Okay. These comics are very

Okay. These comics are very strange. Some of them are just plain dumb, some are actually funny.

August 29, 2003 | 12:48 PM | Link | 0 comments

Ew. --------

Ew.

August 29, 2003 | 10:16 AM | Link | 0 comments

I think I might be

I think I might be in quite an angry mood this morning. You know... people. Some people just do some sucky things.

August 29, 2003 | 9:50 AM | Link | 0 comments

A wonderful night.

Sometimes it's best to just relax and enjoy your friends. Last night, I did just that.

Joerg brought over the chocolates from Switzerland he promised me. One was a butterscotch-caramel candy with a dollop of chocolate, and the other was a hand-made, hand labeled dark chocolate bar with macadamia nuts. It was so sweet of him to promise to bring me back chocolates when I barely knew him.

Rashid, Joerg, my stepmother Anna, and myself sat down to enjoy a flourless chocolate cake I made. I served it in a pool of homemade raspberry coulis specked with orange milk chocolate sauce. I love giving my friends homemade chocolate treats. Something about working with chocolate just relaxes me so much, and seeing smiles on faces gets me high.

We all sat back and chatted over random topics. I gave Joerg some mock-up logotype materials I made for him (he's starting a business currently). I made a mental note to keep milk on hand when I am serving my chocolate creations (duh, Jon).

Joerg and Rashid left my house to go to a birthday party. I declined to go, since I was nursing my ankle, which I keep injuring in gymnastics.

Before leaving, though, Joerg had me sit in his car. I had never been in a modern BMW, for no reason other than the opportunity had never provided itself. It's a very nice car. We're going to go car shopping just for fun sometime.

Friends. They're a good thing™.

August 28, 2003 | 1:35 PM | Link | 0 comments

I would like to thank

I would like to thank this lovely boy for making my hair feel so soft this morning.

August 26, 2003 | 8:55 AM | Link | 0 comments

Perusing Jonno's Cute Dead Guy

Perusing Jonno's Cute Dead Guy archive, I came across this fellow. I agree that he is very cute, and very dead, so I decided to do this guy some justice with some photo-retouching.

August 24, 2003 | 11:50 AM | Link | 0 comments

Now, this is a lot

Now, this is a lot more fun than yesterday's link.

August 22, 2003 | 3:13 PM | Link | 0 comments

Does every gay community have

Does every gay community have its equivalent of Hamburger Mary's? I wonder...

Last night, Rashid invited Michael and I to join him and Jeorg for dinner. By the time I arrived, I was hungry. By the time we were sat, I was starving. By the time our food arrived, I had died. Luckily my friends gave me CPR and dead cow until I was revived.

Joerg invited us to go rock climbing in Joshua Tree next month. I really want to go, as I've always wanted to try it.

Joerg is an amazing person, and I'm so glad to get to know him. He is extremely nice and considerate. Being around him reminds me just how good people can be. I would also like to take some tips from his amazing small talk abilities—something I've never been good at. He went back to Switzerland recently, and brought back some chocolate. I can't wait to taste it!

After dinner, Michael hopped to his world of rich weirdos at the W, and Rashid, Joerg, and I trotted off to Numbers for a few minutes. They played a couple Dannii Minogue videos and one brilliantly bizarre video from Pepe Deluxé entitled Salami Fever.

After that, we all headed home. Me, with a big smile on my face.

August 22, 2003 | 12:16 PM | Link | 0 comments

This site is sure to

This site is sure to provide seconds of fun!

Enjoy.

August 21, 2003 | 4:29 PM | Link | 0 comments

Well, you shouldn't have put

Well, you shouldn't have put it there in the first place. I don't care how delusional you are.

Moron.

August 21, 2003 | 2:46 PM | Link | 0 comments

Pleasant little inebriation.

Diet Coke, please. Yes, Diet Coke. Thank you.

May I have another Diet Coke, please? Thank you. It tastes like candy.

Pardon me, may I have another Diet Coke, please? Oh, I'm not drinking tonight.

Jägermeister, please. Thank you. I might as well have one drink.

One Sapphire and Tonic. Thanks.

