Places I've Been: December Nights is December 7-8

Next weekend marks the start of the San Diego Holiday Season (in my humble opinion). Balboa Park's December nights (presented by Barona) is a combination of all those cozy Holiday feelings you get when you watch a movie like National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (or, you know, spending time with your family or something). Not only are they're vendors, artists, choirs, little children singing, stage acts, food, food, food, but the Museums open their doors free of charge from 5:00 - 9:00pm BOTH evenings.

It's crowded, so plan on searching for parking, driving around and eventually parking about as far away as you ever imagined you would to get to Balboa Park. You might get lucky in the Zoo parking lot, but don't be afraid to head to the Navy Hospital just down the street and jump on the shuttle. Also prepare for the crowds, most gather around the carnival rides, but there are people every where you go. Get yourself some hot chocolate and kettle corn and settle in for a slow, meandering stroll around the park.

The main stage features acts from square dancing classes to budding ballet stars to accordion players and bands. And the smells of the food reaches all over the event, from the typical (corn dogs, popcorn) to the interesting (ethnic, hot, warm, yummy).

It's Christmas all over, there's no way you can resist the season. From people actually wearing a hat, scarf and gloves to others smiling and sharing kisses or hugs.

Since it's sponsored by Barona there is also "My Ancestor's Village" which features a display of local Native American history and culture.

Stop on by The Artist's Village and check out local art work, Santa Claus, some music and a ton of Christmas lights.

It is the start of something warm and fuzzy and IT'S FREE.

Na na na na na We're not as Dumb as you Thought we Were

From the LA Times:

In a first-ever ranking of high schools by U.S. News & World Report magazine -- best known for its influential, and controversial, ranking of colleges and universities -- 23 of the top 100 schools in the nation were from California, including 10 from the Los Angeles area. Also in the top 10 were the Oxford Academy, a college preparatory school in the Anaheim Union High School District that accepts students by examination, and the Preuss School, a charter school under the joint oversight of the San Diego Unified School District and UC San Diego.

So there! San Diego has a smarty school! They have smart people doing smart things being smart and loving the smart in life. Such good students.

The Preuss School is currently under a cloud because of allegations of grade-tampering, but that would not appear to affect its ranking, since U.S. News relied on standardized test scores, not grades.

Et Tu LA Times? You couldn't just NOT mention that for a minute while we celebrate, touche. TOU-CHE.

Ooo, Ooo, you're gonna have to get your game face ready: AMAZING RACE AUDITIONS ON DECEMBER 8

Head on down to Liberty Station, South Promedade off Rosecrans Street and Womble Road in San Diego. 8am-4pm on Saturday December 8.

From Sign On San Diego: Teams of two will have two minutes or less to impress casting directors and try to land a spot for the next trek around the world.

Rachelle in the City: She goes and finds herself the Big O.

Rachelle in the City:
The Big O

Where does time go? It seems like just yesterday I moved to the San Diego area and already the weeks have flown by and Christmas is just around the corner. I am crossing my fingers my supervisor will let me return to New Mexico to visit my family for the holidays.

The bummer about working retail in a spa is you have to work 7 days a week, 362 days a year. This is the price I have to pay for now I guess, and hopefully it will pay off in the end. Though, a little hiss rises up in the back of my mind sometimes when I am stocking the shelves and it says, "you went to Stanford for this?"

Working and recovering from work has been my theme these past few weeks. I had Tuesday and then Sunday off last week. So weird.

My point is, my big plans of checking out cool cheap things to do around San Diego has been significantly delayed. However, that doesn't mean I haven't managed to squeeze in a few highlights to mention.

For Avery's birthday she made the long trip up to North County and we had lunch at this Japanese restaurant called Nozomi in Carlsbad. Their lunch specials are so delicious and complement that with some sake and it makes a perfect start to an afternoon (only if you don't have to return to work of course).

Afterwards, we were determined to find Geoff's friend's bar in Oceanside where she's a bartender so we could maybe score some free drinks. I had never been to Oceanside before and I don't think I will be heading back there soon, unless I want to shop at The Closet. Marines were everywhere and everything just seemed...sketchy. We finally found the bar called The Haunted Head and when we walked in all these dirty old men looked at us and since my friend wasn't working at the time we sort of looked at each other and agreed to head to the sports bar down the street instead. Oceanside has its own vibe going but it's definitely not my vibe.

My eldest aunt came into town on business and I was able to show her my apartment. She thought everything was "cute" and she took pictures of me standing in each area of the apartment so she could show my family back home.

We spent an evening in downtown San Diego having tapas at this place i kept telling Geoff over the phone was called "O" but was corrected by an irritated waiter who said the name was actually "Red Circle." What do I know. It was an alright place. They were playing some good music though...the kind I could see me and my girls getting down to. It was great to have family visiting me and I hope they come more often so I don't miss they so much.

Geoff and I declared we have gained too much weight since we got married and our goal is to start becoming more active in our daily rituals. Funny thing is that it's actually easier said then done. What better thing to do then get off work and curl up next to your loved one and read or watch TV together? I am looking forward to this coming weekend because Geoff and I are going to check out the exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls because we are scholarly like that. I mentioned it to Avery but she didn't sound to keen on going. I'm excited though.

Chargers fans are like the insanely lucky dude who sleeps with Jessica Alba

So writes MCD:

Chargers fans are like Cash Warren: an ugly guy who bagged an unbelievably hot chick, got spoiled and cheated with a Russian model, had the relationship ended, and then came running back faster than Asafa Powell. I'm not sure if LaDainian Tomlinson or Marty Schottenheimer is Jessica Alba in this analogy, but the point is that we've been spoiled. Firing Marty completely ruined the stability that had existed in the organization for several years. That doesn't just grow back overnight with any old coach.

I agree, Cash Warren did get spoiled but I had no idea he cheated with a Russian Model, learn something new every day.

San Diego Smoke Shops Brace for The Deadline

The November 30 deadline is fast approaching for 200 San Diego Smoke Shops and Stores that were sent letters from City Attorney Mike Aguirre instructing them to cease sales of drug paraphernalia.

From San Diego City Beat:

In the days just before Thanksgiving, Aguirre, via the Drug Abatement Response Team (DART), sent out 200 letters to 52 smoke shops citywide, informing them that they must, by Nov. 30, stop selling anything that is considered drug paraphernalia by California law. Specifically, that means all the glass pipes, all the water pipes, all the little baggies, all the scales—all that stuff must go. Disobedience can be punished with a year in jail or a $1,000 fine per type of illegal equipment on display, which for some shop owners could work out to tens of thousands of dollars and an unpalatable chunk of jail time.

NBC San Diego is reporting that Aguirre "said the crackdown isn't targeting stores that cater to marijuana use; it is aimed at paraphernalia for using hard core drugs like crystal methamphetamine and rock cocaine. Often crack and methamphetamine pipes are sold under the guise of having other functions such as tobacco pipes and oil burners.

And now it's time for my old lady moment: "wait a minute those aren't oil burners?"

I Love Press Releases Part II: Hey look!

Sexy Women are TAKING OVER Wine Bars:

This concept has taken San Diego wine bars by storm with the introduction of Sexy Women & Wine Workshops. Zip Zap Toys, the creation of Jennifer Gunsaullus, PhD, and Nicole Scott, markets luxury erotic products for women in a unique way. Their goal is to help women know their bodies, like their bodies, and explore what brings them pleasure.

I'm kind of afraid to type in "Sexy Women and Wine" to Google, but I think I might just have to so that I can get some more information (for my friend, old whats her name, of course).

