Sunday, December 30, 2007

SDHC What?

For those of you who don't know, any SD memory card over 2GB is considered SDHC (High capacity). This is relevant because only SD Card Readers that are SDHC Compatible will read these cards. SO while you MAY be able to take 10 thousand picture before filling your memory card, don't ever, ever, ever,ever lose the cable to your camera or plan on buying a compatible reader in another country (This is the reason why no pictures are uploaded yet).

It Continues: Day 2

Day 2 in Pairs:
Apartment no longer feels to claustrophobic (As much). This small place is starting to grow on my, its ornate and cute. I actually fit in the shower, and the bathroom is big actually a decent size, not that I think about it, it's a little bit bigger than our bathroom back home.

Creps:
Best Crep in Paris : Nutella + Banana = BIG SMILEY FACE. This probably the best street food you could ever get after a really nice meal.

Shopping:
If you are ever stuck in Paris with no clothes (or very few) I have the place for you to go. Being that this is the fashion capital of the world, and most outfits (Shirt , Pants, Etc) cost more than most Americans are willing to spend (This is the land of 90 Euro T-Shirts).
However, if you have to buy a clothes then C&A is the place! Think of this as the Target of Pairs for clothes. L&G decided to go here to repurchase there Wardrobe (That Air France lost) and was able to get a really good deal on quite a few outfits. I have to say I was impressed with the place.
----
Fast forward to last night:
We decided to eat at one of my Favorite Dinners in Pairs. Although I'm not completely sure what the name is (Ever diner is Paris is La barssaire) , I've always referred to it as " the one next to the Eiffel Tower." We decided to take L&G back to this wonderfully holly land of a restaurants, and we were not disappointed in the least. Comically, L&G and Enj & Myself all had similar dinners. We all had the Veal Escalope with Escargot, a Picket of Wine, creme brulee and coffee. It was absolutely amazing.
After dinner we decided to stroll over to the Eiffel Tower and take some pictures during the light shows. Lynn decided to haggle with one of the guys selling Eiffel Tower Memorabilia. Lynn was able to get the item for half of the asking pricing, and now is caring around a 3ft tall Eiffel tower replica (Well maybe not 3ft tall).

Friday, December 28, 2007

It Begins! Paris - Day 1

We're finally here!!! For those of you who do not know, today marks the beginning of our vacation in Pairs. We arrived in CDG Airport this morning at around 8am Local Time. After sitting on the run way , after landing, for about 25 min we were finally placed on a bus to take us to the terminal entrance (Took about 30 min later, P.S. CDG is HUGE!) But, no biggy we're on vacation.

After making our way through customs we finally met up with Lynn and Joanna (Referred to from now on as L&G). Unfortuently there trip was not as trouble free as ours. Air France seems to have lost their luggage, and worse, does not have any idea where it's at and no one has any energy to actually do anything (Think New Yorker attitude with an accent) .

Once we realized that it was absolutely pointless to stay at the airport our only course of action was to head to the apartment and hope that the luggage shows up...eventually

THE APARTMENT:
Upon entering the apartment I'm immediately reminded of how much Americans take little things like SPACE from granted. Once again I find myself in a world where Mini-Me would feel a little claustrophobic, LOL. Needless to say I feel like a bull in a china shop most of the time. But I'll get used to in a day or so. I will have pictures to emphasis's my point shortly.

Needless to say, after a restless night sleep and running all over the Airport trying to helping L&G find their luggage a name was definitely the first on the list.

At the moment, I have only a few pictures which I can not post right now. Of Course I left my link cable back in the states. Don't worry, I WILL get a cable tomorrow and post all the pictures we have accumulated so far ( and even some prior to the trip when Daniel stop by Richmond).

Well thats all for now, its 1am, and with the exception of a 1 1/2 hour nap I have had very little sleep for the past two days. Will give a better entry tomorrow.


-Peace from Paris (literally white flag peace).

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

It's been awhile

Sorry for the long delay in blogs on my site, I didn't forget about it (exactly), just the past few months have been extremely busy between work and personal matters. However, I am now able to continue posting on a regular business. Look for a new blog soon (maybe as soon as C.O.B. LOL). I've had a number of ideas for a new post and hope everyone will enjoy.

-esaba

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

I agree with PETA!?!?!?!

I know what your thinking but the answer is no, I have not lost my F’ing mind. The recent controversy with Star Quarterback Michael Vick has placed the majority of Americans on the side with….*sigh*..PETA (Next week, hells going to freeze over). I can’t help to wonder what would posses such a talented athlete (or anyone for that matter) to raise dogs in such a vile way that when placed inside of a ring their instinct is to completely obliterate their opponent. The most appalling aspect of this entire ordeal, besides the whole: “I’m a millionaire attitude and will do whatever I want, and say I found Jesus when I get caught”, is that people are actually defending this guy’s actions! With such rhetoric as “This is nothing compared to what the federal gov’t does…. ” or “It’s just a dog” and my personal favorite “Well in country X this type of action is legal.”

