Driving In Snow

We found ourselves on the road yesterday during a fairly heavy snowstorm. We had to go and sign paperwork for our new and temporary apartment. While driving there, we saw a few 4-wheel drive vehicles in the ditch. Here I was driving a 12-year old minivan with 2-wheel drive. Going down a small downgrade with a stoplight at the bottom, I did not brake early enough and I found myself spinning a little out of control. I must admit that it was a bit scary. I got out of the skid, and we got to the apartment complex safely.

Lisa and the kids went to the office while I stayed in the van to make sure that we didn't get stuck on the road. I asked Lisa to please hurry so that we could get back before the snow got really deep. She was rushing the leasing agent along and even offered to leave her a blank check so that we could leave. The agent asked, "Where are you guys from again?" When she found out it was Los Angeles, she replied, "Oh, that explains it, this really isn't that bad of a storm."

Driving back to our hotel, Lisa and I got into a discussion about the proper procedure when you are skidding on snow/ice. I thought that I did the correct thing by steering in the opposite direction of the skid, but she was sure that she had learned it was a counter-intuitive move, and to steer in the direction of the skid. According to the Weather.Com: Driving in Snow and Ice, I believe that I did the right thing. It says, "If your rear wheels skid...Take your foot off the accelerator. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control." Good things to know.

Our Journey to Colorado

I finally have some time to write an entry about our trek to Colorado Springs.

We were planning on starting our journey at some point early on Friday, December 22. While we were finishing up packing up our home, we noticed on the Weather Channel that a big winter storm hit Denver and the surrounding areas. We decided to postpone our departure until the next day so that we could avoid driving through snow. It was actually a good thing that we changed our plans, because we did not actually finish clearing out and cleaning our home until 1:00 PM on Saturday. We departed our home shortly thereafter. I drove the 24-foot diesel rental moving truck (maximum speed of about 30 MPH uphill) and Lisa drove our completely packed 1995 Honda Odyssey.

We got reinforcement that we made the correct decision to leave Los Angeles during the first four hours of our journey. The traffic was horrible (the worst that Lisa had ever seen). There was some kind of 'police activity' (a car chase and shootout) on the I-15 toward the I-40. What a fitting send-off the freeways of L.A. gave us. We were planning on making it to Flagstaff, Arizona, but we only made it to Kingman. Total drive time on day 1: 9 hours. We stayed at a Motel 6 there that just happened to have freight trains passing nearby seemingly every 15 minutes blaring their horns.

The next morning, Christmas Eve, we headed out at around 9:00 AM and planned on driving as far as possible. We obviously were not well rested. But we still had a small glimmer of hope that we could make it all the way to Colorado Springs before midnight. It was actually exciting for Alex to drive through Arizona. He had not been there since he was about 1 month old. He was born in Yuma (affectionately nicknamed the Hellhole). The scenery was great through Arizona and New Mexico. Lisa and I were fading fast, however. At every stop, we seemed to look at each other and realize that we were not going to make it. At about 5:00 PM while we were at a truck stop in New Mexico, we decided to find a place to stop for the night near Albuquerque. We checked into a Super 8 Motel at 7:00 PM. Total drive time on day 2: 10 hours.

Alex and Marisa wrote a couple of small messages to let Santa know where we were. They left the notes and a cereal bar on the chair in our room. Amazingly, Santa was able to find us. We celebrated Christmas a little while before we headed out for our final leg of our journey at 8:30 AM.

I thought that it was very symbolic that we first hit Colorado on Christmas Day. It is not only the birth of Jesus, but it is also the birth of our life as a family here. What great things can we accomplish here?

We made it to our hotel, La Quinta Inn, in Colorado Springs at 4:30 PM. Total drive time on day 3: 8 hours. According to Map Quest, the trip from Harbor City to Colorado Springs was supposed to take 19.5 hours. It took us 27 hours.

We met Lisa's parents at the hotel. They had come out from Topeka, Kansas to visit with us. We had a Christmas Day feast at that old time traditional holiday standby...Denny's. We made it! Merry Christmas.

Green Belts in Hapkido Karate

Official test results are in. Lisa and Marisa passed their tests and are now the rank of green belt (the 5th one up). Now they have caught up to Alex, who took the test last month. Hopefully we will be able to find a comparble martial arts studio in Colorado Springs.

Marisa and Lisa's test result
Alex's test result

December Poker Winnings

I had another very efficient this month. I only played about 31 hours compared to my overall average of about 87 hours per month. I made a little over $14/hour this month compared to my average of about $6.80. As per the updated resolution that I made on my June 26, 2006 post, I have withdrawn my goal of $500 from my poker bankroll this month. YTD=+$6,900. '05-YTD=+$4,800. My next withdrawal of $500 is due by January 31, 2007. I don't know if I'll be able to play as much in the next few months due to our move and questionable internet access capabilities. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

All I Want For Christmas Is My 18 Front Teeth

OK, it is only four front teeth. Too bad those are not the only things that she really wants for Christmas.

Christmas, Christians, and Christ

I 'borrowed' this from Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life:

Some years ago, a class of students was asked to write about the meaning of Christmas. One student wrote, "Christmas is when Christians celebrate Christ." The teacher liked the paper, but asked the student to change that one line to "Christmas is when people celebrate love."

What, some may wonder, is the difference? After all, Christians are people and Christ is love.

Yet there is a difference - and the difference is so profound that if we miss it, we have missed the meaning of Christmas and Christ.

Of course, Christians are people. But not all people are Christians. To be a Christian is much more than to be a good person. It's about becoming a new person, sharing a new kind of life - the life of God himself. Christmas is not just about the birth of a child; it's about the birth of a whole new humanity. In Adam, all die; in Christ, all come to life again. We are made sharers, by faith and baptism, in the Divine Nature. At every Mass, as he pours a few drops of water into the wine, the priest prays, "By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the Divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity." That's what Christmas is all about. St. Augustine put it this way: "God became man that man might become God."

Preaching today too often loses sight of this fundamental dimension of the Gospel. And people therefore risk seeing Christmas as being just about good cheer, giving, family, and peace on earth. It is about those things, but only because it is first about God reconciling humanity to himself in Christ and opening the way for humanity to share divine life. Christmas is a Christian feast.

And then there's the meaning of "love." Yes, people celebrate love at Christmas, but it is only in Christ that we fully learn the nature of love and find the power to practice it. "Love one another as I have loved you," he commanded us. The love we are called to live is a love that is revealed in the Christ who gives himself on the cross, and a love that requires us to give our lives for one another. It is a love shaped by the first and greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Without the love of God, we cannot find the strength to love one another. And without Christ, we do not see the full revelation of God.

Love has a content, and that content is defined by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Love is not simply the good intention, or the context, in which we do whatever we think is best. Love always requires certain actions and always prohibits certain actions.

At Christmas, God calls all people to celebrate the love that took flesh in Christ, by believing in him and following him in the new, eternal life he brings.

November Poker Winnings

I was very efficient this month. I only played about 28 hours compared to my overall average of about 87 hours per month. I made close to $20/hour this month compared to my average of about $6.80. As per the updated resolution that I made on my June 26, 2006 post, I have withdrawn my goal of $500 from my poker bankroll this month. YTD=+$6,400. '05-YTD=+$3,800. My next withdrawal of $500 is due by December 31, 2006. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

Shocking!

I recently went to EZ LUBE for my scheduled oil change.

At the bottom of my invoice read the following, "Recommend next service on February 13, 2007 or 126,483 miles. Thank You and God Bless......."

Notice anything a little out of the ordinary?

My Sixth Royal Flush

I hit my sixth royal flush today on Absolute Poker. It was on a $2/4 Omaha Hi/Lo table. Unfortunately, it did not pay off with a large pot. I was in the big blind with [Ks Jh 5c Ah]. Only the small blind called before the flop. The flop was [Qh Kh 7c]. SB Bets $2, I call. TURN [Qh Kh 7c] [2c]. SB Bets $4, I call. RIVER [Qh Kh 7c 2c] [10h]. SB Bets $4, I raise to $8, SB calls. I take a $30.50 pot.

