January 2001 Archives

Yesterday, I dropped the Xterra at the nice little hand car wash we have in the parking garage at work. As the day went on, I completely forgot about it. Then I come back to my office around 6pm and find two messages from the attendant. "We're closed - go pick up your keys at security and pay tomorrow." Man I felt like a loser. So this morning I made sure to pay up first thing.


All praise the mighty Turbo Tax. Using my version of it, I finished all my taxes last night in just a few hours. The online version is also pretty cool.


Today in my inbox I received an e-mail from Mark Woodsmall confirming that yes I, in fact, "look nothing like Peter Burns". He also sends the link to the Dead or Alive website.


http://deadoralive.net/

Thanks for writing Mark!

True signs that you are obsessing over something: It invades your dreams and permeates your daily update like that skunk someone hit on I-5. Looking over the last week it seems I have Earthquakes and California Adventure on my brain. This of course begs the question: Why isn't there an earthquake attraction?? I'm sure Disney can think of something better than the lame-o tram exhibit at Universal Studios.


T-Minus four days and I'm having dreams of working the parking lot tram. "Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to the Disneyland Resort. California Adventure is open until midnight and Disneyland is open until 6pm." Yes, it's true, I need a life.


This weekend, I will be taking pics inside the new park so by Monday I should have some shots up on the site.

It is really interesting living in LA. For instance, a minor earthquake in San Fernando gets "Live Team Coverage" yet a massive earthquake in India (m7.9) that kills over 10,000 people gets a few fleeting video shots as well as a report by someone at some charity collecting money. Can't spend too much time on the story because there was this Super Bowl thingy.


This weekend was full of laziness and TV watching (that's television - not transvestite). I did manage to make it to a housewarming party in West LA (Hi Steven and Wes) and I don't think I came across as too much of a dork, which is always good. Saturday was meet the relatives at the Mall day. My cousin was down from SF, and my grandmother and aunt were there as well. We are quite the group out in public.


Sunday's big event was of course Survivor 2: Electric Boogaloo. Nothing like good cheese on a Sunday. I think my biggest disappointment was the bizzaro starting time due to the Stupid Bowl lasting far too long. It�s a bit premature to judge whom to root for, but my initial gut reaction is to root for members of the Okagor tribe.


On a more somber note, Sunday was the 15th Anniversary of the Shuttle Challenger accident. Francis, Mike, Judith, Ron, Ellison, Greg, and Christa - we'll always remember you. It was one of those moments you always can remember where you were. I was in PE Class playing basketball when the principal came over the PA system with the announcement. Upon reaching my next class, the teacher had the radio on to the news. After school, I rushed home to watch CNN and for the first time saw what had happened. Thinking back, I remembered one of my 7th grade teachers had applied for the program and began thinking about what if it was he. I really think this was the first disaster that made me fascinated with the media hoopla and human reaction that accompany them. Which brings us full circle with the coverage of the India quake and how LA media sucks when it comes to international news.

I think I was dropped into a space-time continuum and missed it. Oh well. I did notice that Web Side Story is now using my site tracker as ads. If you notice the ad for roses (it changes, but currently this is what they are hawking) near the bottom of this page in the left column - DON'T CLICK on it. It is merely to track the users to my site and the paths that they go. I would yank them off the site, but I am working with almost two years worth of statistics. However, if they keep changing it and getting more obnoxious, I will just pull it.


People keep criticizing the new California Adventure theme park. My suggestion: lighten up. Remember - since the Disney/MGM studios opened in 1989, Disney has slowly opened parks with limited attractions for full price. Now the model worked successfully in Florida and time will tell if it will work here. My thought: I think lots of people will visit, lots will complain, and the company will end up spending more than if they would have just done it right in the first place. But you know what? That's what corporations have done forever and ever. Remember: Disneyland didn't have drinking fountains on opening day. Despite the negative press, I am still looking forward to it my preview, and then I will decide if I will expand to a two-park passport.

Last night, I sat down and watched ABC's The Mole. I hate to admit it, but I actually enjoyed the show. I think I liked the fact that they were darting around various places instead of being stranded in one place. On a related note, Sunday is the premiere of Survivor 2: Electric Boogaloo. I got sucked into Survivor last summer along with the rest of the world. I will be interesting what the dynamic of the new show will be and how it will compare. I just hope everyone doesn't try to just rehash the alliances and stuff from the last show. Something that was even more of a pleasure than the actual show, was the website Survivorsucks.com


If you don't subscribe to SFGate.com's Morning Fix - do so. It is like my morning cup of coffee - I don't get much done until I read it. My personal favorite thing produced by it is the nickname for new-President Bush: Shrub.

