Twinedog

Tiny House - Nomadicism Wanted

2011-09-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hey all to anyone reading this. You know who you might be. I am really interested in changing my living situation, gaining more independence from my family, and finding a way to live more sustainably in greater harmony with nature.

I also desire to be somewhat nomadic as most of my happiness has been roadtripping around the U.S.A. Since I have my micro practice I should be able to do a lot of it from just about anywhere with internet. I plan to have a probate for less website and really try and focus on California Probates. I will do it entirely digital with no kept paper copies. Client files will be entirely digital. In the event that someone wants their client files back I will just burn them a dvd this way I don't have to photocopy a whole file everytime that happens. Hopefully all data and software could all be cloud based so I could work from any laptop, tablet or phone with speedy internet access.

I would also like to build myself a tiny house and get into community gardening. I have applied at a local community garden for a waiting list spot. I have no idea how long that would take to get a garden plot assigned.

As far as tiny houses I am thinking of a modified Fencl by Tumbleweed Houses.

But I would try and build it as cheaply as possible using repurposed wood and other supplies. The idea is to make it sustainable and relatively cheap wherever possible. I believe that eventually these will be the new realities for our world as we are forced by declining energy returns to power down. I have been inspired by lots of people blogging and posting youtube videos of their building tiny homes experiences.

A woman named Zoey has a good blog showing how she used ingenuity to repurpose as much as possible in building her sustainable tumbleweed home. She herself was inspried by Dee Williams who built her own Tumbleweed House with repurposed materials.

Guitar Bucket List

2011-02-08T09:32:00.001-08:00

Audiophiles I need your help. I am making my guitar list of amazing blues rock songs I want to be able to play. I am finally getting to one of my New Years Resolutions. This one involves Guitar and getting better at it. I am going to be taking lessons again at Westwood Music .

I'm making an ambitious list of songs that I want to be able to play someday:

Ain't nobody home - BB King
All along the Watchtower - Jimmi Hendrix's version
Little Wing - SRV version *
Pride and Joy - SRV
Ohh La La - Rod Stewart
First Cuts the Deepest - Rod Stewart
Picture - Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow
Give me just one reason - Traci Chapman
Me and Bobby McGee - The Dead or Janis Joplin versions
Melisa - The Allman Brother's Band
Simple Man - Lynard Skynard
The Ballad of Curits Lowe - Lynard Skynard
That Smell - Lynrrnd Skynard
Mary Jane's Last Dance - Tom Petty and the HeartBrekers
Carolina Blues - Blues Traveler
Whipping Post - The Allman Brother's Band
Are you Gonna Go my Way - Lenny Kravitz
Jessica - The Allman Brother's Band
Revolution - The Beattles

More to be added

* my dad once insisted that he wanted blues music played at his funeral. So I intend to master this one as a final tribute to my Dad and all he meant to me.

Halloween Costume Ideas 2011

2010-11-04T05:17:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN COSTUME IDEAS FOR 2011

Just because we just had Halloween doesn't mean its too early to start thinking of awesome costumes for next year. Besides right now after Halloween a lot of Halloween costumes and Halloween costume materials are on sale. My local costume stores had signs before Halloween saying 50% off November 1.

As you can see by my post on how to make an Alan from the Hangover Halloween Costume, its really fun to have a kick-ass costume. A really good costume demonstrates excellence and affluence seems to instantly increase your social status at any party on Halloween. Also its a nice ice breaker to talk to people of both sexes.

So far I have come up with a few possible ideas.

Alan from the Hangover sequel ( if he wears something iconic enough and the movie doesn't suck)
Magnum P.I. (eighties Hawaiian Private Investigator played by Tom Selleck)
Duffman ( the character from the Simpsons)
Stormtrooper ( from the Star Wars series)

ALAN FROM HANGOVER SEQUEL
Although the Hangover Sequel is allegedly currently filming as of the time of this writing according to IMBD, I can't find any images of what Alan is wearing yet. Also if the movie is a total dud I may not want to use it. If the movie is as awesome as the first then an Alan Sequel costume may be another great costume. If you can get someone else to dress up as Stu and Phil that would be awesome. Their costumes would actually be pretty easy for someone to dress up as. For Stu it seems to be Kakhi pants , a polo and some black wax for the missing tooth. I think Phil could basically wear a modern blue suit.

I somehow doubt that Alan will tote a baby again but who knows. In 2010, an extremely attractive woman told me it was hot that I had a baby and I must have a giant c&ck because most men would be too insecure to wear a baby. i am not sure about her logic but I like where it took her. Many of the other ones wanted to play with Carlos and did at various times throughout the evening.
Pros:

Could be a great costume if Alan wears something strange
Easier to gain weight for a gut than to cut weight.
Potential Group Costume

Cons:

Have to grow or put on a beard
could be expensive
probably no baby for women to grab/ play with

MAGNUM P.I.

Magnum P.I. is a popular television show from when I was a kid in the eighties. Its a pretty simple costume in that mostly you would need tight fitting blue jeans, a red Hawaiian shirt (which I already have), aviator sunglasses, a detroit tigers baseball cap, a bushy brown wig (unless you are naturally so endowed), a fake mustache, maybe a fake plastic 45 like magnum would characteristically holster in his back pant waist, and the distinctive ring that Magnum, Rick and T.C. all used to wear from their days in the special forces in Vietnam. You could round it out with a Ferrari Keychain as a suttle hint. You could even get a recording of the theme song and have someone play it before you enter or wear tiny speakers and an ipod. It would be super awesome to get someone else to go out as Higgins, Rick & T.C..
Pros:

Potential Group Costume
Relatively Cheap
Reusable and Classic

Cons:

Would likely be dieting before Halloween to pull off skinny ( unless go as over the hill magnum)
Have to have a killer tan which isn't always easy in October

DUFFMAN

Duffman is that rather obnoxious spokesperson for Duff beer on the Simpsons. I suppose you could also be Düffman the fake imported beer that Moe made up to entice Homer and his friends that one time.

As you can see the costume would involve a red Duff hat, a blue muscle man costume with a cutoff shirt. A friend was Duffman a few years ago and had used a superman costume that he adapted. I plan to do the same thing. Additionally, one would need White boots or boot covers, a red cape, sunglasses, a blond wig, white gloves and a Red Duff Beer Belt.

I found a good site where a guy shows you how he made his Duffman Costume. Basically I will take his advice and get actual White Superhero boots or use white boot covers if it looks okay (cheaper). There are also white pvc boots. He didn't use a superman costume. But he gives great ideas for how to get the duff logo on the costume and includes links to logo files. I also found this site with another good duffman costume. The second guy describes making his own hat.

Also I like my Halloween Costumes to be as to scale as possible so I will probably use 24oz Budweiser cans or energy drink cans instead of the 12 oz cans he used. I am not worried about their cost. I will empty them from holes in the bottom of the cans so that they have the appearance of being full, and then I will fill them with expanding foam like the guy above did. Then spray paint them red with a few coats and get labels to put on them.