6/22/05-My First Royal Flush
12/01/05-My Second Royal Flush
12/22/05-My Third Royal Flush
3/14/06-My Fourth Royal Flush
4/30/06-My Fifth Royal Flush

Julie's Baptism

Julie Dougalas was baptised into the church tonight by Fr. Ray Mallett during the 5:00 Mass. It was a great ceremony. It was also the first time that Lisa and I have become Godparents (collectively). Hugh is currently on leave from Iraq for two weeks. He was dressed in his Army dress uniform. Very classy.

To me, the most moving thing that happened tonight had nothing to do with Julie's baptism. It was nice to see the many people who came up to Hugh & Jan and sincerely thanked them for their service and sacrifice for all of us.

Sweet Nothings Bakery

A few buddies of mine from Hawaii just opened up a bakery in Honolulu. They had their Grand Opening on October 25, 2006. I love their entrepreneurial spirit. I can really see them succeeding with their niche, perfect name, and excellent location (about one block from the Ala Moana Shopping Center). They've opened a sugar-free bakery called Sweet Nothings. You can read their first great write-up/review in MidWeek. Perhaps when they begin their mass expansion across the nation, I can do my part in Colorado Springs. Good Luck!

Sweet Nothings
1218 Waimanu St., Suite 102
Honolulu, HI 96814-4304
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
808-593-1234

Our First Listing

We have put our first home on the market. This is a very exciting and scary time for us. Hopefully we will be able to sell quickly. Click here for the link to the listing of our home.

Troops Respond to Kerry

CLASSIC!

He Was Almost President?

Senator John Kerry attended a pep rally for Phil Angelides yesterday at Pasadena City College. See coverage in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

"Kerry...told the students that if they were able to navigate the education system, they could get comfortable jobs - "If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq," he said to a mixture of laughter and gasps."

My buddy Hugh has a Masters degree and would probably have a few choice words back at Kerry.

See the video and more reaction at this entry on the Michelle Malkin blog.

(update)-Senator John McCain: "Senator Kerry owes an apology to the many thousands of Americans serving in Iraq, who answered their country's call because they are patriots and not because of any deficiencies in their education. Americans from all backgrounds, well off and less fortunate, with high school diplomas and graduate degrees, take seriously their duty to our country, and risk their lives today to defend the rest of us in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.

They all deserve our respect and deepest gratitude for their service. The suggestion that only the least educated Americans would agree to serve in the military and fight in Iraq, is an insult to every soldier serving in combat, and should deeply offend any American with an ounce of appreciation for what they suffer and risk so that the rest of us can sleep more comfortably at night. Without them, we wouldn't live in a country where people securely possess all their God-given rights, including the right to express insensitive, ill-considered and uninformed remarks."

Anyway

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends
and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.
Give the world your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.


--attributed to Blessed Mother Teresa

We Are Moving Here!

A freak blizzard hit Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas today, virtually shutting down the city, dropping over 14 inches of snow with winds over 30 miles per hour. See this story on the CNN website for more details and pictures. Looks like a lot of fun.

Julie Anne

The Dougalas family has a new addition to their family. Congratulations! A 7 lb 14 oz girl was born on October 19, 2006 at 9:28 PM. Hugh was given a 15-day leave and will be home approximately November 1-15.


They had asked us to be the Godparents of this child about six months ago. This was long before there was any hint of us moving away. As soon as it became a possibility that we may be moving, we suggested that they ask others. But they still want us to be the Godparents. Jan & Hugh actually met in Colorado. So (in a way) this is a closure of a circle. Alex & Marisa and Lilly & Glenn are excited to be 'Godcousins' with each other.

Lisa Has Accepted

Lisa has accepted the job in Colorado Springs. It looks like she will be taking about a 20-25% pay cut. The cost of living is about 20% less than here. She will be on a teacher's schedule, so she will have a couple of months off in the summer and spring break, Christmas break, and all of the holidays. Plus, we will be able to get a bigger house and actually have a yard! Wish us luck.

October Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made on my June 26, 2006 post, I have withdrawn my goal of $500 from my poker bankroll this month. YTD=+$5,900. '05-YTD=+$3,300. My next withdrawal of $500 is due by November 30, 2006. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

Colorado Springs Job Interview

Lisa is in Colorado Springs for a job interview right now. It seems that the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind has an interest in Lisa. Now we will soon find out if Lisa has an interest in them. If yes, then I anticipate that our lives will become very hectic. If not, then can things go back to the way they were? Pray for us.

The Barber

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects.

When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said, "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.

"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving a God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and un-kept.

The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber, "You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is, people do not come to me."

"Exactly!"- affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for Him."

It Has Begun

I could lose my ability to play poker online soon. We will be losing out on about $500 per month in extra income. Hopefully things will work itself out in the end. Here is an email that I received from one of the online poker rooms that I have played at in the past:

Donn,

I'm not sure if you're aware of the recent developments in US online gaming industry. In short, the US government has passed a law that would prohibit banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions from processing gambling funds. This controversial act was attached to a popular and completely unrelated bill regarding Port Security (HR4954) early Saturday morning. In this way, the act was passed because representatives were more concerned with the major bill being made law and knew only in the final minutes of the attachment.

It does NOT make it illegal for US citizens to play online, however drastically affects your ability to enjoy your favorite poker and casino games by making it difficult to send and receive your deposits and winnings.

In light of these events, our software and ECash provider for SunPoker.com, CryptoLogic and ECashDirect, have made the decision to no longer service US registered accounts.

Consequently, all accounts with US based addresses will no longer be able to play in the casino or poker room as of 12PM EST today October 3rd.

Your account will however be available for you to log into and request a withdrawal of your available balance.

All other accounts with non US based addresses will remain unaffected.

Currently it is unclear as to the longer term ramifications of these events at CryptoLogic and should the position change, we will notify you.

In the meantime, we are hoping to make provisions so that you are able to continue to enjoy playing and enjoy the same levels of service and bonuses you've come to expect from us. We will keep you updated.

Thanks for your time, and we do sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Regards,

Adam
Poker Room Manager
Sun Poker

September Poker Winnings

I thought that this would be the first time that I would not reach my monthly goal. Thanks to a third place ($461.76) finish in a $5 Limit Omaha Hi/Lo w/Rebuys tournament that I played last night, I reached my goal. Whew!

As per the updated resolution that I made on my June 26, 2006 post, I have withdrawn my goal of $500 from my poker bankroll this month. YTD=+$5,400. '05-YTD=+$2,800. My next withdrawal of $500 is due by October 31, 2006. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

Until The End Of The World

I found out something interesting about one of the songs of the coolest band ever, U2. The song "Until the End of the World" is about Judas' betrayal of Jesus. I never thought about it that way, but now that I have listened to it again, it is very obvious. Especially when you see it performed live, you will see Bono put his 2 index fingers on his head (to represent the devil) and in some performances, you see Bono give The Edge THE kiss. Also, on the album, Achtung Baby, where the song first appeared, the lyric is, "We ate the food." But in subsequent live performances, this line is changed to a more familiar, "We broke the bread." The water in the third verse could be interpreted as a symbol for baptism or redemption/forgiveness? Give it a listen if you have it. Of course, this is not the only one of U2's Christian themed songs. See Drawing Their Fish in the Sand or U2 Sermons.

"Until The End Of The World"

Haven't seen you in quite a while
I was down the hold just passing time
Last time we met was a low-lit room
We were as close together as a bride and groom
We broke the bread, we drank the wine
Everybody having a good time
Except you, you were talking about
The end of the world

I took the money
I spiked your drink
You miss too much these days if you stop to think
You led me on with those innocent eyes
You know I love the element of surprise
In the garden I was playing the tart
I kissed your lips and broke your heart
You, you were acting like it was
The end of the world

(LOVE)

In my dream I was drowning my sorrows
But my sorrows, they learned to swim
Surrounding me, going down on me
Spilling over the brim
Waves of regret and waves of joy
I reached out for the one I tried to destroy
You, you said you'd wait
'Til the end of the world

Next Stop, Colorado Springs?

A line from Fr. Ray's homily on Sunday promted me to write the following. He said something to the effect, "God is full of surprises for us, and they are all good."

For a week this past August, we took a little trip to Colorado. The first half of the week we spent in Denver, visiting with my brother and his family. The second half, we spent in Colorado Springs, visiting Lisa's friend from high school and her family.

