2 thousand and...next!

2010: hamilton hoops, saints win super bowl, winter olympics, did taxes, got in a commercial, phoenix mercury practice session, got blu-ray fever, titans clashed, turned 32, spring conference, Duke over Butler, applied for jobs, family history classes, ate rabbit, only 1 dentist visit, roadie to L.A. for nephew's birthday, new temple dedicated, played city league softball, car battery dies, USA advances in world cup, some job interviews, traded in Rogue for Versa, watched 'Inception', Sweetie's opens, pool parties, SRP gas leak/power outage, house-sat twice, read Mockingjay, blind date: Jesterz improv, fall conference, robbed cradle, carved pumpkins, big family photo, got (kinda) sick, coaching freshmen again, Harry Potter 7.1 released, ate turkey but no pies, christmas devotional, TRON in 3D, got (really)sick, happy birthday Joseph Smith, happy birthday Jesus, more hamilton hoops*
*subbed a lot, too

2011: ... we'll see

Six days of sick

BLEH!

I caught a bug from raking leaves. It made me feel like poo.

Woke up in the morning, and it felt like I had the flu.

Sore throat one day...a hacking cough ensued;

Fatigue set in, I slept and slept, and was a really weak little dude.

But now I'm on the meds, for real - the doc just made it so.

So I'll be good for Christmas day, and that sure works for me, yo!

Let's Play!

I already got a Christmas present !

Who wants to have a tournament ?

* appropriate words only please

This is my December

It's Christmas time again in the big A Z.

Crisp mornings, chilly nights, and shorts weather in the daytime.

And crazy out-of-towners behind the wheel and on the roads!

Santa's in the mall (all the malls) takin pics for $.

Bell ringers gettin your pocket change.

With a party every Saturday all month long!

Lights around the cactus, smores around the fire. Crazy deals on gift items for your peeps.

And of course, all the great hoops going on in gyms all across America.

But let us not forget the true meaning and spirit of this time of year...

"And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inns." (Luke 2:7)

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him..." (Matt. 2:11)

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son...that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

Warm, Delicious, Beverages (w/ friends)

[Because I don't do Facebook, I thought I'd get up a different kind of "status" for the ol' blogspot)

What up world!

Currently, coach Long has seen 1 win for the freshmen boys and hopes for another on 12/2

Mr. Long just subbed 8th grade social studies today, and was glad to see it end :]

J.Long is being hawked by Sallie Mae for his student loans...what a pain

SweetJ has recently released his 3rd Christmas mix CD (it's been given several thumbs ups)

Johnny boy enjoyed some Starbucks this evening with a blind date *holla*

J.D. helped put up chairs after the choir show at the Mesa temple lights - they were awesome

Best song right now: "Marry Me" by Train

Best movie right now: Deathly Hallows pt.1

Best book right now: Ether ch.1-15

Best candy right now: Mike and Ike Red Rageous

Welcome to December y'all!

11/22 - and Giving Thanks

I feel so thankful for many things. Here is just a list of some, in no particular order:

* technology that lets me share info with you

* literacy which allows me to submit these messages

* friends who make me want to post things on websites

* even though I'm going 5 whole days without it, sugar

* a chance to help out the guys on the court and in the classroom

* my hoopty ride (yeah for Versel) which so far works pretty good

* Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ

* correspondences with missionaries in the field

* David Yates and his handling of the latest Harry Potter films...bravo

* actually having some things that I can help donate to those in need

* poetry

* having access to a Rally's right next door to a Sweetie's

* a knowledge of and belief in scriptural truths

* christmas carols

* my dentist

* coupons for car repairs and maintenance

* the hilarious texts both incoming and outgoing on my phone

* work bonus(es)

* my bed/blanket/pillow

* that cancer has yet to get at me in a bad way

[this list may or may not continue to grow this whole week]

have a happy turkey day

- JL

A. B. C. (as shown)

You gotta be quick to get this...

Yours truly is the freshmen boys basketball assistant coach at Hamilton High

(go Huskies)

I had a meeting at work and I missed the team pictures - another sacrifice on my part

We are looking to go 18-0 this season, and yes I can see it happening

I remember when I played 9th grade hoops about 17 years ago . . . I hit the last shot of the whole season (which was my one and only legit shot all year)

a minor highlight for me

: ]

to the Vets

This is for the men and women who have served, are serving, and soon will be fully involved in the defense of our country and the protection of human rights all over the world.

We thank you for your service, your courage, and your sacrifice. We live better lives because of those who put themselves in harms way.

Your acts may never go recognized or rewarded, but your valor in the face of the enemy has benefited the world greatly.

