Castle Shima

The rule is: jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today.
-- Lewis Carroll

::: Tower View :::
It Will Be Alright In The End
Its New Year's Eve. Time to start all over again. Sort of.

I was told the next year should be interesting. That sounded omnious to me, but thats just my warped sense of things. After all, its the people and events in our lives that make things interesting. The year just happens to be along for the ride.

Everyone stay safe and get ready for tomorrow.

What Happens Tomorrow by Duran Duran

**********

************************************************
Pushed to the ground,
Enmity gauged,
United by fear.
Forced to endure what I could not forgive
************************************************

I've come to ask if you'd like to join my Owsla. We shall be glad to have you and I know you would like it. You've been feeling tired, haven't you? If you're ready, we might go along now.
-- The Black Rabbit from Watership Down

::: Tower View :::
Watch Me Navigate
Its almost the end of the year. Usually by this time, we take stock on what we've done for these past twelve months.

I'm not sure if I've actually accomplished anything of any major significance, but I do know that things have changed somewhat. Its what I told myself at the end of last year. Perhaps I cant measure what those changes are, but I can feel it.

Physically and mentally. For good and bad.

So I took another pass at filling the memory box. The pictures of beach walks, the images of dancing on the greens, and even the ones of wading ducks. Time to put them away and go forward.

Off we go then, hm?

Feels Good Inc by Gorillaz

**********

************************************************
Pushed to the ground,
Enmity gauged,
United by fear.
Forced to endure what I could not forgive
************************************************

People only have substance within the memories of other people. And thats why there were all kinds of me's.
-- Lain from Serial Experiments: Lain

::: Tower View :::
Keep You In The Dark
There is just something about a live concert. The energy that it can bring to everyone has always amazed me. For just those few moments, the whole world and everything in it is in harmony, especially when the entire crowd is singing along with the band.

You cant help it. You just have to sing along. Even if its just a recording.

I broke down and bought Foo Fighters: Live At Wembley Stadium. Hearing the crowds and the music, I could still feel power that the music and audience gave. Especially when I had the theater system up abit too loud. Heh.

The Pretender by Foo Fighters

**********

************************************************
Pushed to the ground,
Enmity gauged,
United by fear.
Forced to endure what I could not forgive
************************************************

Akane: How's this, Ranma? What do you think? A little too much you think?
Ranma: Nah, I'm actually really glad I asked you.
Akane: You are?
Ranma: Oh yeah. Look at it. Jolly green giant meltdown. If you had been cooking, we'd all be in the hospital by now.
-- from Ranma 1/2: Tendo Family Christmas Scramble

::: Tower View :::
Maligayang Pasko
What can I say?



My sentiments exactly. Shoot me now. Heh...
**********

************************************************
Pushed to the ground,
Enmity gauged,
United by fear.
Forced to endure what I could not forgive
************************************************

Cindy Lou Who: Santa, dont forget the Grinch. I know he's mean and hairy and smelly and his hands are cold and clammy, but I think he's kind of... sweet.
Grinch: Sweet?! You think he's sweet? Cute kid. Bad judge of character.
-- from How The Grinch Stole Christmas (film)

::: Tower View :::
I Got Your Log Right Here
I think I have more in common with the Grinch as opposed to Scrooge. Bah humbug.



Have a Merry Christmas, all! And to all, a good night.


**********

************************************************
Pushed to the ground,
Enmity gauged,
United by fear.
Forced to endure what I could not forgive
************************************************

Birth is the sudden opening of a window, through which you look out upon a stupendous prospect. For what has happened? A miracle. You have exchanged nothing for the possibility of everything.
-- from William MacNeile Dixon

::: Tower View :::
Beginnings From One End To Another
First, I want to thank everyone for all the kind wishes. Everyone was absolutley brilliant. So in that regard, let me say this:



Second, how ironic that I've become an uncle.. err.. second cousin.. umm.. innocent bystander. So world, this is Ike. Ike, the world.


Dont worry, Ike. They arent all that bad.
**********

************************************************
Pushed to the ground,
Enmity gauged,
United by fear.
Forced to endure what I could not forgive
************************************************

Jeff: Your wife is a lovely lady.
Walter: She's getting old.
Jeff: Well, women age like fine wine.
Walter: She's aging like milk.
-- from Arguing With Myself

::: Tower View :::
What The Hell Is Call ID?
A happy birthday goes out to the Mermaid who just so happens to share the same idea as me: we refuse to grow up. Ha!

