It’s been a long time coming, but we are finally on our way to Hawaii!! The Big Island to be a tad more precise.
This is literally one of my favorite places in. the. world. It’s hard to believe it’s already been 15 years since my last trip out to the deep Pacific!
My daughter and the Mrs. have been twice since my last trip to the islands, but I’ve been borderline berserk with excitement for this trip.
This time around it is just the bride and I, celebrating our 30 year anniversary. The girl will be back home, helping take care of our spoiled rotten feline.
We were up at 4am, in the car by 5am on our way to the Oakland Airport. Anticipation made falling asleep last night a little rough, so I’m starting out a little wacky on only a few hours sleep, but will have PLENTY of time to catch up on my beauty sleep.
It’s been raining steadily at home since yesterday and cold, so I’m extra happy to be leaving town for a bit!
Oakland CA, 7:00 am
The airport scene went as easily as you could hope for. No hang ups checking in, got sat with the early boarding group, the plane took off on time and landed at our destination 20 minutes earlier than scheduled. Who could ask for more?
No issues with the car rental and the hotel let us check in early, every thing we could hope for and then some.
So happy to be back in Hawaii, it’s been far too long!
Ok, first off, I would never and I do mean NEVER have picked this book up, simply due to it’s title. It’s got to be one of the dumbest book titles ever and frankly doesn’t really give you an idea of what the book is about. It sure as hell wasn’t what I was expecting, I’ll tell you that! I picked it up based solely on a recommendation from James Dakin, AKA Bison Prepper, one of my favorite non-fiction writers.
The book was written in 2012, the first novel by Thomas Koloniar. And while there are indeed cannibals in the book, they are really a small part of the overall story. Basically, you’ve got an “extinction level” event, with of course SOME survivors, and the story focuses on the lead up to the event and the first year or so of the aftermath.
Without giving too much away, the story revolves around an enormous asteroid colliding with the Earth. It leaves a new scar in the earth’s crust, dwarfing the Grand Canyon and what isn’t crushed is either engulfed in flame or covered in ash. Pretty much everywhere. Bad news for our protagonists.
Overall I liked the book. There were a few cliches and unrealistic elements, as in ALL post-apocalyptic fiction, but it hooked me right away and kept me engrossed til the end. My biggest beef was the sheer number of characters – it made it a little hard to keep track of who was who, especially with the lack of character development.
But, also like all good post-apocalyptic fiction, it made you think about the “what ifs”. I feel like a pretty well prepared person, but should an event like this one ever come to pass…well, I’ve had a good run and I’ll be sure to save the last cartridge for myself, if you know what I’m saying. I’ve no interest in a diet of “long pork”, thank you very much!
So with that, I’d have to say it was a good read and I’d recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in post-apocalyptic fiction. Thanks for the recommendation Mr. Dakin, I really enjoyed this one!
Trying to get into the proper mindset for the upcoming trip! Enjoy!
Now before anyone goes bustin’ my chops, I’m fully aware that none of these bands are from the tropics. The music just evokes that vibe, in me at least. Must be cuz this is what I was listening to on a million trips to the beach over the last 35 years or so… Good times!
Ok, one more for good measure. After all, what fun is a beach trip without a Rock Lobster?!?
Things have been pretty gnarly at the office for, say the last 18 months. Who am I kidding? Its been ridiculous since January 2020! Then in January ’22 catching the Plague set me back further. Then I got the flu after that, making my previous setbacks even worse. But now things are REALLY heating up because next week I’m on long-awaited vacation! (More on that later.)
That is one of the biggest problems with (highly regulated!) 24/7/365 facilities…nothing, and I do mean NOTHING stops when you’re away. I’ve got a to-do list as long as my arm and 2 days left to get it done. And that’s the list walking in the door this morning, regardless of what I accomplish today, the list will be just as long or longer tomorrow. There is NO “finish line” here, just an eternal grind.
Thankfully I have the weekend to pack and get the dwelling in order, but sheesh!
My plans for the weekend!
This trip was supposed to happen last October, but due to restrictions from the aforementioned Plague, we had to postpone at the last minute and are just now finally getting to go. It’s even crazier to think we booked the trip in August of ’21, that is a loooong time to anticipate a trip!
The Mrs. and I are (belatedly) celebrating our 30th anniversary with this trip, so we’re planning to make it one to remember!
Don’t get me wrong, I am extremely excited to get outta town for a bit, I just miss the days of being able to take time off without having to work double before leaving, and triple upon the return!
All I’ve gotta do now is work like a maniac for the next 72 hours, and then I get to breathe easy! Wish me luck!
Born this day, 1953 in good ol’ Chicago, IL. She’s a lady, so Im not gonna write her age, you can do the math if you’re so inclined.