THANK YOU

Why I Can't Get a Job?

The 4 steps to getting hired:

1) application process

2) interview process

3) training process

4) waiting for a phone call, finally getting a phone call, finding out there's no spots open in the desired shift, being called an 'alternate' for that shift...

HOSED (again)!

A funny thing happened on the way to gaining seasonal but full time employment. I was getting 'the business' so instead I opted to pick up the coaching gig again and help a brother out.

I think assisting the freshman boys basketball team is a good 'alternative' to doing 12 hour shifts anyway.

18 games this year - hopefully 18 wins !

fun starts Nov. 30 ... stay tuned

SUPERior Men

A couple of weeks ago we had a lesson in Elder's Quorum about being true disciples of Christ.

There is the example of a father-son team, Dick & Rick Hoyt that is the real deal and way inspiring.

http://www.teamhoyt.com/

Check them out on their site, have hanky handy.

This is a good depiction of the ultimate in being Christ-like to others.

"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (Galatians 5:14)

Sir I.M. Goldman

My nephew turned 10 years old on Oct. 10, 2010.

A party was held in honor of the fact.

There were 5 'golden connors' awarded to several people for various things.

I won a G.C. for giving the golden gift (10 one dollar gold coins).

I show the man, in all his golden glory.

Oh, to be young again ... maybe not, actually ...

Columbus & a countdown

#1

Reality gradually forced Columbus to a new conclusion: he had not reached India or China, and after a second voyage in 1493-still convinced he was in the Pacific Ocean-Columbus admitted he had stumbled on a new land mass, perhaps even a new continent of astounding natural resources and wealth. In February 1493, he wrote his Spanish patrons that Hispaniola and other islands like it were "fertile to a limitless degree," possessing mountains covered by "trees of a thousand kinds and tall, so that they seem to touch the sky." He confidently promised gold, cotton, spices-as much as Their Highness should command-in return for only minimal continued support. Meanwhile, he continued to probe the Mundus Novus south and west. After returning to Spain yet again, Columbus made two more voyages to the New World in 1498 and 1502.

[- A Patriot's History of the United States, Schweikart & Allen, 2004, p.4]

#2

Your eyes do not deceive you. I count only 38 more days until the release of HP7 (part 1).

Try now to get off work. Excuse yourself from classes. This is a midnight showing event if ever there was one. So it's not in 3-D. It will still be worth the $12 or whatever they decide to charge.

Get in line early and don't forget the gummies!

I don't drink TEA-PARTY of one

(The "Uncle Sam, you're killin' me!" memo)

Government math --> Taxes+Taxes=Taxes

I love the U.S. of A. I really do. But it has problems. Those problems all have something to do with people who think they know how to run the country. Let's be honest now and really break down what our government is up to. First of all, we need to apply the "Less is More" principle. There are way too many unnecessary and insignificant departments. Article 1, Section 8, of the Constitution clearly states what Congress is supposed to do and not do. So what happened? Why do we have multiple organizations that don't need to be there? Who gave the okay for those? It's not about pointing fingers, though. How about we try to fix the situation, shall we?

Yes, there is an enormous deficit. But it didn't just show up overnight. Guess who is not to blame for the deficit...that's right, the tax payers. The only reason we don't have enough money is because of all the politicians who spend the money that isn't theirs to spend. Well, we can always print more, right? Getting more wood only feeds the fire, it doesn't make it smaller. There is a way to make things better, believe it or not.

Step 1 - stop wasting money all you schmoes in congress!

Step 2 - forget china, bring back all our factory jobs!

Step 3 - quit, stop, enough, no more, taxes! (there's already too many right now)

Step 4 - give successful business owners jobs in government (Romney in 2012!)

Step 5 - accountability, please!

You might be thinking this is another one of his crazy rants. You should you like this one at least. I wouldn't waste my precious blogs on things that didn't matter. Okay, once in a while, maybe - but not now! Last Sep.-Dec. I created a form letter and made copies and sent one to every senator and congress person from AZ and did it once a week. Those copies, envelopes, and stamps sure add up quick. But I felt a need to annoy the letter openers in those various offices with a message from an irate citizen.

I hope I made my point. Please let me know your impressions.

- JL

Real, really real

This is some kind of weekend coming up. Today is Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday. Here's what that means:

* It is projected that the newest Rally's restaurant in the state of AZ will open on Alma School & Chandler Blvd. Guess what? Lunch is served! Two Big Bufords and a banana shake to ease anyone's pain.