Whats My Age Again? by Blink-182

**********

************************************************
Pushed to the ground,
Enmity gauged,
United by fear.
Forced to endure what I could not forgive
************************************************

I was so sick of that song I was ready to Mmmbop the cd right out of the house.
-- Bill Engvall

::: Tower View :::
Do You Know Why I Die?
During a recent conversation, I was told to turn in my man card for saying I liked a few songs from Hanson. Granted, they are most known for Mmmbop, but I'm not afraid to admit that was a catchy little tune.

So I blame Shylie for this. Here's the proof that the band does have a decent amount of musical talent.

This Time Around by Hanson



The acoustic version of Mmmbop is pretty good, but I'll be damned if I understand all the lyrics.


**********

************************************************
Pushed to the ground,
Enmity gauged,
United by fear.
Forced to endure what I could not forgive
************************************************

In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods. They have not forgotten this.
-- Terry Pratchett

::: Tower View :::
The Ancient Radiation

Frank Sinatra by Cake

**********

************************************************
Pushed to the ground,
Enmity gauged,
United by fear.
Forced to endure what I could not forgive
************************************************

If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again.
-- Flavia Weedn

::: Tower View :::
Tabula Rasa

What I've Done by Linkin Park

**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

I only leave the house when it's raining. Or when I'm running low on milk.
-- Konstantinos from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

::: Tower View :::
Flying Turkeys
I did the annual Turkey Ride on Thurs and actually brought the good camera with me. It was a great ride especially with the 30 degree weather. There is just something about riding in cold weather that I enjoy. Add on the fact that we had to ride the local ferry as part of the event was a huge plus.


The view was brilliant despite the winds. Low tide always made for a great picture.


Sarah had the best story for the day. Her $3000 bike frame was destroyed during the MS Bike ride. She had hit an object and crashed on the road. The cyclist behind her had ran over the frame and kept going. This proved that cyclists dont get any respect, even from other cyclists.


It broke my heart seeing the frame. I had wanted to get an Orbea Orca frame, but had opted for the new car instead.

Sarah kept an optimistic view when she talked about getting a new frame and attaching her components. She said All I need is a frame and a screw.

I bit my tongue.
**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

I do wish we could chat longer, but I'm having an old friend for dinner. Bye.
-- Hannibal Lector from Silence of the Lambs

::: Tower View :::
Dinner Time
Centuries ago, sailors on long voyages used to leave a pair of pigs on every deserted island. Or they'd leave a pair of goats.

Either way, on any future visit, the island would be a source of meat. These islands, they were pristine. These were home to breeds of birds with no natural predators. Breeds of birds that lived nowhere else on earth. The plants there, without enemies they evolved without thorns or poisons. Without predators and enemies, these islands, they were paradise. The sailors, the next time they visited these islands, the only things still there would be herds of goats or pigs.

Does this remind you of anything? Maybe the old Adam and Eve story?


You ever wonder when God's coming back with a lot of barbecue sauce?
-- Chuck Palahniuk
**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

I am thankful for laughter except when milk comes out of my nose.
-- Woody Allen

::: Tower View :::
Enjoy The Moment For Once
First and foremost, a happy birthday must go out to Starfury! You may actually catch up with me, sir. Ha!

And to all, have a happy Thanksgiving! Be thankful for what we have, not sad for what we dont. Stay safe and stay frosty throughout this holiday season.

Thank U by Alanis Morissette

**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

What I do not give, you must never take by force.
-- The Emperor from Curse of the Golden Flower

::: Tower View :::
Flowers At Dusk
The movie Curse of the Golden Flower has been playing alot on cable tv. Although I already have the dvd, I tend to keep watching it over and over again.

After all, this is one film that simply says Dont ever, ever fuck with Dad.

Chrysanthemum Terrace (Ju Hua Tai) by Jay Chou


From what I understand, the actual translation is Chrysanthemum Flower Bed, but close enough.
**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Count de Monet: I've come of the most urgent of business. It is said that the people are revolting.
King Louis: You said it. They stink on ice!
-- from History of The World: Part 1

::: Tower View :::
Knight Jumps Queen


see more puppies
**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.
-- Gen. Douglas MacArthur

::: Tower View :::
See These Scars

Faint by Linkin Park

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************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength. Move on.
-- Henry Rollins

::: Tower View :::
Sharing The View

Scar Tissue by The Red Hot Chili Peppers

**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

I can teach anybody how to get what they want out of life. The problem is that I can't find anybody who can tell me what they want.
-- Mark Twain

::: Tower View :::
What Was That, Archer?
I know I'm wierd but when the tv show Enterprise mentioned this poem, my curiousity caught me looking. I have to admit its pretty good.

