Hero Inc.

After countless people asking for an update (actually just one), I realized I needed to update people on the second half of my move to the west coast, aka SF, aka San Francisco.

On the Sunday following Christmas, my brother left Warner Robins, GA and embarked on the westward bound journey to our final destination. Our route would take us along I-40 (what is now Route 66) and to a few great Diner, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Google can provide you the highlevel view of the trip. Armed with a southern snack pack (Georgia Pecans, cashews, oatmeal raisin cookies, and leftover holiday candy) and one heck of a roadtrip playlist (I could have done more), we set forth on the open road.

The trip may seem like an intolerable distance at 2,695 miles, but we were able to break it up into about 4-5 hour segments which provided great sanity and the ability to switch drivers at the point where one may not be able to take it much longer. The easiest way to talk about the trip is based on my brother’s well thought out plan.

——Day 1——
Warner Robins, GA –> Conway, Arkansas
Distance:  642 miles
Estimated Time:  10hr 16min

Recaps:

• Bryan had the coffee to start (didn’t realize Dunkin Doughnuts opened that early), but I was the first behind the wheel.
• As we entered the state of Alabama I could already smell the confidence of the crimson tide nation.  We passed a huge Bama convoy of 3 RV’s in length.
• One of the few times we were off our directions, we encountered an amazing site.  We saw at least 8 Bingo halls within a 1.5 mile stretch of road.
• Lunch stop in Memphis for BBQ at Interstate BBQ.  They had some of the best coleslaw I’ve ever had.
• Memphis has a pyramid?
• Mississippi has the worst interstate I’ve ever seen.  I think it was just some crushed rocks.
• The popular thing to do on the Mississippi interstate is to pull over, walk into the woods, and go hunting.  No seriously.
• In Arkansas, I really had to fit the urge not to drive to a certain university and destroy He Who Shall Not Be Named.  I really do hate him.
• There really is nothing to Little Rock.  Maybe I just blinked.
• As you will see in the photo gallery, we would stop at random sites for a crazy picture or we would just stay warm in the car and take pictures.
• For dinner, we asked the waiter about the remainder of our trip.  “There is nothing after OK City.”  Oh joy.  Oh bliss.

——Day 2——
Conway, Arkansas –> Albuquerque, New Mexico
Distance:  851 miles
Estimated Time: 13hr 10min

Recap:

• We cross into Texas for only 5 minutes when the radio begins to play “Waltz Across Texas” by Ernest Tubb.  Why does my brother know that song?
• Cattleman’s was worth it.  Now that is truly how a steak should be done.  The waiter asked if we wanted dessert and my response was easily “Does the dessert have steak in it?  No?  Then I don’t want it.”
• Yet again, we asked our waiter about what to expect for the remainder of our drive.  Again we received the “nothing.”
• In OK City, we did encounter snow on the ground left over from their “blizzard” from a few days prior but nothing that impacted us really.
• Cadillac Ranch is not as amazing as pictures make it out to be.  We actually passed it and I almost missed it because is roughly only 10 cars standing upright and it was on the other side of the road.
• Nothing out there.  No really.  There is nothing during this part of the trip.
• No roadtrip is complete without someone in the car playing the Alphabet Game. You know the one where you go through the alphabet trying to find things that start with that letter.  First one to the end wins.  Well, we started the game as a joke, but of course it turned into an actual competition.  Naturally, we both became stuck at Q.  The game seemed to “stop” for a few hours (there really was nothing).  After some time, in the distance I saw a DQ that quickly disappeared behind a mountain.  I quickly began telling some boring story to distract Bryan until it appeared behind the….QUEEN.  That’s my Q.  Of course at that point the game was over because we had been concentrating on the remaining letters until the bottleneck was fixed.  That’s right baby.  I won.
• At some point in Texas, we passed that Bama convoy again.  Roll Tide.
• It was about this point in the trip when we realized it would have been a smart/cool idea to take picture of each state’s welcome sign.  A little late to start of course.
• When it was UGA bowl game time, we stopped the playlist to begin AM searching.  Surprisingly, we were able to find the game.  Sure the game when in and out and there was a constant scanning, but we were able to hear the majority of the game.  When it really got bad and we were desperate, I pulled out the Blackberry (yes, there was a data signal) and the laptop (yes, there was a data signal.  no seriously).
• When we arrived at the hotel, we asked for a few good places to eat.  Naturally, we were recommended a few authentic New Mexican food establishments that we jumped at the opportunity of trying.  Bad choice.  I mean really bad.  The menu stated items would be hot which I’ve seen before but I was not prepared.  The complimentary salsa and chips were the first clues of what we were in for.  That was the salsa that kept on giving, and like an Alzheimer’s patient (yeah, I stole that joke), I would return to the scene of the crime for more.  When it was time to order the main courses, we were informed of the New Mexican way:  red vs green sauce.  We jumped at the sauce that was the least hot.  Apparently it didn’t matter because we were in for a night and day of hurting regardless.

