Here are some new photos of the twins, Cole & Carter and Trey & Tyler (the Fantastic Four).  Here they are at the lake with big brother Jaden and their 2 little cousins.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Diane is the most amazing, bestest mother in the whole wide world!  Here are my Godsons:

And lest you think the pictures I took of Andy and the milk yesterday were messy…take a look at two sets of identical twin boys, all under the age of 4 (when these pictures were taken) getting REALLY messy.  I threw in a few of me with the twins as well.  Anyone who knows me knows how good I am with kids, but I can’t even begin to describe what baby-sitting for these four little devils is like.  Again, Diane is the Mother of the Year.  I love you my friend!! xoxoxoxoo

So, my third Bluetooth in the past year, broke today.  I’m getting sick of spending $75 to $90 a pop on these pieces of shit that keep breaking.  They really are horribly designed.  The volume buttons never work, and the on/off switches are ridiculous.  Doesn’t Bluetooth have a monopoly though?  Isn’t that illegal?  Anyone know of any better options? 

Here’s the sad story of my Bluetooth:

It keeps disconnecting unless I press on it.

Come to find out, a little piece broke that held it closed.

So of course with no pressure, it disconnected.

So, to save money, I introduce you to my Ghetto Bluetooth!

Maybe I should get a black rubberband, LOL.

So I guess now, I’m a 21st Century nerd!

Song of the day

The dogs were glad to see Seth when he came home the other night, and he was apparently glad to see them too. LOL! 

I’ll be back tomorrow…until then I’ve posted some of Sabine’s wedding photos.  Talk to you all soon! –Carey

As our far flung group of friends converge on Utah for Nate & Vonda’s wedding, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish them all the best in their new lives together.  Congratulations to both of you….and Bianca too!!  Beijos!

I received a very nice surprise in the mail Friday from my good friend Sabine, who I’ve written about extensively.  This is what she sent me:

525,600 minutes, how do you measure the life of a woman or a man? How about love?

That song, from Rent, is the theme song of the group of friends that I’ve been spending New Year’s Eve with since 1997 on continents all over the world.  We’re a tight knit group of friends and we all get along wonderfully, whether it’s on the beach in Brazil:

or sipping hot chocolate with a Sabine’s Grandma in Bavaria after playing eisschiessen an a frozen lake:

or partying ’till dawn in a cold crowded flat in Seville, Spain: 

The point is, we are friends till the end.  525,600 minutes, how do you measure a year in the lives of friends?  In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee.  In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.  In 525,600 minutes, how do you measure a year in the life?  How about LOVE.

I had such a productive morning on Friday.  By 8:00 AM I had met Seth, Jessica & Hannah at Urth Cafe, had taken my car in for it’s 40,000 mile service and had gone to the grocery store. (Update:  Bad news.  Honda just called and said I need new brakes, new tires, and a new battery.  There goes $750.)

New update:  I picked up my car from Honda this afternoon.  Luckily I told them not to fix the tires, and that I would take them to the last place I had them changed.  Thank goodness I did that, because I had forgotten that this place warranties its’ tires.  It’s called Just Tires, and if you live in Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, Raleigh Durham, Philadelphia or Washington, I highly recommend this chain.  They are so honest.  I didn’t even remember I had the “protection plan”, and they replaced my tires for $15 each!!  The employees are very service oriented and polite.  What a nice change of pace.

Talk about a “desktop” computer!!!  WOW

I just realized why the tips of my fingers hurt…I was subconciously popping bubble wrap all day at my desk, LOL.

 ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

This morning on the way to work I rear-ended a car at a stop light while not paying attention.  The driver got out and he was a dwarf!

He said, “I’m not happy”…

I replied, “Well, which one are you then?”

Song of the weekend

For some reason I get hundreds of Google search hits each month from people looking for “whale dicks” and “5 foot dicks”.  While I can’t explain the fascination with mammal members; the reason these whale watchers end up here, is because of a news article referenced in a blog posting about pollution in China that I wrote in 2007.  In fact, this entry is the #1 Google hit for “whale dicks”.  The original article detailed a rotting whale carcass that exploded in downtown Taipei, due to a buildup of methane gas.  It also mentioned the size of the whale’s penis (5 feet), which I suppose could arouse some curiosity.  My post can still be found at the bottom of this page if you’re interested.  However, I’ve decided to update this space with more current content from time to time.  Sorry to disappoint!   For more of my blog, click here.