The Holy Spirit did something to us in Colorado Springs. We were there for only three days. We fell in love with the place. It was a very spiritual (and life changing) experience, though those exact words were never spoken between us. For some reason, unknown to us at the moment, the Spirit is drawing us there.

The bottom line is we are VERY, VERY seriously thinking about moving there to raise our family.

Things are already in motion, seemingly without much effort on our part. Which is another reason why we feel like this is what we are supposed to do.

It may or may not happen.

We have no time table, we have no deadline, and we have no idea when this will happen. But we do ask for your prayers: that what we are doing is all part of God's plan, and we ask for God to give us the strength, courage, and faith in this transition period of our lives.

Thank you and God Bless!

-Colorado Springs
-Colorado Springs Government
-Colorado Springs Visitors Bureau
-El Paso County, CO
-Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs
-Home Listings
-Money Magazine: Best Places to Live, Best Big City (#1)
-Cleanest U.S. Cities For Pollution (#18)
-Men's Fitness Magazine: Fittest City (#6)
-Most Literate City in America (#19)
-Inspiration for 'America the Beautiful'

It Made Me Seethe With Rage

(An article reprinted from the front page, of the September 10, 2006 edition of The Daily Breeze about Hugh Dougalas' reaction to September 11, 2001. Also, see Hugh's blog: Defending Purple Mountain Majesties for his explaination on how the article came about.)

Both had thriving careers when engineers Hugh and Jan Dougalas made a deal. She would go to the office, and he would work from their Redondo Beach home, where he could care for their two small children. But when Hugh turned on the radio to catch the latest sports news that morning, everything changed. Within hours, after dropping 5-year-old Lilly off at school, he headed to a recruiter's office. With his 1-year-old son, Glenn, on his lap, he joined the Army Reserves. Called up for service earlier this year, he is now stationed in Iraq. Dougalas is 44 years old.

At first, I thought what I was hearing was some kind of Orson Welles "War of the Worlds" radio drama. But when I switched to several news stations, I realized what was going on. It was no radio drama, and it made me seethe with rage. Think of the first lines of Homer's Iliad: "Rage. Sing, Goddess, of the rage of Achilles." Like that, only angrier.

I was 40 at the time and everyone told me I was too old to enlist -- the Marines, the Navy, the Air Force, the Coast Guard. The Army recruiter also told me that I was too old but said that he would keep my resume on file and talk to a few people.

I called and wrote letters for more than two years, just to let him know that I was still interested.

In 2004, I received a call from the Reserve Component of the Army Medical Corps. The recruiter tried to explain a complex formula that I still don't understand which allowed him to count my time as an undergrad in ROTC as prior service and stated something to the effect that the fact that I had an advanced degree allowed him to waive the age regulations and that because he's dealing with the Reserve side of the house, the regulations are different.

Bottom line: I was in. I was commissioned as an officer in the Medical Service Corps and sent to Fort Sam Houston near San Antonio for training.

I began serving as a typical reservist would, one weekend a month, in February 2005.

In January 2006, I received orders to active duty. I would be deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for 18 months.

In April 2006, I reported to McGregor Range near Fort Bliss, Texas, with the rest of the 310 Military Police Battalion for predeployment training.

We left Texas on July 6, spent some time in Kuwait for additional training and arrived in Iraq on July 19.

An MP unit, our mission is detainee ops, running a large internment/resettlement facility at Camp Bucca in southern Iraq, near the port city of Umm Qasr. We are southwest of Basra, the biggest city in the area.

Most of the MPs are New York Police Department and corrections officers in the civilian world. Being from New York, as you might expect, this unit is filled with guys who knew someone who died in the attacks of Sept. 11. In fact, this place is named after a New York City firefighter who lost his life in the World Trade Center -- Ron Bucca. All of this is very personal to them.

Though I'm not from New York, it is to me as well. I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these men and every one of us supports the president in his decision to invade.

My job here is to provide preventive medicine services -- clean drinking water, safe food, proper sanitation, to monitor air quality, to take care of any pests (ants, mice, rats, we have jackals running around here!), etc. I firmly believe that in doing this job and serving in the Army, no American will ever again feel the rage that I felt that morning -- September 11, 2001.

Our Visit With Bupa

We went to Sacramento to visit my 94 year-old grandfather (we call him Bupa) who was in the hospital after taking a bad fall at home. Before Bupa went to the hospital this last time, he had a "do not resusitate" order on his living will. Well, before the hospital staff knew this, they resusitated him when his heart stopped. He had a temporary pacemaker attached. However, because of his advanced age, they thought that a permanent pacemaker was out of the question and the temporary may have been putting too much strain on his heart. So my parents decided to have the temporary removed. But they wanted to keep it on so that we could go up to see him, which we did this past week.

Miraculously (in my opinion), Bupa seemed to get stronger when the pacemaker was removed. We visited him every day. Because of the amount of care he needed, my parents had to find a nursing home for him, which they did. However, Bupa had always said that people are put in nursing homes to die. So while he may be physically getting better, he has been a little depressed since being placed in the nursing home. If he can accept the fact that he is in the nursing home for his benefit, I believe he could live to see 100.

Your continued prayers for Bupa and my parents would be appreciated.

Focus On The Family Address

I was looking through Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family website and thought it was fairly amusing that their mailing address is:

Focus on the Family
Colorado Springs, CO 80095

Notice anything strange? I suppose that they have a big presence there in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Vacation

We went to Colorado for a week. We visited and stayed with my brother in Denver and with Lisa's friend from high school in Colorado Springs. The thing that stuck out the most from our vacation was the incredible 'draw' we felt while in Colorado Springs. You can view some photos here.

All cities have their positive and negative qualities. Lisa and I agreed that there were considerably more positives in Colorado Springs than any other place we have lived. The scenery reminded me a lot like Kauai, especially the mountains. The air and water was very clean and clear. The homes were beautiful and reasonably priced (compared to the crazy real estate market of southern California). There are seemingly unlimited number of things to do outdoors. Great weather. No traffic. A very family-friendly community. Perhaps one day...

August Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made on my June 26, 2006 post, I have withdrawn my goal of $500 from my poker bankroll this month. I have also taken out an extra $100. YTD=+$4,900. '05-YTD=+$2,400. My next withdrawal of $500 is due by September 30, 2006. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

The Pope on Life

"Consequently, everything is connected: the deepest option for the Crucified Christ with the most complete option for life, from the very first moment until the very last. To me this also seems in some way the nucleus of our pastoral care: to help people make the true choice for life, to renew their relationship with God as the relationship which gives us life and shows us the way to life. And thus, to love Christ anew, who from being the most unknown Being whom we did not reach and who remained enigmatic, became a known God, a God with a human face, a God who is love." (Pope Benedict XVI, March 2006 meeting with priests)

Absolutes

I tend to believe that there are absolutes in the world. I am one who believes that there is such of a thing as right vs. wrong, or black and white (ie no grey areas).

If anyone says to me that there is no such thing as absolutes in life, I will politely ask, "Are you absolutely sure?"

Audio CDs Wanted For Hugh

This is a copy of my latest post on Defending Purple Mountain Majesties for those interested in helping out a soldier-

I received this excerpt of an email from Hugh to Jan:

Maybe you could look into recordings of the radio shows that I like (Hugh Hewitt, Dennis Prager, Jim Rome) and see if CD are available. You could get them and send them to me and I could listen to them here. Also, the computers here are S L O W. If it works out, maybe you could download Cardinals games in MP3 format and e-mail them as attachments. I don't know. It looks like there is nothing to do here but go to the gym and watch movies. I guess Amazon will deliver so it's reading that I'll be doing to maintain sanity. Though, darn it, I know baseball on the radio is available on Armed Forces Radio and Television Service!! I'm frustrated.
-Hugh

Within the next few weeks or so, I will gather a bunch of audio discs for Hugh. I going to send some stuff I already have and I will download some Michael Medved radio shows (the best radio show for mental exercises). He has an iPod, so he could easily transfer into it from his computer. I will try to organize a bulk shipment to Hugh. To make it easier for Hugh to receive things, I will find out if it would be OK to post his mailing address here on the blog. If OK, I'll post it in the sidebar of this blog.

Seems like this will help Hugh pass the time better in Iraq.

Dad's Brownies

A father of 3 teenage kids had the rule that they could not attend PG-13 or R rated movies. His teens wanted to see a particular movie that was playing at local theaters. It was rated PG-13.

