They Do

"We know what we are, but know not what we may be." - William Shakespeare

This weekend was Jorge and Michelle's wedding in California. I was honored to be one of the Groomsmen. I purchased my suit, booked my hotel and took my flight to LA on Thursday night. I left town during ACL here in Austin, which I heard was fun. It was a memorable time.

Jorge is my good friend from college, the same place he met Michelle his Junior year. It has been a pleasure to watch them grow from just meeting to getting married. Jorge is the first of our group to get married, so this is uncharted territory.

Thursday night, Efrain picked me up from the airport. He was a great host while I was visiting. We headed back to his place to watch the Dodgers celebrate winning the pennant on TV. We picked up some late night food and I crashed out on the living room floor. I was still wearing my work clothes and everything, but I was so very tired. Ef is currently working for Apple which is really impressive. He likes it a lot. He is Jorge's best friend growing up and was very much ready for his best man duties.

Friday morning, I woke up really early and tried to adapt to the time difference of being on the West coast. Efrain drove us up to Los Olivos where the wedding was going to be. I met his friend Stephanie who was his plus one for the trip. We stopped off in Santa Barbara for lunch. The route was very scenic and the ocean view was beautiful. We arrived at the rehearsal at Crossroads just as it was finishing up. It had been a while since I had seen Jorge and Michelle. Michelle looked great, it must be all the crazy running her and Jorge do. Herbert was there with his fiance Carolina. It was the first time I got to meet her. She was very nice and we would come to hang out a lot more as the trip progressed. We got to scope out where the wedding would be. It was at this place called Crossroads, I think a winery, under this beautiful oak tree. It was actually two oak trees that twisted together to make one. It made for quite a sight.

From the rehearsal we took off to the wine tasting at Firestone. This winery was very nice and the tour was interesting. This is where we met up with everyone. I got to meet the bridesmaids and old friends I hadn't seen in years. There were Jorge's med school friends and some of his LA friends like Fernando and Claire. They both graduated from American Law and live in DC. We hung out one time before I moved to Miami and it had been like 4 years since I had seen them. I also got to meet Tex and her boyfriend, Michelle's high school friend. She was a really cool down to earth girl who was one of the bridesmaids. I guess I met lots of new cool friends, like Katie who is Jorge's med school friend. She is getting married in 6 months. The one thing I will tell you about everyone I met was how accomplished they all were. So many doctors (med school friends) and Phds and all kinds of impressive professions or tracks. We ended up staying for the two scheduled wine tastings. It was at this point I found out that my digital camera was broken. I think it had some water damage. I wasn't able to take pictures of the trip, but I'm sure there will be so many.

From there we went to the Hotel to check in. We stayed at the Marriott, which was a bit pricey I have to say. I watched the beginning of the presidential debate before we headed out for the dinner. Here we met up with more friends and I got to see Maria and Clay. They live in LA. I hadn't seen them since they visited DC. There was an open bar which is always good. As the night closed down, it was time for an afterparty. Since I was still on Central time, I decided to pass and instead hitched a ride to the hotel and crashed out. I missed out on what I hear to be an interesting situation which ended with everyone in the hotel bar. Everyone had a great time I hear.

Saturday morning, the big day! We had our continental breakfast (what does that even mean?). Now there was a huge concern that our grey suits would not match. I felt that we were told to get "grey" whereas everyone else said it was "charcoal grey," which in my opinion is actually black. I actually found a charcoal grey suit I really liked, but thought that there was no way I could get away with wearing it since it was so dark. In the end we all ended up matching well with our cornflower blue ties. (a shade of light blue with relatively little green compared to blue I read.) That was a much discussed topic. Ravi had a pretty cool cornflower blue turban too. So we started the day by taking Jorge to a wine testing at Ef's favorite place to get some drinking in before the wedding. It was a very nice winery even though I'll admit I don't know much about wine nor do I yet have much interest in it. I was educated while on the trip though. The plan was to go and get dressed after, but we found out we forgot something very important...the rings. They headed back to pick them up while we all finished a bottle we had purchased. Oh, quick note, on the way over, we passed the Hitching Post from the movie Sideways. That was pretty cool.

After, we all went to the house that Jorge's family rented and got dressed and took pictures. We all got in the limo once we were done and headed to the wedding at Crossroads. It was this moment that Juan Carlos' presence was truly missed. I wish he could of made it, but he had two exams that weekend. We arrived at the wedding site. Jorge wasn't as nervous as I thought he would be. After more pictures, we got ready for the big moment. I was second in line and my bridesmaid was Michelle's friend Bender. Noe was first in line with the two flower girls, a punishment for making Jorge walk alone at his wedding. The ceremony was held under this large oak tree and there was a cool breeze. As I walked in, I was to hug Jorge or do something creative, I went with the hug. I thought everyone would be creative so my embrace would look more heartfelt. Well it didn't work out that way, everyone else gave hugs too, well except Ravi who did an awesome shoulder bump with Jorge. Norm was going to do one too, but that didn't happen. Then came in the best man Efrian (with the rings safely in his pocket). Michelle was escorted by her parents and looked truly lovely...and more than that, just genuinely happy and excited. The ceremony wasn't too long and Jorge never laughed which I had a feeling he might do cause it doesn't that when he gets nervous. They make a very good couple.