The Song of Wandering Aengus by W.B. Yeats
I went out to the hazel wood,
Because a fire was in my head,
And cut and peeled a hazel wand,
And hooked a berry to a thread;
And when white moths were on the wing,
And moth-like stars were flickering out,
I dropped the berry in a stream
And caught a little silver trout.

When I had laid it on the floor
I went to blow the fire aflame,
But something rustled on the floor,
And some one called me by my name:
It had become a glimmering girl
With apple blossom in her hair
Who called me by my name and ran
And faded through the brightening air.

Though I am old with wandering
Through hollow lads and hilly lands.
I will find out where she has gone,
And kiss her lips and take her hands;
And walk among long dappled grass,
And pluck till time and times are done
The silver apples of the moon,
The golden apples of the sun.
**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold, but so does a hard-boiled egg.
-- Unknown

::: Tower View :::
I See The Footprints

Afterimage by Rush

**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

I feel like I have a hangover, without all the happy memories and mystery bruises.
-- Ellen DeGeneres

::: Tower View :::
Now That I've Found My Reward

Hey Johnny Park! by Foo Fighters

**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Moocher: Since you won that Italian bike, man, you've been acting weird. You're really getting to think you're Italian, aren't you?
Cyril: I wouldn't mind thinking I was someone myself.
-- from Breaking Away

::: Tower View :::
Chain Gangs
Here is today's public service announcement: Cycling can help improve your health and save money. As long as you dont get hit by the jackass driving the car.


**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
-- Douglas Adams

::: Tower View :::
Time And Time Again
I'm still feeling abit acoustic...

Times Like These by Foo Fighters

**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.
-- Steven Wright

::: Tower View :::
Speed Demon
I used to have a kung fu teacher that said speed kills. How fitting.

Too Fast by Jon Lajoie

**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Yasuo: When it's all said and done, the Wired is just a medium of communication and the transfer of information. You mustn't confuse it with the real world. Do you understand what I'm warning you about?
Lain: You're wrong.
Yasuo: Huh?
Lain: The border between the two isnt all that clear. I'll be able to enter it soon.
-- from Serial Experiments: Lain

::: Tower View :::
I Am Fading
I've liked this song ever since I watched Serial Experiments: Lain. If you have never seen the series, the easiest way to explain it is that Lain, a high school student, becomes trapped between her identity in the real world and the one within "The Wired." For her, reality may be nothing more than a digital imprint.

Duvet by Boa


While the series can be classified as really wierd, the song fit the storyline.
**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

This is blood for blood and by the gallon. These are the old days! The bad days! The all or nothing days! They're back!
-- Marv From Sin City

::: Tower View :::
The Big Fat Kill
Video games, Happy Tree Friends style...


**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Dharma: Honey, are you OK?
Greg: I'm fine. I'm just lying here trying to decide whether your father is a hole surrounded by ass.
-- From Dharma & Greg

::: Tower View :::
Contact Zens
And now for something completely different...

Those who see worldly life as an obstacle to Dharma
See no Dharma in everyday actions.
They have not yet discovered that
There are no everyday actions outside of Dharma.
By Dogen
**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Merciful Father, I have squandered my days with plans of many things. This was not among them. But at this moment, I beg only to live the next few minutes well.
-- Ibn from The 13th Warrior

::: Tower View :::
Bitter Cold Within
For some reason, I've always liked the accoustic version of this song rather than the electronic, dance version.

Days Go By by Dirty Vegas

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************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Never do anything against conscience, even if the state demands it.
-- Albert Einstein

::: Tower View :::
State of Confusion
The funny part is probably the only way I could ever remember any of the state capitals.



Hat tip to Adnil.
**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Colonel James: You never served in the military, did you, Mr Rago?
Bill: No. My military experience is limited to the day that I walked for hours in the rain from Arlington Cemetary to the White House carrying the name of the soldier who died needlessly in Vietnam.
Colonel James: Do you remember the soldier's name?
Bill: Umm... No...
-- from Renaissance Man

::: Tower View :::
Bleed With Me
No matter how you feel about the military, please remember the price for freedom is not free. To the soldier, it isnt about dying for a rag on a pole, but fighting for what they feel is right.


