tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41197302011-10-27T11:11:59.380-07:00overcoming reticenceThe occasional mutterings of an inconsistent bloggerRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.comBlogger1201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1168596673946542482007-01-12T02:10:00.000-08:002007-01-12T02:34:39.866-08:00goals listI just needed a quick place to put this. It may be updated or moved in the future as I see fit.The five most important things I want to do before I die:Fly a planeKill, prepare, and eat my own cowRoll around in the snow naked, then jump in a hot tubEat from a wild cactus while backpackingTouch a real live tigerLesser goals:climb a 6000+ meter peaksky divego cavingmake a java or flash gamemake Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1160667038786007172006-10-12T08:27:00.000-07:002006-10-12T08:30:38.786-07:00Welcome to Soviet AmericaHail the glorious leaders, comrads. And keep your mouths shut.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1153639424715486702006-07-22T23:53:00.000-07:002006-07-23T00:28:58.526-07:00damn you, al goreI keep waiting for the crazy heat to end, but it just gets worse. If you'll note the screenshot of today's weather history, you'll see that we exceeded the previous record by 12 degrees Fahrenheit. The previous record was only 10 degrees above the average, thus the standard deviation for July 22 max temperature was no more than 10. Most likely, the standard deviation was somewhere midway Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1143446202929284742006-03-26T23:52:00.000-08:002006-03-26T23:59:17.336-08:00Welcome, William. Enjoy the Ride.Many congratulations to Kurt and Jenn. Their first son was born this afternoon, weighing in at 9 lb 10 oz. Ouch. If you know Kurt and Jenn, do send your best wishes to the new family.Way to go guys! I look forward to meeting him.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1137670101068041402006-01-19T03:14:00.000-08:002006-01-19T03:43:36.273-08:00movie night themesInsomnia is pissing me off. It takes away from what I can get done in the daytime without adding any extra time in the night. So, in an effort to be productive instead of browsing fark at 3am, I thought I'd throw out an idea.Now that the theater room is basically done, I've been wanting to hold a semi-regular movie night and have folks over. We will provide movies, popcorn, and maybe even Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1137304863259023922006-01-14T20:07:00.000-08:002006-01-15T10:25:10.693-08:00the new academic moralityI noticed a friend's blog linking to a disturbing Wall Street Journal opinion piece decrying the instructional standards set by the University of California for highschool course requirements. In the article, new UC guidelines are deceptively depicted as a rejection of harmless literary dialogs, such as whether Frankenstein's monster had a soul. The author portentously portrays the guidelines asRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1135296837996433332005-12-22T15:04:00.000-08:002005-12-22T16:23:31.286-08:00a life without spamI'd greatly appreciate it if you all took a moment to read this friendly piece of advice. Both for my own benefit and yours. Tired of receiving spam, I signed up for a new email account with gmail nearly a year and a half ago. Here's something I bet you can't say about your email account:Total time in use: 16 monthsTotal number of spam messages: 0And I don't mean that gmail's spam filter hasRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1131576058227866042005-11-09T12:27:00.000-08:002005-12-04T15:42:10.700-08:00atm troubleI've always disliked Bank of America. I don't like that they force you to go to the account holder's home branch to cash a check. I don't like that they charge $2 for the privilege of using their crappy ATMs. I don't like that they advertise free checking when it's not actually free. I will grant, however, that most of these policies are common to most banks (not WaMu). But, B of A adds in aRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1124999709422075512005-08-25T11:57:00.000-07:002005-10-19T01:07:15.406-07:00these are not the drugs you're looking for, move alongI need you to use your imagination for a second here. You're a drug addict and you need another hit. You know this guy who can score some for you. Picture him (or her). What does he look like? What is he wearing? Where does he deal out of? What color is his skin?I'm going to venture a guess that most people's imaginary dealer looks much like a typical thug, deals out of a bad part of town and is Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1124699922200624582005-08-21T22:50:00.000-07:002005-08-22T01:40:31.520-07:00feel free to adjust the volumeI had to not hear it to believe it. Standing in the yard I strained to hear the silence and much to my surprise I nearly did. Only the faintest of notes in the cool night air hinted that neighbors a few houses away were playing music. But, they weren't. The music was being played in our house about 15 yards away from me at floor-shaking volume. It worked. The 2 inch vinyl-core fiberglass Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1124396269814141502005-08-18T13:17:00.000-07:002005-08-19T22:35:10.260-07:00about. damn. time.(photo credit: AP/Oded Balilty)If you don't understand, read this. EDIT: Never mind about the link. Yahoo removed the picture and description. It was of a little Palestinian girl peering through the barred window of a refugee camp facility. It explained how refugees at the camp found hope in the recent withdrawal. Hope that they might finally be able to return to the homes from which they were Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1121790701630025522005-07-19T09:06:00.000-07:002006-05-24T01:40:19.573-07:00man of convictionClassified information is leaked to Bob Novak who exposes an undercover CIA agent.Whitehouse: We will fire anyone involved in this leak.Early reports point out that Karl Rove was involved with all 6 reporters who knew of the leak.Whitehouse: We will fire anyone responsible for the leak.Evidence is turned over to court that Karl Rove leaked classified information to reporters and Matt Cooper Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1121286286634344542005-07-13T12:50:00.000-07:002005-07-13T13:40:12.476-07:00gallup polledWhenever I read a poll about the President's approval rating or what Americans think about Terri Schiavo I wonder who was called. A group of 1000 (not really) random people out of the 300 million Americans were surveyed and from this selection the national pulse was taken. Being one who likes to voice my opinion I always think to myself "dammit Gallup, call me sometime."Well, I answered the phoneRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1120060486871752822005-06-29T08:51:00.000-07:002005-06-29T08:56:51.700-07:00housing pricesAs Shane points out, The Economist agrees with Terrence about housing prices. Someday I may be in a position to look for a house to buy and I certainly hope I don't have to face the ridiculous prices of today's market.