Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category

The Dead, all over again…

Published by bobgerman on April 11, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Some of you know me well enough to know that I went to a pretty good number of Grateful Dead shows in the 80s and 90s. I lost count, but I would guesstimate between RFK and Capital Centre shows, one Madison Square Garden show, one Three Rivers show, and last year’s “Change Rocks” Obama benefit in State College, PA, I’ve seen anywhere from 20 to a maximum of 35 shows. This is because between 1985 and the end, they did 19 Capital Centre shows and 15 RFK shows, and I know for a fact that I missed the last two RFK shows. So that leaves 32 local shows and three out of the area. Honestly, it’s all a blur. I know there were years in there where I took the week off anytime they were local and went to all shows. I just don’t remember if I -always- did that during that period.

Tomorrow the remaining members (Bob, Phil, Mickey and Bill, plus Jeff Chimenti on keys and Warren Haynes on guitar) launch their spring tour for this year, in Greensboro NC. On Wednesday, I’ll be up close and personal in Section 114 at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, with my nearly 11-year-old daughter, who has no real conceptual view of the long history of the Dead and their surrounding culture. But for me it’s still important that she sees it, even without Jerry, for the large block of my own past encompassed by that culture. I felt giddy and nostalgic putting together the mail order for the tickets, directly from Grateful Dead Ticket Sales, just like I used to back in the day.

Binge Thinker: Is That a Thumb or Some Dude?

Published by bobgerman on January 29, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Binge Thinker: Is That a Thumb or Some Dude?.

Roadside Ass-sistance (PG Porn)

Published by bobgerman on January 28, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Roadside Ass-sistance.

Masturbation Linked to Cancer – Asylum | Men’s Lifestyle | Humor, weird news, sex tips, fashion, dating, food and gadgets

Published by bobgerman on January 28, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Masturbation Linked to Cancer – Asylum | Men’s Lifestyle | Humor, weird news, sex tips, fashion, dating, food and gadgets.

In other words, we’re all going to die because of what we may have done in our 20s and 30s… however, we have a chance to redeem ourselves by continuing the habit in our 40s.

Anathem

Published by bobgerman on January 14, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

So I’ve been listening to Neal Stephenson’s “Anathem” on audiobook for the past week or so. According to Wikipedia, the book was inspired by Stephenson’s involvement with the “Clock of the Long Now” project, aptly named by Brian Eno. I strongly encourage you explore the surrounding Wiksand. Imagine a clock meant to run for thousands of years, surrounded by a monastery with distinct sub-cloisters whose gates are only opened each year, ten years, hundred years, and thousand years, with information flow into each sub-cloister only allowed during their respective open-gate periods. Add to that the belonging to a purposeful order, the adherence to a strict and philosophically-rewarding discipline, and you had me at hello. Initially I worried about being turned off by a novel which introduces so much “invented language” to make its point, but I found that I adapted surprisingly well to the new terms, and have had no difficulty following the story. This is not the first Neal Stephenson I have “read” — but it most certainly will not be the last.

New addition to the family

Published by bobgerman on January 5, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

I’d like to officially announce a new addition to our family. “Shorty,” a 20-week-old female tuxedo kitten, arrived on Saturday afternoon. Initially she had her own room, but she is already showing signs of comfort exploring the upper floor of the house. She’s quite the cuddler, with a purrbox that never stops and a tendency to sit disturbingly close to your face. It is the first pet for the girls, and they are ecstatic. Sophie couldn’t wait to go to school this morning and “brag” about her new kitty. She said she’s tired of talking about the experiences she has with other people’s pets. BTW the girls have decided to call her Macie instead of Shorty.

A common-sense new year’s resolution

Published by bobgerman on January 2, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Would be NOT to take this hike.


Scariest hiking trail in the world – Watch more free videos

Happy new year!

Published by bobgerman on January 1, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

2008 was about change. Some years fly by with so little change that the year is barely discernible from the last, or from the next. This was not one of those years.

I got a new job this year. I had been at the same small-to-medium web hosting company since 1999, and circumstances conspired to introduce me to the next “best job I’ve ever had.” I’m working in Reston, in the computer security field, with the best set of bosses and co-workers I could imagine putting together. The work is challenging and rewarding, the work environment is fantastic, and the catered lunches, nerf battles and trips to the local shooting range are enough to bring it completely over the top.

As a result of this job change, we had to pick up another car — I had been taking the commuter train into Arlington for the previous job — so because the commute is so long, I picked up a Prius. The loaded model. The nav system, bluetooth connection, 9-speaker stereo system that plays MP3s, all that great stuff. Plus XM radio. We also got rid of our ‘95 Tahoe and replaced it with a 2000 Suburban, from the same secondhand source. XM radio in that vehicle as well.

I’ve been spending my commute listening to audiobooks. I’ll try to list them all, but I’ll probably forget some. Charlie Wilson’s War, Cryptonomicon, Digital Fortress, Neuromancer, Snow Crash, and I’m now in the middle of the third book of Twilight. Don’t laugh, I’m sure it’s more rewarding than the movie. And no, it doesn’t mean I’m at Hot Topic buying stuff that identifies me as vampire-friendly.

I also burned through a set of Spanish lessons. Perhaps I’ll get through another set this year, although next on my list is Bob Woodward’s “The War Within,” followed by maybe some Douglas Adams.

No serious illnesses in 2008, although Sophie was diagnosed with an eye injury, “fourth nerve palsy,” which was corrected in surgery earlier this week. Eve has had the same cold/cough since Thanksgiving, hopefully she’ll be over that soon.

I spent a lot of energy focusing on fitness this year, running when the weather was friendly for it, and picking up a Wii Fit set for the family for Christmas. Hopefully this year I’ll have something to show for it. No luck so far, although I do FEEL more healthy and energetic.

I renewed my concealed carry permit this year, since I’m running with such a gun-friendly crowd and finally have people to go shooting with. It just makes it easier to carry.

I hope your year was as interesting and productive as mine was, and I hope the coming year brings all of us more success, luck, love and prosperity than we’re expecting. :) Happy New Year!

Recent grown-up fun day outing

Published by bobgerman on December 31, 2008 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Recently I was fortunate enough to visit the new Silver Eagle Group indoor shooting facility in Ashburn. The facility has only been open a few weeks, and from what I’ve seen, it’s poised to make a major impact among shooting enthusiasts in the region. Three ranges are available, one of them 50 yards, all of them rifle-ready. Scenario areas and courses to support them. Lounge areas for the privileged few who can afford the Founder or Sportsman memberships. Plenty of merchandise, including NFA (full auto, suppressed, shorty shotguns, etc.).

I went with four friends, and shot handguns up to .44 Magnum, plus a S&W M&P 15 and a Saiga .308.  Great way to spend an afternoon, and I’ll definitely be going back there.

M&P 15saiga_308-1

I can’t say I’m surprised.

Published by bobgerman on December 22, 2008 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

He was playing games in a very dangerous arena. I’m not saying he deserved to be killed for it, but I am absolutely unsurprised. I am also absolutely convinced that his death was not an “unfortunate accident.”

Bush Insider Who Planned to Tell All Killed In Plane Crash

Velvet Revolution: Prosecute Rove

Connell was linked to, among other things:

  • The rigging of 2000 and 2004 elections
  • Destruction of White House emails
  • Setting up of an off-grid White House email system (to circumvent scrutiny and the law)