Full disclosure, I was not “allowed” to listen to this type of music as a kid, as anything appealing to the ear was most certainly the work of the Devil… Nonetheless I would sneak the AM radio into the backyard and have my mind blown regularly. If I was really lucky, I might catch some American Bandstand or Soul Train and really get turned on to the musical world outside the perpetually parentally guarded bubble of safety.
A whole new world for this kid…
Now, I was only about 6 or 7 years old when Rufus and Chaka Khan hit, and I was VERY “sheltered”, so this was like an alien life form to me. Nevertheless, it made an impression on my young soul.
One of a kind!
Her career would span decades, and she would become known as “The Queen of Funk”. She went on to sell over 70 million albums and she racked up 10 Grammy awards along the way. Not too shabby!
That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident, that is what true talent and hard work gets you.
Chaka, feelin’ it!
Happy Birthday Ms. Chaka Khan! Thanks for all the inspiration and all the fun times on the dance floor! Best wishes to you!
I don’t think there is anything wrong with having heroes or “idolizing” someone that excels in an area that interests you. That being said, since the advent of reality television and social media, those being put on a pedestal these days are questionable at best. What we’re NOT seeing is the “best of the best” being celebrated. Instead, it’s the loudmouth, the braggart, the sleaze-merchant that is held in high esteem by “the public”. But why? That is the question that confounds me.
Why are so many people spending so much time watching other people play video games or “unboxing” stuff? So much so that those “content creators” are amongst the highest paid on YouTube! Now, granted, I’ve never really been a video game guy, even when they were first a thing back in the late 1970’s/early 1980’s. After a few minutes I lost interest. But WATCHING someone else play? That’s as bad as watching paint dry. And yet some dude managed to earn millions of dollars by filming himself playing video games for other’s entertainment. Go figure… And don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against those people that found a way to earn a living with no talent or worthwhile skills. More power to ’em. I’d rather a person earn a living like that, than say as a charlatan preacher fleecing their flock or leeching off The State.
What I really can’t wrap my head around is the appeal of this social garbage. When all you bring to the table is the ability to buy a bunch of stuff… what is there to look up to?
Everybody can use some inspiration. Myself included. But what do say, the Kardashians, inspire? Aside from “being rich”? None of them seem to be terribly happy or well-adjusted people. None of them can maintain a relationship. Other than pictures of themselves, they don’t produce anything worthwhile. And yet, they’ve become a household name and amassed tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars because… I’m sorry, I don’t know how to finish that sentence. I cannot answer the “because”, because it makes no damn sense.
Again, nothing against them exactly, I just don’t understand the appeal.
We, as a people, need to start holding up those of worth. Stop supporting the lowest common denominator, and search out the true innovators, the new thinkers, the DIY entertainers that are doing it all without the corporate machine shoving them down our throats.
They ARE out there. Artists, musicians, writers, Podcasters, builders, chefs, etc. Normal, passionate people that are out there doing their thing, because they can’t NOT do it. Regular folk, following their calling. Not for fame and fortune, but because it is a part of their very soul. Seek these people out, and kick the reality TV and the Billboard charts to the curb. Those people, and I use the term loosely, don’t care one iota about you or your life, why should you care about theirs? So you have something to talk about with your co-workers tomorrow?
I fear I’ve kinda got off track here… My point is, there are a lot of great people doing new, innovative, exciting things with their lives and that is what I wish for everybody. Sadly, a lot of folks are led around “by the nose”, never thinking for themselves or attempting to accomplish anything in their lives. That way leads to misery.
Everybody’s got their “something” (H/T to Nikka Costa for that line!). Everybody has their own dreams and aspirations. I just hope for you, that those dreams go beyond “being rich” or “being famous”… Those two “rewards” take an awful toll, not really worth the price of admission IMHO.
So think about it… What’s YOUR thing? What do YOU want to accomplish, to create? Now, with that “thing” in mind, go out and find yourself someone successful in that arena. THAT is who you should be looking up to, not the celebrity du jour.
And above all, believe in yourself. Nobody, not your parents, not your spouse or your partner, not your friends or colleagues truly KNOW what you’re capable of. I’m a firm believer in the idea that we’re all capable of doing whatever it is we need to do to make our lives better. But talk is cheap, the real value is in doing.
I realize this has almost nothing to do with the original essay that prompted this writing, but in the big scheme of things there are certainly parallels. That’s just the way this tired old brain works…a little acorn of an idea leads to something else entirely. Just something to think about.
I had a pretty quiet, uneventful weekend. My mind is realitively peaceful and my batteries are mostly recharged. In other words, I got nothin’ to blather on about.
Since it’s Monday I figure I’d share a few memes that gave me a good laugh. Best wishes for a painless week to all!