It begs the question: Are there still some people left who will at least attempt to look past Money and Stardom when dealing with matters of morality & integrity?

Here’s a guy who had everything: Cars, Money, Women, he was a role model to kids; let’s not forget to mention that football was his career. Even when you put all of that together, that wasn’t enough? He still WANTED to participate in dog fighting, and I though Ricky Williams was dumb. I want to take a minute and fully discuss all the reasons (noted above) people are defending Vick.

Reason 1: This is nothing compared to what the government does …. Yadda Yadda yadda. The only thing more ignorant than actually defending this guy is using a B.S. defense like this. So let me get the straight, all criminals: rapist, murders, child molesters should all be let go because you say the government failed in Katrina or IRAQ? So , If Johnny breaks into your house and murders your wife, he should be set free because of how the government is mishandling current events. Tell me, did you come up with this defense while attending Yale or Harvard? Give me a break!

Reason 2: “It’s just a dog.” Yeah and you're just an ignorant human. Should I be able to come to your house, kidnap you and throw you into a gladiator style ring with other similarly matched individuals because of the fact you're Ignorant. NO! This type of macho “I’m Man and I rule everything in the world MUHAHA” attitude is the reason why our planet is in the shape that it’s in. No, I’m not going to go off on all Al Bore on you about global warming, however, it is this type of attitude that allows people to justify the scrounging of BILLIONS of pounds of seafood from the ocean every year. This type of “I’m better than everything because I have a thumb” mentality is complete BS. Man (and woman) is here as a protector. We should try to keep this planet as close to persistent as possible. (For the record, I hunt, fish, camp, and hike; However, I also pickup my trash, kill animals that I will eat and try to be as “low impact” as possible. I love the outdoors; I want my grandkids to enjoy them too)

Reason 3: “In country X this type of action is legal.” Ok, maybe it is. However, in Amsterdam an adult can buy and smoke pot legally. in Spain a kid can order a beer if they are big enough to sit on the stool. In Japan a man can do anything he wants to a woman (Cheat, beat her, whatever) without repercussion from the women in his family. In New Zealand you might be arrested & tried if you defend your life with lethal force. In Thailand prostitution is legal. In the UAE an unmarried woman can be stoned to death for being seen alone with another man, and in Singapore you will be FLOGGED for spiting on the sidewalk. Should the U.S. incorporate laws from every country around the world (I'm sure most would welcome the Amsterdam Rule, but still)? ? Am I making my point?

In closing, I hope everyone can see the sheer ridiculousness of any argument people come up with to defend this guy's actions. In short, he had his chance in the spotlight and blew it. He should lose his contract with the falcons, and should NEVER play Pro-Football again for the NFL. Even if the Falcon's owner doesn’t have what it takes to cut and /or ban him, the NFL board / president should. I, for one, will never watch or participate in another NFL event or purchase merchandise for any team if Vick ever plays Pro-Ball again. I can only hope that others join me.



/rant

Sunday, August 26, 2007

That Guy is my HERO!

WHO says that there is an age limit on how long someone, man or woman, can be a professional athlete?

Randy Couture is showing the entire Mixed Martial Arts World that getting old doesn’t mean you can’t Kick ASS. After watching him completely dominate his younger challenger, Gabriel Gonzaga, this past Saturday night I don’t think there is anyone in the UFC’s heavy weigh division that is going to stop him anytime soon. This guy is MY HERO! Randy proves that just because you are getting older it doesn’t mean you have to trade in your spurs for a Shuffle board CUE; you just might need a little longer to heal.

If you haven’t already, check out some of Randy Couture’s fights; I would recommend starting with his last few fights in the heavy weight division: Couture vs. Silva & Couture vs. Gonzaga. He is on the most aggressive, technically sound and most entertaining fighters the sport (Mixed Martial Arts) has to offer. He is a true ambassador for the UFC and role model for a next generation.

For more information on the UFC and Randy Couture goto:

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Sherdog - MMA News Website

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Refresher Course

My buddy sent me this last night, And I felt compelled to post it up for everyone to see.

Democracy is two wolves and a sheep discussing what to have for dinner;
freedom is a well-armed sheep.
"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not."
~ Thomas Jefferson

(This is why Ted Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton want gun control so badly! )

FIREARMS REFRESHER COURSE
1. An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.
2. A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
3. Colt: The original point and click interface.
4. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.
5. If guns are outlawed, can we use swords?
6. If guns cause crime, then pencils cause misspelled words.
7. Free men do not ask permission to bear arms.
8. If you don't know your rights, you don't have any.
9. Those who trade liberty for security have neither.
10. The United States Constitution (c)1791. All Rights Reserved.
11. What part of "shall not be infringed" do you not understand?
12. The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.
13. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.
14. Guns have only two enemies; rust and politicians.
15. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety. No shit!
16. You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.
17. 911: Government sponsored Dial-a-Prayer.
18. Assault is a behavior, not a device.
19. Criminals love gun control; it makes their jobs safer.
20. If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson.
21. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.
22. You have only the rights you are willing to fight for.
23. Enforce the gun control laws we ALREADY have; don't make more.
24. When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.
25. The American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.
IF YOU AGREE, PASS THIS "REFRESHER" ON TO TEN FREE CITIZENS.