**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Life is short. Dont waste time worrying about what people think of you. Hold on to the ones that care. In the end they will be the only ones there.
-- Unknown

::: Tower View :::
Days Gone Past
I had forgotten how quirky Colin Hay was back in the 80s. Still, he is one of those original artists whose music has lasted the decades.

Hold Me by Colin Hay

**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Claudia: You were ambushed by elves?
Sean: Yeah yeah. Santa's elves. The fat bastard sicced them on me.
Claudia: But your dad is Santa.
Sean: Yeah and he's a fat bastard.
-- from Grounded For Life

::: Tower View :::
Aw Damn


**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

The hookers of New York City are offering their "Obama Special." Fifty dollars and you get change.
-- David Letterman

::: Tower View :::
Some Things Never Change
No matter the event or situation, we always seem to haze the new guy.


**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Don't drop me fellas. I'm worth a million dollars.
-- Shark from Any Given Sunday

::: Tower View :::
Bring The Pain Baby!
I had forgotten about Terry Tate. We need one of these guys at our office. Heh...


**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Remember in elementary school you were told that in case of fire you have to line up quietly in a single file from smallest to tallest? What is the logic in that? What? Do tall people burn slower?
-- Warren Hutcherson

::: Tower View :::
Light Em Up
I first read this poem back in high school, oh so many moons ago. For some odd reason, it came to mind today.

Fire And Ice by Robert Frost
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

The problem with political jokes is they get elected.
-- Henry Cate

::: Tower View :::
And There's The Crew
I really should have posted this earlier in the week, but it still fits today, especially after the ephoria many were in today.

From Richard Jeni's A Big Steaming Pile of Me.

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************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

The next time they give you all that civic bullshit about voting, keep in mind that Hitler was elected in a full, free democratic election.
-- George Carlin

::: Tower View :::
Poll Dance
So today is Election Day or as someone put it, Choose Day.


Yes its very important for every citizen to voice their choice, but sometimes the whole process makes me wonder. For example, check out this video from the debate in Quahog, Rhode Island.

Scott Kurtz from PVP Online has the right idea.
**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

How clever you are, my dear! You never mean a single word you say.
-- Oscar Wilde

::: Tower View :::
Say Say Say
This is one of the best songs that I was introduced to through Rock Band. Apparently for the lead singer, Karen O, this is one of her more mello songs.

Maps by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

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************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned for Sega.
-- Brodie from Mallrats

::: Tower View :::
Snoogins!
Kevin Smith's new film Zack And Miri Make A Porno opened this weekend. I hadnt had a chance to catch it yet, but I will see it. Oh yes, I will see it.

So until then, here is a vid for one of Smith's earlier films, Mallrats.

Build Me Up Buttercup by The Goops

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************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.
-- from Albert Einstein

::: Tower View :::
Staring Blindly Into Space
I always loved this song. Time to jam!

25 or 6 to 4 by Chicago

**********

************************************************
Windmill, Windmill for the land.
Turn forever hand in hand.
Take it all in on your stride.
It is sinking, falling down
************************************************

Steve: You know Teague. He won't take "Go to Hell" for an answer.
Diane: What are you going to do?
Steve: I'm gonna give him directions.
-- from Poltergeist

::: Tower View :::
This House Is Clean
Happy Halloween, all...

more animals

Stay safe. Stay frosty. Stay away from the TV.
**********

************************************************
A little bit of disregard
Handful of complaints
But I can’t help the fact
That everyone can see these scars
************************************************

The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an eggs and ham breakfast. The chicken was 'involved.' The pig was 'committed'.”
-- Unknown

::: Tower View :::
Just Give Me

One Vision by Queen

**********

************************************************
A little bit of disregard
Handful of complaints
But I can’t help the fact
That everyone can see these scars
************************************************

From a certain point of view our real enemy, the true troublemaker, is inside.
-- Tenzin Gyatso

::: Tower View :::
Is It Living Or Just Existence?