View In the Den with Dr. Jenn, Dr. Jenn's weekly online video podcast show about female sexual empowerment, at: www.GorillaSoapbox.com .

Russell Crowe I Understand You Are Just A Product of Your Environment

So, two Australian guys go to a party where they meet an American guy and they decide to have a few beers to discuss the finer merits of American Football and Australian Rugby. After the American guy won't back down, the Australian dudes go all Russell Crowe on his butt (I had to, I'm sorry, he's AUSTRALIAN and he PLAYS RUGBY and he has a tendency to, say, get violent and throw things at people), whereby the American guy (smarty mc smartyson) RUNS AWAY from them, they chase him and beat him up thereby proving their point:

Australian drunk dudes are really not as much fun as you'd think they'd be with their cute little shrimp on the barbie accents.

And it must be in the water (or the Fosters, Australian for Beeeuh).

From News.Com:

TWO Australian sailors faced a US court today for the vicious beating of a Californian man during an argument about whether rugby league was better than American football.

The victim, who had met the sailors at a pub before the trio went to a house party, suffered a broken nose, broken rib and a suspected broken eye socket in the attack and had to have 30 stitches in his face.

The sailors, who both pleaded not guilty, faced the court in blue jail uniforms and orange prison-issue sandals, with their wrists shackled to their waists. Judge David Szumowski said he considered the two men to be flight risks and increased their bail from $US30,000 to $US50,000.

Barack is looking for his Southern California support

My San Diego: Artist Jean Benabou can't ask for anything more (in a city).

Jean Benabou
Artist
Poway, Ca.

My San Diego is everything I could ask for in a city. It gives me the opportunity to have it all. I am close to great beaches, the weather is consistently fantastic, and the community is wonderful to be a part of.

I was born in California and received my Bachelors Degree and my Masters
from Otis/Parsons in Los Angeles. At Otis I studied under Emerson Wolfer, Roy Dowell , Mike Kelly and Carol Caroompas.

My work has appeared in numerous group shows and Solo Exhibitions in the San Diego area, namely the San Diego Repertory Theatre, Arts and entertainment gallery, LUX Studio, Condo Gallery, and has been featured in Art Revolutionaries online magazine, Volume 1, issue #3,
April 2005 and ZEEK- A Jewish Journal of thought and culture, Sept. 2005. and will be showcased in the upcoming issue of Indie Arts Magazine.

To see more of Jean Benabou’s work, visit: http://www.jeanbenabou.com/ or http://ifiwasacobbler.blogspot.com/

We're looking for My San Diego contributors! If you would like to be featured as part of My San Diego email cutchawrites (at) gmail dot com. Tell us about your San Diego.

Speaking of Parading Your Holiday Booty Off

You can check out the La Jolla Christmas Parade AND Holiday Festival this weekend as well.

Sunday December 2, 2007

On Sunday, December 2, La Jolla's Holiday Festival will celebrate the season with all sorts of family entertainment. Silverado Street is the venue for the YMCA Crafts Faire 9 am-4 pm
Herschel Avenue Stage will host singers, dancers and athletes from La Jolla and Miramar areas9 am-1:30 pm The La Jolla Christmas Parade -- Begins Girard Avenue in downtown La Jolla and finishes at Prospect and Silverado. 1:30 pm The 2007 theme is "Legends of the Season" and the parade will include floats, marching bands and equestrians.

I just got done putting up a million billion white Christmas lights in the lame attempt to go all Clark Griswold on my neighborhood. And then half of them blew out (seriously), back to the drawing board tomorrow... WOO for upcoming Holiday Events.

OB Holiday Parade

The Ocean Beach Holiday Parade is this weekend! San Diego may not be known for their "winters" but we sure do know how to do the Holiday Thing. You could quite literally Holiday Parade around San Diego, visit Santa Claus when he's on surf vacation or when he's in his more "wow it's cold at 70 degrees" red suit.

Some event information for you:

OB Holiday Parad

SATURDAY (December 1)

5:05pm - 7:00pm.

Location: Ocean Beach (Newport Ave. at Ebers St.)

The parade kicks off with a 60-foot tree lighting ceremony hosted by Santa Claus and includes marching bands, floats, antique cars, and surfers. A small festival will accompany the parade featuring a craft fair and festive entertainment.

And now for two Hotels I Can't Afford to Stay At

From SDBJ.com

In a state with the most AAA Five Diamond awards for hotels of any in the country for 2008, 16, Southern California had 13 inns on the list and San Diego County had two. And the county’s Five Diamond winners are… The Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad for the ninth year in a row, and the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla for six years running.

I actually have a friend who's stayed at The Four Seasons in Carlsbad and then other friends who go and mooch off of her, eat at the bar and pretend to be "ladies who lunch." One day, mark my words, this blogging thing is going to pay the big bucks...

San Diego City Beat Solves the Health Care Issue

Here.

I keep seeing this fruitcake chucking thing all over the damn place

Never heard of it, but apparently it's coming up so brace yourselves and keep your eyes open for any stray fruit cakes. From Canadian Press:

In California on Dec. 2, the Fruitcake Chuck-n-Hurl takes place in San Diego, where locals will toss their cakes into trash cans to raise money for charity. It's part of Deck the Palms, a warm-weather holiday celebration at Seaport Village, part of the San Diego waterfront, that includes a Santa with a surfboard, sand sculptures and decorations on palm trees instead of evergreens.

Some more information via the Seaport Village Website:

All monetary donations plus proceeds from the Fruitcake Chuck-n-Hurl will benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation and its efforts to break the cycle of child abuse, through prevention, education, advocacy and funding. For more information on the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, visit www.capfsd.org.

The Fruit Cake Chuck is part of the annual Deck The Palms, and event that celebrates the holidays "San Diego Style."

Deck the Palms will also feature an award-winning sand sculptor team creating an exclusive scene with SoCal Santa and his elves, and a professional chalk artist, who will not only create her own piece but help participants add drawings too. And in this year's craft corner, kids will again get to decorate sand dollar ornaments as well as participate in new San Diego-style crafts including sun paper art and candle decorating. Festive lights and decorations, along with more live upbeat holiday music and entertainment will spice up the ambiance at Seaport. Deck the Palms runs Sunday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Organizers expect Santa to arrive with a splash around noon, and he will be available for photos (not supplied by Seaport Village) until 4 p.m. All shops, restaurants and eateries will be open for holiday shopping and dining from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Some guy bought a whole bunch of domain names and is now holding them ransom

The San Diego Union Tribune recently purchased one. WeAreSanDiego.com. From Domain News:

The San Diego Union-Tribune has purchased the domain name WeAreSanDiego.com from the Charleston based company WeAre, LLC d/b/a IamDomainNames.com. It plans to use the name to promote business and tourism after the recent devastation caused by fires. Its entertainment guide will now be called WeAreSanDiego.com.


Since January 2006 an enlightened Stephen Webb has been acquiring Domain Names, all starting with I AM or WE ARE.



So wait, is the entertainment guide really changing it's name? Address??? Stay tuned. Someone quick, buy the site gimmemysandiegodomainnameyoumonopolylovingbastard.com

A little off topic but...

I went to get lunch, couldn't find my wallet, freaked out, looked everywhere for said wallet, had everyone in the joint looking for the wallet, freaked out some more, finally gave up and headed home, got a call from The Highway Patrol who had my wallet, turned around to go get my wallet, finally got my wallet back, still had the 20.00 in it and all my credit cards, went back to get lunch and now... am finally... back to work.

Sheesh.