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1119288124698348312005-06-20T10:18:00.000-07:002005-06-20T10:23:23.636-07:00Comedic Intelligence AgencyPorter Goss, Chief Comedian of the CIA announced that they have "an excellent idea where [bin Laden] is", but are being held up in their attempts to capture him by the US's respect for sovereign nations. I'll stop laughing sometime tomorrow.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1118865576821185632005-06-15T12:03:00.000-07:002005-07-12T08:36:34.073-07:00don't blame californiaNumerous reporters, commentators, bloggers and other spectators have poked fun at California over the recent jury decision in the Michael Jackson trial. The popular notion is that California juries are soft on celebrities Michael Jackson or OJ Simpson. I would point out that in general most celebrities get off the hook and a great number of celebrities are in California. This is a common logical Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1118724692964690672005-06-13T21:10:00.000-07:002005-06-13T21:51:32.970-07:00i promise to find the real molesterWell, now that Michael Jackson's jury has cleared him of guilt perhaps they can explain their theory of what actually happened. In particular I'm sure they have interesting explanations for the following:1. Why the boy's underwear turned up in bathroom of Jackson's daughter (matching the underwear the boy said was removed from his body by Jackson).2. How the boy's fingerprints ended up on the Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1118258556812011802005-06-08T11:04:00.000-07:002008-01-03T23:34:59.378-08:00kat's new memeThings I find incredibly sexy about the opposite sex. In no particular order. black boots intelligence tall and slender holds her own in a debate likes to rock climb nose or lip piercings short hair big eyes small lipssmall nose fishnetfearlessness hair dyed weird colors honesty toned legs and arms likes animals (bonus for owns a big dog) smooth skin Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1116619528009980802005-05-20T12:31:00.000-07:002005-05-20T13:29:00.496-07:00song memeAs requested by our northern friend, Paris.Total volume of music files on my computer: over 20GB (3000+ songs)The last CD I bought: Stronghold from :SITD:Song playing right now: Accessory - "Deadline"Five songs I listen to a lot, or mean a lot to me: 1. VNV Nation - "Beloved"2. The Birthday Massacre - "Horror Show"3. The Azoic - "Lost"4. Tactical Sekt - "Devils Work"5. Camouflage - "Me and Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1116446250398419302005-05-18T12:02:00.000-07:002005-05-18T13:00:09.373-07:00record setting orderI was looking online for a cheap place to buy a new hard drive and my roommate suggested newegg.com citing their reasonable prices and fast shipping. I normally go with the cheapest source from pricewatch.com who will pick up the phone and confirm they have it in stock. This saves a bundle of money, but often results in delays when small sellers don't ship when they say they will. And often they Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1115922010616464742005-05-12T11:19:00.000-07:002005-05-12T11:20:10.623-07:00gmail in translationI learned today that you can use gmail in multiple languages. Obviously I had to see this in action for myself. Unhesitantly I click on Settings and selected and promptly select Deutsch. Instantly the English page vanishes and the German language page starts loading. For several minutes the novelty is enough to keep my mind off the fact that I don't actually speak German and have no idea how to Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1115703004826003582005-05-09T22:23:00.000-07:002005-05-09T22:30:04.880-07:00answering machineThis message (940k) was left on our answering machine a few weeks ago. I thought it was pretty funny and I finally got around to recording it on my computer. The girl's number has been blocked out by a friendly tone. And, no, we didn't call her back.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1114058420558092882005-04-20T23:13:00.000-07:002005-04-21T13:41:31.400-07:00my view of benedict xviPope Benedict XVI (formerly Cardinal Ratzinger) is one of the most heavy-handed conservatives in the Church today. He views the modern age as a "dictatorship of relativism". He has attacked clergy of whose politics he disapproved. He has excommunicated theologians who disagree with him. Protestant believers might be interested to know that Ratzinger promotes the Dominus Iesus declaration that "Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1113955197172549912005-04-19T16:12:00.000-07:002005-04-19T17:02:43.796-07:00screw you, customersIn a recent interview the CEO of Verizon, Ivan Seidenberg, said the following about customer expectations."Why in the world would you think your (cell) phone would work in your house? The customer has come to expect so much. They want it to work in the elevator; they want it to work in the basement."So, there you have it. Verizon's answer to the modern consumer's growing communication needs: Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1113330164515753112005-04-12T11:16:00.000-07:002005-04-12T11:22:44.516-07:00did i ever tell you?I think it's pretty funny when someone can never remember that they've already told you the story. I know I do it too. But, some people are eternally repeating the same tale. Then there are people who never remember what you told them. It's good because it gives you a chance to tell the story right the second time. Recently I had the pleasure to