What a week!  After arriving from Africa, Darlene & Jay left California on Monday and Rob arrived on Tuesday.  It was a whirlwind week, and he made me realize I’m not as young as I used to be.  I think I slept a total of  six hours all week!  We had a great time though, as these photos will attest.  It was exciting to have him here on Wednesday when the California Supreme Court finally ruled that Proposition 8, the ban on gay marriage, was unconstitutional.  My feelings on this are well documented.  It was nice to be able to attend the rally in West Hollywood with Rob and celebrate this small victory on the road to equality.  For those of you who don’t agree, please watch this:  :) 

The Colbert Report	Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
How to Ruin Same-Sex Marriages
www.colbertnation.com

For more of my photos from Wednesday’s Prop 8 Rally in West Hollywood, click here.  For last year’s star studded rally (where Chazz met President Obama), click here.

The fabled sign will never be the same!

Psychedelic Rob!

Hooray for Hollywood!

At the historic rally, listening to Ted Olson, David Boies and Chazz’s buddy, Dustin Lance Black

We even managed to meet Thai Elvis at The Palms!

Our friend August’s back yard in Perris was stunning!

Apparently guns are allowed in Perris! :)

August making a ninja catch!

Trying not to laugh or move!

At The Abbey with Ryan & Claudio

Time to go home!

Snuggling with Chazz!

Here’s to good times at The Hotel Careyfornia!

Click here for the best of the rest…

The week was topped off last night with a performance of “Rent” at the famed Hollywood Bowl.  Directed by Neil Patrick Harris, who originated the role of Mark in L.A. in 1997, and starring Vanessa Hudgens, Nicole Scherzinger, Wayne Brady, Tracie Thoms, Gwen Stewart and other Rent veterans, the show was a dazzling, sumptuous feast, set amongst the tranquil Hollywood Hills. Even though this was my 16th viewing (in 7 countries and 5 languages), it never gets old. “There’s only now, there’s only here. Give in to love, or live in fear. No other path, no other way. No day but today.“

The underlying themes in Rent” have resonated with me for nearly 15 years.  When I first saw the play in 1996 in New York City it spoke to me like nothing I had ever seen.  The story is an old one, 159 years old to be exact.  1851 was the year that Henri Murger published the book Scènes de la Vie de Bohème a story about his friends; so called “Bohemians” or “starving artists” living in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the mid 1800′s.  His friends had the same names as the central characters in “Rent” (with American updates; Rodolpho became Roger, Marcel became Mark, etc.).  50 years after the book was published, Puccini turned it into the famous opera La Boheme, which in turn, 100 years later became the musical “Rent“.  The central themes of all three were the same, though the times, plagues and vices were different.  Wikipedia presents this chart:

Character in La bohème	Character in Rent
Mimi, a seamstress with TB	Mimi Marquez, an S&M dancer with AIDS
Rodolfo, a poet with TB	Roger Davis, a musician with AIDS
Marcello, a painter	Mark Cohen, a filmmaker
Musetta, a singer with TB	Maureen Johnson, a bisexual performance artist
Schaunard, a musician with TB	Angel Dumott Schunard, a gay cross-dressing drummer with AIDS
Colline, a philosopher with TB	Tom Collins, a gay computer whiz and Anarchist philosopher with AIDS
Alcindoro, a state councillor	Joanne Jefferson, a lesbian lawyer
Benoit, a landlord	Benjamin ‘Benny’ Coffin III, also a landlord

No matter how hard the characters try to fight it, they all come to the realization that love is the strongest force we know.  Stronger than heroin, AIDS or even death.  Be it the “starving artists” in the Latin Quarter of 19th Century Paris, the American Bohemians like Jack Kerouac in the 50′s or the drug addled, AIDS victims in Jonathan Larson’s masterpiece “Rent”; they all knew this “fact”, and they lived their lives accordingly.  Even in this age of social networking and a truly wired global technosphere; it’s good to be reminded that we are all connected by the powerful force of love, and that a broken heart universally hurts.  “We don’t own emotion, we rent.”  How ironic, that Jonathan Larson, the composer and playwright of “Rent”, dropped dead of an aortic aneurysm the night before the show opened on Broadway in 1996.  After all, “Rent” is about living for today, because you never know what tomorrow might bring.

Last year I had a conversation with an acquaintance I first wrote about in this post, entitled “Perceptions” three years ago (she’s also an evangelical Christian).  She told me that I would be proud of her, because she finally watched the movie, based on the musical “Rent”.  I asked her how she liked it, and she basically thought it was “disgusting”.  At first I was taken aback by her response.  I know the movie wasn’t nearly as good as the play, but it was unfathomable to me how anyone could find these ageless, central themes anything but life affirming and beautiful.  She admittedly shed tears at the sad parts, but implied that all of the tragedy and sadness of the movie was a result of the characters (“Lesbos” was one of the words she used), not seeking the “love of God”.  They were seeking love in the wrong place.  Their addictions, (heroin) and diseases, (AIDS) were their own doing.  I fail to see the Christ-like thinking in this sentiment and told her so.  Coincidentally, the initial person I referenced in the “Perceptions” post in 2007, whose family fled from tyranny, starred in the ensemble of “Rent” this past weekend at the Hollywood Bowl.  A full circle moment.

“To sodomy
It’s between God and me.
To faggots, lezzies, dykes, cross dressers too.
To me….To you….
To people living with….not dying from disease.
Let he among us without sin,
Be the first to condemn.
La Vie Boheme.
Anyone out of the mainstream.
Is anyone in the mainstream?
Anyone alive with a sex drive.
Tear down the wall.
Aren’t we all?
The opposite of war isn’t peace.
It’s creation.
La Vie Boheme.
Viva La Vie Boheme.”

Here are some photos and a video from last night:

I recently attended a rally in the Hollywood Hills, where we hiked up to the Hollywood Sign and drew attention to reducing America’s ”carbon footprint“.  After hearing this on NPR today, I wondered if America was not only outsourcing their jobs to China and India, but also exporting their pollution.  We righteously try to save the planet as individuals and countries.  China today, is like America at the beginning of the industrial revolution.  But due to population and resource demands, the pollution they generate is a much much worse.  Is it their fault, or is it ours?  I suspect a bit of both.  A communist regime certainly isn’t helping the situation, though neither is reducing our own pollution by just getting another country to do our dirty work.  Something to think about!

 

All Things Considered, May 22, 2007 · According to the World Bank, 16 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in China. The industrial revolution transforming the world’s most populous country is also destroying its environment. China is now the world’s second-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, the main gas linked to global warming, and it is set to overtake the United States in 2009, a decade earlier than previously predicted.  Read More…

And speaking of pollution.  It doesn’t get much worse than this.  I’m glad I wasn’t in Taiwan today.  Sushi anyone??

Yes, a 60 ton rotting sperm whale (with a five foot long penis) exploded when gases from internal decay caused its entrails to burst. 

The whale had died on Jan. 17 after it beached itself on the southwestern coast of the island.

Researchers at the National Cheng Kung University in Tainan said enough of the whale remained to allow for an examination by marine biologists.

Once moved to a nearby nature preserve, the male specimen — the largest whale ever recorded in Taiwan — drew the attention of locals because of its large penis, measured at some five feet, the Taipei Times reported.

“More than 100 Tainan city residents, mostly men, have reportedly gone to see the corpse to ‘experience’ the size of its penis,” the newspaper reported.  Read more…

My last 100 visitors, yesterday and today. Thanks friends! Wake up Antarctica!

Thanks to Lewis for reminding me what a good movie this was.  This actress is 15 and in the movie she’s singing to her parents who always tell her she’s too fat.  She should be on American Idol!

