Christmas Stuff

Jessica and I finished putting up our Christmas lights and tree. Pretty weak on the house, but we'll work on that next year.

Labels: random

Travsite.com California Voter Guide

I try very hard to vote "principle over pragmatism and partisanship". Some of you may find these recommendations hard to digest, and I would suggest that you go back and read the Constitution to discover the principles of freedom that this country was founded upon.

Barack Obama - NO - Enemy of our Constitution - Violates the 2nd Amendment, supports FISA act, Patriot Act and the subversive advancement of Socialism upon the United States.
John McCain - NO - Enemy of our Constitution - Supports the elimination of political free speech, warrantless wiretapping, suspension of habeas corpus, FISA act, Patriot act, and the general unconstitutional expansion of federal power, especially the Executive Branch.

We must not let the Republican party continue to stray from the ideals of a limited government, personal responsibility and individual freedom. If you continue to vote for Republicans while they crush our rights and expand government power, you will have wasted your vote and done your share to bring about the demise of freedom in this country.

There are other choices - Bob Barr (Libertarian). You can also write in Ron Paul or Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party). Both are registered as write-in candidates in California, which means your vote will be counted.

Prop 8 to Define Marriage - NO - By asking the government to define marriage, Prop 8 supporters are adding to the never-ending deluge of state intrusion into our personal lives. That is the exact opposite of the "small government" that conservatives claim as a principle. We should not give the government the power to define marriage.

Government should also not have the power to force our children to learn about homosexual lifestyles at a young age in school, but that is a completely separate problem that needs to be fought on its own - do not confuse the issues.

Props 1A, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 - NO - These are all proposals to borrow more money. If you haven't noticed, the State of California is in such dire financial straights that it is having problems borrowing money to make its payroll. Borrowing and adding more debt at this point in time is ludicrous.

Prop 4 - Parental Notification for Abortion - YES - I believe that every abortion results in the death of an innocent child, and Prop 4 is a constitutional way to help prevent some abortions.

Feel free to leave your inflamed comments below.

Labels: random

Fraudulated

I've been buying stuff online with the same Visa card since 2001, using it at hundreds of random small web stores all across the world. I've never had any fraudulent charges until today, about 2 months after I stopped using the card.


It looks like the Apple Store and Napster got ripped off for $1.

Labels: random

Ode to Craigslist

Today I met some guy at a storage yard in Irvine on my lunch break to buy some ladders. Big ladders. Now that I think about it, I've picked up and dumped a lot of things on Craigslist over the years. I searched through my old email just to get an idea:

Bought

• Old mountain bike
• Dirty Manhattan apartment (rented)
• A lot of furniture
• Day labor
  
• Large, old ugly piano
• Small house (rented)
• Used cell phone from a sweaty guy in a van with no windows
• Jeep part(s)
• Camera lens(es)
• Car audio installation by two high school kids
• Ice machine for work
• Washer/dryer(s)
  

Sold

• Old, ugly sofas (2004, before Orange County was on Craigslist)
• A lot of furniture
• A lot of furniture for a relative
  
• Large, old ugly piano
• Yamaha quad, slightly abused
• Small house (rented out)
• Jeep part(s)
• Car(s)
• Washer/dryer(s)

When you consider that each of these transactions involves meeting face-to-face in a dark alley with some weirdo from the Internet, it all adds up to a lot of fun.

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Journey to the Center of Nothing

Today I made that dreaded journey under our house. I put it off for several weeks, but the day has come. Crawling in the dirt, fighting black widow spiders, darkness and claustrophobia, I tried to make it all the way to the other end of the house to inspect some old water-damaged wood. I got close enough. I can't say that I will be looking forward to the next trip for repairs.

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Automated Birthdays

I've been around the Internet a few times, and I probably have accounts on a few hundred discussion forums. I will never forget my birthday because each forum is courteous enough to remind me. This is what my inbox looks like on my birthday:

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One of those days...

I go to work pretty early... I get up before the sun rises. Today I got up and put my shoes on in the dark. When I got to work, I noticed this...


Maybe nobody will notice. It's going to be a long day.

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Don't Forget to Vote

Super Tuesday is coming. Vote early, vote often!

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Costco Bling

It's Christmas time, so I get daily emails from every store that I've ever shopped at. I usually just delete them, but I glanced at Costco's mailer for today...

Right next to a $200 dorm fridge, they advertise a $59,999 diamond ring. Huh? At least it comes with free delivery.

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Halo 3 Arrives

If you haven't seen me lately, it's because Halo 3 came out this week. It's the best game I've ever played. Join me if you have Xbox live... my screen name is MoboOne.

Here are some hi-res screen shots that I made while I was playing. Yes, I am a nerd.

Labels: random

Baby Bologne

If you're interested, they sell "Baby Bologne" at the Persian market in Irvine.

But is it made from real babies? I say false advertising.

Labels: orange county, random

SOLD: 1997 BMW M3

I just got my car back from a detail at Carmona Collision in Fullerton. It looks so good that I almost don't want to sell it.

But, I don't drive it much anymore, so now it's for sale - one Arctic Silver 1997 BMW M3 with a 6-speed manual and 131,000 miles. Click here to see more.

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Atlas Shrugged

Today the OC Register dedicated most of its Commentary section to the philosophical novel "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand.

If you haven't read this book, I encourage you open it up and take a look at this philosophy focused on individualism and self-reliance. After reading it a few years ago, my views on entrepreneurship and personal freedom vs the evils of collectivism and moral relativism were solidified.

Yes, the book is 1,000 pages of long-winded storytelling and repetition. But it's almost guaranteed to change the way you look at economics, government, and your own personal freedom.

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Travis is Time Man of the Year

It looks like I just made Time Man of the Year. Well actually, everyone who uses the Internet is the Time Person of the Year. But, since I use the Internet more than anyone else (some might say I use it "too much"), I gladly accept this award on behalf of the rest of the world.

Thank you.

-Travis

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On the Bus

I lost my old cell phone, so I bought another one from a shady guy on Craigslist. He met me in a parking lot and he drove a white van with no windows. It was your stereotypical Craigslist transaction.

Here is a crappy video from my new phone. I like to call it "On the bus".

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B and O Railroad

This is Jessica. I was very bored today and found this on Craigslist. This is funny.


IF ANYONE CAN HELP ME FIND A GAME PIECE FROM MCDONALDS $500

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Google Satellite: Giant Pincher Bug Invades German Farm

How did this happen?

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Feuding Neighbor Installs Custom Window

1. Some guy builds a house.
2. Neighbor get's mad because it blocks his view.
3. Neighbor happens to be city council member, gets building code enforced.
4. Neighbor's argue.
5. New neighbor adds an custom designed window facing Mr. Council Member.
   

Link

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Half-suit for video conferencing

I need to get one of these. It's a Velcro-attached shirt that you can throw on for an important video conference meeting.

Each Businessbib has a slit back Velcro-sealed design and can be slipped over your T-shirt and shorts to give you to that sophisticated look in a jiffy. Once you're done with the meeting, you can remove the Businessbib and get back to your casual lifestyle.

Link

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Rising Health Care Costs are "Worth It"

Everyone loves to complain about the rising costs of health care and health insurance, but we seldom take a look at what we get for our money.

Harvard and the University of Michigan compared changes in health care costs vs. life-expectancy over the last 40 years and discovered that we're not getting ripped-off as much as we'd like to think.

Here are some interesting extracts from coverage on the report:

"The rising cost of health care has been the source of a lot of saber-rattling in the media and the public square, without anyone seriously analyzing and discussing the benefits gained," says Cutler. "But the dramatic increase in life expectancy that we've seen over the last decades shows that rising medical costs have been largely justified."

