Border Crossing..

So last Sunday I woke up early and decided to take a little ride down the coast..you know San Diego, etc. Then I saw signs for Mexico..why not..so I went to Tijuana! The Volvo has successfully driven in every country in North America (that sounds a lot more impressive than it really is). The Border between the US/ Tijuana is the busiest in the world, with estimates of up to 100,000 people crossing each day. Dios Mio, Mon! Anyway, the only downfall was I didn't have enough time to really explore the city, being that I was only going down there for a day. I'll def. hit it up again in the near future..this time with my cell phone, and possibly a passport.

For All The Turks...

Thanks, Tugba:) Imagine, only 6 more years!

Inspiration.

"1 Giant Leap". Its 2 years old, but I just stumbled upon it on the Sundance channel and found it to be very moving. If you're looking for a great dvd, check it out...I think the AIESEC crowd would like it.

The soundtrack is absolutely stunning as well. Great to watch a sunset to. Words do it injustice. Plus I'm drinking some vodka and that can make me a little emotional! HAHA! Woooo!

http://www.1giantleap.tv/php/summary.php?id=1

Even though I just moved out to Cali, Friday Night's status: Flighty.

India, anyone?;)

Damn You, Onion

Daaaa Sin! http://www.theonion.com/news/index.php?issue=4047&n=3. Well, in Frank Anderton accent, at least I'm out at 4pm. Time for a Bear;)

Flies conquer the flypaper

Picture of the Week (Kiev: webcam)

http://www.1plus1.net/video/camera.php

TurkeyTrot

Mike and I at the Turkey Trot near my house in the LBC. He seems kind of uncomfortable with my hand on his shoulder. What a great Thanksgiving. Perfect weather, perfect food, perfect company. What more can you ask for from an underhyped holiday? Nada. Again proving that Thanksgiving has to be one of my favorite holidays-- the only form of mass consumerism: beer and turkey. I hope everybody enjoyed themselves.

Belmont What

Runnin' in Belmont Shores. Distance from my home: about a block. Number of people running: 1900. Number of RedBulls consumed: 2. Number of Port-a-jons: 4. Number of people with fake ass attached to their back side and screaming inaudible turkey noises the entire race: 1.

Thanksgiving

Under the LemonTree with Becky (Mike's wife)-- and Siebert (Mike's Cousin) w/ lil Willy gettin Jiggy wit it.

En Buyuk Turki-Day

What What? Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving!

http://www.00fun.com/turkeygreetings.shtml. Especially for you, Emir. Excellent job with the history of the bird Turkey and country, btw.

Thanksgiving is probably one my favorite holidays. Its not hyped up that much, and its about what holidays are supposed to be about. Eating and drinking too much, and spending time with friends and family.

Mike and Beck are coming over in about 30 minutes to help celebrate my first Thanksgiving in LA! Today's forecast: Mostly Sunny and high of 65f (18c)! That's nut, especially since it's snowing back home. We're taking part in Long Beach's Turkey Trot ( http://www.turkeytrot.us/). After that I figure I won't feel as bad about over-eating.

Peace, everyone.

HOW BOUT A REVOLUTION

Yuliya works a mere 10 minute walk from all the protests taking place on Independence Square so she's been able to send some great pics from the current happenins' over in Kiev. Powell has just denounced the election result which declared Yanukovych the new PM... and Ukraine looks like the US after the 2000 election...with a disputed result. The big difference is there there is more at stake than some silly Rep and Dem candidates who are basically the same guys pretending to be different..In Ukraine it could be mean the difference between going further east and thus further off the map like the countries in Central Asia (the "stans"), or eventually joining the other Eastern European countries in the EU.

Maybe it'll turn into another Georgia?

I'll repeat what I told Yulchik, "F#CK THE MAN, FIGHT THE POWER! VIVA LA REVOLUTION!"

THATS NOT A BURGA...

Per Tom's request, I looked into, with awe, details about the Monsterthick Burger at Hardees. Unfortunately, Hardee's West Coast sibling, Carl's Jr, offers no such delicatecy at this time. Here's what they wrote:

Dear Mr. Drake:

In regard to your inquiry concerning new menu items, although this information is not currently available, we have forwarded your comments to the appropriate Carls Jr. representative for their review.