People new to Southern California are always asking me what a SigAlert is. According to the Highway Patrol, a SigAlert is "any unplanned event that causes the closing of one lane of traffic for 30 minutes or more, as opposed to a planned event like road construction". You can read more about the history of SigAlerts on "This is a SigAlert Message", a wonderful site by Harry Marnell. Of course if you really want to be in the know, check out the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page.


The other thing people ask me is what those crazy fan things on the top of billboards are. Some have suggested that it is to generate power for the sign, but in reality, it is just to keep the birds off the sign.

This update is late - but for a good reason. I present the first redesign of my Doingworld site since lord knows when. Hmm if I think about it, since November 18, 1997 when I added the California and Spain pages. It amazes me the traffic that portion of the site gets. It is one of the original Club Josh pages, so I figured why not spruce it up a tad.


A big hearty hello to Ian and Angela. Truly nice people who know Leo. They both work at Innoventions in Tomorrowland at Disneyland (Leo has since moved over to the animation exhibit at California Adventure - 12 days and counting!) and do their best in one of the worst attractions at Disneyland. It was nice chatting with them and playing in the Compaq cave (even though most the people left when Ian started to talk). It does bring up an important issue. If you take the time to talk to them, most of the cast members at Disneyland are really cool people. If you ever come across one who is "super cool", be sure to mention them at City Hall. It means a lot to the cast members.

The Sacramento Bee has an interesting slice of disaster response on their website. Listen to the highway patrol dispatchers call the fire department and evacuate the building. If you have ever wondered what sort of person it takes to work at a switchboard in an emergency, it takes someone who trudges through the tasks of calling everyone despite the fact you are scared and shaking.


I wonder if they had blacked out portions of Southern California this week if the crisis would be over now. It seems that the news organizations down here have taken a sort of "sucks to be Northern California" attitude. Maybe its because people (like me) who live in the Cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Pasadena, and Anaheim are not directly affected. I bet if they started shutting off the power in Beverly Hills, a remedy would have already been found. Also, the fact that the utility companies are out of money is in no way related to the blackouts. They simply state that there is not enough power to go around, which I find extremely hard to believe. I still stand by the notion that it is another screw up by some big corporation, and we the taxpayers have to foot the bill and lose our jobs due to layoffs by companies that can no longer pay the bills.

Andy has the eyemodule digital camera for his Visor Prism that allows you to capture pictures. Pretty decent quality if you take into consideration it is all generated from a handheld.


Examples:

Oszie and Josh

My Xterra


The more I see Visors, the more I like them better than Palms. My dream? Something in color the size of a Palm V.


Oh yes. To the person in charge of blocking Sepulveda Blvd. down to one lane at the height of morning rush hour: There are a few thousand people who would like to speak with you.

Today is the 7th anniversary of the Northridge Earthquake (M6.7). At 4:31am in the morning, the earthquake waked everyone up. If you were living in Southern California at the time, you instantly remember what you were doing and your immediate reaction (of course most people were sleeping). My dad was getting ready for work, and after the quake headed off to work as if it was any other day. I remember being woken up by my roommate Alex, and since it was an off day from school (it was MLK day), promptly sat down and watch events unfold on TV.



Some of the things I vividly remember: The guy trapped in the collapsed parking garage, the shot of all the dust in the air, the truck stranded on the island of I-5 that didn't collapse, the story of Clarence Wayne Dean - an LAPD officer who was riding his motorcycle in the darkness to his assignment in the damaged area, only to plunge to his death at the collapsed 5/14 interchange, the apartment collapse in Northridge, and last but not least, the collapse of I-10 on one of the busiest stretches of freeway. These were only some of the stories surrounding the quake.


The quake was only the second on record that showed a greater vertical movement than a horizontal movement. This quake, along with the 1989 Loma Prieta Quake, forced CalTrans and state engineers to re-assess how bridges were built. Most bridges in California were reinforced, and some bridges were earmarked for complete replacement - they are still arguing and negotiating the replacement for the Bay Bridge.


Contrary to popular belief, earthquakes do not drive the cost of housing down. The SF Chronicle had a good article just yesterday. So much for that theory, I guess I just need to hope that we get a recession and I somehow manage to stay employed. Speaking of employment, it took me an hour and 20 minutes to get to work today. I wish we would go to staggered hours for everyone like what was instituted during the 1984 Olympics.


Random bizarre article of the day: Kimberly-Clark aims for breakthrough in toilet paper - Discuss...