——Day 3——
Albuquerque, New Mexico –>Bakersfield, CA
Distance:  803 miles
Estimated Time:  13hrs

Recap:

• With signs pointing to Santa Fe, NM, I called my sister to tell her that we wouldn’t be stopped to see if Cowboy really made it.
• We also made the effort to call our father to gloat about taking the right path.  Before we left, many people urged us to change our route due to bad winter weather.  If we had changed our route, we would have been hit by a terrible blizzard on I-20 instead of the amazing weather we received.
• Visually, this was probably the best part of the trip because the scenery was more attractive.
• Lunch was served at a Cracker Barrel.  That’s just good food even if I am nothing more than an eg-no-rameous according to there little game of sticks.
• Since the Cracker Barrel was so close to the Grand Canyon, we asked our waitress if it was an easy drive and all of the roads were open.  She informed us it wasn’t far and all roads were open when she took a trip to the southern point yesterday.  Of course, she did warn us that we might be cold upon arriving as it was in the low teens if not colder.  My brother was wearing a t-shirt and I had a light long sleeve shirt.
• The Grand Canyon was well worth it.  It was just amazing at how big and beautiful it really was.  The snow added a nice touch in parts too.  Of course, there were sections that did not have guardrails and some people seemed to enjoy testing their limits.  Testing limits at the Grand Canyon with ice covered walkways is not wise.  Just wanted to point that out.
• Of course, California would have border control.  We stopped and were asked if we had any agriculture products.  I of course stated I had a pomegranate.  “Did you buy it at a store?  (I nod yes)  What do we do with pomegranates?  Well I guess if I don’t know, there’s no problem with it.”  Good thing nothing was said about the Georgia pecans or there would have been a real fight.
• After entering California, my brother pointed out to me windmills that apparently had no meaning because the politicos couldn’t figure out how/where to use the power.  Well that’s just brilliant.
• For dinner, we were going to stop at a Burger King at a trucker stop intersection (gas stations and food).  However, when we pulled into the parking lot, we realized no one else was inside, but the Restaurant (that was the name) next door was packed.  Our minds were quickly changed and we enjoyed an “authentic” restaurant meal.  It was pretty good.
• Edwards Air Force Base is huge.  Like really, really huge.

——Day 4——

Bakersfield, CA –> San Francisco, CA
Distance:  283 miles
Estimated Time:  4hrs 42min

Recap:

• The drive to San Francisco from Bakersfield showed California from a different light (non-Hollywood and non-crazies).  This scenery was filled with every type of crop you can imagine.  I saw it all and even some that I had no clue what it was.  I’d still like to find out what was being grown on the side of the hills.
• This is probably the only time during the entire trip that we actually lost cell phone service.  Now when I state that, please realize that I mean both myself and my brother lost service (Verizon vs AT&T).  During other parts of the trip, I would be at full bars and he would have nothing, and vice versa.
• While on the phone with grandmother, Bryan asks “Are we in San Francisco?”  Ummm…..no.  That would be Oakland and make sure not to make that confusion with the locals.  They’ll hate it.
• We have arrived.

The rest of the day was filled with relaxing (until May’s flight arrived) and a few sight seeing moments (Golden Gate Bridge, Seven Sisters, etc.).  Check out the pictures for more of the tourist sites that we visited.

I’m here in my new home and now I just have to continue settling.

I’m not even a week into my new relocation but I thought I’d take the time to give those interested an update on the San Francisco Move: Phase 1.

I arrived in SF late Tuesday night.  With a light load at work, most of the week was spent at home preparing my new room.  With my new tv (46 inch Bravia), bed, and dresser, my room quickly started to come together and feel like my new home.

Friday I headed to the SF office.  I knew that I would probably not meet many new co-workers, but I thought it would be nice to start learning my way around the office area.  I also needed to receive my new badge.  The day started poorly with checking into an incorrect desk, but thanks to Guest Services, I was able to find a great seat overlooking the bay.  Work went by quickly with few in person meetings, but many reached out to me online to welcome me and that was appreciated.

