11/30/04 (04:30 PM) -- Still No time!  [Music: "What You Waiting For?" by Gwen Stefani  I  Mood: Rushed]

Still have no time to write ... will try to do so tomorrow.  -- Michael

11/29/04 (04:00 PM) -- No time!  [Music: "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson  I  Mood: Rushed]

I have no time to write today.  I'll try to do so tomorrow.  -- Michael

11/28/04 (02:30 AM) -- We are freakin' tied!!!  [Music: "Invincible" by Pat Benatar  I  Mood: Rockin']

DUUUUUUUDE ... they are showing The Legend of Billie Jean right now on TV!!!  For anyone who grew up in The C.C. during the 80s, that movie is a classic!  Man, I haven't seen this movie in FOR-E-VER!  It's funny to see how some of the things have changed.  Like the 'ol Texas Smokehouse Barbeque that used to be on the corner of Carroll Ln. and S.P.I.D..  Now it is a Saturn dealership.  Haha, the funny thing is the scene in the Sunrise Mall.  That place HASN'T changed in like twenty years!  It's SO chat!

Okay, now on to the A&M game.  Haha, is there really anything to say about it?  Haha, we beat them again!  So to A.J., Marcus, James, Marissa, and all the gomers that were talkin' shit this week ... Y'all Aggies suck!!!  Haha, it was great to see another Texas win.  I'm hoping it will be enough to pass California in the BCS standing.  Who knows?  It should get pretty interesting though.  If we pass Cal we will most likely go to the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe (Phoenix), AZ.  If not, then we will go to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.  Regardless though, it felt great to beat A&M again.  I love it!

Okay, so now on to the College Pick 'em game!!!  I cannot believe how it turned out.  This weekend was the last weekend of the game.  I cannot even fathom the statistical anomaly that has taken place.  After 13 weeks of picking, Ryan and I are FREAKIN' TIED!  Out of a possible 2227 points, both of us tied with 1953!  Seriously y'all, it is amazing that we tied.  I was up a VERY small 6 points going into this last weekend.  And Ryan actually gained the 6 points on me.  I can't believe it.  I have never lost 6 points in one week all season, and in the last damn week he picked them up.  He had the lead for the first few weeks of the season, we were tied by the second weekend of October, and I have led since.  He and I were pretty surprised how it turned out.  He and I will discuss the options on how to handle it.  Either we will have a tie-breaker pick off, or we will split the pot.  It should be interesting to see how it turns out.

The last few days have been okay.  Wednesday night was fun.  Thanksgiving was also good times.  I tested out the new ankle this afternoon.  I took easy.  Obviously I don't want to wreck it again.  But it felt so good to get out in the sun and move for a bit.  I need to build its strength back up.  Okay, I am going to finish watching the movie now.  Talk to y'all later!  -- Michael

11/27/04 (11:00 PM) -- Crazy BCS!  [Music: "Vertigo" by U2  I  Mood: Confused]

The BCS is crazy.  I have no idea how it is going to turn out.  I'll write more tomorrow.  -- Michael

11/26/04 (11:00 AM) -- A&M Sucks!  [Music: "Texas Fight" by Texas Longhorn Band  I  Mood: Pumped]

#6 (#5 BCS) Texas Longhorns vs. #22 (#19 BCS) Texas A&M Aggies @ 2:30 PM on ABC

Happy Birthday Jonathan Carrillo!

11/25/04 (09:10 PM) -- I am SOO full!  [Music: "I Go Back" by Kenny Chesney  I  Mood: Full]

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

11/24/04 (10:00 AM)  -- Nano's rocks!  [Music: "Drop It Like It's Hot" by Snoop Dogg  I  Mood: Full]

Happy Birthday Michaela Brown!

Hey y'all.  The obit for the other girl from Carroll who died this weekend came out today.  It below...

Jilayne Mari Turner  (1987 - 2004)

"Jilayne Mari Turner our blessed angel from God passed away on November 20, 2004. She was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend. Jilayne was our inspiration in life. She was our guiding light. Her smile lit up our lives every second of every day. You could see her soul when you looked into her eyes. Her eyes were the color of the sky and twinkled like the stars. She was the most compassionate young lady God ever created. She had the greatest sense of humor. She loved to laugh and she loved to make others laugh. She was always happy and did her best to make others happy. Jilayne was one of a kind. She touched every heart of every person she ever met. She touched the lives of the children she babysat for over the years. They will always remember the loving, fun times they shared with her. She was our joy in life and will continue to be our everlasting joy in death.

Jilayne was born October 24, 1987 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was a junior at Mary Carroll High School. She was very active in the Junior Council, Key Club and volunteer work at the Humane Society. Jilayne will be desperately missed.

Jilayne was preceded in death by her grandparents, T. J. and Elizabeth Turner.
She is survived by her parents, Jeff and Jindy Turner of Corpus Christi, Texas; brother, Justin Turner of Corpus Christi, Texas; sisters, Jalyn and Jaycie Turner both of Corpus Christi, Texas; grandparents, Don and Mary Housberg of Corpus Christi, Texas; uncles and aunts, Jory Housberg (Godfather) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Jandy Miller (Mark) of San Antonio, Texas, Jake Housberg (Dana) of Katy, Texas, George Turner (Mary) of Ingleside, Texas, Steve Turner (Leah) of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Susan Sims (Bill) of Mount Ida, Arkansas, Larry Turner of Hot Springs, Arkansas; cousins, Wes, Tyler and Cara Housberg of Katy, Texas, Heather, Courtney, and Dalton Miller of San Antonio, Texas, Ashly and Tiara Housberg of Corpus Christi, Texas, Thomas and Zechariah Turner of Ingleside, Texas, Laura Buxton of Oklahoma, Scott Sims of Utah, Todd Turner of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Justin Turner, Wesley Housberg, Tyler Housberg, Thomas Turner, Ryan Ragsdale, Andrew Sandoval, Dalton Miller, and Zechariah Turner.

Visitation will be held at Seaside Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2004.

A Funeral Service will be held at Seaside Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 24, 2004 at 3:00 p.m.

Jilayne’s Kind and Gentle Spirit will always be remembered."

(Information courtesy of Corpus Christi Caller~Times.  Information can be found at this link.)

...What happened to those young girls was definitely sad.  Keep their families in y'alls prayers please.

It feels good to relax today.  This morning I had breakfast with Larry at Nano's.  Damn I forget how good that place is.  The weather is beautiful today.  There is a slight bite in the wind, but it's not bad at all.  I hope to maybe get out in the sun today and do something active.  Yesterday my ankle got cleared, so I was VERY happy about that.  I still gotta take it easy on it for the next week or two, but it feels so good to walk in a normal fashion again, as well as wear a shoe and DRIVE!!!

Tonight I have been hearing last call to be at Dr. Rockets.  I'm sure plenty of people will be out at 21 and Havana.  But I think the meet up will be at Dr.'s at the night's end.  If any of y'all are going to be out, get in touch if y'all like.  That's it for me this mornin'.  I'll talk with y'all either later today, or tomorrow.  Happy Birthday Michaela!  -- Michael

11/23/04 (05:00 AM) -- Relax Week!  [Music: "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World  I  Mood: relaxed]

Mornin' y'all.  Unfortunately I have some sad news to report.  Someone e-mailed me an article yesterday from The CC Caller-Times about two young girls that were Carroll juniors who died this past weekend.  Three were involved.  Carly Saponori survived, while Kayle Mungaray and Jilayne Turner perished.  I didn't know them, nor do I think I know any of their families.  Nonetheless, my thoughts and prayers are with their families and with the girl who survived the crash.  Please do the same y'all.  The articles are below...

