Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Full Body Scanners

With the latest Al Queda attack using the "underwear bomb" there is renewed call for tightened airport security. Most notably the Scanners that can see the outline of a persons body, including their breast, buttock, and genital reigon. (We don't quite have the 'Total Recall' Scanners that Arnold crashed through yet)

Puritanical privacy groups are against these scanners ostensibly because they are embarrassed that someone might see their disgusting flabby bodies and laugh at them? I don't know the reason cause I don't understand it. I say bring on the scanners! Heck if it cut down the lines I would walk onto the plane naked wearing nothing but a party favor on my tallywacker. But that's just me, I am full of whimsy during these final days of 2009.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas

I extend my sincerest Christmas and Holiday wishes to everyone, thanks for reading and may you enjoy a special day with your loved ones.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

New Years Eve Milkshakes

For New Years lets revisit a classic homage to "There Will Be Blood" first is the real scene..





And now here is the classic re imagining



Yes back in those days I was drinking one to many milkshakes!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Jon Stewart makes fun of Obama's Nobel Speech

In the spirit of fairness and to enlighten all those who Only watch Fox News and listen to Only Rush and Hannity.....guess what? Jon Stewart is taking jabs at Obama on the daily show now folks! How bout that? Will this change your opinion of him? Yes this video is 4 minutes so just forward it up to the 2 min part and enjoy

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Obama's Nobel Speech
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show
Full Episodes
Political HumorHealth Care Crisis


Garrett's 10 best films from the 1990's

These lists can be addicting once you start, and the more I thought about my list for this decade, the truth is folks last decade was even better for movies...so strap in and here we go with my 10 best/favorite films of last decade

10. Pulp Fiction====The classic masterpiece that revolutionized a genre and spawned a zillion imitators. Watching this movie is so much fun.

9. Braveheart====They may take our lives, but they'll never take OUR FREEDOM! Mel the Mad Genius knocks it out of the park with this classic epic.

8. Forrest Gump===Tom Hanks creates one of the most memorable characters in movie history in this funny, touching, and moving film

7. Fargo=====Totally original quirky funny fascinating

6. LA Confidential=====Not since Chinatown has there been a better noir film about LA in the 1950's...Curtis Hanson perfectly captures the era and puts Russell Crowe on the map

5. Boogie Nights=====One of my all time favorites, this movie has so many classic moments and lines, PT Anderson's direction feels alive and Fun!

4. Slingblade=====The Citizen Kane of redneck films....Billy Bob Thorton created an enduring masterpiece with this one...the fact that he wrote and directed this movie and created the character is astonishing

3. The Matrix=====Speaking of Astonishing! This movie is mindbendingly surreal and totally revolutionary....The Wachowski Brothers created one of the best Sci Fi action, Kung Fu movies of all time

2. Goodfellas=====Next to GF I and II this is the best Mafia movie ever made and is one of the most quotable and rewatchable films that I know of.

1. The Silence of the Lambs====My pick for the best movie of the decade is the all time classic movie that swept the academy awards and rightfully so. The best psychological thriller ever, one of the greatest villains ever, this is a perfect masterpiece of a film and one that never gets old.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

My Picks for 25 best Films of the decade

By popular demand, and at Matt's requet, here are my picks for the best movies of the decade (caveat, I haven't seen District 9 or Avatar yet, and they would probably go in here, but I can't include them cause I aint seem em)

25. United 93---Respectfully done and like Schindlers List will most likely be a "one and done" movie for me cause I just can't take the emotion of it...this was probably the hardest movie I have ever had to watch.

24. Touching the Void------A brilliant Documentary about 2 climbers that climbed an impossible peak in the Andes and one climber who struggled back from certain death.

23. Minority Report------One of the most gripping Sci Fi thrillers of recent years that potrays what computers will be like in the future with the "multi gestural" interface that is already coming true

22. Brokeback Mountain----A beautifully done and achingly sad film that is wonderfully paced and acted

21. Pans Labyrinth-----A fantastic Spanish film that takes us on a journey with a little girl who creates an intricate and fascinating fantasy world to deal with her fascist Stepfather who is a lieutenant in Francos Spain.

20. O Brother Where Art Thou?----Another Cohen brothers film that is a remake of the Odyssey which takes place during the dustbowl, total original and brilliant movie

19. Donnie Darko---A cult classic that I only discovered recently....a fantastical trip through time paradoxes as a suburban boy is suddenly told that the world will end in 9 days.

18. The Reader----I won't ruin the big reveal in this one but it plays with your idea of who the good guy and bad guy should be..a great film

17. About Schmidt---Jack Nicholson is at his best here as a man who takes a journey in his motorhome after his wife dies and he retires to try to understand how he got to where he is in his life, and what does it all mean?

16. Michael Clayton----A very smart thriller, the kind of movie that a love, involving corporate operatives and fixers.

15. Downfall----The most accurate and powerful movie ever made about Hitler, it deals with his last days in the bunker as the Russian Army is converging on Berlin

14. The Last King of Scotland----A terrifyingly powerful performance by Forrest Whitaker who portrays Idi Amin....We take a journey along with a reporter who is seduced into Amins inner circle

13. The Departed-------Great thriller about the Irish Mafia, the Boston PD and two undercover guys in each camp

12. The Aviator------Scorcese did this and the Departed back to back and I think the Aviator was a little bit better..."Come in with the Milk, come in with the Milk"

11. Borat-----It takes an amazing amount of talent to pull of the kind of comedy that Sascha Cohen is able to do. He is a genius at what he does.

10. Memento-----I love movies like this....it involves a puzzle for our protaganist who has short term memory..he wasn't hit by a pear, and just wants to know what happened

9. Crash------It is great that this won best picture because it was considered a longshot. Ensemble piece that honestly discusses race in America.

8. Batman Begins----This is a masterpiece of a Superhero movie. Christopher Nolan took the genre and raised it into art. "I need to be something elemental, something terryifying, to use fear against those who prey on the fearful"

7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind-----Quirky and brilliant film about a couple who impulsively have their memories of each other erased. What a brilliant idea with great execution.

6. Into The Wild---Hal Holbrook gives the best performance in the 3rd act of this movie again with a great portrayal of loneliness

5. The Bourne Ultimatum----The 3rd in the Trilogy is the best as Matt Damon reinvents the genre of the spy thriller....awesome film!!

4. No Country For Old Men-----Basically this is a perfect film..."Call it, what am I betting on? Everything"

3. The Fog of War-------The most brilliant documentary of its kind....it explains so much about why we go to war, as told by Sec Def Robert McNamara

2. There Will Be Blood--------One of the top 5 greatest performances ever caught on film...there are actors and then there is Daniel Day Lewis.....The final scene is so brilliant that you are literally shaking.

