Well perhaps I should start with young Master Efron. I have always received particular joy from celebrities that have a good thing going (whether it be a TV show, writing a book, a singer etc.), and being consumed by their delusional importance of their 'art'. A classic example is Anthony Edwards. He is after all the real reason that people made 'Top Gun' a success. Then he was on 'ER'. He left and..............well it worked for Clooney didn't it?
Anyway.........I never watched even one episode of 'ER', but I do read the National Enquirer rather faithfully. So I follow the trajectory of human wreckage that is Hollywood and keep my pulse on pop culture. I also shake my head in amazement that Brad Pitt turned up his nose at Jennifer Aniston for a tattooed skank that Billy Bob Thornton had left for being just too damn weird. But I digress.
I listened to about 3 minutes of the 'High School Musical' soundtrack. Now I understand why Mr. Efron is so very desperate to so something new.
On to the Christmas Spirit. This time of year is filled with the teary-eyed recountings of tales about finding THE true meaning of Christmas. I actually think some of the stuff that South Park does captures the meaning for 10 year olds when Cartman sings about it being a time of Christmas trees and pies and Jesus being born and so he gets presents. Again..... I digress.
Christmas is a time of giving and caring and reaching out to our fellow man. Right? Sure I suppose. January is colder and the bills come due though. Excuse me if I am a bit of a grump, but I'm not going to put any special emphasis on the three week period that we are in. I'm going to try and be a bit more vigilant for people, and especially family and friends, for the other 51 weeks.
I like parties where people can relax, enjoy some good food, and enjoy reconnecting and each others company. I despise gift giving between those of us that have stuff. On the other hand, helping out others that ain't got stuff can be sublime.
I guess my whole rambling diatribe can be brought back on track and simply condensed as follows. There is no "THE" Christmas spirit. It is an individual striving and realization, and one that hopefully persists year round. Certainly there were miracles surrounding the birth of Christ, but they of little significance when compared to the greatest miracle he brought about. Namely his dying for all of us. Perhaps we should give a shit next Easter beyond coloring eggs and eating lousy candy. We close down the country for Christmas......Easter is just another Sunday. And people say I'm screwed up!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
academia, soaking, and rumors
I'm proud of all my children. I hope everyone is proud of their own, even when they have not done anything extraordianry. This week son number one was named the Sterling Scholar in mathematics at his high school. The same ward I received in the 81-82 school year at mine.
There are some differences between our respective situations. High class is about double the size of mine. He was able to take all the math that is taught in high school. I wasn't. In my high school, they cancelled calculus because only 8 people signed up for it. That was really a chicken-shit thing to do. The same thing happened with AP Chemistry when I was a Junior. I was the only person to enroll. The teacher wanted to teach it too....even with one kid. I went to an inner-city school and I was denied opportunity. Now consider the case of people that are brought up poor and non-white. Draw you own conclusions.
My son got 5's on all his AP exams, and carries a 3.9-something GPA. He interviewed well and has very defined views as he enters the adult world. One thing he didn't get? A 36 on the math section of the ACT. I'll always have that to lord over him.
I went for a soak today at DFHS. When I was on my way out, about 1/4 of a mile from the trailhead, some goofus came running towards me down a steep section of trail. I turned towards the noise and moved off the trail instinctively. This guy had a mohawk, the gauged ears, and a coat over a naked torso. But what really caught my eye was the shiny metal object in his hand. I put my staff in defensive position in case he didn't slow down. I shifted to attack stance as he stopped. I doubt this kid realized how close he got to dying today. I am also gladthat I didn't kill someone for brandishing a harmonica. Yup.....a harmonica.
Finally, it appears that some of my coworkers have been reading my blog. I'm not exactly sure how they stumbled upon it though. This is more of an anonymous confessional or perhaps a chrolog of my descent into pre-Alzheimers. Anyway, let me tell you something about Ryan Ball. I shared a hotel room with him for a couple of nights in Vegas so I KNOW what I am about to write is true. He has this 'thing' for MEN's underwear. He'll go to stores and buy it. Then he'll take it home and put it on. After that he'll put clothes on top of it and go to work or other public places. Nobody has any idea that he's wearing men's underwear. You can imagine my shock to find this out. Surely, his wife must be aware of this. Perhaps she has even purchased men's underwear for him when he is either to busy.
There are some differences between our respective situations. High class is about double the size of mine. He was able to take all the math that is taught in high school. I wasn't. In my high school, they cancelled calculus because only 8 people signed up for it. That was really a chicken-shit thing to do. The same thing happened with AP Chemistry when I was a Junior. I was the only person to enroll. The teacher wanted to teach it too....even with one kid. I went to an inner-city school and I was denied opportunity. Now consider the case of people that are brought up poor and non-white. Draw you own conclusions.