*Probably the biggest high school sporting event in Chandler's 98 year history. ESPN2 is coming in to show it live to the rest of the country. Hamilton (#1) and top recruit Christian Westerman vs. Chandler (#2) and top recruit Brett Hundley. Extra bleachers will be added. A new scoreboard will be unveiled. Tickets will be sold at 4:00, gates are opening at 5:00. Of course, kickoff isn't until 7. I think that 10,000 people in attendance is NOT an unreasonable estimate. Go wolves! Go huskies! Go $$$ for CUSD!

* Oh yeah, I am going out with a lovely young lady from Queen Creek. Should be fun. That's all I'll say about that.

Saturday:

*General Conference sessions 1 & 2. [Have to work] Priesthood session later with full-blown Elder's Quorum man-bonding afterwards. BBQ? sports? HALO? Sure, why not :P

Sunday:

*General Conference/Cinnamon Roll Extravaganza. What else can I say? I'm so there. But NOT in a purple shirt.

As you can see, this looks to be an interesting weekend for several reasons (one of them NOT being Oktoberfest). I'm glad that Fall is finally here.

Why So Serious-ly Hot Still

TRIVIA TIME !!!

(answers on bottom - no cheating)

1. Name the year: Sony Walkman comes out, 1st test tube baby born, Velcro introduced to public, VCR hits the market.

A. 1977

B. 1978

C. 1979

D. 1981

2. How many U.S. presidents have been assassinated?

A. 2

B. 3

C. 4

D. 5

3. Name the longest running TV show in U. S. history.

A. Law & Order

B. Meet the Press

C. Gunsmoke

D. the Simpsons

4. Who is the top-selling author of all time?

A. J.R.R. Tolkien

B. Charles Dickens

C. J.K. Rowling

D. C.S. Lewis

5. Michael Jordan played for how many different professional teams in his career?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 3

D. 4

6. On what day did the World Trade Center towers fall?

A. Monday

B. Tuesday

C. Wednesday

D. Thursday

7. True or False? The capital of Delaware is Dover.

8. Which state's nickname is the 'Sunshine State'?

A. California

B. Texas

C. Hawaii

D. Florida

9. The War of 1812 was fought between which countries?

A. France and United States

B. U.S. and the U.K.

C. France and England

D. Native Americans and the British

10. Name the most successful rock band of all time.

A. The Rolling Stones

B. The Eagles

C. The Beatles

D. U2

11. Which movie won more total Oscars?

A. Ben Hur

B. Titanic

C. Lord of the Rings

D. West Side Story

12. Which president is on the $20 bill?

A. Grant

B. Jackson

C. Johnson

D. Jefferson

13. Which state's flag has a bear on it?

A. Montana

B. Wyoming

C. California

D. Maine

14. How many people are there in Congress?

A. 100

B. 250

C. 435

D. 535

15. The North Star is part of which constellation?

A. Orion

B. Ursa Minor

C. Ursa Major

D. Polaris

16. What color is a Granny Smith apple?

A. Yellow

B. Red

C. Green

D. if you don't know this...

17. The Cold War was mostly between which countries?

A. England and Ireland

B. Alaska and Russia

C. U.S. and U.S.S.R.

D. Russia and Japan

18. True or False? Penguins live in the North Pole.

19. Xeranthemum is a type of

A. bacteria

B. flower

C. virus

D. vegetable

20. Which one is not a type of gum?

A. Super Bubble

B. Double Bubble

C. Bubble Yum

D. Bubblicious

*(answers:)

1. B, 2. C, 3. B, 4. A, 5. C, 6. B, 7. True, 8. D, 9. B, 10. C, 11. tricky-A, B, C all won 11 Oscars, 12. B, 13. C, 14. D, 15. B, 16. C, 17. C, 18. False, 19. B, 20. A

Correct:

1-5 --> "what's trivia?"

6-10 --> slept in class

11-15 --> soft glow lightbulb

16-20 --> You can be my friend!

!parc eht tahW

oN, s'ti ton ruoy seye, s'ti em gnitirw siht eritne tsop ni esrever. aH aH.
yhW dluow I od taht ot ouy?
lleW fi ouy kniht siht si dnik fo gniyonna, neht emoclew ot tahw s'ti ekil gnibbus ni a ht7 edarg htam ssalc rof 7 sruoh no a yadirf.
dnA os ecnis siht si gnitrats ot ekam ym daeh truh, I lliw tel uoy teg kcab ot ruoy dnekeew.
retaL no speep!

