Merry Christmas

My present to those that actually look at this blog is that I'll try and be better at actually blogging. I really like that picture a day idea Liz posted about and am going to try and do that. Might be a little bit harder for me than some of you since I can't take a camera with me to work, but we'll see what I can do.

I've got a few more errands to run today - yes I'm a very typical male when it comes to Christmas shopping - but then I'll be heading down to my sister's place on the other side of DC. It's the first East Coast Christmas for our family and while not everyone made it out here they'll still be in our thoughts.

Merry Christmas all!!!!!!!!!

RIP

Mr. Common Sense

Mr. Sense had been with us for many years.
No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn't always fair.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable Parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).

His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.

Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Mr. Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge financial settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

If you still remember him, pass this on; if not, join the majority and do nothing.*

*No I don't expect anyone to pass this on I just felt like posting it because I'm tired of living in a me, me, me but it isn't my fault world. Did you hear about the suit against the Rolling Stones for cancelling a concert because Mick had a sore throat? Oh and the lady that brought the suit against them, guess who her scumbag lawyer is...her husband. UGH, so much frustration today.

At least it's a short week and I hope everyone remembers why we have a holiday this week.

politicians suck too...

So here we are, hours away from the polls opening and you know what, I think the only losers in this election will be the people. I'm really fed up with the crooks in both parties slinging crap every which way while doing nothing but voting in raises for themselves. Too many of those fat arses that sit up on the hill have been there far to long and need to go. They've forgotten that they are up there as a voice for the people and not to just forward their own agenda.

We limit how long a President can sit in the house, isn't it time we do the same for the fools just down the road? The people need to make their voices heard, both parties have lost sight of who they really work for. I'm scared if the GOP loses because the current crop of libtards have the wrong agenda and no matter what you think of Iraq, we are at war. Iraq isn't the war, it's just the location part of it is taking place - NEVER forget that!! Terrorism knows no borders and if we pull out of Iraq like many want things will just get worse. We have to finish what we started, the reasons behind that start no longer matter but the way we finish will determine our fate for many years to come.

I'd also like to thank the mental midgets that approved my 2.2% raise this year. Way to go folks, really makes us in uniform feel appreciated.

I saw a bumper sticker a long time ago that has been one of my favorites, it said:
"Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my guns"
In my opinion, the only good thing that ever came out of that family was JFK, the rest of that clan has gotten away with murder and a LONG list of other crimes...isn't it time for them to find a real job?

stupid tests...

It's been a while since I've posted anything, not sure why but I'll just blame it on bloggers block. Got some thoughts floating around in my melon but nothing just seems to want to come out yet. SO, here's another one of those 'not really a post' posts to keep someone from reminding me I haven't posted....even though she's been lacking too lately! :P

So what stupid test am I talking about....well see below:



It's early Sunday morning and I'm still in bed cruising Myspy pages and occasionally I'll take the tests people put up on their pages, I've got a few on mine now, some are funny but all are meaningless. One of these days it's be humorous to actually take an 'official' IQ test as Michele seems to think I'd do well on it. Who knows....and what does it matter. blah blah blah

At least my score on this test is higher than my bowling average!!! :)

stuck in the middle...

Ladies, just wanted to say that I really enjoyed tonight, I've been under a lot of stress lately at work and thanks to all of you, I totally forgot all about it. Isn't it great what friends can do for you!! :) Thank you and I'll see you all tomorrow.

gettin shibby

OK, now we all know my mind frequents the gutter...I mean after all I am a Sailor and we have a rep to keep! :)

So, here I was walking down the terminal in Denver, which if you've never been there, goes on and on and on that I was wondering when I'd start seeing signs for Utah as I was walking west at the time...but anyways, I see this little kiosk for people to cough up their passwords and what not in a public place and in effort to prevent my ramblings, does anyone see an issue with this name?

Shibby???

Maybe it's a guy thing but shibby is, in my world that is, frequently used in place of another word for caca.

WHY would you try and create a place for people to pay you lots of money to use the internet and then call it fecal matter? Strange I tell you!