They asked friends & some members of their church to find out what was offensive in the movie. They made a list of pros & cons about the movie to use to convince their dad that they should be allowed to see it. The cons were: it contained 3 swear words, the only violence was a building exploding (& you see that on TV all the time), & you actually didn't "see" the couple in the movie having sex, it was just implied sex, off camera. The pros were: it was a popular movie, a blockbuster. Everyone was seeing it. If they saw the movie then they would not feel left out when their friends discussed it. The movie contained a good story & plot. It had some great adventure & suspense in it & some fantastic special effects. The movie's stars were some of the most talented actors in Hollywood. It probably would be nominated for several awards. Many of the members of their church had seen it & said it wasn't "very bad". Therefore, since there were more pros than cons, the teens said they were asking their father to reconsider his position on this 1 movie & let them have permission to go see it.

The father looked at the list & thought for a few minutes. He said he could tell his children had spent some time & thought on this request. He asked if he could have a day to think about it before making his decision. The teens were thrilled thinking, "Now we've got him! Our argument is too good! Dad can't turn us down!" So, they happily agreed to let him have a day to think about their request.

The next evening the father called in his 3 teenagers, who were smiling smugly, into the living room. There on the coffee table he had a plate of brownies. The teens were puzzled. The father told his children he had thought about their request and had decided that if they would eat a brownie then he would let them go to the movie.

Like the movie, the brownies had pros & cons. The pros were that: they were made with good chocolate & yummy walnuts. They were moist & fresh with chocolate frosting. He had made the brownies with an award-winning recipe & by his own loving hands. The brownies only had 1 con: He had added a little bit of dog poop. But he had mixed the dough well; they probably wouldn't be able to taste it & he had baked it at 350 degrees so any bacteria or germs had probably been destroyed. Therefore, if any of his children could stand to eat the brownies which included just a "little bit of crap" & not be affected by it, then he knew they would also be able to see the movie with "just a little bit of smut" & not be affected.

Of course, none of the teens would eat the brownies & the smug smiles were gone. Now when they ask, permission to do something he opposes, he asks, "Would you like me to bake some brownies?"

--Author Unknown (hat tip: Sandy)

Abortion and Contraception

(taken from the Priests For Life site):
"It is noteworthy that as acceptance and use of contraception have increased in our society, so have acceptance and use of abortion. Couples who unintentionally conceive a child while using contraception are far more likely to resort to abortion than others. Tragically, our society has fallen into a mentality that views children as a burden and invites many to consider abortion as a "backup" to contraceptive failure. This is most obvious in efforts to promote as "emergency contraception" drugs that really act as early abortifacients.


"With Pope John Paul II we affirm that contraception and abortion are "specifically different evils," because only "the latter destroys the life of a human being," but that they are also related (The Gospel of Life, no. 13). It is important to remember that means that are referred to as "contraceptive" are, in reality, sometimes also abortifacient. An end to abortion will not come from contraceptive campaigns but from a deeper understanding of our human sexuality, and of human life, as sacred gifts deserving our careful stewardship” (2001: US Bishops’ Pastoral Plan for Pro-life Activities: A Campaign in Support of Life).

July Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made on my June 26, 2006 post, I have withdrawn my goal of $500 from my poker bankroll this month. YTD=+$4,300. '05-YTD=+$2,100. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

A Consistent Ethic of Life

(taken from the Priests For Life site):
"A wide spectrum of issues touches on the protection of human life and the promotion of human dignity. As Pope John Paul II has reminded us: "Where life is involved, the service of charity must be profoundly consistent. It cannot tolerate bias and discrimination, for human life is sacred and inviolable at every stage and in every situation; it is an indivisible good" (The Gospel of Life, no. 87).


"Among important issues involving the dignity of human life with which the Church is concerned, abortion necessarily plays a central role. Abortion, the direct killing of an innocent human being, is always gravely immoral (The Gospel of Life, no. 57); its victims are the most vulnerable and defenseless members of the human family. It is imperative that those who are called to serve the least among us give urgent attention and priority to this issue of justice” (2001: US Bishops’ Pastoral Plan for Pro-life Activities: A Campaign in Support of Life).

Barnes' European Blog

Our friends from church took a nice vacation to Europe. They have a small blog with entries written by their children. Interesting perspectives. Europe Through a Child's Eyes

Three New Posts By Hugh

OK. I promise I will starting putting entries into this blog. If Hugh can write three entries from Iraq, then I should be able to write a few from the comfort and safety of my living room.

Check out his latest three entries here: Defending Purple Mountain Majesties

A Short Hiatus

I am taking a small break from blogging until the 15th of July. Posts are in the works. Please stay tuned.

Free Movies!

The Regal Cinema chain shows family-friendly movies for free during the summer. They show one G-rated and a PG-rated movie at 10:00 AM every Tuesday and Wednesday. The movies are not new releases and most are already out on DVD.

Today we went to see Madagasgar. We had already seen it in the theaters. And we have it on DVD. But you can never get the full 'theater experience' at home. We got there about 15 minutes before showtime and we could practically have any seat in the theater. By the time the show started, it looked to be about 50-60% full. OK, we spent spent $10 for 1 medium popcorn and 1 medium drink. It was still worth it on the hot and humid day we had today.

To see the free movie schedule at the Regal near you, click here.

The Dixie Chicks' Big Mistake

I used to love the Dixie Chicks. I bought every album and DVD that I could find. I still think that their music is good, but now I get a bad taste in my mouth whenever I listen to a Chicks song or see them on television. I have no incentive to go out and buy the new album. I cannot believe that they wanted to alienate their core audience because of their political views. Of course, I give them credit for speaking out on their point of view, but they practically killed their 'sky is the limit' income potential. I guess they were content with what they had. I recall an interview that Michael Jordan (a staunch Democrat) gave early in his career where he was asked if he would openly and actively support Democrat causes and candidates. He astutely (for financial reasons) replied, "Republicans buy shoes too."

Failure To Re-Launch the Dixie Chicks
U.S. Ticket Sales Slow
Dixie Chicks Tour Struggling
Dixie Chicks Still Fighting Bush On New Album
Dixie Chicks' Chart Wings Get Clipped

June Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made on my November 22, 2005 post, I have withdrawn my goal of $400 from my poker bankroll this month. I have also taken out an extra $300. YTD=+$3,800. '05-YTD=+$1,600. Starting next month I will confidently raise my monthly goal to $500. My next withdrawal of $500 is due by July 31, 2006. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

The Media and Respect for Life

from Priests For Life:

“An important and serious responsibility belongs to those involved in the mass media, who are called to ensure that the messages which they so effectively transmit will support the culture of life. They need to present noble models of life and make room for instances of people's positive and sometimes heroic love for others. With great respect they should also present the positive values of sexuality and human love, and not insist on what defiles and cheapens human dignity. In their interpretation of things, they should refrain from emphasizing anything that suggests or fosters feelings or attitudes of indifference, contempt or rejection in relation to life. With scrupulous concern for factual truth, they are called to combine freedom of information with respect for every person and a profound sense of humanity” (John Paul II, “The Gospel of Life,” n. 98).

Valedictorian's Speech Unplugged Because of the Mention of God

The name of Christ is so offensive to modern secular ears that Clark County School District officials, who knew it was coming, cut off the microphone during a valedictorian address before they or anyone else could hear it.

Brittany McComb is a Christian and a top student graduating from Foothill High. She knew that her valedictorian address would probably be cut short, but was determined to go ahead and mention the one name that is for her above every other name.

"I went through four years of school at Foothill and they taught me logic and they taught me freedom of speech," McComb stated. "God's the biggest part of my life. Just like other valedictorians thank their parents, I wanted to thank my lord and saviour."

Please go to the MSNBC's story and watch the video from the Today Show. Wow, I hope my children will grow up and be just like Brittany.

PG Rating for Christian Theme

from Capital Resourse Institute:

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has decided that the movie Facing the Giants, produced by a Baptist church in Atlanta and scheduled to be released nationwide in theaters this fall, should be rated PG for being “too religious.”

In Facing the Giants a losing football team is turned around after the coach turns to God. There is no sex, violence, or raw language in the movie, which would typically warrant a PG rating. Instead, the movie is rated PG because of its Christian message – the Gospel is mentioned and the coach has several conversations about Christ.