1. Mullholland Drive----The best movie of the decade is this mindbendingly genius movie by David Lynch. The film almost goes beyond categorization and description, but it did leave a powerful imprint on me, it is a work of art.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Grabbaggars memories of 2009

I'll be taking a bit of a hiatus until next year but thanks to all those who read my blog regularly....my goal is to be honest and make it entertaining...it continues to be a great outlet for me...Merry Christmas to everyone and I'll see you in 2010...........Here are some memories for the year

  • Climbing Mt Whitney
  • I survived another year of the recession
  • Everyday is a happy memory with Kevin and Zach
  • Ditto for Tasha I Love being married to her and love her more every day
  • Tasha's 3 Day Walk
  • Skiing in Mammoth
  • Zach starts T Ball and Kindergarten
  • Kevin excels at reading comp
  • My Bear Den...Den 1 rules!!
  • Being a Season ticket holder for both the Kings and Dodgers
  • Getting the Dog I have wanted all my life
  • Facebook
  • Going to Two Harbors and camping on "Serenity Now"
  • Finally not rebounding back to being a huskier gentleman
  • Going to Colorado with Mike and Matt
  • The epic U2 concert at the Rosebowl
  • Home refi at 30 yr fixed at a 4.75 rate
  • Camping in Ventura
  • Laying by the pool in Tempe, AZ in 115 July heat
  • Reading like mad with the Kindle device and Iphone app
  • And finally.....I am happier and healthier then I have been in years!!!!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Scientology and Tom Cruise

Just by writing this blog I could be labeled a SP (Supressive Person) according to those who worship LRH (L Ron Hubbard) with that said...Scientology is a dangerous cult that is harmful to us. It comes to us in many fronts..Nanconon. Criminon...Applied Scholastics......Here is Tom Cruise (Class 4 Level VII Operating Thetan) explaining the value of AS or "Study Tech" a costly 'education' that is supposedly the best in the history of the world.....Maybe I am a suppressive...after all I was a pharmaceutical rep....enjoy Toms rant on Study Tech....




And this is the famous "award ceremony" Where Tom Cruise is extolling the virtues of LRH and Cult Leader David Miscavige the COB (Chairman of the Board) of Scientology....David Miscavige is other then LRH....the single greatest man Cruise has ever met, and he's met them all. Enjoy the wackiness if you haven't already seen this one. It includes the Nazi Style salute to a giant picture of Science Fiction writer L Ron Hubbard....and please enjoy cult leader Miscavige talk about how they want to eradicate physciatry and bring LRH solutions to all governments...this nonsense is endlessly fascinating to me.

"Religion should not cost its members money"
===Garrett Riley

Monday, November 30, 2009

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods was sleeping in an opium delirium when his wife who is a swedish model woke him up screaming at him after discovering internet rumors of another woman whom Tiger had sex with. Tiger was chased from his house, while his wife punched him in the mouth, scratched his face up, and menaced him with a golf club. Being in his percocet delirium he jumped in his Escalade and backed into a firehydrant, then into a tree while his wife was clubbing his windows out with said golf club. He then collapsed onto the street, still in a delirium where he lapsed in and out of consciousness, due to his injuries sustained by his wife (She might have attacked him in his sleep initially) And then the coverup and lies began.

Tiger Woods is the single biggest athlete in the world. He IS golf, without him the tour would lose about 60% of it's popularity...no other sport has a single athlete that is as powerful. MLB could lose A Rod and Albert Puljols and barely miss a beat...the NHL would continue without Alex Ovechkin...etc etc....But Tiger woods has so much power that he can single handedly control the fate of a tournament simply by deciding to play in it or not. In person he is dull and has the personality of a brick wall and he is terrible in interviews. But like anyone in the world with a networth of a billion dollars and worldwide fame, he has acquired all the accouterments....Zillion dollar houses, yachts, etc....and a trophy wife in the form of this Swedish Model.

What is her problem? How could she not understand the unwritten deal and contract that she has entered into? This is like Paul McCartney and Heather Mills all over again. How could you be married to Paul McCartney and give him any grief? How could you give any grief to Tiger Woods! I would marry Tiger Woods or Paul McCartney and let them do whatever they wanted!!!

This is Tiger Woods fault for deciding to marry this shiny ornament. Elin should have kept her cool and done the Vanessa Bryant thing...sit by her husband and accept a 4 million dollar diamond ring and don't give him any problems!!!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Garrett's Reading List

Here is a list of books that I have read since I bought my Kindle on April 3rd of this year.
All of these books were instantly delivered to me and read on my Kindle or Iphone for less then the price of buying a book at a bookstore

New York Edward Rutherfurd (Reading now)
The Collectors David Baldacci
The Camel Club David Baldacci
Pursuit of Honor Vince Flynn
Nine Dragons Michael Connelly
Hour Game David Baldacci
Split Second David Baldacci
Christmas Train David Baldacci
The Lost Symbol Dan Brown
Where Men Win Glory: The Oddessy of Pat Tillman Jon Krakauer
Last Man Standing David Baldacci
Wish You Well David Baldacci
Saving Faith David Baldacci
The Simple Truth David Baldacci
Cross Country James Patterson
In the Presidents Secret Service Ronald Kessler
Accidental Billionares Ben Mezrich
Busting Vegas Ben Mezrich
The Devils Punchbowl Greg Iles
Just after Sunset Stephen King
Relentless Dean Koontz
Living Dead in Dallas Charlaine Harris
The Scarecrow Michael Connelly
Dead Until Dark Charlaine Harris
Gone Tomorrow Lee Child
Double Cross James Patterson
Straw Daryl Strawberry
Cross James Patterson
Mary, Mary James Patterson
A-Rod Selena Roberts
Imajica Clive Barker
Jeff Immelt and the new GE David Magee
Prayers For Rain Dennis Lehane
Sacred Dennis Lehane
Darkness Take my Hand Dennis Lehane
Columbine Dave Cullen
Fight Club Chuck Palahniuk
Afraid Jack Kilborn
The Year of Living Biblically AJ Jacobs
Four Days in November Vincent Bugliosi
Unlikely Disciple Kevin Roose
Extreme Measures Vince Flynn
Mayday Nelson Demille
Cathedral Nelson Demille
Spencerville Nelson Demille
Duma Key Stephen King
By the Rivers of Babylon Nelson Demille
UR Stephen King
Blaze Stephen King
The Gate House Nelson Demille
The Given Day Dennis Lehane


And that's it folks always having my iphone with me =always having a book with me, and always being able to read wherever you are...it's a great thing and I recommend it to everyone, even those who are readers now that are skeptical of change, give the Kindle, the Sony EReader, The Barnes and Noble Nook a chance, they are great devices because they all have e ink technology and are more comfortable and easier to read than physical books.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

This is an Outrage!!