Second Life is a game I don't play, I'm still trying to get around to playing The Sims

Welcome to Second Life, where you can be who you want to be, say what you want to say and do what you want to do. If you're Dwight Shrute, you're exactly who you are in real life, except you can fly. From Fox 6 News:

"If you could have a second life, why don't you?" asks Suzanne Aurilio. Aurilio studies "Second Life" at San Diego State University through a grant provided by Qualcomm. "Second life is a 3-D online virtual environment," she explains. Aurilio has three characters or "avatars" that she uses in the online community, which is populated by an increasing number of people in San Diego and across the globe."It's very similar to real life," offers Aurilio. "People own homes, yachts, helicopters," they go to clubs. "You go in there and have a social life. You establish relationships with people, people get married, and now people are having pregnancies. I went to a wedding for the first time."

Now, if Law and Order: Special Victims Unit is to be believed (and we all know that show has it's finger on the button of "what you should be afraid of this week", and Ice-T) people will eventually have to contend with their cyber second life stalkers (well, wait, people who make their online avatars owners of sex clubs who are underage and dance naked for onlookers) becoming real life stalkers, ooooo, forewarned!

For those that are Second Life "whatsa whosits next life?" virgins, you can check out the instructional video up top or here.

This guy is just aching to be a note on a blog

Some guy in a cowboy hat went and held up a bank, dag nab it, put the money in the sack and don't try no funny stuff ya hear! From Sign On San Diego:

An acne-scarred man wearing a cowboy hat robbed San Diego National Bank in Rancho San Diego yesterday, a sheriff's official said. The holdup occurred on Jamacha Road near Fury Lane shortly before noon. The robber told a teller he wanted to cash a check and then handed her a note demanding money, sheriff's Lt. Hope Andrews said. The teller handed over some cash and the robber ran out of the bank. He was described as Latino or black, 20 to 30 years old, 6 feet tall and thin, with pockmarks on his face. He wore a faded black cowboy hat; a dark, long-sleeved shirt; and gray jeans. –P.R.

I originally held off on the whole "oh and he had acne all over his face" description cause I wanted to save him some dignity, oh well. He had acne too, he's an old acne scarred, cowboy hat wearing bank robber. Mount up!

Funnily enough if you google image search for "bank robber, cowboy hat" there are a lot of them out there. Fashion trend alert!

Baby Panda's Name Announced: Hello Zhen Zhen

I voted, I WIN!!! Welcome Zhen Zhen, which means Precious. From San Jose Mercury News:

Following Chinese tradition, the zoo waited until the cub, which was born Aug. 3, reached 100 days old before giving her a name. More than 2,400 names were initially submitted by zoo visitors. Those were narrowed to four and then 36 percent of voters chose Zhen Zhen in an online poll. The other choices were Li Hua (Beautiful China), Ming Zhu (Bright Treasure) and Xiao Li (Little Beauty). The cub is still living out of public view in a private den with her mother, the panda Bai Yun.

That's not Zhen Zhen up there in the picture (by the way) though that Panda is just precious as well.

The Reviews are Trickling In: Hard Rock Hotel is Okay

Not wonderful, not amazing, not "oh my freaking God Cindy Crawford was there! CINDY CRAWFORD!" just, "ehh, it's alright." The hotel doesn't "offically" open until December 12, so they do have some time to work out the kinks, and there are (apparently) some kinks. From Hotel Chatter.com

So far, guests have posted four reviews, averaging out at a 3.5 (out of five) overall rating. Though the hotel is living up to its "so stylish it hurts hype," guests are still feeling the growing pains of a three-week-old hotel. Here's a snippet of our favorite comments so far, ranging from the satisfied:

So many details of thought are immediately apparent in the design of this hotel. It is clearly a state-of-art building, showcasing the best in the industry. The hotel is very modern, truly a contemporary design dream come true!

to the irritated:

I learn from the first review that the official opening of the hotel is not until December. That would explain the maintenance guys running around doing stuff and finishing off the pool area.

to the downright nitpicky (we can identify):

the towels were those strange cotton towels that feel nice to the touch, but just seem to move the water around. The bathroom and halls smelled of rotten eggs---seems to be a ventilation problem. One elevator was out of service and there was no lighting in the spa/workout room one morning.

Abbie on: Those things we all miss from childhood. Alternate Headline: Abbie on smurfing a smurf with a smurf list (good thing we scratched that one)

She Makes the Lists the Whole World Reads
Abbie Berry

The top five things I miss most from my childhood:

1. My LiteBrite.

When I was a little girl, I could sit for hours in front of the TV with my LiteBrite. It was Fonzie, Richie, Joannie, Chachi and me with my LiteBrite. The 1980’s version was a white and black uniquely shaped box. I plugged the multi-colored pegs into the small wholes in the front of the box to make my colorful creation. A light bulb was housed in the middle and my creation could be lit up by plugging in the box. I loved this toy. I even begged my parents for extra pegs.

I was a single child at the time and I was absorbed in my own world as I sat on the carpeted floor in my mother’s apartment. I made shapes and designs and kept myself busy for long periods of time.

You can make your own LiteBrite creation here:

http://www.sfpg.com/animation/liteBrite.html

Apparently, Hasbro still makes LiteBrite but the look of the toy has changed. This children’s toy is great for any child with a creative mind.


2. Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour.

According to my research, there are only three locations that still exist. The one in Mira Mesa closed in 2006.

I grew up in Los Angeles and I remember many birthday parties at Farrell’s. We had ice cream sundaes and we played games. The employees wore red and white striped uniforms, sang songs to us and rang a bell for special occasions. Farrell’s was the place to be on your birthday.

3. Saturday morning cartoons.

I watched cartoons while I played with my LiteBrite. I miss these cartoons. There’s something very different about the cartoons they create these days. I suppose it’s the way that the animation has become so advanced that makes it look so unlike our “old school” cartoons. There is something almost innocent about the cartoons we grew up with. I especially loved: Superfriends, Scooby Doo, Flintstones and The Smurfs.

4. Girl scouts.

I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout and I’m very proud to say that I am still close friends with a few of the girls I grew up with during that time in my childhood. We sold cookies and calendars. We went camping. Our moms were our leaders and ran our weekly meetings. We did projects for the community and earned badges. I remember going to a nearby assisted home for the elderly during the holidays and singing songs for them.

I miss being a little girl. I miss my little green uniform. (My mom kept my sash with all of my badges on it).

5. Sleepovers.

They just aren’t the same. Imagine eight sleeping bags decorated all over the carpeted floor. Teddy bears, blankets and little girls in pony tails. We watched Grease over and over until we couldn’t stay awake. We ate pizza. We talked about boys and told each other secrets.

Sleepovers were the best.

Now, we hurt the next day if we sleep on the floor. No more Teddy bears. We still watch Grease over and over. We still eat pizza. We still talk about boys.

But it’s still not the same.

For me.

The San Diego Union Tribune gives me an excuse to yell out WINERACK! all day...

Ah yes, the inevitable "but will it make a difference? and are people smarter than the average bear?" questions are finally be posed. Sure we've got the alcohol ban, sure the city council has put their foot down, sure people are up in arms but come on, deep down inside we're all a little bit "rebel without a cause", fifteen year olds (except Donnie and Marie, they are a little bit country and a little bit rock n roll, respectively).

And so The Union Tribune gives us the answer, WINERACK!

WINE-RACK!

While it might be tough for men to slip by unnoticed with a Beerbelly on the beach – most people don't wear shirts there – Lambert's company offers women another option called the Winerack. It costs $29.95, looks like a bikini top and has cups that can be filled with wine.

Yeah, they make a belly rack too, or a beer belly, as it were, FYI.