Earthquakes are an amazing thing. I was very disappointed that I did not feel Saturday's 2 4+ earthquakes in San Fernando. Roger and I were in the car so we missed all the fun. Today is the 6th anniversary of the Kobe Earthquake (M6.9) which hit almost a year to the day of the Northridge Earthquake (more on that tomorrow.) Kobe was a wake up call to the citizens of Japan who thought the damage in Southern California couldn't happen there. Fortunately, both quakes helped advance knowledge significantly in areas to improve construction and safety.


In other anniversary news, 10 years ago Bernard Shaw, Peter Arnett and John Holliman got treated to an eye-popping fireworks display in the first war ever broadcast live on TV. It certainly was a spectacle to behold, regardless of whether you think that it was a war for cheap gas or to liberate a country (or perhaps both). I remember being in the dorms at the ripe age of 18 thinking that at any moment I could be drafted. It was a scary thought, but fortunately my roommate Tom reassured me that all the reserves would go first and it would be some time before they reactivated the draft. It was a strange, surreal time to be in college. Everyone had their opinions that ran the full spectrum, and people seemed to be walking on eggshells and just raw with emotions.

With the exception of Saturday, I was a complete bump on a log this past weekend. Saturday, Roger and I ventured to Glendale Galleria (not quite South Coast Plaza, but pretty good for a quick fix) for some quick shopping and then headed down to Downtown Disney, the new entertainment complex that opened outside of Disneyland this past Friday. I have been watching the imagineers working on this area since it was first barricaded off and was still known as Donald, Eeyore, and Flower. They have done a splendid job here, and I can't wait to explore more. They had a good mix of shops and eateries, but Roger did point out that a Disney Quest probably would have done better here than in Florida. I think that bit of amusement would have rounded things out just a tad better. We popped into a near vacant Disneyland for dinner at Redd Rocket's. This is how I like Disneyland - sparse crowds and no waits. I was disappointed that due to the boondoggle by the power companies, all of New Orleans Square was shut down while Fantasmic was running. The AMC theater was top-notch. Very Art Deco decor and nice stadium seats were all a nice touch. A nice extra was that it was only $2 for a small soda and popcorn for a limited time with the proceeds going to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. (the opening night benefit was also for the charity). It saved me 50 cents over buying just a soda AND I was able to give to charity.


The movie we saw was the latest critical darling "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". Now I enjoyed most of this movie, but I was completely let down by the ending. Now, some people say its because I am not used to non-western movies, but I think that the ending of a movie should have more than some cryptic dialog and then a scene that looks like a promo for United Airlines. But all in all it was a good movie.


I did notice a steady stream of people exiting the new California Adventure theme park. They all seemed to be excited and happy. I know I was jealous as all get out. Good things come to those who wait, and I only need to wait 19 days for my time in the sun.


Sunday was what I affectionately refer to as a "lethargy day", a term pioneered back at the dorms in college. Lethargy days are those days when you don't go anywhere and if at all possible, don't even get dressed. After a week like last week, I was long overdue.

Edmunds has redesigned their site. Hooray! Check it out and tell them what you think in their Town Hall.


I'm taking a much-needed break tomorrow. See you all on Monday.

Dave Haber gets another Daily Update mention for sending me the link to the uber-cool D.FILM Moviemaker Beta. It allows you to customize flash elements to make your own movie. It is good for a few yucks.


Today's recommended therapy for a rainy/dreary/upheaval day:


1. Download the Karaoke version of Nancy Sinatra's seminal classic "These Boots are Made For Walking"


2. Sing the following:

You keep saying you got somethin' for me

Something you call love, but confess

You been a-messin' where you shouldn't-a been a-messin'

And now | someone else is gettin' all your best

CHORUS:

These boots are made for walkin'

And that's just what they'll do

One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you

You keep lying when you oughta be truthin'

You keep losing when you oughta not bet

You keep samin' when you oughta be changin'

Now what's | right is right but you ain't been right yet

(CHORUS)

You keep playing where you shouldn't be playing

And you keep thinkin' that you'll never get burned. Ha.

I just found me a brand new box of matches

And | what he knows you ain't had time to learn

(CHORUS)

3. Close your eyes and let all your troubles go away.

Thanks to Dan Goldwasser for finding the music and lyrics.

In less than one month, Disney's California Adventure opens to the public. The lucky people over at MousePlanet.com have already been inside and have a gaggle of pics and some early reviews. I've liked MousePlanet since the olden days when it was just Al's Disneyland Information Guide. I don't agree with all the sassy comments they make regarding what is going on at the resort - I prefer just the facts and no editorial - but they do a great job and cover all the bases. As good as the site is, it is nice to see that now that the park is open, they are eating some crow and actually saying positive things about the park now that it is open. While the park was in development, most of the comments were negative - with a few good ones sprinkled here and there.


