact Merly to schedule an interview and medical exam. Merly and I are praying for the overall process to continue as smoothly (without the lengthy delay) as the USCIS did to give approval. We have estimated the entire process from NVC to Embassy approval to be completed by this coming October.

2008-07-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY!!!
I was checking the status of the USCIS website for any new touches; but, there was not any. Next I checked my incoming email and noticed a message from USCIS. When I opened it, it indicated that our petition was approved and a letter was sent on the 11th. I understand the next phase will be Merly's medical exam, Embassy interview, and a mandatory seminar before leaving the Philippines.
Oh Yeah...
One more day closer to my beautiful Biliran Babae.

2008-07-13T20:53:00.001-07:00

Closing credits and song from the 1985 movie Year Of The Dragon. The song title is Tian Mi Mi. The singer is Lucia Hwong.This version of the same song is by Teresa Teng.

2008-07-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Tony Snow 1955-2008

2008-07-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that our petition was for the first time touched yesterday 11 July!!
HEP HEP HOORAY!
Touched in the vernacular of fiancee immigration visas is defined as being recently handled by somebody in the USCIS service center. This is the typical procedure:
When a person files all the required documents and fees to the United States Citizen and Immigration Services to petition to bring their finance(e) or family, a case number is issued. With that case number, the person is able to monitor the progress from when the petition arrives to the service center to Notifcations then Approval. Approval will be in the form of NOA(Notice Of Action). NOA1 always indicate when the petition arrived to the service center then the wait for the NOA2 indicating petition approval then to the US embassy of the foreign
fiance(e)'s country. For Merly, it will be the US Embassy Manila Philippines.

She and I are one more day closer to being together!!!

2008-07-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

Going into the second day of high heat temperatures. As I understand it, the weather is expected to be hot for this week.

2008-07-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today, I sent my first email to Merly. That was the absolute best decision of my entire life. Merly has been the best gift ever from God I have ever asked for. There are not enough words in the known universes to describe the pure joy I have been blessed to experience of belonging to her. She has been the better half of us and all I know is that I want to grow old with her. I am imprinted to her. She is attractive to my eyes. I love her enchanting eyes, cute nose, kissable lips, lovely voice. I marvel at her handwriting! I simply love all of her. I have no regrets choosing her.

2008-07-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

*He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
*He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
*He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
*He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
*He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
*He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
*He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
*He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
*He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
*He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
*He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
*He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
*He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

*For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
*For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
*For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
*For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
*For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
*For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
*For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
*For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

*He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
*He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
*He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Massachusetts
John Hancock
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry
New Hampshire
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple
Matthew Thornton
Rhode Island
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery
Connecticut
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott
New York
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris
New Jersey
Abraham Clark
John Hart
Francis Hopkinson
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Pennsylvania
George Clymer
Benjamin Franklin
Robert Morris
John Morton
George Ross
Benjamin Rush
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
Delaware
Thomas McKean
George Read
Caesar Rodney
Maryland
Charles Carrol
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Virginia
Carter Braxton
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Jefferson
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
George Wythe
North Carolina
Joseph Hewes
William Hooper
John Penn
South Carolina
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton
Edward Rutledge
Georgia
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton

2008-07-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

After zero contact for nearly twenty years, my uncle Noah Jr. was found. A friend of my Dad's niece asked if she knew Noah Jr. Then she contacted Dad and he relayed the news to my mom. Obviously, She is excited to know that her youngest brother is still alive. As the cliche goes, now more questions are raised such as why did not Noah try to keep contact with somebody...
Well I'm happy that he is alive and now the effort to reestablish contact with him is now ongoing.

2008-06-26T20:57:00.001-07:00

UPDATE--
I took my desktop to Best Buy yesterday to get a qualified diagnosis.
The PSU seems to be OK; but, the motherboard is damaged. I have to wait until my next paycheck to begin replacement procedures.
Hopefully I can recover all my photos...

2008-06-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was not a good day...

Even though it was considered the first day of summer, three major events happened in the afternoon and evening.

Firstly, I tried for over two hours to call Merly for our usual morning chat. I could not get a connection at all. Finally, I get a call; but, I recognize the incoming number as from the Philippines yet it is not Merly. I answered; and to my surprise, it was her using a friends CP. She explained that typhoon Frank hit the island. Merly assured me that she and the family were alright/no injuries but there is much debris cleanup to do. She also explained that the internet will be offline for several days. I trusted Merly for her assessment of the area and the clean up tasks ahead. I trust her for the simple reason, she has experience for this kind of weather. Being a Californian, my extreme weather experience is the high heat temperatures during the summer, and the floods of winter. My natural disaster experience is mostly of earthquakes ( as previously mentioned this month) Today, I was able to see some photos of the damage of Naval, Biliran. My level of concern for my Merly skyrocketed. I'm still trusting of Merly's judgement.more photos here

Secondly, at approximately 4:50 PM, a power blackout occured. The hot weather became fast unbearable since there was no cirulating air. The power lasted until approximately 10:30 PM.