The Enemy Within by Rush

**********

************************************************
A little bit of disregard
Handful of complaints
But I can’t help the fact
That everyone can see these scars
************************************************

This has got to be the weirdest day of my life. Well, so far.
-- Mikey from Look Who's Talking

::: Tower View :::
A View Of Things To Come
Family gatherings are typically not my forte. More specifically, gatherings of my family are not my forte. Any reason to have a party and off we go. Tonight was a baby shower combined with a costume party.

I have no idea where they got the idea from, but my cousin, Janey, and her husband Ri (as in Rye) are expecting their first baby in a couple of months. So everyone in the family was invited as well as their church. Thats usually not a bad thing except I always fall into the Giggle Loop whenever one of their pastors or deacons decide to talk. Its gotten to the point where I will stand outside to avoid the blessing of the food (aka the 30 minute speech).

Then, of course, there are the party games my family comes up with. Can you tell me what the frack this is?!


Of course, its chocolate that has been squished in a diaper. There were eight different diapers with different kinds of chocolate. The one that guessed the most won the game. Tasting was recommended.


Jeff Foxworthy said it best: "That's your blood there, ya'll."
**********

************************************************
A little bit of disregard
Handful of complaints
But I can’t help the fact
That everyone can see these scars
************************************************

Stupid is as stupid does.
-- Forrest from Forrest Gump

::: Tower View :::
The Village Idiot Has Relatives
I know this gives unnecessary attention to the stupidity that is PETA, but its funny how PETA is upset about a baseball player's love for SPAM. Not the email type; the pork shoulder kind.

The food stuff that has been around for generations. The kind that was given to soldiers during WWII. The kind that was given to me as a child growing up. And quite frankly I still like it.

So here are some kind words to PETA: Shut the fuck up.

Nugget by Cake

**********

************************************************
A little bit of disregard
Handful of complaints
But I can’t help the fact
That everyone can see these scars
************************************************

Tigers die and leave their skins; people die and leave their names.
-- Japanese Proverb

::: Tower View :::
Hear My Name

Porch by Pearl Jam

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************************************************
A little bit of disregard
Handful of complaints
But I can’t help the fact
That everyone can see these scars
************************************************

Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.
-- Nietzsche

::: Tower View :::
Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes
Who watches the Watchmen, indeed.



Yahoo! Video 'Watchmen' Trailer

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************************************************
A little bit of disregard
Handful of complaints
But I can’t help the fact
That everyone can see these scars
************************************************

But dreams have a nasty habit of going bad when you're not looking. The sun went down with practiced bravado. Twilight crawled across the sky, laden with foreboding.
-- from Max Payne (The Game)

::: Tower View :::
Driving Into The Night
The Max Payne movie comes out soon and I cant wait. In the meantime, here is the theme for the original Max Payne computer game.

Late Goodbye by Poets Of The Fall

**********

************************************************
A little bit of disregard
Handful of complaints
But I can’t help the fact
That everyone can see these scars
************************************************

God is not on the side of the big battalions, but on the side of those who shoot best.
-- Voltaire

::: Tower View :::
Shoot Straight You Bastards

Over The Hills and Far Away by John Tams


Do your duty until your time is up.
**********

************************************************
I'm not giving into security under pressure
I'm not missing out on the promise of adventure
I'm not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes
************************************************

I will see you again, but not yet. Not yet!
-- Juba from Gladiator

::: Tower View :::
Sunrise, Sunset
I've posted this before, but when I heard the news that Drummerboy passed away today from his long term illness, it was the first thing that came to mind.

Shadow of the Day by Linkin Park
I close both locks below the window
I close both blinds and turn away
Sometimes solutions aren't so simple
Sometimes goodbye is the only way

And the sun will set for you
The sun will set for you

And the shadow of the day
Will embrace the world in grey
And the sun will set for you

In cards and flowers on your window
Your friends all plead for you to stay
Sometimes beginnings aren't so simple
Sometimes goodbye is the only way

And the sun will set for you
The sun will set for you

And the shadow of the day
Will embrace the world in grey
And the sun will set for you...



I and the rest of The Fallen will see you again, sir. Just not yet.
**********

************************************************
I'm not giving into security under pressure
I'm not missing out on the promise of adventure
I'm not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes
************************************************

Know how sublime a thing it is - To suffer and be strong.
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

::: Tower View :::
Pain And Suffering
This past weekend was the big event of the year; the MS Bike ride. With over 2,300 cyclists participating, its the main event that Team Blue trains for. Its what we hurt ourselves over for and struggle to complete.

And in the end, the accomplishment outweighs the pain.