I, the lowly annual passholder, have to wait until the preview on February 3rd. If I feel motivated, I'll snap a few pics. At the very least, I will give a full report in my Daily Update. Any of you heading to an earlier preview and need some company, drop me a line.

Last night at Rite-Aid, I went to get some ice cream. I couldn't decide between Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Fortunately, the folks of Ben and Jerry's are one step ahead of me. They have created "Zany Flavors" which combine two other flavors into one. Lucky me, they had the combo of the two flavors I wanted. Unfortunately kozmo.com does not carry it, so you have to get out of the house to get some.


In a bizarre Clapper incident, I sneezed and the thing went on. Another time, I was playing some music and it went off. Snapping seems to be the preferred method, but I personally take great satisfaction out of annoying the neighbors with random claps now and then.

If you like the Geography (and I know you do) then you must check out the Degree Confluence Project. I think I need to go out and get a GPS unit and go on a series of road trips.


Two very different movies I saw recently both gave me the same feeling. Scary Movie was funny in spotty places, but overall felt like it was about 2 years late. The Cell was an interesting visual composition, but it was dragged down by some horrific acting by Jennifer Lopez. She was good in Selena. What happened?? The Cell was also fun to see because I was at Warner Hollywood Studios when they were filming the movie and it was a treat to see two scenes that I distinctly remember them filming. The first one is when Jennifer sees the little boy on the stairway from afar when she first goes into the killer's mind. The second was the Cherry Blossom "Jennifer's Mind" scene near the end.

One of the biggest complaints that I received over the past holiday season, was that its extremely difficult to buy me anything. To aid everyone out there, I have created an Amazon.com Wish List. Now you can all shop for me to your heart's content.


The Clapper saga continues. It looks like there is a limited range to the sensor, but I suspect that it has to do with the sound dynamics of the room.


One of the coolest stories of the new year was the mysterious monolith that appeared in Seattle. Of course since I first heard about it, it has disappeared from the planet. Maybe we just were not ready to make contact. I guess we have to wait until 2010.

Last night we installed the Clapper. Just a note: It is not as easy as the old lady in the commercial makes it out to be. You just can't do clap-clap. It's more like Clap-Pause-Clap-Pause-Pause and then the light comes on. Of course if you are in the three-clap outlet it is Clap-Pause-Clap-Pause-Clap-Pause-Pause to get it to work. Other sounds that seem to trigger the Clapper are snaps, African Click languages and other misc sounds that follow the pattern.


Oh yes, and I am mondo-disappointed that the Jarre Webcast didn't work. Oh well here's hoping someone has a videotape and puts some media files on a server!!

Alex, Billy, Roger, and I joined Joe and Susie up in Santa Barbara for New Year's festivities. We started at a Mexican restaurant on State Street (which is the central club/shopping/anything-fun-to-do street in Santa Babs). After everyone was good and full, we proceeded to check out what the various bars on the street had to offer. Most of them were charging $20 for overpriced drinks and noisemakers. Chaos and Joe informed us that most of the time, the same places charge at most 3 bucks, and that is if you can't strike a deal with the bouncer. We finally found a place that had no cover charge. We figured that even if it was dead, we could still get $20 bucks worth of drinks per person and still be ahead. Luckily there were people inside and the bartender was making potent drinks (85% vodka 15% 7Up).


After a couple drinks and some scandalous behavior by the locals (someone not in our group was getting some action by the jukebox), we headed down to the beach for a spifforific(tm) fireworks demo. A quick hello to the homeless guy singing in the stall at the beach restrooms. The fireworks lasted a full 10 minutes with no pauses and a great finale. After that, it was back to the bar (thanks to bouncer Kevin who let us back in without paying - by this time our bar was charging as well). By 1:30 we were ready to go and headed back to the hotel to crash. It was a fun New Year's but upon pondering the last 10 years worth of New Year's, I am left with a gap. Lookee see below:


1990-1995 Disneyland

1995-6 ???

1996/7 Disneyland

1997/8 Club Universe

1998/9 Dad's House

1999/2000 The crazy disco Hollywood sign affair

2000/1 Santa Barbara



So I am trying to figure out where I was Dec 31, 1995. It's easy to say I was at Disneyland, but I am not certain. So all of you out there if you know where I was on that date, let me know. It's been bugging me for days now.