How could this happen? A bunch of USC punks vandalized the great Bruin statue at UCLA early this morning. I only hope that UCLA will retaliate with swift decisiveness and remedy this outrage!!!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Mike Faulkner talks baseball

This is a first for Grabbaggar....ladies and gentlemen here is a guest post from "Baptist Mike in Utah"


Hello everyone,
I just thought I would jot this down with the recent announcment of Joe Mauer winning the AL MVP nearly unanimously.
I read through a few articles on the selection and it comes down to one thing. He is a catcher who put up big numbers, but it really seems to be more of a vote for David instead of Goliath thing. The small market Twin, should get it over the large market Yankees. I keep reading that the Twins and Mauer made the playoffs against all odds with a small payroll etc etc. But they Twins are not a surprise they have been in the midst of the playoffs for several years now. They also act as though his numbers as a CATCHER are what makes him so terrific.
.365, 28 HR, 96 RBI, 94 Runs. Very good (actually great) for a catcher, but unheard of???
95' Piazza
.346, 32, 93, 82
96' Piazza
.336, 36, 105, 87
97' Piazza
.362, 40, 124, 104
99' Piazza
.303, 40, 124, 100
00' Piazza
.324,38,113,90
And so on, you can add a few more great years in there as well. Had Mauer not been injured in April, he would not be the MVP. His HR's had dipped along with his average over the season. Over a full season, he would not have caught Piazza 1997 numbers except maybe runs scored. Piazza was never elected MVP because of his position, he was beat by Larry Walker in Colorado, or many of the Sosa, Big Mac, Bonds, chemically enhanced 60+ HR seasons.
Why is Mauer being voted MVP because of his position as a catcher. Does that make him more valuable than other players??
We have gotten into a wierd time in MLB where we look at players in categories rather than as the whole player. We have Hall of Famers that are the "Greatest lead off hitter" is that a position?? I know Ricky is deserving with all of his numbers, but the labelking is getting out of hand. Jeff Kent is mentioned for his numbers as a second baseman. What if he played third or first, is he no longer a "great"?? Piazza will benefit in a few years from this odd way of categorizing a player. Many closers will make the HOF based on their number of saves, but will there ever be a place for the set up guy? Maybe "holds" will have meaning someday. I am sure we will see the DH "position" honored in the HOF. I would like to figure out the stats and see who the best number 8 hitter in baseball is and put him in there. We know Rickey has more leadoff HR's than anyone, what about the obsure scrawny speedster playing short stop who happens to have the most HR's in the number 8 spot in history. Or the pitcher who extended more innings than any other in history with 2 outs and avoided killing a rally.
I applaud the year Mauer had, but is he the best? Is he the Most Valuable? Would he be as valuable at 3rd base with the same numbers??
Kirk Gibson did not have the best numbers in 1988, but was the leagues MVP. Not because of the numbers he posted in LF, but because of what he did for the team, the league, and all involved in the crowds.
Mike Faulkner

Friday, November 20, 2009

Tasha begins her "3 Day Walk"


This picture says it all about Tasha...Happy, cute and beautiful.

I can't wait to see her on Sunday at the finish line...Thanks to all who donated to the cause, this is a great use of time and money, Tasha is a living example of kindness and I love her!!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

When drunk fans try to go after the athletes

This is a great ESPN produced video of the top ten incidents...culminating with the surreal Ron Artest Fight 5 years ago....enjoy!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Happy Birthday Mother!!

A big Happy Birthday to my Mom...hope your day today is special!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Garretts XM Radio Update

Most of you know that I am a gadget freak (good gadgets, not the crap you find in brookstone) Among those that I have had since 2003 is XM Satellite Radio. I love the fact that it instantly makes FM Radio nearly obsolete (and with continuous commercial free traffic and weather updates it pretty much makes AM obsolete as well) Since it is Satellite based all you need is a view of the sky and you will always get a clear signal...whether you are on the top of Mt Whitney or Sailing in the Puget Sound of Washington, your signal never fades. (Check it I've been to both those aforementioned places) With the merger with Sirius the service has gotten better as more content has been added. I now enjoy radio access to every game broadcast in the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, and most PGA, ATP, and Nascar events if I am so inclined....I also get the live audio feed of CNN and Fox News...and so much more!!

As I said before with the advent of the Iphone I figured that XM would be obsolete as free services like Pandora took over......BUT!!!!......even though Pandora is free it is subject to frequent dropouts. It is only as good as the network, and ATT's 3g network is subject to shoddy coverage, frequent dropouts, and terrible sound quality. But XM is not subject to that at all....your sound quality is as good in the heart of downtown Los Angeles as it is in Furnace Creek, Death Valley. Or if you are taking Lincoln tunnel into Manhattan, you will still get coverage because XM has repeaters installed!! But why all this renewed love for satellite radio you ask? Simple....The XM Skydock for Iphone!!!!..That's right folks there is now a piece of hardware that plugs into your cigarette lighter that turns your iphone into a full featured XM Radio! with all the benefits of the 3.5 inch touch it works beautifully.....So here now are Garrett's top 10 favorite music channels for XM Satellite Radio.....

Number 10: The Joint--Pure Reggae Music
Number 9: Real Jazz
Number 8: Willies Place--Old School Country, none of the Nashville crap
Number 7: The Pulse---Adult Contemporary Hits
Number 6: Lithium--Classic Alternative Hits
Number 5: Classic Vinyl---Early Classic Rock
Number 4---1st Wave---Classic 80's Alternative
Number 3---The 80's on 8----80's pop Hits
Number 2------Classic Rewind--Later Classic Rock
and the Number 1 channel is
SIRIUS XM CHILL--This is a Genre known as Chill Music and it is unique and very cool.


PS. If you have Sirius XM, what Channels do you listen to? And if you don't have it yet...what are you a weirdo!? Go to Best Buy and get it! Sheesh!!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Church update*** by Popular Demand!!

Well folks we just got the "expense v giving" report from our church and Tasha joined me in wondering why they need an average of 140 thousand dollars per month. It seems that there is another "one time gift day" tomorrow that people will be guilted into once again. If someone is having a problem with giving because they are anxious about their financial situation....no problem, just pray to God and he will make it all better. Coincidentally it seems that the more pain caused by giving is directly proportional to our rewards in heaven. How about that!!

Here is what is taken directly from the website....(for any lurkers on my site that have not been steeped in the culture of evangelicalism.....enjoy...those who are already will find this very familiar.) And please whatever money you feel guilted into giving...send it to the "Make a Wish Foundation"

Second Aspect of this One-day offering will stretch all of us…but I am convinced that everyone can participate if you want to. What we want to challenge you to do is ask, "God, what do you want me to give above and beyond my regular giving to this one day offering that will be used to further our ministry in the SCV?"

Some of us can give a very significant gift…others have already begun to think creatively about how they can give above and beyond their regular giving. Example: Gold Coin…maybe you could have a garage sale, or clean out your storage unit, do some handyman work, one woman had a boutique at her home.

For those of you who feel as if there is no way you can give. We want you to pray that God will make it possible for you to give in ways that will blow you away.

Prayer - Today we are very sensitive to the fact that there are those of you who are going through difficult financial times…you might be hurting today. Even talking about giving is painful to you. Some of you need a financial miracle. You may be facing a crisis and we want to pray for you…If that describes you I am going to ask you to pray with me.

