Birthday wishes and shindizzle.

This weekend we began the celebration of Megs 26th birthday. The celebrations began this past Saturday evening at Mezes (Greek place) in The Marina. We were joined by a nice gathering of our friends and had an excellent evening. Unfortunately my sister and brother-in-law were unable to attend due to illness- but appreciated their being there in spirit. (pics to follow later in the week.)

Today (Sunday) Megs and I went to the Giants game with our good friends Jen and Jarrod. We have become really close with this couple in the last few months and enjoy and look forward to the times we get to spend with them. Although the Giants got beaten badly- it was an amazingly warm and sunny day in the city and we had an excellent time. We started off before the game with brunch at Delancy Street. All in all- today was an outstanding day.




Tomorrow (Monday) I have taken the day off to spend Megs birthday with her. We are going to explore the city and go to some museums followed by dinner at Izzy's (a really famous restaurant in The Marina District.)

Devils haircut...

I gots me a new do!!!

LOST SEASON II FINALE SPOILER!

DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU WANT THE SEASON FINALE TO BE A TOTAL SURPRISE!

I just procured this from source who reports to www.thetailsection.com

Apparently we will see you in another life brother!

"...We are treated to DESMOND flashbacks in this episode right off the bat I'm hearing. Here I have some exclusive info regarding the flashback material we will see, leaked to me by legit inside sources.I'm aware that many people have probably already read the latest leaked spoilers on this episode...yes that information is DEFINATELY the real deal and is all very exciting stuff indeed. The following info should tie some of that together and clear it up. Typing fast here though ... I have to make this quick now. Again what I'm telling you now are legit spoilers for the season 2 finale.Opening scene will show us exactly where Desmond has been since he ran off in episode 203, sort of as a parallel of the first scene of the season two premiere. Michael found him, during his absense in the jungle looking for Walt - he's hidden up in The Flame station - where Kelvin told him he should head to in case of emergency. Anyway, now onto the flashbacks here......Desmond's last name is Cook. Desmond Cook. Desmond got engaged to "Penny", daughter of rich steel tycoon "Cameron" - whom Desmond worked for in a drilling business. The business was owned by Widmore Construction and get this - here's where things get really crazy - founders of Widmore construction are Harold and LIBBY Widmore.

Later in life, when Desmond prepares for his race around world (now engaged to Penny) Libby allows him to use her husband's boat. All that flashback material covers the first hour. The second hour of flashback material shows Desmond on the island...with Kelvin, the hatch, the numbers, everything. We will see exactly how Desmond crashed there, which will gave you a HUGE hint as to how FLIGHT 815 crashed as well. Kelvin is a slightly stocky man with glasses, matted hair. Desmond crashes into the reef (theres something about him losing his ring), is dragged ashore just as he told Jack and crew. Soon we have Desmond being dragged by Kelvin through the jungle into the hatch ... Kelvin lays him down on the sofa, rushes to the computer, types in the numbers.The lines spoken verbatim were just as Des said:"What was all that about then?""Just saving the world..."

Everything that follows in the FLASHBACK material (and there is a lot of it) is pretty much as you would expect, going on what Desmond told the castaways, save for a few more surprises... How the flashbacks eventually tie in with the events on the island though are supposed to be revolutionary. I'm paraphrasing a bit here, but somehow what we have here will really mess with our minds -- something that interweaves and ties all these characters and storylines together in such, is supposed to be revealed. So, think what you will, again this info IS completely legitimate I assure you. I've only heard a little of the events that occur on the island but just going from this -- what I've been told -- it sounds like one hell of a finale.So let's get the score-card out. Cameron probably owns "Minnesota Metallurgy", which is one of the sponsors of Henry Gale's balloon, along with Widmore whom Desmond used to work for. And who owned Widmore? Why, our own darlling Libby. "

If you need something informative and entertaining for today..

Secondary entry for the day….

I know that when I need some interesting reading material and distraction from the norm of my day.. These are some places that I like to go. These two should keep your busy and entertained for a whle..

http://www.hamishblog.com/
http://www.thoughtmechanics.com/

Forget Tupac or Biggie.. Try Dan Brown...