witness a collision of these two types. They were Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1112930794477232542005-04-08T23:43:00.000-07:002005-04-09T00:48:51.333-07:00today i learned about ...I had an epiphany this week. The world is a huge complicated place. The stores of knowledge in the world are beyond my comprehension. There is so much I would love to know about physics, history, mathematics, psychology, computational neuroscience, information theory, anthropology, network administration, mythology, astronomy, zoology ... But, I can't know it all. I wouldn't have time to learn itRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1112780476065060292005-04-06T01:50:00.000-07:002005-04-06T02:41:16.066-07:00pgpDoes anyone use PGP or other email encryption methods? I'm somewhat interested in trying it out. But, I have no one with whom to test it. I'm going to try GnuPG since it's free of restrictions. But, I know very little about this whole encryption thing so if anyone can provide a reason to go with a different version do tell me. My PGP key is:-----BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----Version: GnuPG Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1112206415763091702005-03-30T09:58:00.000-08:002005-03-30T10:13:35.763-08:00president bush to retire early!Speaking to a crowd in Tucson, Arizona last week President Bush announced, "Baby boomers like me are getting ready to retire, and there's a lot of us. I turn 62 in 2008 -- it's a convenient date for me to retire."Bush will indeed turn 62 on July 6th, 2008—over six months before his second term finishes. I say we hold him to it. We should all march in and give him a big 62nd birthday greeting withRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1111710538892583472005-03-24T15:46:00.000-08:002005-03-24T16:28:58.893-08:00my rabbit diedWinston somehow escaped his cage and one of the landlady's dog found him. I can't really be mad at the dog, I guess it's instinct. I miss Winston. Especially early afternoon when I would normally take a break to visit with him and feed him. I'm considering getting another rabbit, but maybe it's not a good idea. The rabbits at the the Pasadena Humane Society look adorable, but none can replace Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1111607130167631082005-03-23T01:02:00.000-08:002005-03-23T11:45:30.173-08:00food stamps for terri schiavoSomewhere in the dusty shelves of antiquity there lies a document which said something about life, liberty and happiness being human rights. But, it's not really law of the land, so we can mostly ignore this one. A harder to ignore document mentions something about promoting the general welfare. But, surely adequate food isn't a part of general welfare, right?Bush tells us that a person's basic Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1106961596705415472005-01-28T20:52:00.000-08:002005-01-30T11:32:11.800-08:00quick hide, freedom is coming"Freedom is on the march," Bush declared today. So for all you Iraqis wondering about the camouflaged objects advancing towards you with M-16s: don't worry it's just freedom. Freedom is often accompanied by liberty. Liberty comes in both 0.5 caliber and 7.62mm.
Oops. Sorry, kid. Ya gotta move when freedom comes through. Don't want to get stepped on by freedom boots, do ya?. Hate to tell you, butRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1105744216376479842005-01-14T14:57:00.000-08:002005-01-14T15:10:16.376-08:00one of life's many lessonsI was hanging out with my brother and his girlfriend in the kitchen when we heard a knock on the door. It was about 8pm and I figured the visitor was one of our friends who had not yet figured out that our door is never locked. We all yelled "Come in," but the knocking continued. "The door is open." "Just come in." I walked over to the door and jokingly shouted out, "You have to be smarter Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1105395067134392952005-01-10T14:10:00.000-08:002005-01-10T14:11:07.133-08:00more gmailI now have 12 invites to give away for gmail. Email me or post here if you want one.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1103847646746153322004-12-23T15:41:00.000-08:002004-12-23T16:20:46.746-08:00vnv new yearsI'm going to see VNV Nation at the Palace for new years. Bacon and Emmy are coming. Anyone else want to join me? See groovetickets.com for tickets. The show goes on till 4am. It will rock your fishnets off.
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1101325866647398512004-11-23T11:15:00.000-08:002004-11-25T11:18:55.960-08:00sticking to the theoryAfter a failed attempt at completely removing the word "evolution" from science text books the school superintendent of schools in Cobb county, Georgia had stickers placed on the text books which warned "Evolution is a theory, not a fact" and that it should be "approached with an open mind." Sadly, the motivation of those behind the sticker has nothing to do with an open mind. Admittedly, I am Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1098246875230302402004-10-19T21:09:00.000-07:002004-10-19T22:20:18.490-07:00propaganda requestOk, if any of my friends who read this have artistic abilities I have a request. I would be willing to pay for paper/paint (as long as it's reasonable) if someone will create a yard sign like the Bush-Cheney or Kerry-Edwards ones. I want the regular features: blue background, white lettering, red and white wavy lines, etc. The sign should read "Vote Quimby". I've also thought about getting a Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1098160280286555282004-10-18T21:00:00.000-07:002004-10-18T21:54:06.323-07:00poker, beer and blood
Saturday night was poker night. The regular people were notified but somehow over double the usual number of people showed up. It was our finest poker night ever. We eventually organized a 17 person tournament which didn't finish until after 3am. Alex and I were the final two players which aroused much suspicion. The total beverage count was 29 beers and the last third of our bottle of Thor's Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1097538778858994602004-10-11T16:51:00.000-07:002004-10-11T16:52:58.856-07:00dyseducational road etiquetteI shall blog soon. Until that point comes amuse yourselves by watching this flash animation: Dyseducational Road Etiquette.