Family, friends mourn Carroll students by Mike Baird Caller-Times (from 11/22/04)

Family, friends remember Carroll students by Diane S. Morales Caller-Times (from 11/23/04)

So far, only one obituary has been listed in the newspaper.  It is below...

Kayla Elvira Mungaray  (1988 - 2004)

"Kayla Elvira Mungaray, 16, beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister and niece, went to join her grandma Elvira, grandpa Luis, uncle Eddie, tio Billy and tio Rene in the Home of our Lord, Saturday, November 20, 2004. Kayla will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Kayla was born June 4, 1988 to Richard and Olga Mungaray from Corpus Christi, Texas. Kayla attended Carroll High School and was a junior. She was active in Junior Council and the Hispanic Club. Kayla was passionate about playing her guitar, and recently performed for the National Honor Society. She was also a volunteer for the Hispanic Heritage House and the Humane Society. She was always full of Life with a tender heart, and brought joy to the lives of everyone she met.

Kayla was a Daddy’s Girl and our baby, and was survived by her parents Richard and Olga Mungaray; sisters, all of Corpus Christi, Texas, Kristina Mungarary (Robbie Timmons), Kathryn Mungaray (Mark Ceballos - Fianc‚e), Kamille Mungaray (Robert Espinoza, Jr. - Fianc‚e); step-brother Dominic (Sally) Bustamante of Portland, Texas; grandparents Ed and Toni Mercado of Corpus Christi, Texas; uncle Raymond and aunt Janie Braun of Canyon Lake, Texas, uncle Tony and aunt Alicia Rodriguez of Katy, Texas, uncle Luis and aunt Nora Montemayor of Kingsville, Texas; uncle Mando Montemayor of San Antonio, Texas; uncle Niddy and aunt Velma Montemayor of Texas City, Texas; uncle Alex and aunt Norma Montemayor of Alice, Texas; uncle Ignacio and aunt Patsy Tristan of Houston, Texas; aunt Martha Flores of Corpus Christi, Texas; nephews, all of Corpus Christi, Texas, John Richard Tanguma, Robert Espinoza, III and Jason Dylan Martin, and numerous cousins.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Alvarez, Justin Avila, Daniel Contreras, Alex Montemayor, Ryan Ragsdale and Andrew Sandoval.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, November 22, 2004 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel with a Rosary to be recited that same evening at 7:00 p.m.
A second visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2004 at Seaside Funeral Home.
Family will receive friends at the church by 12:00 p.m. for a Funeral Mass at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 23, 2004 at 1:00 p.m.

Interment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park."

(Information courtesy of Corpus Christi Caller~Times.  Information can be found at this link.)

Again, please keep their families and friends in y'alls thoughts and prayers throughout this Thanksgiving holiday.  Sorry the day started with such terrible news.  I hope everyone has an okay day.  And please be careful while on the road!  Some, if not most, of us will be traveling either today or tomorrow.  Let's all be extra careful.  Talk to y'all again tomorrow.  -- Michael

11/22/04 (03:30 PM) -- Wednesday Night?  [Music: "Lithium" by Nirvana  I  Mood: Tired]

Okay, so a ton of people have been writing in asking me what is going on for Wednesday night.  Typically, the night before Thanksgiving is the best night to go out in The CC because so many people are in town.  And supposedly last year was just a tad dead, according to some claims.  Well, I have been hearing about a few things for Wednesday night.  Yes, I'll be in The CC that night.  I have been hearing about a big party being planned.  There is even a rumor that I heard that I am hosting a party!  Haha, that is just a rumor at this point.  Seriously though, I imagine people will be downtown as usual.  People will probably be split between 21, Havana, and Dr. Rockets.  Wherever everyone is, history has shown that Dr. Rockets from about 1:30 AM until closing time is the place where most people convene for the night's end.  So, my early estimation is that Dr. Rockets will be the best bet to go to.  There were a ton of people there last year, and I know all the Ray folk will be present.  If I hear anything different of if things change, I'll let y'all know.  Otherwise, e-mail me if y'all are going out or if anyone is planning something.

I am pretty tired because I didn't get any sleep last night.  I was up trying to finish some crap for today.  I am done though, and the rest of the week looks pretty smooth, which is very nice to see.  Another question people have bee asking me is when am I going to Austin.  Well, I am happy to say that this year's game is at 2:30 PM, as opposed to the regular 10:00 AM over the past few years.  So I'll leave on Friday morning early, so I can make it time to tailgate and stuff.  It's going to be a good game.  But I think we handle A&M this year.  It is going to be tougher than the last few years, but we got it.  I think we win somewhere in the neighborhood of 37-20.  Texas will make it five in a row of the Aggies.  Ahh .. Thanksgiving ... don't y'all just love this week!  Seeing old friends, eatin' good food, and the annual stomping of the Aggies!  It doesn't get any better!  Talk to y'all tomorrow!  -- Michael

11/21/04 (05:00 AM) -- You never know!  [Music: "1985" by Bowling For Soup  I  Mood: Sick]

Happy Birthday Larry Olivarez!

I've been feelin' a little sick these last few days.  That has kinda sucked.  Hopefully today I'll feel a little better.  Yesterday was an interesting day in football.  I was rooting for Alabama to beat Auburn, but they lost a close game in the end.  Cal and Utah also won, which sucks for Texas.  So basically for Texas it boils down to this ... we pretty much are playing in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1st in Dallas, TX.  We could still possibly back door our way into the BCS, but pretty much only if Cal loses to Southern Mississippi next week.  That probably won't happen.  There is a slight possibility that we might jump Cal if USC loses to either Notre Dame or UCLA, but the possibly of USC losing is slight, and us jumping Cal if USC loses is probably even more slight.

So that pretty much means that, pending Texas beats A&M on Friday, we will end up #5 going into the Bowls.  We'll probably play in the Cotton Bowl against a #11 LSU, or a #8 Georgia.  Either game would be a great matchup.  That game would probably bring a higher ranked opponent for us than if we were to play in the BCS also.  So looking at it from that perspective, it's not half bad.  In the meantime though, we still need to beat A&M.  And who knows, maybe there are still some upsets waiting to take place.  My dream scenerio would be for Notre Dame to upset USC, Tennessee to upset Auburn, and Southern Miss to upset Cal.  That would put us at #2, and yup, you guessed it ... it would be a #1 OU vs. #2 Texas in the Orange Bowl for the National Championship!  How crazy would that be?  Hey, stranger things have happened.  You never know!  We lose to OU five straight, then beat them for the national championship? It would be priceless!  -- Michael

11/20/04 (05:00 PM) -- Roll Tide!  [Music: "Time After Time" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Sick]

I'm still sick.  Alabama is hanging tough against Auburn.  I hope they win.  Write more later ... bye!  -- Michael

11/19/04 (02:45 PM) -- Sick Sucks!  [Music: "Unwell" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Sick]

I feel so sick today.  I'll write more tomorrow y'all.  Bye.  -- Michael

11/18/04 (04:00 AM) -- I love Thursdays!  [Music: "California" by Phantom Planet  I  Mood: Tired]

Happy Birthday Laura Stark and Brandon Weingartner!

