Dear Mr. President,

I know there are a lot of things that Obama has to deal with right now.  I know that gay rights issues are probably not the top on his list.  But it's bubbled up there because of a recent court ruling regarding insurance benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees.

Sign here and support the rights of same-sex couples.  

FU Ken Star

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to listen to much of the arguments this morning, but will listen to it sometime this week.

That being said, a big F*** YOU to Ken Starr, you f****** a**wipe.

"The people are sovereign?"  If the people were sovereign, anti-miscegenation laws would still be in place.  

Let me remind you- when the people were sovereign, Japanese-Americans were imprisoned for simply being Japanese during WWII.  When the people were sovereign, slavery was legal in the US.  When the people *are* sovereign, the majority very often oppresses the minority.

Why is this such a big deal?  How does two gay people getting married jeopardize the marriage or religious freedom of heterosexual couples?  

Bleargh.  I don't have the emotional capacity to deal with my rage on this issue right now.  

Big Changes

I start a new job tomorrow.  Project management position for the operations team, under the purview of the Finance Department.  Looks to be challenging, but manageable.  Lunch and dinners are catered by two on-staff chefs.  There is beer in the fridges, and my new macbook pro will be waiting for me when I get there tomorrow.

I'm also in the process of exiting my relationship with D.  I'm moving to my godmom's house, temporarily, for a couple of pragmatic/financial reasons, and dealing with a more permanent move to my own place after I settle into this new job.

Packing is a daunting task, even if I feel like I don't have that much stuff.  

Jobby Job

After four months, and five rounds of interviews, I have secured gainful employment, starting on February 16, 2009.  On Thursday, I leave for a last hurrah surf trip to Baja.  Unfortunately, I won't be making it as far south as I'd like, but that's okay.  There are a lot of places for me to check out.  Looks like the weather won't be great, but hopefully, it won't be too bad.

I'm strangely excited to start working again.  I think it will be a great job - the environment is great.  And catered lunch and dinners.  The company is growing at a great clip, and they atmosphere seems great.  Updates will follow.

Jobby Job

Interviewing for the FIFTH time at a company that went on a hiring freeze almost immediately after interviewing me last quarter.  I don't even know what job I'm interviewing for (again).  I suppose it's the same one.  I'm sort of torn.  I know I need the job, but I'm kind of not interested in getting back into the workforce.  Of course, I will be totally pragmatic and take the job if it's offered to me.

Good luck to me.

Ode to Small Factory

I've recently resurrected an old iTunes library off of a couple of dead PCs whose hard-drives were still in perfect shape.  The result, a heap of old music that I haven't been able to listen to in a long time.  I have a bad habit of taking CDs into a car, and then losing them from there.  A lot of music that I've collected over the years has been completely lost.  My Motown box set among them.

Back to the point.

When I was in college, one of my favorite bands (thanks to Barrelled) was Small Factory, a small Providence trio.  Their drummer was a cute, CUTE (rocking) chick named Phoebe Summersquash.  Seriously.  Dave Auchenbach on bass, and Alex Kemp on guitar.  This band convinced me that I liked the mix of male and female vocals that were lacking in so many of this era's indie/twee bands (see Tiger Trap, Tuscadero, etc.).    Another major difference was that the kids in Small Factory could actually play.  Like, really play.  In that era, a lot of indie bands couldn't, and while it lent a lot of credence to the "cuteness" factor of the band, there was a depth of musical integrity that was lacking, for me.

Today, I couldn't tell you which of the albums came out first, but I have three in my collection:

I Do Not Love You (1993)

For If You Cannot Fly (1994)

The Industrial Evolution (1996) - a compilations of singles and b-sides

All three were in extremely heavy rotation.  The production values are great, for an three-piece indie band in the early 90s.  Hell, the production values are great, no disclaimers.  I mean, they aren't Phil Spector levels, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Who can deny the strange pathos in Sensible (For If You Cannot Fly) - /It's getting harder to be sensible/it's getting harder to keep it straight/and all your friend wound up bitter and cynical/and you just say that's great.  Phoebe's layered vocal track(s) in the end are fantastic, and her unassuming, yet un-irritating harmonies offset the deep tenor of Alex's voice here, and the outcome is simply spectacular.  Even the simple 2-measure guitar solo adds a level of melancholy.  Every note, every track, every pause adds to this song.  Chalk this up as one of my all-time Small Factory favorites.

How about Bright Side (For If You Cannot Fly) - a love song to that particular kind of friend that everyone has, or wants to have.  I'm lucky - I have one (more than one, actually).  At the point in my life when I was listening to this, the one in particular helped me home on my 21st birthday, made sure I didn't die, and helped me dial my girlfriend.  What more could I ask for?  (If you start to cry/I'll be the one who'll wipe those tears from your eyes)

And the cover of Valentine (I Do Not Love You)?  You can't *not* fall in love with Phoebe on this one.  Period.  If you can resist, you probably eat babies.