Mess with the bull and you will eventually get the horns

I have no clue as to who actually killed Tupac or B.I.G. I mean, sure.. I could speculate till the cows come home.. But in truth- I don’t really care who betrayed who and what transpired- because eventually my guesses will lead me to inconclusive bastions of nothingness… However, if you want to know who WILL try and eventually knock off Dan Brown… Well here’s a potential list.

In Angels and Demons: The Illuminati
The Da Vinci Code: Opus Dei or the Vatican
(Title in the works) The Solomon Key: The Masons

I like the rest of the world find conspiracy theory fascinating, and really enjoy his works. But man…. When this guy wants to piss someone off- he picks the cream of the crop. New world orders, organized religion, and now the masons? I know, I know… anyone reading this will say that I am totally embellishing a vague possibility that will never actually come to fruition- This much is completely true… However, just as Mr. Brown likes to write about things that we all want to know (deep down somewhere it does fascinate almost everyone who expounds curiosity about secret societies), I am sure there are people who don’t want their inner sanctum capitalized upon for a book and future movie ticket.

Please discuss…..

Connected to your guts and all your faults are in me...

I wonder if musicians (professional ones that is) listen to their own songs and are as impacted by them years later in the same ways that we are as fans. I know that as a song writer I will play my own music and it sounds dated, flat, and the lyrics are generally no longer consequential- in essence, although I love the music I write- I feel very little attachment to it once I have moved past that point in my life.

The line quoted in the subject of this entry is from a song called Apparitions by Matthew Good. I (and yes, I am well aware that out of my friends and family-I am the minority in appreciation of this artist) have truly loved this guy’s music since I first heard it in 1999. I will be the first to admit that a lot of it is very dark, and somewhat miserable- but something just catches me in the writing and performance.

If you have the inclination and feel like giving this guy a few of your hard earned dollars.. Go to Itunes and download the following tracks:

Artist: Matthew Good. Album: In A Coma Song: Tripoli (acoustic version)
Artist: Matthew Good. Album: In A Coma Song: Apparitions (acoustic version)
Artist: Matthew Good. Album: In A Coma Song: Indestructible

You can also always check out his web site- he’s quite politically active and writes a pretty fascinating and comprehensive blog when not on tour. http://www.matthewgood.org/

If you can relate to a particular musician or song and want to leave some commentary- please feel free. I am always into learning new things about musicians.

I just want your extra time and your..............trans am?

There something so wrong and so right about the magnificent splendor of this picture!

It’s time to play everyone’s favorite game: Ugly- Rapist- or Cult Member!

You mean he wasn't the son of G-d?

WACO, Texas (AP) -- Thirteen years after the Branch Davidians' armed standoff with federal agents ended in an inferno that killed nearly 80 people, six of the remaining sect members are about to get out of prison.

Upon being released one of the group were overheard saying… “Man, I really should have gone with Heavens Gate, at least they got a new pair of Nike’s!’


Only a face a mother could love?

BOSTON, Massachusetts (Reuters) -- Comedian Gilbert Gottfried, the voice of the Aflac duck in television commercials for the insurer, was crowned "unsexiest man in the world" by an alternative newspaper Tuesday.

How could they!!!!!!!

Let the race war begin!

DURHAM, North Carolina (CNN) -- Duke University has suspended two of its lacrosse players who were arrested Tuesday on rape and kidnapping charges, a source familiar with the investigation said Wednesday.

This case is just a pure disaster waiting to happen. I firmly believe that these sort of things go on frequently at institutions comparable to Duke, but I think the school has turned their back on the students at a very inappropriate juncture. Whichever way you dice it- the situation is going to throw NC and possibly the country into a racial frenzy. If the students are acquitted it will be correlated with the fact that they are white, upper middle class, elitist by classification of the Universities reputation, and there will be a larger outcry that RICH WHITE AMERICA CAN GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING.

On the other hand- if the students are found to be not guilty (which is actually plausible- due to some of the early testimony and its inconsistencies,) there will be a tremendous outbreak of racist anti-black sentiment from the white populous of Durham and similar communities in the South.

In short- I fear that this case will bring the worst out of a lot of people! Optimism says that maybe this case is a necessary evil to bring about positive racial change- but realism says- this is going to fuel a race war of sorts and strengthen the already tremendous racial divide in this country.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse!

I'm taking my toys and pretzels and going home!