Hey y'all.  I pretty much have nothing to write this morning.  Nothing really special happened yesterday.  I spent the whole day doin' the same 'ol same 'ol.  I was flippin' channels late, and caught an episode of Viva La Bam on MTV.  That show is fuckin' hilarious.  I used to hate Jackass.  I don't know, but for some reason I didn't care to watch those idiots do crazy shit.  But then I actually watched an episode of the show, and consequently watched the movie because a friend made me.  Once I watched it, I thought that shit was SO funny.  They are such dumbasses.  I can't believe half the stuff they do!  I guess in a way Viva La Bam is kinda a spinoff of Jackass.  Bam Margara was on Jackass and then got his own show.  Anyway, it's hilarious the shit that he does, and what he puts his poor parents through.  Bam's uncle Don Vito makes me laugh.  If any of y'all are ever bored and that show comes on, y'all should check it out.  I like it.

Today is going to be long.  I was hoping to take the day and get some fun outdoors stuff in, though that was a lofty dream.  I have tons to do during the day.  And I have to meet with someone WAY across town, which is going to suck.  I also going to try to make the Texas Exes meeting later this evening, time permitting.  I going to really try though because the people that go are pretty cool.  And of course Thursday is TV night for me, so when I get home I am going to watch all the shows that will be recorded.  The O.C. and ER are going to be good tonight.  So yeah, basically another regular Thursday today will probably be.

Anyway, it's time for me to grab a workout and then a shower.  Man I can't wait 'til this ankle is better so I can really get back to form.  Okay, I'm off to get the day started.  Oh yeah, did I tell y'all I hate all road construction, especially on I-35/Ben White and in Round Rock!  Get that shit done!  -- Michael

11/17/04 (03:15 AM) -- Hypocritical People  [Music: "Mosh" by Eminem  I  Mood: Annoyed]

So did anyone out there see the little intro to Monday Night Football that everyone is talking about?  I didn't get a chance to check it out.  I'm sure some of you may not even know what I am talking about, so let's break it down.  Basically there was a little skit on the Monday Night Football telecast that showed Philadelphia Eagles receiver Terrell Owens in the locker room getting ready for the game, when Nicollette Sheridan (one star of ABC's Desperate Housewives) goes to him in a towel tempting him to skip the game.  I think he uses some lame line about what is underneath her towel, so she drops it and jumps on him or something.  Then they cut to Terry Hatcher and another chick from the show supposedly watching the game at home and they say something like, "some women are so desperate".  Obviously, it is a blatant promo for ABC's new show this season that is kicking ass in the ratings.  And like it is a really big deal now, to the point to where ABC issued a public apology for the diddy.

Seriously though, what's the big deal about it?  Supposedly there were complaints to the stations about it because they show Nicollette nude, which of course means that they only show her bare back and nothing more.  It's not like they showed her ass crack or anything, at least from what I have heard.  But of course since we live in the post Jackson/Timberlake era, everyone has their head up their ass.  Really people, who the hell cares about that stupid skit.  It is just a promo joke.  Big fuckin' deal.  I don't get how some people get so upset to where they actually call their local stations and complain?  To me that is total bullshit.  This is getting out of hand.  I have seen straight up bare ass on ER, and I shit you not, I have even seen nipple on CSI.  Hell, didn't they show someone's ass on NYPD Blue like ten years ago or something?  But somehow a harmless skit intro merits public scrutiny, when those shows' stunts go accepted?

I don't know.  I guess I just don't see why people get so upset.  I think the irony in the whole thing is the fact that it involves the satirical show Desperate Housewives.  The premise of that show is supposed perfect families in the heart of suburbia who are far from.  It shows how image conscious their characters are, in terms of them being so fucked up, yet trying so hard to give off the idea that they are perfect people with perfect morals.  The fact that that show is so popular, in my opinion, speaks to the guilty pleasure in people that makes us all want to see other people's dirty laundry.  There is a reason why everyone stops to stare at a car wreck.  We are fascinated with other people's misfortune.

In the case of Monday Night Football, it pisses me off because all these people bitch about what was on TV and, heaven forbid, what their children might have seen.  Yet they never think to first check and see if their own shit stinks.  I wonder how many parents out there have said a cuss word in front of their kids.  I wonder how many parents are having an affair, potentially or actually contributing to the over 50% divorce rate.   I wonder how many parents drink, smoke, and/or do drugs in an environment where their kids are aware.  It's like that classic 80s commercial where the dad busts into the teenager's room defiantly questioning, "where did you learn to do this stuff" while holding his son's box of weed.  The teenager answers, "FROM YOU ALRIGHT!  I learned it from watching you."  Then of course the voice over claims, "Parents who use drugs, have kids who use drugs".  Parents make so many mistakes that contribute to the detriment of their children, yet it is Janet Jackson's, Justin Timberlake's, and Monday Night Football's fault if their child picks up a bad habit or is exposed to something "inappropriate".  Please, give me a break!

Hasn't anyone ever heard, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" as well as "Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones"?  Everyone needs to lighten up.  It was just a damn skit.  Get over it y'all.  I can't stand how all these people want to hide their skeletons, yet they are the first ones to step on their soapbox and bitch about shit.  Get a life y'all.  If people would just focus on being the best parents they could be, it wouldn't matter what their child sees on TV.  The child would know right from wrong.  Instead of complaining to the networks, put the work in at home to really get to know your child.  Sorry, but this type of shit really pisses me off.  I can't stand it when people rely on television, music, movies, and/or sports to raise their child, instead of doing it themselves.  The problem isn't what is on TV y'all; it is what is going on at home.  Fix that shit, then worry about everything else!  -- Michael

11/16/04 (07:15 AM) -- Rules and Guidelines  [Music: "Hey Ya!" by OutKast  I  Mood: Descriptive]

This morning I thought I would touch upon a few rules and guidelines that I hold for this site.  So, for the record, this should clarify my thoughts and practices when it comes to the following things.

Classmates -- I actually created a rules and guidelines page specifically for this section.  This section will be as up-to-date as possible, according the the most current info that has been sent to me.  That's the key phrase.  Even if I know someone's info has changed, it will only be changed on the site once the person requests it.  It is always the way you requested.  Everyone listed provided me with their info, in which I still have all initial listings and updates on file.  If you are listed, it's because you gave me your info to post.

Latest News (aka my posts) -- I try to write daily, though sometimes (and understandably so) I may take a day or two off.  I normally write in the morning, though I update the site throughout the day when time permits.  I do my best to give each post substance.  I also try to not write about normal everyday repetitive stuff.  I try to pick a topic and concentrate on that.  For instance, yesterday I chose to write about the commercial/song of the moment.  I'm sure it might have been boring.  But c'mon, would you have rather read about how I spent my whole day doing research, reading, and getting prepared for the new rotation?  I doubt it.

Below are things I chose not to write about...

Topics -- Thought I reserve the right to write whatever the hell I want, I choose not to write about politics, religion, abortion, affirmative action, etc. in terms of what my views are or how each topic affects me.  Occasionally, I MAY reference one of the above topics.  But, by and large, I care not to engage because the last thing I need or want is to get in a pissing match with someone over any of the above.  If you want to ask me questions about that stuff, do it personally.  If you want to meet somewhere one day, hang out, grab a drink and carry an adult conversation about something, I am all for it.  But these topics prove to be TOO sensitive to some people and for that matter I do not feel like discussing them on this forum.