August 21, 2003 | 10:03 AM | Link | 0 comments

Missionary Style

Every time I hear that someone I know is going off to some part of the world to be a missionary, I cringe. There are few lines of work I despise more than that of the missionary. Don't get me wrong; I have nothing against helping people in need. Help them build shelter, help them survive, but do not fill their minds with your faulty ideals and religion.

Not that I endorse belief in a deity or other supernatural element of any sort. I just feel that the beliefs these tribes people already hold are far less poisonous than any of the more widespread religions.

Years ago I was watching a documentary on The Discovery Channel, and some of the statements I heard in that program helped me to form my stance. The strongest came from one of the tribesmen, clad in western attire. He talked about how before the missionaries came, they [the tribes people] did not know that they were naked, and that they were wrong for not wearing clothes. Um, hello, Adam... this must be your mistress, Eve. I was disgusted that other humans feel so high and mighty that they will go disrupt the lives of innocent tribes with their arbitrary religious ideal.

Allow me to reinforce the fact that I have no problem with humanitarian efforts. I support them, and believe in them. One of the things that makes humans unique is the fact that we can desire to help people we don't even know. I just don't believe in humanitarian efforts that come with a catch.

August 20, 2003 | 9:48 AM | Link | 0 comments

Being productive always makes me

Being productive always makes me feel good. Lately, there hasn't been very much work to be done around the office, and my days have been pretty boring. I think that was one of the things adding to my sad state. What made that even worse was the fact that I had no drive to change the situation.

That changed when I rediscovered coffee on Friday.

All it takes is a cup and a half, and I am perky, fidgety, and quite productive. I'm actually working on a project of my own creation that I feel corporate may end up looking at and wanting to duplicate. It's good to be noticed by corporate. They already want to duplicate some of the other work I've done in the past, and I'll be working with them on it. The more corporate notices you, and likes you, the easier it is to go higher... so every little bit helps.

All in all, my mood is pretty good right now. That bizarre sense of urgency seems to be fading somewhat, and I'm feeling optimistic.

Tomorrow I go back to gymnastics after a week and a half off due to minor injury. I can't wait for the endorphins to fill me up. I just hope I don't exacerbate this wound.

August 18, 2003 | 4:46 PM | Link | 0 comments

I am feeling uncertain about

I am feeling uncertain about quite a few things currently. I have this bizarre sense of urgency that I do not understand, or know exactly where it comes from, but I do know I need to do something about it.

I feel like I let many things go unsaid that probably really should be said. Last night, it all kinda came together and got me feeling pretty depressed. To cure my sadness, I watched Death Becomes Her for my second time this weekend. Within one minute of the movie's beginning I was laughing and smiling and all my troubles had melted away. Thank you, Meryl.

I think I've decided not to get a new car. I was going to get the Accord, fully loaded, but the more I see them on the road, the less I like them. The interior is still great, but the body of the sedan is so boring. I like the coupe design more, but I don't think I could do a two-door car. I guess I'll just wait until something comes along that I really like.

One liberating thing about my decision to not buy a new car this year is that I get to use my money for travel, which I think will be much more therapeutic than a new satellite-linked navigation system in the dash of a shiny new car.

I was feeling extremely irritated with my site's design, so I changed the color scheme. It's just a small change to hold me over until I get my new site up and running... which I have no Idea when.

Anyway, those are my random thoughts on this Monday morning. Perhaps I'll drink a bunch of coffee and get all shaky.

August 18, 2003 | 10:15 AM | Link | 0 comments

Why did Journey happen? --------

Why did Journey happen?

August 16, 2003 | 8:12 PM | Link | 0 comments

Perhaps I should organize my

Perhaps I should organize my desk...

August 14, 2003 | 9:53 AM | Link | 0 comments

I am already seriously regretting

I am already seriously regretting this coming in to work early thing. It's only 9:40, and I'm tired as hell. I can tell this is going to be a very long day.

Ugh.

August 14, 2003 | 9:40 AM | Link | 0 comments

For entertainment purposes.

I got so bored at home last night, that I decided to get drunk alone. I made myself a mint-chocolate martini, and savored it over the span of one minute while watching Insomniac. I followed it with a straight shot of Absolut Vanilla (I still say Stoli Vanil is better... it doesn't have the sharp, butter taste found in Absolut Vanilla). I then went online for the sole purpose of finding someone to tell me to go to bed. I ended up having a goofy conversation with this guy for a half hour or so. He just bought a new Audi, and I'm like so totally jealous or something.