-J

*sI ti yllaer ni esrever, ro si ti tsuj sdrawkcab?
mmmh

MockingJay review - not really a spoiler alert

So in 48 hours I was favored with the conclusion of Suzanne Collins's popular teenage-drama trilogy. If you haven't yet read the first two, I would refer you to them before finishing this post...

I do hear that there is talk of putting these on the big screen. After reading this, I think it would be a good idea, if it's done right.

The Hunger Games was a good introductory piece to this series. Then there was Catching Fire, which I thought was going to make me sweat or something, but it left me yearning for some shaved ice. MockingJay was about as good as it could be for a finale.

I think the characters were a little under-valued, except for Katniss of course. The story gets a tiny bit choppy in parts. There was some intrigue, however, and even flashes of intensity in the action. Collins also threw in a few sentimental moments, for the younger-and-perhaps-female fans to enjoy. The conclusion goes from "WHAT?" to "REALLY?" and then settles on "I KNEW IT!" (similar to Harry Potter 7)

My final assessment is: A well-done part 3 that keeps you in until the very last page.

* 4 stars out of 5

Look-alikes?

So let's say you were going on a blind date, and they wanted to know what you look like, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

If it was me, I would just tell them straight up ---

if you put carson daly

with mr. bean

and freddie prinze, jr.

then you would almost have my doppleganger...

so that's one way to put it i guess

changes at the office of JFL, Inc.

So due to some recent budget cutbacks we had to get a new secretary person

another change was made with the security guard area

(we caught this one on their lunch break)

Man, this economy is pretty rough! but we try and get by though you know...

what a world we live in

This is the last book I read, just recently (it's mostly a rough draft). The real title is How Can You Possibly Be a Mormon and a Democrat?

- I hope I have permission from the author to post this -

Anyways, he wrote about being a Latter-Day Saint and how that figures in to politics and government. It comes at you from multiple viewpoints (right, left, middle, etc.) Several major topics are debated, with a plethora of scriptures, quotes, statistics, and the like.

Overall, I thought it was a good way to present some of the perspectives on controversial subjects. I guess the bottom line is we just need to learn to be more civil with our fellow man, regardless of our opinions.

Or, 'What would Jesus do?'...

I think he would turn over a few tables in Congress (jk) (kinda)

[P.S. This is the copy the author gave to me. It is not yet on the market. The hope is that it will be the first in a series though. If you would like a better review/preview, I'm sure that can be arranged.]

Absoludicridiculositousness (mine)

where do they find these people?
...just another reason to vote in November...
one of Washington's finest with a brain smaller than a pea!

Poster Child for what is wrong in Washington, D.C.

You will simply not believe this. Our 8th district U.S. Congressional representative, the Hon. Gabrielle Giffords, in a meeting of the House Armed Services Committee, asked Gen. David Petraeus the following question, "General Petraeus, what are you doing to reduce carbon emissions in the war on terror?"
Wow. I had to read and re-read this several times to believe it. Folks, there are American sons and daughters dying every week on the foreign battlefields of southwest Asia. The nation is completely bankrupt and...quite literally, borrowing 43 cents for every dollar in federal spending. We have the largest environmental disaster in the nation's history in the Gulf of Mexico, and we have Mexican drug armies invading our nation. And yet...a member of Congress from Arizona's 8th congressional district took the time to ask our battlefield commander what he is doing to curb carbon emmissions in the war. Gabrielle Giffords is the poster child for what is wrong with the U.S. Congress. We are being led by imbeciles. To the rest of America reading this blog, and to Gen. Petraeus if this email makes it to your inbox...my sincerest apologies for the stupid question asked of you by my U.S. congressional representative. General...I am sure you have better things to worry about than carbon emissions on the battlefield. I assure you, as a registered voter in Arizona's 8th congressional district, I will do everything I can to ensure Rep. Giffords is voted out of office in November, and I pray you will get back to business of fighting the war on terror without worrying about such petty and nonsensical matters as your carbon footprint in the war.

Mark Beres, Maj. USAF (ret.), Tucson, AZ

FYI: The 8th district surrounds Tucson to the north, south and east (Tucson is in the 7th district) and covers the southeast corner of AZ.

What Google says about Rep. Giffords -
Representative Gabrielle Giffords (AZ) took Afghan commander, General David Petraeus, to task for what she characterized as a willful disregard of the environmental impact of our war effort. 'There is no policy, no plan to minimize carbon emissions in our military activities', Giffords charged. 'Bombs are dropped and bullets are fired without considering the environmental impact.' Giffords insisted that she was not demanding an immediate halt to current military operations in the Middle East. 'I'm just saying that battle plans should include an environmental impact assessment as a regular part of the process before attacks are launched.'
She also suggested that the Army put more emphasis on less environmentally damaging methods, like stabbing or clubbing enemy forces in order to minimize the carbon output.