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1097004672829240592004-10-05T13:28:00.000-07:002004-10-05T17:09:14.613-07:00RIP: truthWhat are the typical symptoms of a heart attack? If you said torn clothes, being dragged hundreds of yards, and covered over with brush then you were right. Such was the claim of a Massachusetts medical examiner in 1975. A 14 year old girl's scuffed up corpse was found hidden in a park and for twenty years the official story was that she died of heart disease. She was buried without an autopsy toRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1096596841009737712004-09-30T22:43:00.000-07:002004-10-01T04:03:21.650-07:00way off targetYou never know when a simple mundane task might become a convoluted undertaking. Although, I did have a suspicion my trip to Target would not be a normal visit. Target has been remodeling for a few months now. At this point I doubt they have any intention of finishing. A regional manager probably went crazy and vowed to keep the store in a continual state of flux. Every week a new section of the Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1096150557289086952004-09-25T14:58:00.000-07:002004-09-25T15:15:57.290-07:00blog alterationsDue to the general flakiness of the server I was using for comments and the lack of certain features like entry titles and RSS feeds I decided to abandon the old comment system and template. The new one will be in flux for an unspecified period of time while I work on the look. The old comments are not visible on the blog but they have not passed away. If you feel that your old comments were so Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1095974855606732822004-09-23T14:26:00.000-07:002004-09-23T14:27:35.606-07:00gmailI have 5 gmail invites. If you'd like one of them email me.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1094199566131265822004-09-07T18:29:00.000-07:002004-09-25T14:47:34.773-07:00psycho ex-landlordsMy old landlords are crazy, senile and greedy. I lived at 684 Locust St for four and a half years. During that time we complained about windows not shutting or locking, the doorbell not working, and the sink that barely drained. But the answer was always "it works well enough" or "it doesn't need to work". The only time Bill ever came over was when the bathtub faucet seal broke leaving water on Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1094540867103792652004-09-07T01:01:00.000-07:002004-09-25T14:48:13.323-07:00i movedI wrote a lengthy blog tonight but windows crashed before I thought to save it. Didn't I swear never to compose my blogs inside the browser again? I'm far too frustrated to attempt to compose the entire thing a second time. I should mention that I moved. Those to whom my physical location is relevant will receive an email at some point. The move has left me happier but exhausted. A Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1092410911273376382004-08-13T08:21:00.000-07:002004-09-25T14:49:09.896-07:00top five things to do this summer Raft down the Noatak river Mission trip to Kenya Wander from Monterey, Mexico down to Mexico City Drive across the US to a new life in California
Quit your job Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1092351491208505422004-08-12T10:57:00.000-07:002004-09-25T14:49:30.513-07:00in between travelLife has afforded me very little spare time lately. I returned Tuesday evening from a long weekend up north and I leave tomorrow for Ohio. My roommate and I found a new place to live. It's near Caltech in a nice quiet part of Pasadena. Once my brother settles in we will probably have a housewarming party. On Monday I will leave the small town of Hartville, Ohio to venture across the country with Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1091166981154381632004-07-29T22:23:00.000-07:002004-09-25T14:49:50.343-07:00bad car dayThis just isn't a good day for cars. Dianna was heading home on the 710 when some unidentified object slammed into her windshield and cracked it. Not cheap to fix. And what exactly can one do about being hit like that? There's no good way of telling which vehicle it came from and maintaining control becomes a bigger issue. I picked Dianna up later this evening and on the way back to my placeRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1090825108885718582004-07-25T23:45:00.000-07:002007-11-08T10:11:39.914-08:00catching upRather than repine over how little time I've had or denounce my busy schedule I give you this explanation: I was partly brainwashed by aliens working for the CIA who eliminated my memory of this blog until I fought their leader in a secret underground base, forcing them to restore my mind and reimburse me for travel costs. I have several topics to blog about, all of tremendous importance. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1086723549501437372004-06-08T20:17:00.000-07:002004-09-25T14:50:57.183-07:00the arrogant mythA recent death and the corresponding post on a friend's blog have reminded me of a widespread misconception that I feel is worth addressing. The claim is that the US brought about the end of the cold war. More specifically, it has been asserted that Reagan's policies were the key element. The first time I ever heard such a statement I was stunned. The prevalence of this view continues to Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1086579228523538932004-06-06T19:18:00.000-07:002004-09-25T14:51:30.996-07:00adjust the factsWhat are your news sources? Whether we realize it or not we all have a fairly well established set of sources we trust. These sources tend to be the ones which are most familiar. The TV station that's always on, your parents, AOL or MSN homepage, the paper at your doorstep, sports radio. And you trust it. Oh, sure, you may jest about not believing half of what's on TV or in print. But, whenRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1086109090171382552004-06-01T09:57:00.000-07:002004-09-25T14:52:20.280-07:00the high lifeMy dream is to someday purchase an overpriced, tastelessly painted recreational boat that I leave in my garage and take out only one day a year. Then I'll drive 500 miles to an overcrowded lake and pay for the use of a tiny dock so I can drink cans of crappy beer while on a lake. Surrounded by other fat, balding losers doing the same. Oh, and I'll name my boat something really original like Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1085089429121725492004-05-20T14:12:00.000-07:002004-09-25T14:52:44.390-07:00but chain letters always tell the truth, right?Ah, it's the day after the glorious gas boycott of May 19th, 2004. The oil industry suffered terrible losses and in trembling humility has capitulated to the demands of consumers. The prices at gas stations are plummeting, OPEC is opening up new supplies, and oil executives were seen groveling and handing out free diesel.
