This is a picture taken at my house around 1pm.  Not only was my car covered in a couple inches of ash, the sky was blanketed with smoke.  This isn’t marine layer people.

The interesting thing is we visited my Brother-in-law at his house in La Crescenta, which is very close to the Sylmar fire, and it was clear as could be.  I’ve been praying for all those people who lost their homes this week, it’s a terrible tragedy.

Last time I went to a house party, everyone sat around and played beer-pong.  Only if life was a musical.

This is Off The Beat, an acapella group from UPenn.  I’ve been following these guys for a few years, they have a couple albums out featuring top 40 songs acapella style.  You can download their music off their website.

As someone who has coached volleyball at the high school and college levels, I understand the challenges that other coaches face when trying to build a team. What I’ve personally discovered about this generation is that most kids these days want all the glory without putting in the work. If that wasn’t problem enough, you have the parents who foster delusions of grandeur in their kids. Help you kids and be realistic by acknowledging they might not be “the best”.

I was watching the Sunday Night Conversation on ESPN last night with Mike Singletary, and it got me thinking about why I left coaching. Mike is a class act who isn’t afraid to put a player in his place. It’s a great video, please watch…

My site has been added to Folio Stars which is a showcase for exquisite portfolios.  I’m thankful to be included amongst such fine talent.  Take a minute to stop by and vote for my page if you get a chance.

In one of the most historic elections in our nation’s history, where do I get to vote?  A garage.  

Not very luxurious, but hey who am I to complain?  The line wasn’t that long and I was in and out in under 20 minutes.  One interesting thing I learned while in line is that poll workers legally can’t ask you for identification when voting.  A lady asked, “So I could go to different poll locations and say I was someone else?”.  The poll worker said, “Yes, and if it’s a concern you should lobby against it”.  Wow, that’s pretty scary.

Once again, this in not a political blog, but I would like to congratulate Barack Obama on being elected as the 44th President of The United States.  The ball is in your court Mr. Obama, I hope you don’t let your fellow American’s down.

For those who know me, you know who I’m voting for this election. I wish to keep this blog as politically neutral as possible because there are many other places to express your views and this isn’t one of them.

With that said, you need to get out and VOTE today! I’m not a celebrity or rockstar, I’m just a guy who cares about his country and thinks there is nothing more satisfying than stepping into a voting booth and helping chose the direction of our country.

If you’re not sure where to vote in the LA area, visit lavote.net to find your polling location.  Get out there early and CAST YOUR VOTE!

Hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.  We will be “hitting the streets” in Costa Mesa with TIff’s family, then back to Hermosa Beach.

A special thanks to Tobin for last night Costume Karaoke at Fat Face Fish Fenner’s.  Here was my setlist for the evening, the last selection was Tobin’s choice and I think it’s going to be a staple from now on.

Afterglow - INXS
Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash
Sailing - Cristoper Cross

Today is the 70th anniversary of the original airing of War of the Worlds.  It seems a little far-fetched now, but you have to imagine back then when television wasn’t prevalent and America was on the cusp of war.  Everyone was on edge, and it pretty much scared the crap out of everybody. Take a listen if you haven’t ever heard this great piece of American history.

I went in for an MRI on my shoulder today.  The first thing they did was inject my shoulder with a dye so they could see everything better.  So that was fun.

Next, I got to sit in the MRI machine for about 40 minutes or so while the magnets were beating on the drum around me.  Even though I had head phones on listening to 98.7, it really wasn’t that much fun.

I understand the advantage of having an MRI, but really, how good can it be for your body?