Let's not forget If You Hurt Me (The Industrial Evolution).  Devolves into some awesome noise at the end.  /If you hurt me/I'll be angry and I'll grow up way too fast/And if you break my heart/I'll smash up your car/.  Miniboss does *not* condone violence, but I'll admit that I've felt like this with one of my breakups.  Not particularly because they broke my heart, but because they were assholes.

Small Factory disbanded after the release (or maybe even before) of The Industrial Evolution.  Alex and Phoebe started a new band called The Godrays - and while they were great, I missed the third that wasn't replaced.  Sadly, The Godrays also broke up a few short years later.

Pass da aloha, bra.

(Edited again to post a better pic.)

Img from AP, as Obama's high school marching band passed by during the inaugural parade.

I can't tell you how proud I am to be an American today.  I think we all felt like patriots on 9/11, and on the days and months immediately thereafter, but we were united in our suffering. Today is different.  Today, hope swells in my chest with every breath, and I believe that change is really possible.  

I'm realistic - Obama has problems that no president has had to deal with in over half a century, but I believe that he has what it takes to unite us; as a country, as citizens, as neighbors.  

Obama, I hope the aloha spirit lives on in you.  (Even though you did go to Punahou.)

In Rememberance

Today, I remember Marie.  She died four years ago today, around 10pm, after a nearly two year struggle with leukemia.  I can't remember hardly anything about what I was doing, career-wise.  I can't remember much of anything, actually, except for Marie.  I spent a lot of time at hospitals, and a lot of time vomiting in the bushes outside the hospital.  I don't think I ever got over the vomit-first impulse that my body has when it gets near a hospital.

There were good times and bad times.  The good times were great.  I got a lot of pleasure out of seeing Marie's attachment to a teddy bear (from Godiva) that she hilariously named Hershey (that we gave her).  To tell you the truth, I thought her short hair was really punk rock, and I didn't miss her long hair at all!  I remember us going to see the baby great white shark at the Monterey aquarium with my brother.  The jellyfish tank RULED, and that section of the aquarium got a lot of explanations from Marie, whose primary research was in invertebrates.

I remember a horrifying ICU visit that will probably haunt me until I die.  I remember her lamenting that she would never kiss another boy again.  And I remember crying myself to sleep on many an occasion, wondering why people so young have to die?  It is *never* easy to watch someone die.  Even less so, a person in the prime of their lives.  I remain forever indebted to the friends who stood by me in my need.

But today, I think of Marie.  I miss you.  We all do.

Graduating from Linda Mar to Mavericks

Just kidding.  I went surfing yesterday at Pacifica.  I admit - it was probably the *flattest* day I've *ever* seen there.  I went in dry, and came out with anything above my waist still dry.  However, I do not consider it a successful surf session.

The Mavericks contest was hoping that a typhoon swell originating in Japan (and which hit Oahu's North Shore yesterday with 20+ Hawaiian measurement) would form today.  It didn't, so the contest is off.  Rumor has it that a lot of the pro dudes who have already shown up with surf out there anyway, so it might be worth the drive down to check it out.

I got back into my daily swim when I got back from Mexico, but strangely, I found it to be a LOT less calming than usual.  Thank goodness Pacifica looked good - even though the surf was pathetically small, I felt very tranquil, and thought of nothing but the waves, the freezing cold water that made my hands look like lobster claws, the birds, the ocean and the sun.  Very meditative.

Since Mavericks is off for today (and the weekend), I think I will make another trip out to Pacifica for surfing.  Wish me luck.

Ensenada

I got back from Ensenada yesterday. I went to visit a friend (and old coworker) of mine and had a wonderful town. Ensenada wasn't the sleepy beach town that I expected, but it will definitely warrant a subsequent visit, even if the visit is just a pit stop on my way to the Surfing spot that will remain nameless.

What did I do?
I ate a lot of raw seafood at a street cart near the fish market.
I ate a lot of fried fish tacos.
I walked on the beach *every* day.
I went for a hike up to a cross on the top of one of the mountains on the right side of the major valley.

Ensenada's beach looks slightly like Santa Monica on a not-so-good day - close shorebreak, closed out. Probably not a good choice for anything but a beginning surfer who just wants to ride a wave into the sand. San Miguel didn't look as good as the internet sites say - and looks like a really fast right. I don't think i could make the section(s) on a longboard, but maybe an egg or fish. I did a little bit of research and am actually *totally* stoked to drive back down there for a weekend trip, maybe in February, and hit one or two surf spots (k38 in particular) on my way down to Ensenada.

