Bike Rally in Vancouver and BBQ - June 6, 2009

from TheKim:I belong to a team that's Riding to Conquer Cancer this June in memory of Sue Harris (Sue's Crew) to help raise money for cancer research. Each of us has to raise a minimum of $2,500 each and we still have a way to go, so we've planned an awesome fundraiser. The day includes a bike rally, BBQ, bingo and Bollywood dancing!You can sign up for both the bike rally and BBQ or just come

Did You Just Grab My Ass?

Good Morning Ladies & Gentlemen,

The past few days have been pretty laid back. I watched Game 5 of the Cavs / Magic at my dad's the other day. Good close game up until the last few minutes when the Cavs won. Game 6 is tonight. Lakes are waiting for whoever in the Finals after they whipped the Nuggets into a fine paste last night. The job has been pretty good. Meeting new people, learning new things, doing a good job, and I got to spend a few hours yesterday at work getting paid to watch "Night at the Roxbury" for a party. You can't really beat that. Great, funny flick if you haven't seen it yet. So yeah, on the job front, still keeping an eye out, still have a plan for progression if I do stay here for a while, still liking the fact that I can have a social life if the proper planets align and the moon is in the 7th house. So ladies...you know where to find me.

A few days ago, I watched "Seven Pounds" starring Will Smith & Rosario Dawson. It's about an IRS agent (Smith) who is taking his wife's death especially hard (as I can only imagine that anybody would) and sets out on a journey of redemption by changing the lives of seven strangers forever...but along the way, he meets a hottie (Dawson) who can screw up all of his plans...because he may be falling in love. (Dun dun duuuuuh) It's really a great flick and I would highly recommend that everybody see it. I wish I could tell you more about it...but I will warn you that it's a little dramatic...but well worth it if you're not into that whole thing. Besides, Woody Harrelson's in it (briefly) and did I mention that you get to look at Rosario Dawson? That's worth the price of a rental right there...and it's a heartwarming tale...sort of. Just watch it. If you don't like it, then you have my permission to boycott me.

In another tale of long dramatic movies, I watched "Gandhi" starring Sir Ben Kingsley (pictured showing that Gandhi was a pimp) for the first time last night. It's of course, the story of Mohandus Gandhi from a simple lawyer...to the man who started human rights in South Africa ("FREE SOUTH AFRICA, you dumb son of a b***h!!!") to the man who gave India its independence...and all the while spreading the message of peace & humanity. Of course, this is one of the great movies of all time and won a lot of awards in 1983 when it was released. It's worth a gander...but I warn you, it's three hours long (and yes, it even has an intermission) but it's very well done. Another funny little thing that I found, is that the movie is directed by Richard Attenborough. Now, you may be asking, "$teve, who the f**k is Richard Attenborough?" Well, to my generation of American children...he's probably best known as the curator & owner of Jurassic Park in the 1993 movie. "Spared no expense." Yeah, that guy. He directed Gandhi. So yeah, check it out if you need a refresher in classic Gandhi-isms like "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind" and a bunch of other great messages of equality & peace that today's world leaders have probably never heard.

The New York Dolls concert tonight was cancelled...but I'm sure that I'll find something to do. My buddy Chris (who helped me move in) said he'll probably stop by...and my mom stopped by this morning for breakfast on her way home from the airport. My mom rocks! Just in case, you didn't know out there. Everybody's who ever met her agrees too...so it's not just me saying it. Anyway, I hope that you all have a great weekend & have lots of fun!!!

Flowing Water Illusion | Upside Down Illusion

Check out the flow of water. Is it from the same level? did you noticed that the water is flowing from upstairs to downstairs in both ways

The Quick and Dirty: 10 Downing Food & Wine

A recent addition to the west village that serves new age American fare at moderate prices. Space is minimalist (read: boring), but the food has enough flare to keep you awake.

Scene: Crowd was dominated by your typical West Village inhabitants: hipsters, artists, and writers of all ages.

Vibe: Classic, casual, cool.

Hot:
Good for brunch: Sunny side up duck egg, duck ham, maple stewed figs and onion on rye toast.
That just made my stomach growl.

Cold:
No liquor served, meaning no bloody marys when you really need a bloody mary.
Only beer and wine.

Must try: I implore you to try the marinated brussel sprouts, even though the ingredients may intimidate: they're served over a poached egg and drizzled with an anchovy vinaigrette and a light dusting of parmesan cheese. To die for.

In the neighborhood:
Post brunch stroll: Newly renovated Washington Square Park is a few blocks north. If you're still in need of a Bloody Mary, make the pain stop at Hundred Acres on MacDougal St. Try one of 5 types they offer. I go for the chipotle, which comes with enough kick to get rid of my headache, plus a pile of garnishes to satisfy the unending hunger pangs.

Post dinner: Bummed about the no liquor policy? Satisfy your inner alcoholic at Little Branch, an underground (literally) jazz club, where mixologists warm up almost as much as the musicians.


10 Downing
Address: wait for it...10 Downing St, NY, NY 10014 (at 6th ave)
212-255-0300
Reservations recommended

Recession Recipes: Roasted Garlic Spread

For those that didnt get scared off by the concept and are still reading, rest assured that the potency of garlic changes when gently roasted. The sharp, bitter cloves that we know and love, becomes a buttery spread with a wonderfully nutty flavor.It pairs perfectly with a crusty loaf of multigrain and a richglass of red wine. Its simple enough for even the most inept cooks and a deceptively affordable, decadent appetizer.

People in the Party HOT HOT HOT

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

I'm posting because it's been a few days. Ugh...let's see. Tuesday, I went back to work...and passed off all my training stuff...so I'm officially an employee, not a trainee. That being said, they're going to have somebody watching over my shoulder (very literally) for the next few days to make sure that I don't screw anything up (and wisely so). Today was actually the first day of that...and it went very well. No major screwups (that I know about) and I met a few new coworkers who were "impressed" with how well I did for a trainee. Then again, it may have been the cute trainer trying to flirt with me...but I doubt it because she mentioned her boyfriend more than once and...let's face it, I know my ship...and can BS the rest. So yeah, the new job's going good...and I'm already plotting how to make the most money possible (because let's face it, I like money...and my private dance business isn't taking off like it once did...and I blame the economy).

Tuesday, I also did a good deed by making sure that JL Clyde didn't completely waste her life by NOT watching "Scarface" at least once...and I think she stayed awake through most of it...and when she did doze off, she awoke to low caliber language and high calibre gunfire...and that's what you get when you don't give Tony Montana your full attention. Not sure if she really liked it or she was just humoring me though...and frankly, I don't really care...because I got to see it again...and I keep forgetting that the movie's almost three hours long. It's not like "Benjamin Button" or "Titanic" or something where nothing happens for at least half the movie. It even has a montage to cut down on time...because there's just so much story telling to do. Who knows how much yayo snorting & testicular references there were in the original director's cut? At least five more minutes of just that...and maybe even more development of the love story...but audiences don't want to see that. They want gun violence & badassery...and they somehow managed to get it all in under three hours. Kudos to Brian DePalma. Okay, so maybe I'm hoping to get a walk-on gig on the next Brian DePalma movie (though his next two flicks seem to be about the Boston Strangler & an Untouchables prequel...but who else can play a young Officer Malone but me?)

Let's see, what else? Ugh...I'm gonna go hang out with my dad tonight and watch game 5 of the Eastern Confence Finals. LeBron had better get his act together because the Magic are a win away from the Finals to hopefully play the Nuggets (though the Nugs need to win the next two games for that to happen).

Oh...and I'm going to the New York Dolls concert this Saturday at the Depot...with special guest the Cliks. My favorite thing about the New Yorks Dolls though...is that they're one of the godfathers of punk...and yet, one of their original members, David Johansen is best known by his superhero persona Buster Poindexter. Who's that? Well, have you ever been to a wedding? Or sporting event? Good...and have you ever heard a song that goes something like, "Me so on fire. Me so on fire, feelin' HOT HOT HOT!!! All da people, all around me feelin' HOT HOT HOT!!!" Of course you have...well, Buster Poindexter is the guy singing that song...and his real name is David Johansen...and he's a godfather of Punk. Awesome, right? He may claim that it was all in kitchy fun & showing how naive the pop community is or something...but I'd happily be as kitch all the way to the bank. Kitch-ching!!! Hope I get to meet him...or at least Buster. That'd be sweet.

Anyway, that'll do it for today. I'm already boring the hell out of you, I can tell. It's a sense thing. Have a great night everybody!!!

Bar Boulud: the Perfect Pre-Theater Bite

Taking your significant other to the ballet? Bar Boulud is the perfect pre theater bite. Cozy up to the bar with your honey, or better yet, grab a table outside, but wherever you decide to rest your rump, make sure you order the charcuterie plate. Not to be missed are the head-cheese terrine, the coarse pâté grand-père (foie gras, pork, port), and Daniel's home-style dry sausage. It is accompanied by a generous spread of relishes and a helping of warm, perfectly crusted bread. Add a nice bottle of burgundy and you'll be immediately transported back to that Parisian cafe you promised you'd someday return to.

Main courses can be glossed over, especially if you plan on making it through Act 2 of Swan Lake. However, if you still have room, a sampling of their boudin should do the trick. Smooth and unbelievably rich, they almost distract from the sumptuous clouds of lightly truffled mashed potatoes (with the blanc) or the delightfully sweet caramelized apple puree with the noir. Need a jolt of caffeine pre-theater? Get a double dose with dark chocolate tart.

- The HEAT

Seasonal Cooking: Linguine with Fresh Peas and Pancetta

Using fresh, local produce not only allows for healthier, fuller flavored dishes, but also helps reduce your carbon footprint. Spring is peak season for fresh peas. While admittedly, peas have never been a favorite of mine, cover them with enough cream, bacon and pasta and they quickly moved up the scale! Play with portions of cream and goat cheese for a healthier dish:


18 ounces fresh angel-hair pasta
1 cup half-and-half (substitute milk for a healthier option)
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 shallots, roughly chopped
1/4lb pancetta, cut into small cubes
2tbsp olive oil for pan
coarse salt and ground pepper

optional:
2tbsp goat cheese for crumbling on top
mint or chives to finish the dish

1. Set a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and add shallots. Saute 1-2min unti they begin to soften.
3. Add pancetta and saute until aromatic, about 5min.
4. Add white wine to deglaze, scraping brown bits off the bottom of the pan.
5. Add peas and half and half and let simmer until slightly thickened, about 2min.
6. Add pasta to boiling water. Follow instructions for al dente on the box and remove 1-2minutes beforehand, as we'll finish the pasta in the skillet. Reserve pasta water to thin sauce.
7. Add pasta to skillet, stir and add pasta water as necessary.
8. Serve in warm bowls and finish with a sprinkling of goat cheese and herbs on top.

serves 4 to 6

The Heat's Hottest: All Purpose Knife

The hottest knife:
Rachael Ray Gusto-Grip East/West Knife. I'd like to see Rachael try to come up with as cute an acronym for this knife as she does for her cooking oil (excuse me while I go throw up), but this knife does it all...and with an antimicrobial handle to boot!

http://www.kitchenknifepro.com/fur827.html

Hidden Horse in Water Illusion

Find the hidden horse, How many horse do you find in this picture.

Memorial Day Weekend

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

It's been a fun packed past few days, I must say. Friday night after work, JL Clyde & I got some sushi at Ginza (now a block from my apartment) and then wandered the streets of downtown at the Magic Hour when everything is awesome. We even stumbled upon a wedding in Gallivan Plaza just in time for the chicken dance. I like living in downtown. The wandering is much more interesting than wandering around the suburban streets of the neighborhoods in Murray. Not nearly as relaxing...just more interesting. Where else can you see stuff like this?

Japanese delicacy - Wasabuni

Who knew Abraham Lincoln was a polygamist?

They're literally rolling this building across the street

"Oh THERE'S where I left my boulder..."

If you have to ask why, just stop reading

"I'm at the corner of 300 South and...really?"

After that, we watched "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. As you may have heard, it's the story of a man who is born 80 years old...and ages backwards...and the story of his life. Being a chick flick, there was a certain level of disbelief associated with this movie to begin with. Don't get me wrong, I believe in a thing called Love (just listen to the rhythm of my heart) but when it comes to movies most of the time, it gets pretty ridiculous. Throw in something like a man who ages backwards...and it's a real stretch...but if you're able to handle that...then this is actually a pretty good flick. It's eerily similar to "Titanic" in some ways (told as a flashback from an elderly woman, involves a tragedy, is about three hours long, etc.) but hey, that won a bunch of awards and broke box office records, so you can't hate on that. Sure, it's about twice as long as it needs to be, seeing as it's based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald ("The Great Gatsby") but it's beautiful cinematography, an intriguing story and well played. So yeah, if you have three hours to spare and want to watch a drama starring Brad Pitt & Cate Blanchett throughout 80 years...then yeah, I'd highly recommend it.

Saturday, there was to be no Conduit...which is okay because I was told that it actually wasn't a comic book convention...but more of a sci-fi / fantasy / role playing convention. I'm sure it still would've been tons of fun...but I think what JL Clyde & I did was more fun. We started off by getting gourmet cupcakes at Mini's (there's a reason they're two bucks a pop), then headed up to the Museum of Natural History at the University of Utah. Now, I went to the U for four years...and because I was so focused on my studies (and worked 40-50 hours a week to pay tuition), I had no idea that there was a Museum of Natural History there. DINOSAURS were within mere blocks of my dorm room...and I had no idea. For that, I blame the Marketing team of the museum. Believe me, I am well aware of the Dinosaur Park in Ogden (can't wait to take my nieces & nephew there) and all the Dino-tractions out in Vernal...but now, I know about the ones right here at home. Please enjoy...it's toad-ally awesome...

University of Utah - GO RUNNIN' UTES!!!

Portrait of the Baddest Mother Lover of All Time

I want a portrait like this one day

There was a frog exhibit

Froggy style - Like Doggy Style...but in wet suits

That's right, MULTIPLE poison dart frogs in one shot

God bless the Educational Nudity

Only one way to follow Educational Nudity, DINOSAURS!!!

Some cave drawings were more elaborate than others

"Now THAT'S some beef"

This is a prehistoric version of...

This guy

After the museum, we grabbed a burger at Big Ed's across the street from the Museum. It's a nice little burger dive that I hadn't known about either...but they make a good cheap burger...and it's a nice college atmosphere...even though we were the only ones in the place with the cook Linda on a Saturday afternoon. Then we wandered over to Graywhale CD and I bought me a few used CDs like "The Essential Sly & the Family Stone", R. Kelly's "TP3 Reloaded" (yes Filly, the one with "Trapped in the Closet" AND the DVD) for $5 and for $3 I found a CD that I hadn't thought about in years. Does anybody remember the Tony Rich Project circa 1995? Well, his "Words" album was there with his one major hit "Nobody Knows" and that song instantly sprung into my head when I saw the CD (and was stuck there for the rest of the day...and still is a little bit) so I figured that it was a sign to buy it...especially for $3. I'll let you know if the rest of the album was worth it.

Then we drove to the dollar theatre to watch "Coraline" starring the voice talents of Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher & Ian McShane. It was actually a surprisingly cute movie and that stop-motion claymation or whatever it is really appeals to my generation...and I think most generations. It's the story of a girl named Coraline who moves into a new home at the Pink Palace Apartments with her parents and meets some quirky people...and then stumbles upon this magical doorway to an alternate dimension which at first seems like paradise...but then...something's wrong. You'll have to see the flick to find out what happens. It's a kids show...but trust me, the adults will like it too. I say go check it out if you have kids...or are a kid at heart. If not, watch Benjamin Button or something.

Then we went to the "Fairy Park" (couldn't tell you the real name) somewhere in Sugarhouse and wandered through the trails, saw where the gnomes live, listened to the babbling creek that runs adjacent to the trails, sat on a bench, mocked teenage love from afar, drank some Sweet Tea and just had a nice relaxing time. Then we headed to my place, watched a few movies ("Big Lebowski" & "Thank You for Smoking") and then parted ways. Also, it was pouring rain when JL Clyde left...but I have no problem with walking in a warm summer torrential downpour in my shorts & a T-shirt, so I did that...and it was awesome...and I left all the windows in my apartment open just to let that fresh, clean rain scent flow through and invigorate my senses. I like the sound of rain falling (though being in downtown, there were a lot of assholes in my apartments yelling about something because they were drunk...but they eventually stopped). Normally it's like a lullaby just easing my weary mind to sleep. I may not really have a sense of smell...but something about rain just goes straight to my brain...and as you may have guessed, some of the dirty parts. I'm one of those guys who will sing & dance in the rain, stand with my face up & arms out like I'm in a music video, taste the rain (though I know it carries some of the worst stuff you can possibly ingest within it), let the rain just run down my whole body, soak my clothes, then rip them off & run around doing a raindance if I'm out there long enough. If there's a willing woman nearby, I'd obviously make out, make whoopee, make Love, make a baby in the pouring rain...then name that daughter Rainee. Damn, maybe I should be living in Seattle or Portland or Ireland or something. I don't know what it is, I just like the rain...like more than a friend apparently. Anyway, so yeah, great day...and a pretty good night...and the morning smelled like rain.

Sunday, I went to my brother's for a bit and met up with my buddy Isaiah for the first time since his wedding. We caught up, had a few beers & a few shots (of some of the nastiest rum ever) then I headed up to my mom's for a barbecue with her & my niece Kairi & nephew Vinny. Always good to spend time with the family. Here are some pictures...

Never seen water flowing that color before in my mom's creek...

but I did see it in "Dante's Peak" a few years back

Vinny & Kairi

I spent the night at my brother's because my mom apparently didn't want a ride to the airport from me...so Monday, I just hung with my brother and the kids again...and headed over to Isaiah's for a barbecue. He cooked us up some fine brown sugar Buffalo burgers, a few brauts, even some shrimp. The man can work a grill...at least, he thinks so...but he's also a master bullspitter so we believe him. Good times. As the sun started to set, the kids were getting sleepy & therefore cranky, so we took them home. It was getting late so I made my way towards the car. I was saying goodbyes and Kairi said, "Hugs! Unko $teve, hugs!" Of course I wouldn't leave without hugs...so I leaned in, gave her a big hug, then she made a kissy face, so I gave her a smooch, "Bye sweetie, I'll see ya soon, okay?" "Okay." So I started walking towards the door, then I hear her say, "Bye Unko $teve." "Bye sweetie." "I Love You!!!" Ladies, if you EVER want a man's buttery heart to just melt away, all you have to do is tell him that you Love him...and mean every word of it. At least, that's how it is for me. "I Love You Too, Kairi!!!" So yeah, the drive home, I was just on top of the world lookin' down on creation and the only explanation that I could find...was that my little niece, a beautiful sweet & intelligent young lady told me that she loves me. What more could a man ask for?

So yeah, it was a pretty kick-ass weekend full of dinosaurs, cupcakes, barbecue, movies, old friends, new friends, family, rainstorms, music, adventures, toads, the Dude, mystical woodland creatures, guys getting struck by lightning seven times, sweet tea, good times. I hope that you all had a wonderful Memorial Weekend even moreso than mine. Let's see, other than that, I'm finishing up training soon at work, Lilie's visiting this weekend (and I've got Rock Band 2 ready to go when you are), and who knows what kind of zany adventures await next weekend? Or any time between now and then? Have a great day everybody!!!

Survey

Do this Think City Survey now about affordable housing and Transportation in our city.I picked remove car lanes/open roads to non-cars as being the best option because it doesn't require money - only leadership - and it does the most good because it solves 2 problems at the same time.~rusl

Or We Could Just Make Out Or Something

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

How about them conference finals in the NBA playoffs, huh? What? You haven't watched them either. You call yourselves basketball fans? Oh. Well, I do...and I still haven't seen them...but apparently they were great games. Also, my prediction for Blake Griffin going to Oklahoma City, his hometown market was WAY OFF. Apparently he'll instead be going to the #1 Market in all of the United States via the Los Angeles Clippers (who will probably find a way to screw up this pick...and go with the next Michael Olowakandi again). So yeah, I didn't see the big picture in my prediction...and for that, I apologize. I guess I'm not psychic after all...and the NBA Draft Lottery isn't rigged.

The other night, I watched a few great flicks...and first up was "Yes Man" starring the great Sir James Carrey as a man who changes his life by answering yes to every question & opportunity bestowed upon him (otherwise Lord Zod will destroy him through Karma apparently). Along the way, he meets the lovely & kooky Allison (played by the lovely Zooey Deschanel) and they grow close...but then...disaster strikes...in a romantic comedy sense. (Gasp) Anyway, it's a great little funny flick...and I knew that it was going to be great from the intro music being "Separate Ways" by Journey. Anyway, the moral of the story is to be open to opportunity to grow, do fun stuff & meet people...and everything happens for a reason...and Karma comes back around. So yeah, I don't believe in any of that stuff at all...and the only nudity was a series of ass jokes...so this movie was horrible & I wouldn't recommend it to anybody unless they like to laugh a bunch & enjoy the humor of Jim Carrey or the mystical eyes of Zooey Deschanel...or perhaps the casual creepiness of Terence Stamp...or whoever the hell played his boss. That guy was awesome. "You see...what I did there...was I took 'bro' and 'Joseph' and put them together."

What's the best way to follow up a Jim Carrey movie? How about with the Academy Award winner for Best Picture? Okay, maybe not best...but it's what happened. So I finally watched this "Slumdog Millionaire" because I'm a sucker for "realistic" romance movies against all odds...and game shows...and kids playing & living in their own feces. I like the full spectrum of human emotion...and this movie delivers. For those who don't know, this is the story of a young man who grew up in the extreme poverty of Mumbai along with his brother & a girl that they kind of took on as a third musketeer...who turns out to be the love of his life...but life's not always a fairy tale...and so they get separated by the harsh realities of where they live...and then he tries to find her, wherever she may be...and how do you get maximum exposure (even in India)? By getting on TV, preferably a show that everybody watches like "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" and if you're on your way to winning a million bucks, ALL your old friends & acquaintances will seek you out. Anyway, I hate to ruin the ending by telling you that Bruce Willis was a ghost the whole time...so I'd highly recommend that anybody who likes Love should check this movie out...but be warned, it's pretty harsh at some points (think children in poverty & people who would exploit them...and a little religious & "extreme interrogation" violence).

Also, for those of you who took my little "How Well Do You Know Me?" quiz, it is greatly appreciated...and there were some surprising results on there...and then some now so surprising. The Gold Medal for top score...goes to my Wingman...because he claims that he would've gotten 100% if not for a computer error (and because he's a professional BS'er, I'll believe him) and the Silver Medal goes to France...by which I mean, Lilie for getting 80% (and probably higher if she took it seriously). I give a Bronze Medal to everybody else who played. Why? Because you're not really getting anything except a thank you, some general knowledge about me, and a warm smile. In fact, on that note, you all get PLATINUM Medals dipped in diamonds & kryptonite (just in case Superman decides to turn on us).

One thing you all may know about me...is that I share my dreams, especially the odd ones. Well, last night was another one of those. From what I recall, I was at an amusement park of some sort...and I'm standing in line...and I have my hands full of little souvenirs, some in bags. Now, I get to the actual ride and of course, I have to leave the souvenirs with the highly trained teenage professionals that are helping me load into the ride. So I set the stuff down by the exit, pull the lap bar down, keep my hands & feet inside the car at all times, and enjoy the ride. Now, it's not a roller coaster or anything. More like the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland where you just kind of get taken on a track and into all these different rooms and stuff...and some of the stuff that I'm seeing is quite bizarre and creepy in its own right. Think the Haunted Mansion ride...on acid. Some of you may know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. There are mirror rooms with infinity shots and spinning around in them so you're kind of disoriented...and then the colors of the lights change...then into a dining room where everything is still...but its like skeletons in waiter outfits, wolves climbing the walls, a giant roasted turkey in the middle of the table and at the head of the table...is a burlesque dancer standing with one stiletto on the seat of her chair and the other on the table where her dinner plate should be...and so my eye is naturally fixed on her as I'm about to leave the room...and she morphs into some kind of dragon thing (still in the corset and lunges at me but the door slams shut just in time.

So yeah, crazy stuff like that...and then I reach the end of the ride and exit the car. I start to grab my stuff...but I realize that some things are missing. "Where the rest of my stuff?" This teenage girl in a park outfit says, "Oh we gave some of the stuff to that guy" as she pointed to a homeless man sitting near the exit. The thing was...the stuff that she had given him was a little plastic purse for a two-year old...and the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo. Obviously this stuff was intended for my niece Kairi...so this sh*t will not stand. "Hey buddy! Gimme my stuff back." "Nah. That chick gave it to me." "Wasn't hers to give...and besides, what do you want with a little purse & toy van anyway?" "(Sigh) You're right. Sorry bud." "It's all good. Hey, I was just about to get some lunch. Do you want some?" "Sure. Who's the purse for anyway?" "My niece. She may be getting too old for stuff like this...but she'll never be too old for her Uncle $teve." Then the dream ended and I heard birds chirping outside of my window at 4 AM. Sorry for the lack of nudity or any kind of a real story...but hey, there was a burlesque dancer morphing into a dragon. Did your dreams last night have that? Didn't think so.

Anyway, that's it for today. Real quick because I'm considering attending some Conduit activities. Conduit is this comic book convention that's in town...and being a Level 3 Nerd, I enjoy some things...but what really sells it, is the people watching. Tonight is apparently a Mascot Contest / Ice Cream Social...and that just sounds like win-win to me. "Ah, these mascots aren't as cool as I would've thought...but at least they have hot fudge sundaes. Best Conduit ever!!!" Anyway, have a great Memorial Weekend everybody!!! This one's for both of us, BSUWG.