Well, I finally saw "Brokeback Mountain", and I'll probably have my membership in the gay club revoked, but I didn't like it that much (pause for screams of outrage). I had been meaning to buy a copy of the DVD for some time, but my neighbor beat me to it, and I'm so glad he did and saved me the money. It's only my opinion of course, but I think if it hadn't been for the "gay cowboys" controversy, the movie, if it had gotten made at all, would have gone straight (no pun intended) to DVD or even video.
For me, it was sort of like trying to read "The Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie. After the Ayatollah Khomeini passed a sentence of death on the author for the "blasphemous" nature of the book, it shot to the top of nearly every best seller list in the world, and even I got caught up in the hype and went out and bought a copy. It was the most regrettable waste of $19.95 I ever spent! That book was so boring, if it hadn't been for the Ayatollah, it would have died a slow, painful, agonized death. I couldn't get past the first chapter of that book!
I had the same experience with trying to read "Moby Dick". I figured any book with "Dick" in the title had to be OK. WRONG! Again, couldn't get past the first chapter.
Sorry folks, but I just cannot bring myself to like something just because everyone else says I should.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
That's Why I Wear Glasses
I am sometimes asked why I wear glasses instead of getting contact lenses or having the laser surgery, and it is a question I am now going to answer.
I WON'T get the laser surgery because it is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. What does that mean? It means that the benefits of laser surgery don't last. The eyes start getting worse again, and in just a few years, you'll need to get the process done all over again. Also, I have heard one to many horror stories of mistakes being made and people who get the surgery going blind or having nerve damage. It's not worth it!
I also won't get contact lenses because I just can't be bothered with all the maintenance and upkeep. Cleaning the lenses, putting them in, taking them out, drops to keep the eyes moist, forget it. I have better things to do with my time, thank you very much.
Another reason I prefer glasses to the idea of surgery or lenses is one scene from a movie I saw years ago (late 70s I think) from France called "The Last Romantic Lover". Men were being reviewed for a contest and one was about to be rejected from even competing because he wore glasses, when the decision was overruled by the magazine's editor, who showed her staff just how intimate removing a man's glasses could be. I don't remember much else about the movie, but I do remember that scene.
Lastly, I won't give up my glasses because they give me special powers. They not only let me see with normal 20/20 vision, they let me see into the minds of men and judge their sincerity. They let me see if the man can see beyond surfaces into the person I am inside, or if they are so full of sh*t, the surface is all they see. If a man doesn't see me as worthy of notice because I wear glasses, I don't see him as worthy of notice because he is an asshole.
So, that is why I wear glasses.
I WON'T get the laser surgery because it is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. What does that mean? It means that the benefits of laser surgery don't last. The eyes start getting worse again, and in just a few years, you'll need to get the process done all over again. Also, I have heard one to many horror stories of mistakes being made and people who get the surgery going blind or having nerve damage. It's not worth it!
I also won't get contact lenses because I just can't be bothered with all the maintenance and upkeep. Cleaning the lenses, putting them in, taking them out, drops to keep the eyes moist, forget it. I have better things to do with my time, thank you very much.
Another reason I prefer glasses to the idea of surgery or lenses is one scene from a movie I saw years ago (late 70s I think) from France called "The Last Romantic Lover". Men were being reviewed for a contest and one was about to be rejected from even competing because he wore glasses, when the decision was overruled by the magazine's editor, who showed her staff just how intimate removing a man's glasses could be. I don't remember much else about the movie, but I do remember that scene.
Lastly, I won't give up my glasses because they give me special powers. They not only let me see with normal 20/20 vision, they let me see into the minds of men and judge their sincerity. They let me see if the man can see beyond surfaces into the person I am inside, or if they are so full of sh*t, the surface is all they see. If a man doesn't see me as worthy of notice because I wear glasses, I don't see him as worthy of notice because he is an asshole.
So, that is why I wear glasses.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sacramento's Coronation; 2008
I went to Sacramento's coronation last night and had a really good time. Emperor Bruce Bedrich & Empress Danika St. James were two of the loveliest and most charming monarchs I've seen in some time. They did so much good work during their reign they leave behind a legacy that future "E & Es" of not just the C.G.N.I.E., but any of the imperial court chapters will have a hard time living up to. I did overhear one snide comment from one of the visiting dignitaries about the evenings late start, and how the airline for "Flight 34" must have been Jet Blue (the theme for coronation was airplanes and airports).
The new Emperor and Empress of Sacramento and the C.G.N.I.E. was the delightful Precious Cargo and Santos Rosales. I (and I'm sure all of you) wish them well in their reign. I can hardly wait for their Investitures.
The only black mark on my evening was my new crown. I bought a replica of the circlet the character of Elrond wore in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy (I'm such a nerd). It looks good, but pinches my head and gives me a headache. Oh the things we do for beauty.
The new Emperor and Empress of Sacramento and the C.G.N.I.E. was the delightful Precious Cargo and Santos Rosales. I (and I'm sure all of you) wish them well in their reign. I can hardly wait for their Investitures.
The only black mark on my evening was my new crown. I bought a replica of the circlet the character of Elrond wore in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy (I'm such a nerd). It looks good, but pinches my head and gives me a headache. Oh the things we do for beauty.
Friday, April 25, 2008
My Next Big Risk
I have done very well so far with my Intrepid Potash (IPI) stock. VERY well indeed.
I acquired 100 shares at the opening price of $32/share, and in the first day of trading, saw it climb to $48/share for a paper profit of $1,600.
I have since purchased an additional 29 shares at various prices whenever it would drop $1/share, in $500 increments. Today was fanfucking amazing! This morning it dropped $1 from yesterday's closing price, and I bought another 10 shares, then watched with delighted satisfaction as it rose not only the $1 it fell, but an extra $3.35/share, for a 9% profit. As of today, my "paper profits" are $2,559.29. When I saw that this afternoon, I swear, I nearly shot a load all over myself.
Now, I would like to tell you about my next big risk.
Has anyone been paying attention to the price of oil and gasoline lately? I don't know about any of you, but I get a pain in my stomach AND ass (where I keep my wallet) every time I have to fill up my car. I can drive as to get as much mileage as possible, but their is just so much anyone can do. So it would seem that the smart place to put your money if you have any to invest is in oil stocks, and that's just what I'll be doing April 30th.
I'm getting in on the IPO of a limited partnership called "Southwest Energy Partners, Limited". The stock's initial price is expected to be between $19 & $21 per share. The company will also be paying a quarterly dividend, and I LOVE dividends. I'm hoping to get 400 shares, but I tried to get 300 of IPI but only got 100. I'll keep you informed.
On a more immediate note, I am just $1.73/share away from selling all but 17.0528 shares of my McDonald's (MCD) stock. Once it reaches $61.40, I plan to sell 110 shares, which after commissions are deducted, will be what I put into the MCD to begin with. The remaining shares will be $1,000 of pure profit I'm keeping for the dividend.
In the stock market as in Las Vegas, the best way to win is to play with the houses money!
I acquired 100 shares at the opening price of $32/share, and in the first day of trading, saw it climb to $48/share for a paper profit of $1,600.
I have since purchased an additional 29 shares at various prices whenever it would drop $1/share, in $500 increments. Today was fanfucking amazing! This morning it dropped $1 from yesterday's closing price, and I bought another 10 shares, then watched with delighted satisfaction as it rose not only the $1 it fell, but an extra $3.35/share, for a 9% profit. As of today, my "paper profits" are $2,559.29. When I saw that this afternoon, I swear, I nearly shot a load all over myself.
Now, I would like to tell you about my next big risk.
Has anyone been paying attention to the price of oil and gasoline lately? I don't know about any of you, but I get a pain in my stomach AND ass (where I keep my wallet) every time I have to fill up my car. I can drive as to get as much mileage as possible, but their is just so much anyone can do. So it would seem that the smart place to put your money if you have any to invest is in oil stocks, and that's just what I'll be doing April 30th.
I'm getting in on the IPO of a limited partnership called "Southwest Energy Partners, Limited". The stock's initial price is expected to be between $19 & $21 per share. The company will also be paying a quarterly dividend, and I LOVE dividends. I'm hoping to get 400 shares, but I tried to get 300 of IPI but only got 100. I'll keep you informed.
On a more immediate note, I am just $1.73/share away from selling all but 17.0528 shares of my McDonald's (MCD) stock. Once it reaches $61.40, I plan to sell 110 shares, which after commissions are deducted, will be what I put into the MCD to begin with. The remaining shares will be $1,000 of pure profit I'm keeping for the dividend.
In the stock market as in Las Vegas, the best way to win is to play with the houses money!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The Butterfly Flapping It's Wings (1)
Just read something VERY interesting on the CNBC website (http://www.cnbc.com/id/15839285/site/14081545/). Asian stock markets surged after China cut the stock trading tax. This could mean a very, VERY interesting day in the US equities market tomorrow, which brings me to a tangent about the TV show "Heroes".
I sometimes think I'm like one of the enhanced humans on that show. My power isn't as amazing as say, Hiro Nakamura or Claire, I cannot fly, bend time-space, or spontaneously regenerate, but I can sometimes follow lines of thought from the butterfly flapping it's wings. What does that mean? It's an old saying I heard somewhere once about a butterfly flapping it's wings in Africa and next year they have a hurricane in China. Don't ask me where I heard it or who said it, I don't remember.
Anyway, everything is interconnected and interdependent. "B" follows "A" and precedes "C", and I am predicting the surge in Asia is the butterfly flapping it's wings in China and causing a market upswing in Wall Street.
We'll see if my prediction comes true tomorrow.
I sometimes think I'm like one of the enhanced humans on that show. My power isn't as amazing as say, Hiro Nakamura or Claire, I cannot fly, bend time-space, or spontaneously regenerate, but I can sometimes follow lines of thought from the butterfly flapping it's wings. What does that mean? It's an old saying I heard somewhere once about a butterfly flapping it's wings in Africa and next year they have a hurricane in China. Don't ask me where I heard it or who said it, I don't remember.
Anyway, everything is interconnected and interdependent. "B" follows "A" and precedes "C", and I am predicting the surge in Asia is the butterfly flapping it's wings in China and causing a market upswing in Wall Street.
We'll see if my prediction comes true tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
The Bad, The Good, & The Great
First the bad. Although I requested 300 shares of Intrepid Potash, Inc., I was only allocated 100 shares of the initial public offering (IPO). That was "The Good". The Great? I got those 100 shares at $32/share, and in just one day it climbed to $50.40. In just one day my investment had a paper profit of $1,840.
That profit is, like I said, only a "paper profit". It won't really count till I sell my shares, which I cannot do for at least 31 days. If I sell within 30 days or less, I will be disqualified from future IPOs for 3 months. So, I haven't really made anything, and wont make anything till May 5/23/08.
I'm not worried though. I've done a lot of research on not just this company, but the potash & fertilizer industry as a whole, and I believe it is a very good investment that will only continue to go up. I'm gonna keep my eyes on it though and I'll keep you informed.
That profit is, like I said, only a "paper profit". It won't really count till I sell my shares, which I cannot do for at least 31 days. If I sell within 30 days or less, I will be disqualified from future IPOs for 3 months. So, I haven't really made anything, and wont make anything till May 5/23/08.
I'm not worried though. I've done a lot of research on not just this company, but the potash & fertilizer industry as a whole, and I believe it is a very good investment that will only continue to go up. I'm gonna keep my eyes on it though and I'll keep you informed.
Monday, April 21, 2008
A Bigger Risk
Well, the IPO for Intrepid Potash, Inc., which will trade under the symbol IPI set the opening price today. Originally it was supposed to be between $27 and $29 per share, but the initial price will be $32 per share. This means my investment will cost $9,600, which will make it the largest single investment I have (not counting mutual funds) and the largest stock purchase I made at one time. It scares me.
All the fundamentals and reasons behind making this investment are sound, but still, the thought of committing such a large chunk of my inheritance is frightening. If it's a success, I'll make a mint, if it fails, I'll be in a stink bigger than the fertilizer I'm investing in.
Here's a link to "Jim Cramer's Mad Money", maybe you'll all find it as informative and entertaining as I did. http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=718129498.
Talk to you all later.
All the fundamentals and reasons behind making this investment are sound, but still, the thought of committing such a large chunk of my inheritance is frightening. If it's a success, I'll make a mint, if it fails, I'll be in a stink bigger than the fertilizer I'm investing in.
Here's a link to "Jim Cramer's Mad Money", maybe you'll all find it as informative and entertaining as I did. http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=718129498.
Talk to you all later.
Stockton's Investiture
By and large, I had a lot of fun last night at Investitures. We had a good turn-out, everybody seemed to enjoy themselves, and we raised a good chunk of change ($435.00).
I have to be honest though and say their were a few bad spots. As part of the activities last night, I began the Imperial Weight-Off-A-Thon. My starting weight was 262 lbs. If that wasn't bad enough, a few people were downright mean when I asked them if they would like to pledge a donation.
I always said I would name names in my blog, so here it goes. One person stands out in particular as an asshole when I asked if he would like to pledge a donation per pound I'd lose. The assholes' name? David Flemming! He kept saying things along the line of "How much are you going to lose? How are you going to lose it? What gym are you going to?" etc, etc, etc, and always with that self satisfied smirk on his face as if to say "How long can I keep him dangling on the line, hoping I'll donate, before he gives up." Well David, if you ever read this, F**K You! I don't have to put up with you or your shit. You may have been an emperor once, but that does not excuse you from being a decent, kind human being. If you didn't want to make a donation, just say so. Stop acting like royalty and start behaving like royalty.
He reminds me of a few people I came across way back in the 1980s during the height of the Ethiopian Famine. To help raise money for famine relief, I took part in a 24 hour fast. After it was over, and I went to collect the money from the people who pledged donations when I was done with fasting (and believe me, when you cannot eat for 24 hours it's not fast but VERY slow), they said "Well how the hell do I know you didn't sneak food?! How do I know you didn't eat?!" I think now those people never had any intention of paying the money they pledged, and were just making excuses and casting aspersions on my honesty to get out of it.
But am I bitter about people like them and David Flemming? ABSOLUTELY!
I have to be honest though and say their were a few bad spots. As part of the activities last night, I began the Imperial Weight-Off-A-Thon. My starting weight was 262 lbs. If that wasn't bad enough, a few people were downright mean when I asked them if they would like to pledge a donation.
I always said I would name names in my blog, so here it goes. One person stands out in particular as an asshole when I asked if he would like to pledge a donation per pound I'd lose. The assholes' name? David Flemming! He kept saying things along the line of "How much are you going to lose? How are you going to lose it? What gym are you going to?" etc, etc, etc, and always with that self satisfied smirk on his face as if to say "How long can I keep him dangling on the line, hoping I'll donate, before he gives up." Well David, if you ever read this, F**K You! I don't have to put up with you or your shit. You may have been an emperor once, but that does not excuse you from being a decent, kind human being. If you didn't want to make a donation, just say so. Stop acting like royalty and start behaving like royalty.
He reminds me of a few people I came across way back in the 1980s during the height of the Ethiopian Famine. To help raise money for famine relief, I took part in a 24 hour fast. After it was over, and I went to collect the money from the people who pledged donations when I was done with fasting (and believe me, when you cannot eat for 24 hours it's not fast but VERY slow), they said "Well how the hell do I know you didn't sneak food?! How do I know you didn't eat?!" I think now those people never had any intention of paying the money they pledged, and were just making excuses and casting aspersions on my honesty to get out of it.
But am I bitter about people like them and David Flemming? ABSOLUTELY!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Last Night in San Jose
I went to San Jose's Imperial Investiture last night and had a great time. I arrived with smiles and good cheer, and left with a bloated stomach and indigestion.
Part of San Jose's investiture was a chicken eating contest. "Who could eat the most chicken wings in 3 minutes". Well, it was me, and my good friend Debbie from Modesto. We tied and split the $100.00 prize between us. Of course, we don't get to keep that money for ourselves, it goes to our favorite charities. In my case that will be the Imperial San Joaquin Delta Empire, and more specifically (if my court and board will let me) the "From the Heart" Project. That is our big Christmas fund drive which goes to buy clothes and toys for children who are either infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. It is, in my opinion, one of the most worthy things we do. Helping the children.
Last night was also my last real food binge. Today is Stockton's Investiture, and the kick-off for the first ever "Imperial Weight-Off-A-Thon". Combining elements of the "MS Read-A-Thon" and the hit TV show "The Biggest Loser". Today, my diet and exercise program begins in earnest. I, and others, will collect pledges for how much weight, per pound we can lose between today and 10/05/08. The end will be at Stockton's Bowl-A-Thon. So far it's just me and the Empress Lady Cranberry that I'm sure of taking part. Well see if any of the other people that show up today will also be taking part.
I gotta go get cleaned up now. So little time, and so much to do. Heavy is the head that wears a crown. (exaggerated dramatic sigh)
Part of San Jose's investiture was a chicken eating contest. "Who could eat the most chicken wings in 3 minutes". Well, it was me, and my good friend Debbie from Modesto. We tied and split the $100.00 prize between us. Of course, we don't get to keep that money for ourselves, it goes to our favorite charities. In my case that will be the Imperial San Joaquin Delta Empire, and more specifically (if my court and board will let me) the "From the Heart" Project. That is our big Christmas fund drive which goes to buy clothes and toys for children who are either infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. It is, in my opinion, one of the most worthy things we do. Helping the children.
Last night was also my last real food binge. Today is Stockton's Investiture, and the kick-off for the first ever "Imperial Weight-Off-A-Thon". Combining elements of the "MS Read-A-Thon" and the hit TV show "The Biggest Loser". Today, my diet and exercise program begins in earnest. I, and others, will collect pledges for how much weight, per pound we can lose between today and 10/05/08. The end will be at Stockton's Bowl-A-Thon. So far it's just me and the Empress Lady Cranberry that I'm sure of taking part. Well see if any of the other people that show up today will also be taking part.
I gotta go get cleaned up now. So little time, and so much to do. Heavy is the head that wears a crown. (exaggerated dramatic sigh)
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Why I Don't Drink (much)
Whenever I go out, people nearly always ask me the same thing when I walk up to the bar and after my first beer or whatever I drink Diet Pepsi or bottled water for the rest of the evening. It's always, "You sure don't drink much, do you?" or "Why don't you drink?" or some other probing, invasive question about something that really shouldn't be any of their business. Well, for the last time this is why I don't drink (much).
I don't drink when I go out, because I'm usually the one that does the driving when I'm with friends, and when I go out by myself, I want to make sure I get home alive, or at the very least, not ticketed for a DWI or DUI.
No drink, however well the bartender might make it, tastes so good that it's worth being arrested, having to go to court, getting points on my auto insurance, losing my right to drive, possibly ending up in prison, and we all know what happens to hot guys like me in prison (hmmmm, that part might be worth it).
Another reason I don't drink (much) is that my father is an recovering alcoholic, and I've heard from many people, read articles, and seen news reports on TV that alcoholism is hereditary.
I don't totally abstain from alcohol, I just keep my consumption of it under control. When I went on my vacation last year with Atlantis Events http://www.atlantisevents.com/index.aspx on the Royal Caribbean (http://www.royalcaribbean.com) cruise ship Radiance of the Seas, I drank a LOT more than I normally do, but still not so much that I got totally drunk. After all, it was my vacation, I wanted to be able to remember my night before the next day.
So, everybody, that is why I don't drink (much).
I don't drink when I go out, because I'm usually the one that does the driving when I'm with friends, and when I go out by myself, I want to make sure I get home alive, or at the very least, not ticketed for a DWI or DUI.
No drink, however well the bartender might make it, tastes so good that it's worth being arrested, having to go to court, getting points on my auto insurance, losing my right to drive, possibly ending up in prison, and we all know what happens to hot guys like me in prison (hmmmm, that part might be worth it).
Another reason I don't drink (much) is that my father is an recovering alcoholic, and I've heard from many people, read articles, and seen news reports on TV that alcoholism is hereditary.
I don't totally abstain from alcohol, I just keep my consumption of it under control. When I went on my vacation last year with Atlantis Events http://www.atlantisevents.com/index.aspx on the Royal Caribbean (http://www.royalcaribbean.com) cruise ship Radiance of the Seas, I drank a LOT more than I normally do, but still not so much that I got totally drunk. After all, it was my vacation, I wanted to be able to remember my night before the next day.
So, everybody, that is why I don't drink (much).
Thursday, April 17, 2008
A Big Risk
I'm taking a big risk next week. I've begun a conditional offer to purchase stock in a fertilizer company called (if I'm allowed to name it in my blog) Intrepid Potash, Inc..
Why is this a big risk? Well, at the current offering price range, I will have to spend up to $7,800 to acquire 300 shares, and my money will be locked up for a minimum of 30 days before I can sell my shares.
Although I have been building up positions in McDonald's (MCD), General Electric (GE), Pepsi co (PEP), and Alcoa (AA), these are all tried and true companies that pay a nice dividend.
Committing so much money to a single investment in such a large amount all at once scares me. I'm a coward, for the most part, when it comes to money, and cold hard cash, gives me a nice warm feeling.
If the investment is a success, I could end up making a LOT of extra money that can go toward the down payment on a home one day. If the investment is a failure, I could end up living in a box under the highway 4 crosstown freeway.
I'll keep you informed.
I just thought of something funny! If I do end up buying this stock, and it does really, REALLY well, and it helps me buy my home, I will be living in (literally) "The House That Shit Bought". (I hope using the "S" word wont get me in trouble with www.blogger.com. I'm sorry if it does and I hope you'll let me keep my blog.
Why is this a big risk? Well, at the current offering price range, I will have to spend up to $7,800 to acquire 300 shares, and my money will be locked up for a minimum of 30 days before I can sell my shares.
