bassam

  • Weekend PhotoVlog

    Best of the rest…

    Claudio’s brother Cris and his wife Valesca are visiting with their two kids Victor & Isabella, so we drove up to Santa Barbara to meet up with Eva (who just returned from Bine’s wedding) and Bassam.  It was a rare rainy day in Southern California, and at first the kids were a little hesitant on the beach.  But soon, the clouds dissipated and it ended up being a gorgeous day!

    Soundtrack courtesy of Vienna Teng.
    Song:  Lullaby for a Stormy Night from the album Waking Hour.  Check it out on iTunes!

    Little child, be not afraid
    The rain pounds harsh against the glass
    Like an unwanted stranger
    There is no danger
    I am here tonight

    Little child
    Be not afraid
    Though thunder explodes
    And lightning flash
    Illuminates your tearstained face
    I am here tonight

    And someday you’ll know
    That nature is so
    This same rain that draws you near me
    Falls on rivers and land
    And forests and sand
    Makes the beautiful world that you see
    In the morning

    Little child
    Be not afraid
    The storm clouds mask your beloved moon
    And its candlelight beams
    Still keep pleasant dreams
    I am here tonight

    Little child
    Be not afraid
    The wind makes creatures of our trees
    And the branches to hands
    They’re not real, understand
    And I am here tonight

    And someday you’ll know
    That nature is so
    This same rain that draws you near me
    Falls on rivers and land
    And forest and sand
    Makes the beautiful world that you see
    In the morning

    For you know, once even I
    Was a little child
    And I was afraid
    But a gentle someone always came
    To dry all my tears
    Trade sweet sleep for fears
    And to give a kiss goodnight

    Well, now I am grown
    And these days have shown
    Rain’s a part of how life goes
    But it’s dark and it’s late
    So I’ll hold you and wait
    ’til your frightened eyes do close

    And I hope that you’ll know
    That nature is so
    This same rain that draws you near me
    Falls on rivers and land
    And forests and sand
    Makes the beautiful world that you see
    In the morning

    Everything’s fine in the morning
    The rain will be gone in the morning
    But I’ll still be here in the morning


    Couldn’t resist this

  • David, David & Dorian

    Guess where I’m going tomorrow?

    Me:  No plans.  Why??


    Carey Anthony>

    GET READY FOR THE AMERICAN IDOL FINALE!


    From: Lora
    Mon, May 19, 2008 at 4:04 PM

    To:
    Carey Anthony

    so tomorrow – meet at my place promptly at 2:55p!
    we want to be on the road by 3pm – b/c i just got the memo and we need to allot enough time to park and go through security!!

    Did
    you say you have an extra parking space??? my friend tiffany needs to
    park her car and just in case our garage is full can she park it at
    your garage???

    On the
    Idol memo that arrived with the tix — NO camera, cellphones, video
    cameras are allowed. You’ll have to leave in the car! :(  i remember
    when i went 2 years ago, security goes through your bags, pockets,
    etc..so don’t try to sneak it in!!

    also, dress code is “concert” attire – no tshirts, hats, shorts, jeans!!!
    so dress accordingly!!!

    i think our tix are pretty good seating – i think its above orchestra in the center…yay!!!

    call me with any questions!!!
    i’ll see you tomorrow outside of my apt at 2:55pm!!!!!
    xoxoxoxo
    One of my favorite books is coming to the big screen, and guess who’s playing the title character?  It’s funny.  The whole time I was watching Narnia/Prince Caspian, I felt his looks were just too distracting.  Who better then, to play Dorian Gray!?   From BuzzSugar:


    Right on the heels of starring in     the No. 1 movie at the box office, Ben Barnes has landed another gig — and it’s a doozy. The adorable Prince Caspian will play the title character in a film adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Oliver Parker
    is “planning to make a visceral, dark horror story and says the themes
    of stardom are as relevant as ever.”

    That was my immediate thought as well, that the book’s themes of
    vanity and the desire for everlasting youth and beauty seem to be
    incredibly relevant to today’s world (especially in American society,
    though Dorian Gray does not take place in America). I had to
    read this novel in college and I’m so glad I did. It’s a riveting — and
    often scary — read. If you haven’t read it, this is the plot description:
    “Dorian Gray is a young man of impossible physical beauty whose
    portrait — painted by the artist Basil Hallward — becomes connected on
    an occult level with the workings of his soul. Drawn into a corrupt and
    sensual life by the dissolute Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian remains young
    and beautiful, while the painting ages in his stead, ultimately
    becoming a monstrosity.”

    Have you read this work by Oscar Wilde? What do you think of this movie news?  Source and source

    Here are the last of the weekend photos:

     


    This pretty much sums up the weekend


    There was a fire off the 101 on the way home.  If you look at the full size version of this photo, you can see the flames.  I just snapped it while driving by.  There’s a helicopter above you can’t see.  The temperature was 100°.

  • A Runaway Bride in the Weekend Photoblog.

    Riley woke me up at 8:30 this morning after 3 hours of sleep, by jumping on the couch and licking my face.  Once everyone else woke up, we took him to the beach for a swim then walked to brunch at Tupelo Junction.  We then headed up to the courthouse for some photos.  It was so hot this afternoon, we went to see Prince Caspian/Narnia.  After that we went back to the beach for sunset, then for a nice late dinner at a new Italian restaurant down the street.  Here are some photos:

     

    Best of the rest:

  • Dolly Parton’s Favorite Indian Food & Bassam’s Visit to the H.C.

    It was another busy day at the Hotel Careyfornia.  This afternoon two of my colleagues came over and we had a productive afternoon business meeting.  They wanted Indian food, so we walked over to Flavor of India for dinner at 6:30.  I had the Chicken Tikka Masala and Mixed Vegetable Sabzi (listed on the menu as Dolly Parton’s favorite, LOL).  It was yummy.

    Afterwards we went to Pinkberry for dessert.  As soon as I got home, Bassam texted to say he was at The Spanish Kitchen with Laura and Karen, so I quickly ran over there to meet them.

    After (their) dinner, we headed over to The Abbey, which was surprisingly packed for a Tuesday night, and much too loud for my 42 year old ears.  I had a hot chocolate, while the dancers entertained us.  

    Bassam and I got home about 2 AM.  He’ll be checking out of the H.C. in the morning and heading up to Santa Barbara.  It’s now 4 AM now and I have an early day tomorrow (today), so I bid you adieu.

    vt_ribbon_small

    Virginia Tech Days 1-3

  • Pulling Mussels From A Shell

    We got some mussels from the rocks behind the house today.  Preparing them and (me) eating them was an experience in and of itself, as this video will attest.  It’s 4:10 AM and I got home a little while ago.  Work early.  8 AM Conference Call!  Off to bed.  Have a good week!


    Carey Anthony>
    A Year in the Life of Friends


    From: Carey Anthony
    To: Multiple Recipients
    Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 3:15 AM
    As our far flung group continues to evolve and grow, our annual New Year’s sojourns
    have become many mini reunions throughout the year.  The latest this past weekend
    in Pacifica, was graciously hosted by Tom, Cathy & Patrick at their beach front estate.
    The weather was unbelievable (high 80′s) and little Patrick provided me with many
    spectacular photo opportunities.  Many of you joined us via Skype video and we were
    happy to share the sun and surf with you!

    The Hotel Careyfornia has also been extremely busy this year, but we still have good
    rooms available, so give us a call to book your travel plans now.

    For a taste of this past weekend, check out:

    http://xanga.com/careygly

    For a link to the actual photo album go to:

    http://picasaweb.google.com/careygly

    And for full size videos go to:

    http://youtube.com/profile_videos?user=careygly&p=r

    Have a great week!
    –
    Carey

  • Daylights, Sunsets, Midnights & Cups of Coffee

    Here’s a video that starts with last night’s sunset.  Little Patrick kept plopping himself down right in front of the sun, and I kept moving him.  Afterwards, you can see Marcelo playing soccer with Patrick and finally me goofing around, all set to the theme song of our international group of friends.


    How Do You Measure – Measure A Year?
    In Daylights – In Sunsets
    In Midnights – In Cups Of Coffee
    In Inches – In Miles
    In Laughter – In Strife
    In – Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
    Six Hundred Minutes
    How Do You Measure
    A Year In The Life?
    It’s Time Now – To Sing Out
    Though The Story Never Ends
    Let’s Celebrate
    Remember A Year In The Life Of Friends

  • Christmas at the Careyfornia

    Bassam had a conference at CalTech today, so rather than driving back to Santa Barbara tonight, he called to check availability at the Hotel Careyfornia.  Luckily, Posh & Becks had just canceled a reservation and we had an opening.  Bassam is a regular visitor at the HC this time of year, and now that he’s graced us with his presence, it really seems like Christmas time is here again.