Read the complete story here.

2006 Mud Run Results

Lisa ran the World Famous Camp Pendleton Mud Run again this year. She beat her time from last year by about one minute. She ran it in 1:17:45 and she placed 17th out of 102 women in her age bracket! It was at least 10 degrees hotter than last year. The amazing part of it to me was that she did not train for this event in any special way. She only ran one time (on Friday) during her lunch hour at work.

A Great Ronald Reagan Website

I found a great site about Ronald Reagan. Please take the time to browse and see things about (arguably) the greatest President of the 20th century. I came to the conclusion after looking around the site, that Reagan was a visionary leader when it came to the Conservative point of view on the political spectrum. Reading a few of his speeches from the 1960's and 1970's, I was able to see how consistent he was in this vision. He layed a nice foundation, which we need to get a little closer to today.

President Bush Visits Iraq

President Bush made a surprise visit to Iraq today. He made a great speech to the troops serving there. You can read the text of the speech on The White House website.

Here are a few excerpts from the President Bush's speech in Baghdad:

"I understand long deployments are tough -- they're tough on you and they're tough on your families. And so the first thing I want to tell you is the American people are incredibly grateful for what you do, and I bring their greetings and their thanks for the sacrifices you and your family make. "

"These are historic times. The mission that you're accomplishing here in Iraq will go down in the history books as an incredibly important moment in the history of freedom and peace; an incredibly important moment of doing our duty to secure our homeland."

"You know, right after September the 11th I knew that some would forget the dangers we face. Some would hope that the world would be what it's not -- a peaceful place in which people wouldn't want to do harm to those of us who love freedom. I vowed that day, after September the 11th, to do everything I could to protect the American people. And I was able to make that claim because I knew there were people such as yourself who were willing to be on the front line in the war on terror."

"I told you earlier we were laying the foundation of peace for generations to come, and we are, because we go with confidence knowing that liberty is the desire of every soul. When Iraq succeeds, reformers and people who desire to live in a free society will see such a hopeful example, and they'll begin to demand the same rights and the same conditions and the same hopeful society."

"And that's why I tell you what you're doing is historic in nature. People will look back at this period and wonder whether or not America was true to its beginnings; whether we strongly believed in the universality of freedom and whether we were willing to act on it. Certainly we acted in our own self-interest right after September the 11th; and now we act not only in our own self-interests, but in the interests of men, women and children in the broader Middle East, no matter what their religion, no matter where they were born, no matter how they speak."

"This is a moment -- this is a time where the world can turn one way or the other, where the world can be a better place or a more dangerous place. And the United States of America and citizens such as yourself are dedicated to making sure that the world we leave behind is a better place for all."

Longboard Lager

I happened across a great tasting beer. It is called Longboard Lager. It is brewed by the Kona Brewing Company. I bought the beer on a whim. The first taste that I took was great. It is definitely in my all time top 10 (possibly top 5) tasting beers of the world.

I was looking at the Kona Brewing Company pub locations. It just so happens that there is one in the Koko Marina Shopping Center. Only about 1 block from where I lived during high school and college. If you look at their map, you can see exactly where I lived on Anapalau St. Look for the 4th 'A' in the street name Anapalau Place and you are looking right on the spot of my old home in Hawaii.

I found this beer at Marukai. But you can buy the beer online at the Hi-Time Wine Cellars website.

Today's Respect Life Message

from Priests For Life:

Praise the Holy Trinity

Some truths, like the very existence of God, can be known by human reason alone. Other truths, like the fact that God is One in Three Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – can only be known if God reveals them to us. We could never conclude on our own that God is a Trinity. Today’s Feast is not only an opportunity for thanking God for telling us more about himself. It is an occasion to take courage as we strive for deeper unity within the human family. God reveals himself to us in order to make us more like himself – not just as individuals, but as families, nations, and an international community. We grow in unity as we give ourselves away to one another, just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit give themselves to each other completely.

The Political View of Google

In a not too subtle dig at President Bush, Google is making their political views known. I don't know how long it will work (it has worked for at least the last three months), but go to Google (not the advanced search) and type in the search word: asshole. Then hit the "I'm feeling lucky" button right below the search.

The result is, well, more perfect than you could expect. The site that Google takes you to shows a slide show that describes all the major players in the Bush Administration as the 'search word'. Very ugly.

Don't forget that you really don't have to use any Google services. There are many other choices out there.

I Need To Start Posting More

I have been busy this past week. So I haven't had the initiative to post anything to this blog. There are so many things that I could write about. Really.

When a military person (Hugh) who is busy training in the desert before being deployed to the Middle East can post more often than me, well that is probably good motivation for me.

He wrote a very powerful post about Memorial Day on the Defending Purple Mountains Majesties blog. Please take the time to read it and wish him well.

New Post By Hugh

There is a new post by Hugh at my other blog: Defending Purple Mountain Majesties. He is getting closer to leaving for Iraq. Last I heard, it will be by July 1st.

I Blew It (Actually It Was Vons)

On our visit to the Sacramento area, I received a boatload of grocery coupons for my Mom. This morning, I clipped coupons for about a half an hour. And that is with the help of Alex and Marisa. With my coupon wallet full, I headed out to Vons and their 'double coupon' policy.

I wrote in a previous post titled "Curse You, Apple Turnover!", that as part of my job as the main grocery shopper, I have a goal to try to save 50% off regular prices with the use of coupons, club cards, sale prices, rebates, and selective purchasing.

According to my receipt, I saved $55 and paid $85 today. I used $15 worth of coupons (thanks Mom). When I looked closer at the receipt, I discovered that none of my coupons were doubled! I checked their weekly flyer, and they must have recently discontinued their double coupon policy, because I couldn't find any mention of double coupons anywhere within the ad. If it were in effect, I would have hit the magical 50% off.

Next time I will go to Ralphs. They still have double coupons. Curse you, Vons!

New Purple Belts

It is official. Lisa, Alex, and Marisa have passed their latest belt test and have received their purple belts. See the Master Kwon's Hapkido Karate site for the results and a photo. Congratulations!

Walt Disney Magnet School

I found the website of the elementary school that I attending in Chicago. From the couple of pictures that I saw, it hasn't changed at all. I realize now what a modern looking building it was at the time it was build 30 years ago. I was one of the first students to attend the school. I was part of the first graduating class that started with the school (pilot student). I remember that I first started attending Disney before the current building was constructed. We attended classes in an old hospital that used to be there. I would really like to go inside the school one day to see what it looks like inside. Next time we go to Chicago, that will be on the to do list (after attending a game at Wrigley, of course).

Walt Disney Magnet School

May Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made on my November 22, 2005 post, I have withdrawn my goal of $400 from my poker bankroll this month. I have also taken out an extra $400. YTD=+$3,100. '05YTD=+$1,100. My next withdrawal of $400 is due by June 30, 2006. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

New Posts Coming Soon

Been a little busy the past week. Have about 5 posts that are in draft form. Will be posting soon. While waiting, check out a new post by Hugh on my other blog: Defending Purple Mountain Majesties.

Today's Respect Life Message

On February 27, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI said the following in a talk to the Pontifical Academy for Life:

The sacred books, in fact, set out to show God's love for every human being even before he has been formed in his mother's womb. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you" (Jer 1: 5), God said to the Prophet Jeremiah. And the Psalmist recognizes with gratitude: "You did form my inward parts, you did knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for you are fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are your works! You know me right well" (Ps 139[138]: 13-14).

These words acquire their full, rich meaning when one thinks that God intervenes directly in the creation of the soul of every new human being.

God's love does not differentiate between the newly conceived infant still in his or her mother's womb and the child or young person, or the adult and the elderly person. God does not distinguish between them because he sees an impression of his own image and likeness (Gn 1: 26) in each one.

He makes no distinctions because he perceives in all of them a reflection of the face of his Only-begotten Son, whom "he chose... before the foundation of the world.... He destined us in love to be his sons... according to the purpose of his will" (Eph 1: 4-6).

(taken from the Priests For Life website)

Alex's First (and Second) Holy Communion

Alex received his First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 13, 2006. It was a very nice Mass. There were about 40 other children receiving their First Communion. I really believe that Alex had a better understanding of the meaning of this event than I did when I received this Sacrament five years ago. We are all very proud of him. He is growing up too fast.