Although I have been building up positions in McDonald's (MCD), General Electric (GE), Pepsi co (PEP), and Alcoa (AA), these are all tried and true companies that pay a nice dividend.
Committing so much money to a single investment in such a large amount all at once scares me. I'm a coward, for the most part, when it comes to money, and cold hard cash, gives me a nice warm feeling.
If the investment is a success, I could end up making a LOT of extra money that can go toward the down payment on a home one day. If the investment is a failure, I could end up living in a box under the highway 4 crosstown freeway.
I'll keep you informed.
I just thought of something funny! If I do end up buying this stock, and it does really, REALLY well, and it helps me buy my home, I will be living in (literally) "The House That Shit Bought". (I hope using the "S" word wont get me in trouble with www.blogger.com. I'm sorry if it does and I hope you'll let me keep my blog.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Pictures Comming Soon
Hi everybody. I bought a digital camera today. Well, actually, I put it on lay-a-way. I had been checking out prices for the last few days, and on my way home from work, stopped at K-Mart and saw they had nearly all of them on sale. So, I chose a Cannon brand camera that was being discontinued.
I had originally decided to wait till I got my tax rebate check (Thanks "W", but I still think you're an IDIOT), but since it was the last one (display model), I put it on lay-a-way so it would be ready and available when I do get my rebate.
I'm really looking forward to getting it. It not only takes pictures, but apparently can do short movies with sound. So, once I figure out how that feature works, look for links to www.youtube.com and the videos I'll upload for you to download.
Not much else happening that's worth writing about. I met with the Regent Empress of Stockton (did I mention I'm the Regent Emperor?) and we went over the various titles we'll be giving out at Investitures April 20th. Some of them are quite funny and I hope will be appreciated.
So, with nothing else to say for now, goodbye till my next posting.
I had originally decided to wait till I got my tax rebate check (Thanks "W", but I still think you're an IDIOT), but since it was the last one (display model), I put it on lay-a-way so it would be ready and available when I do get my rebate.
I'm really looking forward to getting it. It not only takes pictures, but apparently can do short movies with sound. So, once I figure out how that feature works, look for links to www.youtube.com and the videos I'll upload for you to download.
Not much else happening that's worth writing about. I met with the Regent Empress of Stockton (did I mention I'm the Regent Emperor?) and we went over the various titles we'll be giving out at Investitures April 20th. Some of them are quite funny and I hope will be appreciated.
So, with nothing else to say for now, goodbye till my next posting.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Taxes; 2008
Well, for all you procrastinators out their, tomorrow is the deadline for filing your taxes for 2007.
I went to H & R Block to do mine this year. They were way complicated because of the money my grandmother (may she rest in peace) left me when she passed in late 2006 (has it been only that long?).
One of my co-wokers, Mai Wong, takes part of her vacation every year at this time so she can work full time at good ol' HRB, and she is the one who helped me get everything done.
I ended up actually paying extra to the State of CA, and got less back on my Federal than it cost to file, but that was mainly because the anuity company my grandmother had her money with did not take out enough in taxes for 2007. It will be better next year.
I've been thinking, by the way, what do do with my $600.00 tax rebate I'll be getting back from W's economic stimulus package. I'm most likely going to buy a digital camera so I can start uploading pictures to my blog. The rest, I'm going to put toward my vacation for October, 2008, when I'll once again be taking an Atlantis Events cruise along the Mexican Riviera. I plan to keep taking that cruise till I get maried it stops being fun (or both {ha ha}).
I went to H & R Block to do mine this year. They were way complicated because of the money my grandmother (may she rest in peace) left me when she passed in late 2006 (has it been only that long?).
One of my co-wokers, Mai Wong, takes part of her vacation every year at this time so she can work full time at good ol' HRB, and she is the one who helped me get everything done.
I ended up actually paying extra to the State of CA, and got less back on my Federal than it cost to file, but that was mainly because the anuity company my grandmother had her money with did not take out enough in taxes for 2007. It will be better next year.
I've been thinking, by the way, what do do with my $600.00 tax rebate I'll be getting back from W's economic stimulus package. I'm most likely going to buy a digital camera so I can start uploading pictures to my blog. The rest, I'm going to put toward my vacation for October, 2008, when I'll once again be taking an Atlantis Events cruise along the Mexican Riviera. I plan to keep taking that cruise till I get maried it stops being fun (or both {ha ha}).