"In Accordance With The Prophecy."

"Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented immigrant" is like calling a drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist

"IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS, PLEASE, FEEL FREE TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM!

Do you really want this guy fixing your computer?

Ok, so don't ask me how I came across this particular video, lets just assume that gouging your eyes out with a rusty spoon would have been more pleasant.

The link below will take you to an......eccentric ... man how is apparently a geek squad supporter. The guy is completely INSANE. Although you will comprehend what he is saying, I am hope that none of you can actually understand this guy.


Crazy Geek Squad Dude

P.S. If I ever start acting like this guy, someone come take care of me, please!

Friday, August 24, 2007

Blizzard.....Please don't let us down

Warning, what you are about to read can be classified as EXTREMELY Nerdy, Geeky, [insert derogatory comment here] !!!!!You've been forewarned
-----------------------------------

Not to long ago Blizzard finally made many of our (nerds) dreams come true with the announcement of STARCRAFT II. Admittedly, I was "Star Struck" with all the Protoss units they have already planned and can not wait to see all of the units that they have not told us about. Today I discorvered the newly release Terran units were posted, my first reaction was: " MOTHER OF GOD" (Cheesey quote, I know). While most of the new Terran unit seem absolutely destinied to be useful, balanced and down and low ass kickers, I had to ask myself "HOW THE HELL DID STAR SCREAM GET HIS OWN UNIT?" I'll be one of the first nerd to admit my profound fondness for transformers (The movie was BAD ASS), as I'm sure most of us would, but Coome'ON. Blizzard employees some of the most intelligent and creative devs in the world. And what do we get as the great new air unit? A transformer's rip-off of star scream! Yes I know most of you love star scream, and think that it going to be awesome and that blizzard has never let us down. I agree they have never let down the gamers that love them, they have never made a game that wasn't awesome, hell most of them are still played even 10+ years afters their initial release. I just expected more from the best developers the world has to offer than a blatant rip-off of a well know nerd ICON like star scream.
/rant

My Rant for.....this afternoon

As I watch the 100th debate for the 2008th presidential election (in August of 07) I can't help but get this sinking feeling that we are all going to "hell in a handbag." All the Democratic candidates have pushed the "blue plate special" by this I am referring to being Pro-Choice, For Civil Unions, and (the one I can't stand the most) National health Care.
I can't help but think about all the government blunders over the past YEAR! From the 600 plus million dollar mistake about passports this year to the 20 Billion dollars that states are going to need for the Real ID act over the next ten years (that the fed will not fund), just to name a few. But yet, some how, these are same people that are going to be able to management the health care system for the entire nation and not bankrupt us??? I can see it know, 15 billion dollars more need for National Health Care because 10% more people caught the flu than we expected, even though the CDC told us last year to expect it. I could go on and on, but I would just get lost.And before anyone asks, yes I do think our health care systems is not what is should be, but NO I do not think the GOVERNMENT of all people could make it any better. It would be like putting gas on blazing fire.

Enough about health care.

On the other side of the spectrum we have the Republican candidates where, most of them as well, as bought their sides "Blue Plate Special" with few exceptions , I'll take about them in a minute. Also every single one of these guys wants to stay in IRAQ (No I'm not an Anti-War liberal) and continue to borrow money from China (which I DO have a problem with) just to continue this war. If we have to stay there, fine, then lets (as a nation) actually DECLARE War go over there in FULL force and WIN! Sure I know it wouldn't be that easy, but dammit, lets stop pussy footing around and get the job done, and bring our troops home. I would also say, lets change the rules of engagement so our troops can actually do the job we are asking them to do. I would rather a troop made a mistake and accidentally killed a few civilians rather than seeing even one of them get killed because they were afraid of getting court martialed for violating the rules of engagement. Sorry but I value the life , of our troops, more than any civilians of another country.

Meanwhile, in the midst of all the "Blue plate special" (Dem and Rep) candidates we have trying to get nominated /elected for the presidency I can only think of one that I actually "want" to vote for. Ron Paul. He is one of the few Republicans that have not bought the "Blue Plate" but has chosen the "Constitutional" plate. I'm not going to get into a big Pro-Ron Paul speak here, even though I would like to, because I want people to check him out and not just take my word for it.

Well, thats it for now.
More rants to follow, of that I am sure.

Joining the Herd

Yes, I admit it, I too have now joined the majority of my friends and have created a blogspot. I suppose I just felt left out being the only one that didn't have some sort of blog or Myspace page. I guess, I too can now convince myself that people actually read about what I have to say and will visit my blog on a consecutive basis. Yes, I know I'm being cynical.


I'm sure I will add more to this site before the day is over.

Say turned for more rants and raves about whats happening in the world today.