The bear belt itself will be 2 inch red webbing of the heavyweight polypropylene variety . You can also get the hardware for it. It will require some sewing I think but I have plenty of time to get it done well.

officially licensed baseball cap

And then there is the red Duff hat. There is an officially licensed red Duff baseball cap but its brim is black. I looked for a simple Duff patch but haven't found one yet. Currently someone on Ebay is selling an unlicensed fully red replica for around $34.99 which is hella steep. I have plenty of time to look for a cheaper alternative.

That basically leaves the white gloves to find. Its not easy to find arm length white gloves in a men's size. I think the best solution is probably some sort of white dishwashing gloves. I will check out the supermarkets. I also found these serving gloves that look whitish.

PROS:

could be great costume if done well
allows you to show off muscles
reusable and classic
could probably be sold on Ebay

CONS:

probably not a potential group costume
expensive and time consuming to do well
have to workout arms a lot to look good

STORMTROOPER

How awesome would it be to have a really good Stormtrooper costume from the Star Wars Movies. While if I win the lottery I could just buy a really good stormtrooper costume. I also found sites on making your own Stormtrooper costume. Though it seems extremely time consuming and not sure I have the funds or space for the equipment.

While this could be one of the coolest costumes on the planet especially if you got an equally insane sidekick to be darth vader or an imperial officer or some other cool costume, its just not realistic

How to be a good "Alan" in the Hangover for Halloween

2010-11-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

HOW TO BE ALAN CHARACTER FROM THE HANGOVER (well) for HALLOWEEN or any other COSTUME PARTY!

WARNING THIS COSTUME MIGHT JUST GET YOU LAID!

Zach Galifianakis as Alan in the "Hangover"

Okay. So I had so much fun last year that I decided to be "Alan" with Carlos again from the Hangover as my Halloween Costume.The Alan Character was played by the always quirky and funny Zach Galifianakis. I figured since now I had two years of showing up chumps in lesser versions of the costume I would tell the world how to do it.

So how do you do it? Can you still do it?

Well you can see from the image above that the Alan Character in the Hangover movie is wearing some pretty distinctive clothing, a full beard, and of course Carlos on a Baby Bjorn. Oh and the Sunglasses don't forget the sunglasses and the bandage on Zach Galifianakis's left hand.


Alan from the Hangover Complete with Carlos

This image to my left is the first year I dressed up as Alan from the Hangover for Halloween 2009. At the bottom are me having the time of my life basically being a rockstar out at bars on Halloween.

HANGOVER T-SHIRT

The Hangover T-Shirt

First things first. The actual T-shirt from the movie in a tight fitting configuration is very important. You also get extra points if you grow a small gut like Alan. Hey its easy Jack in the Box has these delicious pumpkin pie shakes every year around Halloween!

The actual hangover t-shirt comes from Urban Outfitters. At the time of this writing its actually still available on the Urban Outfitters website.

HANGOVER SUNGLASSES

Hangover SunGlasses

The distinctive sunglasses that Alan sports throughout the hangover are actually just demi turtoise nylon Blublockers. As of this writing the hangover sunglasses are still available.

HANGOVER BEARD

fake beard

A decent beard is definitely important for a good Alan Costume. Last year (2009) I actually just grew a pretty long beard and let my hair grow a little longer than usual. It was not easy and obviously not everyone who is gainfully employed has the ability to do that. It itched and it was a pain but it looked great. This year (2010) I attempted to grow a beard and got sick of it within two weeks. I looked and looked for a decent beard at local costume shops and it became clear that nothing quite would fit the bill. So I ended up using theatrical hair and spirit gum. I needed help from someone else to put it on. I think it could be done by yourself if you had to.

HANGOVER BABY CARRIER


Hangover Baby Carrier

As near as I could tell the baby carrier used by Alan and Carlos in the Hangover is a BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Original Classic in City Blue is the closest match. I got mine for about 30 bucks used on E-bay. You should also be able to find one on craiglist. In either case you ought to be able to resell it after Halloween if you don't spill too much beer on it!

HANGOVER DOLL

Okay so if you paid attention to the pictures of my Alan Costume you can see that the one problem is that Carlos isn't to scale and he is lacking the baby beenie as in the film. I did manage to dress him up in a blue onesee. It was way to big so I cinched it with a rubber band in the back where it woudln't be seen.
I purchased my Carlos for about 20 bucks at Target and also bought a onesee at the same Target in blue.
Sorry I already throughout the box so I have no idea on the brand etc. By the way this is one of the most important parts of the costume for people to get it. Also women will come up to you and want to play with the baby. As Martha Stewart would say "that's a good thing!"

HANGOVER LIGHT PANTS
You also need some sort of light pants to go with the rest of it. I should have put more effort into finding these cheaply. I spent about $49.99 at Gap for a pair of Whitish Corduroys, actually I guess they are kind of cream colored.

And finally you need.....

HANGOVER ELASTIC BANDAGE

Elastic Bandage

bandage tucked under itself

This was by far the easiest part of the costume. All you have to do is buy a 3"inch Elastic Bandage at your local CVS pharmacy. You should be able to figure out how to wrap it yourself. I recommend not using the "special clips" and instead tucking itself under it self at the wrist.

HANGOVER T-SHIRT - $28.00
USED BABY BJORN - $30.00
CARLOS DOLL - $20.00
SUNGLASSES - $24.95
PANTS - $49.99
BEARD - $10 in supplies or FREE
ELASTIC BANDAGE - $4.99

GETTING TREATED LIKE A ROCKSTAR ON HALLOWEEN - PRICELESS!

Scarriest Market Indicator Yet

2010-10-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

Well this article on CNBC is simply terrifying. It states that insider selling in corporate america is presently rampant. The ratio of insider selling to buying is 3,177 to one, in three industrial sectors.

Apparently the article focuses on the top ten companies in the Nasdaq, retailers, and semiconductor market segments.

The contrary opinion stated in the article is essentially that this information reflects more on the cash flow problems of corporate executives as their pay and bonuses have allegedly been slashed. And ofcourse many of their real estate investments are under water so they don't want to sell them.

Could this be the precursor to a huge market correction? Could we see a P/E multiple contraction to reflect the tremendous risk perceived in holding dollar assets?

This commentator is trying to decide what to sell to have significant cash around to take advantage of a market correction.

With gold and silver this high its difficult to continue to bet on it going up. If gold hits $1500 an ounce I will likely sell off a majority of my tiny position in it. I haven't yet sat down to pontificate on what silver price would lead me to sell.

One strange anomaly of late is that the Gold and Silver ETFs seem to go down on the same day that the stock market goes down. I suppose this could be a reflection of a strengthening dollar causing less foreigners to invest in the market and also perhaps fewer people to buy precious metals as a hedge against a declining dollar. This seems counter intuitive to me. If we have a major breakdown in the market ( which I expect at some point) which would be further asset depreciation we could see a rally in the commodities ( staples inflation). Call me a pessimist but I see this worst of all worlds situation as a real possibility. Other nightmares include a Japan style endless recession and deflated asset prices that never come back.
However, the optimist in me realizes that great market fluctuations such as this create real opportunities for the smart contrarian investor willing to go against the crowd have ample cash and take advantage of a potential sale on dividends. If dividend yields go up as a consequence I plan to be on a stock shopping spree.

Wish list

2010-10-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

Wish list

Launched Outdoor Blog

2010-10-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just to announce I have launched a hobby project, a blog called Outdoors Los Angeles.
I hope to use it to post about all things outdoors for Southern Californians. I hope to post trip reviews, gear reviews, book reviews, and any other information that would be interesting to an outdoorsy person in the Los Angeles area.

Taking a break from Facebook

2010-09-22T11:55:00.001-07:00

Hey all,

I thought one or two of you rss subscribers might get this. After my friend Mark (no not valencia) described deactivating his facebook account I decided to take the plunge yesterday. Apparently all my stuff is still there and can be recreated.

Just taking a break from it. So please don't think I am blocking you or anything.

Twinedog

My Review of MSR Hubba Tent

2010-09-16T09:23:00.001-07:00

Originally submitted at REI

The popular MSR Hubba tent offers 1 person 17 sq. ft. of space and weighs less than 3 lbs.—you get room to stretch out without weighing yourself down.

Great Single Person Tent!

By Twinedog from Los Angeles, CA on 9/16/2010

Pros: Easy To Set Up, Windproof, Excellent tent stakes, Lightweight, Comfortable, Can sit up in

Best Uses: Backpacking

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Comfort Driven

This is a great tent. I first got interested it because a friend in a backpacking group had the tent. I was considering some other brands of one person tent. What is great about this tent is that the entrance is at the long side or the rectangle instead of on one of the short ends. This makes it much easier to get into and out of of. Also its free standing, does great in the wind, is very light and allows me to sit up in.
I am 6ft , 200lbs or so and I don't feel too cramped in this tent. Ofcourse my pack and boots have to remain in the vestibule.

I recently got back from a four nighter ( my second time using this tent). I only had some minor condensation at over 10,000 ft when it was extremely cold. However, everyone else's tent had condensation as well in fact even more so than mine.

I would buy this tent again in a heartbeat.

(legalese)

Share this Cartoon

2009-08-24T10:08:00.001-07:00

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Consumers Scammed at Outlet Malls?

2009-08-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

I found this great article through consumerist.com on how outlet shopping is a bit of a scam.

The article found here, discusses how outlet malls differ from regular malls.

One issue the article identifies is the sunk cost idea that once you have invested the gas, time etc to trek out the large distances to these outlet malls, that you feel compelled to buy things. I definitely think this happened to me once before college, when shopping for a major climate change.

Second, it points out that often the outlet stores actually sell inferior products from the same brand name. This is like how different brands slap their logo on items which are not as well built as their normal line or higher end lines of merchandise.

Finally, the last thing that I found to be really true is that the notion of Suggested Retail Price is a total fiction. Although I am fairly price sensitive I keep lists complete with non sale retail prices on most significant items I purchase. Currently significant is anything over 50 bucks.

So with a normal retailer or an online retailer I can sniff out the best deal. I find its important to be cognizant of whether or not you will pay for shipping and or sales tax. Many great retailers like REI, allow you to ship to a store for free. I must say with REI I have been extremely satisfied with the experience.

My Review of Aluminum Pot Lifter

2009-08-01T15:00:00.001-07:00

REI

This portable aluminum handle lets you lift and move backpacking pots off your camp stove.

Great little tool!

Twinedog Los Angeles, CA 8/1/2009

Gift: No

Pros: Durable, Lightweight, Compact

Best Uses: Backpacking

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

I got tired of trying to move hot lids with gloves and or bandannas. Stumbled across this tool at REI and bought one on impulse. Just used it on a three day trip and it performs brilliantly. I suppose it could dent lighter pans and pots. I use it with an open country 2 qt pot and it works wonderfully with it. It makes it easy to poor boiling water into mugs, bowls and food packets!

Example with an open country pot

: Picture of Product, Using Product

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My Review of Open Country 2 Quart Pot with Lid

2009-08-01T14:46:00.001-07:00

REI

This durable, heavy-duty aluminum kettle stands up to the rigors of the backcountry.

Great little pot for backpackers!

Twinedog Los Angeles, CA 8/1/2009

Gift: No

Pros: Durable, Compact, Lightweight

Cons: Need a pot lifter, Difficult to Clean

Best Uses: Car Camping, Backpacking

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

This is a great little pot! In my opinion there is no need for the budget minded traveler to spend too much on a fancy set of pots. This is the solution. This one pot is all you need. Lightweight, cheap and pretty durable.

Combine this with an aluminum pot lifter and you are good to go. Period.

Pot on top of pocket rocket for scale!

: Picture of Product

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My Review of Brunton Can Stand

2009-08-01T14:33:00.001-07:00

REI

Increase the stability of your Brunton backpacking stove or lantern. Can Stand is designed to fit most common fuel canisters.

Great acessory for your instable stove!

Twinedog Los Angeles, CA 8/1/2009

Gift: No

Pros: Compact, Functional, Lightweight, Easy to Use

Best Uses: Backcountry Camping

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

This is a great little can stand. Combine it with an MSR fuel canister and things are much better. I use mine with a Pocket Rocket and it makes it far more stable.

Brunton Can Stand Supporting Pocket rocket!

: Picture of Product

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My Review of MSR Pocket Rocket Backpacking Stove

2009-08-01T14:29:00.001-07:00

REI

Hands-down winner in the race for space! The tiny MSR Pocket Rocket stove delivers full-size performance yet fits into the smallest corner of your pack.

Great Little Stove

Twinedog Los Angeles, CA 8/1/2009

Gift: No

Pros: Compact, Powerful, Easy to Light, Lightweight

Cons: Need to bring lighter, Need to ad a can stand

Best Uses: Car Camping, Backpacking

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

This is a great little stove. I have been using one for over a year now.

Its a little unstable in the stock version. I improved mine by adding a Brunton can stand from REI which fits the MSR fuel canisters perfectly. Also unlike a jetfuel you have to bring a lighter or matches.

Its super lightweight and small and a great option for the budget minded backpacker. I would get a small 1 or 2QT Open Country saucepan and you are good to go!

WIth a can stand

: Picture of Product

This is how small it is sans fuel tank

: Picture of Product

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Twinedog Climbs Mt. Whitney July 25, 2009

2009-07-29T14:56:00.000-07:00

After much anticipation the Twinedog finally climbed Mt. Whitney. If at first you don't succeed try at least once more!

Well after dedicating a couple of days off work (its good to be the boss) my friend Zac, Joe and I headed up to Lone Pine with the intention of climbing Mt. Langley, a 14,000 footer but not quite whitney.

However, when we arrived at the multi-agency visitor center in Lone Pine, CA we discovered that they indeed had 7 cancellations for that day, Thursday July 23, 2009.

So we were issued permits on the spot and took off for the portal, after a quick stop at a sporting goods store.

We didn't get on the trail till like 11:50 a.m. because we had to pack up all our gear. The first day we made it to Outpost Camp and spent a leisurely night.

The next day we got up early, packed up our gear and made it to Trail Camp. After a long afternoon and nights rest, we were more than ready to summit Whitney the next morning.
I had planned on a three day approach so that we could acclimate to the high altitude, especially because I wasn't in the best shape.

The final day we didn't pack up our gear but instead left the tents up and carried small summit packs. It still took like 4 hours to reach the summit and an additional 2 hours to get back.

But an amazing trip! Totally worth it!

My Review of Gregory Palisade 80 Pack

2009-07-27T08:49:00.001-07:00

REI

A classic favorite, the redesigned Gregory Palisade pack features all-angle access and an updated suspension for a week on the trail.

Solid Pack!

Twinedog Los Angeles, CA 7/27/2009

Gift: No

Pros: Comfortable, Easy To Load, Large Capacity, Highly Adjustable

Cons: No outside mesh storage

Best Uses: Heavy Loads

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

I have used this backpack now on three multi night trips, most recently in a trip to summit Mount Whitney. It is pretty comfortable for the loads carried 50 pounds or so, and highly adjustable.
It also has lots of space, a place for your trekking poles when you're not using them, and the top converts to a fanny pack.

Personally I wish Gregory would make the top into a backpack for when you summit a peak or take a side trip.

I wish there was a mesh pocket on the outside like on the Lassen's I used to rent. I made do jury rigging some elastic cord with a plastic part that allows me to sinch the cord though. I always want to be able to place wet or moist items on the outside of the pack as I frequently swim while on multi day trips. I also wish that there was a clip for my camelback tube. But it does have holes on both sides so that you can have your drinking tube on either side.

All in all a good bag which can handle anything from weekends to longer treks pretty easily. I don't have the budget for two pack; if I did I would probably get a smaller capacity Gregory for weekend trips and a Whitney for the long treks. But the Palisade is an excellent compromise for the budget minded backpacker. Also I would say get it on sale like I did.

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My Review of Open Country 700 Watt Dehydrator

2009-07-27T08:39:00.001-07:00

REI

From soups and sauces to fruit rolls and jerky, you can make your own yummy and nutritious trail food with this fast and simple dehydrator.

Great for backpackers!

Twinedog Los Angeles, CA 7/27/2009

Gift: No

Pros: Easy To Clean, Stable, Durable

Cons: Bulky

Best Uses: Hiking, Backpacking

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

I finally got a chance to use my dehydrator and test out the results on a recent backpacking trip. This dehydrator does a good job of dehydrating pre-made meals for backpacking. I made spaghetti with Italian sausage and marinara sauce and it dehydrated beautifully. I also dehydrated garlic mashed potatoes and some mangoes. If you are interested in cookbooks I recommend the Backpack Gourmet.

But one serious con is that only one fruit roll up tray is included with this item. Also REI does not sell extra trays, clean a screens or fruit roll up liners. I had to buy them separately online. But a decent deal on sale or with a 20% off coupon.

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Dell Customer Service Problems

2009-07-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

Well my Dell problems are still not resolved. We have gotten so fed up with the you need to call back in 2-3 business days constant routine for a few weeks , so we decided to dispute the charges with the credit card.

I am so tired of dealing with rude Indian customer service reps on the phone. I have been lied too repeatedly, and hung up on several times. I can't get a straight answer and they insist that I keep calling them even though to reach a human being takes between 5-10 minutes and thats each time you get hung up on too!

NEVER BUY A DELL!

Here is a metafilter question I asked with some guidance for how to handle a problem with Dell Customer Service.

Dell you lost my business for life. As a business owner who will be growing my business for decades to come the loss of my business as well as all the other owners you have no doubt pissed off, will eventually catch up with your bottom line and share price.

See you in Chapter 11@!

Dell Customer Service Hell

2009-07-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

Dell computer's customer service is hands down the worst customer service on the planet. I have been hung up on repeatedly. Told to call back repeatedly in 2-3 business days. Some representatives have refused to provide an employee id number claiming that they do not have one. When you finally get a manager they tell you nothing different.

When I asked a manager to at least provide me with an extension number to get through and avoid the 20 minutes of navigating the phone menu until I get to a live person, they refused to do so.

I will never buy a Dell computer again!!

Twinedog endorses David T. Vahedi for City Council 5th District

2009-01-29T10:06:00.000-08:00

I too am a life long resident( minus college) of District 5 of Los Angeles.

I happen to know that David T. Vahedi has been very involved in the community in recent years. He participates in the neighborhood council where the people who actually care about quality of life issues get involved. He will not be a developer's whore like the current city councilman. BTW I don't endorse Jack Weiss for City Attorney.

Please join me in voting for David T. Vahedi.

Coldplay at the forum!

2008-07-15T21:25:00.001-07:00

Skydiving at 18 in Illinois

2008-05-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

I finally managed to digitize this old vhs I have had sitting around for over 10 years. Jeez I am old. But dahm I am pretty cool. How many of you would do this?

Go Dodgers

2008-05-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Went to cool art/dance show!

2008-05-10T21:05:00.001-07:00

Catlyn Carradine and Gene

April 12th Derby Dolls event coming up!

2008-04-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

This is a video of highlights from the Derby Dolls. I am planning on going to their next match on Saturday April 12th in Silverlake. They are very highly rated on Yelp.
Here is their website for more info.

2008-03-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

This is a video of my new pup Roxanne or Roxy for short! She is a lab/ Shiba inu supposedly but the vet thinks she has some terrier in her. All I know is that she is dahm cute and the epidome of a babe magnet.

You have new Picture Mail!

2008-03-21T12:01:00.001-07:00

Surfing at Sunset!

2008-03-08T18:29:00.001-08:00

El Porto

Birthday in BigBear!

2008-03-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

Fre e boarding on my birthday

Scratch that NOT GOING TO TEXAS

2008-02-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

To anyone who read my last post. I am no longer going to Texas. The Obama camp still would like me to go but as they didn't tell me where in the extremely large state of Texas they would place me I can't make travel plans in time to actually go. On Sunday they called me and promised to get back to me with a proposed location within 48 hours. Instead all I got was an email with a form to fill out to indicate my preferred location. As I am coming from 1,000 to 1,400 miles away depending upon where in Texas they would send me its a little hard to make travel plans with such last minute organization. I could have still bought a plane ticket to anywhere in Texas if they had gotten back to me in a reasonable amount of time.

Twinedog going to Texas for Obama Campaign.

2008-02-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

Well its official. The Obama Campaign wants to make use of my pro-bono legal services. I will be traveling to Texas by car I believe now this thursday. I will take atleast two days to get there and will stop in Phoenix and maybe El Paso.

I would have flown but for unAmerican Airlines decided to change their mileage retention policy and expire my miles without any notice December 15, 2007. I had 32,000 more than enough for a round trip ticket ( 25,000). So yes unAmerican Airlines is now honorable mention for my S#$t List.

Twinedog Gets Extreme Haircut !

2008-02-19T20:06:00.000-08:00

Figured would get myself a set of clippers for the upcoming financial meltdown. This way I will still be able to have my hair cut!

Mammoth Baby!

2008-02-03T15:05:00.001-08:00

Mammoth Baby!

2008-02-02T12:54:00.001-08:00

Met Mia from Californication!

2007-12-07T22:52:00.000-08:00

Hey yall,

I met Madeline Zima, who pays sinfully delicious Mia ( stepdaughter to David Duchovny) in Californication. Its one of my favorite shows. Thank you bedroom Media.

The Stealth Recession

2007-11-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

Today's post is an economic idea I have had. Its nothing terribly fancy in fact its rather simple. I got this idea from the criticism of Alan Greenspan and the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates so low for several years from 2001-2005 that when inflation was taken into account real interest rates were actually negative.

So here it goes. The federal reserve, supposedly in a move to be more transparent, released and internal study forecasting that the economy would slow to as slow as a 1.6% GDP. However, this federal reserve is well known for always focusing on so called "core" inflation which excludes energy and housing costs among other thing. But obviously energy and housing prices affect the consumer's standard of living heavily. So essentially if the difference between "core" inflation and say an inflation figure including energy and housing is more than 1.6% than a fair measure of the GDP during the forecasted time would actually be zero or less ( i.e. a recession).

So I hereby coin the term the "stealth recession." To me its a recession wherein a true GDP is negative while the nominal ones, and the so called real ones which utilize "core" inflation show a positive gain. If the fed's real GDP ( nominal GDP - core inflation) forecast is 1.6% but say the so called non-core inflation is closer to 6% than a true of fair measure of real GDP would be closer to -4.5%.

I theorize that we have had stealth recessions before. That is why the economic figures are always touted as being okay or good and then anecdotally through the media we hear stories of how consumers still seem to be suffering or not feeling as though things are improving on their end.

Why would you leave your money in Money Markets?

2007-11-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

Well it was funny today I saw an article on Motley Fool speculating about the perceived risk in money market funds. But I already saw this risk weeks ago. In fact someone I know has moved money in response to my expressed concern.

Okay so what am I talking about? I am talking about Money Market funds, which are funds that typically pay better than FDIC insured savings accounts. Money Market funds are allowed to invest in and have invested in all sorts of so called toxic debt instruments (CDO's, Asset backed securities, etc. ). They are also not insured by either the FDIC or the SPIC. According to the article money market funds only pay a 1% premium over similar funds which limit their holdings to Treasuries. A 1% risk premium seems pretty stingy for something that might only give you back 95% of your money.

I also remember vividly having a conversation with someone managing money for high net worth individuals at a party about a year and a half ago who cued me in that the Broker/Dealer/Investment Bank had recently amended their disclosure statements within the prospecti of their money funds. Clearly the risk that these funds might lose money was understood by the big investment banks. So some smart people foresaw these risks. I mean how else did Goldman make a profit in Quarter 3?

The article is tame and trying too hard to be objective. But I have to ask you in this market what kind of idiot would leave money in a money market fund? I mean in the future when the capital markets regain some stability sure, but for now with all this volatility and the uncertain nature of how far the write downs will go why risk it? For the record I am very bearish on the financial stocks for the time being. I will not even think about changing my mind until 4th quarter results come out in January. I expect that FASB rule 157, effective November 15, 2007, will require these financials to mark even more worthless securitized products to market forcing more write offs and mark downs.

My take on Bernake's Statements to Cato Institute!

2007-11-19T13:49:00.000-08:00

Much is being said of Mr. Bernake's presentation to the Cato Institute this last week. In various portions of the statement he appears to be suggesting that the Federal Reserve Open Market committee is shifting its focus from rescuing various capital markets to fighting inflation and keeping the main street economy going. While its nice to see a discussion that so called core inflation is not representative of what consumers face in so called non-core inflation, I simply don't believe anyone at the Fed to make good on their threats.

This sort of talk by Bernake is most likely a bluff. Why would Mr. Bernake signal a shift in fed focus? Why bluff? Well perhaps its to help shore up confidence in the plummeting dollar and try to put a lid on oil and other commodity futures prices. However on December 11, the next fed open market committee market we shall see whether Mr. Bernake and the Wall Street friendly Fed stick to its new focus of fighting non-core inflation. I view core inflation as a sort of a joke, an academic notion which has little basis in reality.

If the credit crunch of which I have warned for a while, continues to worsen (new accounting standards make more write offs all but certain) Bernake and the rest of the Fed will not have the balls to defy the Wallstreet MSNBC pundit machine and hold rates steady. Of course, as soon as another fed funds rate cut is announced it will send gold and silver prices soaring again.

Personally I am watching the correction in gold and silver prices to try and increase my positions in ETF's between now and December 11.

You have new Picture Mail!

2007-11-04T14:12:00.001-08:00

Manhattan Beach Pier!

2007-11-04T14:08:00.001-08:00

Torrance Beach

2007-09-24T14:08:00.001-07:00

Made it to the south end of the bike path!

Santa Monica

2007-09-16T17:24:00.001-07:00

Went to the beach to catch some rays and scope out the bikini babes

Santa Monica Pier!

2007-09-14T16:35:00.001-07:00

Greetings from Border State Park!

2007-09-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

Mexico is in the background the fence literally has holes but there were lots of border patrol

Back in Los Angeles

2007-09-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hey I made it back to Los Angeles, man this place is crazy! Too many cars too many people.

BTW did you see that Fred Thompson is now officially running for the Republican Party's Presidential Nomination? I predict Thompson will actually do really well in that he is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations according to Wikipedia. Apparently so is Mitt Romney former governor of Massachusetts. These are the power elites choices for the Republican nomination.

But geez we already had an actor president and I don't think the popsicle index improved during his tenure. The popsicle index is the invention of Catherine Austin Fitts, which is the likelihood that a parent in West Philadelphia could send a child to the store safely by themselves to buy a popsicle. She notes that as the Dow Jones soared the Popsicle Index has tanked.

Also Thompson was an off again on again lobbyist? I mean we have the idiot CEO president do we want to move down the loose morals food chain and hire a lobbyist/ actor for president? I mean we need a non corporate whore president and well actor and lobbyist is high on my whore corporate whore index. BTW am I the only one who notices that Thompson obviously doesn't even attempt to show a care for any actual issues choosing instead to skip a debate and announce his candidacy on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

And in case you get the idea that the president doesn't really matter to your daily life think again. The president while not directly controlling as much domestic policy as congress ostensibly, in actuality he/she has a huge impact by his/her nomination of Federal Judges, FCC commission members, National Labor Relations Board commissioners.

Notably Federal Judges have done away with any regulation of commercial speech allowing huge multinational corporations freedom of speech rights to be equivalent to your individual speech rights. How can your voice compete with the massive media distribution networks of a huge multinational? This Bush FCC has repeatedly loosened ownership restrictions allowing for even greater consolidation of our so called main stream media. Democracy does not work without a healthy and independent media! Now as for the NLRB they have a huge role in whether or not they help or hurt organized labor. Yes thats right despite what my father says unions are very important to protect the rights of the ordinary working guy. Without the unions what special interest group will look out for the little guy in Washington?

BTW am I the only one who thinks that the whole ERISA thing is a disaster waiting to happen? DO you realize that a healthy proportion of the baby boomers will be required to start selling portions of their stock portfolios at 70.5 years of age. I mean this is a structural problem for the stock market because essentially ever year more and more people will be required to take money out of the stock market. So it turns out the people who at 60 have nothing but a house may be in as good if not a better position than those who have hundreds of thousands or millions socked away in the securities markets.

Went on 12 mile hike to Lake Alice

2007-09-03T18:17:00.001-07:00

Hello to anyone still reading this.

I'll leave Tuesday I swear!

2007-09-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Faced with the prospects of getting home to a serious heatwave and no plans for once I get home I decided on Thursday to remain here in Sun Valley until Tuesday morning after labor day traffic.

Now I am faced with bad anxiety attacks as I am scared sh&tless about how to rebuild a life for myself be it here in Sun Valley, New Zealand, or back in Los Angeles. I don't know why anyone would want to hire me or be my friend.

Still stuck in SV getting ready to leave

2007-08-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

Well Wednesday I felt so bad that I stayed lying down all day. Am feeling better today. I actually left the condo today and have packed quite a bit. I was contemplating leaving this afternoon but now its 2:00 p.m. here and well I am not ready to go. So for now the plan is to leave early tomorrow in the A.M. If I do a good job and leave early enough I suppose I might just camp around Bishop, CA or something.

I guess LA is experiencing an uncomfortable heat wave. Sweet I guess I will be hanging at the Bizzeach for a while. I wanted to learn how to surf anyway.

Watching Red Dawn right now about to go to the pool/ hot tub to read. Jeez how bored does one have to be to watch a movie with C Thomas Howell as an action hero?

News Coverage of CastleRock Fire Funny!

2007-08-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

Still in Sun Valley, ID, playground of the rich and spoiled. Its amazing this 41,000 acre fire burning near the ski mountain and threatening scores of multi-million dollar homes is getting lots of news coverage. To date it is just 31% contained with now over 1600 firefighters fighting it. Since several A listers own second, third, fourth.... homes here its no surprise that a huge effort is being put in. I wonder if as much effort would go to save poor areas of New Orleans?

Last night the fire was a lead story on Fox New's show with that ahole Sheppard Smith.
Yesterday it was in the LATIMES and today there is a story in the NYTIMES.

As for me I think that I am headed back to L.A. tomorrow assuming that I continue to feel better. I still might move back here assuming it doesn't burn down, but need to go home and get out of the smoke and at least get my stuff. Otherwise New Zealand is tempting.

Stuck inside for several days!

2007-08-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

I have been stuck inside for several days now as the Castlerock Fire and the preventative burning that is being done is making it very smoky around here.

Now I have an intestinal parasite of some sort so am not well enough to travel back to LA. I am hoping to be able to travel by Thursday.

Sun Valley on fire

2007-08-19T15:24:00.001-07:00

There is a fire burning in warm Springs creek. Its making Ketchum smoky.

Tires only lasted to Yakima!

2007-08-15T22:48:00.001-07:00

Well got a flat just outside Yakima, WA. Luckily got two new tires at Costco. Thanks Sis and Thomas for your help!

In Vancouver having fun

2007-08-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I am in Vancouver and having fun. Its a really cool city. Also jealous of the Canadians and their arrangement with the Aussies. Both have holiday visas which allow you to stay in the country for a year and work and travel and you don't need a job to get your visa.

Chris
P.S. will post more pictures when I get a chance.

Victoria, B.C.

2007-08-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

Still in Victoria, B.C..

Made it to Hostel in Victoria -

2007-08-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

Made it finally after waiting for a few ferries to Vancouver Island and our hostel in Victoria. I have a tiny room with no windows and not much floor space but its fine. The hostel was recommended by a friend in Montana and he was right. THe vibe is totally cool. I am above a bar with live music. Hipster music is playing in the background and everyone is really chill. A great sounding canadian chick is playing her acoustic and singing along.

Dahm need to get my camera out and post a picture of the two Aussies. They are a blast!

Its way cooler than that stuffy ass B&B and much more centrally located and affordable.

PEace out

Going to Vancouver Island for day and night

2007-08-11T09:40:00.001-07:00

Hey all,

Well managed a bed in a hostel coed dorm for last night. Unfortunately they are booked tighter than (insert colorful phrase here).

Met a couple of Aussie chicks( Hayley and Sophie) who just arrived in Canada and are going to stay and work for a year. They will also likely visit the United States at some point so I will put them in touch with any of you who don't mind a couple of spunky Aussie girls. We found rooms together in a hostel in Victoria, Vancouver Island, B.C. I was just in Victoria last year in August. This time I get to stay in a hostel above a bar instead of a B&B.

Will post pictures when I get a chance. Also should return to Vancouver Sunday.

Chris

In Vancouver !!

2007-08-10T22:46:00.001-07:00

Hey all drove all the way to Vancouver. B.C. today.
Have a bed for tonight at the Hostel International at Jericho Beach.

Don't know what to do tomorrow night yet. Might get back to Camping.

Peace all.

Chris

Columbia Icefields Parkway - Athabasca Glacier Tour

2007-08-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hey All this is what I did yesterday. Adam Forrester said I had to do this and he was right! Took a tour on the Athabasca Glacier in Columbia Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper in Alberta, Canada. If you check out my youtube page you can see all the other videos I have of these giant Glacier tour trucks. I also added photos of yesterday to my Picasa page.

I am currently in Jasper, Alberta but am contemplating going to Vancouver today because the weather here is lousy. Last night I stayed at a rustic hostel with lots of Spainards, Germans, and Canadians. It was Called Beauty Creek HI hostel.

Glacier National Park Photos

2007-08-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

Per Billtron's request I will attempt to explain the photos without being able to look at them again. The photos of the house looking thing are of the Hostel in Polebridge, MT just outside Glacier National Park. I stumbled upon the charming little town of polebridge on the way to Kintla Lake. The inner North Fork Road is closed to protect a critical wolf habitat and I was forced to detour outside the park. The photos of the mercantile are of the store/ bakery. This is truly one of the best bakeries in the world. Best I can figure its at least partly because of the good well water there. The place is devoid of scotts or irish people lest they would be distilling there I am certain. The Northern Lights Cafe is also excellent and you can get a great meal there along with an organic Pale ale.
The hostel is old worldly, with no real electricity, propane mantle lamps. It does have refrigerators and stove and oven running on propane as well as hot showers. However the toilet is in the form of a dual outhouse. There are old tools, lanterns and cast iron hung all over the walls and the place oozes a rustic mountain charm of which many a mountain town has foolishly rid itself.

Not that anyone is reading this but made it Banff

2007-08-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

Hey all greetings from Canada eh. Made it safely to Banff. Fortunately I had my tire plugged today or I might not have made it.

GOt a bed in a hostel with a lot of smelly foreigners. Also Canada is boring.

Tomorrow will do some hiking gondola etc.
Thinking tomorrow might be nicer camping not sure.

Need to make arrangements for Jasper and perhaps Vancounver this weekend.

Upset that all internet seems to be pay for here. Wish my laptop worked. Oh well.
Sorry no photos or video but there is no USB drive here.

Twinedog out!

Twinedog Kayaks Kintla Lake - Glacier National Park

2007-08-06T14:09:00.001-07:00

Sunrising over Lake McDonald

2007-08-03T09:27:00.001-07:00

Spent night at Fish Creek campground site # B40.

Greetings from Glacier National Park

2007-08-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

Not nearly as smoky as Missoula. No sales tax in Montana!

Red Sun Rising - Missoula, MT

2007-08-02T06:45:00.001-07:00

Spent the night in a motel room because half of Montana must be on fire. Met a translator moving his family to Maine because they feel priced out of Seattle.

Old Faithful!

2007-07-31T23:54:00.001-07:00

So the geysers were pretty cool. Ran into my cousin Julia and her familly. Totally random but cool.

Welcome to Jellystone!

2007-07-31T23:46:00.001-07:00

It sure is crowded here. I'll bet Yogi has no trouble swiping picnic baskets.

Leaving GTNP

2007-07-31T08:22:00.001-07:00

Lions and Tigers and .....

2007-07-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

Yeah you heard right. There was a bear in the campsite next to mine yesterday afternoon. I managed to get one shot of it attempting to drink a beer. I think I might send this to the Fat Tire people and see if I can get some free schwag if I license it to them.

MOOSE ! on the Loose

2007-07-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

Okay so I managed to get a Photo of the Moose I saw today off the camera. I tried uploading to youtube but not sure if it will work.

Its Freakin Gorgeous - Grand Teton National Park

2007-07-30T17:06:00.001-07:00

Just a cellphone capture from 7/29/07 upon my entry into Grand Teton National Park. If my laptop only still worked there would be amazing youtube videos and more photos than you can shake a stick at.

Animals seen so far:

Hundreds of chipmunks, slightly less squirels, Black Bear ( photo to come), Gardner Snake, and a big fat Moose ( photo and videos to come eventually).

Grand Tetons National Park!

2007-07-29T11:01:00.001-07:00

Made it to Wyoming last night!

2007-07-29T08:41:00.001-07:00

Camped @ Wolf Creek campground in the Bridger-Teton National Forest because daylight was fading fast.

Mountain Biking on Bald Mtn.

2007-07-28T00:29:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

My sister, Brian and I went mountain biking on Bald Mtn today. Basically we rented mountain bikes from Sturtevant's in Ketchum. But these weren't just any mountain bikes. They had full suspension, front and rear and we were glad to have it. Then we got a lift ticket to ride up to the top of the mountain from the river run side (the only side open in the summer). It was amazing and so much fun. Now I can see what the lady at Helen's in Santa Monica was talking about. Its so much fun to scream down a trail with a bike with full suspension. My sister fell a couple of times and got a big bruise on her ass but she isn't complaining much. I fell twice but only got a couple of really minor scratches. So much fun, I will have to do that again later.

Anyway enjoy this video of me going down a cat path, sorry no videos of me on the actual trail. Maybe my sister will be more patient next time.

Greetings from the Pioneer Saloon!

2007-07-27T20:10:00.001-07:00

Having dinner at dinner at the Pioneer Saloon. If you're ever in Sun Valley make sure you check it out. Also get the beef ribs.

Fourth of July apple pie

2007-07-27T09:56:00.001-07:00

This is a photo of a deep dish apple pie I made for the fourth.

First cellphone post!

2007-07-26T19:43:00.001-07:00

Check out the view from the condo.:-)

My Computer Died !

2007-07-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well it has finally happened. My nice little IBM thinkpad T40 laptop that got me through 3 years of law school, and the California Bar Exam. It looks like a video card might be fried or something. I am through putting anything new into it, especially since itunes won't synch with my ipod on it for some strange reason. But I am bummed cause I had finally put some cool stickers on it. I have this awesome G&L Sticker and a Guerilla Coffee sticker and an Apple sticker etc. From now on I am a pisces and I am putting stickers on everything!

Congratulations to Stoney and Nima for being done with the bar exam officially tonight!

Also I just saw Sicko today because it was raining earlier, when i got out you couldn't tell it had been raining most of the day. But anyway its a good film. I like that it portrays the french in a very positive light and examines a different way of how we conceptualize society and the social contract. Take that to everyone who has ever put me down for being french. We're NUMBER ONE in health care!

Dinner Party Ketchum Idaho

2007-07-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

Well Folks,

Just got done with a tremendous success of a dinner party.
The menu:
1 - 3 bottles of white wine.
2 - crudites with a homemade Spinach Dip
3 -delicious spinach, beats and goat cheese salad
4 - Chicken Picata
5 - Parmessan Risotto
6 - Asparagus with a Ginger lime vinagrette sauce
7 - Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake with a Bourbon Whipped Cream Sauce

In attendance: My sister, Brian (sis's b-friend), Brooke, Alysia, Marina, and Yours truly.

2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are from the book The New Best Recipes , from the editors of America's Test Kitchen, a great show on PBS!

Sis Kayaking the Salmon River

2007-07-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

Hey all here is a youtube video of my sister kayaking rapids on the Salmon River about 15 miles North of Stanley, ID on Hwy 75. The company she used is called the River Company and we recommend them highly should any of you ever come up here. Also I got the lowdown on where they put in and out so if anyone comes up while I am here we can just rent gear and save lots of dough to do the same thing they do.

CAMPFIRE HYPNOSIS!

2007-07-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

There is nothing so hypnotic as a good roaring campfire. Man this is what people did before television!

DEER!

2007-07-21T09:12:00.001-07:00

Deer near Petit Lake, ID:

Camping at Redfish Lake

2007-07-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hey All, Greetings from beautiful downtown Stanley, ID Population 100.:

Shout out to my bro Stone,: kick ass and take names on the California Bar Exam!

Have spent the last two nights camping. Well technically last night I stayed in someone's trailer. Man I am so jealous of having a shower and kitchen and all... Someday I think I might have to get one of those and live out of it for the summer.

Some Pics from First night at Sunny Gulch Campground:

Some Pics from Highway 75 near Stanley, ID and Redfish Lake, ID:

SAWTOOTH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

2007-07-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

Yesterday, Tuesday July 17, 2007 I went up to the SNRA to check out some lakes. I went to Alturas Lake, Petit Lake and Redfish Lake.

Here is a picture from Highway 75 on the way up to Galena Summit:

This is a picture of me in front of Alturas Lake:

This is a picture of me and the car near Alturas Lake:

Here are pictures of Petit, by far my favorite lake:
The first picture is of the dirt road up to Petit Lake:

Two of yours truly in front of Petit Lake, Truly a gorgeous site:

20 Mile Plus Bike Ride to Hailey

2007-07-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hey anyone actually reading this thing! Maybe Tmizzle, Billtron, Sarah " I'm the funnest one here".

Lets see Monday I went on a long bike ride from Sun Valley to Hailey, ID. It was really beautiful.