A Holy Spirit moment: On Sunday the 14th, Lisa and I were scheduled to be Eucharistic Ministers for our regular Mass. There are a total of eight people distributing the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. It is fairly random on where our 'station' will be around the altar to distribute communion. It just so happened that Alex was able to receive for his second communion the Body from me and the Blood from Lisa. It was a very powerful moment for all three of us.

5000th Hit!

I just had my 5000th hit to this blog. While this number is not big when compared to other sites (Drudge Report has over 10,000,000 hits/day), it is still a big milestone for my blog which is really only meant to document a few things happening in my life at this time. Thanks for visiting.

Respect Life Message for Mother's Day

A Prayer for Those Afraid of their Motherhood

Lord God, we thank you, the Source of Life, for all those who have welcomed and nurtured our lives. In particular, we thank you for our mothers, who with trust in you and self-sacrifice beyond description, have made it possible for us to live and praise you today. Give them the reward of their labors.

Today, Lord, we also pray for mothers who are afraid of being mothers. We pray especially for those carrying a child within them, but afraid to bring that child to birth. Look with favor on these, your daughters, and give them trust and strength. Enable them to give themselves to their children, as you give yourself to us, and to experience the joys of motherhood. Enable us to do our part to encourage them and provide for their needs. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

--taken from the Priests For Life website

Purple Belt Test

Lisa, Alex, and Marisa took their test to be promoted to Purple Belt. It was the first time that all three of them took the test together. Lisa started karate a couple of months later than the kids. She has finally caught up with them (I believe they will stay together from now on).

Out of the three of them, I have to make the observation that Lisa seemed to be the least confident out there. I still believe that they all passed and will go from orange to purple. And I would still be afraid to meet Lisa alone in a dark alley.

As part of Alex's sparring part of the test, he had to fight against two other students! See third photo.

Results to follow.

Another New Gasoline Record For Me

I paid $44.00 for 13.177 gallons at $ 3.339/gal. Hooray.

This beats my previous record of $41.27 on April 27, 2006.

This also beats my price per gallon paid way back on September 2, 2005 of $3.299/gal.

Defending Purple Mountain Majesties

My friend Hugh, a fellow stay-at-home Dad, will be in Iraq for the next year. I have decided to start a blog that will have any correspondence that I happen to come across from him. It will be a great way to document his sacrifice to our country as a member of our armed forces.

I decided to call the blog Defending Purple Mountain Majesties because of something he wrote (see first post) as he was leaving home, in a plane looking out onto the vast United States and reflecting on the lines from 'America the Beautiful'.

Hopefully I'll be able to keep this blog up to date, perhaps with some actual writing to the blog from Hugh himself.

Please pray for Hugh, his wife Jan, his two children Lilly and Glenn, and his new child on the way.

Today's Respect Life Message

Laying down our lives

The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. This theme is found also in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) On the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, a man fell in with robbers. A priest and a Levite came by, but did not stop to help. Despite their knowledge of the Law and Prophets, they walked right by. Why?

One of the reasons may be that they were afraid. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho is a dangerous road. Because of its numerous steep curves, it lends itself to attacks by robbers who can easily hide not too far from their victims. Perhaps the priests and Levites who passed by that man asked themselves, "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me? Maybe the robbers who attacked him are still here. Maybe they're hiding just around the bend. This is a dangerous road. I better keep going."

Sometimes we ask the same question. If, for example, I speak up too loudly about the victims of abortion, what will happen to me? Will I face persecution, will I encounter opposition, will I lose popularity if I get involved in a cause like this?

And then the Good Samaritan came along, and he reversed the question. He didn't ask, "If I help this man, what will happen to me?" The Good Samaritan asked, "If I do not help this man, what will happen to him?" And that's the question for us. If I do not address this evil, what will happen to the unborn? If I do not get involved, what will happen to those who are vulnerable, to those who are marginalized our society, those who are oppressed, those who have no one to speak for them?

--from Priests For Life

Hooray! Lakers Lose

In case anyone cares, I ALWAYS root for the team that the Los Angeles Lakers play against. In this case, the Phoenix Suns beat the Lakers in round one of the playoffs 4-3 after being down 1-3. On paper the Suns were the better team.

This is actually a better scenario for the Los Angeles Clippers, who the Suns will play next. Now the 'other' L.A. team will receive a lot more attention than if it were an all Staples Center playoff series. I think that I will be cheering for the Clippers just because they are the underdog.

A Guy From Chicago...

...dies and goes to hell.

When he gets there, the devil comes over to welcome him. The devil then says, "Sometimes it gets pretty uncomfortable down here." The man says, "No problem. I'm from Chicago." So the devil goes over to the thermostat, turns the temperature up to 100, and the humidity up to 80. He then goes back to the Chicago man to see how he's doing. To the devil's surprise, the man is doing just fine.

"No problem. Just like Chicago in June," the man says.

So the devil goes back over to the thermostat, and turns the temperature up to 150, and the humidity up to 90. He then goes back over to see how the Chicago man is doing. The man is sweating a little, but overall looks comfortable.

"No problem. Just like Chicago in July," the man says.

So now the devil goes over to the thermostat, turns the temperature up to 200, and the humidity up to 100. When he goes back to see how the man is doing, the man is sweating profusely, and has taken his shirt off. Otherwise, he seems fine.

He says, "No problem. Just like Chicago in August."

Now the devil is really perplexed. So he goes back to the thermostat, and turns the temperature down to MINUS 150 DEGREES. Immediately, all the humidity in the air freezes up, and the whole place becomes a frigid, barren, frozen, deathly cold wasteland. When he goes back now to see how the man is doing, he is shocked to discover the man is jumping up and down, and cheering in obvious delight. The devil immediately asks the man what's going on.

To which the Chicago man replies, "THE CUBS WON THE WORLD SERIES!!! THE CUBS WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!"

--author unknown (probably a lifelong Cubs fan like me)

M. Night Shyamalan's Films

Lisa and I finished up watching the M. Night Shyamalan written and directed film The Village on DVD. We both loved the picture. I knew going in that this film was not as successful at the box office as his previous films, The Sixth Sense and Signs. And not unlike his other film, Unbreakable, this picture was not critically acclaimed.

I don't care what the critics say. All four of these movies are excellent horror/thrillers. What I like about all of these films are the unexpected twists. I also like the fact that he makes the viewer use their imagination and their minds. He will cut away from a scene 'early', leaving the viewer to imagine what is happening. He never shows any gratuitous gore, where it would be very easy to put it in to appeal to a different audience. I have compared his style of direction to that of Alfred Hitchcock (Shyamalan also makes a cameo appearance in each of his films just like Hitchcock did).

You will not be disappointed in seeing any of these films. We are eagerly awaiting the release of his next film this summer called, Lady in the Water.

Today's Respect Life Message

Just as Sunday is one day out of seven, so the Easter season, a period of 50 days, is approximately one-seventh of the year. The Easter season, a time of special rejoicing and celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, is the “Great Sunday” of the year. The liturgical prayers and readings focus on the Resurrection and the effects that it has on believers and on the world. The Acts of the Apostles is a book of Scripture that provides the source of most of the readings of the Easter Season, and it shows the vigor with which the apostles proclaimed the Resurrection and brought many to the waters of baptism to share the new life of Christ. This season is a celebration of life, and leads us all to a deeper commitment to proclaim, celebrate, and serve the gift of human life.

--From Priests For Life

My Fifth Royal Flush

On Party Poker, I just hit my fifth royal flush while four-tabling .50/1.00 limit hold 'em. I was dealt [Ts, 8s] in the big blind. Three players limp into the pot, I check. Flop was [As, Qs, Js]. I bet, two call. Turn was [Tc]. I bet, the other two players call. River card was the magic [Ks]! I bet, two call. I win a $9.50 pot. It was my first hand at this particular table.

6/22/05-My First Royal Flush
12/01/05-My Second Royal Flush
12/22/05-My Third Royal Flush
3/14/06-My Fourth Royal Flush

Our Crazy Daredevil Son

This is what Alex rode on (twice) at our annual church Fiesta. It is called the Hammerhead. He went on it by himself, because his parents are wimps. It went around about 12-15 times in one direction, then it went around the other direction. I felt like throwing up just watching. He had a big grin on his face when he got off the ride. Personally, I think he was faking the fact that he enjoyed this ride just to show off.