*New rules of engagement:
I think we ought to put her on the front lines so she can stab or club the enemy. It staggers the imagination that people like this can get elected to Congress! Walk softly and carry a big knife or big stick to save the environment.

God help us.

Sounds of the Cicadas

This little guy looks confused. I was the same for a while. I was wondering when we were gonna get our 'good monsoon storm'. Well, it finally came just this week. It rained like crazy for a little bit. So I couldn't go swimming. But at least the cars got a wash.

Stupid El Nino, or whatever

p.s. School has already started back up...can you believe it?

What can I say ?

This might as well be me. I use the phrase on a fairly regular basis. There are so many reasons for me doing so. Like right now, because it's so hot & muggy outside I feel like jumping off a cliff (into an iceberg or something)...

Wordsworth, William

"A slumber did my spirit seal,

I had no human fears.

She seemed a thing that could not feel

the touch of earthly years.

No motion has she now, no force;

she neither hears nor sees.

Rolled 'round in earth's diurnal course,

with rocks, and stones, and trees."

Who's Who

Whoa!

Where has the year gone?

Anyways, I am making a special offer to you, the public.

I will put YOU on my blog. That's correct.

Send me a pic of you that you like and I will construct a mini-bio

to post on this site. Don't all rush in at once.

This offer is good for the remainder of '10. But the sooner the better, baby.

And believe me when I tell you that it will be

a one-of-a-kind display of your essence, your charm, & my ability to capture it.

*Good summer to you all...

Smells like...

(click on image)

"Question" (raises hand)

These two characters make their re-appearance to the big screen this week (hooray!, if you're a kid)

But my beef for the week is this: Try to tell me how this works out:

Alice in Wonderland was only in theaters for 3 months and it grossed $1,017,220,165

The Dark Knight (by far a better movie) was out for twice as long-6 months-and came up with only $1,001,921,825

Was it that more kids came to see Alice? Ticket prices went up again in the two years? Alice was in more theaters? One was bootlegged more? What?

whatever...

I don't get people ... or movies nowadays ...

North A. in South A.

Sat. (12th) is when USA faces off against England in 1 of 3 first round world cup matches.

Wear your red, white, blue, and cross your fingers!

I think we got a good chance to come out and make some noise this time. But we will be up against the likes of Brazil, Spain, and defending champs-Italy.

It won't really be easy, but it should be fun to watch!

100 days, 100 degrees

(Post-Memorial Day rambling)

The pool is nice, the watermelon's ready, summer's here again, try not to get too sweaty.

* Today is officially the International Day of the Child, aka 'Children's Day'. So if you have kids, read them a Dr. Seuss and let them have a cookie. Give them a hug and a kiss. Then take a break while they play with the dog. Remember that they will be the ones to carry on after you.
No kids yet?
No worries.
But don't wait too long : )

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” -Theodor Geisel

Cali Cali y'all

Party in L.A. !
Nephew's 1st Birthday - at El Dorado park in Long Beach.
This guy thought he would try to crash it.
What is this? Over the Hedge part 2?




















In case you have any doubts about the festivities...





















It might have been a little too much fun for one day ... but you should have seen him 2 hours later when the cake kicked in [yowsers]
8D

Go Team Go

The past 7 Wednesday nights have included me and a slew of other dudes on the softball fields at a park in Chandler. Some were old, some were out of shape, others were show-offs. What are you gonna do?

We don't care for the record - we had fun out there. (less than admirable maybe)
The tourney is coming up soon...hope we can get 'er done! We really do enjoy playing - we just like it more when we win, ya know.

Oh yeah we were the Panthers 8-]

TRIX are for grown-ups, too

Recently, I met up with a visitor from our neighbors to the north (what up, eh)
We hit up a local dining establishment, which just so happened to be where a friend of mine works, who just so happened to be our server. Thanks Jen! Check it out:

http://www.houseoftricks.com/site

We both enjoyed it and found it to be a pleasant overall experience and recommend it to you and your friends. I got to taste the "Seafood Stuffed Poblano Pepper with Goat Cheese, Creamy Baja Sauce and Red Pepper Coulis" as well as the "Mustard Braised Rabbit with Celery Root Puree, Glazed Baby Carrots, Black Mission Figs and Watercress". The dessert is rich and caps off the meal nicely.