After exchanging vows and rings they were now married. So grown up they seemed. It was such a nice ceremony. We then headed out and to the open bar before the reception. Here I ran into Adri who I had not seen since college. Her husband Gil wasn't able to make it. They currently live in Dallas. She had exciting news, she is going to have a baby. I'm so very happy for them.

The reception started and my groomsman duties were now over. I went to my table to sit with Herbert and Carolina. Michelle's dad made a toast and speech, followed by Michelle's sister and then Efrian's best man speech. Ef did a great job and the speech was pretty funny. After was a photo slide show to Beatles music which was very nice.

The rest was your run of the mill wedding reception. The DJ wasn't too great, but considering the crowd, I guess playing Celebration and Grease type songs was ok. We lifted Jorge up in a chair and then after just lifted him up and threw him into the air, pretty high I might add. It was fun. Michelle was lifted up in a chair as well. Everyone had a good time. I drank Pacifico since it was Jorge's favorite beer and one of the few things he actually requested be at his wedding. I think it was Herbert who was drinking wine and said I was an idiot for drinking something I could drink anytime. I don't know, I mean I was introduced to that beer because of Jorge so it felt right drinking it at his wedding.

After the reception, we all headed to the hotel bar which was closed. We had them open it up and had our small after party there. A lot of people were done and just called it a night before even getting there. A few of us went to hang out in Norm's room where Ef was talking to one very, shall I say determined, woman. This made for a funny story when another friend went on and on about his love for puppies and his instantaneous conversion to any interests she seemed to mention. I was tired and called it a night from there.

Sunday morning I wasn't hungover which is a good feeling. We all met up at the brunch and goodbyes were shared. We then headed on a long road trip back to LA where we stopped in Hollywood for a bit at Stephs place to eat and watch the Cowboys play. After, Ef drove me to LAX and I arrived home at almost midnight. I always find it interesting when I wake up in one state and go to bed in another. It was nice to be back home, but I'm going to miss everyone. The trip went by so very fast. I'm glad I went.

And that is the end of my subjective summary of the weekend.

I'm going to miss Jasper

Don't Cancel the Debate

“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.” - Joseph Joubert

I'll be real quick with my news update, so I've talked about the Rachel Maddow Show and how I think she has a great show and is very intelligent and well informed. Imagine a world of intelligent educated leaders and the same from our media. I ran into this well done in depth article discussing Rachel Maddow and her rise: How Maddow Is Rewriting The Rules Of Cable News. It is a read, but well worth it.

I watched the Debate last Friday between Obama and McCain. I think Obama did great, but it is interesting how McCain loves to repeat, "he will raise your taxes," "spending," "earmarks," and "maverick." Who Won The Debate? Reviews Go To Obama

Tina Fey is the best. This was pretty funny.

CNN Laughs It Up Over Sarah Palin Interview

So I have been doing some TV watching. My shows are back and my TiVo is working overtime. I was watching Greys when I noticed that a character from another show was guest staring. I went to look up Journeyman and found out that it had been canceled. That sucks, I mean you invest yourself into a season of a show and then it is gone. I like when they cancel after a few shows rather than a whole season on even two. I figured I'd look an see what else had been canceled and to my dismay, one of my favorites, October Road was canceled after its second season. Now that made me pretty mad. I read that they are going to do a 15 minute finale for the fans that will be on the DVD, but there were so many unanswered questions.

At least I'm happy to be able to watch How I Met Your Mother and Heros. I don't think Fringe will make it, but I'm checking it out right now. Still not sure where I stand on True Blood either. I guess we will see.

Can't wait for the VP debate

Too Much

"Then, without realizing it, you try to improve yourself at the start of each new day; of course, you achieve quite a lot in the course of time. Anyone can do this, it costs nothing and is certainly very helpful. Whoever doesn't know it must learn and find by experience that a quiet conscience makes one strong." - Anne Frank

I've taken a hiatus from blogging. I'm talking way too much about politics. I figured I'd do a quick update post in case you were missing me. So let's start off with this economic crisis.

With ‘fundamentals are strong’ comments, McCain borrows Hoover’s Depression-era rhetoric.

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) continues to insist that the “fundamentals of our economy are strong.” As Eric Rauchway notes in the American Prospect, McCain’s response to this economic crisis is reminiscent of President Herbert Hoover’s “do-nothing” response to the Great Depression. On October 25, 1929, a day after what is now known as Black Thursday, Hoover declared:
"The fundamental business of the country, that is the production and distribution of commodities, is on a sound and prosperous basis."

8 Ways You Should Never Apologize : "A bad apology is worse than no apology." Here are some parts of the article I found interesting.