SUMMER TOUR DAY TWO PICS

2007-07-18T11:36:00.001-07:00

Hey I will be the first to admit that I have been lax on publishing on my blog. So today I am trying to catch up and update some of you on what I have been up to. These pics are from 100 mile intervals on July 7, 2007.

I woke up real early cause I was roaring to go.

100 Miles later:

100 Miles later, Outside Wells, NV I think possibly outside Jackpot, NV:

For Mile 800 in Twin Falls, ID, I decided to take a different perspective, wow look I am actually happy with a smile on my face. :

20 mile plus bike ride to Hot spring

2007-07-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

Anyway today I got up early ( i HAVE BEEN GETTING UP REAL LATE) and made breakfast. Then I biked to lunch at Perry's my favorite deli in the world. Had a sandwich but then wanted to bike out to the Hot springs I drove to the other day. Other than a bunch of family people and a total scizophrenic who interrupted my serene moment at the spring it was a good day. But a long ass bike ride. At least 20 miles I figure.

Here is a picture of the hot springs:

MADE IT SAFELY TO SV

2007-07-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

Just wanted to let you all know that I made it to Sun Valley, ID safely. No real problems on the trip whatsoever.

Last night I met up with Brooke, Aimee's Junior Year Roommate at Princeton, and her two girlfriends. We had good Tai food at a place in Hailey I have been once before and then saw Ratatouile. We ended the night going to a club/bar called the Mint, owned by none other than Bruce Willis, which I have heard about for over a decade and never been in before.

So needless to say I was really tired so I slept till noon today. Now I am here in my favorite deli in the whole world, Perry's, in Ketchum, ID. I am also having my favorite ham sandwich in the world and a great cup of coffee to wake me up.

Spreading my good vibes to you all.

Chris

SUMMER TOUR SUMMER '07 !!!!

2007-07-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

Greetings all from Room 232 of the Bristlecone Motel in Beautiful downtown Ely, Nevada.
Miles driven today: 552.8. Approximate Miles to go to Ketchum, ID: 329.
Approximate Average Gas Mileage today: 35.7

Mile Zero this morning in my garage in Los Angeles, CA.

Mile 100, about 10 miles outside Mojave, CA.

Mile 200, somewhere before Bishop, CA I think.

Mile 300, Benton, CA.

Mile 400, about 10 Miles beyond Tonapah, NV.

Mile 500, about 50 miles before Ely, NV.

SUMMER TOUR 2007

2007-07-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

Well Friends,

If you are reading this I am on the road on the way to Idaho. My route, 405 to Antelope Freeway, then to Bishop, Tonopah, Ely, Wells, Twin Falls and finally Ketchum.

I will try and take pictures often and blog about my journey. I also plan to go to the Grand Tetons National Park and Yellowstone National Park. My friend Biltron thinks I need to go to Banf National Park and Jasper National Park in Canada on the way to Vancouver. I am thinking of taking my time on the way back down to So Cal taking a beach router from the upper tip of Washington.

Wish me good Road Karma.

Peace,

Chris

OKAY - NOW ITS ON LIKE DONKEY KONG

2007-07-03T11:44:00.001-07:00

That's it. The dollar is f$%ed. Either that or George Bush is going to announce they have reason to believe Iran already has weapons of mass destruction. If you are interested in why I think the dollar is now Fuzunked check out a little book called Petrodollar Warfare!

Tentative Set List - Analog Cover Album

2007-07-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

Give me just one reason, Tracy Chapman -The history of rock. piano, vocal, guitar. the late '90s :
Plush - Stone Temple Pilots
Maggie May - Rod Stewart - Acoustic guitar tab white pages.
Proud Mary - Creedence Clearwater Revival - Greatest hits : piano, vocal, guitar / Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Mr. Jones ( acoustic)- Counting Crows -Great '90s rock. Best of '90s acoustic rock.August and everything after
Hey Hey what can I do - Led Zeppelin
Good Riddance - Green Day (accoustic)
99 Problems - Jay-Z
All Apologies - Nirvana ( already have sheet music)

Anyone got any additional ideas etc? Basically I am going to self-produce an analog cover album. What this means is I will play guitar, keyboards, drum machine, and of course vocals. Analog means that I am going to record on an old school Tascam 4 Track. This is something that I wanted to do for so long. Most people did this in high school I am doing it while barely in my twenties! T

BOOKS I HAVE READ IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS

2007-06-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

Lamn: The Gospel According to Biff; Christopher Moore
Skinny Dip; Carl Hiassen
A Highland Christmas; M.C. Beaton
You Suck; Christopher Moore
Dirty Job; Christopher Moore
The Alchemist;
Sick Puppy; Carl Hiassen
The Game; Neil Strauss
The Mystery Method; Mystery
Feng Shui Your Life; Jayme Barrett
The Verbally Abusive Relationship; Patricia Evans
Feeling Good; David D. Burns M.D.
Practical Demonkeeping; Christopher Moore
Basket Case; Carl Hiassen
Awareness; Anthony deMello
The Way of the Superior Man; David Deida
Meditation for Dummies.
Coyote Blue; Christopher Moore

Goals for the Summer

2007-06-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

Forget About It.
Produce an Analog Cover album - more later on what songs I have already selected
Write a feature length screenplay - Its called "Dirt Cheap Love" and its only in the scene phase.
Explore new job possibillites for my bar card and law degree: Real Property Management, Trust and Estates Practice ( law), Adventure tourism.

STARTED TAKING YOGA

2007-04-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Well believe it or not the twinedog has started taking Yoga. The twinedog is also trying to work on being a better person to his friends and family. The twinedog is on a journey of self-discovery right now trying to figure out what he wants with his life both in terms of geographically, work-life balance, career etc.

I have decided to post some of my fiction/non-fiction writing from three years ago to see if anyone actually likes it. :

So here follows a sample:

"She is 5’11”, blonde, blue–eyed, and built like a brick shithouse. Beyond the mere physical attributes add to this a crushing intellect, a very kind soul, a penchant to stand up for herself, and a smile that can light up a room full of depressed lepers. If you knew anything about me, you would know that she is so close to the “prototype” of my ideal woman that it haunts my mind like the inability to recall the title of an 80’s song I just heard on the radio."

SOME TROUBLING NEWS FOR AMERICA'S ECONOMIC FUTURE

2006-05-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

So what do you get when you combine steadily rising oil prices, massive deficit spending by both Washington and Local Governments alike, high interest rates, and finally a massive decline in the number of people in peak spending years? FLUSH thats the sound of the American Economy and Stock market sometime around 2009-2015.

For a starter Paul O'neil credits the late 90's economic prosperity on the Clinton Administration and Republican Congress' balancing the federal budgets. Eliminating the deficit brought long term interests rates low.

In terms of Oil, many people including yours truly, are convinced, that its only going to get more expensive. And they aren't talking about in dollars. They mean in the amount of energy that will be required to extract it. See The Long Emergency for a discussion of the Hubert Oil Peak Theory.

In terms of the demographics, see any books by Harry Dent for a discussion of this problem.