After work, I met May at a near by Muni station.  While waiting on her, I was able to enjoy the sound of a marching band (a subsection of University of California’s) play Holiday songs and some Chicago.  This was something I never had the chance to enjoy in Atlanta because it was not a walkable or transit friendly city.  Once May arrived, we headed for dinner and a movie.

Saturday meant a day of football (go Bama) and then meeting up with one of my roommate’s friends for a birthday dinner.  Dinner was simply amazing.  I don’t think I have had a bad meal yet with all of my trips here.  This dinner was to Koh Samui & the Monkey.  I’m not usually in the mood for thai food but I’m told that’s because I’ve never had the chance to enjoy good thai food.  Well those people were quite right.  I enjoyed the Bag of Gold appetizer, based on the birthday boy’s recommedation, and the Miracle Duck.  I must state that the combination of pineapple and red curry sauce is the greatest thing this planet has to offer.  Maybe I’m overhyping it but everyone who tried it loved it just as much.

Today meant that I needed to find a good location to watch my Falcons play (we lost, I don’t want to talk about it).  I found a few locations that had the Sunday NFL ticket, but the closest was the Mucky Duck Pub.  It’s quite weird to go to a pub at 10:30 in the morning on Sunday to watch a football game.  I was not the only person there.  I quickly developed ADD with so many TVs showcasing so many different games but it was a great experience.  Two Eagles fans were present and they were great to have around even if we lost and lost bad.  I quickly realized I had found a great location to watch any and every NFL game that I would need.

As I said at the start, I’m barely a week into this change in my life, but I’m enjoying it.  I miss friends and family, of course, but I’m excited to call a new city home.  I’ll need to continue to get out to meet people and learn the best parts of the Golden Gate City.

After years of wishing and hoping, I was finally able to dress as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. I may not have been my favorite, but a turtle is a turtle.

The party was great and the costumes were even better. I was unable to defend my Best Costume 2008 award, but the Democrat deserved the award for staying in character all night. I am jealous for not receiving a Nobel Peace Prize since he was handing them out to everyone.

Overall, I believe the Double Dare couple was the best. I mean, it was so simple yet so perfect. I wanted to throw my drink at them any time I was nearby so that I could win the physical challenge.

I was also shocked at how many people could tell that my shell was a papasan chair. I did receive several compliments and that was without being noticed as the guy that also brought the pizza to the party.

The party was great and the costumes keep getting better every year.

There’s a new member of my computer family. The new bundle of joy arrived on Wednesday afternoon and has amazed all of those that have seen it in person.  That’s right peeps.  I’m the proud owner of a netbook.

My original intent was not to get a netbook, but to possibly purchase a new mp3 player.  However, most of the ones I found were not better than my current Creative Zen Vision W.  I wanted my new player to be able to play music and videos as well as provide the basic ability to surf the web.  After looking at my options, it seemed that a netbook could produce the same results.  Therefore, I purchased the ASUS Eee PC. For those unable to click the previous link, here are the basic stats on it.

• 40GB Solid State Drive (No moving parts and less weight)
• 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor
• 2 GB RAM (I upgraded during the purchase and installed myself)
• 6 Cell Battery (long life)
• Linux (Xandros or Debian variant)

Now before we go any farther, this technological wonder needs a name.  For those that are truly unfortunate to know me, understand that I name my pieces of tech based on, what else, but super heroes (Inventory =>  Old Desktop: Lantern1, Old Laptop: Gray Ghost, New Desktop: Black Panther/Lantern, Media Hard Drive: Cerebro).  The netbook’s name is so perfect that I love to share it.  Based on the color and processor mentioned above, I dub thee Black Atom. It is a combination name based on both Black Adam and The Atom. Bring on the geek jokes.

For those living in fear of Linux because you heard it is “difficult,” then this netbook is perfect for you.  Out of the box and fully charged, Black Atom runs like a charm.  It comes with all of the necessary software already installed and configured for your daily use, such as a browser (Firefox), Office Suite (StarOffice), Music Player (Amarok), Instant Messenger (Pidgin and Skype with web cam ability), Photo Organizer (Picasa) and Video Player (Kaffeine).  The interface is trimmed to not pose as a full desktop.  Some people may hate that, but I think for those non-techies it is perfect for what a netbook is used to do and it gives those techies the perfect ability to make the needed changes through back channels.

Now on to tweaking Black Atom to my liking (opening the Linux up more for my use, adding my music, installing extra software, etc.). I will leave you with a quick video I made of the machine starting up (notice the speed that comes with a solid state drive) and walking through the interface.