Then the worst (and third jaw torquer) happened. My desktop would not turn on. Based on the research I was able to find, the blinking lights on the front and back of the indicate a Power Supply Unit problem. I still want to speak to a techie to confirm my findings. I have tons of images saved on it and I really want to recover them before the desktop has a total crash. Prayerfully, that is the problem and nothing more serious. The desktop is four years old and I'm thinking a new system will be needed soon. Actually, I want to get a new system within the next two months...

2008-06-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

One of the most prominent cinematic special effects masters, Stan Winston died this past weekend. I have seen his effects work in many sci fi movies such as the Terminator series, Predator series, Edward Scissorhands, Jurrasic Park, Congo, Big Fish, Lake Placid, Batman Returns, Small Soldiers and many others. His studio site is linked here.

2008-06-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

2008-06-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not a father yet; but, I am ready to take the role when Merly arrives.

2008-06-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

Friday the 13th and Other Superstitions

I found two articles regarding why Friday the 13th is an unlucky day here and here.

This is a partial list of supersitions I found from oldsuperstitions.com.
* Friday the Thirteenth - The Scandinavian's believed that the number 13 was unlucky due to the mythological 12 demigods being joined by a 13th, an evil one, who brought misfortune upon humans. It was also said that Christ was crucified on Friday and the number of guests at the party of the Last Supper was 13, with the 13th guest being Judas, the traitor.
* Walking under a ladder - A leaning ladder forms a triangle with the wall and ground. Triangles represent the Holy Trinity, and violating the Trinity by breaking it (walking through it) would put you in league with the devil himself.
* Black Cats - In ancient Egypt, the Goddess Bast was a black, female cat. Christians, wanting to rid society of all traces of other religions, convinced the ignorant that black cats were demons in disguise and should thus be destroyed. In the process, they also destroyed the kindly ladies who cared for the cats, believing them to be witches. Being demons, a black cat crossing your path would create a barrier of evil, cutting you off from God and blocking the entrance to heaven.
* Spilling Salt - Salt used to be an expensive commodity used mainly for medicinal purposes. For this reason, spillage was to be avoided at all costs. The idea that it is unlucky to do so probably stems from the belief that Judas spilt salt during the last supper. Throwing spilt salt over the left shoulder is linked to its medicinal use. If it could not be administered, the next best thing was to throw it into the eye of the evil spirits that brought sickness upon us. These spirits were thought to lurk behind your shoulder, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
* A bat flying into the house
* 3 butterflies together
* Looking at the new moon over your left shoulder
* Breaking a glass while proposing a toast
* Hearing a rooster crow at night
* Cutting your nails on a Friday
* Putting a hat on a bed
* Getting out of bed left foot first
* A picture falling
* Breaking a mirror
* Opening an umbrella indoors
* Giving away a wedding present
* Stepping on cracks in the sidewalk
* An itch inside your nose
* Crossed knives
* seeing an owl during daylight
* You must wear new clothes at Easter or you will have bad luck
* Breaking a mirror means 7 years of bad luck, unless you take the pieces outside & bury them in moonlight. Also, an undisturbed mirror in a house suddenly fall & smashes then it means that there will soon be a death.
* Unless you were born in October, the wearing of an Opal will be ill-fated
* If pepper is spilt, then you will have a serious argument with a friend.
* Sparrows are said to carry the souls of the deceased to the after-life. To kill one means that you will be cursed.
* It is extremely unlucky to open an umbrella inside a house.
* If a groom drops the ring during the ceremony then the marriage is doomed to failure.
* Breaking a plate, especially if it had not already been cracked.
* To see the new moon for the first time through glass. Upon seeing the new moon you should turn whatever silver you have in your pockets or handbag, and thus ensure prosperity for a month.
* To upset pepper
* The blossom must never be cut from the tree and brought into the house before May 1, or ill fortune will attend you.
* Never mend a garment while you are wearing it, or misfortune will follow.
* Breaking a mirror portends seven years of bad luck. It is also extremely unlucky to receive a mirror as a present
* To make a present of a knife or any other sharp instrument unless you receive something in exchange.
* Walking under a ladder, unless you cross their fingers while doing so.
* It brings ill fortune if a lease or any contract is signed in the months of April, July, or November.
* To spill ink threatens worry, annoyance, and the failure of a project that is on foot.
* Crossing two table-knives by accident portends bad luck.
* To give a pair of gloves to a friend unless you receive something in exchange.
* To encounter a gravedigger coming towards you. Usually this means there will be a severe illness.
* For those who completely rake out a fire before retiring. A few embers should always be left.
* To break a glass bottle portends misfortune
* If you fasten a button into the wrong buttonhole
* If a candle falls over
* For a golfer to borrow your partners umbrella
* Throwing stones into the sea cause bad luck
* Starting a cruise on a Friday
*Stepping on board a ship with your left foot
*To open an umbrella in the house
*It is unlucky to sit on a table unless one foot is touching the ground
* If a person stumbles when leaving his house at the beginning of a journey, or trips or stumbles more than once during the course of the journey, it is advisable to postpone it.
*To pass anyone on the staircase.
* New shoes should never be left on a table
* To put on the left shoe before the right, and it is worse still to put the right shoe on the left foot, or vice versa.
* Spilling salt. If both salt and pepper are spilt at the same time, the force of this ill omen is doubled.
All Categories:

2008-06-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Philippine Independence Day

Philippine National Anthem Lupang Hinirang

Philippine Declaration Of Independence

Culture Of The Philippines

2008-06-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

There was an earthquake this evening. I was in Bob's room and just started to chat with him when I felt the strong momentary shake and short rumble. I did not lose my balance; but, felt my body sway to the tremor. No damage was done to the house, nothing was broken or strewn and no injuries either. I did have a thought of concern for the the floor clock in regards to aftershocks; but, nothing happened.

There are many stories of animals sensing natural events as earthquakes before humans are aware of them. I can say after the several earthquakes that I have experienced in the last ten years, my cockatiel bird Larry is totally stupid to sense such events. I do not recall at all any agitation from him. Larry was not my smartest bird I have had in all my years of bird keeping.

Before going to bed, I did briefly call Merly to let her know about the quake and to reassure her that all is well.

2008-06-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

I did not realize today was the first day of June. I actually thought it would start tomorrow. Oh well...What I do know is the current weather is cool and breezy as if it was autumn season. I will never ever accept or believe the hyper ignorant foolish eco terrorism concept named Global Warming.

2008-05-30T23:40:00.000-07:00

I was never much of a video game player. I had more enjoyment watching other people play; encouraging when needed or feeling impressed for victories or the muted feeling of losing. In 1998, I was attracted to my first video game: Rainbow Six. This game caught my attention mostly because of the novel with the same title by technothriller author Tom Clancy. I was already familiar with Tom Clancy from his previous works The Hunt For Red October, Patriot Games, and Clear And Present Danger so to play a game based on that universe was exciting to me. I think this is a good link to describe the history of the R6 gaming series from the very first to the latest. Also from the site is this link of Team Rainbow FAQ and this is the missions list from the entire series.
I was able to find some of the trailer previews of the series. I tried to keep it in some kind of chronological order. You can also tell of the progression of the series by the improvements of character creations.
Rainbow Six

Rainbow Six: Rouge Spear

Rainbow Six: Covert Ops

Rainbow Six: Rouge Spear- Black Thorn

Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield

Rainbow Six 3: Athena Sword

Rainbow Six 3: Iron Wrath

Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow

The latest editions of the Rainbow Six is set in Las Vegas.

2008-05-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

The judge granted me the restraining order against Robert for 1 year.

2008-05-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day

This is my moment of gratitude to the memory of the military that have given their precious lives for the freedoms we civilians take for granted.

2008-05-23T16:58:00.000-07:00

Maria Sue Chapman 2003-2008

I am not a husband or father yet, so I can not begin to imagine the absolute pain of losing a child. It is not an experience I want to know either.

2008-05-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

Well the last four days (Sunday-today) the weather has been in my opinion the opposite. Instead of a four day heat wave, the temperatures have been significantly cooler. So much so that in the mornings, it feels like early autumn.
EWWWWW.

I want my summer heat!!!

Taylor Hicks - Do I Make You Proud

2008-05-20T09:58:00.001-07:00

Yes.
Yes, you make me sooo proud.

2008-05-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

Again as the previous three days, the heat is intense. I do prefer it to the cooler autumn and winter seasons. Before today's temperatures rose upwards, I did some errands and grabbed some groceries. I had forgotten to pick up some icecream; but, that will have to wait until later this evening or sometime tomorrow. In the mean time, I'm enjoying the heat.

2008-05-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

Another hot day. I turned on the AC even though the temperature did not reach the point I was expecting.

2008-05-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Day 2 of the heat wave. Today there is a Santa Ana wind like effect occuring at the moment. It is a strong yet warm breeze. The expected inland temperatures are up to 102 *F. I will have to turn on the AC later if it does climb to 100.

2008-05-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

This morning on the radio, the local weather report indicated today was the first of a heat wave for the rest of the week. I say WOO HOO!! I have always preferred the summer heat temperatures instead of the preferred cooler seasons of either autumn or winter.

2008-05-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISRAEL!