A British man was acquitted of strangling his wife in his sleep because he was having a nightmare. This incident occurred last year sometime while the couple was vacationing in a camper across Whales.
The prosecutors described the case as a unique set of circumstances. Apparently the man was dreaming that an intruder had broken in, so he began to wrestle with him. He awoke with his wife in a headlock.
Sometimes you read stories and think to yourself "this has got to be made up". How tragic! I'm sure we have all encountered individuals with bad wiring but this man just suffered from a sleep disorder and mild depression. According to both families he was loving husband and both families were relieved when they found out that he would be found not guilty.
Can you imagine thinking that you are waking up from a nightmare, when in fact the nightmare has just begun? The world as you know it is now missing your most favorite component, your better half is gone......it would be hell.....
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Playing Palin
I'll be the first to admit that I am not the most up to date person in the world of politics. I would be more inclined to tell you which teams played in the Super Bowl the last twenty years or that Peyton Manning was 3-13 in his rookie season and 13-3 in his second, before I would be able to tell you who the current Governor of Alaska is?
I'm sure someone has done a poll, I bet that most Americans don't know Alaska's current Gov, which is interesting because he just took office because his predecessor quit. Sarah Palin has gone from unknown to superstar overnight. Targeted as a home run hitter for the Mcain campaign in last year's election, Palin was thrust in to the National spotlight. Anyone that says her selection wasn't for all of the wrong reasons just has to look at the Catie Couric interview. Open and shut case of a political party trying to seduce the American people with a little razzle dazzle and it backfired!
I don't blame Palin, she had an opportunity to leap frog her career by ten to fifteen years. She is a celebrity in the Republican party that can campaign and raise money better than most. The point that I find irritating is when Palin or her handlers try to play both sides of the media.
I am just as intrigued as most. Palin routinely is at or near the top in social networking sites and search engine searches. I admit that I'll click on Palin articles, not because I am a fan and I identify with her beliefs and support her message, I do it for the entertainment! Always intrigued to see what she is crying about, or if she said anything that will be on the nightly news.
This week, Palin graces the cover of Newsweek, the photo that they chose is the same photo that was on the cover of some diet magazine. The picture is of Palin in running shoes, shorts and an athletic jacket. Apparently Palin is a little huffy/puffy over the cover.
You're not Condoleezza Rice honey. You weren't picked to be the running mate because of your long history of policy change and academic honors. You think if you weren't a somewhat attractive middle aged slice of americana that you would have been on the ticket? You think Time Magazine has ever put Pelosi or Hilary on their cover in speedos?
If you want that kind of respect, you have to earn it. You don't necessarily have to earn fame, that's just about being in the right place at the right time. You didn't see Jamie Foxx winning Oscars while he was on In Living Color did you? After a couple of scenes with Pacino and a killer role in Ray and Ali is when he got his props.
The media is the reason that she can can wield the type of power that she now has. It might be a double edged sword but she wouldn't be what she is without it. To use it for her gain and then try to play the victim of sexism in the media and unfair coverage is hypocritical but what else would expect form a politician.
I'm sure someone has done a poll, I bet that most Americans don't know Alaska's current Gov, which is interesting because he just took office because his predecessor quit. Sarah Palin has gone from unknown to superstar overnight. Targeted as a home run hitter for the Mcain campaign in last year's election, Palin was thrust in to the National spotlight. Anyone that says her selection wasn't for all of the wrong reasons just has to look at the Catie Couric interview. Open and shut case of a political party trying to seduce the American people with a little razzle dazzle and it backfired!
I don't blame Palin, she had an opportunity to leap frog her career by ten to fifteen years. She is a celebrity in the Republican party that can campaign and raise money better than most. The point that I find irritating is when Palin or her handlers try to play both sides of the media.
I am just as intrigued as most. Palin routinely is at or near the top in social networking sites and search engine searches. I admit that I'll click on Palin articles, not because I am a fan and I identify with her beliefs and support her message, I do it for the entertainment! Always intrigued to see what she is crying about, or if she said anything that will be on the nightly news.
This week, Palin graces the cover of Newsweek, the photo that they chose is the same photo that was on the cover of some diet magazine. The picture is of Palin in running shoes, shorts and an athletic jacket. Apparently Palin is a little huffy/puffy over the cover.
You're not Condoleezza Rice honey. You weren't picked to be the running mate because of your long history of policy change and academic honors. You think if you weren't a somewhat attractive middle aged slice of americana that you would have been on the ticket? You think Time Magazine has ever put Pelosi or Hilary on their cover in speedos?
If you want that kind of respect, you have to earn it. You don't necessarily have to earn fame, that's just about being in the right place at the right time. You didn't see Jamie Foxx winning Oscars while he was on In Living Color did you? After a couple of scenes with Pacino and a killer role in Ray and Ali is when he got his props.
The media is the reason that she can can wield the type of power that she now has. It might be a double edged sword but she wouldn't be what she is without it. To use it for her gain and then try to play the victim of sexism in the media and unfair coverage is hypocritical but what else would expect form a politician.
Friday, November 6, 2009
City by the Bay
After careful deliberation the verdict is in, San Francisco is to this point my least favorite BIG city. There, I said it!
San Fran may have plenty to offer but it doesn't evoke the same type of feelings that other major cities do. There are too many variables to factor when comparing Europeon cities to American Cities so I'll limit the comparrison to New York and Chicago.
Walking down Broadway and through Central Park in New York can make you feel like anything is possible, that all of your dreams can come true with hard work and sacrifice. That isn't the case, but you sure feel that way when you are in that city. Michigan Ave and Navy Pier in Chicago have their own sense of romanticism. Both cities give the impression that they are living organisms and that life would go on without anyone being there.
The biggest factor is that San Fran of the three is the smallest. The tourists sites of all three cities are all probably even with NY holding a slight edge. Chicago and NY probably have more homeless and beggers but there not as in your face as SF. Manhatten and downtown Chicago are clean. The fact that SF is smaller makes you feel like you see street people everywhere you turn and guess what, YOU DO!
I don't know if it has always been like this. I am sensitive to the fact that the housing market in California was ground zero for the mortgage crisis and I am sure that the CA budget issue aren't helpful to the issues in question but there has to be a better answer than the current state of the matter.
At the end of the day, it always goes back to what your original expectations were. Expectations will determine your opinion 90% of the time. If you are eagerly anticipating the release of a movie and it's not as good as you thought it was then you are diappointed. If you end up knowing a few people at a reception that your signifcant other drags you to and it wasn't as bad as you thought was, then guess what you had a good time! (right Tom)?
I expected something different from SF. It doesn't mean I didn't have a great time figuring it all out, just means that it is my least favorite, so far.....
San Fran may have plenty to offer but it doesn't evoke the same type of feelings that other major cities do. There are too many variables to factor when comparing Europeon cities to American Cities so I'll limit the comparrison to New York and Chicago.
Walking down Broadway and through Central Park in New York can make you feel like anything is possible, that all of your dreams can come true with hard work and sacrifice. That isn't the case, but you sure feel that way when you are in that city. Michigan Ave and Navy Pier in Chicago have their own sense of romanticism. Both cities give the impression that they are living organisms and that life would go on without anyone being there.
The biggest factor is that San Fran of the three is the smallest. The tourists sites of all three cities are all probably even with NY holding a slight edge. Chicago and NY probably have more homeless and beggers but there not as in your face as SF. Manhatten and downtown Chicago are clean. The fact that SF is smaller makes you feel like you see street people everywhere you turn and guess what, YOU DO!
I don't know if it has always been like this. I am sensitive to the fact that the housing market in California was ground zero for the mortgage crisis and I am sure that the CA budget issue aren't helpful to the issues in question but there has to be a better answer than the current state of the matter.
At the end of the day, it always goes back to what your original expectations were. Expectations will determine your opinion 90% of the time. If you are eagerly anticipating the release of a movie and it's not as good as you thought it was then you are diappointed. If you end up knowing a few people at a reception that your signifcant other drags you to and it wasn't as bad as you thought was, then guess what you had a good time! (right Tom)?
I expected something different from SF. It doesn't mean I didn't have a great time figuring it all out, just means that it is my least favorite, so far.....
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
the five year old kind of excitement
The expression "for as long as I can remember" is thrown around often and for as long as I can remember, the Oakland Raiders have been a part of my life.
Taught at an early age to recognize all NFL team logos and taking pictures with Oakland Raider legends helped lay the foundation for a passionate but rational fan. I am not the kind of fanatic that loses perspective and all sense of reality.
Despite the problems with the organization, I remain hopeful. Sunday the Raiders lost to the Jets with the final score being 38 to zero.
Sunday was my first time seeing the Raiders play in the Oakland Coliseum. The only opportunities that I get to see the Raiders are when they are the visiting team. I was excited to see the silver and black attire, to witness the "uniqueness" of the Oakland Raider fan base and to cheer loudly with the home crowd.
Regardless of the outcome, I take with me the experience of the day: going with my best friend, paying for over priced nachos and beverages and feeling the kind of excitement that a five year old gets when his Dad is home from work.
Guess you can say that's just me, seeing the silver and black lining.
Taught at an early age to recognize all NFL team logos and taking pictures with Oakland Raider legends helped lay the foundation for a passionate but rational fan. I am not the kind of fanatic that loses perspective and all sense of reality.
Despite the problems with the organization, I remain hopeful. Sunday the Raiders lost to the Jets with the final score being 38 to zero.
Sunday was my first time seeing the Raiders play in the Oakland Coliseum. The only opportunities that I get to see the Raiders are when they are the visiting team. I was excited to see the silver and black attire, to witness the "uniqueness" of the Oakland Raider fan base and to cheer loudly with the home crowd.
Regardless of the outcome, I take with me the experience of the day: going with my best friend, paying for over priced nachos and beverages and feeling the kind of excitement that a five year old gets when his Dad is home from work.
Guess you can say that's just me, seeing the silver and black lining.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Road
Let me preface this entry by saying, forgive me if this does not make sense. Usually I write to share stories and ideas. I have read this four or five times and every time, I get the feeling that I am trying to work something out in MY head.
Recently I visited a place I called home for the first fourteen years of my life. Not only did I visit the town, but I had the opportunity to see friends and family that I had not had the pleasure of being around in quite some time. It's been more than 13 years since my initial departure and needless to say there has been a lot of change.
It's important to note that these are all people that had a significant hand in raising me. For most people, family and environment shape the type of person that you become. Nothing poetic about saying your family and home, "set the table" for your life. Some individuals are going to have a head start. Not having all of the advantages doesn't mean that you can't accomplish your goals, just means that your road is going to be different.
The whole family had an influence in shaping the type of person that I have become. It is ultimately up to parents to shape and mold advice and utilize the experiences of not only themselves but of Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and close family friends in to productive life lessons.
I learned a lot from this trip! It might not be necessary to go home again but it certainly is beneficial. You can learn, just as much taking a trip down the road you started out on as you did the first time you traveled it. Originally guided by your elders, and now "YOU" are the elder. I know who I am and why I am. I was fortunate to have a village raise me and I am grateful. I fret a lot about how best to pay homage and I think the best thing to do, is to keep it all going.
Life is a journey right? Each day is a mini journey within the grand scheme of things. Some of us go through the motions, from alarm clock to quitting time and repeat the cycle all over again. Some of us try to use each day for self discovery and continued improvement. Some of us are lost and stay lost until the light goes on, or off...
Recently I visited a place I called home for the first fourteen years of my life. Not only did I visit the town, but I had the opportunity to see friends and family that I had not had the pleasure of being around in quite some time. It's been more than 13 years since my initial departure and needless to say there has been a lot of change.
It's important to note that these are all people that had a significant hand in raising me. For most people, family and environment shape the type of person that you become. Nothing poetic about saying your family and home, "set the table" for your life. Some individuals are going to have a head start. Not having all of the advantages doesn't mean that you can't accomplish your goals, just means that your road is going to be different.
The whole family had an influence in shaping the type of person that I have become. It is ultimately up to parents to shape and mold advice and utilize the experiences of not only themselves but of Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and close family friends in to productive life lessons.
I learned a lot from this trip! It might not be necessary to go home again but it certainly is beneficial. You can learn, just as much taking a trip down the road you started out on as you did the first time you traveled it. Originally guided by your elders, and now "YOU" are the elder. I know who I am and why I am. I was fortunate to have a village raise me and I am grateful. I fret a lot about how best to pay homage and I think the best thing to do, is to keep it all going.
Life is a journey right? Each day is a mini journey within the grand scheme of things. Some of us go through the motions, from alarm clock to quitting time and repeat the cycle all over again. Some of us try to use each day for self discovery and continued improvement. Some of us are lost and stay lost until the light goes on, or off...
13
It is not a secret and I am not being poetic by writing that birthdays come and go. We all have our rituals, some rituals include not having any at all. Regardless of how you feel about that particular day, whether you treat it like any other day or you advertise it for weeks to come to anyone who will acknowledge, at the end of the day it is special, if not to you then to those closest to you.
My other half was born a XXVII years ago yesterday and we started our celebration with a professional massage in our cottage in the last hours of our Napa experience.
Nice way to finish up a relaxing week! Armed with five days of new memories and experiences we left Napa and set out for San Francisco, where we intended to add to the aforementioned experiences.