Oh and going back to the pot and kettle bit, some of us could be posting pictures of a recent trip instead of teaching their best friends how to poke holes in flesh... :) yeah I went there and yeah I know I'll pay for it!

Tiff, this blog is for you. :P

Yes as the few that occasionally look at this know it's been a while since the last update and I was yet again reminded of that today.

Well unfortunately I really don't have much to say. I'm not going to complain about work, I did that on the other space. Not having any female problems, actually wish I did because then that would mean I was actually seeing someone but alas, no special someone in my life at the moment. Nope, about the only thing that has changed is I indulged in some retail therapy and bought a new TV.

So, here we have a post that most certainly takes after the name of this blog...random rambles.

I know some of you would suggest that I do a meme or something and while I get a kick out of reading some of them, well reading about you all wearing thongs is a lot more interesting then me talking about my boxers. There's been a couple of really insightful posts on the blogs I frequent and as you know I have made a few LONG remarks in some...doesn't that count for something?

I wish I was going to Cabo instead of where I am going on the 10th. It's a trip for work so you'll have to wait until after I get back for more info. :) A hint is it's a place I used to live and one I wouldn't mind going back to.

ramble ramble... I'll see you all in less then three weeks and I'm looking forward to it for more reasons than just getting Cheese House. :)

Good night!!

the press

Trust is not a word that comes to mind much when I think about the press. It's a shame I feel that way and it's not a new feeling either. All to often the people that are reporting events either want to boost their own careers or else they simply impart their views into the story. Neither should be done even though both are fueled by human desires and emotions.

News without spin...if only it could be.

Something to feel good about

A while back I signed up on the Patriot Guard Riders *webpage because I believe in what they do and thought it was something I'd like to be a part of. Well, today I participated in my first ride and I couldn't have picked a better day for it. Instead of paying respects to a fallen hero, we provided an escort for one of the members daughters as she prepared to ship out for the Air Force. ** There were about 25 of us that took part in this and it was a really enjoyable experience - the weather was great, not hot or humid plus the route we took was all back roads through the country side. Something she is going to remember for a long time to come. Plus, showing up to the hotel where a group of other recruits were milling about with an escort of a bunch of bikers...well that's one way to make an impression!! :)

I do plan on taking part in future missions, but I'm glad that my first was a positive one. (Tiff, why does it seem like it's 'firsts' post week?) Sorry, no pictures from this ride but we were riding in a pretty close formation and I didn't want to hear Michele ask about if my photography technique was safe or not.

* Amalgamation - What the heck is this? I looked it up in Websters and while I understand the thought behind what they want to say, I think I could have come up with a different word. Just me...

** Normally I'd jump all over a chance to pick on the Air Force, but as I welcome a sister into my military, well this just isn't the time. She has made a choice to serve our country and for that she deserves all of our respect.

flash backs continue...

well it's later and I'm still going through videos when I came across this:



Memories are funny things and watching this video I was instantly transported back to my high school years and more specifically to a time when I partook in a controlled substance - pot. Yep, I was a pothead. Anyways, my friends and I used to frequent an arcade near our school and they had a video-jukebox that was constantly playing the latest videos while we pumped quarters into the games. There were several games I got pretty good at but Excitebike is the one that is a part of this memory just because of where it was placed in relation to the video-jukebox. I don't know how many times I've seen that video over the years, but everytime I do, I always seem to remember playing that game at that arcade.

Why did I bring up the pot? I don't know, maybe because a few of the times I played that game, hearing and seeing that video while stoned kind of cemented it into my conscious. Who knows... Doesn't matter either but well, I just thought I'd share a memory.

No where near as profound as Tiff's recent post but my first kiss wasn't any where near as special as hers.

flash backs...

One of the sites I usually hit at least once a day is Fark, it's always worth a good laugh and a place to find some of the more odd stories in the news. Today is no different except this time it wasn't the news but something that has taken me back to a period that helped define who I am today. Music has always played a part in a persons life and while I can't say the 80's produced a lot of good music, it is a period that I do fondly look back at - SO - here's a link that'll take you back to songs you've long since forgotten along with ones that should still be forgotten. (word of warning, I've spent a lot of time going through this watching videos that MTV USED to play)

You all know I like including video clips in my blog, this post is no different, except it's not the Hoff I bring you but a song that'll stick in your head all day!!!!! :) Enjoy.

my blog has been found lacking...

OK,OK, as some of you have pointed out to me, I haven't blogged in a bit. :) While not much of interest has been going on in my life I have been busy catching up with work and helping a friend. While I wouldn't say I'm lacking in the quanity of friends, the number of quality friends that I have is very small so when one of them needs something, everything else goes by the wayside. This particular friend has been there for me when I needed someone to talk to even when it was the same thing over and over again. Even though the frustrations levels got pretty high at times because I kept making the same mistakes, I always had someone to turn to when I needed it. That is what a friend is and she will always be one.

SO besides that, here's a final update from Vegas. :)

Black Hat and DEFCON...what kind of folks attend these things? Well, here's a few examples from DEFCON which of the two, brings out the more....interesting....folks:


What would any event be with out Friar Tuck??


Where can I get a pair of these???


Geek Girl!!!! huba huba


ummm, pig tails can be cute but....not this time


The Wall of Sheep.

What might you ask is this about? Well...for those of you that use wireless to connect your computers around the house, thanks for sharing with everyone around you!! WEP, WPA and WPA2, not as secure as you might think and this wall is an example. This picture was taken just an hour or so after the CON started, by the end of the day, passwords and accounts listed were nearing 100. All the ones listed on this wall were sent in the clear - by that, I mean the individual wasn't using any method of encryption so it was very easy to capture. Methods of encryption available with your standard wireless router such as WEP, WPA and WPA2 do offer you some protection, but still, they all have their weaknesses. Not going to turn this into a class so...if you've got questions, let me know and I'll be glad to offer my opinions and suggestions.

:)

TOGA!!!

Picture's only tell a small part of this night. This blog is about me, so it's just me that you see here. Not Jenny McCarthy (aka Playboy bunny dream girl) or Otis Day and the Knights (Animal House and more...) even they were the star performers of the night... Nope, those pictures will be posted later. Tonight, or this morning how ever you look at it, is about me. I had one awesome fucking time. I had fun wearing a toga and even though it was a rather weird feeling with that free flowing air between the legs....well towards the end of the night I finally got comfortable with it. Oh and by the way, I'm still drunk as I type this post. :) After Otis and crew we went to Pure for a 'after-hours' party...yeah it's a nice club but that picture of the 'golden' girl was the third one I took of her....and the only one where the two of us are in it. You all get the drift....I was thinking very impure thoughts of her but even though she was someone else's eye-candy, she still blushed when I took her picture. Oh.....dreams.... :)

Yeah she caught my fancy.... oh well....

Anyhow, as I stumbled off to my room alone....wishing I had some company....at least I can still say I had a great time.

I'm off to dream land with a smile even though I know how much tomorrow is going to suck.

Good night all, sweet dreams because I know I am going to have some!!!!! :)

Yes you can take the Sailor away from the sea, but you can't take the Sailor out of the gutter!!!!!!!!

Just call me Homer

Yes I have been doing other things besides what you see here...but....this is more interesting since it is not something I do often. I will get some more pictures up soon, got a 'thing' planned for tomorrow that may prove to be interesting but you'll just have to wait to find out more.

:)

WTF

WTF is wrong with people?

This is just another example why this once great country is heading down a path of destruction. Yes freedom of speech is vital and should be protected but there also comes a time when good taste should prevail. Why these people feel that protesting a funeral is a good thing is just beyond me. The fact that this 'church' is made up mostly of one family makes me wonder if there has been a little to much family love going on... Have you ever listened to these folks in an interview? They're out there and need to drink the kool-aid! Now the ACLU is coming to save the day....yeah as if there isn't any other issues they couldn't be bringing out in the media. Both the 'church' and the ACLU are media whores, is that law a bit much, yeah I guess I'd have to agree with that BUT since when did common sense go out of style? When people stop thinking, laws have to be put in place to remind people what they should already know. Caution, contents of this cup may be hot...hmmm and here I thought when I ordered a cup of hot chocolate it'd be just 'warm'... Duh! UGGGGGHHHHHH!!!

So why haven't I posted in a while...well it's because I read things like this and it just blows my mind. Every time I see an article with the ACLU they seem to sink to a new low, can't they find something else to defend... This church is doing nothing good that I can understand, I mean come on, protesting at someone's funeral, WTF!!! Just because you have the right to say something, that doesn't mean that you should. Protesting is an important right but in my world, respect for each other is a bit higher. The message this 'church' is trying to get across, well it just doesn't belong at a funeral - GO SOME PLACE ELSE TO PREACH! oh yeah...if they did, no one would listen...

I hope everyone had a good weekend, I'm looking forward to seeing some posts (ducking from the comments I'll get for that) and that y'all stay cool!

Teh Hoff is taking off

Europe loves Hasselhoff's singing talents!

Since a couple of you seemed to question the validity of one of my 'not a real' posts below, I thought I'd share the above link. As I said, Germany loves teh Hoff, and now there's proof that England does too. Hmmmmm...

Anyhow, just a couple more days until I'm off to Vegas!!! It's going to be a good time but 10 days...well that's just TOO much time there. At least I'll be busy most of the time instead of constantly looking for trouble. ;)

wish I had the free time like the ACLU seems to have...

Reprinted from NewsMax.com
Friday, July 14, 2006 1:58 p.m. EDT
ACLU Doesn’t Want English Signs

The American Civil Liberties Union has asked officials in a Detroit suburb to reject a proposal that would require businesses with foreign language signs to add English translations.
"We write to strongly urge you to abandon the measure as unconstitutional, anti-immigrant and unnecessary," the ACLU wrote to the city Thursday in a letter that was also signed by officials with the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Michigan and Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development Inc.
In May, Sterling Heights, Mich., Councilwoman Barbara Ziarko asked the city's attorney to prepare an ordinance requiring businesses with foreign language signs to have identifiers such as "bakery" included, the Detroit News reports.
Fire Chief John Childs supported the move, arguing that people passing by the site of a fire or other emergency could inform dispatchers about the location more easily if they could read the signs.
He maintained that the issue has nothing to do with race.
"This is about response time," he said.
The city issued a statement Thursday defending the proposed ordinance.
"Any assertion that the city's public safety effort is intended as a restriction on the expression of cultural diversity is categorically denied," the statement said.
According to the News, Michael J. Steinberg of the ACLU said the proposal is unconstitutional "because it singles out businesses with signs.”

OK, don't know why I'm doing another 'political' type post but don't these people have anything better to do with their time? How much is Detriot going to spend on this in court? Is there anything wrong with having businesses display their signs in the language of our country too? I'm all for people being proud of their heritage, I know I'm proud to be 25% Spanish, but and those of you on the 'left coast' know, it seems like people are speaking any language BUT English now days. I was blown away when I went home for Christmas (opps, can I still say Christmas with out offending someone??) at how many NON-English radio stations there were. Where did they all go? No clue...but I will tell you this, I'm glad I speak a bit of Spanish because other wise I'd feel like I was in a foreign land instead of the great state of California.

I could go on and on because like the post below, sometimes I really do feel like we're in the Twilight Zone now but I'll spare you the entertainment. I've got nothing against people wanting to come to our coutry to make a better life for themselves - that's what started this country and the diversity is what has kept us great. The problem I have is that we're so worried about not offending anyone that we've started discriminating against anyone that can't claim 'minority' status. What's wrong with saying God when you pledge allegeance to our Flag? 'One nation under God' - your God, my God, correct me if I'm wrong but in very basic terms, doesn't every religion have a God? So what's the problem? Oh yeah...if you don't believe in God, darn it, we don't want to hurt your feelings because then you might have to go eat twinkies and kill people. GRRRRR!

OK, enough rambling in a non-thought-out post. I'm tired of policital correctness and I'm tired of having to see my tax dollars spent on seeing the drivers test printed in 57 languages...I was going to say that all our street signs are in English so that if you want to drive, you should be able to read English but that's not even true...MOST of the signs out there are in English. Not all the police, EMT's and anyone else that just may save your life someday speak 57 languages...maybe if you want to be a contributing part of this coutry you should learn the language. Or else...well if we keep going the way we are, soon us Americans won't be the majority in our own country.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just needed to vent...

yet another non-real-post for y'all

gotta run as I'm already late for work but I saw this this morning while getting my daily dose of the Fox and especially Kiran Chetry. :) My blog has stayed non-political for the most part but I thought this add was amusing:

twilightzone

I will try and get something of note down soon but 13 hours at work on Monday and 11 yesterday....excuses, excuses I know. Stay tuned and we'll see what I can do.

ciao

no it isn't a 'real' post

yeah yeah like the title says, I know it isn't a real post but I stumbled across this and had to share it. Wanted to jot something down today but instead I stayed at work WAY to long...

teh Hoff is actually quite popular in Germany....has been for a long time....still not sure why....

she failed reporter 101

OK, before the pots start in on me again I figured I had better get something up. Granted it's not a 'real' post but since I've done nothing but clean around the house this weekend...well I just don't have anything to blog about. So, instead I hope the below clip will at least bring a smile to your faces and since it was the first weekend of summer...well you get snow.

Did ya hear?

Did you hear what the Pots said about the Kettle????

NEITHER DID I BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T BLOGGED!!

:)

\first class ticket
\\getting warm...
\\\getting hot...
\\\\yep, heading straight to hell for that one!

:D


Hope everyone had a good weekend.

um yeah!

So today I got some crap about not blogging.... Well it's been a pretty boring two weeks since my last blog. I work to much so basically my day goes something like this:
0500 wake up.
at work by 0700
at work until 1600ish
go home, change, leave for second job
at second job until 2100ish
get home
go to sleep around 2200ish

That's what my life is like during the week. Granted I don't go to the second job 'every' day so sometimes I actually go out to eat or do something crazy like laundry... But for the most part, M-F are about as boring as can be for me. Saturday and Sunday are a little bit better as I don't have to work, so that gives me time to do things like, mow the lawn! WOOT!

I guess you could say that I need a life, I know that and I would like one but after the last two years of soap opera and then letting myself stay in a relationship that I should have ended months ago instead of weeks.... Well who knows. Soap Opera leaves the end of next month and we're both going to be gone to different locations most of the time left so that's a good thing. I got bitched out by Bef for doing something last weekend but that's what friends are for, to remind us when we're being stupid.

OK, that was me rambling in fine form!

OH yeah, one cool thing did happen, welcome back into the building Sandra - you need to make more effort to stop by!!!

seems just like yesterday...

18 years... It was 18 years ago today that I left Los Altos Hills, rode up to Oakland, got sworn in and then left via SFO for boot camp in Orlando, FL. You know it's kind of funny how that day is pretty much a blur except for the view I had of the Golden Gate as we crossed the Bay Bridge - not a cloud in the sky, crystal clear blue in every direction and to top it off, no haze or smog. Perfect view of the City by the Bay and the bridge. About the only other thing I can tell you about that day is the shock I felt stepping off the plane in Orlando a little before midnight and discovering just how little I like humidity.

I never thought that 18 years later I'd still be in the Navy, two short years away from retirement...God that makes me feel old. But I've still got a lot of life left in me and I'm already looking forward to starting my second career. Not quite sure what that'll be because I have a lot of options available, nope I'm still thinking that the biggest factor in what I do after the Navy will be based upon my personal life and if I'm sharing it with anyone at that time.

Sorry no pictures from way back because even though I've got a collection of toys, I've never bought a scanner. Maybe now is the time...hmmm got a few Amazon gift certificates to use... :)

Still can't believe it's been 18 years...

Rolling Thunder

So what is Rolling Thunder about? Well Memorial Day isn't a holiday to welcome in Summer even though most people see it as such, nope, it's a special day set to remember those that have paid the ultimate price for our country. One of the reasons behind Rolling Thunder is to pay our respects to the POW's and MIA's also. Another huge reason is to remind those that sit on their arses in our capital that we remember those that were left behind and we will ensure that they are never forgotten until each and everyone is brought home.

I'm going to do something here that is a little out of character but all of you that read this know me and my views but you also know I respect other opinions so I hope you'll take it to heart - we all can make a difference. Remember those of us that serve our country, no matter if they're in the service or in your communities day and night keeping you safe - remember us when it comes time to vote. Your vote does matter and all I ask is that when you vote, look at how whom ever thinking about voting for supports the men and women keeping you safe. I don't care about your views regarding the current war, I care about how my brothers and sisters in arms are respected and treated, both during our service and after. Remember the sacrifice we proudly and willingly give to our great country.

OK, so how was my time in DC this weekend? A blast was had!! I'm still playing with some pictures, trying to merge a few together to give you all a small idea of how many bikes took part this year (a lot) but I did tell someone I'd get some pictures up (Sandra), so, here they are.

I started off at a Harley dealership south east of DC, lets just go with the number 'few' with how many bikes were there...




there were more trust me...

OK, given all these bikes wanting to get over to the Pentagon without causing to much havoc, well we needed an escort of course! :)



These were the ones to lead us on our merry way, every intersection had police there to stop traffic until the ENTIRE group passed.

Here are a couple I took during the trip over...








I figure I was some where in the middle of the pack and these pictures only give you a small idea of just how huge this event is every year. We filled up more than three of the parking lots at the Pentagon and there were many more that had already camped out at the Mall. We were heard and we remember.

oh how I miss talking with my friends in Germany!!

Sounds cool at first...

For those of you out there attached to Grey's Anatomy you might recall this from a couple of weeks ago. Seems to me like that would make life rather 'damp' and uncomfortable... ;)

Yeah, yeah I know, not a real post but I'm on a roll here so don't complain!

some things aren't ment to be sore!!

Well I did something I haven't done in a long, LONG time. I went for a bike ride. Nope, not the 'bike' I normally ride but the old fashion one that requires me to peddle. I took a short loop around BWI Airport and while I am glad I did it, my butt hurts!! It is sad though because it was only 11 miles, nothing compared to what I used to ride...guess it just means I need to get out more.

As for the vacation, Windjammer is at the top of the list right now, I need to call and see what's available in August. I am also going to try and take a couple of days off and ride this but the first set of days I had wanted to go are looking to be out due to man power issues at work....oh well.

Anyways, that's all for now... :)

Oops! :)

OK, so I'm a novice to this blogging bit....was wondering why there were no comments and it seems that it was my fault. That's been changed, all comments should show up when posted and yes I do plan on trying to blog more.

where to 'hop' to this year?

OK, I need a vacation but as always I haven't a clue where to go or what to do SO I'm seeking suggestions. For those of you that know me or have read my other blog you know that I've been to a fair number of places, while there are some I'd love to go back to, I'd rather do something I haven't done before. I'll list some of the things I've been considering and while there are no restrictions just a couple 'qualifiers' such as I'd most likely go solo and am trying to keep it not much more than 3k...

Anyways, my ideas so far:

- Windjammer singles type cruise
- Mexico - Cabo was a blast but there are other places to see...
- Hitting the open road on my bike...crazy thought was to ride to Vegas for the conference I'm going to the end of July. (only problem with that one is I'd be away from work a lot longer than I'd like or be able to...)
- Iceland - always wanted to see the Northern Lights but would have to wait until winter for that trip...

All comments and suggestions are appreciated!!!

As for the title of this post, well as I was mowing the lawn I got to see this years addition to the bunny family under my shed! :)

blog blog blog...

Well this the first post on my second blog. I'm starting this one because I have rambled a little to much on a subject that is in the past and needs to stay there. So...no Soap Opera in this one. Besides, I figure that I might actually want to share my blog with more than the four or five people that know about the other one and again, the past is the past.

So, here's to the new blog. :)