If additional information regarding the Monster Thickburger becomes available, we will be happy to provide it to you. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.

Sincerely,
RachelleCarl's Jr. Guest Response

What an outrage. You betta apologize for the inconvenience. What a HUGE inconvenience. I hardly know how my existance in sunny cali will go on!

In the meantime..check this out.. MonsterThick Burger??Nahh..that's not a BURGA..(In Crocodile Dundee Accent)

THIS IS A BURGA...

6 pounds of beef, one large onion, two whole tomatoes, a half a head of lettuce, 1 1/4 pounds of cheese, top and bottom buns, and a cup each of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, banana peppers and some pickles. Those who try to tame the 6-pound hamburger have a time limit: They must do it in three hours or less. Dios, Mio.
Certainly won't have many Hindu friends after that:) If you look closely at the bun, I think you can see the Virgin Mary's face.

Detroit Bas-ket-ball

Even though I dont live in Michigan anymore, it's good to see that Detroiters never miss an opportunity to salvage the city's already sullied reputation. Witness Friday night's NBA game. Fans fighting players, chairs and beer bein' thrown, etc. etc. wooooo!! I thought this sort of thing only happened at soccer matches with those crazy European soccer hooligans!

http://s11.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=D341D48A6473FD018A5F0F43F5DCF088

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=1386&e=6&u=/ap/20041122/ap_on_sp_bk_ne/bkn_brawl_pacers&sid=95747870

Motorcyclist's Delight..

Picture of the week

Weekend Time..

Digs told me today that its Nomadlifes One Month Anniversary! Cheers to Dody and his supporters for making this happen. As a colleague of mine –native from SoCal- would say: Its totally killer, dude (shaking my head).

Another big-up to everyone who has taken the time to: blog-on, Wayne! But seriously, I enjoy keeping up with everyone, and it makes the day go by AWFULLY fast when at the office ;).

I have to learn how to do shortcuts, REAL QUICK.

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Some interestin haps around the world:

--Locust swarms in Egypt. I first read about this on the BBC, but found Tom Garas escapade in Cairo much, much more comical. What a trip. http://tomgara.nomadlife.org/

--Falluja rages on. I feel safer already. Saki had a link to a really good blog: http://fallujapictures.blogspot.com/

--The Ukraines second round of voting. Yulia, my penpal in Kiev, wrote me about it:

This weekend well have second round of voting. You know I am scared to live in this country now, because I thought that I lived in democratic country – BUT NO. You dont know whats going on here !!!

Yanukovich representatives make to vote for him, for example my friend told me that their company made them to go to another city to vote for Yanukovich or they will be fired.


Its an old showdown between East and West. Kremlin backed Yanuovich, and his opponent, western supported Viktor Yushchenko, were neck and neck in the first round polls. Yushchenko is supported by the liberals..just like Kerry was supported by the liberals in the US..funny thing is, they kinda look alike: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4026181.stm. Ha! Yikes. Poor guy, the political aging process really seems to weigh heavily on candidates over there, especially those candidates who favor Washington. Alas, I told her not to worry, there were a lot of liberals in the US who were scared to live in this country as well. At any rate, itll be interesting to watch and see what happens on Sunday.

--Dollar continues to plummet on the world market. Bush raises the ceiling before heading down to Santiago…max amt of fed budget debt can be found somewhere in the killzillions. Im glad I went to Europe when I could still afford it! I wonder if our buddy Nick is in the crowd: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=589&e=17&u=/ap/apec
Actually, he called me from his work in Santiago about Brasila and told me he planned on leaving the city. Come on, maann! You dont want to miss out on all the: Anti-American excitement, do ya? ahhhh.

--I frequented the In-Out-Burger for a second time. Need to lay down after that fiasco. The good news is that I received my cd player in the mail yesterday, so Im starting to run again. Got to after the food Im digesting.

--AIESEC in Afghanistan? Some LCs in Germany think so: http://web.uni-frankfurt.de/fb02/aiesec/NifaOnline/. Global Village in Kabul! Break out the Burquas!!!