"Father, as a church family we want to pray for those who are facing some kind of financial stress or difficulty in their life. They are hurting, confused and don’t know what to do! God you know exactly what they’re facing. Would you help them to feel your love and the prayers of their church family around them. You know our hurts and you know our fears. You know our struggles and our sins, our loneliness, our pain.

For those here who are hurting may they experience relief. May they sense your presence in their pain
n. It is your desire that they learn to trust you with what they have. Thank You that you love us. Thank You that You hear our prayers. And thank You in advance for the answers that are already on the way. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Friday, November 13, 2009

Jon Stewart Catches Hannity shading the truth and Hannity apologizes!

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Sean Hannity Apologizes to Jon
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I'll let this one speak for itself folks...I have been listening to Hannity for years, and he always talks up these rallies.

BTW I tuned in "The no spin zone" the other day and I kid you not O'Reilly played a clip of a CW show that showed an extended girl on girl kiss...then he said, "Are the folks at the CW pinheads for putting this on the air? I'll let you decide" Bill loves playing stuff like this for ratings while lambasting people who play the same clip for ratings. Anyways enjoy the Jon Stewart clip.

PS If Limbaugh, Hannity, Glen Beck, etc. caught Olberman or Rachel Madow doing this, they would have gone absolutely ballistic!!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Carrie Prejean Completely falls apart on Larry King Live

This is absolutely hilarious! Carrie Loses it when Larry asks why she settled her lawsuit which is a perfectly legitimate question. Carrie lies about "not being able to talk about it" and then when she is asked why she can't talk about it, she claims it is confidential, Larry apparently has one or two marbles left and questions why she can't even talk about the motives for canceling. Then it gets really interesting and funny, watch how Carrie is listening to her publicist off screen and takes off her mic and then says she can't hear anything!

For those that don't know Carrie settled/withdrew her "religious discrimination" case against the pageant as soon as she learned the pageant had come into possession of a solo sex tape of her having fun with herself.




Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Veterans Day

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Leykis, Carolla, Opie and Anthony all gone from CBS Radio

A very interesting thing has been happening for a while now with traditional terrestrial radio. There are no more "shock jocks" or interesting non political, non sports talk shows on FM terrestrial radio anymore. Building on the success of Don Imus in the mid to late 80's Howard Stern revolutionized radio and this helped shows like "Opie and Anthony" (Which I have listened to continuously for 4 years now) Adam Carolla, and Tom Leykis.

And then came Janet jacksons boob.

Since then these shows have been tightly governed by repressed Puritans, and interest watchdog groups governed by sleazy lowlifes such as Al Sharpton. All a sudden now shows were actually getting fired for imitating a stereotypical Asian accent (interest groups targeting advertisers) Or making a bad joke about a womens basketball team. I can still remember Al Sharpton's daughter scornfully looking at a sheepish Imus and wishing Imus would ask to look at her Ipod to see how many times the word "Ho" is used in the songs she most likely listens to. So while shows like "The Office", SNL and "30 Rock" can get away with smart edgy humor with sexual and racial elements...for some reason radio can't.

So a few things happened...Howard Stern jumped to Sirius for a 1/2 billion dollar contract....more and more people (especially younger) were just listening to their IPODs...and the somewhat affluent to affluent crowd starting to get Satellite radio which took away their consumer base. But there were shows that were still doing well such as Leykis and Carolla and to a lesser extent Opie and Anthony on WCBS in NY....But because all three command enormous salaries it was just cheaper to dump them and program a top 40 jukebox which is what they did with their two flagships WCBS and KLSX out here in LA.

I wrote a post a year ago or so about how I think Satellite radio was on it's way out, but now I am not so sure. With clever Iphone integration satellite radio I think is here to stay...and that is great because it is so much better than "regular radio" The sound is always crystal clear and you won't hear any commercials for music, but here is the best thing...You hear hardly any commercials for talk programs either!! Opie and Anthony (now exclusive to Sirius XM) can go an hour and a half straight sometimes!! And it is the same with the baseball channel on 175....and many others. Yes I am entertained by listening to Rush and Hannity as well sometimes but the amount of commercials is just way too much!! It is ridiculous actually. For a couple hundred bucks for 2 years...Sirius XM is more than worth the price....

When cable first came out in the late 70's people were wondering...man it sure is stupid to pay for something you can get for free. Well guess what people? You still can get it for free and it sucks!! That is why people pay for Directv or Cable, or an ISP to watch their shows on Hulu.

You know what I think is insanity? Paying for a Landline in your house as well as a cellphone!!?? Allright this blog has rambled long enough......

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Carrie Prejean XXX Tape

"I love Jesus"

Whoops! Looks like another person purportedly holding "Christian" values has been exposed as a blatant over the top hypocrite.

Just to clarify folks...when PerezHilton initially asked Carrie what her opinion of Gay marriage is, she gave on honest answer...although I disagree with her answer she had the right to answer honestly. Perezhilton then acted like a complete douche and began attacking her for her opinion.

If Carrie would have left it at that, then I have no problem....However, she saw dollar signs and O'Reilly and Hannity saw sex appeal and ratings and she began fashioning herself as a symbol of good Christian conservative values..... She cashed in with a book deal, and then tried to get a huge payday from the pagent until they told her they had the tape at which point she instantly withdrew her complaint!

Why do Carrie and Sexy Sarah fashion themselves as symbols of moral christian values while one has a sex tape and the other has a promiscuous daughter with a child out of wedlock? It is so amusing isnt it?

P.S. If anyone knows where to find that tape send me an e-mail with the direct link at garrettriley@gmail.com (:

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Happy 60th Susan!!!!


As in all family birthdays...Uncle Dennis comes up with a featured song commemorating the event. We had a great time down at the Dana Point on Sunday, the weather was great the event was fun, and the love and happiness were present.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Andy Rebels against the "System"

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Memeplex

It is fascinating how new language and colloquialisms evolve in our everyday language. Every day hundreds of thousands of new sayings mannerisms and quirks are introduced into our culture where they fight for survival with only a few winners. These are most often introduced by pop culture icons like Snoop Dogg (fo shizzle) and popular shows like SNL. Richard Dawkins coined the term "meme plex" which is a slant on RNA replicators that repeat random genetic mutations, but in this cases the Memes are humans who repeat sayings to people we encounter. Andy Samberg did a funny skit on SNL with the punchline "I threw it on the ground!" this could have been the next big saying in america if enough people would have repeated it (an example of one that failed) One that didn't fail is "I feel your pain" by ole Slick. In some cases sayings can come not from mass media but from the population itself...who came up with "Don't go there" or "booyaa" (maybe that came from hip hop I don't know)

It is also interesting to take it to the micro level: Enter Corporate speak and enter church social groups. I have noticed that in my current job more then a few people have been saying the term "skin in the game" as one example, and if you have ever worked in corporate America you can probably think about a few of the ones in your job...but I skip to my favorite and that is my Intervarsity Christian fellowship days at Chico CA. I was part of the "Leadership Team" here are some phrases everyone used: "Being intentional with people" this is code for making a sincere effort to spend time with someone that one does not want to spend time with.
"It's hard, but it's good" was a classic for people to fall back on when they would have trouble verbalizing some of the pitfalls of taking up ones own cross and following Jesus. When I went to Chico every No Cal person would casually drop the term "Hella" as in "dude hella cool" That term stayed up there and never migrated...who came up with Hella? BTW Hella is synonym for 'very'.