It actually was my first time having rabbit, and it was quite tasty. So moral of the story - get a date, go to the TRIX in Tempe, sit outside, ask for the section of Jen S., tip well, enjoy. Let me know how it went if you want to...

peace out peeps
- J

give props (or whatever the word is now)

A friend of mine is currently involved with a good cause. He is fighting a serious fight for the benefit of others. When you look up 'champion' in the dictionary, this is a definition that you see. Feel free to at least check the site. Donations are optional, but helpful, and can be anonymous.

http://troyhatch.com/

no, I'M not in Italy, unfortunately

SO SORRY to be late with my posting

BUT it has been made clear to me that it's time for another list of things that are good, with maybe a list for bad things too, huh?

Ready? whatever

THE GOOD LIST (all about perspective right?)
- winning money at trivia
- free food on your birthday
- the weather, so far
- gas prices not going up (yet)
- watermelon & BBQ
- SUNS beating portland
- Panthers softball team
- 40% off books
- screening movies for free
- ooey gooey caramel brownie blizzard at DQ
- "Lonesome Dove" on blu-ray
- finding some dress clothes NOT made in china [thank you SteinMart]
- an inside tour of Chase field
- bread crumb coated chicken dinners at the Suites
- going to the temple more often

THE BAD LIST
- whoever the current president is
- the unnecessary hulabaloo about the recent immigration bill passed in AZ
- any kind of thinking that the above bill will even matter at all
- schools not having the funds they need
- some bloggers not having the funds they need...certain bloggers
- Samsung cell phone batteries
- people getting dissed by earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.
- the last movie seen at the drive ins (refund!)
- traffic accidents that take all day to clean up
- sooo much road construction
- people that can't control themselves enough to drive at reasonable speeds
- double tendonitis in the elbows :(
- waiting until august for The MockingJay to come out
- twitter, facebook, myspace, and other such sites --> all they do is suck out personal info for scams galore...and waste time
* I was serious about that last one, it's been proven *

pre(review)

Whoa! What's this chick doin' all up on my BLOG?

Well, it's actually my prop for the following post.

While the movie-whose poster you see here-does not come out until May 14th, I was able to be one of the crowd who recently screened it at a local theater. Here's the skinny:

So I don't often take in these types of films (chick flicks) yet I have to say that I was not let down. Sure it was free, but it still had some merit as a decent quality picture. My friend sitting next to me informed me that it was good enough for her-and I trusted her opinion.

This comes from the director of "Charlotte's Web", and "Bride Wars", and he remains effective in his presentation. The setting (Italy) was pleasant and attractive, with music to match the scenery.

Is it predictable? Sure. These kinds of movies usually end the same - happily. Is it worth your time? Indeed. It expresses the best traits of being in love, complete with appropriate lines and suitable acting. I also liked that it was "good, clean fun". So take the family, or just your sweetie, and enjoy 111 min. of AMORE!

Ever Elusive

GOOD GRIEF!
No, it's not Charlie Brown's problem - it's my complaint.
My question is why, WHY?

Any of you avid shoppers out there (even just 'window' shopping types) please be on the lookout for neckties that are NOT made in China. Trust me, they are hard to find. The good ties that are made in other places just cost like $25-$30 (see how that works?) I'm surprised I even have the ones I do, quite frankly.

So to recap:
1. I don't like stuff made in china
2. I have hard time finding dress pants, dress shoes and socks, and now ties - thanks to #1

Not to be a Donny Downer ... but this is a rather annoying epidemic >: [

good times

Happy Birthdays:
- HK (4/3)
- Millera6 (4/6)
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (4/6)

Now...what to post...hmmm...I got it!

APRIL is Jazz Appreciation month AND it's also National Poetry month. So, all you crazy cats get cranked and snap to this. I call it "Spring's flings" (Norah Jones w/ background)

That's right Daddy-O, go ahead and razz my berries.
I might go ape about this gig and lose my mind slowly.
When the rain stops and the sun shines I see the man steppin' on my dreams.
Ain't Spring the thing?

I'm hip to your tricks brother, and it's bringin' me down.
Don't call me kookie or I'll lay it on you with two coats.
It's about time to let the fish and the flowers do their thing.
Yeah, Spring still stings!

Before I cut out I wanna know that you're havin' a blast, and you dig my jive.
I'm not into rattlin' your cage, so cool out with the other cubes baby.
Let's see how the wind blows the news to our ears...listen...listen.
This is some fling, man.