Oh, wait, check that. I meant to say, not a damn thing changed. How Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1085014798286939342004-05-19T17:19:00.000-07:002004-09-25T14:53:07.220-07:00i want to tear off my lipsThere are many despicable aspects of life. Spammers, strep throat, parking tickets, Jar Jar, and the waiting room at the dentist's office with the same infomercial repeating over and over on the TV. But, among them all one stands out. I used to say mosquitoes were more worthy of my enmity than anything else on earth. But, even their persistent assaults pale in comparison to the utter evil Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1082753076056386842004-04-23T13:44:00.000-07:002004-09-25T14:54:53.720-07:00i got a bunny!Yesterday Dianna and I set out on a quest for a new addition to the 684 household. The lady at the Pasadena Humane Society was grumpy and wouldn't let us take out the rabbits. So, we visited the pet store on Fair Oaks. As we were playing with the bunnies and guinea pigs a new shipment arrived. Eagerly watching as the box containing new bunnies was opened I soon laid eyes on the grey and whiteRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1082667538445486322004-04-22T13:58:00.000-07:002005-05-18T12:50:20.393-07:00united parcel suckageI hate UPS. UPS is like that fly you can never swat, or that baby in the seat behind you who never shuts up. I'm convinced that UPS drivers are hired from people standing in line to pay traffic fines. They race through traffic, cutting off buses and trucks, intimidating any vehicle smaller than themselves. I see them run red lights and stop signs all the time. When I worked down on Wilshire (LA'sRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1082614047091341562004-04-21T23:07:00.000-07:002004-09-25T14:55:40.383-07:00intelligence ∝ 1⁄∫ noise dtAs previously mentioned I ventured out to the desert a couple weekends ago. Out of habbit I made my way to a small dry lake past Lucerne Valley. When I first started going to this particular spot I would find myself almost entirely alone. The someone must have posted the location to rec.outdoors.hicks. Now the dry lake is crowded with oversized RVs and chevys hauling quads, dirt bikes and Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1082089906176188442004-04-15T21:31:00.000-07:002004-04-15T21:41:34.543-07:00the long awaited return
Or not. Now that I've slacked off for so long does anyone still check my blog regularly? I know that google doesn't. In fact, my blog has fallen off the first page and now ranks around 37th when searching for Ryan Cox. Even my tiny ugcs page, which was in first place back when google was beta, occasionally slips down the rankings. I noticed that Jenny Smith's blog isRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1076200776465149102004-02-07T16:39:00.000-08:002004-02-08T23:13:48.716-08:00drive carefully today
I feel the need to share a couple of events from yesterday. I'll start with the happy one.
Dianna had the brilliant idea of visiting the local animal rescue in order to play with the dogs. We looked up the Pasadena humane society and headed over to check out the dogs. I was fairly impressed by the place. They have a surprising number of dogs, most of them healthy andRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1075895382048715992004-02-04T03:49:00.000-08:002004-02-04T03:52:32.233-08:00puddle stompin'
It was high time to revisit the childhood art of puddle stomping. Monday night's pleasant rain provided the opportunity and my Gortex jacket and boots provided the means. As long as my head and feet are warm I'm fairly happy. Clad in my waterproof gear I saunter along the wet sidewalk splashing carelessly through the occasional small puddle. Then I walk down our quiet street Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1075758665488319472004-02-02T13:51:00.000-08:002004-02-02T17:47:55.216-08:00SuperBummer (SU)XXXVIII
This year's SuperBowl sucked more than any I've seen so far. Now, before any of you start whining about a close game or good defense or some pointless statistic let me clarify something. The only reason I ever watch the SuperBowl is for the ads. The game itself bores the crap out of me. When the game is in progress I sometimes get distracted picking fuzz off of my Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1075594833907246472004-01-31T16:20:00.000-08:002004-01-31T16:25:52.263-08:00good weekend, bad weekend
Last weekend was excellent. It marked two months of being with Dianna. We celebrated the event with a wonderful dinner at Mi Piace. Great food, fantastic deserts. In a small exchange of gifts she gave me a couple nice teas and a tea ball. Thus begins my journey into loose leaf teas. Sunday evening Dianna helped me give the house a thorough cleaning. In fact, she Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1075158440222326972004-01-26T15:07:00.000-08:002004-01-27T15:40:58.153-08:00slightly different story
"The Kay Report identified dozens of weapons of mass destruction-related program activities and significant amounts of equipment"
President Bush, State of the Union, Jan 20 2004
"I don't think they exist."
David Kay, Chief US weapons inspector, Jan 25 2004
Kay did mention digging up a few old weapons programs that were used to make mustard gas, etc back in the 80s to Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1074650154138993672004-01-20T17:55:00.000-08:002004-01-20T18:32:27.903-08:00is there an opening for Company Retard?