Sports teams are another example but all I can remember from my days of playing organized water sports are Yugoslavian curse words...

Monday, October 26, 2009

The U2 Concert


(A view of the amazing stage setup before the concert began)

They sold out the Rosebowl in about 2 hours and there were no empty seats that I could see, including the entire floor area. U2 constructed a stage that was the best stage ever implemented in a concert setting..dubbed the "spaceship" or the "claw" it was so massive that it stopped me in my tracks when I entered the stadium. Adorned with state of the art video and lighting equipment, it allowed everyone in the audience a 360 degree view of the goings on of the concert.

The Blackeyed Peas were the perfect opening band to set the stage for what was to happen, with their funkadelic, hip hop, techno party music. The highlight was a suprise appearance by Slash who played "Sweet Child O Mine" with Fergie at the lead vocals doing her best Axl Rose imiation. They closed with their hit song with the chorus...Tonights gonna be a good, good night!

And then U2 came out and played a 2 hour and 20 minute show. Flawlessly executing all of their iconic songs I got excited and jumped up and down for "Where the Streets have no Name" And Bono allowed the audience to sing parts of "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" which I did as loud as I could. Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. have been together since the late 70's as teenagers, they have never been broken up, and none of them has ever released a solo album. Bono was playfully teasing his bandmates and himself. With any U2 concert you know there is gonna be some political part of it, but this one was the most heartfelt and meaningful I have seen. They dedicated a song to a woman in Burma that has been held as political prisoner for 20 years and it made me think of how amazingly lucky everyone at the RoseBowl was to have the freedom to enjoy this great concert. For the encore Bono wore a "laser embedded suit" that had red lasers coming out of the suit itself. (He was one upping himself from the Zoo TV tour where he wore the mirrored jacket.) At the end Bono appreciatively thanked the audience for giving the four of them an amazing life.

I said quietly "Thanks for giving us such amazing songs"

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Deja Vu all over again

Well it was a great season. A really, really fun season to be a Dodger Fan. I am disappointed that it had to end again virtually the exact same way it did last season, but it was a fun ride. Including post season play I would estimate that I attended about 35 Dodger games this year and am very lucky that I got to go to so many. I saw the O Dawg become the first Dodger to hit for the cycle in 30 plus years...I was at the Manny grandslam game on his own bobblehead night against the Reds. I witnessed the improbable comeback in game 2 of the NLDS against the Cardinals. I was there to see enjoy Brad Penny melt down in September, I saw Andre Eithier and Matt Kemp become stars. Matt and I enjoyed quite a bit this season. Going forward I feel like the Dodgers have an excellent chance to make it to the postseason for at least the next four straight years. They have an outstanding nucleus in Kemp, Eithier, Loney, Martin, Kershaw, Billingsley (if he can get his head straight) Broxton, etc.
The only thing I fear that can hurt the franchise potentially is the McCourt divorce. Oh well, we will wait and see....So ladies and gentleman, until March in Camelback Ranch, I wish everyone a very pleasant good evening..."Good Night Everybody!"

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Our newest Family member


Ladies and gentleman...we have a new dog who we are renaming "Raven" We got her from a very old high school friend on Facebook..since she is so new I am posting two pictures of her that her previous owners took..one when she was a puppy and one recently...Tasha's FB also has some blurry pictures from last night....I am off to Vegas...until Tuesday.Tasha's blog will have better stuff on Raven soon.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Phillies take game one thanks to George Sherrill

It wasn't Sherrils night tonight as he gave up a 3 run hr in the late innings that basically put the game away. The Dodgers looked good tonight, outhitting the Phillies and playing a solid game, but Clayton Kershaw fell apart in the 5th and Sherrill fell apart in the 8th, and so the stinkin Phillies are up in this series 1-0. As for me I watched the first couple innings, then went out to Tasha's birthday dinner and I didn't ask to be, but the hostess sat us with a great view of the bar with their two flatscreens that had the game on.

I'll be at the game tomorrow, and will be watching game 3 and 4 from Vegas on a CC reigonal meeting.

Happy Birthday Tasha (Loveys and Kissies)

A brief timeout from the Dodger Playoff Blog to acknowledge the birthday of the love of my life, my everything, my lovely wife Tasha.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!!!!!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Bring on the Phillies!!!!!!

The Dodgers will get a chance to exact revenge on Utley, Howard, Victorino, Hammels, and that smug Jason Werth. I cannot wait till this series starts on Thursday. I will be of course not be watching the first game as I will celebrate my lovely wife Tasha's birthday...BUT.....I will be there for game two on Friday which will be off the hook and insane! I have a feeling that this is the year the Dodgers return to the World Series!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Dodgers Sweep Cardinals!!!!!! On to the NLCS!!

The Dodgers keep on rolling along as they are powered by a clutch 7 innings by Vincente Padilla, timely hitting by Manny and Andre Eithier...and the Cardinals are but a memory. So now the Dodgers sit back and relax...and await the winner of the Phillies/Rockies Series.

Game 1 is on Thursday at Dodger Stadium

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Game 2 is a Birthday Classic!


As if Game 1 wasn't good enough, Game 2 of the 2009 NLDS turns out to be a classic!! After turning in a masterful 8 innings of 3 hit ball, Adam Wainwright is taken out in favor of a left handed reliever who gets Either, than their closer comes in and gets Manny, so now it's bottom of the 9th 2 outs, Dodgers down 2-1 Up comes James Loney who hits a line drive to Matt Holliday, who..what? He drops the ball, Loney is on second, Blake walks, Belliard drives in Pierre who pinch ran for Loney and we are tied!!!! Then Martin Walks and Mark Loretta slaps a base hit into left, scoring an improbable Dodgers victory and achieving the first Dodger Playoff Walkoff since Kirk Gibson....And lucky for me I was right there to catch it all, the video above was taken about 1 minute after the Dodgers Won. Oh and did I mention this all happened on my 36th Birthday?

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Dodgers Take Game 1!!!!

Since the Wildcard was instituted, the Dodgers have made it to the postseason 7 times. This is the first time we have ever started the NLDS at Home. It looked dicey in the 1st but Wolf got out of it after the Cards scored 1, and then Kemp immediately answered with a line drive two run homerun that gave the Dodgers the lead they would never relinquish. Clutch Defense and relief pitching helped a great deal and the Dodgers lead the Series 1-0!!!

Now wouldn't it be great if for my birthday the Dodgers could make it 2-0?