For future reference, here are a few great links that are helping me make Black Atom into the machine I want it to be.

• Tweaking for Beginners
• Icons, Icons, and More Icons (In French)
• Install Filezilla

…To Zambia.

As the press release states, my good buddy David is leaving the country. I’m not truly sure why since it is in such perfect shape now, but that’s a different story for a different day on a different site.

In order to aid in the extradition transfer of this wonderful American and great guy, he is calling on the help of as many people his voice, his brother’s voice, and any one else’s voice can reach. You could even get a cool t-shirt out of the whole deal.

If you have the time, if you have the funds, if you have anything you can do to help, take the time and effort to help however you can. Please use the information contained on the press release for donations or best wishes.

Feel free to join the Facebook group as well.

Thanks in advance and did I mention the press release that you should read?

Eye of the Tiger I do not have.

Late last year, a few people noticed that I had a raised bump located on my left eye. After much prodding from the girlfriend, I finally made an appointment to see what the issue was. Here’s a quick photo of what I looked like during this period. You can easily notice that something is up with my eyes. Of course, this was only after a second bump appeared under my right eye. It turned out that the bumps were styes. These can be ordinary for some people, but mine were not in ordinary locations (on my left eyelid and under my right eye). After countless drugs and steroids (I’m a user and abuser), I chose to undergo a minor procedure to have them removed because they were irritating my eyes and killed my “beautiful face.”

I’m not going to lie. The procedure hurt. A needle is used to inject the substance to numb the area around my eye. It’s an intense burning pain that lasts about 5 seconds. Normally I can just make a tight grip to get beyond most pain, but this was a different type altogether. Anyway, all other aspects of the procedure were quick and painless and I was on my way. Now, on my way meant I was Pirate Ben for the day and looked like I had just lost a fight to my girlfriend.

For those interested in the gross and disgusting, here is a quick link to some youtube videos showing the procedure being performed. I highly recommend the squeamish turn away (this means you Will). Even I was disgusted and I had already gone through the procedure.

Check out the Pictures section for the after shots of my eyes.

Overall moral of the story? Take Care Of Your Eyes!

This past Saturday, May and I headed to midtown Atlanta to take a mutal friend out to eat for her birthday.  During our sushi/birthday adventure we enountered a moral dilema/karma moment.

As we headed back to my car, Erin spotted a set of keys sitting on top of a car that was parked behind mine.  We lightly joked that these keys might belong to one of the cars in the area.  I picked them up and pushed the “lock” button.  Sure enough, the keys locked the vehicle that were located under the keys.  Oops.  At this point in time, we had three basic theories on why the keys were here.

1. Due to the current recession someone was actually looking for the car to be stolen in order to cash in on the insurance because the current payments could not be made for the car.
2. This was a pay it forward moment.  I mean, it was a Lexus.
3. Stupid moments happen from time to time and this was one of those REALLY stupid moments.

Basically at this point we chose to go with option 3.  In order to produce good karma for all three of us, we chose to do something about it.  We wrote a short note stating that we locked the keys in the car for “safety.”  The owner might not have liked this option because they would have to pay for a locksmith, but at least this way they would still have a car (barring that option 1 wasn’t the correct one).  The note was left on the driver’s seat folded so that the words “Read Me!” were plain to see.

As we drove away, we all encountered a great sense of moral victory.  Go us!  We are good Samaritans without the need for a reward.  My only regret is not leaving a phone number to ensure that the car’s owner made it home safely that night from downtown.

Besides this interesting encounter, I visited the High Museum for the first time in order to view the Terracotta army.  Sorry for no pictures of them but no cameras allowed in the exhibit.

Many of you who see me on a regular basis have already heard the argument that is about to be presented.  This will be an argument I will make every year until I can eat them no more.  Here we go.

Reese’s Easter Eggs are the greatest candy.  Period.

I’ll give you a moment to take that one in, again.

…

…

Yeah I said it.  Sure there are other good candies, but the Reese’s Easter Egg is just so perfect.  I’m a believer that it has something to do with the new shape that calls for a new ratio of peanut butter to chocolate.  Maybe there is a math equation to prove it. Don’t even try to bring up those mini versions because those are not the same. It’s the large ones I’m discussing here today.

In college, I remember joining some friends home one night from downtown as we forced May, our driver, to take us to a store that would have them.  To our horror, all shops were closed.  Noooooo!!! Forgive the random story. It was a fun night.