President Bush today forcefully defended his defense secretary, saying Donald Rumsfeld is doing a fine job. "I hear the voices*1, and I read the front page and I know the speculation," the president said. "But I'm the decider, and I decide what's best. And what's best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the secretary of defense." *2

*1 - DO THEY ALSO SOUND LIKE AN ILLITERATE 4 YEAR OLD AUTISTIC CHIMP WHEN THEY TALK INSIDE YOUR HEAD, OR IS THAT ONLY RESERVED FOR YOUR PERSONAL INNER MONOLOGUE?

*2 - REALLY? "I'M THE DECIDER?" SERIOUSYL? THIS IS WHOM THE MIDDLE STATES FELT BEST REPRESENTED THEIR INTERESTS? DOES THAT COME WITH A HAPPY MEAL AND A SHOTGUN FROM WALMART?

Our current president and leader of the free world looks and sounds like Alfred E Newman! Sweet Jesus.. This country is going the way of Rome and Greece.. All mighty powers will fall and the hands of a retard!

Oh happy day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006 American League Standings
EAST	W	L	PCT	GB	HOME	ROAD	RS	RA	STRK	L10
Boston	7	4	.636	-	2-3	5-1	50	47	Lost 1	6-4
Baltimore	7	5	.583	.5	4-4	3-1	68	60	Won 3	5-5
Toronto	6	5	.545	1	3-3	3-2	68	63	Lost 1	5-5
Tampa Bay	6	6	.500	1.5	3-3	3-3	64	72	Won 2	6-4
NY Yankees	5	6	.455	2	3-0	2-6	71	49	Lost 2	4-6

Funny - First thing in the morning!

My friend Jeff talking about the stock market, and his dissatisfaction with his portfolio’s production this week:

“Come on Greenspan its PASSOVER...DO IT FOR YOUR BRETHREN!"

More to come later….

Some recent happenings in Gordon | Koster land.

I was hoping to post this earlier this weekend but we could not find the adapter to post the photos until this evening. Here are some varied pictures of recent happenings.

On the 6th was our 11 month anniversary and a certain Ms. Megs got a nice surprise sent to her at work.







This past Friday- Megs and I went with our friends Jen and Jarrod to see the Giants play the Braves. The game was rain delayed for over an hour and the field was a marsh. We had a great time nonetheless and stuck it out till the 7th, when it started pouring rain again.
































I know that this is the lazy man's blog entry... But it took me FOREVER to get the pictures to download properly... And I already did the FIFA entry in place of this one. So I hope you enjoy the pictures nonetheless.

Are you ready for some FUTBOL!

FIFA WORLD CUP SOCCER 2006

For those of us who don't read ANT, I have placed the brackets below with some key commentary explaining what I think could possibly transpire after all the matches are said and done. Now keeping in mind that Germany is the host country, it is very likely that they will win... Ok, ok, you can stop laughing now too. Germany is like the Cubs of the WC. They come in early and perform really well, only to then get knocked silly by the UK or some obscure team. I would really like to see them do well so that my brother-in-law doesn't cry himself to sleep after the first round. In any case, please see commentary below, and get ready to go crazy at 3:30AM PT, because that's about the only time ESPN will give this event air time.

Key Commentary: The WC is one of the special occasions every four years when the nations of the world that support FUTBOL get together and mask their absolute hatred and disdain for one another by supporting their home countries squad in this soccer extravaganza. Unfortunately for me Belgium didn't qualify this year- so my hopes of seeing the Dutch team beat the living piss out of them on the field (literally and figuratively) have vanished.

All of the brackets are actually fairly competitive this year and should prove to be exciting to see. Germany will have their work cut out for them- Not only because they are the host nation, also because Poland is a strong opponent this time around and could knock them out early. All the usual suspects (England, Portugal, Argentina, Sweden, Netherlands, France, and Spain) wil do well, but may find it a tougher road this series. However, the teams to watch (laugh all you will) are: Ghana, Angola, and Mexico!

While I am NO expert - I think that this year could see Spain or Argentina taking it all. Deep down I would love to see the Netherlands win it all- but I know that won't happen.

In parting.. sing it with me.. Oh lay, oh lay oh lay, oh lay...

Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador

Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden
Group C
Argentina
Côte d'Ivoire
Serbia and Montenegro
Netherlands
Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal
Group E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech Republic
Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan
Group G
France
Switzerland
Korea Republic
Togo
Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia

Immigrants, Mergers, and Baby Haters (or) Super Jews of the 21st century.