Relationships -- I like having my own identity, away from whoever I am with.  Some people maintain a separate checking account to define what is his/hers.  Others designate "me" time for his/herself.  This site is my "something separate".  Therefore I personally choose not to include that part of my life in it.  This decision is IN NO WAY a reflection of how I much I feel, or lack there of, about whomever I might or might not be seeing in any level at the time of my writing.  In the past that incorrect perception has caused problems.  Rather, it's just my way of keeping ownership of something I call mine.  Personally, I feel it is immature to get on here and blast a person (significant other) in a negative way for all the world to read.  That's personal info, so it should not be on display.  In addition, in the event of fights and/or breakups, the last thing I would want to do is get on the site and read things I wrote about a person, positive or otherwise, with whom I am no longer with.  That is what a personal journal is for, not a public writing forum such as this.  Going one step further, I also choose not to publicly write about past relationships, positively of negatively.  Given how many people view this site, I don't think that would be fair of me.

Rumors -- What can I say about rumors?  They are a waste of breath.  I have heard so many crazy things about me it is hilarious.  Likewise, I have heard so many crazy things about others as well.  I tend not to give rumors any face time because I feel they don't deserve it.  I certainly shouldn't have to take time out of my day to defend myself on MY site about something said that is most likely untrue in the first place.  Most rumors aren't even worth repeating.  So I just ignore them all together.  If for some strange reason I keep hearing something over and over and over again, then MAYBE I will actually write to clear something up.  But that would have to be a severe case.  In terms of other people, rest assured that anything I write regarding other people is as accurate as possible.  I will never intentionally use this site to further a negative rumor about someone.  That's not the way I roll.

Those are just a few things that I adhere to when maintaining this site.  There are others, but those are the main ones.  From time to time I may stray from the above guidelines, as that is my right.  However, on the whole, I normally remain steadfast on that platform.  I open a great deal of myself to y'all on this site.  I want it to convey an accurate perception of who I am as a person.  I don't want it to be about any labels I might have or have had.  I don't want it to be about Mike the boyfriend, Mike the gymnast, Mike the student, Mike the whatever. My main focus is for this site to just be about the person, me, Michael, period.  I hope this gives some clarity about what I write/don't write and why.  Thanks for readin'.  Talk to y'all later.  -- Michael

11/15/04 (02:15 AM) -- "Uno, dos, tres, catorce..."  [Music: "Vertigo" by U2  I  Mood: Confused]

Okay, so I know I am not the only one who probably has had that song stuck in my head for days, if not weeks now.  It seems like that damn U2 song from the Apple iPod+iTunes commercial is all I hear these days.  Whether it is in the commercial, or on the CSI episode it was in, or when I turned on MTV the other day and it was on, it is ALWAYS around.  I didn't know what to be more surprised about though, the fact that it was playing on MTV, or the fact that MTV was actually playing a music video!  It seems like every time I pass through that channel there is some new version of Real World, Road Rules, Real World/Road Rules Challenge, Real World/Road Rules Battle of the Sexes, or Casting Special on.  I swear I could get Coral, Mike, Veronica, Rachel, and Abe to clean my truck if I mentioned that MTV cameras would be there.

Anyway, let's go back to the U2 song.  Tell me something.  Am I the only one that noticed this?  The part of the song that gets played in the commercial is the counting part.  I guarantee I could probably poll 10 random people and ask them where is the following from ... "Uno, dos, tres, catorce..." and they would know it is from the new U2 commercial.  They probably wouldn't even know what the commercial is advertising, which in essence defeats the purpose of the commercial.  I am surprised I even remembered.  Actually, I had to look it up, but that's a different matter altogether, lol.  Regardless though, does that little diddy from the song ever strike anyone as weird?  Granted, I really don't know anything about the song, so I don't know if it is relevant to the lyrics or anything.  But is Bono trying to count in Spanish?  My normal train of thought tells me that he is trying to count down the beginning of the song, as in "uno, dos, tres, catorce..." is naturally meant to mean "one, two, three, four...".  But again, I can't be only one who knows other languages outside of English.  "Catorce" in Spanish means fourteen, not four!  So Bono is actually singing, "One, two, three, fourteen..."!  That totally doesn't make sense!  lol

I know, y'all are probably thinking what the hell am I talking about.  But when I noticed that, I just thought it was funny.  I didn't know if they meant to say that, which honestly I can't imagine why, or if they were trying to say "one, two, three, four..." and just made an honest mistake.  IF that's the case though, those Irish lasses must have someone in their entourage or record company that knows "catorce" means four-freakin'-teen!  Every time I see that commercial now, I start laughing because I think of how stupid "one, two, three, fourteen..." sounds!

Hey, what can I say?  I had nothing else better to write about today.  Next time you see the commercial though, think about it.  It's funny as hell.  Okay, I am done for now.  I'll write more later on.  I am hungry so I am going to go grab a snack.  Later!  -- Michael 

11/14/04 (05:00 AM) -- BCS Football Crap!  [Music: "Heaven" by Los Lonely Boys  I  Mood: Tired]

Happy Birthday Jason Ahuero!

Today is my best friend Jason's birthday.  I hope you have a great day today Jase!  At the very least, I hope you get to enjoy it!  I know free time is few and far between.  Big Jase is doing his residency in the "dirty south" out there in Alabama.  I hope you are representin' Texas well my friend.  Don't let those 'Bamans corrupt you in any way.  You are a Texan through in through!  Anyway, happy birthday man and I'll talk with you later on this afternoon.

So yesterday was a pretty upsetting day for me while watching the football games.  First, we damn near shot ourselves in the foot by almost losing to Kansas.  I'm glad we got the win, but I really think we are going to take a hit in the polls (I'll get to that in a minute).  Then Wisconsin loses, which pissed me off (again, I'll explain in a bit).  Then A&M beat Tech in overtime.  Actually I picked A&M to win in my college pick 'em game, and my closest competitor Ryan picked Tech, so that helped me out just a tad in the game.  But a Tech win would have helped us in the BCS (yet again, will explain in a sec).  Speaking of the pick 'em game, going into yesterday I was in the lead, but just BARELY.  Ryan and I have been neck-n-neck all season.  It will go down to the last weekend to see who will pull it out.  I'm enjoying the competition, but I want to win.  Anyway, so I was totally going back and forth on the Miami Virginia game.  Everyone was picking Virginia to win.  All the experts on TV were picking Virginia also.  Miami was coming off two straight losses, after being previously unbeaten and ranked #3.  I just thought there was no way Miami was going to lose three in a row.  I picked Miami, despite all the conventional reasoning to the contrary.  But, after watching College GameDay Saturday morning and seeing Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso both pick Virginia and give their reasons, I got gunshy and changed my pick.  With how close Ryan and I are, every pick counts.  And literally with two minutes before the pick deadline for this week, I changed my pick from Miami to Virginia.  Needless to say, I should have stayed with my gut feeling and picked Miami.  They upset Virginia.  I was pissed at myself.