Then you end up with silly little stories like this one. Apologies must go out to Peter King, the NFL writer for Sports Illustrated, for "borrowing" the title.

The 10 Things I Think I Know -- 2008 MS Bike Ride Edition
1. The predominant cycling announcer, Phil Liggett, has always said that "Cycling is all about the suffering." This probably explains this year's most said comment: "My ass hurts!"

2. The most used high tech device used this year: the plastic freezer bag.

3. This is because its now a requirement that the last 15 miles must be ridden during a huge rain storm of biblical proportions.

4. One rider earned the name "Captain Nemo" for having to take their recumbant bike thru all the flooded streets. It was so bad that there was actually water inside the frame and it had to be drained.

5. If you ever want to have fun, when a cyclist comes into the finish area after riding thru a torrential downpour, ask him if they would like a bottle of water.

6. If you ever need to get your heart rate up, try almost dropping your wallet through an open hole while going over a bridge.

7. I can do without seeing yet another PB&J sandwich until next season.

8. The snowcone flavours were actually kind of bad this year. Root Beer?!

9. The Powerade was an excellent idea for Day One. Too bad we drank it all so there was none left for Day Two.

10. The pain and suffering we go thru for this is nothing when compared to the folks who have to deal with their MS throughout their life. Its no wonder cyclists want to keep going despite crashing across a metal grate bridge.

Cheers, mates.

Time to get ready for next season.
**********

************************************************
I'm not giving into security under pressure
I'm not missing out on the promise of adventure
I'm not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes
************************************************

I have the right to breathe. Everything else is a bonus.
-- Unknown

::: Tower View :::
Do I Dare

Breath After Breath by Duran Duran

**********

************************************************
I'm not giving into security under pressure
I'm not missing out on the promise of adventure
I'm not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes
************************************************

Some people say that cats are sneaky, evil, and cruel. True, and they have many other fine qualities as well.
-- Unknown

::: Tower View :::
Stealthy, Fuzzy Bastard


**********

************************************************
I'm not giving into security under pressure
I'm not missing out on the promise of adventure
I'm not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes
************************************************

One out of four people in this country is mentally unbalanced. Think of your three closest friends. If they seem OK, then you're the one.
-- Ann Landers

::: Tower View :::
Four by Four Relay
Adnil sent this out so this is her fault. She totally twisted my arm on this. Yeah. Thats it. *Cough*

1. Four places that I go to over and over: Work, Gym, Soccer Field, Bike Trail

2. Four of my favorite places to eat: Bamboo Garden, McDonald's, Chun King, Pancintan

3. Four places Where I'd rather be: Las Vegas, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong

4. Four TV shows I watch: Law & Order: Criminial Intent, Bizarre Foods, Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State
**********

************************************************
I'm not giving into security under pressure
I'm not missing out on the promise of adventure
I'm not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes
************************************************

It needs but one foe to breed a war, and those who have not swords can still die upon them.
-- J.R.R. Tolkien

::: Tower View :::
Choices
Sometimes you dont get a choice in the matter. Sometimes you do what is required, whether you like it or not.


Never forget those that didnt have a choice. Never forget those that choose willingly.
**********

************************************************
I'm not giving into security under pressure
I'm not missing out on the promise of adventure
I'm not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes
************************************************

Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself makes you fearless.
-- Lao Tzu

::: Tower View :::
Live Proud

Fearless (Huo Yuan Jia) by Jay Chou

**********

************************************************
I'm not giving into security under pressure
I'm not missing out on the promise of adventure
I'm not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes
************************************************

I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom.
-- Thomas Carlyle

::: Tower View :::
If I Only Could

Running Up That Hill by Placebo

**********

************************************************
Alone we live and die
We love and fight
Breath after breath
We carry this mortal coil
************************************************

I am a prison for sperm. Those poor little tadpoles have been sentenced to life in Jeff Murdock's groin.
-- Jeff from Coupling

::: Tower View :::
Swimmers
Parents tend to know when their kids are heading to greatness when they are pretty young. Case in point...