Not a 'girlie man'

As I write this on Fri., I have spent this past week 'in training' so to speak to get in better shape.
For what?
Well, tomorrow after work I will head down to the US Airways Center practice facility and play some b-ball. They are holding tryouts to field a practice squad for the Phoenix Mercury. Yes, I will be competing w/ many other dudes across the valley for the chance at one of maybe 15 spots. Those selected are to receive some new shoes and some game tickets. Just for showing up: a t-shirt and a boxed lunch.
Do I think I have what it takes?
Not necessarily.
BUT I have worked out this whole week to try and get back into decent hoops form. My diet has even been adjusted to help me with the conditioning (although I definitely could've done a better job at this :)
Workouts included running laps & sprints, aquarobics/cardio, and hours in the gym doing drills for dribbling and shooting.
Not that I think I am at all 'game ready'. My hope is that I can hang with the other guys and not embarrass myself too much.
Now...who wants to play me some H-O-R-S-E ?

In the 'Biz

So Friday was interesting/educational for me.
I spent the majority of the day at Villa Siena in Gilbert for a GODADDY commercial shoot.
It was a poker theme and it featured Vanessa Rousso (top 5 all-time female poker tournament money-maker).
There were about a dozen of us that were extras and we just sat in the background at the tables acting like we were playing some Hold 'em.
There was a lot of sitting around in the lounge, but we did get snacks, and lunch was pretty top-notch in my opinion.
The set was loaded with the crew, and props, and lights.
For my first time, I think I rather enjoyed it.
The worst part was that I missed most of the day's March Madness games.
So goes my intro to the entertainment industry...

I feel naked, I mean bare

Did you peep into this post out of curiosity?
I'm sure.

The reason for my title is that I have given up my Star Wars Trilogies and my Lord of the Rings collection. I know, crazy huh? It's because I feel like movin on up to the next step - Blu Ray. The Lord of the Rings 3-pack comes out in a few weeks. I still need a player of course, and an HDMI cable. This is an urge that's probably worth the wait.

Along the Family History lines, the following website is a DANDY.

http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/

This program is free, but the Deluxe version seems to impress others more. You can do some pretty cool stuff with your ancestral information in this system. (I wouldn't pass it on if it was anything less than cool)

Just like you wouldn't be reading this if you were anything less than cool. See how that works out?

B- ]

Ladies, I got your back

Yes, today is International Women's Day, or something like that. Apparently, this is not observed here in the United States. Although, International Men's Day is November 19, and that does seem to be recognized by the U.S. of A.

Hey - don't look at me - I don't get it either. (chauvinism rules ?)

There's even an International Children's Day (June 1) and a Universal Children's Day (Nov. 20). So what's really going on here?

Well, all I can do is supply the information. I had no say in their origins. Why do we need to come up with "___ Days" to remember the roles of the family? It should be "Family Day" every day if you know what I mean. Some parents are lame, which affects the kids. [Trust me, I'm a first-hand witness] This takes its toll on our society.

Come on people...step it up!

YEAR of the TIGER

Don't you just want to play some "SURVIVOR" right now?


So I didn't want to leave February behind without acknowledging the fact that it is Black History Month. Originally, it started with Carter G. Woodson back in 1926 as "Negro History Week" (or so the report goes). Since then, there have been many disputes over its relevance in our society. Even some of the more prominent black folks feel that it has lost its true value and meaning along the way. Well that's kinda weird. It's better than not having it at all though, right? I don't know. I guess you can't please everybody. Oh well.


* GO SUNS !

Some kind of day

So President's Day 2010 involved getting to the top of good old Camelback mountain. The top view is of the buttes by ASU (not close). The next scene is of Sky Harbor Airport (pretty far away). The third pic is of downtown PHX (way over there). Had I taken a few snaps from the other side, there would just be some shots of really nice rich houses w/ pools and tennis courts everywhere. The hike was a good one - no injuries, arrests, or other such drama. Why don't you give it a try and let me know what you think...

spread the word

So here's my 'name drop' for the week - check out this stuff from CleverEddie (the lead is in my ward)

http://www.myspace.com/clevereddiemusic

50/50

* Beware...this post is 1/2 rant & 1/2 rave ( I'm all about balance)

My 'rant' is this:
I will say it right now. Phoenix has fallen apart and it was all under Napolitano's watch. They handled their city's budget like a fat kid with a piece of cake (not to offend, but just for imagery). If they think the best way to start to get things under control is to let go of some of their public servants, then they are more foolish than we realized. Firemen and policemen are VITAL to the safety of our society. As it is, they are under the needed amount of personnel - being heavily outnumbered by the citizenry. I don't have the exact ratio right now, but it is not close at all. These are people who often risk their lives just to do their jobs. Rewarding their loyalties by giving them a pink slip is not the right way to go at all. I feel bad for the reputation of this state if that is indeed what happens. You want to cut back on some jobs to save some money you don't have? Get rid of the clowns involved in letting this happen in the first place. The ones with nice offices that spend taxpayer money to eat out and take trips, etc. Need I say more?