New Gasoline Record For Me

I bought 12.983 gallons of gasoline today @ $3.179/gallon. Total of $41.27.

This beats my previous record of $39.25 on May 28, 2005.

This does not beat my price per gallon paid of $3.299/gallon on September 2, 2005.

Why Do I Bother?

I asked Alex and Marisa to go and take a shower. They both wanted to go first. I said that I'd have to flip a coin to see who would go first since they couldn't come to an agreement on their own. So I got a coin out and asked, "Heads or tails?" They both wanted to pick 'heads'. Always thinking, I took a die out and asked, "Odd or even, whoever wins gets to pick 'heads' for the coin flip." Of course, they both wanted 'odd'. Then I got a deck of cards out and said, "High card gets to pick 'odd' for the die toss."

"I want to pick first!" (in unison) was their response.

"OK, let's flip a coin..."

April Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made on my November 22, 2005 post, I have withdrawn my goal of $400 from my poker bankroll this month. I have also taken out an extra $200. YTD=+$2,300. 2005-YTD=+$800. My next withdrawal of $400 is due by May 31, 2006. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

A SpongeBob SquarePants Birthday

Tartar sauce! Our little girl turned six years old today.


Here are some of the things that she received as gifts:
-SpongeBob cap
-SpongeBob t-shirt
-2 SpongeBob video games
-SpongeBob Crayola art kit
-SpongeBob Leap Pad math booklets
-The Game of Life/SpongeBob Squarepants edition
-Pack of SpongeBob character stickers
-SpongeBob action figure (ala Mr. Potato Head)
-A Wal-Mart gift card (to be used for future SpongeBob purchases)
-Money (to be used for future SpongeBob purchases)

Does anyone notice a pattern?

Happy Birthday to the sweetest girl in the world!

Today's Respect Life Message

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday.

(from Priests For Life): In 2003, Pope John Paul II issued an Apostolic Blessing to all who pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet “for mothers, that they not abort their offspring; for infants in danger of being put to death in the womb; for a change of heart of providers of abortions and of their collaborators; for human victims of stem cell research, genetic manipulation, cloning and euthanasia; and for all entrusted with the government of peoples, that they may promote the Culture of Life, so as to put an end to the culture of death."

Hawaii-The Abortion State

The Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer, President of Human Life International issued the following statement [on April 18, 2006] regarding Hawaii House Bill 1242 HD 1.

“The abortion industry and its water carriers in the Hawaii State Legislature are set to destroy Hawaii’s image as the Aloha State. Hawaiian culture is world renowned for its respect for the dignity of human life and celebration of family, Ohana in Hawaiian. A small group of powerful elites are pushing the most radical abortion legislation in world history on the beautiful people of Hawaii. HB 1242 would allow late term abortions in ‘a clinic or physician’s office.’ The bill removes ‘residency requirements’ paving the way for Hawaii to become the home of abortion tourism. If Hawaii’s Republican Governor fails to veto this radical abortion bill Hawaii’s image will suffer irreparable damage. Hawaii will go from the Aloha State to the Abortion State in nine short days if Governor Lingle lets HB 1242 become law.”
--from Aloha State set to become Abortion State

--Bill status of HB1242 HD1
--Hawaii to Become "Baby Killing Center of Pacific"
--Hawaii First State in US to Enshrine Abortion “Rights” in Law
--Late Term Abortion in Hawaii? Please no!

The Governor has ten business days from the day this bill was passed on April 11, 2006 by the legislature to veto. Please contact the Governor and ask her to veto this bill.

Honorable Governor Linda Lingle
Executive Chambers
State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone: 808-586-0034
Fax: 808-586-0006
e-mail: Governor.Lingle@hawaii.gov

Almost There

Lisa received an email from Central Michigan University that said, "...[T]he 6 credit hour Doctoral Project final document titled "Audiologists Working With Parents" that you submitted has been approved....Congratulations you have completed this portion of your requirement of the Au.D."

Her academic record just needs to be audited and then she will receive her Doctorate Degree in Audiology on May 6, 2006.

Congratulations Dr. Lisa! I knew you could do it.

A Good Lesson in Savings

We had a little exercise about how a bank works. It was very simplistic yet effective.

Marisa (saver) gave me $20. I (bank) took her money and lent it to Alex (borrower). After a few seconds, he repaid his loan, he gave me $22 (principle + interest). After a few more seconds, I gave Marisa $21 and I kept $1. They both saw that they can actually make some money by putting it in the bank.

Immediately after the exercise, without any prompting from me, they went to their wallets and took out some of their cash (Alex gave me $5 and Marisa $4.50) and instructed me to put it into their savings account.

I have their savings accounts at ING Direct. It is an internet bank, and it is a convenient way for me to manage their money. Right now they are paying 4.0% interest. This is significantly more than the local brick-and-mortar banks. They also maintain a kid friendly site that teaches about money called Planet Orange.

I would recommend opening an account here. If I refer you and you deposit $250 or more, then you will receive a $25 welcome bonus and I will receive $10 refer-a-friend bonus. Just send me an email so that I can send a referral to you. Or, you could leave your name and email address in the comment box. I'll delete the comment as soon as possible.

Magnetix Recall

I received a message from Amazon. They are voluntarily recalling all Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets. "It has been determined that the tiny magnets inside the plastic building pieces and rods can fall out. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract to each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal....At this time, Rose Art Industries Inc. asks consumers to stop using the magnetic sets and return the sets to Rose Art for a free replacement product suitable for young children under the age of six. Consumers should keep all small magnet parts out of the hands of children who mouth objects, especially children under the age of three. Rose Art can be contacted by calling (800) 779-7122 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or by visiting [the] Rose Art's web site."

Here is the recall notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Alex and Marisa love playing with this toy. Luckily they are old enough to know not to swallow the pieces.

Cap Standings

This is definitely something that Lisa does not understand. She doesn't realize that wearing a particular clothing item of your favorite professional sports franchise has a direct effect on the performance of the team. It is an absolute fact that it does matter what you wear. Ask any rabid sports fanatic and they will agree with me 100%. Sometimes it matters how you wear the article of clothing; rally caps anyone?

Al at Bleed Cubbie Blue attends most Cubs home games at Wrigley Field. He wears the same cap, until 'it' loses, then he will switch to another cap. You can see his updated Cap Standings here. There is an amusing comment thread that goes along with the entry.

Respect Life Message For Easter

Our Easter Mission

“Have no fear. The outcome of the battle for life is already decided, even though the struggle goes on against great odds and with much suffering… "Christ is now raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep ... so in Christ all will come to life again" (1 Cor. 15:20-22). The paradox of the Christian message is this: Christ - the head - has already conquered sin and death. Christ in his body - the pilgrim people of God - continually suffers the onslaught of the Evil One and all the evil which sinful humanity is capable of. The liberating message of the Gospel of life has been put into your hands. And the mission of proclaiming it to the ends of the earth is now passing to your generation. Like the great apostle Paul, you too must feel the full urgency of the task: "Woe to me if I do not evangelize" (1 Cor. 9:16). Woe to you if you do not succeed in defending life. The church needs your energies, your enthusiasm, your youthful ideals, in order to make the Gospel of life penetrate the fabric of society, transforming people's hearts and the structures of society in order to create a civilization of true justice and love.”

– Pope John Paul II to Youth, August 15, 1993, Denver, Colorado.

taken from Priests For Life

God or the Girl

While browsing Father Dennis' blog, I discovered that there will be a reality show starting tomorrow, Easter Sunday, on A&E called God or the Girl. This five-part documentary series follows four young men through the emotionally wrenching final weeks that lead up to the most important decision of their lives - whether to become Catholic priests or not.

It looks like it will be a good show to watch. It will be inspiring to see the sacrifices that our priests go through to serve God.

Two Good Cashes

I have adjusted my tournament playing style just a little. A combination of being a little more patient and a bit more aggressive. So far, I feel comfortable with my play and have seemingly been able to catch cards more often.

On Thursday night, I played in a $5+.50 multi-table NL hold 'em tourney. There were 320 entries. I managed a 4th place finish with a payout of $148. When there were 5 left, with one player who had about twice as many chips as the rest of us (2nd-5th were about even), my laptop overheated and turned off! By the time I was able to log back on, there were 4 left, but I was severely short-stacked. I had to put all my chips in on the first hand back. I think that I may need to invest in one of those laptop cooling trays. A key hand from this tourney was about halfway through when I went all-in after a flop 2-9-Q with A9 vs. JJ. I hit the 9 on the river to take down the pot.