“America is going crazy with rules,” said Brooks Lambert, co-inventor of the Beerbelly, a polyurethane pouch that sells for about $40. It straps around the belly and comes with a straw tube so beer-lovers can drink from it. Once they've put on their shirts, they merely look like they need to hit the gym, not like they are carrying 80 ounces of beer.

Image from the beer belly website.

Everyone's (once again) talking about Street People

No, not the kind that live on the street and probably have some kind of plight to be told and are the nameless, faceless casualties of the growing upper class.

No, we're talking about Street People, those cool, hip, young, don't you wish you were as good looking and fancy free as they are, Street People.

Each week Street tells us who we should be talking about, talks about them, and then we proceed to talk about them (usually in ways that we would reserve for talking about the girl who totally wears low cut shirts at work, the ho, whatever, she can just kiss my...).

This week: is Gillian Flynn your all around editor, snappy dresser, look at me looking cute in my cute outfit with my cute shoes in my cute poses around cute San Diego, cutie. She's 34 (and admits it!) but looks 24 (and has great highlights) and she edits a bunch of magazines and does a bunch of other stuff, and she's a North County girl (one of those) who doesn't download music cause she's too busy, but her entertainment editor does (cause he's not) and look how cute she is, she's just too busy being cute that's it, and she likes social commentary (CUTE!) and she just hates those geeky guys in spandex who ride bikes (spandex are NOT cute) and old movies and from her play list it looks like she's about 64 and should be wearing pearls (oh that would look so cute on her) and...

Commenter Anonymous is peeved (whatever, that's so note cute): Maybe next time Ms Flynn will remember that some of her readers "could" be that guy on the bike in the spandex and try not to offend...

And commenter Spandex Rules is looking for a fight: Hey, Anonymous, did your spandex cut off circulation to your sense of humor? Lighten up, spandex geek!

And everybody else loves her, blah, blah, blah.

Ooo, ooo, except for Connor (boo, Connor, boo on you) Unapologetic is right. Ms. Flynn's scratchy voice and her unfiltered thoughts have offended more than enough, and though this little profile does make her more likable, it still falls short of saving her.

Whatever, we still think she's cute (so does she).

Photo: via Street.

Remember Social Studies?

I remember that I had this one social studies teacher who wore an awful lot of clothes straight out of 1972 (and a whole lot of leisure suits straight out of The Brady Bunch, she even, now that I think about it, had the Carol Brady mullet cut) which were totally out when I was in the 7th grade but totally back in by the time I was in the 11th grade, so, any way you cut it she was super cool.

San Diego remembers Social Studies as the 87th Annual Conference of the National Council for the Social Studies will be at the San Diego Convention Center this year.

The conference will feature more than 500 professional development sessions, governance activities, informal networking and social events. Sessions, workshops, and events will be held at both the San Diego Convention Center and the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego. The conference theme, "Crossing Borders - Building Bridges," reflects the organization's commitment to provide youth with the content knowledge, intellectual skills and civic values necessary to prepare them to understand and address critical cultural, economic, geographic, historic and political issues in our society.

Featured speakers will be: recently retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who will address participants on the civic mission of schools; Cambodian American human rights activist and 2007 NCSS Spirit of America Award winner, Loung Ung, who will discuss issues of human rights and social justice within the context of her life and work; technology and education innovator, Jamie McKenzie, who will focus on the smart use of new technologies in the classroom; senior vice president for Academic Learning and former president of the University of Phoenix, J. Jorge Klor de Alva, who will discuss the impact of globalization on education; founder of the Institute for Development Studies and Practices in Pakistan, Quaratulain Bakhteari, who is this year's Jan L. Tucker Memorial Lecture speaker, and will discuss the development of educational and social- environmental policies in Pakistan.

Social Studies Teachers scored Sandra Day O'Connor? Who knew? You see, hip again, Social Studies is hip again.

The AP does my work for me

Panda Super Couple Is Super Fertile

Since 2003, Bai Yun and her consort, Gao Gao, have produced three cubs, making them one of the most reproductively successful panda couples ever in captivity. Their youngest offspring, a chubby female, will be named Monday when she reaches 100 days old, following Chinese tradition. For all but two days of the year, Bai Yun (White Cloud) and Gao Gao (Big Big) lead separate lives, gnawing on bamboo and taking long naps in pens far apart, much as wild pandas — naturally solitary creatures — would hide from each other in mountain forests. But when Bai Yun enters her brief fertile periods, zookeepers make sure Gao Gao is there, sniffing her through a perforated gate zookeepers call the "howdy door" until her chirps and bleats indicate she's ready to get down to business. "For 363 days a year they don't want to have anything to do with each other," said Ron Swaisgood, co-head of the zoo's panda research unit.

Other optional headlines for this story:

Panda Country gets the relationship thing right.
Pandas don't have to put up with their significant others saying they'll clean up their clothes in the bathroom and then not doing it.
Pandas like their own space.
Guy Pandas have plenty of time to play video games.
Pandas can take up the whole bed if they wanna.

I think this blog entry sums up "Black Friday" quite nicely.

A San Diegan sums up Black Friday. From Digg.com:

OMFG! SO WE GOT TO WORK AT 4AM AND THE LINE WAS 1 AND A HALF TIMES AROUND THE STORE I WOULD SAY THERE WERE A COUPLE OF THOUSAND PEOPLE. I COULDN'T BELIVE IT...I ASKED THE FIRST FIEW PEOPLE IN LINE THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD BEEN WAITING SINCE 5PM ON THANKSGIVING DAY! ONCE THE STORE OPEN WE WERE SOLD OUT OF ALL AD PIECES WITHIN 1 HOUR! WOW! SERIOUSLY ALL

Wasted one perfectly good your mom joke and for what?

And here I spent all that time thinking of a really witty, biting, original joke about the coach confusing the hippo with his mother. A wasted your mom/ mother in law joke! Why, why Steve Crosby (Chargers special teams coach)?!



It turns out that the old "there's a Hippo in my pool because of the raging wild fires taking over San Diego, isn't that HILARIOUS" story is a FAKE! From the North County Times:


Crosby, a world-class prankster, couldn't resist his comedic moment. And before long, his tale was on the road to becoming an urban legend."I was just trying to loosen everyone up,'' Crosby said Friday. "It was during the fires, and everyone was worried about their houses and everything.''Crosby and his wife, Lisa, live near the Wild Animal Park. Close enough, one can surmise, for their backyard to offer an oasis if any wildlife escaped.So with his special-teams players listening, Crosby told of the hippo that slipped out of the Wild Animal Park through a charred wall, smashed through Crosby's backyard and took residence in his pool.



But with a little digging (or say, "reporting" as those OLD school people do) one could find out that: "We don't have hippopotamus at the Wild Animal Park,'' park spokesperson Yadira Galindo said. "That is the key."


HA, fact checking, calling for a comment, checking on the story before running with it, OLD SCHOOL.

How many "Medical Studies" do you need to get to the center of a tootsie pop?

UCSD recently released findings that smoking moderate amonts of marijuana can help reduce pain but smoking too much might actually increase the body's sensitivity to pain. From San Jose Mercury News:

The new study shows that healthy people who smoked different amounts of cannabis had different responses when injected with capsaicin, the chemical that makes chili peppers spicy.
Pain was unchanged in people who smoked very little of the drug but was reduced in people who smoked a moderate amount. People who smoked more felt more pain. The study appears in the November issue of the journal Anesthesiology.

I will reserve all comedic responses to said information for grand5 (commenter over there on Sign on San Diego):

By grand5 on 11/23/2007 at 1:16 p.m.What I want to know is where do I go to be a part of these "studys"....