My son got 5's on all his AP exams, and carries a 3.9-something GPA. He interviewed well and has very defined views as he enters the adult world. One thing he didn't get? A 36 on the math section of the ACT. I'll always have that to lord over him.
I went for a soak today at DFHS. When I was on my way out, about 1/4 of a mile from the trailhead, some goofus came running towards me down a steep section of trail. I turned towards the noise and moved off the trail instinctively. This guy had a mohawk, the gauged ears, and a coat over a naked torso. But what really caught my eye was the shiny metal object in his hand. I put my staff in defensive position in case he didn't slow down. I shifted to attack stance as he stopped. I doubt this kid realized how close he got to dying today. I am also gladthat I didn't kill someone for brandishing a harmonica. Yup.....a harmonica.
Finally, it appears that some of my coworkers have been reading my blog. I'm not exactly sure how they stumbled upon it though. This is more of an anonymous confessional or perhaps a chrolog of my descent into pre-Alzheimers. Anyway, let me tell you something about Ryan Ball. I shared a hotel room with him for a couple of nights in Vegas so I KNOW what I am about to write is true. He has this 'thing' for MEN's underwear. He'll go to stores and buy it. Then he'll take it home and put it on. After that he'll put clothes on top of it and go to work or other public places. Nobody has any idea that he's wearing men's underwear. You can imagine my shock to find this out. Surely, his wife must be aware of this. Perhaps she has even purchased men's underwear for him when he is either to busy.
Friday, November 28, 2008
the homeless
Today I saw a guy clutching a nice piece of cardboard that was carefully written upon with lettering that was consistently sized and spelled correctly. I gave him a dollar.
About 13 or 14 years back, I had some time to burn on the 4th of July. So I made up a sign. In smaller print on the edges of the sign I mentioned that I was NOT a Vietnam vet. I was employed currently and not looking to do any work that day. I had a home. And my health was good. In bold letters, centrally placed I put "NEED MONEY FOR BEER". I staked myself out on the Orem Center street exit of I-15 about a hundred feet from a guy that had his sign.......but really did need money for beer.
The most common thing was people would drive by without even looking at me. For hell's sake I'm holding a boldly lettered sign and waving. Feel free to draw any conclusions you wish.
The second most common response was rolling down the window and screaming things such as "Get a job you lazy bum!" I would point to the part of my sign that mentioned my employment status. It dind't seem to matter to them.
The third most common response was people dangling money outside of their windows. I would thank them naturally, but refused. I did request that they not give it to the guy downstream from me however.
Speaking of the guy downstream, he came up to me after about twenty minutes and told me to leave. I gently told him to go f**k himself and continued.
Over the course of two hours, I had tourist types take pictures with me. About three or four asked, "Aren't you my pharmacist?". And eventually the UHP did show up. The officer took my driver's license and issued a stern warning to me about how I was tresspassing (not true by the way), and didn't have the right to panhandle (also not true if I am not impeding traffic nor being aggressive) and how I was in a whole lot of trouble.
I suppose he ran my name for outstanding warrants or whatever the 'po-po' do. By the time he came back my name had changed to Mr. Loertscher. He asked if I was really a pharmacist and what I was doing. I explained how I had a few hours to burn before my mother-in-law's Fourth of July party and (since my sister-in-law was single) invited him to come. He had just started his shift and was working until after 10 pm so he declined.
And then I left.
About 13 or 14 years back, I had some time to burn on the 4th of July. So I made up a sign. In smaller print on the edges of the sign I mentioned that I was NOT a Vietnam vet. I was employed currently and not looking to do any work that day. I had a home. And my health was good. In bold letters, centrally placed I put "NEED MONEY FOR BEER". I staked myself out on the Orem Center street exit of I-15 about a hundred feet from a guy that had his sign.......but really did need money for beer.
The most common thing was people would drive by without even looking at me. For hell's sake I'm holding a boldly lettered sign and waving. Feel free to draw any conclusions you wish.
The second most common response was rolling down the window and screaming things such as "Get a job you lazy bum!" I would point to the part of my sign that mentioned my employment status. It dind't seem to matter to them.
The third most common response was people dangling money outside of their windows. I would thank them naturally, but refused. I did request that they not give it to the guy downstream from me however.
Speaking of the guy downstream, he came up to me after about twenty minutes and told me to leave. I gently told him to go f**k himself and continued.
Over the course of two hours, I had tourist types take pictures with me. About three or four asked, "Aren't you my pharmacist?". And eventually the UHP did show up. The officer took my driver's license and issued a stern warning to me about how I was tresspassing (not true by the way), and didn't have the right to panhandle (also not true if I am not impeding traffic nor being aggressive) and how I was in a whole lot of trouble.