1. The Blame Shifter: Witness the number one worst way to say sorry of all time: “I’m sorry you feel that way.” Interesting game plan—blaming the person you’re ostensibly making amends to for getting rightfully pissed off at your horrendous behavior. If you’re not sorry for your actions, don’t apologize.
2. Lady Liquor Made Me Do It: So you had a little too much to drink at a friend’s birthday party and ended up making out in the bathroom with the bartender. When your boyfriend finds out, it’s probably best to just own up to the mistake rather than say, “But I was drunk!” Those five shots of tequila only gave you the courage to do something stupid and regretful, it didn’t actually do it for you.
3. It’s All In The Genes: What I wouldn’t pay to be a fly on the wall the first time some cheater tries to use the new study showing that some men have a genetic predisposition towards non-monogamy. Sorry ladies, so far there’s no equivalent study for us female types, so don’t even think about it.
4. Forcing Forgiveness: “You have to forgive me—you must!” Demanding absolution is possibly more annoying than your original sin. This is a lose/lose.
5. The Big But: An acquaintance’s wife apologized for sleeping with a coworker with the caveat, “But he came onto me!” So obviously she had no choice but to cozy up. Oh, please. Inserting the word “but” into any apology immediately negates it.
6. The Sympathy Bid: A boyfriend once “apologized” for standing me up by ruefully rambling on about how his tragic childhood left him ill-equipped to deal with obligations. What this had to do with blowing off dinner still eludes me. You’re supposed to be making a plea for forgiveness, not hosting a pity party for one.
8. Skirting the Issue: “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings,” is not the same as “I’m sorry I cheated on your with your best friend, in your bed, while you were at your uncle’s funeral.” Though either way you phrase it, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for forgiveness on that one.

Report: One in 10 Hispanics questioned by authorities about immigration status. - I'm one of those one in ten. Airports and checkpoints especially.

So I just finished paying a debt that I owed. It feels good to have that taken care of. I appreciate that there are people in this world that are willing to help you out in hard times and that believe in you.


Jorge and Michelle's wedding is getting closer and closer. I have my suit now, so everything is falling into place.

danger is my middle name - like poncho

McCain/Palin: Bridge to Nowhere 2008

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi

Thursday night I passed on watching football and stayed in to watch McCain's nomination acceptance speech at the RNC. His personal story is amazing and every time you hear it, you can't help but know that there is no way you can understand what it was like for him as a POW. His story, however, isn't what I'm voting on, it is his policies and ideology. I thought it was interesting how Bush was never named in the speech and appreciated him taking some responsibility for the last 8 years, but there were no new ideas. It was the same Republican talk we have heard for years. I don't understand how he will be different and how he will cause his party to be different. Remember when America was promised, "Compassionate Conservatism"? That worked out great. What about the working class? Will tax cuts to the rich help them out?


I've been citing a lot of news articles this week, which has been mainly what my entries have consisted of, but I'm just sharing the news I have found interesting along the way. I'll probably get back to blogging about cats and movies soon enough. Note, I try to cite everything I'm including and use different colors as to give the true authors credit.


Jeff Toobin Rips McCain Speech: "Shockingly Bad": Shortly after McCain's speech wrapped up, Toobin told Wolf Blitzer:

I thought it was the worst speech by a nominee that I've heard since Jimmy Carter in 1980.

I thought it was disorganized, themeless, I thought it was very, very boring until the end when he started talking about his personal story, which is, of course, remarkable and always important to hear. I personally cannot remember a single policy proposal that he made because they had nothing connecting them. I found it shockingly bad.

Wallter Reed background at speech: I can't wait to see Colbert's new green screen challenge. This really did brighten up my day. The close-up at the podium made it appear to be a giant green screen, but the arena audience was treated to a much different image. It turns out the green screen was only part of the story. And what building could possibly deserve such a prominent role as the main backdrop of McCain's nomination speech? According to TPM readers, it is Walter Reed. As in Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood, California.

Here is the Walter Reed Medical Center:

You have to love the religious right and the awful things they pray for: Theocrats to pray for McCain’s death: I on the other hand would be praying that he not have to give up the presidency if elected, even though there is a 1 in 3 chance it will happen. Talk about an undemocratic way of becoming President. I don't want an evangelical zealot as our president.

That said, at least two people have written in recent days that hope that McCain/Palin are elected so that they can pray for God to crush John McCain and to elevate Sarah Palin to her rendevous with destiny.

Antiabortion militant and all-round theocratic activist Jay Rogers of Florida, whose blog is calledThe Forerunner, writes:

Pray for John McCain's salvation and speedy death.

And then there is this guy, a self-described Christian Reconstructionist:

McCain's VP choice, Sarah Palin, suddenly made me want to vote for him, as long as the LORD smites him while he's in office. She's consistently conservative on all the issues, and if she's good enough for The Forerunner, she's good enough for me. The Forerunner agrees with me that McCain must be smitten, as well, so I'm obviously not alone in my viewpoints.

McCain's Neverending War in Iraq: His Judgment on Display. This video gives a good overview in McCain's own words on why I disagree with him.





I can't wait for the debates.

first weekend