I was worried that drinking would disallow me to wake early as I had planned... It did not. I'm such a trooper when I'm not a loser. Tonight, my twin™ and I are supposed to go test drive this car. Oh, I can't wait. It will be ever so much fun!

August 14, 2003 | 8:23 AM | Link | 0 comments

Wow. Y'know? Wow. This past

Wow. Y'know? Wow.

This past weekend was absolutely phenomenal. I had no idea it would be so jam-packed with good times, so I was pleasantly surprised.

Friday:
Darius came down from LA and hung out at my house. It was really nice to see him. He brought Amy, and I was so happy since I had not seen Amy in ages. Cesar came, and brought along Carlos and Eric. Rashid came with his friends Mike and Linda. Logan brought himself over on his motorcycle, which he must give me a ride on someday. I wasn't expecting so many people to show up, but I was so glad they did. Drinks and laughs and chocolate was had by all.

The night drew closer to 2am, and everyone left. Logan and I went to the Eagle, where I complained about the music to my bartender, David. Seriously... what is it with leather/levi bars and Cher/Celine Dion? I mean, come on! David told me I could create a CD with music I think should fill the manly air, and he would play it. I'm so excited!

Saturday:
My Saturday gymnastics lessons have been moved from 10am to 1:30pm. Thank fucking christ! I was able to rest and cure my hangover before going to the gym. While I was there, I managed to rip the skin off the palm of my hands in three painful places. It's really gross. Jeff saw them, so he can back me up. I also aggravated my already injured ankle. As I sit here typing this, my ankle is all swollen and throbbing.

That night, I went and test drove what I'm pretty sure will be my new car: The Honda Accord EX with everything. It's voice-activated navigation system is so much fun! I can't wait to own it. It costs $11,000 less than the Volvo, and has higher ratings... so it seems like a good choice.

Logan and I went to The Hole, then to Eagle and Wolfs again. Good, drunk times ensued.

Sunday:
I got in my car to go to the mall to buy my nephew a birthday present (I procrastinate). When I got to the mall, I realized my wallet was not in my car as I had thought. I went back home to go get it. I looked around. It wasn't there. I went back out to my car and found that my wallet was, in fact, there. I went back to the mall to find that the toy store I wanted is no longer there.

Bugger!

I went to Toys R Us and bought him a water t-ball set that looks like it could be a lot of fun. I went to his birthday party where I ate hot dogs and a piece of cake from Flour Power.

My twin™ called me and suggested I join him, Logan, and another Michael at The Hole. Gladly, I did. Unfortunately, as I parked my car, I realized I left my wallet at my Mom's house. I was able to get into The Hole anyway, and have a good time. I felt like such a rebel, sneaking in without my ID. Logan and Michael bought me drinks, and I watched the views and felt Logan's nose.

The time came to migrate to Pecs (a man's bar), so I had to drive back to my Mom's and get my wallet. I met up with the boys, who had also been joined by Andy. This was the first time I ever really got to talk to Andy. He's a lot of fun! He sells Infinitis, and Michael and I are going to go test-drive one on Thursday. Yay!

We left Pecs, and headed for Eagle. Michael was being a big ol' flirt, and was quite entertaining. We left there, and Michael went home. I went to Rich's to find Andy, who was just leaving to go to Café Sevilla. I left Rich's, and went back to Pecs. Nobody was there, so I went back to Eagle. I chatted with my bartender, David, until after the bar was closed and helped him clean up a bit.

I finally got home at around 3am, and reloaded the dishwasher. I went to sleep for only a few hours before rising for work, still slightly drunken. I ate Cheerios for breakfast and reflected on what a wonderful weekend I had.

[sigh]

August 11, 2003 | 2:44 PM | Link | 0 comments

The dilemma to end all dilemmas.

With all the chaos in the world; all the confusion and unfortunate situations, the only thing I can find solace in is this eternal question: Who shall I vote for governor? Gallagher, or Larry Flynt?

Furious, aren't you mad you left California now?

August 8, 2003 | 9:46 AM | Link | 0 comments

It's all about all y'all.