It's a mixed bag baby!










As person who went through the process of immigrating legally to this country, I am of a very mixed mind when it comes to the resolutions being proposed for illegal immigrants in this country. On the one had- this country was founded on the principles of “bring us your tired, your weary, your hungry masses,” On the other hand, having gone through the long and devastating process of immigrating- I get VERY angry when I see the amount of illegal immigrants who take advantage of the system in this country, with no reprisal.

I feel very strongly about the struggle to make a better life for families and individuals alike, but in the same breath- there are legalities and responsibilities that one must take in order to create those sorts of opportunities.

All the while, the high income earners on capital hill may bark rhetoric of the same caliber as to my perspectives-however, the simple and undeniable truth resounds clearly- they don’t give a flying shit if the Gonzales or Chang family are here illegally as long as their gardens are manicured for minimum wage, and their clothes are cleaned for $0.99 cents a shirt. I believe that this in turn screams the larger underlying problem that feeds the illegal immigrant problem that exists in the United States. Americans largely come from a place of unrealistic expectation. While Billy Joe Smith in the Midwest may publicly cry out that he is not given the same caliber of opportunity because the jobs are outsourced to cheaper labor (illegally domestic) or otherwise- legal citizens wouldn’t take these jobs in the first place – because they believe the work is beneath them.

While I lean towards the left on a majority of issues in politics- on this particular topic I find myself taking a more hard-line/ conservative stance. I think that immigration should be taken seriously, and that if any individuals want to create a better life filled with opportunity for themselves, get a damn good immigration attorney and wait in line- just like the rest of us did.

These people either hate their children or they are starting a Chabbad House!

First came Apple, and now Moses! Either Gwyneth and Chris Martin HATE children and love to set them up for certain abuse, or they could be converting to orthodox Judaism and going with super Jew theme. I think next will come Elijah, then Maror, Karpas, and Zeroa… They can call the family portrait Seder Plate! (For those of you non- Jewish readers… The 3 names you don’t recognize are pieces of the Seder plate for Passover. Maror (bitter herbs), Karpas (vegetables), Zeroa (shank bone). For those who need some filler.. The story of Passover..

And finally we come to mergers. The company I work for is in the midst of being acquired by a larger entity. It has been a very stressful time for everyone that works here, and the mood and general overall feel of the office is less than stellar. I liken it to the sinking of the Titanic.. It’s like rats scurrying to top and trying to find that last place of the last life raft. VERY SAD!!!

Megs and I had a great weekend in which we went to see Ice Age 2, and saw our first Giants game of the season. Once the pics are downloaded- I shall put up an entry reflecting these outings.

So wrong yet so right!

I have no idea why.. But I saw this and it made me laugh so hard! The expression on the little guys face is just so perfect. It reminds me of the time.... Actually it doesn't remind me of anything at all but it is really funny!

Headlines..04/06/05 "Nap time, play dough, and crazies oh my!"

Cheney of events..
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Vice President Dick Cheney's former top aide told prosecutors that his boss said President Bush authorized the leak of sensitive intelligence information about Iraq, according to court papers filed by prosecutors in the CIA leak case.

I know we all have our opinions of the current administration, but personally when one pariah sells out the other- a red flag goes up for me!

But my dad said I had more play time?
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (AP) -- President Bush, told by a critic he should be ashamed of his policies, defended the government's secret eavesdropping program Thursday and said he would not apologize for listening in on the phone and e-mail conversations of Americans talking to people with suspected al Qaeda links.

What he actually said was “I like chicken, I like liver, meow mix, meow mix, please deliver.” Then President Bush went about his normal daily routine of 20 minutes of dedicated play dough time, followed by snack pack consumption (served with a spork of course – to avoid safety issues) shortly thereafter followed by nap time.

It's like Yentle, but not...
NEW YORK (AP) -- Tom Cruise says his father was abusive and that school, where he faced other bullies, was difficult, in an upcoming issue of Parade magazine.
"So many times the big bully comes up, pushes me," he says. "Your heart's pounding, you sweat, and you feel like you're going to vomit. I'm not the biggest guy, I never liked hitting someone, but I know if I don't hit that guy hard he's going to pick on me all year.
"I go, 'You better fight.' I just laid it down. I don't like bullies."