Tonight I decided to play a two-table, 18-player $10+1 NL hold 'em tourney. I was up and down the whole time. I was making solid plays throughout. My 'coin flip' hands were holding up. When it was heads-up, I had about a 10 to 1 chip advantage. I went all-in on the first hand with 83 vs. JTs. I caught the wheel on the river with a board of A5542. This one paid $72.

A Good Car Salesman?

I was looking at my sister's blog, Family of Aloha. Her latest entry: Baaaaad Experience...Good Lesson details a recent horrible visit to a Toyota car dealership in her area. I can understand why car salesmen have such a negative perception to the car buying consumer if the people my sister and her husband encountered there are more the norm rather than the exception. At the end of her 'rant', she says a lot of nice things about our Dad; a 'dreaded' car salesman. What was she doing not dealing with Dad in the first place?

I would agree with her description of Dad as a good car salesman at the end of her entry. If you are looking for a positive car buying experience, you could not go wrong if you dealt with him. He works for Niello Porsche in Rocklin, CA (Sacramento area), but has access to other types of vehicles. And you don't have to live in the Sacramento area to have him help you find your next dream car. We bought our two vehicles from him while living here in LA. We have had absolutely no problems with our '95 Honda Odyssey and '99 Acura Integra.

Hand Holding During "Our Father"

Personally, I will follow what the particular parish community does. If they hold hands, I will; if they don't, I won't. It is not a 'battle' worth fighting over. Here is something to think about from the current Karl Keating's E-Letter:

The current issue of the Adoremus Bulletin [a great site and organization] says this in response to a query from a priest in the Bronx:

"No gesture for the people during the Lord's Prayer is mentioned in the
official documents. The late liturgist Fr. Robert Hovda promoted
holding hands during this prayer, a practice he said originated in Alcoholics
Anonymous. Some 'charismatic' groups took up the practice."

My long-time sense had been that hand-holding at the Our Father was an
intrusion from charismaticism, but I had not been aware of the possible
connection with AA. If this is the real origin of the practice, it
makes it doubly odd: first, because hand-holding intrudes a false air of
chumminess into the Mass (and undercuts the immediately-following sign of
peace), and second, because modifications to liturgical rites ought to
arise organically and not be borrowed from secular self-help groups.

Periodically, on Catholic Answers Live I am asked about hand-holding
during Mass and explain that it is contrary to the rubrics. Usually I
get follow-up e-mails from people who say, "But it's my favorite part of
the Mass" or "We hold hands as a family, and it makes us feel closer."

About the latter I think, "It's good to feel close as a family, but you
can hold hands at home or at the mall. The Mass has a formal structure
that should be respected. That means you forgo certain things that you
might do on the outside."

About the former comment I think, "If this is the high point of the
Mass for you, you need to take Remedial Mass 101. The Mass is not a social event. It is the representation of the sacrifice of Calvary, and it is
the loftiest form of prayer. It should be attended with appropriate
solemnity."

A Gentle Reminder

The "LITTLE" Things

As you might know, the head of the company survived 9/11
because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One went back to answer the telephone.

One had a child that dawdled
and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn't get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes

that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there,
he developed a blister on his foot. He

stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid.
That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am stuck in traffic,
miss an elevator,
turn back to answer a ringing telephone...
all the little things that annoy me.

I think to myself,
this is exactly where
God wants me to be
at this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong,
the children are slow getting dressed,
you can't seem to find the car keys,
you hit every traffic light,
don't get mad or frustrated;
God is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you
with all those annoying little things
and may you remember their possible purpose.

--Author Unknown

Hat tips: to Kathe B. and to the Happy Catholic

Fr. Frank Pavone's Blog

I have added to my Blog Roll the brand new blog of Father Frank Pavone. He is the National Director and Founder of Priests For Life. I am looking forward to reading his future entries.

This Week's Repect Life Message

The People of Life, Born from the Cross

“When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, ‘It is finished'; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit" (Jn 19:30). Afterwards, the Roman soldier "pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water" (Jn 19:34). Everything has now reached its complete fulfillment. The "giving up" of the spirit describes Jesus' death, a death like that of every other human being, but it also seems to allude to the "gift of the Spirit", by which Jesus ransoms us from death and opens before us a new life. It is the very life of God which is now shared with man. It is the life which through the Sacraments of the Church - symbolized by the blood and water flowing from Christ's side - is continually given to God's children, making them the people of the New Covenant. From the Cross, the source of life, the "people of life" is born and increases” (The Gospel of Life, n.51).

from: Priests For Life

The Selfishness of Others

Alex and Marisa attend a Physical Education for Homeschoolers class at the YMCA. It is a great class. The class meets two times a week and has about 50 minutes of physical activity and about 10 minutes of class instruction. I am not writing about this class.

This class starts at 1:30 in the gymnasium. There is open time before their class begins. Usually there is a pick-up basketball game going on. It looks to be a pretty intense game. It seems that almost every time, these 'gentlemen' will not give up the court to the children without giving the instructor a hard time. The gym schedule is posted, they know that they can have the gym until 1:30. It seems that their game is more important than the children. Today, a few of them stayed in the gym during the class, talking very loudly, complaining about their terrible predicament. Very disruptive to the class.

It really bothered me that they think that they are more entitled to the use of the gym than anyone else (we do pay an additional fee for the class and use of gym). I did fire off a letter to the director of this Y. Just to vent my frustrations more than anything else.

I suggest that the gentlemen who are complaining about being asked to leave the court, reflect on what the 'C' in YMCA stands for and to look up and read the banners hanging from the gym ceiling: Responsibility, Respect, Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Caring, and Fairness. These are the Y's Six Pillars of Character.

The Four Gospels at the Same Time

I came across a site where all four of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) can be read at the same time. All four of these new testament books are on the page at the same time and can be scrolled through individually. So, you could compare and contrast their respective writings about Jesus. This could be an invaluable tool for wanna-be bible scholars.

Check out: Synoptic Parallels

Go Cubbies!

One down, 161 games to go. The Cubs beat Cincinnati 16-7 today in the opening game of the 2006 season. President Bush threw out the first ball. I also saw coverage of the President in the Cubs' locker room before the game. He greeted Cubs manager Dusty Baker and said, "This is the year, right?" See Bleed Cubbie Blue for more.


Alex would not wear a Cubs cap because he says that he is an Arizona Diamondbacks fan. Traitor.

March Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made on my November 22, 2005 post, I have withdrawn my goal of $400 from my poker bankroll this month. I have also taken out an extra $100. YTD=+$1,700. 2005-YTD=+$500. My next withdrawal of $400 is due by April 30, 2006. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

Urgent Prayer Requests

Please take the time to pray for the following families. All are in the middle of major life changes. I believe in the power of prayer. Especially as a group. Thanks.

--Ayala Family
--Dougalas Family
--Rivera Family

Today's Respect Life Message

“The common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights -- for example, the right to health, to home, to work, to family, to culture -- is false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic and fundamental right and the condition for all other personal rights, is not defended with maximum determination.”

-- Pope John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, n. 38.

Mr. & Dr.

If all goes according to plans, Lisa will be receiving her Doctorate degree in Audiology (AuD) on May 6th.

I was just filling out a form online and it had a drop-down box for name-title. Among the choices given were: Mr, Mrs, Ms, Mr & Mrs, Miss, Dr & Mrs, and Drs. There was no choice for what Lisa and I will be when she receives her AuD: Mr & Dr. Is this situation that rare of an occurance or is there some sort of bias/negative stigma attached to marriages where the wife is more educated than the husband? Just wondering.

It Finally Hit Me

That I am getting old.

I received an email that they are in the planning stages of my 25th high school reunion in 2007. Twenty-five years! It honestly does not seem that long ago.

Also, I saw a commercial yesterday with this really old guy (he looked like he was about 75), who was telling me that as WE turn 50 years old, we need to seriously think about having a colon/rectal screening. OK, I won't turn 50 for another 8 years, but still, it is right around the corner. And the man (my peer) in the commercial looked like he could be my grandfather.