--OSU and Michigan play this Saturday. Dubbed one of the nations biggest college football rivalries, expect to see KK sportin some red and yours truly fashioned in the Blue. Check out these cool dudes. And I thought I was pathetic.
http://www.freep.com/sports/umich/fan19e_20041119.htm. It looks like there is a pretty good chance that Ole Blue will be playing in the Rose Bowl here in Pasadena this New Years Day, maybe I can get a posse together and head on oer there..

--Thomas. Thomas. Thomas. The Italian-German, who one of my best buds wrote me at 4am from Ulm and told me: heyyy maaaan, I come back to Michigan next week maannn. Im so wasted. Have fun in Michigan in November, dude. Cant believe I wont be there.

*********
Well, that about wraps her up. Over and Out.

Random Wanker

I almost forgot..2 weeks ago on a Saturday night, a random guy from what I can only assume to be the UK- from the his accent- called me from NYC. I imagine this wanka is somehow affliated with AIESEC UK, Top Banana!! Anyway, he was cutting up really badly so I couldn't make out his name.

WHO ARE YOU, drop me a line, bro!

The Revenge of Stomp Stomp

An old buddy from college spent the night last Wednesday, he had Vet's Day off, too. Should have known things were gonna get ugly. I have a feeling it's the beginning of the end at the apartment here. Kiss the deposit goodbye!

Late Night Swingers...

Haha, That title is really bad on second thought.

Friday Night with the Hudsons, Becky and Mike to be precise. These guys are awesome. Not only do they transport free beds and couches for a young buck in a new city, but they like to hang on street signs after a few drinks at the local watering hole.:)

World Shrinking....

I'm highly impressed with 2 programs that are now available on the web and free to use.

One is Skype.com, which allows you, assuming you have a mic for your PC, to call anywhere in the world for free. And, unlike it's predecessors, there is no echo-chamber effect or lapse in conversation. If this catches on, so long international calling bills!

The second one is www.sms.ac, which allows you to send free international text messages from your PC! It's great esp. since it automatically sends a request to everyone in your email address book..

Thanks everyone for your hard work and effort in designing these programs. Now, average everyday slackers like myself may benefit (at no cost) from your ingenious work! Congratulations!

Arafat 1929-2004.

Picture of the week..

It's the weather, stupid!

I just want to devote a blog to the weather out here. I can't hardly believe it!
It starts early in the morning with the sun shining brightly in my room..warm red haze. Today I got a call at 53oam from Poppa P back in Michigan, "Dude, I hope I woke you up, dude, i hope you know I am scraping ice off my car". Translation: don't take it for granted.

It continues with brilliant warm, blue november skies, and culminates with spectacular pink sunsets. I am beginning to realize that the best things in life are free, and while there is a high price associated with living in Southern California, one quickly figures out why: the climate!

It cracks me up how many people out here are quick to strike up a conversation about anything and everything..I attribute this to not having to worry about freezing to death.

Even being stuck in the office all day working, not being able to go outside, just knowing its all out there..well, it's really nice. I don't know, words really can't describe it.

45 more minutes and I'm gonna be outside in a t-shirt! It's November people.

My friend Mike, who recently moved out here from Michigan was chuckling at my first impressions. "I was the same way, everyday I would go over to the ocean, and just look at it". I guess its the same feeling some people get when they buy something new..but this is better.

He added, "don't worry, the novelty will wear off after a few months".

Ha! I'm waiting..

Liberating the Iraqi People.

Yet more great things coming out of Iraq. let the bodies hit the floor. 2,000 lb bombs being dropped on people. Dios Mio.

Kind of makes your heart swell up with pride (please note the extreme sarcasm for those who don't know me).

A video from our current battle in Falluja:
Title: "Novel use of a 2000 lb'er on human targets"

http://s10.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2A1E3FAB70B9A2EF9489F1F896790C9A

Novel Indeed. No worries, I'm sure they were all terrorists.