The last couple days have been rather trying and I need to vent. This rather frustrating experience began harmlessly last Friday as my boss sent me an email letting me know I'd be receiving a task first thing Monday morning that needed to be done by early Monday afternoon. No problem. Just a routine job of outfitting an Excel spreadsheet to run with ourRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1072293648806923282003-12-24T11:20:00.000-08:002003-12-24T12:03:29.950-08:00sitting on Santa's knee
Last minute holiday shopping is, of course, miserable. Crowded stores, long lines, cranky cashiers, and that one person holding up everyone else while they argue about the price. But, the absolute worst thing about shopping the week before Christmas is that school is out. The crowd becomes laced with shrill, over-excited middle school girls who squeal and shriek at theRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1071873064174018982003-12-19T14:31:00.000-08:002003-12-19T15:35:11.110-08:00why not
Friday Five:
1. List your five favorite beverages.any fine ale
teaBaileys
orange juice
H2O
2. List your five favorite websites.google (of course)
maddox
IMDB
fark
slashdot
3. List your five favorite snack foods.crackers and cheese
chips and salsa
baby carrots
snickers
yoghurt
4. List your five favorite board and/or card games.Texas Holdem (and some other poker games)
Pictionary
Hearts
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1071790586278333422003-12-18T15:36:00.000-08:002003-12-18T16:59:00.763-08:00bread crumbs for the feathery masses
Rediscovering childhood delights should be a mandatory activity for adults. How easy it is to forget the simple joys in life! Much of what amused us as children seems mundane and common now, but that shouldn't detract from the delectability of youthful diversions. Consequently I was delighted when Dianna suggested having a picnic and feeding ducks last Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1070479956970287452003-12-03T11:32:00.000-08:002003-12-03T11:54:07.560-08:00yes, it's true
By far the most important news of late is that I now have a girlfriend. I met Dianna at a party a little over a month ago and we've been hanging out at every chance since then. She's an amazing girl and I'm quite taken by her. We've had a lot of fun hanging out. A couple fridays ago we went to the Long Beach Aquarium to stare at jelly fish and shark embryos, and pet the sting Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1069300173911537172003-11-20T20:11:00.000-08:002003-11-20T20:23:52.186-08:00Glancing at the Google news page yesterday I saw the following two headlines next to each other:
Britain greets President Bush with jeers in the Seattle Times
Bush Protestors Quiet So Far on foxnews.com
Someone's full of shit here, and I think I know who it is. The Fox News article starts off, "Fewer than 100 anti-war protesters were standing outside Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night as BushRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1069381949677274212003-11-20T18:32:00.000-08:002003-11-20T18:34:27.076-08:00i think we all knew this was coming
For the record:
For comparison:
For humor:
You can also check out the history of Michael Jackson's face.
*shudder*Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1067927380880224052003-11-04T00:56:00.000-08:002003-11-04T00:59:35.310-08:00aftermath
We had a great turnout for the party. Thanks to all who came. Nate and I estimate the crowd at 70+ in total, despite the rain. The most popular drinks (by amount missing next day) were vodka, O3, and JD (thanks to Seth and his campaign). Rum was the least popular. One person threw up. The cops showed up at 2:30 with a remarkable lack of humor, threatened me with various forms of Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1067416582085254182003-10-29T00:36:00.000-08:002003-10-29T00:36:29.576-08:00sick
I hate being sick. Hate. Hate. Hate. I felt so miserable and incapacitated today that I made my first non-emergency visit to a doctor in at least seven years. The urgent care clinic kept me waiting for ages in a cold room by myself while I shivered and sweated. That was one of the best periods of the day because I didn't feel delirious. The doctor told me that I have such a clear Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1067053252115817302003-10-24T20:40:00.000-07:002003-10-24T21:02:16.250-07:00in search of the party
The web page for our halloween party has received more traffic than I anticipated. The reason, I discovered, is that the page turns up in the top ten results if you search for "tasteless costumes" on google. Someone also found it by searching for "good things about the dress code". I rather doubt our dress code page shed any light on that subject. Speaking of parties,Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1066943685842626612003-10-23T14:14:00.000-07:002003-10-23T14:16:14.930-07:00party preparations
If anyone is interested and able to help out, I've put together a list of things we need.
Activities:handing out flyers
putting up black plastic
decoration ideas/decorators
Supplies:non-messy snacks (veggies, etc)
liquours of various flavors
glow sticks
fluorescent/glow-in-the-dark objects
Any booze that people want to bring is welcome. We'll have the basics and a few extrasRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1066892213472650592003-10-22T23:56:00.000-07:002003-10-23T00:08:28.880-07:00music you can feel
On Jenny's suggestion I sat down with a movie while cutting up the flyers that were printed Monday night. I think City of Lost Children was a bad choice because I did more watching than cutting. If any of you have not seen this excellent movie I invite you to come over any time and I'll watch it with you.
