Aboge

SF Photo Excursion

2012-01-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

Had a chance this weekend to head out to SF on a photo excursion with Rex and Ray. It was fun visiting new places, geeking out on camera stuff and taking pics.

CA Academy of Science:

DeYoung Museum:

Legion of Honor:

Have to do it again.

Indoor plane at the Franklin Institute

2011-11-05T23:22:00.005-07:00

Indoor plane at the Franklin Institute, a photo by Nikon Dom on Flickr.

Franklin Memorial inside the Franklin Institute

2011-11-05T23:22:00.003-07:00

Franklin Memorial inside the Franklin Institute, a photo by Nikon Dom on Flickr.

Liberty Bell

2011-11-05T23:22:00.001-07:00

Liberty Bell, a photo by Nikon Dom on Flickr.

Went to Philadelphia last month to attend a Baptism and was able to do a little sightseeing. Visited the Mint, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Franklin Institute. We also went to NY to watch the Lion King Broadway show and went to the famous Lombardi's to have some pizza. We also ran up the Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Was a fun, but short trip.

Lounging squirrel

2011-11-05T22:52:00.001-07:00

Lounging squirrel, a photo by Nikon Dom on Flickr.

Went outside and saw this squirrel lounging on the fence post. Luckily he didn't move when I went in to grab my camera.

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2011-08-11T11:58:00.001-07:00

_DSC6707.JPG, a photo by Nikon Dom on Flickr.

Casa Loma...the Canadian version of Hearst Castle.

_DSC6419.JPG

2011-08-11T11:56:00.001-07:00

_DSC6419.JPG, a photo by Nikon Dom on Flickr.

We had lunch at the CN Tower in Toronto, which had a rotating dining area where we got to see the greater Toronto area. This is a pic looking through the glass floor of the tower. Kind of scary.

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2011-08-11T11:53:00.001-07:00

_DSC6468.JPG, a photo by Nikon Dom on Flickr.

In Toronto, we did a fun segway tour of the Distillery district, where we also got to sample chocolate and beer during the tour.

_DSC5753.JPG

2011-08-11T11:51:00.001-07:00

_DSC5753.JPG, a photo by Nikon Dom on Flickr.

We went on the Maid of the Mist boat tour to get another view of the Falls. "Mist" is a misleading word for this tour as I got drenched, even with the poncho.

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2011-08-11T11:48:00.001-07:00

_DSC5690.JPG, a photo by Nikon Dom on Flickr.

The Niagara Falls tour we took was about 4 hours and 30 min and crossed the border into the US for the tour. This pic was from the Cave of the Winds portion of the tour where we got an up close view of the Bridal Veil Falls.

Canada, Eh!

2011-08-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

Went to Canada for a week. Went to Niagara Falls and Toronto to tour the sites. It was a lot of fun, but was hot and humid. Sucks that the US dollar was weaker to the Canadian dollar. Pics of the trip to follow.

2nd Place!

2011-07-19T23:49:00.001-07:00

_DSC5332.JPG, a photo by Nikon Dom on Flickr.

So I took this picture of a gear at the Alameda County Fair and decided to enter this in the digital photo contest. It got 2nd place...not bad for my first photo contest. Check out the Fair next year as it will probably be displayed.

Coyote Valley Sporting Clays

2011-04-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

It was a nice day at Coyote Valley. Dave's first time out with his shottie, hit a lot of clays both on the skeet and sporting clay stations. Gotta go again.

Camera Gear Shelf

2011-03-31T21:36:00.001-07:00

Camera_Shelf.JPG, a photo by Nikon Dom on Flickr.

Camera gear boxes took the top shelf.

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2011-03-30T23:24:00.001-07:00

_DSC4016.JPG, a photo by Nikon Dom on Flickr.

Pic of a few lenses using 50mm lens.

Fireworks

2010-07-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

4th of July BBQ potluck at Dave and Daph's.

Ken's Bachelor Party Weekend at Lake McClure

2010-07-02T18:56:00.001-07:00

For Ken's bachelor party we went to Lake McClure and camped last weekend. One of the guys brought out his boat and it was the first time I ever tried to wakeboard. Five tries and I was done...got up once for about a split second then bailed. I think I drank about a gallon of lake water. Other than the fact that it was hot as hell out there, it was a good time.

Back to sporting clays...

2010-06-13T00:26:00.000-07:00

Dave's first time at sporting clays. It was a fun time out, even though I didn't hit that many clays, but it was probably the wind.

Trying to keep up with the times...

2010-05-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

Man its been a while since I've built a pc. I don't even know whats good out there. LGA 1156 Wha? Core I7-5-3 Huh? Well been doing some research and probably gonna try to build a middle of the road system. Here's what I've got on the list so far: Intel Core I5 750 cpu, Asus P7P55D-E Pro, BFG GTX 260 OC Max Core video card, prob 4 gb ram to start with Windows 7 64bit running the show, got a case, drives, but prob need to replace the power supply. Open to suggestions...

My First Dive!

2010-04-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

So today I went on my first dive! OK, ok...it's not technically a real dive in open water but in a small pool. Sport Chalet in Pleasanton offers free introductory scuba lessons on every third saturday of the month and all you have to do is sign up on their schedule. In a nut shell it was short video, then fitting for gear, and finally in the water! It was a pretty cool experience. Not sure if I will be going for the cert...yet? The gear is pretty costly, but it's a whole different world under water...we'll see.

My first time Trap/Skeet shooting

2010-01-15T00:38:00.000-08:00

Today was the first time I ever went trap/skeet shooting, and first time to ever shoot a shotgun. It was a lot of fun and way harder than it looks. We first started at the trap range and I got to shoot an over-under shotgun...not too bad, but has a really strong kick. After the first round, I switched to a semi-auto Benelli. Although the recoil wasn't as bad, I didn't hit as many as the over-under.
We then moved over to the skeet range. That was even better...multiple stations and clays coming from either side. I started with the pump shotgun...funny when the doulbe clays came, almost forgot to pump! So ended up using the over-under again. Even though the over-under has the strongest kick, I think I did the best with it. I'll definitely go again.

Vince hits the clay.
And here he missed.

Into the New Year...2010!

2010-01-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

Wow...my last blog entry was Thanksgiving of last year? Well the holidays were great. Spent time with family, ate a lot, and rested. But the main reason for this entry is the disappointment of an event we attended last night. I've been to the Silicon Valley International Car Show for quite a few years and this year shows the apparent impact of the economy on the auto industry. Even though we went opening day and some exhibits weren't open yet, we noticed that there were some car manufacturers that weren't there...Nissan, Infiniti, Audi, Porsche, Volvo, Saab, Mercedes...what a disappointment. Oh well, guess we'll have to wait for the SF show.

Some of the cars Chelle is considering to replace her 1999 Nissan Altima:

Volkswagen CC Lexus GS 350 Acura TL Unfortunately the cars that Chelle wanted to see were not there...Nissan, Infiniti, Audi, and Volvo.

Thankful for Thanksgiving!

2009-11-27T15:55:00.000-08:00

Although trying to recover from a cold, it was great spending Thanksgiving with family, friends and a LOT of food. Thanks to my Mom for preparing the spread, which also made for some good leftovers.
The trademark of an excellent Thanksgiving dinner...food coma!

The start of a future photographer. Elle was snapping shots all night!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

Anniversary Weekend Getaway...

2009-11-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

For our one year anniversary we decided to go out to San Simeon and visit the Hearst Castle. It was so nice to be out there. We stayed at The Morgan, which we found out was named after Julia Morgan, a civil engineer and architect, who helped W.R. Hearst design his dream home. The weather was great and the view of the coast was beautiful. We both had a great time out there and will probably go back and experience the wine country.

Sulley at the Danville Costco

2009-10-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

Selling and signing his book.

New York, Day Seven

2009-08-16T22:45:00.000-07:00

Can't believe we've been here a week. It feels like only yesterday we arrived. I guess we've been so busy doing all of the touristy stuff, time just flew by. Went to the 9am mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral this morning. The Cathedral is awesome. There was so much to see. After Church (and a short nap), we went to the Museum of Modern Art and had a late lunch. After MoMA, we went to the Top of the Rock. Gonna try to hit up B&H one more time before our flight tomorrow.

New York, Day Six

2009-08-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

Can't believe our vacation is almost over. Today we planned to go to the Guggenheim Museum, but before we went there we had lunch at Gallagher's Steak House. It was just ok. I had the prime rib and Chelle had their signature sirloin. Don't think we'll be going there again. We then visited the Hersheys store and the M&M store. I got a tooth ache just walking thru the place, and there were so many people...I guess thats expected for a saturday. Then off to the museum. For those that don't know, the museum was featured in the movie Men In Black, in the beginning where Will Smith was chasing an alien. Anyway here are some pics of the day.

New York, Day Five

2009-08-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

Well this morning we got up early because Flo Rida was performing for the Today Show in the plaza. When we got there, a crowd was already formed around the stage, but one of the guards mentioned that we might still be able to get in and wouldn't you know,we got in and Chelle and Rei got there 1/2 second of fame. If you look close above Rei's head, you can kind of see the bottom of my face.
Here is a link to the Today Show to view the performance. Chelle and Rei pops up at about 4:50. After the performance we went to Magnolia's Bakery and picked up some cupcakes for breakfast. Afterwards we hopped on the train and headed to the Museum of Natural History.

After the Museum of Natural History we hopped back on the train and headed to Soho. We stopped at Lombardis, the first pizzeria in New York. After a late lunch, we strolled around Little Italy and China Town.

New York, Day Four

2009-08-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

We went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Saw a lot of art.

After the Met we strolled through Central Park. We got lost for a little while but were able to find our way out.

New York, Day Three

2009-08-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today we planned on visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, but before we left, went down to the Rockefeller Plaza where they were filming the Today Show and got a pic of one of the hosts, Ann Curry...
Off to the ferries at Battery Park to visit the Statue of Liberty via NY's subway system.

After the Statue of Liberty, we reboarded the ferry to Ellis Island.

After our visit to Ellis Island it started to rain. We walked from Battery Park to WTC ground zero...in the rain. Didn't stay too long and went back to the hotel. We did stop by Serendipity to have some frozen hot chocolate...yum!

WTC, Ground Zero

2009-08-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

After visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, we stopped at ground zero. Its just a little wet.

New York, Day Two

2009-08-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

Went to Grand Central Station...
Then walked to the Empire State Building...

After the ESB, walked a few blocks to BH Photo Video...

View from 86th floor of the Empire State Building

2009-08-11T15:52:00.000-07:00

Taking a bite of the Big Apple

2009-08-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

Gosh, it seems like forever since my last entry. Either not much has happened or I'm just too lazy to update it (more of the latter). Interesting enough that I'm actually blogging from the Big Apple, that's right New York. For my bday, Chelle wanted to take me to NY to experience the sights. It is definitely a lot to take in and very overwhelming for me. There's so much I want to do and a week doesn't seem like enough time to do them all. I'll try not to be so lazy and update the blog. Here are some pics from last night. We walked a few blocks and ended up in Times Square...

I couldn't believe how many people were out on a monday night and after midnight (9pm PST) just cruising and chilling in Times Square. I would have to guess that the majority of them were tourists like us just checking the sites, and street vendors...some doing caricature portraits, some selling fake bags, watches and jewelry, promoters for night clubs, and some even dealing the chronic...I just held on tight to my camera and kept my wallet in my front pocket.

Finally Fixed!

2009-06-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

So after two months of waiting my plasma is finally fixed. So glad that I got the extended warranty. Dealing with the warranty company was a pain, but the tv repair service was excellent. Ultimately they had to replace the entire panel (which was an updated LG panel) so its like having a brand new tv. No more watching tv on the 19in!

BJs Brewhouse in Fremont

2009-05-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

Chelle and I went out today to look for a new sofa and a new tv. Went to Fry's and saw the new Samsung LED tvs. We couldn't decide on empty stomachs so went to BJs Brewery to have dinner and what great timing, it was happy hour!

Hot Air Balloons

2009-05-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

Woke up at 5am to view the hot air balloons at the San Ramon Art and Wind Festival. Was a pretty cloudy day so they weren't able to launch, but they did blow them up. First time I saw a hot air balloon up close. Maybe next year.

Plasma Update

2009-05-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

Well its been a month and a half since my plasma went out and today the tv repair guy came over to hopefully fix the problem, but no success. The guy came in with two boxes of parts, and after taken off what seems like a million screws he found out that the whole panel is burned out. So now after all that he's going to put in a request to the warranty company to order a whole panel (the glass and all circuit boards). So its like having a new tv with the old case. Keeping my fingers crossed, hopefully it won't take another month to get. So I guess we'll have to wait again and watch tv on the 19inch tube.

More Alaskan Cruise Pics

2009-05-20T20:16:00.001-07:00

Prince Rupert

Apartment Fire

2009-05-18T23:10:00.000-07:00

Last week a fire broke out and took out 6 apartment units a block away from my house. Good think no one was hurt.

Skagway, Alaska

2009-05-18T00:57:00.001-07:00

Ok, Skagway was cold...what I expected Alaska weather to be.

Me and Chelle with an Iditarod musher.

Juneau, Alaska

2009-05-18T00:40:00.000-07:00

We toured Juneau and here we visited Mendenhall Glacier.
Juneau Port shopping area.

John, waiting for some poor sap to miss the boat. Actually just about when they pulled the last gangway, 3 people started running, bags flailing in the air, yelling "WAIT, STOP!", it was hilarious. Lucky for them they were able to replace the gangway and allowed to come aboard.

Ketchikan, Alaska

2009-05-18T00:29:00.000-07:00

First stop, Ketchikan.
Our ship, the Norwegian Star.

The Town.

For our first stop we didn't plan any excursions, but did a lot of shopping. We were able to check out the local museum learning about Alaskan history, industry, and natural habitats.

Butchart Gardens, Victoria

2009-05-18T00:12:00.000-07:00

Before heading to Alaska, We flew in a day early to go visit the Butchart Gardens in Victoria.

Getting Zen in the Japanese Garden.

I know its been a while...

2009-05-18T00:07:00.000-07:00

But I guess I'm just lazy to update my blog. Found some free time so here's some recent news:

My plasma is still broken...waiting for in-home repair.
Went on a cruise to Alaska. My first time there and it wasn't that cold.
Local news...fire broke out and did $3million in damage to 6 apartment units a block away from my house.

Pics to follow...

Plasma blow out

2009-03-30T00:03:00.000-07:00

So last night after getting back from dinner and drinks in SF, laid down to watch some tv when...POP...all of the sudden the picture faded. So went looking for the receipt to see if I purchased the extended warranty then...POP...then the tv just shut off. Well luckily I did purchase the extended warranty, but was purchased at Circuit City...we'll see what happens.

So clean i can see a reflection

2009-03-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of John's Detailing Service, I can see a reflection off the 8 year old paint. Now if he can do it for the rest of my car...lol.

Rainy day

2009-03-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

Was bored one rainy day and started taking some pictures.

lunch

2009-03-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

Still testing the mo-blogging.

Testing out the mobile blogging...

2009-03-09T14:06:00.001-07:00

Blogging on the go? Haven't blogged in a while and wanted to test mo-blogging. I guess its something I can do if I'm bored while out and about.

Behind the times...researching DVRs

2009-01-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

So I admit, I am a little behind the times and now researching DVRs. I looked into getting the Comcast dvr, but feel that may be limiting us by using proprietary equipment and a monthly fee. PVRs...not sure if I want to have a computer always connected to the tv. Tivo seems like the only way to go, choices of equipment, ability to pay for lifetime subscription, options to expand...

More pics from yesterday

2009-01-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

The living roof atop the Academy of Sciences
DeYoung Museum

The Cliff House at Ocean Beach

First visit to the CA Academy of Sciences

2009-01-17T00:13:00.001-08:00

We finally purchased a membership to the CA Academy of Sciences and went yesterday for the first time. We had a great time and the weather was beautiful. We didn't get to see everything, but good thing we have the membership so we can go back. We went thru the rain forest, aquarium, and the living roof. Here are a few pics.

Fun with light

2009-01-14T18:06:00.000-08:00

During my trip to Hawaii, it was my first time to experience an island wide blackout. We were driving to the restaurant for dinner when all of the sudden everything shut down...street lights, signals, and shops. What a traffic nightmare. I guess Hawaii drivers aren't used to driving when the signals stop working because no one stops. So back to the house we went, pulled out the propane hot plates and lanterns and had a great home cooked meal. After dinner pulled out my camera and a couple flashlights and took some long exposure pics.

Beginning the year of 2009

2009-01-14T00:11:00.000-08:00

My first post in 2009 is actually a recap since my last post last year, how funny. Lets see, got married, had Thanksgiving at my parents place, went to Kauai for the first time, spent Christmas in Hawaii with Chelle's family, and had New Years at our place...whew.
Here are some pics from the Kauai trip (Fern Grotto, a random viewpoint, and the Kilauea Light House)

The BIG DAY is almost here!!!

2008-11-06T22:42:00.000-08:00

Wow, has it been over a month since I last blogged? Time sure does fly when planning a wedding. But I guess that's why I haven't really updated my blog since all I've been doing is planning. Just one more day!!!

More pics from the zoo

2008-09-18T19:43:00.001-07:00

Back to Blogging...

2008-09-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a month since I last blogged, and it feels so much has happened. Ok well not really, but have been planning our wedding and it's just around the corner. I also got a contract job which is fairly close...in Alamo...as a network tech/desk help/sys admin. Also was able to finally get my MCSE...that was brutal. On another note, I had to send in my camera to be serviced...problem with defect(dead) pixels, but now all is good. But now that I have a temp job, haven't really gotten to use it all that much. Last time I used it was to take pics at the SF zoo.

Guy's Weekend Trip

2008-08-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

Just this past weekend the guys planned an awesome trip. Did a little bit of everything...played WoW, went white water rafting on the south fork of the American River, gambled a little in Boomtown, and finished up with golf at Northstar Resort in Lake Tahoe. It was an awesome time and I had a lot of fun. Thanks to all the guys for hanging out making this weekend a fun and memorable one!

Our First Garage Sale

2008-08-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

Our first garage sale took place last weekend. Man it was busy on Saturday. There were so many people. We even had a case of shoplifting. We even had people returning stuff (so funny)! Can you believe people want to return stuff at a garage sale???...Come on people...first of all it was only a couple bucks and second, this aint Nordstroms...geez. Oh well, but we had a lot of traffic, thanks to the other garage sales' signs that pointed in our direction...hahaha.

But Sunday was a different story. Not too many people and I don't even think we broke $10. I guess people like to go to these sales mainly on Saturdays.

Pleasanton Relay for Life 2008

2008-07-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Another year relaying for life in Pleasanton. It always feels good to contribute to a cause. Although I didn't achieve my goal in donations, I was able to donate my time in making baked goods. I'm glad that people enjoyed them, especially one nice lady who bought out all of the mango bread. Funny she asked where my bakery was...hmmmm. All in all it was fun, hot but fun. I would like to thank all who donated to our team and to my team members thanks for your participation, GREAT job everyone.
Here are some pics of the event.

Johnny's Race this weekend

2008-07-14T01:13:00.000-07:00

Some pics from this weekends outrigger canoe race.

Fireworks!!!

2008-07-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. Here are some pics I took of the San Ramon fireworks display from the backyard.

Teppanyaki for Father's Day

2008-06-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

For Father's Day, we all went to Kaenyama, a teppanyaki restaurant. The food was pretty good. (Thanks Dave for setting it up). The chef was pretty good, but I wish he could've done a few more tricks and interacted a little more. He did the initial kling klang of the spatula and fork on the cooking surface, but didn't really flip the spatula all that much, didn't catch the spinning egg, but he put on pretty hefty pyro show...my favorite is always the flaming onion volcano. All in all it was yet another great teppanyaki experience (even though our chef wasn't Japanese... lol).

Johnny's Race

2008-06-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Went to John's outrigger canoe race at Shadow Cliffs last weekend.

Congrats David!!!

2008-05-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations David!!! You did it...AGAIN!!! We're all so proud of you!!!

Newest thing I saw at Waikiki beach

2008-05-04T16:17:00.001-07:00

I guess the newest craze is paddle surfing. Basically you stand on top a long board with a paddle onto waves. Next thing you know they'll attach mini outboards on the back of them.

Elle's 1st Birthday Party at Dave & Busters

2008-05-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

Kimber and Gee had Elle's 1st birthday party at Dave & Busters.

Happy 1st Birthday Elle

2008-05-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

On Elle's birthday we went to a luau at Paradise Cove. Always good food.

Nice to be back in Hawaii

2008-05-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

Its nice to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the bay area. For the first time in my life I actually missed my flight. After a cancelled trip from when ATA went under, I was able to find another flight via United coming out of SFO at 9am. So my plan was to leave around 6am, park at the long term lot, and get there with plenty time to spare...wrong...woke up late, 7am, then traffic on 580, 880, and 101, parked in short term and missed the checkin cutoff by 15 min. Fortunately they were able to put me on the next flight out (12:45pm) and even got a roomy exit row, with no extra charge. So worked out ok, just a little late.
Here are some pics from dinner at Ige's:
macaroni and potato salad combo

Korean fried chicken, brown rice and corn

Sweet and sour spare ribs, brown rice and corn

GMT-Master II...Another Pic

2008-03-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

An artsy pic of the Rolex.

What time is it?

2008-02-29T19:10:00.001-08:00

Its Rolex Time! Went to Ala Moana to look at watches and came home with this...

My engagement/wedding present from Chelle, thanks Honey!

More Pics from Hawaii

2008-02-29T18:54:00.001-08:00

More pics from Hawaii, courtesy of Michelle.
Here at the USS Arizona Memorial.
North Shore

North Shore

2008-02-28T22:06:00.001-08:00

Went to the North Shore to see the waves. Early morning waves hit about 20-25 feet, but died down by the time we got there.

Also visited the Arizona Memorial

2008-02-28T21:23:00.000-08:00

During the trip I was finally able to visit the Arizona Memorial.

Sea Life Park

2008-02-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

Visited Sea Life Park in Waimanalo.

It was nice to get away...

2008-02-28T19:33:00.000-08:00

Just got back from Hawaii. Went to visit Michelle's parents and spend some time away from the mainland. First night there we went out to dinner at Angelo Pietro near Ala Moana shopping Center to celebrate her friend Andrea's birthday. It's a fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors and supposed to be the #1 pasta restaurant in Honolulu.

Kooza!

2008-02-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

Chelle and I went to San Jose to watch the Cirque Du Soleil. Awesome acrobatics and I was able to go on stage and participate at the beginning of the show. Unfortunately they do not allow cameras inside so you'll have to take my word for it.

Happy Chinese New Year!

2008-02-11T15:46:00.000-08:00

In China Town, San Francisco.

October Birthdays

2007-10-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

Last weekend went to two birthday parties, my god-daughter Jordyn who just turned 6 and my Dad's, John's, and uncles group party. Lots of food and good times.

Cool...So what does this mean?

2007-10-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

You are The Hierophant

Divine Wisdom. Manifestation. Explanation. Teaching.

All things relating to education, patience, help from superiors.The Hierophant is often considered to be a Guardian Angel.

The Hierophant's purpose is to bring the spiritual down to Earth. Where the High Priestess between her two pillars deals with realms beyond this Earth, the Hierophant (or High Priest) deals with worldly problems. He is well suited to do this because he strives to create harmony and peace in the midst of a crisis. The Hierophant's only problem is that he can be stubborn and hidebound. At his best, he is wise and soothing, at his worst, he is an unbending traditionalist.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Still looking...

2007-10-23T01:56:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a week since I've been laid off. Aside from polishing up my resume and sending it out, its actually been nice taking some time off. Went to the Dixon pumpkin patch and cornfield maze with Chelle. This place was named 2007 Guiness Book of World Records for having the largest cornfield maze...over 40 acres. Seems like you would need some sort of gps equipment to be able to find your way out. With our excellent sense of direction and map reading skill we were able to come out alive in about 45 min. Here are some pics of the adventure...

Drinks anyone...

2007-10-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

Well this week has been kind of a bummer, yup, I got the pink slip from work, laid off due to workforce reduction. Seems like the housing market has hit the company pretty hard. Well off to look for a new beginning. But first would anyone like to join me for a drink or two. A new found drink for myself...SAKE BOMB!!! Here's a look at the massive bottle. Anyone care to help me finish it?

As I am a dessert kind of guy, I have also collected some dessert wines. The Deaver Port is one of my favorites...goes very well with chocolate, yum.

Might have to bring back the Thursday night drinking sessions.

John and Jo's Birthday Dinner

2007-10-15T18:46:00.001-07:00

For Jo and John's Birthday we had dinner at Man Puku's in Livermore. The food is great yet inexpensive. The sake bombs were awesome. It was a great time with friends and family.

Weird grinding noise is finally gone.

2007-10-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well brought the Montero in to get the brake accumulator replaced and voila the weird grinding noise is gone! Man that was annoying. Well now to get the struts/shocks replaced as well as tires. Snow season is upon us and I can't wait to break out the snowboard.

More RC Pics

2007-10-04T20:59:00.001-07:00

The Montero Maintenance Saga Continues...

2007-10-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

Well after getting my Montero back from a $2000+ service everything seemed fine. But a few days ago I noticed a weird metal grinding noise. Hmmm, well I thought it was just some sort of break in. Well today, it happened again and continuously...WTF!!! I just got it back from service. So I go back to the shop that serviced my truck and come to find out that it is the accumulator...? According to the mechanic its a high pressure, nitrogen filled cylinder that assists the braking system. Huh, well it was fine before I brought it in. But he says that they do wear out and that it's an $80 part with $25 labor to install. Great, so the maintenance continues. Still need to replace shocks/struts and tires plus an alignment...ugh...I should've just bought a new car!

Rev 'em up

2007-10-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Well got the urge to start up the RC monster truck bashing (thanks Rex). Just dug up the Savage and the MT. Gonna get them ready to go.

Too much maintenance = new car?

2007-09-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

A while ago I was back and forth about getting a new car. With 188000 miles, and $2500 in maintenance costs, hmmm...well...
Nah, just kidding...it's a loaner. So I call this place, which will remain nameless, to get a quote for some service on my truck. I needed a major service (air filter, oil change, spark plugs and wires, coolant flush, lube diff and door hinges), timing belt replaced, and a brake job. The quote sounded reasonable and they said they can do it in a day. Cool, so I make an appt. a week in advance. Brought it in the morning early bird drop off...these guys don't open till 9:30am. Get a call early afternoon, "Uhh, a part we ordered won't be here until late, so we won't be done till tomorrow afternoon...". Hmm, fine, take your time, get it done right, and give me a loaner. Thinking I'll get some beat up old Ford Fiesta, the guy brings me out to an RX8...cool. Haven't opened her up yet, but will let you guys know... As for a new car, I think I'll stick to my Montero for a while. I like not having car payments.

Happy Birthday!!!

2007-09-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

Even though it's a little early, we decided to celebrate Dave and Gee's birthday. Man you guys are old! Haha, just kidding. Lots of food, lots of laughs, and lots of fun. Even had a little Wii sports competition. Here Dave, Ray, John, and Gee are getting it on in an intense tennis match.
John and Jen duking it out in boxing.

Anyone insterested in Mini Pinschers?

2007-09-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

Went to a buddy's house who breeds miniature Pinschers. Here are a few pics of them. If anyone's interested let me know.

Fry's Sales Reps are IDIOTS!

2007-09-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking about buying a new laptop. I went to Fry's because they have a pretty good return policy - 15 days to return and no restocking fee. So I'm there at Fry's waited half an hour for a sales rep, no one in sight, all busy. Low and behold I see a random sales rep walking along the next isle, about 6 feet tall, white, and dopey looking. Seems like the kinda guy you don't want helping you, but I was already frustrated. So I ask the guy for some help. Bad idea...didn't know anything about laptops except for the one he bought for himself a year ago. Okay, so I ask him about a specific laptop I was looking at and if it was in stock...10 min. later and after another rep told him they didn't have any in stock except for a couple open box, he tells me that he has a couple of them, open box...DUH!?! So I express my concern about open box items and he goes to show me the condition and that it works...ok another 20 min. passes by. So by this time I just want to blow him off...I tried. He just followed me around holding this open box laptop...OMG!!! Fine...so I ask if another laptop is in stock. Great, it's in stock, but he then goes to explain about the extended warranty...5 times! Are you kidding me???? I don't know if he realizes that I'd probably return it within 15 days, but I really don't care about how he bought it for his laptop and is going to use it to get a new model. Man, this guy is killin me! So after I refused the extended warranty...for the 5th time...he grabs the laptop from the back and I notice that there's an AMD sticker on the box. I questioned this and he shows me that the tag shows the correct model and starts to walk me up to the registers. As we're walking he still asks me if I'm sure I don't want the warranty (with attitude)...I just wanted to drop kick this guy! Okay so we're at the front, to no surprise, waited 10 min. for a register to open up. One guy says he'll help us after he finishes up with a customer, just then 2 registers open up. He starts to walk to one of the registers, then turns to the other (which happens to be a girl), then turns to all three and in his pathetic, dorky wanna-be gansta voice, "Who wants this?", and goes straight to the girl...go figure. If I wasn't so pissed, I would've been on the ground laughing at this guy trying to spit game to this chick. So trying not to laugh, I paid for my new laptop and I was on my way. When I got to Chelle's place, I opened the box and to my surprise...IT'S THE WRONG FRIGGIN LAPTOP!!!!!!!!!! I was furious, dissapointed, I...can't even explain it, I wanted to kill that guy. So I pack the shit back up and head back...good thing Fry's is only 10 min. away. Go to the return counter and they said to take it to Customer Service. Are you kidding me, so I take it there, tell them I bought it just 30 min. ago, didn't even unwrap the laptop and he walks me right back. So I finally get my refund, hey they do take back returns without a restocking fee. Well lesson learned. Don't trust the sales reps, they're IDIOTS!!!

Camping at Lake Chabot

2007-08-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

What a way to end a long work week.

Here are a few snapshots from our trip:

Daph and Harry.

Here Dave nabs a 15" bass using the Banjo Minnow.

Jo and Lydia enjoying some grub.