Conservatively adjusting for nonmedical factors in longevity such as lower smoking prevalence and reduced death rates from accidents, suicide, and homicide, the researchers attributed 50 percent of the increase in life expectancy since 1960 to improved health care.

Following this methodology, Cutler and colleagues estimated that from birth, the increased life expectancy since 1960 (approximately seven years, from 69.90 to 76.87 years) has cost $19,900 per added year of life.

Labels: random, work

Scientology Spam

It looks like one of my friends gave my email address the Church of Scientology. I've gotten two of these spams in the last two days. Thanks a bunch!

Just for that, here's a link to my favorite Scientology website.

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Random pic of the day

Can't think if anything interesting today, so here is a random pic from my hard drive:



It looks like a chili-cheese-jalepeno-onion hot dog from 7-11... a late night masterpiece created by yours truly. Dated May 31, 2006.

Labels: food, random

Is Your Name Popular?

Here's something new: Enter your name and find out how popular it was across generations with NameVoyager.

As you can see from the chart, the name "Travis" peaked in the 80's.

I made a few other observations:

• "Jessica" was the number one name in the 1980's
• "Bertha" was on a severe decline throughout the 20th century.
• "Bart" fell off the charts after the first season of The Simpsons.
• I'm not sure why, but the name "Latoya" took a dive after the 80's.
• "Spock" did not make the list at any point in recent history.
  

Labels: random, technology

Backfire: Fiji Water vs. Cleveland

I love this stuff....

A snooty advertisement for Fiji Water boasts "it's not bottled in Cleveland".

Cleveland Water Department responds with a scientific comparison of the two waters.

It turns out that Fiji Water has more arsenic and other contaminants than Cleveland tap water.

When asked why they continue to drink Fiji water, Fiji drinkers replied "Because that's what the fashion magazine told me to do".

Here is the story.

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Arnold and Mobile Phones

Today I tuned in to the radio to hear Governor Schwarzenegger talk about his attempt to ban the use of non-hands-free cell phones in cars.

Schwarzenegger's excuse: [Ahnold voice] "There are too many buh-tons".

Since I was sitting in traffic with nothing to do, I counted the buttons on the dashboard of my car.

78 buttons on my dashboard vs. 16 buttons on my cell phone.

If the buh-tons are so dangerous, we need to ignore cell phones and immediately legislate the use hands-free cars.

Labels: random, technology

Snobmoddities

I came across this great marketing term today: Snobmoddities - the phenomenon of turning completely mundane commodities into chic, popular luxury items or goods, offering consumers a bewildering number of varieties of what were once invisible parts of daily life.

Think of all the consumer items that now command premium prices for diminished returns:

• Water - Put a resource that literally falls from the sky in a pretty bottle and we'll pay $1.39 for it.
  
• Coffee - Starbucks, anyone?
  
• Shampoo - What is the difference between the $3 bottle and the $20 bottle? A couple of commercials.

The list goes on and on.

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Gas Prices

I just filled up for $3.39 a gallon. Ouch!

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Crazy Chalk Art

This is worth a look. This guy does some crazy chalk art. Check it out on Rock Da Mullet.

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Jessica is the National Tae Kwon Do champ!

Congratulations to Jessica! Yesterday she won first place at the Long Beach Tae Kwon Do Open. You may not have known this, but Grandmaster Jessica has been practicing her Tai Kwon Do daily since the age of 7. Here is a picture of her at the awards ceremony:

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The "Impeach Bush" Van

This van caught my eye in the Tustin Marketplace parking lot. Some people just can't stop after that first bumper sticker.

Labels: orange county, random

Long Receipt

This is quite a long receipt, considering all I bought was ONE SANDWICH for lunch. What craziness.

Labels: random

Jones Soda: Brussels Sprout with Prosciutto

We had a little holiday party last night with a white elephant gift exchange. Andrew and Melanie brought the Jones Soda Holiday Pack. We were doing taste tests when we got to the "Brussels Sprout with Prosciutto" flavor.