I received this picture yesterday from one of my oldest and dearest friends…
The Three Amigos!
I recognized the time and place immediately: 8th grade graduation night, Roger’s Middle School, June 1982.
It’s me. It’s always me…
On the left is Joel “Magic” Johnson, who in this pic was already a world renowned RC car racer (in 8th grade FFS!!), and would become a legend in the field.
On the right is Patrick, AKA Pablo, AKA Apple Pie Boy or APB for short. In summation, the most self-determined and authentic person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. And on top of that, he’s just great at everything, whether it’s surfing or playing music, academic stuff…the guy just excels at life.
In the middle is yours truly, a 40 year younger Boring Old Man.
The three of us were inseparable back then. We didn’t have EVERYTHING in common, but there was so much overlap between the three of us, the few minor differences didn’t matter at all.
We came up together and went through a lot of “firsts” together, learning to drive, talking to girls, learning to be men… Joel’s parents had the very first VCR I ever saw in real life. Patrick’s father had the first PC I ever saw, back when you had to put a phone receiver on a docking station to connect to a network. Not the “internet”, but A network. Yeah, I’m old, kids…
Of course as high school came along, our paths started to drift a little… Joel’s career in the RC world took off like a rocket, while simultaneously getting suckered into playing football for the school team.
Pablo worked his ass off all through HS. Excellent grades (as if his mother would accept anything less!!) to get into college and the boy ALWAYS had a job. Always.
Myself, I would get eyeballs deep into music, forming bands and playing every house party and event that would let us, culminating in my first professional night club gig about a week before my 18th birthday, which was just a few days before (barely) graduating.
Our meandering paths would continue to cross over the decades and although sometimes there would be big gaps, whenever we’d reunite it was like no time had passed.
Patrick and I continue to get together from time to time to go for a surf or just hang out, but sadly it’s been a pretty darn long time since I’ve seen ol’ Joel. But since he’s the one that kicked this off by sending that pic out to Pablo, I think it’s high time I get off my butt and get in touch with him.
Hold on to your friends, people. I don’t mean farcebook friends, but REAL people that actually know you. Its difficult in modern life, but it’s important. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes so bite the bullet and dial the phone. Or send an email. Whatever. Personal relationships are precious and even if you’re lucky, you only get a few of them in life. Foster them, protect them, feed them.
This is not the way…
‘Cuz before you know it, you’ll be 40 years older, wondering “what ever happened to…?” Your life will be richer if you don’t have to ask those questions, but already know the answer.
Ok, so this concert choice was on impulse. At the time we decided to get tickets I was only familiar with exactly ONE song by Yungblud, “21st Century Liability”, which grabbed me by the brainstem and wouldn’t relent.
Then we come to find out that our daughter was headed to Nashville unexpectedly, leaving the same day as the show. That’s a bummer for us, as concerts are our family thing. 90% of the shows we attend are all 3 of us. Nevertheless, the Mrs. and I decide to soldier on and hit it as a couple.
The week leading up to the show I figured I should familiarize myself with more of his work, so I’d have something to compare the live show with.
Man, I kinda wish I hadn’t done that. I’ll put it this way, the one song of his I knew and loved is nothing like any of his other music. Much to my dismay, the bulk of his discography consists of whiny, emo-tinged “alt-rock”, a style of which I am not a fan.
The idea of driving an hour+ (to Slum Francisco, no less), after a full work day then staying up “too late” and then driving the hour back at midnight to see someone that I was suddenly not all that thrilled to see was daunting. Though the idea of getting back to the Warfield was exciting to me. That theater holds a very special place in my heart. Some of the earliest shows I attended were at the Warfield, they used to be the only game in town for those weird “New Wave” bands back in the 1980s that nobody mainstream would book.
There are 3 opening acts for the main show – poutyface, Palaya Royale and UPSAHL. The only one I was familiar with is UPSAHL, who I like. I did check out some of the tunes for the other two acts, and figured “what the hell, might as well go…” My expectations were low. VERY low. But sometimes you get a pleasant surprise…
Then about 3pm I got a call from the Mrs. She’s at home, sick. Ugh. We simply cannot seem to catch a break health-wise this year.
So not exactly a pleasant surprise, just a surprise. This is the 3rd show so far this year that we had tix for and missed at the last minute due to uncooperative health.
This has never, and I do mean never happened in the past. I’ve got alarm bells screaming in my head…after 2 years being hidden behind a mask and a double dose of “vaccine”, I’ve never had the health issues we’re seeing now. The Mrs. has a less robust immunity than I, but she’s been sick more in the last year than in the last 10 years combined. Not sure what to make of that…
On the bright side, I don’t have a long round-trip drive tonight, I will get to bed at an hour that won’t screw up my Friday at work, and I’ll save 50 bucks in gas. ( That is not hyperbole, that’s what it cost me last weekend to go to the K. Flay show. And it was worth every penny and more!)