Moms Wear Flats: The City Council Wonders Why Go Above and Beyond?

With Christmas just around the corner, parents are out in droves searching for those perfect toys for Christmas morning. Unfortunately, there is still a problem with lead based paint products finding their ways on to toy shelves across the country. Voice of San Diego has a report on lead based issues:

Nearly 30 years after being banned in paint and 10 years since its removal from gasoline, lead remains a serious threat to the health of children throughout San Diego County. Although the number of poisoning cases has dropped 33 percent since the 1990s, an average of 52 children are treated annually through the county's Childhood Lead Poisoning Program. Last year, 60 children were treated. Most were babies.

What's interesting about this report is the fact that there is an outstanding ordinance under consideration that would require the inspection and remediation of any lead hazards in homes before they are sold. Unfortunately, it is meeting with some opposition as the Mayor's Office is concerned about imposing repair costs up to $5000 on home sales.

Abby Jarl, a policy advisor to Mayor Jerry Sanders, said the requirement "goes above and beyond" the state's lead-safe practices and would put an extra burden on homeowners.

There are many ways that parents themselves can prevent exposure to lead and lead based products.

Hand washing is number one, be sure to keep your children's hands clean, use soap and water. This goes along with regularly mopping the floors and cleaning the window areas of homes. In homes built before 1978, isolate all chipping paint and prevent the child from going near that area. Also, prevent children from playing in bare soil, sandboxes are a safer option. And finally, check the recalled toys list, for those being pulled due to excessive lead.

On Friday people (and I) shopped. (Many, many people).

Me: Do you know they call the day after Thanksgiving "Black Friday"

My Husband: They should call it "The Day That You Sell Your Soul To Consumerism."

Me: Do you want to know why they call it Black Friday?

My Husband: Becase it's single handidly responsbible for making everyone's souls a little bit blacker with CONSUMERISM.

Me: Socialist, you are so not coming with me.

From Fox 6 News:

Early morning shoppers crowded into San Diego County shopping malls today in search of deals as retailers clung to hopes that the Christmas shopping season will not be as slow as predicted. "A swarm of people" went into the J.C. Penney store at the Fashion Valley Mall at 4 a.m., said Francine Miley, the shopping center's marketing director. Many other stores in the mall opened at 5 a.m., Miley said.

My San Diego: Neil Hamovitch plays music (listen!)

Neil Hamovitch/Non-Prophet
Guitar
Lives in Hillcrest

My San Diego is filled with music. I run a fully-equipped rehearsal studio in Miramar called Hindsight Rehearsal Studios where local bands practice by the hour. I'm constantly in contact with musicians and bands and it's great to be a part of that community. There are so many great bands in San Diego that just aren't in the public eye and I'm lucky to have the opportunity to hear a lot of them.

On top of that I have my own band, Non-Prophet, and we play around town and have gotten to meet and play with some great San Diego (and out of town) bands. So music is a big part of my day/life.

I'm from San Diego (El Cajon originally) and I've lived in a few other cities, but this will always be home to me. Plus, even if I weren't from here, SD has so much to offer that I'd probably have moved here from whatever other city I was unfortunate enough to be born in (just kidding, other cities). Great food, beaches, desert, national parks, museums, music venues, and local bars. And it's damn near impossible to beat the weather (in case you didn't know).

One thing I really like is how different parts of San Diego have such distinct feels. North Park, OB, Kensington, La Jolla, PB, Encinitas, and Little Italy. It's almost like you're in a different city in each of those places. And the people here are nothing short of entertaining. Everyone here seems to be interesting in their own way. It must be something in the mexican food.

All about Non Prophet:

We've been a band since 2004 and have undergone a few line-up changes, but I think we've finally gotten the official roster in place. Our influences are bands like Strung Out, Lagwagon, Bad Religion, and many more. We like technical guitar riffs and drumming, but we also like simple chords and melodies. Whatever makes for a good final song. But words are rarely as good as just listening, so feel free to check us out at www.myspace.com/nonprophetband

We recently released a 6-song EP called The Catalyst, produced by Ryan Greene at Crush Recording. Our music as well as upcoming show info and merch sales can be found at www.myspace.com/nonprophetband. Our music is also available on iTunes or at www.CDBaby.com/all/nonprophet.

And they have videos!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CnyVRg4NaXs

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rS7inN4GwCc

It's about that time

That Thanksgiving time. When life becomes about what time you have to get up to make a turkey, and finding ways to make your meal special. Everyone is trying to convince me to go "simple" (what with the baby and the family coming and all) but I find myself perusing The Food Network site going "ooo, not impossible to make a complicated gravy involving marinating roast turkey wings", oh yes, not impossible.

Put a few surprises on your menu (if you haven't already) or go and have a surprising buffet.

Either way, the Holidays are upon us. A hop, skip and a jump to Christmas.

Happy almost 2008 (that's just how quickly it goes).

Am off tomorrow and Friday (for two very good reasons, family and shopping), so today we'll try to fit in what we can. OOOO The Day After Thanksgiving, somebody should make a movie... it can be brutal.

All in one blog entry: make a good turkey, save an airport committee some time

Michael Grant is a journalist/writer living in La Mesa. And he's giving out solutions on this here day before Thanksgiving: what should we do about relocating the airport AND what should we do about relocating a turkey (to our bellies!)?

Our current airport relocation advice is: leave it where it is.

Regarding the turkey, a fresh bird (not frozen, or previously frozen) is best, about 18 pounds. You will need a large syringe, used originally by large-animal veterinarians but now a popular item in kitchenware stores and catalogues. And you will need a Weber kettle cooker, the 22-inch size, and a bag of charcoal briquets laced with mesquite. With the syringe, inject into the bird’s breasts and thighs a mixture of melted butter, chicken stock, and a couple tablespoons of sherry. In this mixture, saturate a clean dishcloth and place it over the bird.

Thank you Michael Grant. Now if you would just come to my house and cook my turkey so I don't have to get up at 6 in the morning.

In case you were wondering, Del Mar doesn't care if it's Thanksgiving they need their quarters

Some Holiday Closures for you (offices, courts, etc).



And this diddy of information:



Parking meters: City of San Diego metered parking will not be enforced tomorrow, but enforcement will resume Friday. Del Mar enforces its parking meters tomorrow.

And now we have a formal formalization of the formality

From MSNBC because MSNBC is on the edge of their seats wondering if it's actually going to pass, can we do beer bongs on the beach during "breaks" from our conventions?!:

The City Council on Tuesday gave final approval to a one-year trial ban on drinking alcohol at city beaches. Not everyone supported the idea, but regardless, the ban takes effect in 30 days. Opponents said they want the issue to go before voters and plan to collect signatures for a referendum.

You can head to the Natural History Museum and see the Dead Sea Scrolls until December 31

Oh Wikipedia: The Dead Sea scrolls consist of roughly 900 documents, including texts from the Hebrew Bible, discovered between 1947 and 1956 in eleven caves in and around the Wadi Qumran (near the ruins of the ancient settlement of Khirbet Qumran, on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea) in the West Bank. The texts are of great religious and historical significance, as they include practically the only known surviving copies of Biblical documents made before 100 AD, and preserve evidence of considerable diversity of belief and practice within late Second Temple Judaism.

And the San Diego Natural History Museum has them. Check them out until December 31, when they will continue on to a new destination.