Six of us tasted it simultaneously. Two of us immediately threw up, the other four gagged and almost barfed. Chaos ensued. It is so nasty! Here is an action shot. Notice Larry running for the bathroom on the left.

Labels: random

Editorial: Automobile Gimmicks

Ten or fifteen years ago, automakers started building cars that lasted longer. Engineering and material advances meant no more sun-cracked dashboards, flaking paint or 100k engine overhauls. This was great for the carbuyer, but the automaker said "Oh crap, who's going to buy new cars if the old ones last a long time?"

The Solution

Fill these new, long lasting cars with dozens of pseudo-useful plastic gadgets, gimmicks, whizbangers and gobschnoblers. It wasn't long before cars were filled with auto-dimming rear view mirrors, adaptive turning headlights, digital compasses, headlight washers, lane-departure warning systems, fingerprint ignition, digital curb feelers and servo-driven cup holders.

The Result

These overly-complex, plastic parts break down after the warranty is up. The car functions perfectly well, but broken widgets and gizmos make the care FEEL old and run down. Unnecessary sensors trigger constant dashboard reminders of broken sensors that aren't worth fixing. Eight-way electronic seats would only move in seven. Auto-folding mirrors get stuck. Etc, etc, etc.

In the end, you sell a perfectly good car at 70,000-100,000 miles and buy a brand new one with even more gimmicks. The endless cycle of useless bling begins anew.

Labels: random, technology

Free Mullet Removal

Heath took this picture up by his house in Minessota. Free Mullet Removal?

Labels: random

Tsunami Earthquake Videos

Having never seen a Tsunami, it's hard to understand it would be like. These videos of the recent tsunami in the Indian Ocean might help understand. They are very chilling.

Tsunami hits some kind of resort. Watch how quickly the water rises to the second story. The guy in the butt-huggers is in shock.

Tsunami hits a beach - This one actually shows the wave hitting the beach. Truly amazing and sad.

Tsunami hits a resort in Sri Lanka - View from above a resort.

Long CNN video - 14 minutes, many frightening images, so sad.

Labels: random

Trading Spouses at Glamis Rumor

This weird email came in yesterday. I've never seen "Trading Spouses", but I don't think that I would wish this on any of my friends.

---

Hello, I am in the casting division of the Fox reality hit show Trading Spouses! We are currently casting our third season and would love a family involved with everything the Glamis Dunes and off-road enthusiasts have to offer! It would be a wonderful opportunity to show the nation what its like on a daily basis. Families must have two parental units and children over the age of six living at home. If you or anyone you know is interested, please email me or call me. I would be happy to answer any questions you would have. Than you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Andrea
Rocket Science Laboratories
Casting Manager

Labels: off-road, random

Rock stars and politics

Not that I'm an Alice Cooper fan, but I found this comment insightful:

"If you're listening to a rock star in order to get your information on who to vote for, you're a bigger moron than they are. Why are we rock stars? Because we're morons. We sleep all day, we play music at night and very rarely do we sit around reading the Washington Journal."

I always laugh when actors and musicians speak out on politics. They are not paid for their intelligence. In fact, the less intelligent someone is, the more likely they are to pursue a career in stardom, where the chances of actual success is virtually nil. Here is the article.

Labels: random

Easy Cheese

Bored at work... mmmm Kraft Easy Cheese.

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A Military Order

I know that the Internet is fueled by freaks and kooks, but I still can't believe that someone out there could create something so hillariously stupid. Interesting Flash Movie

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Harbor Freight Trailer

I finally finished building my birthday present... a Harbor Freight 4'x 8' foldable trailer. It's nice because when I'm not using it, it rolls right in our garage standing upright on casters. Two Pictures: Trailer folded Ready to go

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Big News

Moby snuck up on the kitchen table and ate an entire stick of butter. Twenty minutes later he barfed.

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help me

I got $400 in Best Buy gift certificates, that I would like to turn into cash. So if any of you are planning on buying anything, let me know, and I'll trade you the cards for cash.

Labels: random