It was great to be out of the country, which I haven't been since my last trip to the Philippines in May 2007. It was great to be "on vacation", and hanging out with my friend. I remembered that I love playing music with people who also like to play music.

I had time to reflect on my life while I was there, and am still struggling with a few of the conclusions that I've come to.

I also read an awesome book - easily the best book that I've read in the last 12 months: Playing With the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made A Nation. It was about the 1995 World Cup (Rugby) that was held in South Africa, just shortly after Mandela was elected president. I'm not an overly emotional person (except for my temper), but I found myself either in tears, or near tears, once every chapter. If this was made into the movie, it would probably be better than Rudy, or The Natural, in the genre of *great* sports movies. It was an inspiring read about how peaceful revolution can be achieved if the compassion in the human spirit can triumph over other, more destructive emotions. Definitely recommended.

Teenage Fanclub's Bandwagonesque is in heavy rotation - and I'm unclear how this slipped past my radar all this time. Also, Chris Bell has been on my mind a lot, but I know where that road leads - to excessive drinking and depression. His You and Your Sister, in particular, have played in my head incessantly for the past day or so - and its actually a pretty trivial song to learn, but can anyone really replicate the angst in Chris' voice? Look Up, well - that one nearly killed me 10 years ago. I Am the Cosmos nearly did, too. I actually got a phone call from a friend in Texas then, whose first question to me was, "What are you listening to?" I replied, "Chris Bell." To which he replied, "You gotta stop doing that." It was good advice.

Chris Bell is a nearly Brian Wilson-esque figure to me - except that Chris Bell is dead, and Brian Wilson is not. (For more info, please see my Brian Wilson tribute.) I can't explain why - I don't listen to him *nearly* as often as other bands in regular rotation, but there's just something about his music. There's a reason why Big Star's #1 Record is the first and foremost of the Big Star records.

I'm also currently fixed on Okkervil River, which an old college buddy of mine plays in. I have to admit that I didn't really *get* Black Sheep Boy, which won critical acclaim from nearly every music critic on earth - but I really like their The Stage Names album. Isn't their drummer cute?

That is all.

Why Scotch is great.

Because it is.

My current (but soon to be not current) bottle is:


This bottle can be had at BevMo for about $50. Highly recommended, and replaces my Macallan 12.

Mele Kalikimama!

I gots:
A noritake teapot from my gramma's house (from parentals), but it broke in transit.
A woodblock print (from parentals)
4 champignon chocolates from Cocoa Bella (from D)
3 mini moleskin journals (from D)
Tea (from parentals)
Okoshi (from aunty Viv)
Caramel Popcorn and Kaki mochi (from Aunty B)
Very old, VERY COOL harmonica from gramma's house (from parentals)
Charles Chocolates (from D)
Cool ultraman privacy screen for cellphone (from Bro)
Measuring Tape (from D)
Kitty Magnet (from D)
Zojirushi rick cooker (from Syd and Barr)
EDIT: Homemade Panda Bear (from TN)

I gaves:
Cookies to everyone.
Osho Zen Tarot Cards + Book to D
Weleda birch oil stuff to D

My Senator's response to my letter re: Liebermann

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Dear [MIni-boss]:



Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding Senator Joseph Lieberman's (ID-CT) retention of the chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.



The election of Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) to be President has started a new chapter in our history, and the President-elect has said that he wants to heal the divisions in this nation. He also made it clear that he does not want Senate Democrats to isolate Senator Lieberman for his actions during the campaign.



The Senate Democrats voted on November 19, 2008 to bring about reconciliation, not only within our caucus, but between Democrats and Republicans. We are trying to develop a more civil dialogue that will hopefully allow us to get more done on behalf of the American people. I believe we are on the right path to moving away from divisive partisan politics and towards a cooperative legislative body.



The resolution presented in the caucus passed by a vote of 42-13. Although the resolution condemned statements Senator Lieberman made while campaigning for Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and removed him from the Environment and Public Works Committee, he will continue to Chair the Homeland Security Committee and will remain a member of the Democratic caucus.



Once again, thank you for contacting me. Please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C. staff should you have any additional concerns at (202) 224-3841.


Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the Nation are available at my website http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/. You can also receive electronic e-mail updates by subscribing to my e-mail list at http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ENewsletterSignup.Signup.


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Reconciliation? Whatevs. Secondly, as President-elect, Obama should be the first to realize that his job is now in the executive branch, and while he's entitled to giving his opinion (and advice) to the congressional branch, Congress DOES NOT exist to execute orders from the White House. Have we learned *nothing* from the last 8 years? I realize that it's overly optimistic of me to think that Democrats would vote, at least on this issue, in the best interest of the country (which I firmly believe Liebermann no longer understands) - can anyone really explain how retaining Liebermann as both a) in the Democratic Caucus, and b) as chairman of that committee is anything but a blatant, "Thank you, sir, may I have another?"