Currently, 15 Dead Sea Scrolls are on display, including the oldest manuscript containing the Ten Commandments and a section of the Copper Scroll, the only scroll written on copper.
The Dead Sea Scrolls—objects of great mystery, intrigue and significance—are widely acknowledged to be among the greatest archaeological treasures ever discovered. The scrolls link us to the ancient Middle East and to the formative years of Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity.

Here's a video of some chick in vintage looking outfits going around San Diego (dancing somewhat).

Shoshana Rose: Beautiful Girl - video powered by Metacafe

Do we need a reason why?

Recycling is so expensive, it's just expensive, sure it helps the earth and all but come on, it's so expensive.

"So what's the angle you're going to take on this story about The City Council votes to approve new fees because they still need money even though more trash will be recycled rather than hauled and dumped? How even though we have to pay more money, it's ultimately good for our environment which might just improve our daily living any way?"
"No, I think I'm going with it's gonna cost me so much money!"

San Diego's latest attempts to dramatically boost recycling could cost residents millions of dollars next year.

The challenges with waste management are highlighted by two measures projected to divert more than 350,000 tons of recyclables from Miramar Landfill each year. That would raise the citywide recycling rate by roughly 7 percent. It also would cost San Diego about $12 million a year in lost revenues and increased expenses.

Bernie Wilson is Talking Shiz About the Chargers

Bernie. Bernie, Bernie, Bernie (Wilson). I know we live in a nice California beach town, therefore we should be those "chill, perma stoned" surfers, but Bernie, Bernie, Bernie, San Diego Chargers Fans (even those that are only fans when they think about it, not fans ALL the time) aren't really ones to take these words lightly.

Which best describes the San Diego Chargers, the most disappointing team in the AFC?

About the only thing the Chargers have going for them heading down the stretch is that they play in the anemic AFC West, where they now share the lead with the Denver Broncos at an unsightly 5-5.

Oversold or underachievers? Both?

Man, Bernie Wilson, The Chargers must have lost you some mucho money or something. Maybe the original copy read "What best decribes the San Diego Chargers, the team that lost me 5000 on the last game? I am so disapointed in them."

San Diego City Beat thinks Freedom of Speech is a Good Idea

Not that they aren't just reporters, unbiased, open minded reporters but San Diego City Beat has a pretty lengthy breakdown of the looming Freedom of Speech issues over at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). Apparently an email from the administration outlining a draft proposal on "Speech, Advocacy and Distribution of Literature" got a little too detailed for some people's taste.

Among the guidelines laid out in the document (a "revised" policy that will supersede the school's current, much shorter policy from 1981) are precise campus maps marking "Designated Public Forums" for the exercise of free speech, a set of requirements for making reservations to hold protests in those areas, hours and decibel levels at which "expressive activity" can occur and-in what has some members of the campus community suspicious about the policy's timing-a section reminding members of the university staff and faculty to keep their "Personal Political Activity" separate from university activities while using university resources.

So you see students who we're trying to educate and teach to think for themselves, you've still got your free speech, as long as the University can tell you when, where, how and even how loud you can talk or speak about it. Now where did I keep that copy of The Constitution?

There's a free comedy show tonight at Lestats

I'm not saying it's gong to be funny, but this guy seems to be funny enough might as well check it out.

Have some coffee.

Take your lap top and pretend to be a writer. Piss off David Peters.

http://dbloveskittens.blogspot.com/2007/11/free-san-diego-show-tonight-9pm.html

Lori's FASHION REACTION: She likes Gerald (Global Techno Goths RULE)

ss79


That is all.

Video from: http://current.com/items/87488591_stylin_san_diego

Calbreath says: it's freaking expensive to live in SD.

Dean Calbreath from The Union Tribune says it's expensive to live in San Diego, not only that, but it's hard to find a "dream job" in the city as well. And to top it all off there has been a massive exodus out of San Diego because it's so hard to live here, what with no job and one of the highest median home prices in the country.

Over the past five years, far more people have moved out of San Diego than have moved in from other locales in the United States. (This doesn't include the continuing inflow of foreign immigrants, which is another story altogether.) According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there has been a net domestic outflow of more than 130,000 people leaving San Diego over the past six years.

Schweyer's poll found that when workers try to decide whether to relocate to another city, career and professional opportunities are usually the top concern – even higher than cost of living or housing. Which suggests that if we want to find buyers for those dream houses of ours, we might want to put more emphasis on creating the dream jobs that can afford them.

Uh Oh SDGE part Deux

Previously on Uh Oh SDG&E: The California State Fire Agency blamed sparking power lines for the start of some wildfires in San Diego. Lawsuits were explored. Reader Owen B wrote an interesting comment in response to the news. We waited...

And now the North County Times explores the (possible) fallout from the revelations. Who is to blame?

As tempting as it is to assign blame, a spark is just one factor in any fire. Without hurricane-strength Santa Ana winds, the fire would never have spread at the speed it did. Combined with drought conditions and high temperatures, a brush fire that would normally only burn a few acres became a wildfire that burned a whole county. Those factors are beyond the control of SDG&E.That's not to say there aren't things that SDG&E should do to improve its fire prevention efforts. Although an expensive option, putting power lines underground may make sense in some areas. The utility could also start switching out old wood utility poles with steel ones. This is already being done as the utility replaces poles destroyed by the most recent fires.SDG&E should also start sharing an extensive database it uses to keep tabs on 386,000 trees (adjacent to its 18,000 miles of powerlines) with CalFire and other authorities. This was something recommended six years ago, but CalFire claims it doesn't have access to that information.

Or we can just listen to My San Diego reader OwenB: When wind velocity reaches a certain degree where power lines become endangered from falling trees the power company has the ability to turn off the power to specifically targeted areas by simply turning a switch in their control center. The same switch cam turn the power back on. Prior to restoring power the company has the ability to test the line for falling trees easily and quickly from the same switching stations.

Preach it, teach it...

Because your supervisor has nothing better to do

From 10News:

Human resource experts said more corporations are setting up task forces to keep tabs on people who habitually call in sick, which means employees who skip work too often are more likely to be caught.

Uh oh. No more "hey didn't you hear about the waves today dude?" wake up calls. Unless...

Some Web sites sell excuses to miss work by offering doctor's notes, jury notices and even funeral programs. The notes run from $5 to $25 on one particular site. "These notes are not very good," said Claudia Schwartz with HR Results of San Diego.

I like Claudia Schwartz, she keeps it real. These notes are not very good, not only could they get you sued by whatever Doctor you are impersonating (so I say, impersonate a FAKE Doctor!) but they could fire you for falsifying a document (so I say, diarrhea. That's not mine, some comedians, but hey, nobody asks for any further explanation). Either way you cut it, Schwartz knows those notes "are not very good."

City Council Votes to Crack Down on College Kids Actually Affording Housing in San Diego!

Get this straight young college kids in San Diego, the city council hates you... they don't want you drinking on their beaches and they sure as heck don't want you to actually be able to afford to rent a place. From Fox 6 News:

On Monday night, in a six to two vote, the council passed an ordinance that requires landlords to get a special permit if their home has six or more adult renters.The permit costs one thousand dollars and it has to be renewed every year.Many college area homeowners love the idea. They say they're tired of living next to converted homes filled with students who hold loud, late night parties. "If they want to have eight students living there then let them go out and buy an apartment building. The ordinance is way overdue," said Norma Huhn.

Looks like people in the neighborhood hate you too. Basically everyone hates you. Good luck with that whole "concentrating on learning things" college education, it's time to go out and get yourself a couple jobs so you can afford your apartment complex.

We're not the only ones talking about Brenda Xu

Wow Brenda Xu, people are falling all over you.

Listen.

UCSD Weighs in on the Alcohol Ban

UCSD has (finally) weighed in on the beach alcohol ban currently sweeping the county on its "we're tired of your shinanigans" tour. From UCSD Guardian:

The ordinance will serve its purpose in helping recreate San Diego’s image as a safe, family-friendly town that welcomes all to its calm, sunny beaches. Since the ban is only limited to a one-year trial, it still leaves the door open for future boozing. Although Councilman Kevin Faulconer wished to impose a permanent ban on liquor consumption at local beaches, the compromise of a one-year ban will provide both sides a year full of statistics and interpretations that will yield more definitive answers.

Since the early 1990s, alcohol consumption and parties on local beaches have grown exponentially. Rowdy beach scenes culminated this past Labor Day, when a drunken melee broke out and riot police were required to subdue the intoxicated crowd.
After the dust had settled, 15 people had been arrested — seven of whom were underage — and San Diego was given a tarnished image all over the national media.

I'm assuming this kid is in college? Melee? Really? Why not just call it the hootinanny that it is, tell these youngin's about how you used to walk ten miles IN THE SNOW to get to your liquor parties on the beach! Dag nab it, kids these days with their binge drinking on the shores, makes us look bad in the national media?

What national shows are we watching. I get all my really important news from The View and it wasn't even mentioned by the Godessess Joy or Whoopi.

I digress, you can't drink on the beach, deal.

Abbie on: Giving Thanks for Scott Baio being 45 and Single

Abbie Gives Thanks
Abbie Berry

I went to see Pauly Shore tonight. I’ve loved him since I was 18. I won’t tell you exactly how many years that is, but just know it has been quite a long time. In college, my girl- friends and I used to listen to his comedy act and watch his movies.

He’s the Weasel.

Pauly Shore is almost 40.

Scott Baio is 45 and single.

When I was a little girl, I looked forward to watching Happy Days. I loved Fonzie and Chachi.

But, I feel like I was watching Happy Days, The Facts of Life and Family Ties yesterday.

Where does all the time go?

Sometimes we need to slow down and realize how valuable these passing years can be.

Since this is the week for thanks and gratitude, I want to say that I am grateful for everyone in my life that I am sharing experiences with.

“Life is short.”

As trite as that may be, it’s a valid statement.

Thank you for being a part of my life.

Thank you for trusting in me.
Listening to me.
Teaching me.
Entertaining me.
Enlightening me.
Loving me.
Sharing this very interesting life with me.

Buuuddddy!

You make every day worth discovering.

For me.



*Editors Note* Over and out.

Chargers fans are never happy

Chargers lose, fans aren't happy.
Chargers win, fans are thinking about how they were AHEAD 23-0 and managed to almost LOSE the game.
Chargers drop down to .500, fans wonder what the hell that even means (or maybe that's really just me).
According to Sign on San Diego Chargers fans are just never happy.

Channel 4's Steve Quis, who hosts a post-game Chargers radio show on Rock 105.3, fielded 20 phone calls after the team's 23-21 win. Every phone call but one was hostile and negative.
“We had 19 negative calls after a win over the defending champs,” Quis said. “It's amazing that that would happen.”

Places I've been: Lowes Coronado Resort Thanksgiving

Places I've Been: Lowes Coronado Bay Resort Thanksgiving Buffet

The thing about living in San Diego (besides the weather, the beaches, the people, the outdoor festivals, the music) is that finding a nice spacious house in which to have a grand old Thanksgiving, not really an option (for most of us). As a result, for the Thanksgivings I was blessed to spend in San Diego with my parents travelling to me, we went out to eat (for shame!).

Enter Lowes Coronado Bay Resort, a beautiful hotel, with great views and an even better Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner. It's expansive, what with the breakfast side, the crepe side, the mashed potatoes/turkey side, the desserts, the meat bar (a meat bar!) and finally the salad bar.

We chose this resort because it was a little "off the beaten path" of typical Thanksgiving dinners. We'd attempted the whole Hotel Del Thanksgiving, but unfortunately the pocket book and the time wasn't going to work for us. (You need to call WELL, and I mean WELL in advance to get in to the Del, or you'll end up with 7:45pm or 10:00 in the morning.) Lowes provides a semi-fancy atmosphere with a nicely laid out buffet and even better views. You can even take the opportunity to walk around the property and see what a beautiful resort it actually is.

Try: The Mashed Potatoes.
Or: The Crepe making station.
Or: A huge salad with crab legs and shrimp.
Or: As much pie as you can fit in your already full belly.
Or: I'm making myself hungry.

Skip: Doing dishes!

Make reservations: Yesterday. As in do it now if you're still looking for a spot. You NEED reservations.

Sometimes the comments make the story

Name: Jon Block (image from Street)

Who: This guy that Street decided to do a nice fluffy piece about. He's a "Street" person, you know, a local artist, a local person with some local talent who lives locally and likes it. Block calls himself a writer. Oh, let me have Jon explain it to you, ""I came up as a screenwriter but have published children's stories, magazine articles and essays. Mostly, I write personal stories not unlike David Sedaris, which probably means I'm too open and too self-involved. But my real guiding passion is to empower the San Diego film industry."

Why it matters: It doesn't really. He likes Muse and Tegan & Sara and doesn't listen to American Idol Finalists (whatevs! Jordin doesn't need you any way! She's got a hit single that somehow compares love to being all on her heart like a TATTOO!). He also likes to visit his own website (http://www.jonblockparty.com/ in case you were wondering) and another website that he's also affiliated with (www.myspace.com/mindfillent). That particular website is going to change the world somehow, or wait "so many lives."

Why we love him: Because he's Jon Block and apparently that's enough (check the comments, it's enough).

Hate him or love him Jon Block is the Street person this week, so deal.

Some people can't deal.


Like David Peters: Can you really not find anyone who has actually accomplished anything in San Diego or are you just interested in publishing the mumblings of a young good looking person who has a way too high opinion of himself. If one more of these people mentions that they write in the coffee house Lestat I will cancel my subscription.

And Chad. Well, Chad can deal with Jon Block but not with David Peters.
David,
What is truly ironic about your post is that you first begin by elevating yourself above those who choose to comment on pieces like this... then you comment. Your next move is to point out that stuff like this is fluff. Indeed it is, it's fluff, it's filler, and ultimately it is pointless. Or is it? Perhaps you are missing the whole point, and then missing why you come out as a huge jerk in the process.

And Jackie can deal with Jon Block and David Peters but not with Chad.
Chad, chill... you come off even worse as the original poster... I've never seen anyone take a single point and convolute it in such a way that they make themselves look as dumb as you... nice job.

But Wade Varney, he just likes him some Jon (screw those other guys making comment after comment).
Jon Block is an interesting charismatic guy who's life is in the making. He has a college education and has written magazine articles, at least 12 screenplays, acted in some short films and at 27 years old that is an accomplishment.

Soooo, to wrap up. David Peters hates him some Jon Block. Chad hates him some David Peters. Jackie hates her some Chad and Wade Varney just loves him some Jon Block.

Full circle my friends, full circle.

That chick showing too much something something on Southwest is gonna show too much something something in Playboy

In case you didn't see enough of Kyla Ebbert when she flashed America on The Today Show (short skirt be damned! She needed to get to Phoenix to see the doctor! Geez, Southwest "we're a family airline.") you can now see the rest of it in her online pictorial for Playboy. Ebbert garnered national attention when she was asked to leave a Southwest flight, the "family airline" because her outfit was deemed inappropriate. From Nation Alledger:

That got her all kinds of attention and soon Playboy came calling. The answer was yes from the student and she bares all in a pictorial that is available online. The lesson here for young girls everywhere - if you get attention from anything that can get you an invite from Playboy and you don't mind disrobing - take it. It's lucrative and can lead to D-list invites for some time. ***A whole bunch of the uncensored photos are linked at this story. Don't worry - the first link is G-rated but the second one will show Kyla in all her glory.