Besides that horror story, every year I stock up like a bear preparing for winter.  If I can’t get girl scout cookies, then I have to get my number one fix.  You can point and laugh all you want, but I’ve already purchased 4 bags.  My roommate will vouch for me.  I plan to purchase more and more until I can buy and sell them like stocks (except these will have some kind of value).  And if Will was in town, I’d probably end up in the hospital due to Reese’s Easter Egg poisoning.

Here’s a nice advertisement for all that love the eggs as much as I do.

I heard the rumors late this week that snow was headed for Atlanta, but I didn’t believe it.  Well, I woke up this morning and it was…raining.  However, when I started playing Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars by Vitamin String Quartet, all of that changed.  I’ve uploaded a horrible video (in quality) to showcase the snow for those that are not seeing it in Georgia or are not currently located in Georgia.

The forecast calls for about 1-4 inches of snow, which is a large amount for Georgia, but I don’t really see it sticking around. Yay for the snow we have!

I don’t really have enough for a complete post about anything important but over the past few weeks there have been several items that I’d like to spill my thoughts and ideas around. That’s right. This is one of those I don’t care enough to devote full time so you are getting my halfhearted approach.  Welcome to the hodgepodge.

• Alex Rodriguez is on steroids?  Really?  The savior of baseball?  The one that was to make all of the records right and legit.  Well, he is now just another cheater.  I wonder if he is actually upset at what he did or the fact that his name was released.  I mean, you can’t state that you never did steroids and then be exposed for telling a lie.  It just won’t work out well when you ask us to believe you when you state you are no longer taking them.  He’s a cheater to me and if I actually attended games I’d boo him.
• The World Baseball Classic is coming up and the world doesn’t care.  I’m starting to notice a trend with these world athletic events.  It seems that the athletes or owners are pushing to not let the players participate.  You don’t see this same concept with the World Cup.  The players will play regardless and the world wants them to play.  Is there a higher sense of honor in the world cup?  Why don’t the other sports show it?
• I’m a fan of Lost and 24, but Burn Notice is the show that really gets me excited each week.  When its Thursday, I have a smile on my face.  Not because it is almost the weekend.  It’s because that Michael, Sam, and Fie are about to kick butt.  Everyone I’ve suggested the show to has really enjoyed it.  It’s Spy + Equalizer + A-Team.
• I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again.  Heroes is not a good show.  Yes, I watch it, but it isn’t that great.  The stories are terrible and never really conclude.  The writing can’t develop characters and now there are too many.  The first season was good but only had 2 great episodes (“Company Man” and “Five Years Gone“).
• Free Agency starts tonight at 12:01AM for the NFL.  I don’t expect big things out of the Falcons, but I could see us going after lesser Free Agents.  Derrick Brooks’ name was thrown out today which I like in ways but you can’t pick up a huge rival such as this while you are dropping your loyal player (Keith Brooking).  Instead how about we get Jermaine Phillips?  I’m always a fan of more Georgia players on my dirty birds.
• I love it when the “good” NFL combine stories are released.  Especially the ones where a kicker beats the other players in the workouts.  A kicker who benches 225 lbs 25 times?  More than his USC LB teammate?
• I’ve recently purchase cymbals for Rock Band 2 and I must say that it dramatically increases the amount of fun one can have playing rock’s greatest tunes.  I’m barely moving into the area of “Hard”, but there are a few songs that I really feel like I’m a fake rocker.
• All this talk about a new stimulus plan reminds me of the following Ducktales Inflation lesson.  I’m just glad we are passing on debt further to our children.  That just means I don’t have to pay for this mess.
• Yes, the US and the world is in bad shape due to the economy.  We all know it.  All of our investments are dropping.  It’s terrible.  Let’s get over it and begin to move forward.  We can’t fix what most of us caused so we need to begin turning over a new leaf.  No more living outside of one’s means.  Change people.  Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you no matter what John Mayer tells you.
• Watchmen comes out next week and I’m looking forward to it.  Not because it is another heroes movie.  I’ve read this graphic novel and it blew my mind.  When I started it, I didn’t think much of it other than the writing was quite good.  It wasn’t until I reached the end that I truly realized how good it really was.  Take it how you want, but I will be upset if there is not fully frontal male nudity in this movie (it actually has a purpose here).  Wow, I can’t believe I just typed that.
• Reese’s Easter Egg time is upon us.  It is now time to begin hoarding for the winter.  If you go to a store and they are out, you know where to find me.