Last night Nate and I went out to The Garage to see The Randies and Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1066772028483842122003-10-21T14:33:00.000-07:002006-04-01T04:36:07.330-08:00right after these important messagesYesterday I received my bi-weekly dose of television at the laundromat. Laundry is a particularly odious task to me. But, I find myself strangely drawn there on hot days. It's my only chance to sit and read for a while in an air conditioned room. Inevitably, I absorb a few moments of afternoon cartoons and sitcoms as well. I caught the tail end of a Scooby Doo episode that must be new. The Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1066701580642444822003-10-20T20:28:00.000-07:002003-10-20T20:31:36.363-07:00next time leave a raft
From the kitchen I could hear the familiar hiss of the hose. I went promptly to the front door to confirm my suspicions. Earlier in the day our landlord had been watering the plants. As I had guessed he had left and forgotten to turn off the hose that had now created a small pond outside the doorsteps and was flowing into the neighbor's yard. The landlords, Bill and Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1066509206392552032003-10-18T13:33:00.000-07:002003-10-20T10:15:13.340-07:00dancing, chatting
My phone is certainly not flooded with phone calls all the time. In fact, only a moderate number of people even know my number. However, for the past six weeks, without fail, I have been called while at swing lessons. Yes, I could turn off the phone, but I always forget or think what are the chances of someone calling exactly during the lesson yet again? In fact, it's oftenRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1066291608717772102003-10-16T01:06:00.000-07:002003-10-16T01:11:41.943-07:00120 mph portrait
My brother Dan is such a nutcase. I still can't believe he drove over 700 miles in a half-wrecked pickup truck to join Alex and I for a couple days. Dan arrived Friday night while Alex and I were out watching Kill Bill. He left Monday, a couple hours before I did, and probably didn't get home till about 2:00am that night. But, it was sure good to see him. Kill Bill was goodRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1066170367196421562003-10-14T15:26:00.000-07:002003-10-14T18:35:03.086-07:00of tears and travel
Late last night I returned from Ohio. After a brief reunion with my brothers, the three of us went our separate ways once again. The flight home was a lonely one. I stared out the window, tried to read, tried to sleep, but nothing could take my mind off the two guys I was flying away from. I felt stuck inside the droning white carriage that was indifferently carrying me Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1065823251350950452003-10-10T15:00:00.000-07:002003-10-14T15:26:56.370-07:00oh, yeah, i left
Currently, I'm sitting at my aunt's computer in Hartville, OH. I flew out yesterday to visit my brother, Alex who is here for another week before he sets off to New Hampshire to begin work for a theatre. On a whim, my other brother, Dan, decided to drive up today from Atlanta to join us, though he won't arrive until midnight or so. Tomorrow all of us will trek out to Cedar Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1065555262315835882003-10-07T12:54:00.000-07:002003-10-07T12:54:50.213-07:00oh boy, oh boy, a sticker
Indeed, election day is upon us. The long wild ride will hopefully be over in a few hours. After finishing up this entry I'll be on the way to my polling station. I still haven't made up my mind. The only thing I really care about is that Davis is removed. I would prefer to have a rabid dung-flinging ape in office than him. I really can't understand why any Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1065488358049085142003-10-06T17:59:00.000-07:002003-10-20T10:20:58.320-07:00my ears are still ringing
[written last night, posted today]
To resuscitate the bits and pieces I had intended to write about the last few weeks would be an insurmountable task. The only major event of the last few weeks was the return of Jon "Marty" Allen. Without warning he showed up at our doorstep bearing pictures, old Iraqi currency, and tales of all his earthly possessions being reduced Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1061858418977847912003-08-25T17:40:00.000-07:002003-08-25T17:47:10.676-07:00dancing with Slick
Monday is off to a slow start after a rather slow weekend. Not much is happening to me lately. I think that the problem is that I'm waiting for things to happen to me, while I ought to be making things happen around me. I've been particularly lethargic lately. I'll blame it on the heat. On Sunday I went to my swing dancing class. There is quite a range of skill at the Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1061587925944659752003-08-22T14:32:00.000-07:002003-08-22T17:54:34.103-07:00Return of the Blog
Indeed. The blog is back. Apologies for the lack of blogging would have been due long ago so there's no point now. Too bad, oh well. Considered the blog dead over the last month and a half. Today is the rebirth. There is plenty to write about, surely most of it will be lost. Tragic, eh? Today I'll stick to the friday five and a brief plea.
1. When was the last time Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-1057944416047978822003-07-11T10:26:00.000-07:002006-04-01T04:30:58.093-08:00happy thoughts like puppies and rainbows and flesh-eating zombiesI was wide awake at 6:30am and hadn't the slightest inclination for going back to bed despite only three hours of rest. And I had intended to sleep in today. I saw 28 Days Later ... with friends last night. One friend must have confused the name with some other movie and was under the impression we were going to see a chick flick. No, I corrected, a post-apocalyptic horror movie. Yeah, Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-958727222003-06-20T12:31:00.000-07:002003-06-20T12:31:15.696-07:00happy solstice weekend
This weekend is the brightest weekend of the year, what are you going to do about it? Go out and have fun. But, first read my answers to the friday five.
1. Is your hair naturally curly, wavy, or straight? Long or short?
Fairly straight, short, kinda thin.