Okay, so now on to the BCS thing.  Right now, we are screwed.  Let me quickly break it down for you if you care to know, and you must if you are still reading this fluff.  All you really need to know is this: there are two at-large spots in the BCS bowls that go to two non-conference winners.  Since OU will be playing in the Big 12 championship game and not us, we are a non-conference winner.  Anyway, right now it looks like California, Texas and Utah are the three teams vying for those two at-large spots.  A school from a BCS conference (Cal, and Texas) is guaranteed an at-large spot if it finishes in the Top 4 of the final rankings.  A non BCS conference team (Utah) is guaranteed an at-large spot if they finish in the Top 6.  Before yesterday's games, Cal was #4, Wisconsin #5, Texas #6, and Utah #7.  With that, Cal goes and so does Texas because Utah would not be in that Top 6 spot for them, and no BCS bowl would take Utah over Texas unless they had to.

So the outcome of yesterday's games screwed Texas.  Cal won, which was expected.  Texas won (barely), which was expected, as did Utah.  But Wisconsin fuckin' lost.  So that means when the new BCS rankings come out on Monday morning, most likely it will be like this: Cal #4, Texas #5, Utah #6.  That totally sucks.  With the scenerio mentioned above, Cal goes because they are Top 4, and Utah is also guaranteed because they are Top 6, which is what is needed for a non BCS school.  Therefore, Texas gets fucked!  There's still a few weeks left to be played, but still!  As of right now, if everyone were to win out, we would be shit outta luck.

Utah is out enemy right now.  We are ahead of them in the polls.  But given out shitty performance yesterday, and how minute out lead was over them, they MIGHT jump is in the polls, which in all honestly they probably deserve to.  That's why the Kansas game sucked.  Also, Utah beat A&M soundly in the first game of the year.  That is huge for Utah because it is a win over a BCS conference team, and a moderately good one too.  Since we play both Tech and A&M, it doesn't affect our strength of schedule because whoever wins, the other still loses.  But for Utah, they want A&M to win out because the more they win, the better their win over A&M looks.  Therefore, a Tech win would have hurt Utah's strength of schedule, thus perhaps allowing Michigan to jump them in the BCS, which would take them out of the golden #6 spot.  That's why I was pissd that Tech didn't win.  In the end, my first priority is always what will help Texas.

So that was a bunch of football babble.  Sorry if y'all were bored with it.  But hey, you read it anyway.  Yesterday sucked for Texas.  Anyway, this is long enough.  Talk to y'all later.  -- Michael

11/13/04 (05:00 PM) -- Whew!  [Music: "I Hate Everything" by George Strait  I  Mood: Relieved]

#6 Texas Longhorns at Kansas Jayhawks @ 11:00 AM on Fox Sports Net!

Whew!  That was TOO close of a game.  I can't believe we almost got beat by fuckin' Kansas!  Yeah yeah yeah ... Kansas is a much better team than their record indicates.  Yeah yeah yeah we were playing them at their house and they have lost 5 games by a total of only 19 points.  Who the hell cares!  We almost blew yet another fuckin' chance to go to the BCS.  Man, in the fourth quarter I couldn't not believe what I was seeing.  I started having flashbacked to Colorado in '01, Tech in '02, and last year being screwed out by OU losing to Kansas St..  People were calling me with this "dude that was such an awesome game" shit.  Umm ... HELLO?!?!?!  Were we watching the same game?  Yeah, we came back and won.  Give me a break y'all!  We should have never been down like that in the first place.  Where was the fire from last week's second half?  I am glad we got the win, but that game sickened me.  We should not be playing that poorly against a team like Kansas.  We better take these next two weeks to REALLY get that shit out of the system and prepare for A&M.  Because I'll tell you what, Baylor loss aside, A&M will be ready to play.  I think we can beat them.  In fact I know we can beat them.  But still, this is a dangerous A&M team.  If they play like they did on the road against Oklahoma St. a few weeks back, it will be tougher than people expect.  Come on boys, let's get to the BCS this year ... FINALLY!

I don't have much else to write right now.  I am going to get back to watchin' the other football games.  Tech is leading A&M right now 7-6 in the middle of the third quarter. We need them to hang on because a Tech win helps Texas in the BCS, all be it slight.  There are plenty of good games still to watch, so I'll talk with y'all tomorrow.  Later!  -- Michael

11/12/04 (03:30 AM) -- Damn Insomnia!  [Music: "Take Me Out To The Dancehall" by Pat Green  I  Mood: Accomplished]

Great!  Now that I am FINALLY finished with months of work and totally have a night to rest up and sleep, I totally can't!  That's just my luck.  I guess that's partly because I got so much sleep yesterday, now my body isn't ready for it yet because it is SO out of whack.  All that sleep came one day too early.  Oh well, it's no big deal.  I'm sure I'll knock out in a few minutes or so.  Man, tomorrow (Friday) is going to be so awesome!  It will be such an easy day.  It is so needed.

So I was done by 4:00 PM, which felt great.  Then the rest of the evening I took to catch up on plenty of personal things that have taken a back seat recently.  For instance, I got to clean up a little.  I am a fairly neat person, in terms of tidiness.  It felt good to get things back in order.  I also finished some music stuff that had been lagging recently too.  Heck, I even had time to do laundry.  I know, it all sounds pretty boring.  But to me, with the schedule I have been leading over the last few months, it felt so good to do simple things like that and not feel guilty about it as to if I should be doing something else!

I stopped everything at 7:00 PM because it was Thursday, which of course means TV night.  Again, no guilt for taking the night to watch my shows!  Oh man it was great.  I am starting to realize that the more ridiculous the storylines on the The O.C., the more I like that show.  Lol, it's pathetic how much I like that show.  I can't help it though.  I am either laughing my ass off, or yelling at the TV because of some stupid shit one of the characters did.  Either way, it extracts emotion from me, which in my opinion is the sign of a good show.  A lot of people are addicted to it; it's all pretty funny.  It hasn't quite supplanted ER as my favorite show (since Friends ended) yet, but it is getting close.  I have concluded one thing about the show though.  Mischa Barton completely sucks as an actress.  That girl shows no range.  She couldn't act if her flask depended on it!  Al Gore has more personality than she does.  It's a good thing she is hot, otherwise she would have no career.  I still think Rachel Bilson is hotter though.

Thanks to the people who actually sent "get well" stuff.  It all was very unexpected, and completely unnecessary.  I appreciate it very much though.  The ankle is getting better (I hope).  I should be out of this bitch hopefully by the end of the month.  My mobility still sucks, but I manage.  I am looking forward to getting back out and active again.  You have no idea how much I am looking forward to that.  Again though, I really appreciate all the stuff I received.  I means a lot!

Anyway, that should do for right now.  I might write later in the afternoon if I get bored.  Otherwise, I'll talk to y'all tomorrow.  Until then...  -- Michael

11/11/04 (03:00 PM) -- No time ... there's never any time!  [Music: "Dare You To Move" by Switchfoot  I  Mood: Rushed]

Haha, the title for today is my favorite quote from Saved By The Bell.  Remember when Jesse was freakin' about her test and their upcoming music video thing?  Classic!  SBTB was, is, and will forever be THE SHIT!  So what up Peeps!  Dude, so like I am totally stressed right now.  I have ass loads to finish today.  And a ton is to be done today in like an hour or so.  Deadlines suck.  Research sucks even worse!  And going one step further, deadlines regarding research suck my ass!  So that is what I have been up to today, and will continue to be doing in the next hour or so.  Why am I so rushed?...