Hat tip to Hoyt for this.
**********

************************************************
Alone we live and die
We love and fight
Breath after breath
We carry this mortal coil
************************************************

I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window.
-- Steven Wright

::: Tower View :::
Play Time


more cat pictures
**********

************************************************
Alone we live and die
We love and fight
Breath after breath
We carry this mortal coil
************************************************

Ocean: A body of water occupying two-thirds of a world made for man, who has no gills.
-- Ambrose Bierce

::: Tower View :::
Wetworks

We Will Rock You by Waterboy

**********

************************************************
Alone we live and die
We love and fight
Breath after breath
We carry this mortal coil
************************************************

The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

::: Tower View :::
The Clouds All Scatter

Sound of Thunder/Hold Back The Rain by Duran Duran

**********

************************************************
Alone we live and die
We love and fight
Breath after breath
We carry this mortal coil
************************************************

Enthusiasm is everything. It must be taut and vibrating like a guitar string.
-- Pele

::: Tower View :::
Kick To The Head
Here is a rare photo of the intermural soccer group. There is actually nearly 70 of us, but only a few that can make it for the lunch time games.


I cant wait til the season starts again. Heh.
**********

************************************************
Alone we live and die
We love and fight
Breath after breath
We carry this mortal coil
************************************************

Death often weighs heavier on us by its weight on others and pains us by their pain almost as much as by our own, and sometimes even more.
-- Montaigne

::: Tower View :::
Panegyric
For Clan Roma

The Pallid Wreath by Walt Whitman
Somehow I cannot let it go yet, funeral though it is,
Let it remain back there on its nail suspended,
With pink, blue, yellow, all blanch'd, and the white now gray
and ashy,
One wither'd rose put years ago for thee, dear friend;
But I do not forget thee. Hast thou then faded?
Is the odor exhaled? Are the colors, vitalities, dead?
No, while memories subtly play--the past vivid as ever;
For but last night I woke, and in that spectral ring saw thee,
Thy smile, eyes, face, calm, silent, loving as ever:
So let the wreath hang still awhile within my eye-reach,
It is not yet dead to me, nor even pallid.
**********

************************************************
Alone we live and die
We love and fight
Breath after breath
We carry this mortal coil
************************************************

Vincent: You know, I'm getting kinda tired. I could use a foot massage myself.
Jules: Man, you best back off. I'm getting a little pissed here.
-- from Pulp Fiction

::: Tower View :::
Frack Em If They Can't Take A Joke
Ever make a funny or goofy face while someone was taking a picture? I used to do it alot as a kid, even as a teenager.

Supposedly I'm more mature nowadays. Right.








Hat tip to Fury for these great pics.
**********

************************************************
Alone we live and die
We love and fight
Breath after breath
We carry this mortal coil
************************************************

To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping
-- Chinese Proverb

::: Tower View :::
Trip To Memory Lane
In the past, I've never really cared too much about the Olympics, but I've really enjoyed them this time around.

Perhaps since its in China, that was a natural interest to me. Perhaps its because I'm more into athletics than I was in the past, especially with cycling, soccer, and volleyball. Perhaps its the chance of seeing history in the making. Case in point: Michael Phelps trying to win eight gold medals.

Whatever the reason, there will be some memories that I will carry with me.

Speaking of which, here is an unforgettable ad that the BBC ran just before the Olympics began.

Journey To the West by The Gorillaz

**********

************************************************
Alone we live and die
We love and fight
Breath after breath
We carry this mortal coil
************************************************

Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.
-- Buddha

::: Tower View :::
Awake And Unafraid

Famous Last Words by My Chemical Romance

**********

************************************************
Alone we live and die
We love and fight
Breath after breath
We carry this mortal coil
************************************************

He must be very ignorant for he answers every question he is asked.
-- Voltaire

::: Tower View :::
Ignorance Is Bliss
Yeah, some days are just like this.


more cat pictures
**********

************************************************
Alone we live and die
We love and fight
Breath after breath
We carry this mortal coil
************************************************

In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move.
-- from The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams

::: Tower View :::
Explaining Myself
Although I tend to have road rage, its pretty much calmed down over the years. But then again, my stories simply dont compare to other stories out there.

I rear-ended the car in front of me. I admit that. It was my fault.

So, we both pull over to the side of the road, and slowly the driver of the car I hit gets out of his car. . and you know how you just-get-sooo-stressed... and life...sometimes life seems like... suddenly funny?

Well, the driver of the car I hit is a DWARF! He gets out of his car and I get out of my car. He is frowning and scowling and he storms over to me. Right up close to me he looks up in my face and says,

"I AM NOT HAPPY!"

I don't know what possessed me, officer, but I looked down at him and I said,
"Well, if you're not Happy -- which one are you?"

