Academy of Sciences

Ok, ok so we didn't make it in to the Academy of Sciences, but one day we will and that's the good part; that's something to look forward to.

To pass the time we strolled along and admired the art work that was set up in one of the clearings near the music pavillion and listened to an elderly Chinese man

playing the morin khur (horse headed violin/Mongolian bowed instrument) while another man (not with him) was pulling off some cool acrobatics.

The sun was warm and welcoming despite it being November 23rd and on days like these there is no other option but to venture outdoors and absorb the rays that will soon become rare instances as brother fog descends and strengthens its hold over them.

Amador Wine Country

It had been just over a year since the last visit to Amador Wine Country. This time we took some friends along for the ride and for some great wine tasting. About an hour East of Sacramento Plymouth welcomed us with beautiful rolling hills, mild weather and a delicious sampling of their excellent wine production. With complimentary tastings, an impressive food spread at Amador, delightful sparkling wines at Karmere (peach, almond and raspberry, you guys!) and great friends to share this with, how can one go wrong?

Here we are in the Dobra Zemlja caves. Photo taken by a cool guy named Arnold, I think! More pictures coming soon.

Samhain at work, because we're cool like that!

Not that I had anything to do with it! Buahahahahahaha!

These are some of the participants in the "Laurel Heights Door Decorating" Contest.

For more scary pictures, see my photo album!! Oooooh, spooky!This is where the costume contest will happen...15 minutes to go!

Truly terrifying!

Preching to the choir

Democracy is not average people selecting average leaders. It is average people with the wisdom to select the best prepared. Facts are powerful!!
Obama/Biden vs McCain/Palin, what if things were switched around?.....think about it.
Would the country's collective point of view be different?
Could racism be the culprit?
Ponder the following:

What if the Obamas had paraded five children across the stage, including a three month old infant and an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter?

What if John McCain was a former president of the Harvard Law Review?

What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?

What if McCain had only married once, and Obama was a divorcee?

What if Obama was the candidate who left his first life after a severe disfiguring car accident, when she no onger measured up to his standards?

What if Obama had met his second wife in a bar and had a long affair while he was still married?

What if Michelle Obama was the wife who not only became addicted to pain killers but also acquired them illegally through her charitable organization?

What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?

What if Obama had been a member of the Keating Five? (The Keating Five were five United States Senators accused of corruption in 1989, igniting a major political scandal as part of the larger Savings and Loan crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s.)

What if Obama was the one who had military experience that included discipline problems and a record of crashing seven planes?

What if Obama was the one who was known to display publicly, on many occasions, a serious anger management problem?

What if Michelle Obama's family had made their money from beer distribution?

Educational Background:
Barack Obama:
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations. Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude

Joseph Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and BA. in Political Science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)

vs.

John McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899

Sarah Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism

Education isn't everything, but this is about the two highest offices in the land as well as our standing in the world.

You make the call!

Bouldering...who knew?

You've heard of the indoor rock walls the intrepid, brave, the ones who don't know any better take on for the thrill of it, right? Well, R and I decided to head out to Planet Granite in Chrissy Field to see what it's all about. Turns out that before you can head on up those massive indoor rock walls you have to take several classes - smart move. In the meantime you can perfect your grip and falls over in the bouldering area. All I have to say is I'm thankful for the big and strategically placed mats provided since amateurs like me spent much time plopping onto them *splat*!

Ok, I'm up here, now what?

R - Like he's been doing it his whole life...well he has, kinda...

No net, no rope, no broken bones, huzzah!


Having a "rock"ing good time!

Bouldering...who knew?