While not being too terribly religious, I have to believe that someone or thing higher than us is watching all of this. God Help us if were the ones leading the free world.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3986085.stm

Double Trouble in Hollywood

Actually a lot more trouble than this. Think: 5 ladies, Hollywoooddddd, and a townie!! Rarrr! I think I'm still recovering from Saturday's "lady's night" which started off at a classy little joint named "Shelter" and ended up in some mansion up in the Hills. I really don't know how it all went down but I'll just say two names: KK and Amanda. These girls are seriously out of control. And, LAWD help us all when they are together. Too much for this simple midwestern bwai;).
**************************************
Also, for those who like to take pleasure in my general misfortune: It's frikkin' freezin' in here, Mr. Bigglesworth! In the ultimate of all ironies, I find myself a wee bit cold here in SoCal. I've managed to miss the gas company and hence no heat in the apartment yet. Somebody upstairs has a sick sense of humor!
**************************************
This weather is really messin' with me. Still feels like September. But in fact the holiday season is upon us all. Diwali o'er in India and Al-Fitr (EID) and the end of the week. Of course, we Americans have Thanksgiving coming up, and given last week's election results...errrrr ahhhh, still trying to get over it.

Lo Siento El Mundo

www.sorryeverybody.com. Amen, bruddas and sistas.

Hollywood Drake

Hey Chubby, Nice Hairdo!

Settling In

Waw-Waw-We-Waa! Hello Hello, friendly global neighbors. I likeeee you. Do you likeee me? P ohhh Double D here, live from the LBC! Sorry, Ive been horrible at updating this, the truth is, ever since Ive been in California Ive felt like I’m on holiday..and for those of you who don’t know..I don't do blog on holiday! But, its starting to set in..Im LIVING out here:

Says KK:

kalakomo: haha. there's a highspeed pursuit down through the LBC right now.
kalakomo: lol it's on the news.
kalakomo: i think i just saw your house.


I felt the helicopter cuising over my pad. And when you feel the helicopter hovering over your pad, you know officially that you live in the Southland. Ah yes, California, where the days are sunny and you can forget the troubles of everyday life.

Speaking of troubles, for those of you who saw the election on Tuesday and know me, you know my general feelings about the outcome. 4 more years, 2 more wars, lots more booze. But Im not surprised at all. I just want to thank all of you in the RedStates, and those in general who voted for Bush…thanks for looking out for us. Your wisdom and foresight for a better America certainly is appreciated by those of us in the BlueStates. Have fun sending your sons and daughters to more wars, not being able to pay your bills, and remaining truly ignorant and xenophobic about the rest of the whole world. It’s no secret the coasts vote different..were smarter, richer, and better looking.

See: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/FI14Aa01.html. It was called a long time ago.

I think Jon Stewart is right: Its really just the RedStates way of getting back at us, partly because the east and west coast control all the media, partly because because we have all the money and fun, and partly because they have no teeth. But blame California for Bushs election, for trying to push the whole gay-marriage thing. Should have waited until this year.

Come on, even NYC, the area most affected by the war on terrorism, voted 90% Kerry. But you know what? Apparently, Bush supporters voted for him because he was more moral. HAHA! That’s a joke. Heres morals for you: 100,000 dying.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2004/10/29/news/toll.html

The truth of the matter is everyone in the RedStates was afraid. Fear of Gays, fear of other countries, fear of OBL, etc. etc. And who does fear work on the best? The uneducated. And where do most of the uneducated live? The FW#$R@# South. Works like a charm. Bushs slow-wit, non-sense lies and war mongering really appeal to that lot.

But you know what? Screw it. I live in California now. My hats off to Jesus and Carl Rove. But, ILL be riding my bike everyday in the sunset with all my west coast liberals. Besides I have bigger and better things to preoccupy my time with..swimming, mountain climbing, traveling to Asia and South America..Forget the US...India and China, baby! While we sink farther and farther in debt (OBL is thrilled with a GW Presidency) watch these 2 giants come up! And theyre so close! Make though mistake though, there will be no healing and only more bitterness and alienation with this place.

At least some good things came out of this election: invitations to live abroad: Canada, Turkey, Brazil, and Germany! Not to shabby! We shall see.

The job is going good. Yesterday I was two hours late because when I woke up I thought it was Saturday! I guess the SoCal culture is rubbing off on me! Anyway, I’m still in shock..I was actually hot in November!

Peace out dawgs, Ill keep ya posted on my life!

Paul, Paulushka, Pablo, Drake bey, Pablito, Drake,