Part of the "experience" was getting turned around on HWY 101, after finally making it to our hotel we decided to head down to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. The sights and sounds and smells were much of what I remembered. Outside of being located on the Bay, there isn't anything unique about either attraction. Tourist traps with overpriced shops and restaurants, not unlike the Statue of Liberty or Navy Pier the London Eye. The best part of both are the Sea Lions sun bathing and the presence that looms 2000+ feet off the pier (ALCATRAZ).
The main event of the evening was a trip to Chef Hubert Keller's Fleur de Lys. I try to keep a good prespective of all things, it helps keep me grounded. Just as the food was incredible, so was the experience. My lovely bride looked beautiful, the conversation flowed almost as well as the wine. We couldn't help but over hear conversations about heart surgery to our left and legal proceedings to our right both had the same snobby nose in air annunciation. Before I knew it we were on to the fourth course and our evening was just about over.
The host had informed me in an earlier phone conversation that the restaurant in fact had a valet parking. I was thrilled, especially after paying for parking at the Pier "yikes". Upon exiting the restaurant, I flipped the attendant ten dollars, promptly thanked him and proceeded to ask him for directions. After accommodating my request, the attendant, very politely informed me that the parking cost $13 and he only needs three more. With a quick apology and chuckle, I trade him a twenty and drive off humbled.
That is probably the first thing that will come to mind when reminiscing about the time we went to the fancy french restaurant with the army of servers and arrogant clientele.
I wouldn't have it any other way, helps with the prespective.
My other half was born a XXVII years ago yesterday and we started our celebration with a professional massage in our cottage in the last hours of our Napa experience.
Nice way to finish up a relaxing week! Armed with five days of new memories and experiences we left Napa and set out for San Francisco, where we intended to add to the aforementioned experiences.
Part of the "experience" was getting turned around on HWY 101, after finally making it to our hotel we decided to head down to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. The sights and sounds and smells were much of what I remembered. Outside of being located on the Bay, there isn't anything unique about either attraction. Tourist traps with overpriced shops and restaurants, not unlike the Statue of Liberty or Navy Pier the London Eye. The best part of both are the Sea Lions sun bathing and the presence that looms 2000+ feet off the pier (ALCATRAZ).
The main event of the evening was a trip to Chef Hubert Keller's Fleur de Lys. I try to keep a good prespective of all things, it helps keep me grounded. Just as the food was incredible, so was the experience. My lovely bride looked beautiful, the conversation flowed almost as well as the wine. We couldn't help but over hear conversations about heart surgery to our left and legal proceedings to our right both had the same snobby nose in air annunciation. Before I knew it we were on to the fourth course and our evening was just about over.
The host had informed me in an earlier phone conversation that the restaurant in fact had a valet parking. I was thrilled, especially after paying for parking at the Pier "yikes". Upon exiting the restaurant, I flipped the attendant ten dollars, promptly thanked him and proceeded to ask him for directions. After accommodating my request, the attendant, very politely informed me that the parking cost $13 and he only needs three more. With a quick apology and chuckle, I trade him a twenty and drive off humbled.
That is probably the first thing that will come to mind when reminiscing about the time we went to the fancy french restaurant with the army of servers and arrogant clientele.
I wouldn't have it any other way, helps with the prespective.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Napa Day 5: Leisurely Efficient
We started out with our breakfast from Bouchon Bakery delivered to our doorstep at 8am. The plan was to take a bike ride through Napa Valley, our chosen path took us down HWY 29, and while we passed vineyards, we witnessed men and women harvesting the last remaining grapes of the season. We continued over streams, through parks and around cemetaries, George had all the cool moves, while I struggled at first. After arriving in Yountville, we parked and set out on foot to a local market, where we picked up lunch items for a picninc back at the cottage grounds.
After our picnic we decided to make our way 90 minutes west to Bodega Bay where as it turns out, Hithcock filmed the movie Birds. Ash saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time as we continued to drive up Hwy 1. We parked for pictures and ran along the sandy beaches for about 30 minutes. With the sun starting to set, we headed back down the Hwy toward Napa.
Another fantastic meal at Bistro Don Giovanni and great vacation day over all. A bike ride through Napa and a drive down the Pacific Coast, both were firsts and both followed this vacations theme of leisurly efficient.
After our picnic we decided to make our way 90 minutes west to Bodega Bay where as it turns out, Hithcock filmed the movie Birds. Ash saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time as we continued to drive up Hwy 1. We parked for pictures and ran along the sandy beaches for about 30 minutes. With the sun starting to set, we headed back down the Hwy toward Napa.
Another fantastic meal at Bistro Don Giovanni and great vacation day over all. A bike ride through Napa and a drive down the Pacific Coast, both were firsts and both followed this vacations theme of leisurly efficient.
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