And that's when the fight started...

Good thing this wasnt me. Heh. I would have made a comment about the guy having a short fuse.

Hat tip to Tigress for this.
**********

************************************************
Alone we live and die
We love and fight
Breath after breath
We carry this mortal coil
************************************************

If you worried about falling off the bike, you’d never get on.
-- Lance Armstrong

::: Tower View :::
After The Ride
Things have been pretty hectic lately, but the one thing that I did get enjoy was this year's Tour de France. Personally, I felt this year would have been a farce when Astana, the top team with the current TDF champion, wasnt invited for political reasons.

Despite it all, the Tour was still a most exciting, memorable event. For the first time in memory, there were two top American teams in the Tour. One of them, Team Columbia, won 5 of the 20 stages.

There was John-Lee Augustyn's attack on the highest mountain, only to crash over the side on the decent. The scene of Augustyn climbing back up the side, then peering back over to see his bicycle still sliding down the mountain.

Through it all, Carlos Sastre, the ever quiet, consistent Spaniard took the lead with his attack on the legendary mountain, the Alpe D'Huez. Then with the final time trial, with everything up grabs, the favorite, Cadel Evans, couldnt close the difference between him and Sastre.

So for the second year, Cadel came in second behind a Spaniard.

As much as I enjoyed this year's Tour, there still must be a Lance Armstrong sighting.



Feed the Warrior!
**********

************************************************
Can you see
My eyes are shining bright
Cause I'm out here on the other side
Of a jet black hotel mirror
************************************************

Questions are never indiscreet. Answers sometimes are.
-- Publilius Syrus

::: Tower View :::
Enigma


From Tiny Ghosts.
**********

************************************************
Can you see
My eyes are shining bright
Cause I'm out here on the other side
Of a jet black hotel mirror
************************************************

Michelle: How did a little perv like you turn into such a great guy?
Jim: How did a little nympho like you turn into such a great girl?
Michelle: Well, I'm still a nympho.
Jim: Well, I'm still a perv.
-- from American Wedding

::: Tower View :::
Nuptials
So I had a memorable trip this past weekend when an old friend of mine, Doombringer, got married. We have known each other since the college years when we worked at different video game stores. Then there were the times when I was his wingman when we did the club scene. Those are stories for another time.

He and his bride live in another state so unless I wanted to drive days to get there, I was flying. Especially since they had asked me to be part of the wedding party.

So I was abit irritable when I arrived at the airport 8a Friday morning for a 9:45a flight that was cancelled with no warning. I was offered the standby flight at 2:45p, but there was no luck since it was completely full. It didnt really matter since there were ten of us on standby.

Which left the 7:30p flight and guaranteed that I was going to miss rehersal as well as dinner.

The departure time turned into 8p due to weather from the arriving plane. Then 8:15p. Then 8:30p. Then 9p when there was a mechanical issue with the plane. Then 9:30p. Then 10p. Then 11p.

When the plane finally arrived, we left in just under 20 mins and got to my destination at 1:30a Sat morning.

It was supposed to be a 2 hour flight.

Nevertheless, I arrived and everything went along swimmingly. The typical wedding things occurred just as expected. The bride and her party were 20 mins late coming back from their hair appointment. One groomsman didnt show up, which worked out for me because it let me walk with two bridemaids.


The young ringbearer kept pulling on the young flowergirl because he wanted to run down the aisle. She in turn would pull him back so he wouldnt run. It ended up being a tug of war in the middle of the aisle for a few minutes.


The ceremony went well. The reception was fine with all the dancing, laughing, smiling, and cake smearing.

After the reception, we all went to an Irish pub, which is something I hadnt done in quite some time. It was also ironic that I was the oldest one there, but the one that danced the most. Ahh, the miracle of Gatorade.

The whole trip was an experience. I met some really good people in the brides maids, groomsmen, and family members. It was funny that in each airport, I met a teacher; the math teacher heading out to party with his friends and then Miss Hall out of Knoxville who was going on vacation with her family.

But the biggest experience was getting to be part of a joyous occasion in something as simple as an hour long ceremony. The happiness it generated only proves that there is hope for humanity.

Congrats to you DB and H! Keep smiling and laughing. Let us know when the wee ones are coming. Heh.


**********

************************************************
Can you see
My eyes are shining bright
Cause I'm out here on the other side
Of a jet black hotel mirror
************************************************