I suppose he ran my name for outstanding warrants or whatever the 'po-po' do. By the time he came back my name had changed to Mr. Loertscher. He asked if I was really a pharmacist and what I was doing. I explained how I had a few hours to burn before my mother-in-law's Fourth of July party and (since my sister-in-law was single) invited him to come. He had just started his shift and was working until after 10 pm so he declined.
And then I left.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
latest DFHS
I went up last Saturday with my oldest kid. Never again. The parking lot was filled beyond capacity. People were parking on the shoulder of the access road. Scouts, youth groups, and the usual assortment of loud people.
All of the pools except the lower two (which are always in good shape) were murky and overrun.
I'll be heading back again before the snow shuts me down. I'm also going only on a WEEKDAY. I can clean out the Kokopellis and soak alone and in silence.
Something that I just want to mention briefly is the passing of my nephew Johnny. Our entire clan is crushed. I shall likely think of little else other than him my next time out. I would have liked to have shared such a place with him.
All of the pools except the lower two (which are always in good shape) were murky and overrun.
I'll be heading back again before the snow shuts me down. I'm also going only on a WEEKDAY. I can clean out the Kokopellis and soak alone and in silence.
Something that I just want to mention briefly is the passing of my nephew Johnny. Our entire clan is crushed. I shall likely think of little else other than him my next time out. I would have liked to have shared such a place with him.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Sushi groupies and a restaurant review
I had always theorized that they might exist. Hell, my wife and I know our favorite sushi chefs and they know us. (Hey Manadu, the big fat guy and his wife just walked in, start making some Sunomono and I'll get the Oshinko and Hell Roll going. OK Rodel.) So it stands to reason that sushi groupies could occur naturally. To an extent I'm one, I suppose, except I've not consumed by a desire to have sex with my favorite sushi chefs. They will still get a Christmas present though.
Today I saw a sushi groupie at the Mikado in Sandy. This specimen sat down right next to me, even though there were 6 other seats open. Her friend asked with an air of resignation, "are you sure you don't want to get a table?". As soon as her ass flopped on the seat, the incessant chatter began. "Oh I heard Kevin from Mizumi works here now". "Do you know how to make the Kevin number two roll?". "What's your best roll?"
The sushi chef smiled a lot and shot back the occasional 'uh-huh'. But he answered what he thought the best roll was and mentioned that I had just eaten one and that perhaps they should ask me if it's any good. Clearly she had no interest in getting the best roll, she was just trying desperately to engage him in conversation. And he was just as desperately trying to avoid it. She was the kind of girl that I might have dated when I was 22 (starving student), but not 24 (pharmacist with no bills and plenty of time and ...... ahem ....... energy).
No fewer than four times she brought up how Mizumi does things and how Kevin (who used to work at Mizumi, but now works at Mikdao but was NOT there) was so wonderful. I wanted to scream out "Go to Mizumi, leave Kevin alone, and SHUT THE F**K UP while I'm eating!". But being old and feeble I caught the eye of the chef in one of her rare quiet monents........he rolled his eyes........message received.
The bento box lunch was good. As was the sushi. The baby octopus salad was a winner though. The Mikado is good in a pinch for lunch when I don't feel like driving all the way to Suehiro. The sushi seems to have a uniformity to it. They all taste alike.
My favorite sushi is at the Teppanyaki in West Jordan. The Sunomono is the best I've ever had. I can order oshinko and not be treated dismissively. The Hell Roll is my favorite roll ever.
Today I saw a sushi groupie at the Mikado in Sandy. This specimen sat down right next to me, even though there were 6 other seats open. Her friend asked with an air of resignation, "are you sure you don't want to get a table?". As soon as her ass flopped on the seat, the incessant chatter began. "Oh I heard Kevin from Mizumi works here now". "Do you know how to make the Kevin number two roll?". "What's your best roll?"
The sushi chef smiled a lot and shot back the occasional 'uh-huh'. But he answered what he thought the best roll was and mentioned that I had just eaten one and that perhaps they should ask me if it's any good. Clearly she had no interest in getting the best roll, she was just trying desperately to engage him in conversation. And he was just as desperately trying to avoid it. She was the kind of girl that I might have dated when I was 22 (starving student), but not 24 (pharmacist with no bills and plenty of time and ...... ahem ....... energy).
No fewer than four times she brought up how Mizumi does things and how Kevin (who used to work at Mizumi, but now works at Mikdao but was NOT there) was so wonderful. I wanted to scream out "Go to Mizumi, leave Kevin alone, and SHUT THE F**K UP while I'm eating!". But being old and feeble I caught the eye of the chef in one of her rare quiet monents........he rolled his eyes........message received.
The bento box lunch was good. As was the sushi. The baby octopus salad was a winner though. The Mikado is good in a pinch for lunch when I don't feel like driving all the way to Suehiro. The sushi seems to have a uniformity to it. They all taste alike.