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Its done..And now it really begins

The Dodgers finally are crowned the NL West champions tonite, and are the #1 seed in the NL, assuring homefield until the WS. Lets hope the Dodgers slump is in the past, lets hope that Kershaw can duplicate his performance tonight for game 2 on my Birthday. Oh BTW....who wants to buy me a dugout club seat for game two of the NLDS? Anyone? Anyone? Hint....goto www.dodgers.com, click on tickets..postseason tickets...game 2...."find seats, best available" Hint Hint Hint!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Dodgers and Manny are lost

I know this will all go away if the Dodgers win tonight or tomorrow, or if they win game one of the NLDS, but right now this is getting into the realm of ridiculous. Matt and I were at the game last night to watch Manny strike out 4 times, once with one out and bases loaded, and once with 1 out and runners on 1st and 2nd. The Rockies have not lost and the Dodgers have not won in forever, and I will be very upset if Jim Tracey takes the NL West title out of our hands.

Since the Dodgers have already clinched the playoffs, I have made the difficult decision to attend opening night for the Kings tonite, but I will be closely monitoring the events of Chavez Ravine, only 2 miles away.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Rockies win means Dodgers still not NL West Champions

Last week at this time I never thought this scenario was possible. I have tickets to this weekends series against the Rockies, but I thought the Dodgers would have clinched the west by then....But noooooo!

All the Dodgers have to do is not get swept this weekend and they are the NL West champions.......Stay tuned folks!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Dodgers Abused by Padres

Shut out, one hit and Swept is how the Dodgers depart San Diego for the long bus ride back to LA. The Rockies won again and so did the Phillies. As it stands the Dodgers maintain the best record in the NL by 1/2 game over the Phillies.

The Dodgers are off tomorrow but the Rockies are not, and if they lose, the Dodgers will be the NL West Champs. If not then hey I'll be at the game Friday against the Rockies, and the Dodgers have to win at least one game before the playoffs start to clinch...right?...RIGHT!!!!!????????

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Dodgers continue to sleepwalk

Worst of both worlds again tonite as the Rockies win and the Dodgers lose. Thankfully the Cardinals also lost, but Philly did gain one game against LA for the best record in the NL. I am trying not to get too worried but yikes, the Dodgers have been playing their worst ball all season on this road trip.

So we'll reload again tomorrow...the magic number is still 1....and the NL west title champagne is still on ice....

Games to watch tomorrow.....Phillies v Astros
Cardinals v Reds
Brewers v Rockies


If the Dodgers keep homefield than Matt and I will be at game 1 of the NLDS against either the Phillies or Cards one week from tomorrow October 7.....if not we will be at game 3 of the NLDS on Saturday October 10th

Monday, September 28, 2009

Dodgers get attacked by Pirates

Well on a Monday morning needing only one win to secure the NL West Title, the Dodgers decided to have their worst game of the season, losing to Zack Duke and the Pirates 11-1. So they finish their 4 game series losing 3 out of 4 and are now in danger of losing their homefield advantage throughout the playoffs if they don't get it together tomorrow against the Padres.

Games of note today...Phillies play the Astros...Go Stros!!
Braves play the Marlins
Rockies and Cardinals are both off.


Dodgers will clinch NL West tomorrow with a win or a Rockie loss (Rockies play 3 against the Brewers starting tomorrow)

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Broxton Blows it

The Dodgers do not clinch the NL West title today due to Jonathan Broxton giving up 4 runs in the 9th inning. The Rockies beat the Cardinals as well, which is good news, but the Phillies won which puts the Dodgers two games ahead of the Phils and 3 ahead of the Cards for homefield through NLCS.

As soon as the Dodgers win a game, or the Rockies lose a game, the Dodgers are the NL West Champions. Hopefully it happens tomorrow in Pittsburgh at around noontime or so.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Dodger Clinch a playoff spot again!

With tonites victory over the Pirates, the Dodgers have clinched a playoff spot and will most likely clinch the NL West Division title on Monday or Tuesday at the latest. On October 7th the Dodgers will host either Philadelphia, St Louis, or maybe even Atlanta as long as they maintain their home field lead.

Teams to watch the rest of the season that have an impact on the Dodgers.

Braves
Cardinals
Rockies
Phillies

Its gonna be fun and it is great that no matter what we are one of the 8 teams that is in!!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

The Church that I sometimes attend, Tithing, and "God's Will"

Since we moved here in June of 2005 we have been going to a certain church (name withheld so it doesn't get meta crawled on internet) This church is a typical contemporary church modeled after obese Pastor Rick Warren's phenomonally successful "Purpose Driven Church" in Lake Forest, CA. It has a nice outgoing pastor with a good looking wife and family. It is about 6 years old now and was started from scratch. Like many ambitious Pastors it is his "vision" and Gods of course, to build a brand new sprawling church on a 25 acre parcel of land . Apparently they got pre-qualified for the loan based on current church attendance and the amount of people who thought it was a good idea to give their money to fund such a thing. The church had many "one time gift" days where the pastor would stand up there hawking his ambition like a two-bit carnival barker. Once completed this church would compete with other such established "purpose driven" churches in our community of which there are many, with names like "Real life church" and other such nonsense.
Well things were rolling, times were good and every sunday we would hear about the phenomonal giving of our church members and how it is Gods will that this is happening. The blessings were abundant and this new church would be a foregone conclusion. Fast forward to the "service" this morning...it starts out with the pastor coming up on stage looking like he just woke up from a 48 hour bender, the stress and sadness were evident in his demeanor. He announced that the church is now in danger of folding completely and not making payroll! And they need 100 grand to keep this pipe dream of his alive. What colossal mismanagement! The only thing he could have done if he was being intellectually honest with himself is declare that "it is not Gods will to build this new church" and it is perhaps furthermore it is Gods will for him to recuse himself from the church altogether. How many people gave how many thousands to this ridiculousness, when they could have given the same amount to the Make a Wish Foundation. Well it's all gone now, unless this is all sham and he has planned to triumphantly announce that "God" has been faithful and everything is back on track next week.

We are supposed to give 10 percent of everything "to God" right? Well did you guys know that Jesus never said anything like that in the Bible, no such percentage is named in the New Testament, the 10 percent is named in the Old Testament along such archaic verses such as "Dont wear a shirt made out of two different fibers" Pastors today have no problem cherry picking this verse for emphasis while continuing to bilk old ladies out of their money so they can buy Mac Book Pro's, Video Cameras, Guitar Amps and obscene down payments on 25 acre parcels of land so that a pastors ego can be satisfied.

PS I know many of my readers routinely give their money to their church with the best of good intentions. I implore you to take a hard look at exactly where your money is going. In many churches the money goes to fund "growth bureaucracy" more land, more services, more computers, more secrataries, more associate pastors, more carnival picnics etc. And of course in the Roman Catholic church your money is most likely going towards a 600 million dollar settlement and to teach the next crop of aspiring annointed pederasts. If you really want to help your fellow man, please cut out the middle man and give directly to fund a childens hospital, or a burn unit, or the make a wish foundation, or cancer research. All of these and more are in this bloggers opinion a far better use of your resources than to what you think of as "giving to God"


Wednesday, September 16, 2009

My Definitive Mt Whitney Journal/Diary

Mt Whitney Diary-Garrett Riley

Well you know what they say, memory is prone to evaporate like the morning dew. And unless I write this down, 40 years from now Tasha and I will not remember hardly anything..so here goes…….