Well, remember that little talk we has yesterday about sleep and how I don't need any of it?  Yeah, apparently my body heard that shit and decided to veto that idea.  I got hope last night, quickly went through some paperwork, and decided to slab on the coach for a sec to see the end of the basketball game that was on.  All of a sudden it was morning.  I totally fell asleep at like 9:45 PM ish, which is totally unheard of for me.  The good news was I slept like a baby, refreshed with all the hours that I have lacked over the last few days.  The bad news was that sleep cost me tons of time to get this shit done.  Catch-22, I know.  I hate those bitches.

Thanks to all the people who have been providing their info for the Classmates section.  This month has been a good month in terms of receiving listings.  And that's because we aren't even half way through November.  I'm doing my best with all of them.  I'll have them up as soon as possible.  Thanks again though.  It's great to have all of y'all new peeps listed.  Please keep passing the words around to others.

Okay y'all, back to the hell that is called my life.  Keep all knives and sharp objects away from me for at least the next hour.  -- Michael

11/10/04 (04:00 AM) -- Who needs sleep?  [Music: "Someday" by Nickelback  I  Mood: Hungry]

Happy Birthday Mary Carrizales (My Momma)!

Yeah, I don't have much to write today.  Yesterday wasn't very eventful.  The whole day was spent on doing research, reading assignments, writing code, preparing paperwork, and the like.  I was able to steal a few minutes to communicate with a few people though.  That's always fun.  But seriously though, the whole day was so monotonous.

So I was talking with McGuire last night, and she mentioned that she was miserable because she just pulled her first all-nighter because she had so much to accomplish that night for yesterday morning.  She then said she didn't know how I do it.  I couldn't help but laugh.  I told her that I guess I am just used to it by now.  There just aren't enough hours in the day.  It's funny because before, sleep was such a priority of mine.  I mean I would literally get home from practice at like 11:00 PM, take a shower, and then go straight to bed and wake up the next morning for morning practice.  Every single free moment was spent on sleep.  Somehow, I would find pieces of time to sleep that added up to eight hours within a 24 hour timeframe.

Now, I am just so used to not sleeping. I mean I do, but not much.  There are just too many things that need to get done.  And sleep has been a sacrifice of mine.  I try to get as much as possible on a given night, but that never really amounts to much.  When I can, I get some disco naps in.  Haha, that was the term in the 70s that people used when they napped during the day because they were up all night, or at least so I am told.  Granted, I am not up discoing the night away at Studio 54 or anything like that, but I like the term.  It sounds much better than "power nap".  I never liked that phrase.  So yeah McGuire, I don't sleep and I am just used to it by now.  For those out there who need help, try the conventional coffee, loud music, exercise, and/or no doze for assistance.  Plus, speed, crack, and heroin also help!  -- Michael

11/09/04 (04:00 AM) -- Has it been two years already?!?!  [Music: "Lose My Breath" by Destiny's Child  I  Mood: Proud]  *Important Message.  Please read in full!*

Happy Two Year Anniversary to the website!!!!!

Has it really been two years since the site first went like?  Man, it just doesn't seem like it to me.  Well, what can I say that hasn't already been said?  The site has taken off beyond my wildest belief.  I honestly had no idea that it would ever get this big, nor did I honestly have any intention for it to do so.  It has definitely been a nice surprise.  Two years ago I thought it would be a cool thing to do, to buy the name and create a site.  If any of y'all remember it from back then, it really was a very small site.  It's grown quite a bit.

I remember last year when its first anniversary rolled around.  I wrote about the site and its traffic.  At the time, it had reached 12,500+ hits.  That was WAY more that I ever expected for its first year.  Heck, I didn't even know if it was going to last for a full year.  It's not like I planned anything out.  There was a lot going on with me at that time last year.  Even so, the site was always one of my constant focuses, always trying to maintain it as much as possible.

And now today, as happy as I was with it's first year, I am blown away by the growth in its second year.  It just happens to be that today the site will welcome it's 50,000th hit!  How fitting is it that it will happen on the second anniversary!  That's about 37,500 hits in its second year!  That's a whopping 300% increase in traffic from the first year to the second!  The Classmates section has continued to grow.  New sections have been added.  And the second year also brought Version 2.0, which has received much praise.

As successful as the site has become, one thing will always remain clear.  The reason for its success is because of y'all.  Yes y'all, the people who are reading it at this very moment.  This website would be pointless if not for the people who consistently visit it on a daily basis.  It's for y'all, in which I put forth the excessive effort to maintain and expand the site.  I hope the third year will be even better than the second.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for y'alls visits and participation.  Any website is only as strong as its readership and user base.  Based on the stats above, I think the site is plenty strong.  I appreciate all the communication I receive from everyone.  Please keep it coming.  Also, thank you very much for all the kind words that get sent my way.  Sometimes maintaining the site can be a pain in the ass.  But its those words and messages that I receive that allow me to keep the bigger picture in mind and remember that this is a wonderful thing that we are doing.  And I honestly mean "we".  I could not have accomplished this without the help, feedback, suggestions, and great motivation from everyone out there.

One more thing, I know there has got to be at least one person reading this (probably more) that is thinking to his/her self, "What the heck is Mike talking about?  It's just a damn website.  Big fucking deal!".  Normally, I don't give two shits when people say crap like that.  It's nothing more that dirt off my shoulder.  But today, I want to refute that horseshit.  It may just be a website.  But let's look at what it has done...

It allows people to post information about themselves, as well as read about others, thus allowing for people to reconnect with others with whom they haven't spoken with in years.  There is an actual chat section on the site, as well as links to downloadable programs that serve the same purpose.  It serves as a place where people can come to receive news about various situations, events, topics, that particularly deal with circumstances (namely The C.C.) that tie most of us together.  It serves as an organizational tool in assisting events of good cause such as showing appreciation for our friends who are serving in the war in Iraq, helping to gather information used in retirement celebrations for teachers who helped to shape who we are today, coordinating current and future class reunions, etc.  The site has helped a few people land jobs, as well as seek relocation advice.  It also allows for personal and/or business advertisement.  From a personal standpoint, it allows me to communicate with the masses.  It also at times serves as a therapeutic outlet for me to express my personal thoughts.  I hope there are more ways that this website is used as well.

...Given all of the above, I think it's safe to say that this is more than merely "just a damn website".  To all the people who think that way and talk shit, it's a shame y'all aren't using this website for all that it as to offer.  If perhaps for one second you were to open your eyes and shut your mouth, you just might understand what I am talking about.  To everyone else, thank you very much for your endless support.  It is very much appreciated.  Here's to a great third year...

Best Regards,
Michael Carrizales

11/08/04 (12:45 PM) -- You Talkin' To Me?  [Music: "One Headlight" by The Wallflowers  I  Mood: Tired]

So last night I was about to go to bed when I was doing the quick once through on the channels when I noticed that Taxi Driver was juuuust coming on one of the Showtimes.  I had never seen the movie, even though it is regarded as one of the best movies of all time, a movie that helped define the 70s, one that REALLY made Robert De Niro a mega star, and all the rest of that fluff.  So I sacrificed the two hours of sleep to see it.  It wasn't half-bad.  I liked it, and as more time passes, I like it even more.  I think it is one of those movies where you appreciate it more as you later think about it.  Last night, I was kinda in the "that was it?" mindset.  I guess it was the classic something-gets-built-up-too-much type of thing.  Don't get me wrong, it was really good.  And again, I am starting to like it more and more.  But last night, I was kinda like, "THAT was the mega-famous Taxi Driver"?.  It does have one of the most famous movie quotes of all time though.  It is pretty classic when De Niro is looking in the mirror and defiantly sputters, "You talkin' to me?  You talkin' to ME?".  Good stuff.