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Tomato Hamburger Soup
I like to save money. I can squeeze a penny till Mr. Lincoln screams for mercy, and the last time I took out a dollar, Washington blinked from the light.
I keep my car well maintained and drive at a safe and reasonable speed that gets me 23.6 miles per gallon.
I buy basic fashions when it comes to clothing so it won't go out of style from one season to the next (I still have perfectly good shirts I bought 16 years ago).
I am NOT, however, cheap. I always buy the best I can afford, and then I make the best last as long as I can. After all, the money I save today, I can use to buy a house or go on a cruise with tomorrow.
So, in the spirit of helping out my readers save a little money, I did some experimenting on one of the recipes my Grandma Gentry clipped out of her "Taste of Home" magazine years ago for "Tomato Hamburger Soup". I've also tried to make it a bit healthier by tweaking an ingredient here and their so those of you who may be having any health problems can enjoy it as well.
I keep my car well maintained and drive at a safe and reasonable speed that gets me 23.6 miles per gallon.
I buy basic fashions when it comes to clothing so it won't go out of style from one season to the next (I still have perfectly good shirts I bought 16 years ago).
I am NOT, however, cheap. I always buy the best I can afford, and then I make the best last as long as I can. After all, the money I save today, I can use to buy a house or go on a cruise with tomorrow.
So, in the spirit of helping out my readers save a little money, I did some experimenting on one of the recipes my Grandma Gentry clipped out of her "Taste of Home" magazine years ago for "Tomato Hamburger Soup". I've also tried to make it a bit healthier by tweaking an ingredient here and their so those of you who may be having any health problems can enjoy it as well.
- 4 cans of heart healthy, low sodium, V-8 Juice
- 4 cups of frozen, mixed vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 can Swanson's vegetarian vegetable broth
- 1 red onion, peeled and diced
- 1 shot Jim Beam Whisky
- 1 teaspoon of Wesley's Secret Spice Blend #1*
- In a 3 quart slow cooker, combine the ingredients and mix well.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or until heated through.
*Wesley's Secret Spice Blend #1
(Keep stored in an airtight container)
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
This recipe will yield about 7 servings for a cost of approximately $1.50 per serving**.
**(Cost per serving depends on the prices as your favorite grocery story)
I like to store my soup in individual plastic containers in my freezer. They make an excellent, and thrifty, side dish for lunch or dinner. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Concentration
"Imagination, song, the soaring spirit.
Separate them to know them as aspect of The Whole.
Join them to know The Mystery of Totality."
Just a little bit of Taoist wisdom from one of my favorite philosophical writers of Taoism, Deng Ming-Dao.
The above passage is from his book, "365 Tao", from the page 101. I try to read one page per day. To apply each day's lesson in my daily life. It's not always easy, I don't always succede, but I still always try.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
A Personal Revelation
I'm going to tell you all a deep, dark, and disturbing secret about myself. It's something so horrible and horrendous, something so vile and vicious that I almost shudder to say it.
What is my secret? What is it about myself that would make the world turn it's back on me and and throw up it's hands in disbelief?
Well, the truth is, I like to play chess.
(Something of a let down after that build up wasn't it.)
I don't play chess for the sake of the game itself, though I do enjoy it. No, what I enjoy more is the conversation that occurs while the game is being played. It is the only kind of game I play with a guy (except for the odd bored game like Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk, etc, etc, . . . ).
For those of you who don't know, but would like to know, a little about the history of chess, let's go back to the beginning of the game. Although it was not invented in Ireland (did I mention I'm of Irish descent), it was perfected in Ireland where it still enjoys tremendous popularity. The reason behind this popularity of chess in Ireland is quite simple. Chess is like war, only cheaper, thus making it the perfect game for Ireland, a country very warlike, and dead-ass broke (just kidding).
Not many of my friends play chess, and the only playing I've gotten recently has been with my next door neighbor Greg. We're pretty evenly matched, and both of us play to win. I just wish I had some other guys to play with, and then after the game "play" with.
What is my secret? What is it about myself that would make the world turn it's back on me and and throw up it's hands in disbelief?
Well, the truth is, I like to play chess.
(Something of a let down after that build up wasn't it.)
I don't play chess for the sake of the game itself, though I do enjoy it. No, what I enjoy more is the conversation that occurs while the game is being played. It is the only kind of game I play with a guy (except for the odd bored game like Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk, etc, etc, . . . ).
For those of you who don't know, but would like to know, a little about the history of chess, let's go back to the beginning of the game. Although it was not invented in Ireland (did I mention I'm of Irish descent), it was perfected in Ireland where it still enjoys tremendous popularity. The reason behind this popularity of chess in Ireland is quite simple. Chess is like war, only cheaper, thus making it the perfect game for Ireland, a country very warlike, and dead-ass broke (just kidding).
Not many of my friends play chess, and the only playing I've gotten recently has been with my next door neighbor Greg. We're pretty evenly matched, and both of us play to win. I just wish I had some other guys to play with, and then after the game "play" with.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Feeling A Little Melancholy
I grieve and dare not show my discontent;
I love, and yet am forced to seem to hate;
I do, yet dare not say I ever meant;
I seem stark mute, but inwardly do prate.
I am, and am not; I freeze and yet am burned,
Since from myself another self I turned.
My love is like my shadow in the sun-
Follows me flying, flies when I pursue it,
Stands, and lies be me, doth what I have done;
His to familiar care doth make me rue it.
No means I find to rid him from my hearts breast,
Till by the end of things it be supressed.
Some gentler passion slide into my mind,
For I am soft, and made of melting snow;
Or be more cruel, Love, and so be kind.
Let me float or sink, be high or low;
Or let me live with some more sweet content,
Or die, and so foret what love ever meant.
I love, and yet am forced to seem to hate;
I do, yet dare not say I ever meant;
I seem stark mute, but inwardly do prate.
I am, and am not; I freeze and yet am burned,
Since from myself another self I turned.
My love is like my shadow in the sun-
Follows me flying, flies when I pursue it,
Stands, and lies be me, doth what I have done;
His to familiar care doth make me rue it.
No means I find to rid him from my hearts breast,
Till by the end of things it be supressed.
Some gentler passion slide into my mind,
For I am soft, and made of melting snow;
Or be more cruel, Love, and so be kind.
Let me float or sink, be high or low;
Or let me live with some more sweet content,
Or die, and so foret what love ever meant.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
And so, it begins . . . .
Hello wolrd! Eventually you will all come to know me, but for now, let me just introduce myself.
I'm a complex person. I have varied interests and like meeting as wide a range of people as possible. I feel their is so much inside me that I'm ready to share, I just wish I could find someone who was willing to accept it.
I got the idea for starting this blog from a friend who said I should start my own magazine or something. Well, since publishing a magazine is incredibly expensive and I don't have that kind of money, I decided that a blog would be the next best thing.
I will talk about just about everything here. It will be part diary, part newsletter, and part random musings. I will post my poetry, recipies, ideas, comments, and anything they will let me get away with. Who knows, I might even talk about my relationships and sex life (or total lack thereof).
I picked this blogging site after stumbling across it when I discovered that an adult entertainment actor (Geoffrey Paine) I met on a recent cruise I took to Mexico with Atlantis Events (I didn't know who he was at the time) had a blog here as well. As soon as I learn how, I'll post a link to his site and you can go and check him out.
I'll probably get a few people upset with some of the things I'll post here, and probably get told I should confine "those thoughts and comments" to my journal, and to them I say ' "bleep" you'. I refuse to let anyone hold me back anymore.
Look out world! Wesley is busting loose and shaking of the shackles of his oppressors and detractors. For I am strong, I am invincible, I AM WESLEY!
I'm a complex person. I have varied interests and like meeting as wide a range of people as possible. I feel their is so much inside me that I'm ready to share, I just wish I could find someone who was willing to accept it.
I got the idea for starting this blog from a friend who said I should start my own magazine or something. Well, since publishing a magazine is incredibly expensive and I don't have that kind of money, I decided that a blog would be the next best thing.
I will talk about just about everything here. It will be part diary, part newsletter, and part random musings. I will post my poetry, recipies, ideas, comments, and anything they will let me get away with. Who knows, I might even talk about my relationships and sex life (or total lack thereof).
I picked this blogging site after stumbling across it when I discovered that an adult entertainment actor (Geoffrey Paine) I met on a recent cruise I took to Mexico with Atlantis Events (I didn't know who he was at the time) had a blog here as well. As soon as I learn how, I'll post a link to his site and you can go and check him out.
I'll probably get a few people upset with some of the things I'll post here, and probably get told I should confine "those thoughts and comments" to my journal, and to them I say ' "bleep" you'. I refuse to let anyone hold me back anymore.
Look out world! Wesley is busting loose and shaking of the shackles of his oppressors and detractors. For I am strong, I am invincible, I AM WESLEY!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)