TRANSLATION OF CRAZY TOM CRUISE SPEAK: I actually prefer effeminate men who let me take charge and act tough. Thanks for taking one for the team Katie Holmes and keeping the lie alive!

In other news and updates… Megs and I went to the A’s Yankees game last night. I have to be honest and say that it was one of the better games I have ever been to. The crowd was fun (even though filled with Yankees fans.) The game was tied 4-4 till the 8th when the A’s went on a tear and opened up a 5 run lead. I have to say- I will be a Red Sox fan till the day I die- but I really do enjoy the Bay Area baseball teams. I will fully support the A’s (till they play the Sox that is.)
Unfortunately – neither Megs or I had a camera or camera phone on us last night, so there are no pictures that I can post from this. However, we are going to Giants V. Braves game on Friday night, hopefully we can put up lots of pictures from that.

RED SOX UPDATE: Beckett did really well in his Red Sox debut and lead the team to a 2-1 victory with the aid of Trot Nixon’s 2 run shot! WAY TO GUY SAWWWWX!

LOST: I watched “DAVE” when I got home from the game last night. I know, I know.. “but grandpa Shaun, that means you were up till midnight and up at 6:15AM for work..”

BANE of my life, but I just simply could not miss the show, or let it wait until today.

The show is amazing and truly gets better each and every single week. I love the developments that are making head room in the show, and themes of connectivity that are coming around. I am excited to see how the season winds down. I know from the LOST boards :

http://forums.go.com/abc/primetime/lost/forum?start=0&forumID=18&byThread=true
http://www.thetailsection.com/
http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=13

The show will explain:

Why the plane crashed?
What the Island Is (I doubt this- but who knows- they might throw us a bone!)?
Who the others are – and why they are where they are?
Where Walt and Michael are?
So stay tuned and let the excitement of it all unfold.

LOST. (DAVE) 04-05-06 ***SPOILERS***

WARNING: THERE ARE SPOILERS FROM TONIGHTS SHOW. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW OR SEE ANYTHING- THEN STOP READING NOW!

So I figured that on certain days (when I really need a break from work) I would try to do two posts per day. So seeing that today is the Lords’ day (LOST- DAY) I figured I would write a second post.

Ok, so per the ABC LOST page and THETAILSECTION.COM - there is A LOT that is going to come to light tonight. Well, sort of.... In that normal they tell you things but really don't tell you anything sort of way.

Revelations:

Hery Gale: Other or not- he knows who the others are, what they want, why they're there, and who runs the show.
Locke: Our wise old friend is finally going to start to melt down. There is only so much a man can do when he can't walk. Expect a HUGE change in his attitude towards everyone.
The Map: Expect to hear a sort of revelation that incriminates Henry Gale (or whoever he is) and what transpired when the hatch went through LOCKDOWN.

Key links:

http://www.thetailsection.com/2006/04/lost-clips-from-dave.php

(Video clips from DAVE)

http://forums.go.com/abc/primetime/lost/thread?threadID=988972&forumStart=0

(Synopsis of DAVE) *** TELLS THE ENTIRE EPISODE- DEFINITE SPOILER***

Well.. Megs and I are off to see the A's play the Yankees tonight. I will be missing the show (although, never fear, DVR is here!) However, I will take all my angst out on one Mr. Johnny "I'm a total poser, and lost my dignity with my hair" Damon.

Some of today's news!

Racism.. or Amazing Taste in Hair? I didn’t know Side Show Bob was actually a Congresswoman from Georgia!


Would you buy a car from this man? If not, would you give him 15 minutes alone with your 14 year old daughter?


When questioned about the kidnapping of his ex wife.. Brooks was overheard saying .... Alimony this you bitc.... I mean.. WHY JESUS... WHY??????????
_ _ _

Ok, so welcome one and all to the 3rd version of the blog to end all blogs. I am sorry to have to move again, but friendster blogs are terrible. The server is often down, and the quality of the site is not that stellar. I hope that this provider is somewhat more reliable and ept to be able to maintain a good quality of blog hosting.

The format will be largely the same as the two previous blogs.. Very little introspection dabbled with a movie, music, book, food, sport, and news reviews. Of course there will be large discussion of LOST, plenty of Yankee bashing, and on the odd occasion- something of substance! Enjoy and welcome to the LEFT COAST TIMES.