First off I want to state that this climb was not my idea. I was influenced and encouraged by Tasha and other family members. If it had not been for them, I would never have stood on the summit. But I am sure you have figured out by now that I am glad I did participate in the hike, otherwise why else write about it?

The Hikers: Garrett Riley, Tasha Riley, Tina Trettin, Denise Riley, Matt Riley, and Nicole Santiago

Lone Pine August 3rd, 2009- Tasha, Myself, Kevin, Zach, Lauren, Tina, Matt, Nicole, Dad, and Denise arrived and checked in to our hotel. We picked up our valuable 24 hour trail passes, had a communal dinner at the Pizza joint, and I accomplished my first necessity, getting a good night sleep. I was out by 9 PM.

Lone Pine August 4th 2009 1:50 AM We wake up and I surprisingly feel about as good as I could possibly feel despite the sleep deprivation. Tash and I met up with Tina and we walked down to the cars. Our backpacks were setup the night before, checked and rechecked…we were ready. Tasha, Tina and I drove in the Oddessy, and the rest of the crew followed behind. It was about a 20 minute drive from the hotel to the trailhead. While driving we saw a bear in front of us who was jogging along with our car for about 10 seconds until he abruptly veered off and headed into the woods.

We got to the trailhead, and I found a good parking space. We marshaled our group together for a series of photos taken by my Dad, and then Matt said a few words and led us in a prayer. He said that we would never forget this day. And then we casually bid my dad farewell, and with our headlamps on, at about 3:07 AM we turned and began the first steps of our 22 mile hike. “OK so this it, it’s here, we’re doing this now” was what I was thinking in my head. We hiked through the darkness and assumed a formation that would be pretty much consistent the entire ascent. Me and Nicole were out in front 50-100 yards or so, the rest of the group was in back of us. About 10 minutes into the hike I was hit with a mini panic attack as I felt a little shortness of breath. I began to think of the task ahead of me and the sheer scope of it. I told myself that this is just like sometimes when I am on the elliptical and for a couple minutes it hurts and then I settle into a groove. Maybe that is what is going to happen here I thought, I made myself believe that would happen. I thought back to swimming 500 laps in the pool in high school. I used to get a pleasant feeling while swimming long distances in a pool almost like I was in a cocoon. I would play games in my mind like I wasn’t really controlling my arms, and therefore it wouldn’t hurt when I would move them. “Think about that” I told myself, and pretty soon my legs just got into a rhythm and a pace, 20 years later and I was back in the cocoon.

Nicole and I came to what we thought was a log over a vast ravine, we couldn’t see much until we got closer to it in our headlamps, both us said the following at about the same time, “Is that a? No way, is it? Oh my gosh OK I just thought we were gonna have to do something seriously scary” We realized that it was just a log over another stream.

The terrain for that first 4.2 miles was probably the easiest of the entire trip. (Conversely that same terrain would prove the hardest 4.2 miles on the way back) It was mostly a fairly easy (by whitney standards) uphill, we crossed over a lot of streams and just kept going up and up, in the darkness. One thing we did see at about the first mile was someone on a stretcher who the rangers were securing to take out, none of us know what happened to this person. We made it to first camp just about when the sun came up. We took a little rest and then we had a mishap. Tina discovered that her water bladder was leaking. Not good news, all of us needed as much water as we could get, but we agreed to share water with her, and I think some was filtered for her. I found out later that my Dad and Denise’s dog had chewed up the water bladder.

We left first camp behind and continued on up. The terrain got a little steeper and there were many more “steps” to deal with, it went on like this until second camp, I was feeling good, just continuing to put one foot in front of the other. Walk, walk, walk, step up, walk, step up, step, up……and on it went. We got to 2nd trail camp and I was looking forward to visiting the outhouse. I asked the first people I saw where it was and they said to me, all the outhouses were taken down 3 years ago, and did I have my “Wag” bag? Holy @@#$ I thought to myself, and while sparing you the details, this is the first of my two Wag bag experiences.

It was cold, constant wind was blowing against us, and was doing so while we stopped to eat by the lake at second camp. I took out my sandwich choked it down as best I could, it was very dry. But all these moments of discomfort were not so bad at the time, because I knew that my goal was at the top of the switchbacks and beyond.

The Famous Switchbacks From 2nd camp to the top of trail crest there are a series of 97 switchbacks which last for over 3 miles. It wasn’t too bad going up, it was endless, but the scenery was awesome, and at this point I knew without a doubt that I would make the summit, I was feeling pretty good. So anyways, back and forth, back and forth, step up, step up, etc. etc. until finally we made it to the top of the Trail Crest. In some ways this was even a better highlight for me than the actual summit. And it is what I had looked forward to….standing on the top and looking far below onto the owens valley to my right, and down into Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. The view was indescribable. Photographs don’t do it justice, only those who have earned the right to see the view themselves know what I am talking about.

The Summit Once you get to trail crest you meet up with the John Muir trail and see other hikers that have hiked up the back way. They traditionally drop their packs, tag the summit and continue on their merry way. From the crest it was still just under 3 miles to the actual summit, and these three miles were the best of the entire hike. Most of that entire way the view is maintained and there are parts of it where you can peek through natural “windows” and look down on lone pine. The Kings Canyon side had no such windows and as such you are afforded the view the entire time. You can see the summit, but you just can’t get to it quite yet, it is still a couple miles away! Our group was doing great, we took a break at one point and snapped a few pics and video of the view from along the crest. I did not bring gloves, I did however bring an extra pair of socks that proved invaluable as I used them as gloves. Without them my hands were so cold I couldn’t feel them. It may have been in the 90’s on the valley floor, but things are quite different 10,000 feet further up!

We continued the hike and finally had reached the point where the summit was just about 200 yards away when Matt gathered us all up and had us form a line where we would ceremoniously let Denise pass through our hiking poles and be the first to reach the summit. Yes it was still windy this entire time, all the hikers we saw coming down as we were coming up said, “Get ready for a windstorm on the summit!” We walked on up and we were there! I saw the cabin, and then the geo marker that said the elevation. We tried but none of us could get any cell reception. We ate a little, tried to put suntan lotion on. None of us could do it very well because of altitude loopiness! I felt giddy and was very gregarious to the other hikers at the summit. It was great, we had a panoramic view, and everyone else in the continental US was below us. We rested…we congratulated each other, and after about 15 minutes I had to get myself into the cabin at the top where it was warm. Myself and about 10 other hikers were sitting in the cabin just resting for a while.