This guy says the San Diego Airport WIFI SUCKS!

And if you're going to pretend to be "America's Finest City" AND you want people to travel in your airport and be happy then you shouldn't SUCK so bad WIFI! From AndyAbramsonblogs:

My view is simple. First if San Diego wants to be a great tourism and business convention location, they need to get a real handle on what the air traveler is really experiencing. Second they need to get someone who knows what kind of pipe an airport really needs. Lastly, they should look at WiFi as a profit center to help defray the costs of things that they need, instead of giving away something that no one can really use beyond a Yahoo or Google Mail account.

He admits he's a bit of a speed snob, but hey, we're living in a world that demands we be able to download hot pictures of Britney Spears (remember the good old days?) whenever we wanna! And that waiting in line for Southwest seating can be quite a journey, so keep the masses happy, gosh darn it!

Uh Oh SDG&E

Californi's State Fire Agency blamed sparking power lines for the Witch Creek and Rice Canyon fires that ravaged San Diego last month. From the AP:

All three fires are in the service area of San Diego Gas & Electric Co., which serves 3.4 million customers in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company, a unit of San Diego-based Sempra Energy, says it adhered to regulations in maintaining the low-voltage power lines that caused the fires. "We believe at the time of the fires our power lines were in compliance with all regulations," said spokeswoman Stephanie Donovan. "When we have the kind of extreme conditions we faced here in San Diego at the end of October, it creates a huge hazard for everybody, including the electrical system."

So far two families have filed a suit against SDG&E, saying that power poles were not clear of brush and were not insulated to prevent sparking. And with SDG&E saying they "believe" they were in compliance, well they aren't saying they are "sure" or they "know"...

Homeless Shelter Opens at Ballpark

The San Diego winter homeless shelter is now open in Tailgate Park. From Sign On San Diego:

About 200 men and women with special needs, such as disabilities or health issues, were the first to enter the large tent erected in a parking lot next to the Padres' downtown ballpark. Volunteers conducted medical screenings and passed out toiletry bags and snacks. “I'm so grateful it opened,” said Stacy Neesen, who has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair. “They go out of their way to get us out of the cold and off the streets.” The shelter will close March 14, four weeks earlier than last season, so the Padres can use the lot for its season opener.

There was some debate over where the shelter would be this year. Previous suggestions were turned down and/or contested by residents of the area.

Happy Holidays everybody!

Just When I Thought I was Getting the Hang of This Football Thing

The Union Tribune goes with this Headline: Chargers fall back to .500 with loss to Jags

What the hell does that mean?

Apparently the chargers lost 24-17 on Sunday and that somehow made them fall back to a .500 (their batting average? yeah, yeah, it's FOOTBALL).

Jacksonville (7-3) scored on its first three possessions, possibly taking advantage of what would have been an 10 a.m. start on the West Coast, and the Chargers (5-5) self-destructed on nearly every drive.

I like how we assume the Chargers couldn't handle playing as early as 10am! My goodness, why you gotta rush us Jacksonville? Don't you get we're on San Diego beach time here?

I'm not feeling very week in review-y

So I say, get out there and do as Abbie says.

Your daily kick out of The Daily Aztec

Oh Justin Weisbrod, Staff Writer, you have provided me another good round of The Daily Aztec cracks me up because they are hilarious. Today's feature "You're gonna die any way, the earth is going to self destruct itself and hey, invite me to your party."

Before you torch my house (or invite me to a party) for being an Earth-loving hippie, let me make this point: We polluted the crap out of the land, air and sea on planet Earth. But, Earth also pollutes itself. Gasses and elements from volcanoes, fires, storms, meteors and earthquakes all naturally contribute to Earth's warming and cooling processes. The only thing we did was speed it all up.As such, global warming is not a problem we can fix. Earth's history is riddled with warm times as well as cold times. And let's remember Earth began from nothing and will end with nothing. We are a grain of sand on a never-ending beach and fully exposed to all the elements. Global warming will not end the existence of planet Earth. The Earth will end itself. Or the sun will burn out. Or a comet will smash into Manhattan. (Insert Michael Bay movie title here.)

Weisbrod cares, but doesn't care, thinks there is nothing you should do, but there are some things you can do, but it won't make a difference and hey, did he mention you can invite him (and his lovely imminent death speak) to parties?

Happy Friday!

Brenda Xu gets around.

Remember Brenda Xu? She caused a bit of a to do over at Street when her CD received less than stellar reviews. As I recall it was mostly "well, she's kind of acoustic-y with a side of girly and we don't love her, snarky comment, snarky comment." (NOT THAT I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH snarky comments).

There was this diddy: Our advice: Well if you check her MySpace blog, she's already un-quit her day job ...

or this one: Overall: Since he left her all alone (mean boys), she has been writing songs with her guitar.

But it was the responses to said review that made for an interesting entry. We now give a shout out to "Jim" who wrote:

Kyle this is you huh? http://www.mediabistro.com/content/original/SD060727_allmediainsandiego_8-thumb.jpg
Man dude, no wonder why you are out to bash others, look at you, no body, no manly bit about you... You do have small man syndrome to talk down on Ms. Xu as you have...

People were up in arms, music reviewers make no friends.

And Brenda Xu presses on, right to The San Diego Reader who has a nice, fluffy feature on her. Asking her such pressing questions as Mac or PC?

"I use a PC, but I'm getting a Mac for my next computer because they are so damn cute, which is the most important factor to consider when purchasing any kind of technological equipment."

Actually, I think I kind of like her. Press on Brenda, press on. (I am going to listen to your music now, so press works, good, bad, in between.)

You know how I don't really cook?

But the whole idea of living off of TV Dinners and Hot Pockets makes me feel like I haven't grown up yet?

The UK knows, because the UK has a chain of stores where you can shop till you drop for easily fixable (and healthy) meals and food. Forget that pesky slaving over a stove, using a million dishes, cleaning the counters off thing.

And they have opened one in Chula Vista. From Sign On:

While in many ways the store feels like a typical supermarket, with wide aisles and most of the staples a shopper would expect, there are a number of other differences – primarily the range of Fresh & Easy-branded foods, from prepared meals of chicken and shrimp pad thai to white sliced bread that costs 99 cents to organic soy yogurt and freshly prepared vegetable samosas.

I know it wouldn't have been prudent to call it what it really is, so I'll attempt to refrain from calling it Cheap & Easy (oh man, I think that's going to stick).

A City Beat Reader does NOT appreciate the ban on alcohol

From City Beats Letters:

Having a beer on the beach is what makes living life in San Diego all about. Why slave away at work, give away 1 percent in property tax and sit in traffic if you can’t do the little things that make you happy? I probably only crack a beer a handful of times a year now on the beach. But those few times, where you sit back in the sun, watch the waves break and sip a cold one is what makes it all worth it.

Yeah! What he said!

You be a ho, ho, ho! Wassup ho, ho, ho? I need me a ho, ho, ho, for my garden, garden, garden!

From Sign On San Diego: A U.S.-based employment firm that provides department-store Santas throughout Australia has asked that they refrain from using “ho ho ho!” because it might offend women. Santa trainees are being instructed to say “Ha ha ha!” instead.

The Easter Bunny is being asked to refrain from his usual "yo hooker, I thought I told you to bring me my money!" chants. There is a time and place for business you see.