2. How has your hair changed over your lifetime?
It has changed mostly in color. Blue, black, purple, blonde, andRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-958577972003-06-20T02:57:00.000-07:002003-06-20T02:57:04.953-07:00let the dancing begin
Tonight was the first of a series of swing dance lessons. Yes, I want to learn to swing dance. Then I'll be able to go dancing at the Derby with Jenny and friends. The first lesson was a little intimidating because most of the people in the class are over 40 and have taken swing lessons before. Also, I found out that despite numerous people's claims there are not in Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-957861692003-06-18T03:46:00.000-07:002003-06-18T13:39:03.000-07:00weekend and beyond
This last weekend I went hiking with Kurt and Thrasher and we found an abandon mine. Our only light sources were a keychain LED and a nearly dead minimag. This limited us to exploring only the first 50 feet or so until it branched. Going further would have put the entrance out of sight making an exit difficult if our lights failed. At the split is a pool of water so still Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-956456262003-06-13T16:29:00.000-07:002003-06-13T16:29:57.796-07:00it works better when you turn it on
I was going to comment on Bush's segway incident, but another blogger already said it perfectly. Also, here is a funny song for your amusement.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-956278092003-06-13T06:30:00.000-07:002003-06-13T06:30:04.836-07:00great friday five this week
Friday 13th. It's almost a full moon. A black cat crossed my path a few hours ago. So did a big fat orange one.
1. What's one thing you've always wanted to do, but never have?
Ah, so many come to mind, can't stop at one. I want to roll naked in the snow after being in a hot tub. I want to fly a plane. I want to jump out of a plane (hopefully not the one I was Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-955873972003-06-12T05:48:00.000-07:002003-06-12T06:06:23.000-07:00verbatim
George W. Bush, speaking in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 7th, 2002:We know that the regime has produced thousands of tons of chemical agents, including mustard gas, sarin nerve gas, VX nerve gas.In his address to the nation on Marth 17th, 2003:Intelligence gathered by this and other governments leaves no doubt that the Iraq regime continues to possess and conceal some of the most lethal Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-955483522003-06-11T06:52:00.000-07:002003-06-11T15:04:53.000-07:00don't be offended, but ...
One of the current jokes going around among British soldiers is that we need a war once in a while if for no other reason than to teach Americans some geography. Also, what is the difference between an American and an American bomb? The bomb is smart enough to find Iraq. A little harsh no doubt. But as recently as November 2002 only 13% of Americans could correctlyRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-955007052003-06-10T04:03:00.000-07:002003-06-10T04:03:41.526-07:00... and then you go surfing
Taking a friend to the airport sucks. First, a friend is leaving, maybe for a weekend maybe forever, sad either way. Second, while driving back you are not only lonely, but your solitary state prevents you from using the carpool lane. Insult to injury. When picking someone up, all of this is reversed making for a great experience. But, on Friday I had to drop Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-954255942003-06-07T21:59:00.000-07:002003-06-07T21:59:18.976-07:00friday five on saturday
1. How many times have you truly been in love?
Of the many passions and crushes in my life all but one fall short of being "truely in love". I've experienced feelings, desires, and attractions of varying intensities, but only once were they born out by time and hindsight. That was during highschool. In recent years I have rarely found myself under love's spell, but I Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-952286522003-06-03T01:27:00.000-07:002006-04-01T04:19:24.603-08:001 amIt's easy to park at 1am. It's easy to find what I want in Ralphs at 1am, no one is crowding the aisles. At 1am, it's easy to pick a checkout line, because only one is open. The drive back home is easy at 1am since the roads are empty and the traffic light at Walnut switches for me immediately. It's easy to blog at 1am, all is calm and free of distraction. The crowds have gone home, the rushRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-951458682003-06-01T00:28:00.000-07:002003-06-01T00:28:14.370-07:00I walked to Ralphs today. My car's battery was dead which forced me to remember that I still have legs and am able to use them for certain trips. While walking into the Ralphs parking lot I was nearly run over by a fire engine (yes Jenny, engine not truck). An ambulance arrived behind it and a rather bored crew emerged from both vehicles. They sauntered into the store behind me, and were Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-950406972003-05-29T09:52:00.000-07:002003-05-29T11:00:06.000-07:00I hate browsers
Note: I wrote this last night, but blogger's site was down so all instances of "today" really mean yesterday.
I just wrote a long and inspired blog. Then my browser crashed. Damn. I will attempt to reconstruct it as well as I can, but I fear that my muse has fled. Scared off, no doubt, by my fit of rage after seeing my work vanish. So, as you read please pretend that each Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-949582452003-05-27T14:36:00.000-07:002004-09-26T02:50:54.046-07:00Ohio
I arrived in Ohio on the 10th in order to attend by brother's baccalaureate the following day. It was the first time since 9/11 that I made it through the airport unharrassed. Normally I'm pulled out of line by a big hairy guy whose idea of a fun evening is probably giving anal probes to anyone who doesn't want one. Last time I was even required to undo my belt, pants button and zipper.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-944748002003-05-16T16:08:00.000-07:002003-05-16T16:13:13.000-07:00This blog entry is pieced together from various brief attempts to write. It's late, it's jumbled, oh well.
I am torn and distraught over my utter failure to blog for a so long. But, through the tears and gnashing of teeth I have managed to pull myself together for a short blog entry. Let's see, what have I been up to lately? Killing myself, mostly. Over the last two weeks I have spent Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119730.post-933846112003-04-27T23:40:00.000-07:002003-04-28T00:16:09.000-07:00The world is full of mysteries. And so is Ralphs. I shall expound on three of these mysteries which I have recently noticed.
1. The first mystery is how much the specially marked items actually cost. It's quite common to see a label which displays the regular price and then informs you that with a Ralphs card you can get 3 at a significant discount. Well, if I have a Ralphs card what is Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995633424995745063noreply@blogger.com0