Yesterday was normal.  I spent most of the day watchin' the Cowboys get their ass kicked again and workin' on stuff.  Sometimes Sundays can be so boring.  Mondays to for that matter.  I am looking out a window right now and it looks so gorgeous outside right now.  That is where I wish I was.

Texas moved up to 6th in the BCS!  If it were to end right now, we would be in the BCS damnit!  We need to just win out and hopefully we will be okay.  I can't wait for that A&M game.  Yeah yeah yeah, we need to beat Kansas this weekend.  We'll do that.  But playin' A&M at home is always fun.  Okay dudes, time to end this.  Talk to y'all tomorrow!  -- Michael

11/07/04 (01:30 PM) -- What a comeback!  [Music: "Dirrty" by Christina Aguilera  I  Mood: Relaxed]

Happy Birthday Stacey Pennell!

Well, what can I say about yesterday's games?  I was SO pissed at A&M for giving away the game like that against OU.  They totally had them.  It was a great game.  But I was pissed because I wanted OU to lose.  I was even more pissed though at how fuckin' OSU and A&M can both hang 35 pts on OU, and we couldn't score any!  It is so frustrating to see these teams push OU to the limit, and really deserve to win, and then to think about Texas fuckin' losing every time to those bastards.  It just doesn't make sense.  Damn those Aggies.  They should have won.

And dude, if y'all thought I was pissed at the A&M game, I was damn near having a heart attack during the first half of our game!  I could not believe what I was seeing.  We were down 7-35 with just over a minute to play in the first half!  35-7 against OSU at home?!?!  Oh my gosh I was so fuckin' pissed.  But of course it was definitely a tail of two halves.  We put it together and then our boys played like their scholarships depended on it.  I don't know what was said at halftime, or for that matter who said it.  But whatever and whoever it was, it worked.  I haven't seen our boys play like that in a long time.  It was the greatest comeback in UT's storied 1111 year history.  And it was only a field goal shy of being the greatest comeback in college football history.  Our boys utterly kicked their ass up and down during that second half.  To be down, 7-35, and then to comeback to win 56-35?  That was awesome!  I sure hope we play like that in our remaining games against Kansas and A&M.

Okay, so I am going to get back to the Cowboys game.  They are losing by 6 damnit!  C'mon boys, win the damn game!  -- Michael

11/06/04 (01:30 PM) -- TEXAS ... FIGHT!!!  [Music: "Vertigo" by U2  I  Mood: Pumped]

#6 Texas Longhorns vs. #19 Oklahoma State Cowboys @ 6:00 PM on TBS and Happy Birthday Ashley Carrillo!

Hey y'all.  I am tired right now because last I attended the grand opening of the America Bank Center in The CC.  It was very cool to see something like that down in the bayfront area.  It almost didn't even feel like The CC because we weren't used to seeing such a nice arena there.  It was really cool though.  It's definitely a sign that the town is growing in the right direction.  I had a good time and saw some good peeps.

And now on to tonight's game.  I'm excited for our home game in about five hours from now.  We should beat their ass, but it might be tough.  OSU did very well against OU last week.  They had a shot to beat them, and truth be told they deserved to win more than OU.  OU got very lucky in my opinion.  Nonetheless, it should be a good game.  I think we will win though, probably by ten points or more.

And in about an hour the "Who Gives A Shit Bowl" comes on ABC.  OU vs. A&M.  I am not quite sure who I want to win that game, hence the title of the game.  I guess in a way it doesn't really matter.  I'm sure there might be something positive that can happen for the 'horns if either team wins.  So I'll just see what happens.  Damn I hate those Sooners though!

Alright y'all.  Time to shower and start getting ready for tonight.  Tailgate baby!  -- Michael

11/05/04 (01:00 PM) -- Thank God It's Friday!  [Music: "Meant To Live" by Switchfoot  I  Mood: Mellow]

It's Friday!  It always feels good to say that.  Did y'all check out The O.C. last night?  Okay, so I can finally talk about it.  I didn't want to write about it last week 'cause I didn't want to ruin it for everyone out there.  After seeing it again last night, I liked it even more.  This ep was basically a setup show for what is going to happen for the rest of the season.  That's understandable.  And looking at it from that standpoint, the ep was satisfying.  But in terms of what is realistic, I was laughing at so much shit.  First of all, what parents would actually let their child sail away to a different state and not immediately go get him?  And here's a good one.  At the beginning of last season, they were seniors.  I always wondered how they were going to do it if the show took off and stuff.  90210, Dawson's Creek, and for that matter even Saved By The Bell all successfully transitioned from high school to college.  But they all started with their characters young in high school, having three or four seasons before they went to college.  The O.C. started as seniors.  And at the end of last season, it started to become obvious that they weren't going to tie up that loose end.  There was no graduation ep.  But this is ridiculous.  This season, they are juniors!?!?  Weren't they seniors last year?  So I am supposed to believe that they were actually sophomores?  I guess that is one reason why I like the show.  It is so ridiculous it is entertaining.  Another show where mid 20s actors play the parts of young young high schoolers.  How can you go wrong with that?  At least they are like 25-27 ish, and not like in there 30s.  No need to name names on that one (*cough* Luke Perry *cough*).

And what was up with that stupid ass scream by Mischa Barton's character Marissa?  She needs to just shut up and look pretty.  That was so incredibly dumb.  The rest of the show was pretty cool.  I am looking forward to the rest of the season.  This is slowly becoming one of my most fav shows.

The rest of the shows were okay.  ER was great as always, although it is going to suck when Carter leaves the show.  He is the glue that is keeping that show together.  I finally watched everything last night and got little sleep.  Today has been okay.  The weather is beautiful outside.  I wish I was able to get out there and enjoy the day.  Hopefully I'll be able to do that soon though.  In the meantime, it's "back to life, back to reality".  Wow, I just quoted a really cheesy 80s song.  Haha, like that is anything new!  -- Michael

11/04/04 (03:00 AM) -- The O.C. Is Back!!!  [Music: "California" by Phantom Planet  I  Mood: Excited]

Well, let's see ... what can I write about now?  Yesterday was pretty routine.  I had lunch with Larry and then headed home.  Once I got back, I took a nap because I was pretty tired from the night before getting like no sleep while watching the election coverage and stuff.  I woke up and got right to the readin'.  Nothing really special happened this past evenin'.  I pretty much just tried to get back on track with stuff.  I talked with a few peeps, and then was able to catch a few minutes to relax and watch some tube.  Nothing was on though so it kinda sucked.

Dude, today is going to be such a good TV night.  I hate it because like all my shows what I watch are on Thursday nights now, so I have to like shut everything down and watch something, while recording like at least two other channels at the same time, and that pretty much lasts all night!  Tonight also starts November sweeps, so like they are showing good stuff to sucker people like me into watching everything I can.  The normal lineups are on NBC and CBS which are great.  But today starts The O.C.!!!!  Even though I already caught tonight's season premiere at a promotional screening a while back, I am still excited that it is finally back, along with North Shore also.  Hey, screw y'all if y'all don't like the shows!  They are badass and I enjoy them!  I don't give a damn if they are soapish ... they keep my attention span and plus, Rachel Bilson who plays 'Summer' on The O.C. is freakin' hot!  So yeah, tonight there is so much good stuff to watch.