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
“In the recent Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, musher Deborah Bicknell was found on the wrong trail, 18 miles off course. Why can’t women just stop and ask for directions?” — Michael Hinkson, Cooperstown, Pa., writing to syndicated columnist Norman Chad. (The Washington Post)

This is Jennifer’s son Justin.  I told you you’d be on the Internet Justin

I finally installed my beta version of Joost.  They still don’t have a ton of content, but some of what they have is pretty cool.  The first thing I saw was the Christina Aguilera/P Diddy video and the quality was amazing. The other channels weren’t as impressive, but it has potential.  As a beta tester I have 5 invitations that I can give out.  I’ll make them first come first serve, for whoever wants them.  Take a look at the website and the hardware requirements before you decide.  If you want an invitation, send me an email at careygly@gmail.com Again, first come, first served

Tommy & Cole in the “Big City”

Dar and Lisa brought the boys up today to see Meet the Robinsons at the El Capitan.  Afterwards we went to the Kodak Theater, and had lunch.  It was a gorgeous sunny day and the kids had a blast.  Luckily the Hollywood sign was still standing and flame free.  All the smoke had cleared away too, though it was pretty smoggy when looking towards downtown LA.  Here are some photos of the kids and a few more of the fire.  I’m also including a coupe of videos I took of Tommy and Andy the other night.  I need to teach them a new joke

Finally, thanks to Seth for passing on this worthwhile website: http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/032907C.shtml

I couldn’t resist posting this  Thanks Tim.

Also, I can’t remember if I already posted this one of Garbo & Ruby I took with my cell when I was dog sitting them.

I just heard that this song is going to be featured on Grey’s Anatomy this Thursday.  If so, it will go through the roof.  I personally don’t watch the show (and I honestly don’t get its appeal) but my friend Seth is a songwriter and he’s been trying to get a song on that show for a while now.  If he does…we can all retire   Keep composing Seth!!

Good day.  Good week.  The post holidays blahs don’t seem that bad this year.  The fact that is was 80° the day after Christmas probably helped, LOL.  We’re actually in a “cold” snap now though.  On the way over to Atwater Village tonight I heard that our “esteemed” governor has declared a “Cold Weather Emergency“.  I almost had to pull over I was laughing so hard!

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today declared a state of emergency throughout California because of the cold snap gripping the state. “I have directed state agencies to activate the extreme temperature protocols established last year to assist the most vulnerable populations in the state and asked local governments and the people of California to take common sense precautions in the unseasonably cold weather,” Schwarzenegger said in his declaration.

“Extreme temperature protocols”???  That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all week.  It was about 60° F (16° C) today!  Granted it was colder up north and in the mountains, but geez louise, they’re used to it.  This state does crack me up sometime.  Arnold’s from Austria.  I’m from Chicago.  Newsflash:  This ain’t cold!

“It was so cold in LA today the people were huddled around the remains of Suzanne Somers smoldering house just to stay warm”  Jimmy Kimmell

Skyped and webcam’d with Daniel in Germany for a while tonight.  He’s really doing well in his internship, and I’m so proud of him.  It’s like my little brother’s growing up.  He was mixing a new song tonight.  It’s all in German, but it’s quite catchy.  Check it out:

Me and Daniel in Hamburg

After that I went to Seth & Jessica’s house for dinner.  We had a really nice time.  Hannah’s walking all over the place now (and has the vocabulary of a 10 year old!), and the dogs get so jealous when I pay her any attention!  Take a look:

After the baby went to bed we had a great dinner:  Rosemary chicken, wild rice and zucchini.  After dinner the conversation turned to the whole nature/nurture, doctor vs. ditchdigger discussion.  Seth seemed to side with Eva’s position, while Jessica and I were more in synch (as usual).  We also watched some of Tyson’s and Macky’s videos, because Seth got a Rubik’s cube for Christmas.  They couldn’t believe their eyes!  I told Seth about Tyson’s tutorial, but he had the right idea already, and wanted to see if he could do it on his own.

Check out: http://www.pbase.com/blaketake:

I discovered that website today after writing a response on Tyson’s blog.  To be such an amazing photographer at such a young age is quite impressive.  Lots of props to him!  He’s got a great eye (like Matthias and Perry).   I’m curious to know what kind of SLR he uses.  His twin brother is a photographer too.  Speaking of Perry (my college roommate), check out the new Hasselblad.  WOW.

It’s as cool looking as the iPhone…and it’s digital!

And finally: The Human Clock