I Only Wanna Be With You

A few weeks ago, I stumbled on an old TV segment of Dusty Springfield - awesome, awesome, awesome.



Isn't she hot?

A friend of mine is visiting me for the weekend, and we've been spending time playing music. After I showed him the Dusty Springfield clip, he directed me here:



We sign off now to learn how to play this song, in alternating English and Spanish. We are fashioning a shoulder shrug dance routine to go with it, ala Luis Miguel. To make this SUPER hilarious, my friend says that the Spanish version's title translation is "Now You Can Go Away". BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

New Muzak

Thanks to H&M for the gift certificate to Amoeba Records. I went there and picked up the 2007 Okkervil River album that I've been meaning to get since I saw them last time they were here. The first half of the album is pop-y - the second half, is a little too slow for me right now. In six months, I fully expect to amend my statement and proclaim how brilliant the slower songs are.

I also picked up the new Lucksmiths album, but haven't listened to it yet. I picked up one other album, but that will remain nameless, because it is a guilty pleasure.

When I was at the record store, I forgot that I'd also really wanted to get Bandwagonesque by Teenage Fanclub - but thanks to not having Evernote *readily* available on my phone, that's what happened. Plus, Amoeba is like a memory stealing device. You get in there, and completely forget what time it is, why you're there, and sometimes, who you are!!!! (I often find myself wandering in the hip hop section!!!!!)

Thanks to H&M for the great tunes!!!!

Norad & Santa

Gizmodo put a post regarding the history of NORAD and Santa Tracking. It leads to www.norad.org, which details exactly how a misprint in a Sears Roebuck ad led to, essentially, a batphone for the commanding officer of NORAD.

Even funnier, the CO talks about getting the first phone call (and subsequent ones) here. Norad continued the tradition by staffing the phones with volunteers during Christmas since then.

Milk - See it

I went to see Milk at the Castro Theater on Monday (for date night). I regret, now, that I didn't participate in the filming, as an extra, particularly in the night vigil sequence.

I was struck by the similarities of Prop 6 (the Briggs Initiative, that would have fired all gay teachers, and all employees of schools that supported gay rights, or gay individuals) and Prop 8. Notably, the absence of the word "gay" from any and all literature from the No side (pro-gay rights).

I found the action that Milk supported also worthy of introspection. Milk called upon gay people to come out to the people around them, and I find the call no less important today. I realize that this is an intensely personal decision for most gay people, and can come with recriminations, the shame surrounding being gay will continue to exist until enough people come out. I also realize that I'm being more than mildly hypocritical, since I don't lead a particularly OUT lifestyle when I'm around my family, but it is important, to make the attempt.

Anyway, go see the movie. It broke ALL box office records at the Castro theater last weekend. Oh, and DON'T go see it at Cinemark, on account of their CEO donating $9999 to the Yes on 8 campaign. That means no Century Theaters, CineArts, or TinselTown.

Here's the preview, if you haven't already seen it.

Mini-boss re: Lieberman - He sucks.

Dear Senator Boxer,

I am writing to inform you of my support for the removal of Senator Joe Lieberman as Chair of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs committee. He sucks.


Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mini-boss

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If you want to send your OWN email to Senator Boxer, please feel free.

I *heart* Olbermann

Ahoy, Mateys!

I've (mostly) recovered from stress-induced fatigue caused by the recent election. I'm now back to the dreary task of finding myself a job. I have to admit that I am not immune to the anxiety-ridden "what-the-fuck-is-going-on-with-the-economy-and-job-market" hysteria that seems to be on the front page of every newspaper from Hawaii to Maine, but I think I'm managing fairly well.

My new goal is to get my resume out to three prospective employers every day, Monday-Friday. I sort of wish that I didn't have to do this, and I actually *want* to go home and help my parents at the shop (and surf every morning), but D would prefer that I stay here, even if that means that D has to pay my rent. (I swear this isn't an under-the-table way for me to live, rent-free.)

What with the endless news of layoffs and bailouts, who wouldn't be nervous? I'm actually glad that I left that last company, seeing as they're Sequoia backed, and must be trying to reduce costs by 10%, as has been endlessly blogged about in the last few weeks.

Today, I am thankful that I have a leftover pot of spaghetti.
I am thankful for Vornado heater fans.
I am thankful for wool-lined house slippers.
I am thankful for wifi that lets me sit on my couch and blog (and apply for jobs).
I am thankful for Strauss Family milk that will make wonderful hot chocolate at lunch.