Tending to a sick wife is sure to be less fun than a concert, but if we had to miss (another) one, I’m kinda glad it was this one.
Though I’m DYING to get back to the Warfield…
Best of luck to all the artists hitting the stage tonight, break some legs!
Don’t get excited now, this isn’t a post about politics or vaccines or maniac warmongers. Well, I guess it could be, depending on how YOU relate to the message, but that isn’t my intention.
No, what is on my mind today is undecidedness and “shortages” or shall we just say the current state of commerce.
Our story begins with a guitar. A beautiful, black Gretsch semi-hollow, electric 6-string. Left handed, of course.
Me being a drummer primarily, and not really an adept player of stringed instruments, I really had no need of this guitar, it was more of a lifelong quest to own one like this. To be perfectly, 100% honest my dream is to own a left-handed Rickenbacker 360 in a jetglo finish, but spending $3k for an instrument that I’m only noodling around on would be insane. But after much research and comparison, I “settled” on the Gretsch as an acceptable alternative and had it on a “wishlist” with one of my favorite vendors.
About a year and a half has passed since I finalized my decision. I have no idea how many times I went back and looked at it, and told myself “not now, but soon!”. There was always something more important to spend money on, and I already have one guitar that I don’t spend enough time with, so it was easy to keep talking myself out of it and to keep waiting.
Finally, yesterday I decided “today is the day!”. I’d received an unexpected bonus and decided I’d take a little bit of it and treat myself to the guitar I’d been longing for.
I went to the vendor’s website, pulled up my wishlist and…the guitar isn’t there. Huh? I’ve looked at it every couple weeks for the last year and a half, where is it? I did a search and the same model came up, but not in black. I’m not here to judge, but honestly I cannot believe some of the colors they put on instruments these days! Anyhow, I proceed to check a couple other places online and find the guitar in the right color, but nobody has it in stock. So I go back to my preferred vendor and contact my rep there, who informs me the guitar has been discontinued. “You’ll have to hit the used market if you want one”, he tells me.
So now I hit the usual suspects of the online used gear market, trying to track down this guitar. No dice. Not a single one to be found.
Why, why did I wait so long?!?!
So naturally I’m a little bummed out by this development. But luckily this was for a completely superfluous purchase. Something I did not need whatsoever, and something that will not effect my life in any way at all by not having it other than some mild disappointment.
Yes, you could say I got lucky. But what if the “wishlist” item WAS something critical? What have you been putting off, waiting for the “right time” to purchase? Maybe your oven crapped out…maybe your car tires are bald…maybe those solar panels you want to help yourself be a little more self reliant. Whatever it is, if you have the means, get it NOW. We’re in unprecedented and unpredictable times. That common thing that’s always been there may not be there tomorrow. I went through a similar situation with a rifle a few years ago…waiting and waiting for the “right deal”, then the Plague hit, and that particular rifle is STILL unavailable more than 2 years later. You just never know.
I realize that right now with runaway inflation causing astronomical food and fuel prices, it’s hard to think about spending anything beyond what is absolutely necessary, but keep in mind that same inflation is decreasing the purchasing power of the dollars you possess every single day you hold on to them. For example, last week we had a blowout, requiring a replacement tire. The destroyed tire was a year old, almost to the day. That one cost me $250, the replacement last week was $309. For the exact same tire, from the same vendor. That’s a big increase in a single year. Keep that in mind when you’re saving for rainy day. It might make sense to buy your umbrella NOW, and hold onto it, rather than waiting for the storm only to find out umbrellas are now 3x the cost or simply unavailable at any price.
I’ve seen all kinds of shortages and delays since the Plague hit . Of course the infamous toilet paper shortage of 2020, but things like SPAM (the food, not the email irritants) were unavailable for months. Air filters for the furnace were unobtainable for months. N95 masks and latex gloves. Now we’re hearing tales of major shortages of wheat this year and another round of bird flu, on top of last year’s swine flu killing off livestock, adding to meat supply shortages. I regularly purchase from the LDS Cannery for long term storage foods and even they are sold out of things like flour, wheat kernels, pasta…
These kind of things don’t happen overnight, but they don’t “go back to normal” overnight either. Plan accordingly. If there is something you NEED, and you can (legally) get your hands on it now, do not hesitate.
No time like the present!
With the way things are heating up, both here and internationally, and with the gaggle of dingbats at the controls, none of us have any idea what’s around the next corner. Do what you can NOW to make your future a little more secure.
The Boring Old Man 