Yeah, so I have nothing else to write today.  Like I told y'all, this past day wasn't the most exciting.  Ol' G Dub won again, everyone knows that so there is no need to write about it.  Y'all probably also know about ... oh wait .. nothing else happened yesterday.  Oops.  Nevermind then.  In that case, I'll just send out a quick "thank you" to all the peeps that sent in their info yesterday for the Classmates section.  I appreciate it.  Talk to y'all later. -- Michael

11/03/04 (04:00 PM) -- Hail To The Chief  [Music: "Just Lose It" by Eminem  I  Mood: Tired]

I am pretty tired today.  Yesterday was a really long election day.  It was fun though.  It made me think back to four years ago and all the craziness that ensued.  I remember being at the Bush headquarters four years ago in Austin.  It was quite an experience to be there that night when Austin, TX and the Governor's Mansion was in the national spotlight.  We stayed SO late because of the whole Florida thing.  The person I was with and I finally left at like 3:00 AM or so.  Then at home I watched TV until like 4:00 waiting to see if anything was going to happen, before finally passing out to sleep by 5:00 AM, only to wake up at like 6:00 AM.  I remember being SO sluggish that day.

Of course we all know what happened in 2000.  But I remember it was like a few days later when I was in New York where I had such an interesting political conversation with some people.  Politics is such a touchy subject with some people.  I have found that there are VERY few people who are mature enough to have a civil conversation and discussion about politics, without making everything so personal.  A lot of times, people feel one way (and sometimes feel VERY strongly about their views) to where in the middle of a conversation they try to change your views to match theirs.  I hate it when people do that.  It's one thing to have a civil adult discussion.  But when people start to get so close-minded into thinking that THEIR view is the only logical one, it totally kills the productivity of the conversation.  I hate that very much.  So much in fact, that I tend to shy away from topics such as politics because, in my opinion, some people just aren't capable of sharing a neutral, objective dialog about politics (as well as abortion, religion, affirmative action, war, etc.) without trying to flood the convo with their own personal convictions, with no regard as to whether or not their beliefs are warranted.  It's one thing to be passionate, it's something completely different to be intolerant of others' beliefs.

About a week after the 2000 election week, and in the heat of the Florida challenge, I was with some colleagues on business at Pace University in Manhattan.  I had hung out with Erin that whole day before which was a lot of fun.  I wasn't looking forward to the next day at the school because I didn't feel like being there anymore.  But it was one of the best times I had, because I learned so much from the local people I met.  There were some born and bred local New Yorkers who were giving me so much insight as to what they feel about all the stereotypes they face.  Mind you, this was pre-Sept. 11th.  They taught me what was true and what was false.  Consequently, they asked me so many questions about Texas and the South.  I filled them in with the same type of info they shared with me.  But then we got into politics, and what impressed me was how objective they were able to stay throughout the conversation.  There was this very intelligent professor that joined the conversation.  He was providing such a philosophical point of view to a lot of things.  He also happened to be African American, so he touched on a few topics that had to deal directly with his demographic.  I learned so much just by listening to him, as well as the rest of the local students that day.  I love Texas and I love the people here, but on that day the colleagues I was with (all Southerners and mostly Texans) came across like such jackasses because they were trying to preach, without listening in return.  I had always known how important it is to be a good listener.  However, I think that day it really hit home just how much you can learn from other people by merely listening to their words and experiences.

I have friends now that range from acquaintances to even in some cases very good friends.  Yet, I already know what not to talk about with them because they have shown me time and time again in the past that they take some things WAY to personal and make ABSOLUTELY no allowance for other points of view.  Even when I may agree with them on certain things, I hate carrying a conversation with them because I know it will only be one way, and not include the cons as well as the pros. Heaven forbid I might actually disagree!  I just find it easier to stray away from the hot button topics, unless I feel absolutely comfortable with the person I am conversing with.

Moving back to the present, I was tuned into the election coverage last night.  I took a break from research so I could venture down and help Larry with some volunteer election work.  I am happy to say that his daddy won reelection in Nueces County for Sheriff.  We spent the whole day showing support, while taking a break to have lunch with Prissy, and also seeing Robert and James.  When I got home late in the evening, I tried to finish up some readin' while watching the coverage on NBC and CNN.  I stayed up until 4:30 AM waiting to see what the hell was going to happen.  I finally hit the sack at that time, and woke up like two hours later just to see that nothing had changed.  I am tired as fuck right now, very similar to four years ago.  I hope that, just like back then, I'll take part in a great convo with some excellent people in the next few weeks that will teach me more valuable lessons.  Education is everything.  You can never stop learning and rediscovering life's lessons.  Thanks to all the peeps in The CC who voted for the Sheriff.  I know he and his family definitely appreciate it.

Okay kids, time for me to get my second wind and be productive.  Talk to y'all later. -- Michael

11/02/04 (07:15 AM) -- Get Out and Vote!  [Music: "November Rain" by Guns N Roses  I  Mood: Tired]

I don't have much time to write this morning because I am about to head out the door to do some volunteer work today.  Just wanted to get a quick post this morning about, well, nothing really.  Yeah, don't have much to write today.  I spend all last night reading and finishing stuff because I knew I wasn't going to have time today.  I worked on a few portions of the site too.  I'll try to have those up by tonight.  In the meantime, enjoy y'alls day and get out and vote!  -- Michael

11/01/04 (04:15 AM) -- Happy Birthday Ki Taylor!  [Music: "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany  I  Mood: Sleepy]

Well, since I have the site open right now I might as well write the post for the day.  Fuckin' a ... I spent so much time trying to send a damn mp3 file to McGuire.  I was trying to IM it to her, but for some reason or another it wasn't working which was really pissing me off.  It got to the point to where I HAD to get it to her because I would have been pissed to have spent all that time for not.  We share shit all the time, but it just wasn't working.  I had to freakin' upload the damn thing to the site so she could download it from here.  It finally worked and all is well, emergency avoided.  :-)  Oh, by the way, guess which song it was she wanted.  I'll give you a hint, it is one of the most beloved and cherished songs of all time.  This song is a required staple in any serious music fan's collection.  Any guesses?  Michael Jackson?  The Beatles?  Elvis?  Nirvana?  George Strait?  Nope to all.  The correct answer is ... (drumroll) ... "I Think We're Alone Now" by the ever-so-talented Tiffany!  I don't know what is worse, the fact that she wanted that song ... or the fact that she knew I, of all people, would have it on file?!?!  Rock on McG!

Anyway, today was normal.  I got a lot done, and did the candy thing for the treaters at night.  I just put the shit outside though because I didn't feel like hobbling to the door every time someone rang the bell.  And I also didn't want to just hang outside in a chair passing the stuff out either because, well, I just didn't feel like doing that.  I had to finish some reading anyway.  But what was pissing me off were the kids (and their parents for that matter) who would ring the damn doorbell or knock anyway!  I mean c'mon peeps, the reason I put the shit out there with a sign that said, "please help yourself" in the first place was so I wouldn't have to crutch my way to the damn door every two seconds!  What part of "please help yourself" don't you understand!  Hey, I love holidays and shit.  I am not a crabby bastard.  But people should know not to bother when there is already stuff outside.

That was it.  I finished the night reading and finishing some profiles I had.  I don't have much else to write right now.  I'll write more later.  I'll leave y'all with the immortal words of A.C. Slater ... "Yeah, but does he have pects?".  That's my new motto!  -- Michael