That was the easy part…no matter if you prepare for it, no matter how much you know it is going to happen, there is a letdown on the hike back. I started out fine, but once I got back to the switchbacks my right knee started to hurt every time I would step down. Walking was OK, but everytime I would step down it felt like someone was sticking a knife into my knee. There are an endless series of stepdowns on the Mt Whitney Trail descent. All I could do was plant my hiking pole and use it to take the weight off the knee. So as this was happening, instead of being in the lead I dropped back behind everyone. Tina was being nice enough to stay with me, but I pretty much told her to go on ahead with everyone else. Tasha though pretty much had to stay with me (you know that whole sickness and health thing) I am grateful to Tash of course.

When I reached first trail camp again Matt quoted a line from one of the greatest movies of all time “There will be Blood” And from that point on it was very interesting. I became as exhausted as I ever have been in my life. We had been hiking since 3 AM, it was now around 4:30 PM and I was ready to be done. There is a part on the end of the hike where you actually see the road and yes you think you are almost there. But we still were much farther than we thought. Tasha started singing to keep herself from being driven crazy. I just tried to put myself in my zone as best I could. Finally just like that, I see my Dad, I stepped off the trail behind Tasha, and my Dad congratulates us, takes my backpack and my body just had a sort of buzzing exhausted feeling. My Dad had to help my untie my Wag Bags to toss in the trash because my hands and legs started to shake when I tried to do it!

We got our T shirts, we drove back to the hotel, and I did not fall in an exhausted sleep surprisingly, my mind was buzzing, and that night I had one of the strangest dreams. Also my sinuses were wrecked and I kept waking up as they kept flushing themselves. Also I had a sore throat from dehydration. Tasha and I could not get out of the bed that night, and the next day was tough to walk around. I was sore for about 5 or 6 days. My left toe was numb off and on for about a month.

I have a great sense of pride for what I did, I climbed the mountain and I did it in one day. I will climb Half Dome, just Tasha and I next summer. Everytime I drive to Mammoth I will always look up and think “I was up there, I made it!”

Friday, September 11, 2009

9/11

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Beatles Remastered Albums

http://www.thebeatles.com/

If this doesn't get you guys excited then I just don't know

Monday, September 7, 2009

9.9.09-Beatles Day


Holy Cow folks, first we had Beatles Cirque de Solei in Vegas (which Tasha and I saw and recommend highly) And now we have two awesome releases on Wednesday...

First is "Beatles Rock Band" available for XBox, PS3 and Wii. I will be drumming myself silly and probably earn myself another trip to the hospital with vertigo I am gonna play this so much!

Second is "Every Studio Album Remastered!!" Available individually or as a complete box set (can you guess what I am getting?) For the fist time since they were originally put on CD in 1987, the entire catalog has been painstakingly remastered! Oh my sweet goodness I couldn't be more excited! In the Box set every CD's artwork has been enhanced and contains an all new bonus documentary specific to each album! I am gonna encode every one at a nice high bit rate to enjoy!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Who's Dodger Jersey did I buy?


Ladies and gentlemen, after much deliberation I have finally gone ahead and made my decision on the jersey I will be wearing to most all Dodger games for years to come. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. I have gone back and forth between a handful of different players, but finally the more I thought about it the choice has become clear. This player in now in his third full season with the Dodgers and not quite yet 25 years old has all the talent in the world, a five tool player he can seemingly do it all. We saw him hit an unbelievable shot over way over the left field bullpen a couple weeks ago against the Cubs. But with all this talent and being only 24 years old, he is not a surly malcontent like Milton Bradley, but rather an affable good natured guy who does not take himself too seriously....For all these reasons and more the winner ladies and gentlemen....Dodger Centerfielder MATT KEMP!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

LA Kings Hockey Fest!


Me with the Kings Ice Girls..I told the guy taking the picture, "Take as much time as you need! (:"

Kevin and I with Kings Center Jarret Stoll

It was a fun event that I didn't think I would be able to go to because of Catalina, but with Zach's episode, Kev and I went...it was a lot of fun...we got some autographs, they had the worldwide debut of NHL 10 video game, and tons of hockey exhibits and booths.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Happy Birthday Mike!

Big happy birthday wishes today for Mike who turns 20 today! Mike is enjoying his first week back at school at the University of Colorado at Boulder. And we just saw him earlier this week, as Me, Matt, and Mike were all at Coors Field for a Dodger Rockie game!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Happy Birthday Dad!

Wow it seems like only one year ago here at Grabbaggar I was wishing my father a happy birthday....

Hope your having fun on your birthday vacation!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Garrett's top reasons why I love Dodger Stadium

After posting my satirical blog yesterday I thought it only fair to recite why I love going to games....

  • History--Dodger Stadium opened in 1962 and is the third oldest park behind Fenway and Wrigely...Koufax pitched there...Gibson hit the homerun there..Garvey, Cey, Lopes, and Russell played there...I can close my eyes and still see that Garvey homerun, or that Piazza homerun...or the one time I saw Sax hit a homerun..and on and on
  • Perfect Setting and design...unlike every other stadium, Dodger stadium is actually partially built into a hillside making it unique...it is only 2 miles from the downtown civic center but is built into a natural oasis, Chavez Ravine, providing spectacular views of the foothills and San Gabriel mountains beyond.
  • Roger the Peanut Man....since before Dodger Stadium going back all the way to the colesseum Roger Owens has been tossing peanuts at Dodger Stadium in the Loge Level from directly behind homeplate out to the left field side...he is a fixture at the park and has entertained people for generations.
  • Vin Scully....Every night you can look up and be comforted by the sight of Vinny announcing a game in his press box
  • The Uniforms...I remember as a kid at night games looking at the clear almost glowing pristine white of the uniforms with the brillant Blue and thinking how cool they are...The Dodgers being only one of a handful of teams in MLB to not change their uniforms, I still can look at the brilliance of them
  • Nancy B Hefly...The Dodger stadium organists role has been reduced in recent years but I challenge you to find a better one anywhere!
  • Simple to park for free....Shhhhhh don't tell anyone but it is very easy to navigate outside the stadium...I have about 5 different locations where I can park for free.
  • 30 miles from my doorstep.......Traffic heading north to south from Santa Clarita isn't that bad believe it or not
  • The fans....In recent years especially we have a core group of diehards that always around....we don't tolerate giants fans and other fans running their mouths, nor should we....There is nothing better than cheering a Manny grandslam with 50 thousand others like I saw in person against the Reds, and is so far the moment of the season.
  • Deitrich....my season ticket guy is awesome, patient and accomodating.
  • Frank McCourt...since buying the team the Dodgers have made the playoffs 3 times and are headed into a fourth in a few weeks.
  • Dodger Dogs.....The most famous food of any ballpark, in any sport, anywhere.
  • The most beloved location in all of Los Angeles...Everyone goes to Dodger games if you live in Southern California you most likely have been there and enjoyed yourself
  • Opening Day....there is nothing like opening day at Dodger Stadium...it is as close to a holiday as we have here in LA

I have tickets to almost every remaining game this season and if they clinch the NL West at home I will be on hand to see it, and I will be at all the playoff games this year...it's gonna be awesome!