It's all about all y'all. And now you too. Welcome, Rashid, to the sordid world of blogging.

August 7, 2003 | 4:49 PM | Link | 0 comments

I tend to, every year,

I tend to, every year, buy myself something extravagant as a birthday present. Three years ago, it was my car. Two years ago, it was my computer. I can't remember what it was last year, but I'm sure I did something for myself.

Which brings me to 2003. I've been gettin' all riled up about unexpected expenses . I'm at a point where I want to stop bleeding money. I want to actually save some, other than what already goes into my 401k. So why is it so hard?

Because of things like this.

I've decided I should get a new car. I also decided that instead of going for a really economical option, as I did before, I want to get a really nice car that will give me minimal problems and will last for a very long time. The only problem with that car is that, configured with everything I want on it, it's more than I wanted to spend. I could get it, but I'd feel terribly irresponsible and guilty.

Now who wants to drive a beautiful car, but be wracked with guilt? Not me, I guess. I really want this car. But I don't want to make any irresponsible purchases. That extra payment means I could be saving more money, add more private gymnastics training to my week, or any other number of things that cost me an extra $300 a month.

It's amazing how cheap things seem when you consider it on a month-to-month basis. Of course, I should be saying $300 more a month, for three years longer than I would have my current car paid off. I was so looking forward to just paying off my current car and keeping it for a while.

I don't know what to do. I left the Volvo dealership thinking "No, I can't afford it." I awoke this morning thinking "Wait a minute... I can totally afford it." Now I'm just thinking "I shouldn't afford it."

I don't know. I just don't know. I am going to get a new car. I'm sure of it... or maybe I'm not. I do know I love spending money. Maybe that's my gay vice.

August 5, 2003 | 1:47 PM | Link | 0 comments

Furious has left the city.

Last night was the final goodbye to Furious (well, for at least two months). Nadim, Liz, Furious, and I went to have drinks at Nunu's. Liz was worn out from previous drinking, and the rest of us were worn out from loading Furious' moving truck earlier that day (and previous drinking as well).

I'm sad that Furious won't be around, but I am also very happy for him. He'll be up in Seattle doing what he loves. Sure, we won't be able to have our regular Jo(h)n night, but all that means is that when we do get to have one, it'll have to be huge. Whatever city we're in, we'll take by hurricane.

∴

Why must San Diego lose reasons to live here faster than it gains reasons? I've always felt that none of my friends should be allowed to move away until I do. Once I'm gone, you can feel free to move about the country (preferably to wherever I move). In a few months' time, two of my favorite colleagues will be moving away. This place will become so drab. They're both moving to exciting places. I'll miss them.

Missing my friends would most definitely be the most difficult part of living in a new city. Sure I'd make new friends, but that would take so much time, and we'd lack the history.

Now I'm depressing myself. I'll just make sure that when I move, at least one of my friends goes with me. I'll pack them in my suitcase and feed them runoffs from the dishwater. It'll be oh so grand!

Anyway, I'll just wrap up here by saying "see you later," to Furious, and checking airline tickets prices from SD to Seattle.

August 4, 2003 | 10:33 AM | Link | 0 comments

Y'know?.. I just don't have

Y'know?.. I just don't have the dedication or self-discipline to be anorexic.

August 1, 2003 | 12:45 PM | Link | 0 comments

Sarcastic cough, sarcastic cough.

So, some person just tried to send me a virus. Of course, being on a Mac, I'm not susceptible.

The email posed to be from "admin" of my site. I don't even have a user named admin. I assumed it was coming from somebody who works for my web host, and they were using that name. I was curious. The email informed me that my 'bland' email address was about to expire. Details as to why were contained in the attached file.

The attached file was message.html. I opened it only to find it in fact had no message (it actually had the words "no message" written over and over.

I opened the file in BBEdit, which showed me the file's data fork. The file header was all I needed to see—MIME-Version: 1.0; Content-Location:File://foo.exe; Content-Transfer-Encoding: binary. Seemed like a virus.

Though I was immune to it, I decided to call my web host and warn them that such an email had passed through their servers. I found out it's called the Exploit-CodeBase virus. Unsurprisingly, it is an exploit to one of the seemingly infinite number of security flaws in Microsoft software.

It's days like these that make me extra happy to be a Mac user.