My favorite sushi is at the Teppanyaki in West Jordan. The Sunomono is the best I've ever had. I can order oshinko and not be treated dismissively. The Hell Roll is my favorite roll ever.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Disneyland
The entire family went to the mouse, Seaworld, and Magic Mountain the last few days. The kids enjoyed themselves thoroughly. For my wife and I, it was something akin to an endurance event. Long lines for a short tide. Heat and dehydration. Vile food (I ate at In and Out AND Tommy burger within a 16 hour span!) Rush hour traffic making for 3 hour one way commutes. God willing, I shall not go back to any of these until I have grandkids.
This was likely the last vacation we will take with all of us in attendance. My oldest will be in college next fall. I hope to pull off a 'weekend' in the spring though. Something like Lehman's cave then off to Mesquite.
I think it is laughable for couples to go to any of these. Cruises are popular too! Nothing like 5000 people being jammed on a boat and getting hit up for money .....errrrr.......gratuities. Why can't they just say pay 'x' amount of dollars and then you can relax. In short, 'vacations' suck. Simply going somewhere and seeing what happens has always been my thing. Next year about this time I'll be heading down to the St. George marathon. Now that would mean a very definite activity for about 8 hours starting early Saturday morning, but after that I am limited only by the beaten body's capability to move.
My idea of a perfect vacation? I've several depending on the time of year and the time that I have. But I can sum them all up in one paragraph.
This was likely the last vacation we will take with all of us in attendance. My oldest will be in college next fall. I hope to pull off a 'weekend' in the spring though. Something like Lehman's cave then off to Mesquite.
I think it is laughable for couples to go to any of these. Cruises are popular too! Nothing like 5000 people being jammed on a boat and getting hit up for money .....errrrr.......gratuities. Why can't they just say pay 'x' amount of dollars and then you can relax. In short, 'vacations' suck. Simply going somewhere and seeing what happens has always been my thing. Next year about this time I'll be heading down to the St. George marathon. Now that would mean a very definite activity for about 8 hours starting early Saturday morning, but after that I am limited only by the beaten body's capability to move.
My idea of a perfect vacation? I've several depending on the time of year and the time that I have. But I can sum them all up in one paragraph.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Hot Springs
Ah yes, it's that time of year. I enjoy natural hot springs very much. I find the geology of these places fascinating and of course warm water and quiet can be pretty good also. In this state, I have soaked in four. I'm not talking about the Homestead, Crystal Hot Springs, etc. but places in the public domain where nature still surrounds you.
Today I went to Diamond Fork Hot Springs (hereafter referred to as DFHS). I will not get into the hows and wheres of getting there. I suppose if someone wanted directions they could just Google it.......I did.
It is a 5 mile round trip and 700 or so feet elevation gain. Not exactly crushing, but a decent workout. I have been there upwards of 40 times over the last few years. I've seen just about everything. There is the drunken college kids, scouts, couples making out, and the occasional enthusiast like myself. It turns out one guy is basically responsible for building all the tubs out of cement he hauled up over the course of the years and the rocks that he had to move to make them. He died a few years back apparently, but I often wonder what it would have been like. Dedicated is one thing. Just the work of constructing the four pools would have been about 500 man hours according to my estimates and that excludes time and expense of materials and transporting them. I'm looking for just such an opportunity, but all the undeveloped springs are not up for grabs.
At any rate, I saw a bit of everything today except the scouts. The water was soothing. The path still fairly bright with autumn colors, and not to many people. I avoid weekends due to crowds obviously. As it gets colder, the waters is even more wonderful and the crowds and the rowdies will fall off. Of course, the weirdest day I ever had there was also one of the coldest. Go figure.
Today I went to Diamond Fork Hot Springs (hereafter referred to as DFHS). I will not get into the hows and wheres of getting there. I suppose if someone wanted directions they could just Google it.......I did.
It is a 5 mile round trip and 700 or so feet elevation gain. Not exactly crushing, but a decent workout. I have been there upwards of 40 times over the last few years. I've seen just about everything. There is the drunken college kids, scouts, couples making out, and the occasional enthusiast like myself. It turns out one guy is basically responsible for building all the tubs out of cement he hauled up over the course of the years and the rocks that he had to move to make them. He died a few years back apparently, but I often wonder what it would have been like. Dedicated is one thing. Just the work of constructing the four pools would have been about 500 man hours according to my estimates and that excludes time and expense of materials and transporting them. I'm looking for just such an opportunity, but all the undeveloped springs are not up for grabs.
At any rate, I saw a bit of everything today except the scouts. The water was soothing. The path still fairly bright with autumn colors, and not to many people. I avoid weekends due to crowds obviously. As it gets colder, the waters is even more wonderful and the crowds and the rowdies will fall off. Of course, the weirdest day I ever had there was also one of the coldest. Go figure.
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