Now for my 'rave':
OOOOOweeeee! It's all about the Jelly Belly, baby. I can't even pretend to say how much this stuff rocks. Not just because it's a product of the USA (take that China), nothing can beat a good mix of the JB beans. Talk about awesome! For those of you who have taken a tour of the factory (probably in Fairfield, California) you have to agree with me. There's nothing better than sampling some of the 40 or 50 wonderful flavors they provide. Every bite is a party in your mouth. No, this is not being juvenile. I am so legitimate right now. What else can I add to this shameless promotion of empty calories. If this is your only vice -jelly bean gluttony- I would still vote for you to get into heaven. In other words, eat these things like there's no tomorrow. Man, now I wish I had some to partake of. Off to the store I go!

Call it whatever

Another B-L-O-G, another day of R-A-I-N?

Last night we watched the Mesa Jackrabbits visit the home court of the Hamilton Huskies. These two played in December (holiday tournament) and Mesa handled the Huskies then. This was still on the players' minds no doubt. Hamilton had a some key players sitting out, unfortunately. Mesa has probably the best point guard in the state and another one going to play for Tulsa next year.

At the end of the first quarter, Hamilton was ahead. At the half, Mesa was up by 7 or so. The third quarter ended with Mesa still in the lead. The last five minutes of regulation were electric, however. The Huskies took over and came back to tie it up, sending it into overtime. The students were rowdy, the parents were buzzing, and the refs ... well, they didn't exactly bring their A games.

Coincidentally, the game just happened to be broadcast live over the AIA website. So the proof is there. I can't count the number of bad calls or no calls on the part of the officials. But life goes on.

Here we go into an extra 4 minutes of action. The Huskies were in a zone, it seemed, and were up by 2 with about a minute left (due to an obvious goal-tend which the refs didn't call). Then the Jackrabbit all-star Jahii-what's-his-name took the ball and tied the game again. As Hamilton comes in after that, they made a costly turnover. Then a questionable foul call sends Mr. Carson to the line for 2 more shots. He missed one, surprisingly, putting Mesa up 73-72 with a few seconds left. Hamilton hurries the ball down and we find big Micah Fetters shooting it in the corner as the clock winds down. . .

The night was full of exciting overtime thrillers. The Phoenix Suns lost at home to the inferior Charlotte Bobcats in OT. The #1 ranked Kentucky Wildcats went down against the Gamecocks of South Carolina. And sadly, the mighty Hamilton Huskies felt the crushing blow of defeat, barely losing to potentially the best team in the Valley of the Sun.

A referee call here, a made free throw there, and today is a day of joy for HHS fans. But we can't let it ruin our day. That's what the clouds are for.

- JL

Subbing

The other day I subbed for my 190th time since '07.

Here's what subbing in a junior high/high school classroom is like nowadays:

- eating a whole bag of "sluggles"
- holding a handful of dirt for several hours straight
- manufactured drama (like the kind on soap operas)
- letting ants crawl on you
- gargling vinegar
- running w/ shoelaces untied
- dipping earlobes in hot wax
- watching people ride roller coasters
- getting in a pie throwing fight ... and losing
- listening to a record of a shakespeare play, in reverse
- going to the zoo and someone pulls the fire alarm

heres a happy : )

So, as promised, I present the first edition of the "Things That Are Cool" list...

- San Marcos ward socials
- doing Family History
- Tax refunds $$$
- Super Mario for Wii
- Hamilton Huskies hoops
- 10 Ghirardelli squares for $1.00
- going on a mission to Mongolia
- Peter Piper Pizza's lunch buffet
- a little thing I like to call "Sherlock Holmes" (now playing)
- writing letters to missionaries
- baptisms/confirmations
- the Cards playoff win over the Packers
- and yes...the LoveSac

Not to brag, but it's 69 degrees here

While a lot of people in those other places are getting it from the freezing snow and other such weather messes, I have made a list of other really crappy things. It's just a short list, I'm sure.

- Things made in China
- Obama's fling with abusing his powers
- Not making enough money
- Drunk drivers - including bus drivers and delivery trucks
- Cancer :(
- All the "Saw" movies (seriously, stop making those already)
- Finding a hair in your DQ blizzard
- Harassing mormons without cause
- ASU's record this past football season
- Spam emails

BUT the good news is the list of really cool things is shortly forthcoming, so stay tuned kids!