     

    We had tapas for dinner and afterwards Bassam needed a new cord for his iPhone, so we ran by Target.  He spent $20 on his cord, and I got myself my own Christmas present.  I justified it, because it came with a $30 gift card. (I really only got it because I’m sure Jennifer, Lisa & Dar will all get one soon, and I wanted to be first for once!)

    I also got a new Dirt Devil broom, but the iTouch is more fun.  Short entry tonight…I’m going to go play with my new toy.  Remember, Christmastime is for everyone…even the Jews!  Enjoy the video!  Night night.  (P.S. Thanks to Ryan for the fabulous graphic design!!)

  • It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas With Phallic Doughnuts and Douchebag Presidents


    We had a great day today.  I haven’t been to bed before 5:30 AM one night this week, and we’re supposed to get up early tomorrow to drive to the Oregon coast, so I’ll be brief.  Today’s photos are from Thanksgiving dinner and our walk along Waterfront Park today.  Then we headed to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Pioneer Square.  After that, we hit the famous Voodoo Doughnuts (the magic is in the hole) for their famous Maple & Bacon doughnuts and of course the infamous Cock & Balls (triple cream filled).  Next stop, Powell’s Bookstore, the largest independent bookstore in the world!  From there we headed up to the West Hills and Washington Park and the Rose Garden, before strolling through Northwest 23rd Ave. and heading home for doughnuts, leftover turkey & ham, Journey and disco dancing!  LOL


    Carey & Patrick


    Drew, Christine & Wiley


    The laptop brigade


    Paging Martha Stewart


    Yes, we’re very tired, but the oven pancakes were worth getting up for!


    Full moon over the Willamette River


    Electric Zap Car & charging station


    The most eclectic doughnut menu in the world!


    The famous cock & balls


    I personally don’t like anything white and creamy!


    BUSH IS A DOUCHEBAG!!

  • ‘Twas The Night Before Turkey…


    This “poem” is obviously filled with many inside jokes, but suffice it to say it is quite representative of our “GLY” group of friends from all over the world.  Apologies in advance to Clement Clarke Moore.

    turkeys

    ‘Twas the night before turkey, and all through the ‘Couve,
    GLY’ers were happy, getting into their groove.
    The turkey was ordered from Safeway with care,
    In hopes that Tom, Cathy & Patrick soon would be there.

    Bassam was nestled all snug in his bed,
    While visions of gluten free pumpkin pie danced in his head.
    And Emily in her leopard pants, and I in my trendy cap,
    Blogging till all hours, while everyone napped.

    When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
    We sprang from our futons to see what was the matter.
    And what to our wondering eyes did appear,
    But an angel Quandetta, and 8 tiny reindeer.

    More rapid than Plato, her coursers they came,
    And she whistled, and shouted, and called them by name.
    Now Bine, now Eva, Carolina and Youenn,
    On Joelle, on Mick, and the rest of you loons.

    She was chubby and plump,
    A right jolly old elf.
    And I smiled when I saw here,
    In spite of myself.

    She spoke not a word,
    But went straight to her work.
    Spreading the GLY message,
    Then turned with a jerk.

    And by saying, “Quandetta, we ARE the dates”,
    This wonderful woman sealed all of our fates.
    As an angel she may now look down from above,
    And see a group of great friends in their Seasons of Love.

     


    Marble & Wiley


    The campus of Washington State where Marcelo teaches

     
     
    Brazilians need a’space!

  • GLY in PDX


    Greetings from the Rose City.  As some of you know, Marcelo & Emily moved here recently, and a bunch of us from our GLY group have decided to converge on them for Thanksgiving.  Bassam arrived tonight, and Tom, Cathy, Patrick, Vonda, Nate & Bianca are coming Thursday.

    In my old job I used to come to this city once a month for 13 years, so it was great coming back for the first time in several years.  I spent the whole afternoon at my old office visiting many good friends.  This is a stunningly beautiful city full of trendy hipsters and a vibrant cultural scene.  It’s 3:00 AM and we’re all still up talking, so I’m just going to post some photos and a couple of videos and get back to the party!


    Marcelo & Emily aren’t big TV watchers!  This is their only television and it has rabbit ears!!


    Only in Portland…we found this duo in the Apple store in Pioneer Place


    Virtual soccer


    Dinner at Montage, a Portland icon.  Nothing like Macaroni & Spam w/ Alligator!